Jesus is the True LIGHT

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

(John 1:1-17, KJV)

As wrapping paper and gift tissue flies as we tear into the presents others have

thoughtfully given, I pray that we will remember the greatest gift of all: Jesus

Christ, God's Son who became flesh for us and took on the sins of humanity

in His death on the cross. No longer veiled in flesh as a human baby, now He

is the resurrected Lord. 

Have you received the gift of salvation, which while Jesus paid dearly for it,

He offers it freely to you? All your troubles won't dissolve, but you can have

confidence that your sins are forgiven and you have hope for a new, eternal life

in Christ! Ask for his forgiveness and give your life to Him!

Lilybits and I wish you and your families a Merry Christmas!

L -- 12/24

Kitty in the Kitchen - Fun with this week's A to Z Meme!

The kitchen is full of intriguing smells. When Mom roasts chicken, covered with spices and olive oil, the most scrumptious scents emanate from the oven. I pace on my toes while the bird cooks and I am always ready for any tiny scraps they might want to give me. Sometimes I dream of having a whole chicken to myself, but alas, I am relegated to the state of begging.

My other favorite kitchen smell is my wet food. When Mom opens that can, I am ready for that stinky pate, which makes my taste buds and tummy oh so happy! I don’t understand why she doesn’t feed me on demand like a nursing baby. I only get fed twice a day, but I would prefer at least four!

These are just some of the reasons the kitchen is my favorite room in the house, other than the sunshine spot in the bedroom where I like to nap during the summer. The kitchen is where I do most of my stalking. I stalk Mom when it’s suppertime or perch on my stool and yell at her.  Well, she calls it yelling. I have perfected a combination whine and meow that is most annoying, so that I’m apt to get my way sooner than if I just sit there and look cute.

I also stalk squirrels, chipmunks and birds in the kitchen . . . through the door to the patio, that is. If they get close enough, especially onto the step by that door, they’re in trouble. I move into attack stance, sitting back on my haunches and preparing my front paws for the ultimate pounce. If Mom would just open that sliding door and let me at them!

Sometimes I am content to just rest on my princess pillow, on Dad’s chair at the kitchen table, which may include watching the birds at the bird feeder. I love curling up lazily in the morning at that spot. So many things to sniff, do and eat in the kitchen. No wonder it’s my favorite place!

This Kitty in the Kitchen post is brought to you by the letter H, which Mom missed writing a post for a couple of weeks ago. H is for happy and happy is what I am in the kitchen!

What’s your favorite room in the house? Or your pet’s favorite room?

We a-purr-ciate your comments!

K -- 12/17

Monday Motivation - Shaken?

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

(Psalms 46:1-3, KJV)

 These verses struck me as I read them this morning. Most of the people I know have never experienced a major earthquake or tidal wave, but there are still things in life which can rock us to the core.  One day our loved ones are healthy and the next day they’re in the hospital. Accidents, illness, surgery and death can seem to shake our foundations.

When those we love pull away and stop communicating, sometimes for no apparent reason, we feel bereft. Family members say hurtful things which you never expected. These things fuel emotions such as anger and hurt. I struggle with not letting these things turn to bitterness . . . or dealing with them after the bitterness has crept in. Betrayals, unkind words, these are the things which pierce our hearts.

Sometimes we ask, “why?” We wonder when we feel we’ve tried our best to live the right way that these things happen to us, whether physical or emotional. I do know this one thing: Through the storms and earthquakes of life, Jesus is there for His own. He will be our refuge and our strength when we turn to Him!

Jilt and Jump -- Two of my Favorite Things

As a cat, I have to keep up a certain reputation. Cool felines must not appear needy, so we must perfect the art of jilting. I was so busy being affectionate to Mom when she first brought me home that she thought I needed her. Imagine that! All right, so without opposable thumbs I cannot open a can of wet food. However, if I wasn’t constantly trapped inside, because I’m Mom’s “baby”, I could find my own food and an occasional sand box if need be. I suppose allowing her to care for me is a small price to pay for living in such a nice prison. Anyway, as I was saying, I like to make sure Mom knows her place, so I jilt her occasionally, and sometimes even dad. They’re such pushovers! All I have to do is ignore Mom when she’s getting ready to go somewhere and the guilt piles on! I’m quite good at it, which usually buys me an extra treat somewhere down the line.

