Psalm 33:6-12

"By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,

 And by the breath of His mouth all their host.

 He gathers the waters of the sea together as a                heap;

 He lays up the deeps in storehouses.

 Let all the earth fear the Lord;

 Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in aw of       Him.

 For He spoke, and it was done;

 He commanded, and it stood fast.

 The Lord nullifies the cousel of the nations;

 He frustrates the plans of the peoples.

 The counsel of the Lord stands forever,

 The plans of His heart from generation to                         generation.

 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,

 The people whom He has chosen for His own                   inheritance."

(Psalm 33:6-12 NASB)

Psalm 91:1-4

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress,

My God, in whom I trust!"

For it is He who delivers you from the 

snare of the trapper

And from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with His pinions,

And under His wings you may seek refuge;

His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark."

(Psalm 91:1-4, NASB)

In Honor of My Mother

On April 19, 2013, my sweet mother, Goldie Opal (Anderson) McCall completed the family circle of her generation now residing in Heaven. What a glorious reunion that must have been, especially with her life-long sweetheart, our Dad. There are not enough superlatives to describe this amazing lady, but below is a previously posted tribute to the wonderful woman we called "Mom," "Grandma Goldie," and "Gogie."  

Bakin’ Bacon 

      I must disagree, at least somewhat, with the notion that “you can’t go home again.” Following my mother’s strokes, I lived under her roof, two or three days at a time, as my siblings and I rotated in 24/7 to care for her. Mother’s move to an assisted living facility came about six months later, and her special home setting was gone. 
      God gave us a precious time with Mother as she meticulously sorted through old Bibles, antique books, pictures, crochet patterns and other memorabilia and secured the things she wanted to keep with her. I found myself listening more closely to her advice and helpful household hints. I was blessed to have the 89-year-old hands of a master craftswoman patiently show me how to crochet and tat. 
     The simple housekeeping chores and putting three home-cooked meals on the table at regular intervals felt so natural in her home. The same activities in my home are sporadically wedged in among other priorities that are given much more importance than they deserve. 
     Mother’s gentle spirit filled each and every room, yet her dogged determination to work at regaining more mobility, inch by inch, was inspirational. She maintained her maternal presence as she accepted the major change that approached all too quickly. Her calm faith and resolve kept the emotions of each one of us intact. She set a very high standard of saying “good-bye” to a home she cherished and adapting to an entirely different lifestyle and surroundings. 
     Mother’s presence in her new home only added to the gracious atmosphere of the genteel residents who awaited her arrival. And, her recipe for cherry cream pie will someday join the delicacies introduced by new residents. 
     Have you ever baked bacon? It’s one of those wonderful helpful hints of Mother’s. Place the bacon strips in a loaf pan equipped with a drip pan and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. Your house will smell wonderful and there are no greasy splatters. The bacon is tender and absolutely delicious. Believe me, the end results are worth the extra time. 

 “An excellent wife, who can find? 
For her worth is far above jewels. 

 Strength and dignity are her clothing, 
And she smiles at the future. 

She opens her mouth in wisdom, 
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 

 She looks well to the ways of her household,
 And does not eat the bread of idleness. 

Her children rise up and bless her; 
 Give her the product of her hands, 

And let her works praise her in the gates.” 

Proverbs 31:10, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 31 (NASB). 

 “Thank you, Lord, for blessing my life with the soft voice of this Christian woman I call “Mom.”

Treasures of the Heart

The heart has many treasures

That rest quietly within.

Not from earthly pleasures

But from joy that has no end.

The love of our Heavenly Father

Is expressed to us each day.

As we accept His eternal promise

Of the Life, the Truth and the Way.

Each day brings a different blessing

Sometimes in our greatest strife

But even in the face of sorrow

We rejoice in the gift of each life.

The riches that await us in Heaven

Are being kept until our New Start

In the Kingdom filled with God’s glory

And eternal Treasures of the Heart.

Nancy K. Sullivan
12-30-95

A Home for Pheobe

    "A Home for Phoebe is an historical novel of an Indian woman and a young girl wandering the hills of the Hudson Valley during the mind 1800's. One flees prejudice, while the other yearns for a home. Through the friendship of a peddler, a blind granny, and blacksmith's family, they learn of forgiveness and faith."

