Christmas Eve Music FM Church

Dr Eugene Thomas singing




Cathy Carmichael Stousser playing organ

Christmas Eve Photos of Christmas Service Free Methodist Church

Strousser Family Singing

Tonight is Christmas Eve

In the houses where there are little children,there is so much excitement about the gifts under the tree and what will good "Ole St. Nick" bring. When I was young, I could see the excitement was gone from the eyes of the old people I knew. I wondered what it was like to experience Christmas and not have that mystery and joy that comes with expectation. I bought a few Christmas gifts year. I said "Merry Christmas" as I met people while grocery shopping today. Some said, "To you too" in return to my greeting. There was little of that joy I remember from Christmas past. I spent the afternoon with my parents and took in their gifts to them. I gave Dad his fruit cake and gave them a heavy throw tonight because Mom says she can't get warm. My sister has received her package. She says that it is the only gift she has to open so she plans to open it tomorrow. She was surprised by a basket of food a student's Mother brought to her. Tomorrow she will be easting Stouffers Turkey Dinner which she can heat up in the microwave. She says she has difficulty using the stove while sitting in the wheel chair. I went to the Free Methodist Church Christmas Eve service. The church was beautifully decorated. The music was beautiful. Pastor Mel gave a really good sermon on the "Gift Of Jesus". Good to see so many people there. At the service people said Merry Christmas with a real joy and heartiness in their voice and smiles on the their faces. I normally go to church at Assembly of God. The Church is not as pretty and does not come close to the decorations. No stain glass windows or organ at the AOG Church. I like the music at both churches, but I look forward the the Free Methodist Christmas Eve Service. I took photos and some video to capture the music. No snow but it is cold not windy now as it has been just blowing around the house. I love Christmas and the carols that are traditional. I bought a child a coat,gloves, hat, and scarf. I do not know this young girl but I hope she will like what I picked for her and that it will fit. I picked a charcoal P Coat. That style is popular this year. Personally I have always liked that kind of coat. Any way it Christmas Eve and I can feel the magic in the air. And in particular I am so aware of the The FATHER'S love and the perfect obedience of my LORD and SAVIOUR, JESUS. He came to be the light and a water in creature that is as dumb as a sheep caught up in darkness of the dessert. Who can refuse such a gift? Dr Steven Pratt and April Ayre

December 2

Today the wind has been loud and whipping around the house. At times rain smacking the house. I have ordered one of the things my Dad looks forward to at Christmas Time! He does not think he will have it this year. Texas Fruit Cake!! You can laugh you if have to. This cake is sooo goooood just thinking about it makes me drool. So good with coffee or hot tea and a little whip cream. I found a a hot chocolate mix with ginger in it.. I really like ginger. I may have ,as in a compulsion, to order some. I got on line and ordered 2 tickets to Chimes of Christmas, but no chimes are played. This is always a good show. Unfortunately I got the tickets late so I am in the balcony.I am looking forward to this show, everyone is such a good mood. The singing and orchestra are excellent. Being there is just great fun. Fa la la!. I want to take my Mother to the show she always likes good music and getting out. I would also take Dad but he is just too hard of hearing. I will have to tell her to rest take a nap in the afternoon so she will feel like gong to the show. It is not easy getting old. She feels tired most of the time and works around the house so hard. I was right, my Mother loved it! So glad I took her.

Christmas time again- song sung by Christina Flanskini

Well, it is Christmas time again! I remember making a joke to my patients on Jan 2nd that they only a had so may days to Christmas to get their shopping done. It got a big laugh. Well I am not spending much on presents because I am not working. I have decided to take retirement pension from the hospital but it is not enough to live on. I have done some decorating outside and inside the house. I have also put together a resume and friends are looking it over now; I hope with a critical eye. I have been practicing my typing daily. I found free self study typing courses on the internet. I have put an application in to Cook for a Bio-technician job. I would not mind a part time job in nursing. I am planing to take a course in Medical Coding, which is suppose to be the up coming job. I would like to make enough money to be a blessing to others. So with my life up in the air I got a letter telling me I need more views of my left breast for an abnormal mammogram of this past month. I have to laugh I do not know if I will even have insurance in a little over a month. We since I did not know what was seen I am going to believe it is nothing and try to the the views done while I have insurance. Believe me I have prayed. I have the assurance Jesus is with me, nothing has or will happen to me that he does not know about before I was born. I will offer my self to him every day,"Here I am Lord, use me today".




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Now playing: Amy Grant - Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)
via FoxyTunes

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Now playing: Amy Grant - Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)
via FoxyTunesobject width="425" height="355">

Dancing Before the LORD- I love to see young people honoring GOD

Where I am- Who am I? Where am I going?

