The Day After Christmas

🎄Through mutual consent by all the family, our Christmas was today. It's been a nice day of tasty treats, new memories, laughter and renewed strong connections. I love these folks greatly. That love doesn't come naturally for me. It's the love of Jesus Christ that's put that there. With the renewing of my spirit I pray often that we may all lived closer to one another again some day. Hopefully, very, very soon, some of our other treasured kin will be living in our little county here in Georgia. The plan is that presently Steve's sister and her family will be quitting South Florida for good. Can't wait! 

🎄These are from yesterday. It was just me and Steve. 

🎄That's it for now. I'm bone tired. Gotta go get comfortable before I fall down, maybe watch one of my British or Irish flicks, and open that new bottle of bubbly. 

🎄I pray everyone had an enjoyable day too. Thanks for stopping by. 

Merry Christmas

 🎄From our house to yours 🎄

(comments turned off so we may all enjoy the day) 💙💚💕

Happy Christmas Everyone!

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[comments turned off ... spend time with the loved ones!]

The Christmas Meal

Well, we have had a perfectly lovely day. I hope everyone else had a happy one too. It was relatively quiet for us. I always believe Silence Is Golden. No visitors this year. Everyone is either too broke, too far away or had other plans. That’s alright. There were not presents or cards this year either but I’m not complaining. I don’t need any more junk anyway. Besides we eat like Royalty!

Our meal was Cornish Game Hens, Mixed Vegetables, Mashed Cauliflower, Chicken Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, Italian Bread, Cinnamon Raisin Bread, Wine and Hot Tea. All very yummy!

After that scrumptious meal, Steve spent this afternoon putting together the final touches for what will be our niece’s Christmas gift. They’ll be here on New Year’s Day. That will be our real Christmas. I. AM. SO. EXCITED! [smile] What’s he making? My husband is a self-taught skilled craftsman. Anything he undertakes he does it well. He’s very much the Renaissance man. He is constructing a primitive archer’s bow pull rate of about 12 lbs. and an arrow set, complete with hand stitched leather quiver, arm guard and tab. And the doggone thing is fantastic to behold! It shoots like a dream (I’ve already given it some trial runs). Nope, no pictures. Not yet. I am snapping them as he works his magic and will share those after Niece has the gift. So more treasures to be shared at a later date.

Merry CHRISTMas y’all!

~ Ride Safe ~

Sparky

Two Minutes With The Bible ~ A Gift For You

A Gift For You

by Pastor Cornelius R. Stam

Berean Bible Society
Printer Friendly Version

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

In the light of the Pauline epistles these well-known words have become more appropriate than when our Lord first spoke them. Through Paul, Christ’s redemptive work at Calvary has been proclaimed and fully explained. In this light, then, we suggest that our readers take the time to really meditate on this passage about God’s greatest gift to man.

Think of the love that prompted it! “God so loved….” We were the “children of disobedience” and “by nature the children of wrath, even as others” (Eph. 2:2,3). We deserved judgment, “but God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us,” gave His best, His all, to save us (Eph. 2:4).
Think of its priceless value! “His only begotten Son — everlasting life.” Christ, the holy One, had to be given up to disgrace and death in order that our sins might be justly dealt with, and that we might become the rightful heirs of everlasting life (Rom. 3:25,26).

Think of your need of this gift! “…that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish….” How perilous not to accept “the gift of God, eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:23)! What folly to spurn or ignore a gift we need so sorely!

Finally, think how gracious the offer! “…that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Whosoever believeth! Any sinner may have this gift by simply believing, accepting in simple faith what God says about Christ paying for our sins at Calvary. In fact, this is the only way we can become the recipients of this wonderful gift, for Rom. 4:5 declares:

“But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith [believing] is counted for righteousness.”