Zeke the Peddler rides into A Softer Voice 

to introduce you to author 

Yvonne Beverly Blake:   

  

     Thanks for joinin' us today on the blog tour for A Home for Phoebe. Say “Howdy” to Yvonne Beverly Blake.  Without her, none of us would have much to say, if you get m’drift.

     This mother of eight young ‘uns writes from a heart that loves God. Her memories of livin’ in the country east of Albany, New York surely helped her paint the scenery and set the special stops in place for Phoebe, Maseppa, and Granny. I never woulda guessed she’d plop somebody like me right in the middle of her story, but here I am – Zeke, a peddler who jus’ happen to show up to rescue uh … well, never mind that. I sure don’t want to get carried away and tell you more than you wanna know before you get to read A Home for Phoebe.

     Miss Blake knows all about the Algonkin people and the way most folks lived in the early days of America, includin’ the hurtful prejudice so many people had to endure. An’ I guess bein’ a teacher and a mama makes it real natural like for her to write a book that kids and their mamas and daddys could all enjoy.

     Her love of writin’ poetry sure comes through in her story tellin’. She’ll take you right through the forest and have you breathin’ in all the sweet smells of the flowers and plants that God put there for healin’ people.

     Be sure to leave a comment below to let Miss Blake know you’d be proud to enter her contest for a free copy of A Home for Phoebe.

     I got Ol’ Sam hitched to my wagon so we’ll be movin’ along now. They’s folks along the way waitin’ for us to bring our gen’ral store on wheels. Giddy up, Sam. We’re runnin’ outa daylight.

  

LINK TO FULL SAIL BOOKS

http://fullsailbooks.com/a-home-for-phoebe-ebook-2-00-paperback-12-00/ 

LINK TO AMAZON

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Yvonne+Beverly+Blake 

LINK TO MY WEBSITE

http://www.yvonneblake.com  

LINK TO MY BLOG

http://mybackdoorministry.blogspot.com

LINK TO MY FACEBOOK PAGE

https://www.facebook.com/#!/YvonneBeverlyBlake
And on a personal note:
I just finished reading A Home for Phoebe and what an enjoyable journey to share with characters who feel like new family members. There are so many reasons to settle into
a world that we can only view through the eyes of ancestors or history books. Yvonne Beverly Blake weaves so much into her story of Phoebe and Maseppa. Her descriptions will transport you, educate you, and draw you into their lives and their individual quests. I can't wait to see what lies in their future in the sequel to A Home for Phoebe!  Nancy K. Sullivan

     

Stepping Stones to Glory

Three caves of destiny

A purpose for each one

Prepared in God’s own time

For the journey of His Son

The cave at Bethlehem

A manger carved from stone

Provided the Messiah

A bed to call His own.

The cave that had no door

Where His broken body lay

Beaten and all alone

Until the light of day

The cave inside a garden

Where prophecy was fulfilled

The stone was rolled away

An empty tomb revealed.

Carved and set in place

The caves would someday be

Landmarks of Jesus’ life

His Stepping Stones to Glory.    

©  2/16/08

Traditional Manger Site

Traditional House of Caiphus

Traditional Garden Tomb

Traditional Burial Site

Tangerine Morning by Rita Garcia

Tangerine Morning: Jezzica’s Story

Romance, mystery and family drama intertwine in the small town of Serenity Cove. 

The fictional town of Serenity Cove boasts of beautiful sunsets and roaring waves. Its characters are as varied as the stars that shine on its diamond crusted-sea. Shoreview Drive provides a scenic drive along the coast, although most residents simply call it the coastal road.

Serenity Cove is a contemporary town where people are still good neighbors and family and friends are an important part of everyday life. Where life is a step back in time, blending the best of both worlds. Even a town as wonderful as Serenity Cove has its villains...



Slip into paradise with Rita’s Inspirational Romance: Tangerine Morning, Jezzica's Story. Book Two of the Serenity Cove Series.