Another favorite way I show my feline prowess is by jumping. I love to attain lofty heights, especially when it bugs Mom. When I feel neglected, I threaten to jump from the second story railing into the family room. All Mom has to do is have a good friend visit, or one of those pesky guys she also calls her kids, and I am ready to meow dramatically as I pace the railing until she notices and I lean forward as though ready to jump until she comes up the stairs to chase me. I also like to run and jump around each piece of furniture in the family room, though the kitchen table is definitely forbidden territory. That’s why I scoot across the edge just to show who is boss!

Jilting and jumping are two favorite cat abilities. What are yours? Watch Simon’s Cat, below, in “Crazy Time” and you’ll see what I mean about cats and jumping.

Indefatigable or Ignoble?

Lilybits, not large, but in charge!

Indefatigable. Isn’t this a great word? Let’s sound it out. In-de-fat-i-gab-le. Very good!  All right, I guess I should apologize. Mom says I will annoy you, my adoring audience, if I act too patronizing. I just wasn’t sure how many people have a better vocabulary than most cats. Yes, I realize you hear a lot of silly sounds from us, such as meow and purr, but in our minds cats have a very full vocabulary and it’s best you don’t hear all of it.

I do need to make sure that you know what it means, though. According to Dictionary.com, indefatigable means tireless, inexhaustible, persevering, cannot be wearied. Now, if we’re interested in our food, your food, chasing that red light thing that glides across the floor, knocking your cup of water or pencil off the table to get your attention, we at the very least insistent, if not that other big word you’re having trouble pronouncing. (Come on, you can be honest.)

And the word, ignoble? Don’t even think about using this to describe a cat. One definition means not noble; of humble descent or rank. That’s the opposite of the distinguished, highborn feline family! Despite the number of feral and alley cats who smear mud on our elevated reputation, every cat has a spark of nobility within. After all, how do you think cats conned the ancient Egyptians into treating them as gods? Snicker.

I let my people know when I want the control!

The way they waited on us! That may be where our extensive napping habits began, however. The sleep (with one eye open, of course) is totally important to make sure we stay beautiful and healthy, along with grooming our coats incessantly. Being an indefatigable feline is a full time job!

Would you like to see an insistent cat, trying to awaken his lazy human? Waking Mom or Dad up at 3:30 a.m. for a good ear scratching is one of my favorite tasks and Mom would tell you that I am quite indefatigable as she can sometimes be a sound sleeper! I suppose serving me much of the day can tire a weak, ignoble human.

Here’s a funny YouTube video for your enjoyment, "Cat-Man-Do" from Simon's Cat:




Is your pet indefatigable or ignoble? Lilybits wants to know!
We a-purr-ciate your comments!

New Characters to Meet!

Time for some pre-holiday Christmas fun! One of my co-authors of the Christmas Treasures: A Collection of Christmas Short Stories,  Joanne Sher and myself, are introducing favorite characters in our short stories, and I recently had the privilege
of interviewing these special characters.

Christmas Treasures is free on Kindle through the 29th! Find it HERE.

Part of the Job by Joanne Sher

Joanne Sher, author

Favorite character: Mom (like most of them, she doesn't have a name ;) )

Mom loves order, keeping in touch with her family and friends, her husband, all three of her kids, and things going just so. When she sets her mind to something, it WILL get done - often in record time - no matter the distractions.

Questions for your character to answer:

1) Tell us about your favorite Christmas. Why was it your favorite?

As long as the family is there - and there are no surprises - I love every Christmas. I have to say, though, my favorite was just a few years ago, when my youngest was just a couple years old. All the kids woke up at 6 on Christmas morning, and we'd just gotten the presents under the tree a couple hours before - and had fallen asleep in chairs in the living room. They each climbed on our laps to wake us, and we snuggled up and opened presents together. So nice!

2) Do you have a Christmas tradition you look forward to every year?

There is nothing I love more than the annual Christmas card stuffing, stamping and sealing assembly line. It really gets me in the Christmas spirit. Each of the kids, and my wonderful husband, have a role, and it's a great family activity. We break out the Christmas music and work quickly, like a well-oiled machine. The kids pretend to hate it, but I know they're just teasing. I mean, what's not to like? And besides, we're done in just an hour, and we always have hot chocolate afterward.

