My Everything Quilt

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay. The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes. I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky And stay by my cradle 'til morning is nigh. Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there. ~ This beloved carol is credited to Martin Luther, but no one really knows who wrote the lyrics.

Jesus Christ has done everything, first to last, that is involved in bringing you from death in sin to life in glory. Our Savior planned and achieved redemption, called and is keeping you, has justified, and is sanctifying, and will glorify you when you are finished with this world. What a cause for joy!  ~Joni Eareckson Tada Because the story of Jesus’ birth is so known and familiar to us, we do something we don’t do often enough.  We believe the impossible. ~Revive Our Hearts, Dec. 1, 2018 Today is the first day of the Advent season. It is raining outside and the temperature lately can range anywhere from the 40's to the 60's, and back again. I have not begun to decorate for Christmas. No tree yet! No wreaths on the windows! I have been reading lately about trying not to go overboard with the material side of Christmas, to slow down and focus on the reason we celebrate Christmas. So, I think that is what I will do this year. Not go crazy decorating my house; not buy ...

It is 2:33am. I can not sleep, again.  God is in control and I can do nothing about it anyway. He is faithful.  I can trust Him to accomplish His will, in His time, His way. Bitterness is not the answer, ever. Worry is a sin; and it causes stomach issues. I must not react! Be patient. Pray for wisdom, guidance and strength to do the right thing. I'll stay strong and keep my eyes on Jesus.

Hannah and Connor are now the parents of little Noah James Sealock. He was born Tuesday, May 22, 2018 just after midnight. His birth was unique: he was born still in the amniotic sac of water! It was truly a long day of labor for Hannah, but what a cutie!

Leah and Blake are the proud parents of Lawson Tate Harriss. Born Friday, May 18, 2018. He was welcomed home by big brother, Wyatt, who will be 3 in July.

The love of God is greater far Than tongue or pen can ever tell.  It goes beyond the highest star And reaches to the lowest hell. The guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win; His erring child He reconciled And pardoned from his sin. When years of time shall pass away And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall, When men, who here refuse to pray, On rocks and hills and mountains call, God's love so sure shall still endure, All measureless and strong; Redeeming grace to Adam's race The saints' and angels' song. Could we with ink the ocean fill And were the skies of parchment made, Were every stalk on earth a quill And every man a scribe by trade. To write the love of God above Would drain the ocean dry, Nor could the scroll contain the whole Though stretched from sky to sky.      O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure, the saints and angels song. ~Words by Frederick M. Lehman

I love poetry. When the girls were school age, I used to love to take out my big book of Favorite Poems and let them pick out poems and I would pick out poems; sometimes they would even illustrate some of the poems. One year, Leah put together a whole book of poems that she composed herself. Yes, I still have it! Today is sunny and the birds are singing in the trees. There is a gentle breeze blowing. And I am feeling nostalgic, so I once again turn to my big book of Favorite Poems . Who Has Seen The Wind ~Christina Rossetti Who has seen the wind? Neither I nor you: But when the leaves hang trembling, The wind is passing through. Who has seen the wind? Neither you nor I: But when the trees bow down their heads,  The wind is passing by.

Moriah and Josiah welcomed baby Lincoln January 2! He was the first baby born in Cherokee county in 2018!