Are You Wise?

Wise Men Still Seek Him

Let It Snow!

SNOWFLAKES

by Christine Fitzgerald

Sometime if this winter you go
Abroad to see the falling snow -
You will find to your surprise
That a trillion flakes will greet your eyes.

Swirling, dancing in the day,
Who could make them quite this way?
Each one new, six sides on all,
Each reflects light as they fall.

No two ever found alike
With lace and rays and sculptured spike.
Here one moment, then they melt,
But what a silent scene is felt!

Discern in those dear tiny flakes
The face of God who nature makes
To please His children and show His love
To all the world from heaven above.

Fact: No two snowflakes are alike! Snow crystals shown are photos of real snowflakes. Find out how these beauties are captured by going to SnowCrystals.

Dog's Christmas Rules

1. Be especially patient with your humans at this time as they may appear to be more stressed-out than usual.

2. When they come home with large bags of things called gifts, do not assume all the gifts are for you.

3. Be tolerant if your humans put decorations on you as they get pleasure out of seeing how you look with fake antlers.

4. They may bring a large tree home, set it up, and cover it with lights and decorations. Bizarre as it may seem, it is an important human ritual, so you need to know: (a) don't go to bathroom on the tree, (b) don't drink water in the container holding the tree, (c) control your tail when near tree, (d) if there are packages under the tree, even ones that smell interesting or have your name on them, don't rip them open, and (e) don't chew on the cord running from the hole in the wall to the tree.

5. Your humans may occasionally invite strangers to come visit during this season. The parties can be fun, but call for some discretion by you: (a) not all strangers appreciate kisses, (b) don't eat off the buffet table, (c) beg subtly for goodies, (d) be pleasant, even when strangers sit on your sofa, and (e) don't drink out of glasses left sitting around.

6. Likewise, your humans may take you visiting. Here your manners will also be important: (a) observe all the rules in #4 for trees, with 4a particularly important, (b) respect animals and their territory in the house you are visiting, (c) tolerate children, and (d) turn on your charm big time.

7. A chubby man with a white beard and a very loud laugh may emerge from your fireplace in the middle of the night, DON'T BITE HIM!!

Mary, Did You Know?

Jesus is the Reason

Jesus is the Reason for MY Season!!!

If anyone should ever write, my life story.
For whatever reason there might be.
I was on my way to hell, when Jesus found me.
Jesus is the best thing that ever happened...
Jesus is the best thing that ever happened...
Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me.

I've had my share of life's ups and downs
God's been good to me, and the downs have been few
I would guess you can say, God has blessed me
Jesus is the best thing that ever happened...
Jesus is the best thing that ever happened...
Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me!!!!

Picture: Oil Painting, The Nativity, Gerard van Honthorst (1590-1656)

The Ultimate Gift

Still haven't figured out what to give this holiday season? Well, why not give love... for it will unwrap blessings galore - both for the giver and the receiver.

The only true gift is a portion of yourself.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thumpity Thump Thump

Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul...
with a corn cob pipe and a button nose...
and two eyes made out of coal.
Frosty the snowman is a fairy tale, they say...
He was made of snow but the children know...
how he came to life one day.

There must have been some magic in that
old silk hat they found...
for when they placed it on his head...
He began to dance around.
O, Frosty the snowman was alive as he could be...
and the children say, he could laugh and play...
just the same as you and me.

Thumpity thump thump, Thumpity thump thump...
Look at Frosty go...
Thumpity thump thump, Thumpity thump thump...
over the hills of snow.

I LOVE CHRISTMAS TIME!!!

Let It Rain (Spiritually)

Today ask the Lord to bring spiritual rain into your life. Heaven knows we need it more than Mother Earth needs the physical kind.

"Let it rain. . .let it rain. . .Open the floodgates of Heaven
We want to see Your Glory!
Let it rain. . .let it rain. . ."

Loving the Christmas Spirit

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight

They know that Santa's on his way
He's bringing lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know hot to fly
And so I'm offering this simple wish
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you

Guide Me, Lord

The Bible does not provide a map for life - only a compass.
Haddon Robinson

A Day of Shopping Delight

An off-day from medical appointments so me and The Papa spent Wednesday at Stanford Mall in Palo Alto. Beautiful decor and shop windows bubbling in delight - special pastry treats at La Baguetto and a candy store that was out of sight (err..taste). The sales weren't that bad either (Macy's 70% off original price, plus 20% more at register).

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Just a few rare sights in the Bay Area on our visit.

Town of Moraga in East Bay

Mt Diablo State Park

Mt. Diablo

Napa Valley