Jezzica Shaffer, a young widow, struggles in her relationship with Christ and with starting over. She moves to Serenity Cove and purchases the Sea Glass Bookshop on Main Street, in hopes of letting go of the past and moving forward with her life. 



Detective Zack Johnston, the first man her heart reacts to since her husband’s death, also represents a world that failed to bring her husband’s murderers to justice. The same criminals that now seek to harm Jezzica. 



Can Dr. Ellie Clarimonde help Jezzica find her way back to Christ and the freedom to love again?



“…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” ~Isaiah 40:31

Order your copy here and enjoy: 

http://www.ritagarcia.com

An Interview With Author Rita Garcia

I first met Dr. Rita Garcia at a Faithwriter's Conference about three years ago. Thanks to the blogging world and Facebook, Rita has become a very special friend. She's also one of my favorite authors. After reading Kaleidoscope Summer,the first of her Serenity Cove series, I was relieved that Tangerine Morning was readily available. Serenity Cove is a beautiful setting with characters who draw you into their lives and teach you much about the faith that Rita Garcia expresses through each of their life challenges. Her official interview follows:

Who is your biggest supporter?

My husband. My inspirational romance novels are so out of his preferred genre, but he reads each one. His love and encouragement really does keep me writing and pressing forward.

Your biggest critic?

It would be that little, and sometimes not-so-little—inner voice—that has me wanting to shred each novel. That same voice whispers doubts as I write the first page of a new novel. How will 250 words become 50,000 to 80,000 words? Then I get to the end and need to cut, tighten, and remove about 10,000 words.

In the last year have you learned or improved on any skills?

Oh, I hope so. I always want to be learning and growing as a writer; otherwise, my writing would stagnate. Sometimes it’s the most basic concepts that are easily overlooked—reminders are a good thing. So I not only enjoy, but find it a necessity, to search for and read books on writing.

Do you have any rituals you follow when finishing a piece of work?

Does deep cleaning my house count? * smile * Seriously, by the time I finish polishing a novel I’m ready to kick back and relax. A night of music and dancing, preferably under the stars if it’s summer. Long lunches with friends, and lots of time with my children and grandchildren. And time on the shore—barefootin' in the sand has a way of refreshing my spirit and mind.

What is the most important thing in your life right now?

As cliché as it may sound: God, family, and then writing. Properly aligned priorities are super-important, and can keep all the different facets of life working in harmony.

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on the third novel of the Serenity Cove Series. Lavender Rain: Maggie’s Story. Maggie appears in Kaleidoscope Summer—the hero’s sister, and heroine’s best friend. Maggie also makes an appearance in the newly release, Tangerine Morning—Book two of the Serenity Cove novels. The most popular comment I receive from readers is, “I want to read Maggie’s story.” Lavender Rain: Maggie’s Story will be hot off the press May 2013!

Is there an author that inspired you to write?

There are many; but if I had to name just one, I would choose Lauraine Snelling. I have almost worn out the set of writing CDs that I purchased from her. First of all I really enjoy her books. And secondly, she is willing to share her writing journey, bumps, bruises and successes. Thank you, Lauraine. http://www.laurainesnelling.com

What is your favorite past-time?

Besides spending time with the man in my life, I enjoy creating cloth dolls. I made my first cloth doll when one of my daughters wanted a thirty-six inch Raggedy Ann doll. It was two days before her second birthday. I purchased a pattern and fabric then finished by adding the red yarn hair, the night before her big day. She loved her doll, and I fell in love with creating cloth dolls. The process of watching the dolls take on an almost life-like personality as the painted, or stitched facial features are added is truly magical. Even more precious is the beam in a child’s eyes as they hug their new softly stuffed friend.

A Deeper Faith...