Special Assignment by Kathleen Rouser

Favorite character: Lucy Meriwether

Lucy Meriwether is a police detective in the suburbs, in her late twenties, who has had her heart badly broken. She seems to lack maternal instincts, but when an orphan is left in her office for the Christmas holiday, she turns protective.

Questions for your character to answer:

1) Tell us about your favorite Christmas. Why was it your favorite?

My favorite Christmas was the year before my dad left us. I was twelve and I have good memories of the five of us being together. Mom and Dad even stopped fighting for a few days. We laughed and joked while we decorated the Christmas tree together. After a candlelight service on Christmas Eve, we picked up Grandma Meriwether, so she could spend the night with us. She gave me the game Clue that year for Christmas and I’ve loved solving mysteries ever since.

2) Do you have a Christmas tradition you look forward to every year?

I used to love making cut out Christmas cookies with my little brother and sister after we wrapped presents. Add Mom’s special hot cocoa to drink with freshly baked cookies and it was such a treat. Sometimes we’d watch a Christmas movie like Miracle on 34^th Street too, but it’s been a long time since we’ve been all together. My family has all moved away. It just isn’t the same since we were kids.

And More Favorite Character Interviews!

And More Favorite Character Interviews to Enjoy!

Time for some pre-holiday Christmas fun! Two of my co-authors of the Christmas Treasures: A Collection of Christmas Short Stories,  Karlene Jacobsen and Karen Campbell Prough, are introducing to us their favorite characters in their short stories, and I recently had the privilege of interviewing these special characters.

Wake Up by Karlene Jacobsen

Title of your Stories: The Quilt, Wake Up, and Under the Tree

Favorite character: all of my stories are written in 1^st person, and only one is named. My favorite, though, I think is the sister who’s surprised by her brother in Wake Up.

Please introduce us to your character with a little description of who they are:

Questions for your character:

1) Tell us about your favorite Christmas. Why was it your favorite?

My favorite Christmas? I’d spent the entire night cooking and cleaning, and wanted to sleep, but my family had other ideas. I can’t share too much because it’ll ruin the story, but the surprise my family gave to me was beyond amazing and over-the-top the best year of my life.

2) Do you have a Christmas tradition you look forward to every year?

I love to find that one thing that would bless members of my family more than anything. It’s so easy to grab the shopping list and fill it, but is a whole ‘nother game to observe and find a way to fill their hearts’ desires as best I can. It’s all about touching the heart and soul, making those I love feel special and wanted and treasured.

The Littlest Wise Man by Karen Campbell Prough

Title of your Story: “The Littlest Wise Man”

Favorite character:  Most readers would probably choose Brian, the little boy in my story. But I picked Kevin, the young father.

Please introduce us to your character with a little description of who they are: Kevin, my favorite character, is a strong but tenderhearted young man in his earlier thirties. In this story, he has gone through a very heart-breaking day. He must keep his son, Brian, from finding out what has happened to their little family—so close to Christmas. But within a few days, Kevin realizes what a blessing the three-year-old son is and how wise a child can be.

Questions for your character:

1)   Tell us about your favorite Christmas. Why was it your favorite?

“Well, I think I’ll choose a Christmas from my past—when I was about the age of nine. I grew up out west and our family lived on a big cattle ranch. That year I received a present that surpassed my wildest dreams. I got a new pair of cowboy boots, skillfully tooled with handsome designs. They made me feel grown-up, like one of the popular bull riders at the rodeo. When I opened the box, the scent of new leather was something I knew I’d always remember. It was a white Christmas that year—snow as deep as my waist—but I wouldn’t wear my new boots outside. Nope. I didn’t want to ruin the smooth sheen on them.”

2)   Do you have a Christmas tradition you look forward to every year?          