Well I have resigned from my job. I do not like 12 hr plus shifts. i really do believe pt care suffers. First of all some shifts there is no one one that know the pts. When it is a difficult shift it is nearly impossible to keep delivering quality care, keep the compassion that is needed and continue to deal with difficult situations and people. Included in this is the admissions ans every 15 minute checks for pt safety.I think even doing routine work becomes difficult over 10 hrs at a time. I really tried to fit in on the unit but according to my nurse manager I am unable to. I have 3 more shifts to go. Today I took a "work keys" test. It was in 5 parts and took about 5 hrs. The tests are times. I was unable to complete applied mathematics exam I had 10 questions remaining at 45 min. It had 33 questions. I felt like I was in high school again. I believe I did well on the reading and information gathering exams and team work exams. I took these tests in order to apply to one company. I need to redo my resume. I had not interviewed for almost 17 years. I am trying to look at this period in my life to do thing I have never done. But still this is difficult for me. I had planned to retire from the institution where I had worked for 17 years, Still I am hoping to find employment where I can work 8 hrs no more than 19 hr a shift, have more support, and feel good about the work I am doing.Update I passes the work keys exam with flying colors!

Difficult Days and Years

Well, life is not easy. My parents are older in their late 80's. My Mother does almost all the work around their house. My Dad spends a lot of time in bed or sitting on the porch in good weather and front of the t.v. in bad weather. I am really blessed to have 2 parents living and still in their home. My sister, who is younger than me, lives in GA. She has been very ill for about 4 years. She has diabetes that went undiagnosed while pouring her energy into a dying friend. She has small vasculature so the diabetes has affected her vision, cut off the blood supply to her foot,and affected her kidneys. It hurts me that I may out live my sister. In my memory I see her as a child running. She loved to run and she would tell you"I run fast!" So Her lack of health sometimes makes me cry. She has many health care bills and my parents help her financially as they can. My sister still works as an English teacher.

I have worked as a RN for 38 years. I loved the ER but the ER became so big and the staffing of the ER so short we were not allowed meal breaks often. I had been dealing with depression for years. I was told I needed to find another area to work. Let me say I hate 12 hr shifts. I need more down time in order to work and give of my self. Now I am grateful the hospital realizes there needs to be more staff in the ER. But it makes me angry that all of us worked so short and had to deal with so much pt and family anger every day. I am looking for a new job. I came to the conclusion that I would never be able to please my Nurse Manager. I talk too loud look too anxious, every thing I do is wrong. But over the past 2 weeks I have had other nurses come to me to tell me they thought I was a good nurse. Some even to say if they were ill they would want me to be their nurse or their family's nurse. I am sad. I have done a lot of crying. I should have quit when I my intuition told me the nurse manager wanted me to go. Well I have been praying for a 8 hr a day job. I am praying for the LORD to set a table before me with a banquet, not just a table. I for give those who are my enemies. But I want GOD to defend me. That all of this will be for my good and HIS glory.

Viet Nam 1970-1971

As I have said before I did serve in South Vietnam. I took care of American civilians, Vietnamese civilians- children and adults, and all allies of the USA as well as military personnel. I saw things that really bothered me.When I came home , I had frequent dreams of being in Vietnam that were more real to me than when I woke up. I often woke up in a sweat. Now I rarely have these dreams. I cried as I watched us leave Vietnam. I was very concerned for the people who worked for the USA military or government. I remembered my mamasan and those who worked in the hospital. What kind of lives they would have under the new regime? What kind of reeducation process would they go through? I watched the chaos on the TV and yet I felt like I was there. Last year I ordered some towels. When I opened the package a paper fell under my eyes"Made in Vietnam". I shook and dropped the package. I had such an adrenaline rush -a sense of disbelief that this product came from there with out my knowledge . I am sure that is how my Father felt when he saw things made "in Japan". I now know Vietnam is the new Japan and is sewing many of the products purchased in the USA. For me when I think of Vietnam it is 12 hr work days 5-6 days a week, helicopters, heat and rain, really big rats, mamasans looking through door key holes in the officer quarters, malaria infected soldiers with high fevers and diarrhea,and bombing or fragging of places where there were Americans. I was a 22-23 yr old a very young and inexperienced woman and nurse. I remember many people on every side who wanted to get ahead, get what they wanted and willing to use anyone to suit their purpose. I did meet some very honorable people and some who lived and witnessed for Christ. So let your light shine in the dark places. It may seem you are not making a deference. But you are. I have put some pictures on this site of South Vietnam. There are no pictures of patients.