When I began blogging about three years ago, the primary purpose was to share my faith. That goal is still intact. Deeper faith comes through trials, and those of us closest to our daughter Mandy and son-in-law Ken have witnessed an amazing amount of grace and trust in the Lord being etched into their lives and into ours. Our walk becomes bittersweet when we see loved ones going through difficult times, yet seeing spiritual growth rise from the debris left behind by the enemy. Our God is bigger. I hope you'll be inspired and blessed with the wisdom of a young wife and mother whose heart is absolutely staid on the Lord:  NKS

"I have waited awhile to speak to this chapter in our lives because I didn't want to respond out of raw emotion. The fact that I have been largely silent does not mean I have not had anything to say; to the contrary, I have had plenty to say. I am not wired for conflict or confrontation, so I do a lot of post-processing. Tons. And the more I want to say, the more I wait, so that I'm not just responding out of the flesh and saying what I truly want to say. I really try to filter and sort everything out with God first. I typed several thoughts out the other day, to get them out of my head and take a good look at them. I have let them sit for a few days, and have edited them down to this...

It is incredibly sad to see a man so bound by hatred for so long that you are continuing to try to bring destruction to our family with your lies and deceit after all of these years. You may feel that you have succeeded, but I assure you, you have not. You will never kill the joy in our hearts nor the burning desire in our souls to be used by God however He sees fit. We will continue to make ourselves available for His service anywhere, in any way He chooses.

It is disheartening, at best, to see those who are unconcerned with knowing and understanding the whole truth and history of your situation because it serves them better for others to see you in a negative light.

Satan is at his best, or at his worst, when he pits believer against believer.

Satan will use whatever he can to distract us from the real reason we are here- to know Jesus and to make Him known. I will not give him that victory in my life, at least not for long. I shake the dust off of my feet and move on. 

If you have lost faith in people, you're on the right track. That's not where our faith is supposed to be anyway. We are imperfect people living in an imperfect world, and we are going to fail each other. God is the One who is unfailing, unchanging, unshakable, always faithful and true. Put your faith in Him. He did not create us for life here in this painful world; He created us for eternity with Him. Let's get through this life as best we can and tell as many people as we can while we're here how they can spend eternity with Him in heaven too.

I am all the more thankful every day to be married to a man who is unpretentious, who is who he is who he is no matter who he's around. Who gives freely of himself to everyone. Who shows love and compassion to everyone who crosses his path. Never do I feel threatened by this, as he has always demonstrated the same love and compassion to me, our sons, our families, friends, co-workers, people we don't even know that well, or even at all.

I'm so thankful for a God who shows us He loves us and is personally interested in our lives. Who has given us encouragement whenever we have asked for it. Who has provided for us at every turn. He has done this through many friends and family. To those who have ministered to us in some way, prayed for us, reached out to us- thank you, and many blessings to you :).

Philippians 3:13-14
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. "

Mandy Kniskern
wwwK2ProStudio.com 

Maybe Even an Air Horn

Jan Ackerson is one of my favorite writers. She can do more with 100 words (exactly 100) than most can do in that many pages. Her brief stories leave you wanting to read more, to become more acquainted with the character or characters. And, her unique twists always make you smile. Thank you, Jan, for sharing your special talent at A Softer Voice today and for so effectively tailoring this original tale to the theme of my blog. You really nailed it.

     Great-uncle Jerry frightened Rochelle when she was little—his voice always entered the room a long time before he did. She didn’t know him well; he only showed up once or twice a year, at Christmas and (with increasing frequency) at funerals.

     He outlived nearly everyone, holding off death until the age of 93. It fell to Rochelle to empty his apartment. She’d never been there; she imagined gongs, power tools, perhaps macaws.

     Instead, she found an encyclopedia with notations in every margin. A collection of hand-tied lures. A bonsai tree. In the bedroom, a fat tabby regarded her, silently.

You can read more of Jan's (very) short stories at http://www.1hundred-words.com 

"G" is for ... Gonna Be Gone

"Do not let your heart be troubled, believe in God, Believe also in Me. In my Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going."

John 14:1-4, NASB (emphasis mine)

A trio I sang with for a few years loved Lanny Wolfe's music, and one of our favorite songs to share was "I'm Gonna Be Gone." I couldn't find a dowload of his song and our modest cassette (yes, it was a looonnng time ago) is now nestled somewhere in a safe place. I did fine the lyrics online. Here are a few of them:

"I'm Gonna be Gone"
 

I'm gonna be gone

In the twinkling of an eye

I'm gonna be gone

Won't have time to say goodbye

I'm gonna be gone

It could be while I'm singin' this song

I'm gonna be gone, and it won't be long

I'm gonna be gone.