“Well … yes, we have had a tradition in years past. When my wife and I got married, we moved to the east coast. That meant we weren’t near my parents and couldn’t go home for Christmas. Her parents had been killed in a plane crash years before we married. So we had to start our own tradition. It’s simple, but a tradition we looked forward to, just the same. We always set aside one night, sometime in the weeks before Christmas, and we forget about going out to eat or doing Christmas shopping. She and I go cut a perfect tree at one of the tree farms around here. We light a nice pile of wood in the fireplace and decorate the tree by firelight and candlelight. Then we cuddle together on the couch with mugs of hot cocoa and dream about the new year to come. Of course, Brian joined us a few years ago. He filled an unexplainable void in our lives. But this year … life handed out just about more than a person can handle. Tears don’t wash away pain. Wasn’t sure about the importance of our tradition.

Grateful?

Grateful? Mom and Dad think I should be since I am a spoiled little cat—they say! I, on the other hand think I need just a little bit more. A little bit more time to sleep undisturbed, a little more food in my dish, colder water and more treats. That last one really bugs me, because ever since I started having tummy troubles I don’t receive nearly the amount of treats I deserve or enough food off my human’s plate. I think they should share, but they keep listening to the vet instead of me! Though Mom says my whining isn’t too attractive. Also, I think Mom needs to spend all day at home to cater to my every whim. After all, I give her a purpose to exist.

What’s that? Mom is trying to tell me something . . . hold on . . . Ahem, she mentioned something about how cold and wet out it is outside. Yes, I know, Mom, I don’t have to worry too much, I mean, at all, about where my next meal is coming from. Tell them I’m fed three times a day right now? Well, okay . . . I’m thinking.

Pause. Silence. (Mom told me to count my blessings.)

Perhaps I should me more grateful for what I have. Mom made me my very own pink blanket for the shelf underneath the foyer table. It’s right by the heat vent. It’s very nice to nap there in the winter when I don’t have a lap to park on. And my special wet food is very yummy. And the kibble is always good, especially when she opens a fresh bag. I have lots of cat toys and two humans to chase me and play with me. Nobody yells at me when I lick their face in the middle of the night, though I do get the distinct impression they’re a little annoyed. How my cuteness can be considered so annoying I don’t understand. Okay, Mom, you’re right I have l lots to be thankful for.

What about you? Do you sometimes forget about what you’ve been given, because you are focusing on what you don’t have, rather than on the Giver of all good gifts? Even Mom admits she sometimes does!

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (James 1:17, ESV)

New Favorite Character Interviews to Enjoy!

Time for some pre-holiday Christmas fun! Two of my co-authors of the Christmas Treasures: A Collection of Christmas Short Stories,  Karen Wingate and Donna Hubbard Scofield, are introducing to us their favorite characters in their short stories, and I had the privilege of interviewing Jen Huckabee and Mary Ann Hopkins Hubbard this week.

The Christmas Gift by Karen Wingate    

Favorite character: Jen Huckabee

Karen Wingate, author

Please introduce us to your character with a little description of who they are: Jen is a frazzled pastor’s wife and mother of two preschool girls

 Tell us about your favorite Christmas, Jen. Why was it your favorite?

My favorite Christmas was the time my husband traveled out to Arizona to meet my entire family the year after we were married. All of us were there at my mom and dad’s house. The gifts were small but the family fun was wonderful and Mom had never cooked such a huge spread. Oh, we were more stuffed than the turkey. My family opened their arms wide to Keith and made him feel right at home – even when Uncle Jim tried to plant a fake tarantula in his hair. My heart aches – I wish I had family around now.

Do you have a Christmas tradition you look forward to every year?

Well, now that we are so far away from family – my husband is a minister you know – and our family is so young, we’re trying to establish new traditions, or at least borrow some from our childhood. I want to fix big lavish meals – just like my mom did. Keith says we’ll be eating turkey leftovers for weeks; after all, how much can two small preschool girls eat? My husband and I have already started one tradition – reading the Christmas story at the breakfast table Christmas morning.  What a wonderful way to set the tone for the rest of the day. And you should hear my husband read! Oh, what a deep rich voice. I never tire of hearing him speak.

Mary Ann's Gift by Donna Hubbard Scofield

 Favorite character: Mary Ann Hopkins Hubbard

Please introduce us to your character with a little description of who they are: 

Mary Ann Hopkins - a plain, shy girl who already knows she'll be the one left at home to care for the old folks, and help out when her sisters-in-law have babies. Because she wants a home and family of her own, she says yes when Henry proposes. She becomes the instant mama to the two children.