New Movie 10 Commandments showing Oct 19 2007

Kadosh Sung by Paul Wilbur-Videp by Jennifer Roswell Williams

Let God Arise - Paul Wilbur

[via FoxyTunes / Paul Wilbur]

This music just makes me want to dance and jump. My knees creek and crack but this feels me with joy. I think of Mariam and how she danced on the other side of the Red Sea.

Newsboys - He Reigns

[via FoxyTunes / Newsboys]

To anyone discouraged or who feels forgotten
God still reigns. Are you disappointed by some of the people that were held up in the Christian community as leaders? Take your eyes off people and put them on GOD. He reigns! Praise the LORD! HE reigns!

Days of Elijah - Paul Wilbur

[via FoxyTunes / Paul Wilbur]

About Music by Liberated Wailing Wall

I enjoy this music so much! I want to share it with you. If you want to purchase a CD you can go to Jews for Jesus link and find the music. I am so grateful Jews for Jesus has made this music free to download.

I have a desire to understand my roots which came from the OLD TESTAMENT. Many Christians forget,Jesus was born as a Jew into a Jewish family and he came to fulfill the law. He came to the Jews first as promised so that Israel would be a blessing to all nations.

Some Christians believe the Christian Church has set aside Israel. I am not one of them. I do believe as a Christian, I am grafted into the tree of Israel. Anyway I would like better understanding of the BIBLE and to do so I need to have as much understanding of the Jewish Religion from Father Abraham to Paul. Yes, I think of Abraham as my spiritual Father. I am one of the stars that could not be numbered. Some Christians think they do not need to study and know the OLD TESTAMENT but they are wrong. In Genesis God begins to point to Jesus and the Holy Spirit. GOD does not change put the way he has tried to draw people to him changes. He used the sacrifice of animals, a people he call out to be HIS, and invitation to all who will come and follow Jesus.
The Music is Holy Holy
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Now playing: Liberated Wailing Wall - Holy, Holy, Holy
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Regarding Photos for Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike has much experience with blogging. I invited him to look at this site. He asked me if I had cool pictures of spiders on this site. So this one is for you. Enjoy the Critters!

For Pastor Mike

Forever

As an human,I can not wrap my mind around the the concept of forever. But those who have given their hearts,lives to Jesus,who believe Jesus is the Son of GOD. That Jesus died,though he had no sin,as a sacrifice for our sins. That he died and rose again and lives and sits by the God the Father. They will live with God forever. Now let me explain that Satan and his Demons,(fallen angels)also believe in Jesus. They know him. They were created in HIS presence. The difference is as humans we can ask Jesus to change us by turning our lives over to him. The Holy Spirit, who always points us to Jesus, starts making changes in how we think and in our desires. Salvation occurs in a second, upon acceptance of Jesus as Savior and King, Lord of our lives. But as we walk changes that occur can take time. The Holy Spirit often points out unrighteous behavior and thoughts. When we submit ourselves to this and acknowledge these as sins we are forgiven. Jesus has promised not to forsake or leave us. We LIVE with Jesus forever. Do you think you are good? Of ourselves we are not good enough to enter into Kingdom of God. Our thoughts gives us away as being unrighteous even if we do not follow thru on them. Remember God is a Holy God but HE is a God of love. So from the foundation of the world the Father's Son, Jesus,who is with out sin, came and took on human form. He is the final sacrifice for sin. Up until this time sacrifices of animals were done regularly.

What about Satan and the other fallen angels? Hell has been made for them and when they are cast into hell and bound there they will be there forever. In Hell there is no fun or having a party. God is not there, no love, no compassion, no ending of torment and of burning,but no burning up. Jesus talked about Hell. God in his mercy warns his creation. Jesus described Hell. It is every persons decision to choose his master. Choose Satan and this world or Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven. It was a decision I had to make and it is a decision you have to make. In the Bible God tells us every person is given a certain amount of faith. What will you do with it? Forever is a long, long time.

The Finite Thinking on The Infinite

Well as it all ways happens I participated in a mock code then we had a real code. The pt was successfully resuscitated. I have been thinking,can the finite comprehend the infinite? I do not think so. Last weekend a young friend was just chatting about GOD and she said,"Wow, GOD is really old". He is the Alpha and the Omega.I remember as a child talking to my Mother and asking when God began. She assured me God had no beginning, HE always was and is.HE is without beginning and has no end. That is an awesome thought and I really can not fully comprehend the awesomeness of GOD. That is why I am so fascinated by his names and characteristics. He has a mercy and grace that is not found in mankind. I am so glad he has these attributes. He does not lie! I can totally rely on him. By thinking on HIS names I have a comprehension of HIM. But even this comprehension is small next to Him. " and those who know Your NAME will put their trust in You". Psalm 9:10

How wonderful HE is! Even in His greatness, power and holiness He knows me-every molecule- he knows me. When I doubt myself, which is often, I think upon this-HE knows me and HE loves me in my imperfection. So as Job, I will honor and praise the Living GOD.