 

This old world's not getting better

Everyday it's getting worse

So much fighting and confusion

Going on down here on earth

But I don't let it bother me

'Cause I'm not here to stay

I know my Lord is coming soon

And I'll be caught away.

 

Chorus

 

It could be just any morning

it could be at night or noon

We don't know just when He's coming

But we know He's coming soon

I can say with calm assurance

This old world is not my home

One of the days you're gonna look for me

Praise God, I'm gonna be gone.

 

Chorus

 

 

 

Does anyone else think this day is coming sooner, rather than later? Praise God we're Gonna be Gone!

"F" is for ... Favorite

                                         

 (Photography by http://midspix.wordpress.com/)

I suppose the daily headlines and seeing prophecy played out in our living rooms as the worldwide news becomes more ominous has my mind set on Heaven and the promises that await us there. 

One of my Favorite hymns of all is Face to Face. Can you imagine being here in the middle of utter chaos and heartbreak one minute and looking into the face of Jesus the next. No more illness, tragedy, war, unemployment, hunger - just Jesus and complete fulfillment of every eternal promise.

Face to Face with Christ, My Savior                                         

Face to face with Christ, my Savior

Face to face - what will it be

When with rapture I behold Him

Jesus Christ who died for me?

Chorus:

Face to face I shall behold Him,

Far beyond the starry sky

Face to face in all His glory

I shall see Him by and by!

(Words: Carrie E. Breck, 
 Music: Grant Colfax Tullar)

"See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called the children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is."  

1 John 3:1-2, NASB

http://www.freshpiano.com/audio/JOEL_ROSENBERGER-Face_to_Fac-4.mp3

Click on I Want to Know Jesus in the right hand column to secure your reservation. Have a blessed day.

All on the Altar

One of the most difficult things to do, at least for me, is to give it all to Jesus. “It” is a pretty non-descriptive pronoun, but one that can be replaced with powerful emotions or needs.

When “it”  involves those closest to your heart, and you know they are suffering unfairly at the hands of others, surrendering the details, the pain and their very future – ALL – to Jesus is the only option. And the best option.  

But the human side of a mother who can turn into a fire-breathing she-dragon when someone comes after her nest or one of its inhabitants brings the temptation of saying, “That’s OK, God. I’ve got this.”

The letter “A” for today’s A to Z meme could also be for “arrogance” with a capital “A.” As if this mother could actually bring about a solution that would carry wisdom and the full knowledge of the future of those involved.  

Funny how circumstances can bring up words to hymns we haven’t heard in decades …

“Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?

 Your heart does the spirit control?

 You can only be blessed

 And have peace and sweet rest

 When your all on the altar is laid.”

Another hymn from our Christian heritage carries a commitment as we sing:

 “All to Jesus I surrender. All to Him I freely give.

  I will ever love and trust Him. In His presence daily live.

  I surrender all. I surrender all.

  All to Thee, my blessed Savior.

  I surrender all.” 

Jesus has His own loving way of saying, “That’s OK, mom. I’ve got it all under control.”

August 7, 2012

Stay Tuned ...

I’m taking a little side trip with my blog today. I guess you could call it, “Stay Tuned For This Important Message.”

Last summer I had reached a point of deep concern for my personal health. I’m a Type 2 Diabetic and was failing miserably with managing proper eating habits. Too many failures at weight loss attempts had me living a defeated lifestyle. News spots touting the benefits of a surgical procedure, called The Sleeve, had garnered my attention. According to the source, the procedure was effective in literally making diabetes “go away.” The news of such a quick fix certainly had my attention.

I picked up the phone and dialed my sister’s number. That sounds pretty uneventful, but sharing the news that I was seriously considering bariatric surgery with someone who nearly lost her life from a similar surgery six years prior was no small feat. Joyce used great self-control at the news, but her silence sent a very clear message: “Have you lost your mind?” When I explained why, she educated me about the difference between the sleeve and gastric bypass surgery and explained that the latter, regardless of what she had been through, would be the best option.