Please tell us about your favorite Christmas, Mary Ann. Why was it your favorite?

My favorite Christmas: Oh, for sure it would have to be that first Christmas I was Henry's wife and mama to the two little ones. The big smile on Angeline's little face, usually so serious, when she spied those dolly dresses I'd sewed to match her own, was precious. When Tommy ran to me and grabbed me around the legs and said, "Up, mama! Up, mama!" I thought my heart was going to burst with happiness. The knowledge that Henry was beginning to love me, and return to God, made me happier than I had ever been in my life.

Donna Hubbard Scofield, author

Do you have a Christmas tradition you look forward to every year?

A Christmas Tradition:  Every year I make honey cakes and gingerbread. I have to put them on top of the cupboard, because Tommy would eat enough of them to get a belly-ache. His pa would, too!

Henry always cuts a little cedar tree from our woods, and we put it on the kitchen table and decorate it with holly berries, feathers, yarn, tin-foil, and anything else we can find.

Most importantly, we always go to church on Christmas morning and listen to those precious words... together.

Leave a comment for a chance to win Christmas Treasures: A Collection of Christmas Short Stories. We love your comments!

And the winners are . . .

We have two winners from last week's book drawings!

The winner of Lynn Lovegreen's ebook, Golden Days, is Carlene Havel!

The winner of Dawn Crandall's ebook, The Bound Heart, is Anne! 

Congratulations to both of you on winning your prizes! Please contact me through the
comment section by leaving your email address in the form of name[at]domain[dot]com,
so that I may put you in touch with the authors. Thank you and happy reading!

Two More Favorite Characters from Christmas Treasures!

Time for some pre-holiday Christmas fun! Two of my co-authors of the Christmas Treasures: A Collection of Christmas Short Stories, Elaine Stock and April Strauch, are introducing to us their favorite characters in their short stories, and I had the privilege of interviewing Russell and Miss Ava this week.

The Forever Christmas Gift by Elaine Stock 

Favorite character: Russell

Please introduce us to your character with a little description of who they are: Russell is about 70, is a loner but not lonely because he has the spirit of Christ within his heart, yet he can use a good dosage of Christmas cheer . . . which comes from an unexpected someone.

Tell us about your favorite Christmas, Russell. Why was it your favorite?

Author, Elaine Stock 

I enjoyed all my holiday celebrations with my family. My folks adopted me and loved me so much. Before my niece and nephew took off on their own adult paths we had a merry Christmas in my tiny apartment, filled with hymn singing, sweets, gifts, and more Christmas tree than space allowed. It hasn’t really been the same since. It’s just me now. I attend church and have friends there, but somehow don’t feel right accepting their invitations into their homes for Christmas dinner.

Do you have a Christmas tradition you look forward to every year?

I miss watching the faces of those who I gave gifts to—miss seeing their wide-eyed look of joy. I very much would like to share my Christmas again with someone, perhaps someone who needs to as much as I do. Meanwhile, I trust in God. He will provide.

Love is the Key by April Strauch

Favorite character:  Miss Ava

Please introduce us to your character with a little description of who they are:

She is an 88 year old woman who lives in a nursing home, Hampton’s Home for the Elderly. She’s a widow and mother to her grown son, Franklin.

Questions for your character:

     Tell us about your favorite Christmas. Why was it your favorite?

My favorite Christmas was the year I became engaged to Richard. He came to my parent’s house while I was still sleeping. Unbeknownst  to me, he was hiding under the tree in his classic black and red flannel shirt. (Laughs) With a red bow tied around himself. (Coughs) He’s always been my best gift. (Wipes a tear.)

      Do you have a Christmas tradition you look forward to every year?

Drinking a cup of hot cider and reading the Christmas story by candlelight. Some of my best memories are when Frankie was little and he’d sit on my knee. Then, after he was grown and moved away, Richard and I carried on the tradition by sitting by the Christmas tree and reading aloud together….

Do you have a favorite tradition you'd like to share?
Leave a comment this week for a chance to win a paperback
copy of Christmas Treasures: A Collection of Christmas Short
Stories. (Entrants outside the U.S. eligible for ebook copy.)