Carrie Underwood-"Jesus take the Wheel"

Peace and Joy

Well, looking over this site my personality is definitely here. Most of the the things I enjoy are here in some way. I only hope I am not the only person aware of this site. I have no comments yet and am hoping someone will care enough to respond to me. It is a beautiful day in every way and I am going out to plant Asters and Mums. Tomorrow I work. I work at a hospital 12-13 hrs a day 3 days a week This week I also had to go in for a mock code (cardiac arrest scenario) . I was almost late;I looked up to see I had 20 min to get to the mock code. I am enjoying using the various technology on this site to express myself! When I work I have no energy left for any thing else except the basics of life. I am looking forward more and more to retirement. Money, now that is another thing. I am trying to get my house paid off in the next 3-5 years. I am paying more than necessary every month. Boy,am I glad I did not get talked in to a larger or more expensive house. My small house,by U.S.A.standards,is satisfactory to me. I look around and I don't know how people are affording those large houses. The bigger the house the more costly the up keep: heating,lighting, new roof, more rooms to paint, etc. I could not deal with large amount of debt. It was like slowly being strangled. I so want a joy and peace, these are the things that are important to me. I have to remember I can't take material things with me. Only those things done in the name of the LORD will stand. I also remind myself when I look at those huge home I have a mansion being prepared for me in Heaven that is better than anything man can build. This gives me peace and a joy and I have no need to envy.

Photos:Flowers and Fall decorations

Collage :cats, Israel, flowers, family and self

Life Giving Water

After the rain last week,the birds were singing ,calling and chasing each other. It seemed as if everything was filled with more life. Suddenly, flowers I had planted had new leaves. Roses and flowers were blooming and had more buds. Water is necessary for life. As I walked out side and with real joy noted the life all around me, I thought of all the people who do not have access to clean, life giving water. Jesus said, if you give a "cup of water to the least of these you give it to me". He also said HE is the one who gives living water so our spirits will never thirst. He is the only one who gives our spirits eternal life. I am so hurt when I hear his name taken in vain or "GOD"taken in vain because he has so much love for each one. He is the creator of each one of us and though we are like one dead separated from him just by accepting Jesus as Saviour and Lord we are given life and our spirits begin to live in HIM.

Friendship and a good rain.

I had a really good time on Labor Day visiting with my friend and neighbor Jeannie. We ate at the "Uptown Cafe" The food is is always good. I always have a good time with this lady. She has a great laugh and better still she has good advise(when I need it).
We walked around the square downtown. She goes there much more frequently than I do. I found stores that had moved and got dessert at a bakery. I love lemon desserts, they have such a great selection of sweets and breads, makes me hungry to think of this place. It was a day in the 90's again so that certainly cut down my urge to walk too far. Anyway back to good friend she has much wisdom, a good sense of humor, and is willing to pray when needed. Yesterday, on may way to work, I listened to a pastor talking on the need for Christian fellowship; I am so blessed to have Jeannie as a neighbor and friend. Today I was talking with Jeannie and told her I have been asking the Father if I could be a gardener when Jesus returns to reign for a 1000 yrs. That would be so nice - no weeds then. The weather would be the best it has been since the fall of Adam. It will be a delight to work in garden. I said maybe I could do the flower arrangements for the Temple in Jerusalem - that would be so exciting for me. I know God know the desires of my heart because he gives the desires to us. Tonight it is raining and the earth needed it. This cool breeze is so welcomed and rain smells so good!

Today is Labor Day

I have been on vacation for 2 weeks. For the first time ever I did not go anywhere, I just stayed at home and relaxed. Today I am off because this is my holiday. In about an hour I will go with a friend and eat in downtown B-ton. I am trying to figure out how to get a pic on profile. So far no luck. I am also thinking about getting some fall flowers for now and some spider day lilies for next summer.

I did it! I got my pic on profile. The picture is about 3-4 yrs old but who cares. the cartoon does just as well. I got pretty excited when I figured out how to download the site counter or what ever it is called.

Can you believe I am tired of the hot,bright sun. A rose I planted this Summer

This has been a hot summer in Indiana it is aways hot and humid in the Summer. But this Summer until the past 3 days it has been in mid 90s for over a month. We have not had a good rain for way over the month. This is really hard on the gardener in me. The roses and new plants need watering. I never water the grass. Some of the large trees are losing their leaves already. I do not expect a pretty fall because the trees have so little water. Every week I wait for rain. The weeds have grown very well and until 2 days ago it was too hot for me to weed. In the Winter ,when I get down, I plan my garden for the Summer.