That’s not what I wanted to hear. Joyce’s life was turned upside down with the complications she suffered. Infections, feeding and drain tubes and almost a year of living as an invalid until she returned to her primary care physician who, among hundreds of prayers, methodically led her back to a manageable lifestyle. The horrific memories of those months returned with very sharp focus.

I decided to try once more with a plan that had not met my needs the several times I had previously signed on with it. I was determined to remain patient for at least a year and make it work. But … There’s that word again. Constant craving of carb-loaded food made that addiction stronger than my quest for health, and – once again – I was losing, not weight, but the battle.

I believe in Divine appointments, and the day my friend Sally Kern introduced me to the plan that had successfully helped her lose weight has changed my life. She simply asked me to agree to a brief phone call from Joanne Wallace-Lovelace, the person who had coached her through the change to a healthy and thinner lifestyle. Joanne’s phone call intervened at just the right time, and I agreed to try the program for 30 days.  I've never looked back.

Within 3 or 4 days of beginning this tried-and-true program on January 12, 2012 my carb addiction was gone, and the extra pounds came off very quickly. (Normal results are up to 2 – 5 pounds per week and often 20 lbs. a month.) Six months later, I’ve lost about 48 pounds and am still losing. My blood glucose levels are within the normal range, and with one-third the medication I was taking just to keep those levels below 200 (the point at which organ damage occurs.) Bud has lost over 30 pounds and his recent lab work reflects his improving health.

The program is healthy, effective and absolutely clinically tested. Approved with over 20,000 doctors recommending it! Keeping the blood sugar and the body’s insulin at constant and safe levels mean the food cravings are dealt a fatal blow.

Several weeks ago, I chose to join a national network of Health Coaches and now my passion for the mission is great!

So many family, friends and acquaintances of mine are searching, just as I was, for a solution to the health crisis that has overtaken our country and our children. It’s time to stop this madness dead in its tracks and change courses!

It is my prayer that you’ll agree to the same five-minute, no pressure phone call that will also change your life. Again, more than 20,000 doctors are using this complete program, making it their No. 1 choice for weight loss and health management in our country.

I’m committed to, not only share what I’ve learned, but to also come along side you or someone you love as a coach, guide and encourager. This is my new, healthy lifestyle and mission! I do not sell or inventory any products, and I’m not offering a wholesale club membership. I will be your guide and encouragement, as your free personal Health Coach. Our Health Coaches are compensated by the company… but at no charge to you!

PLEASE PRIVATE message me so we can connect with the best time to call. I guarantee you the same brief, no-pressure phone conversation that will literally, change your life. Your information will remain confidential with me. It’s a simple, easy, effective pathway to health. When followed, it will insure that your days of dangerous yo-yo dieting are over.

God bless.
Nancy K. Sullivan


“Bless the Lord, O my soul,

And all that is within me, bless His holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

And forget none of His benefits…”

Psalm 103:1,2 (NASB)

Arise, shine ...

Arise, shine; for your light has come,

And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

For behold, darkness will cover the earth

And deep darkness the peoples;

But the Lord will rise upon you

And His glory will appear upon you.

Nations will come to your light,

And kings to the brightness of your rising.

(Isaiah 60:1-4, NASB)

Photography by http://midspix.wordpress.com/

A Shepherd's Story

The night was still, the sky was clear

We tended our sheep; they knew we were near

Each star had its place assigned at Creation

And stood watch, like us, but over all nations

From nowhere, it seemed, an angel did appear

“Has he come for our souls?” We froze with fear.

But glory encircled this being before us.

His announcement of “Peace” broke forth in a chorus.

Multitudes of angels sang, but as one

And followed his proclaiming the birth of God’s Son

Then, as quickly, the stillness of night

Left us stunned and amazed, but absent the fright.

The scene we discovered was just as he said

In the arms of a mother who cradled His head

Among sheep and cattle lay the King of Kings

And who were we to be involved in this scene?

We’re lowly and simple and just do what we can

To provide for our sheep that live by the land

Surely this King sent straight from above

Came to bind all people with His grace and His love.

(c) Nancy K. Sullivan

        December 16, 2011

"Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you; you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.'"

Luke 2:10-14

Wishing you a very blessed Christmas season.