---

To the Reader:
Some of our Two Minutes articles were written many years ago by Pastor C. R. Stam for publication in newspapers. When many of these articles were later compiled in book form, Pastor Stam wrote this word of explanation in the Preface:

"It should be borne in mind that the newspaper column, Two Minutes With the Bible, has now been published for many years, so that local, national and international events are discussed as if they occurred only recently. Rather than rewrite or date such articles, we have left them just as they were when first published. This, we felt, would add to the interest, especially since our readers understand that they first appeared as newspaper articles."

We hope that you'll agree that while some of the references in these articles are dated, the spiritual truths taught therein are timeless.

 

 

Merry Christmas To All And All That

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas.

I found the YouTube video below

of what is undoubtedly a cousin of

our lovable Jack Russell Terrorists:

I wish I could train my two to do that!

And with that I'll say, from our home to yours, stay safe out there on the highways and byways. And most especially watch out for those reindeer! [lol] We're gonna stay home where it's warm, toasty and away from the wildlife. :)

God bless from our home to yours.

~ Ride Safe ~

Sparky and Steve
Lucy, Jack and Sam

Funny Friday ~ Jokes To Sleigh You

With the Christmas Season upon us I would like to share a personal experience with my friends about drinking and driving. As you may know some of us have been known to have brushes with the authorities from time to time on the way home after a "social session" with some friends.

Well, two days ago I was out for an evening with friends and had several beers followed by a couple of bottles of some rather nice red wine with our dinner.

Although feeling only a little jolly, I still had the sense to know that I may be slightly over the limit.

That's when I did something that I've never done before: I took a cab.

Sure enough, on the way home there was a police Ride® roadblock but since it was a cab, they waved us past and I arrived home safely without any incident.

This was a real surprise.

 

As I had never driven a cab before.

 

I don't know where I got it.

 

And now that it's in my garage, I don't know what to do with it.

So if you want to borrow it for your holiday travels, give me a call.

~ Ride Safe ~

Sparky

Christmas Tree And Other Decorations

I've been intending to share my Christmas decorations and tree with y'all for days now. I kept forgetting. I've had these up since the day after Thanksgiving. (My bad.)

We live way out in the country on a single lane dirt road with over 4 acres that are cleared. The home, that we had built in 1993, is a good 350 feet or so off the road with lots of mature trees and undergrowth between us passersby. I've had to remember to focus on where I want to decorate so as not to over spend since we're about the only ones that get to enjoy the display. I quit doing lights when I was so sick all those years. Now I'm out of the habit and too lazy. I do keep most all my decorations from year to year but come next Holiday season, I get the hankerin' to go shopping and get more! (I'm such a sucker for atmosphere.) My tactic now is to wait until after the season is over and then get them greatly discounted. Yeah, I know, most everyone does that. [smile]

Even though it's just the two of us that can see it, I start at the front door, front porch and windows facing the road.

Then I move down to the gate. Because of all the fallen leaves, I had to mow a little first to clear the area. There are two planters there for seasonal artificial flowers. I try to always decorate them with colors that are festive for that season (you know: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter). I also hang windchimes and other nice, gentle things. I told you, I'm a sucker for atmosphere.

As in years past, I positioned plastic candy canes along the driveway. Oh, and my Hubby made the little green birdhouse with painted pictures on it. I know y'all can't see it in the photo but it's so lovely. He creates the nicest wood projects. That man is so gifted. He really spoils me.

 

Then I decorated the planter on the other side of the gate, the gate itself and the side gate for good measure. (I know, I need to repaint the side gate. It's really showing it's age ... like me! ha ha) 

Not many get to see it but at least the mailman can enjoy the festive decorations and I can too when I tramp out there to get the mail.

Now, I can move back into the house and finish up there.

 

And now, without any further ado [clearing throat] the pièce de résistance! The Christmas tree. I call it my abbreviated version this year because of the Jack Russell Terrorists (Jack and Sam). They're 5 months old and at a chewing stage. Could you see all those lovely handmade decorations dangling at eye level?!! OH NO!! So, I just used the top of the artificial on the coffee table. Pretty cool, huh? There's more than one way to skin a cat ... opps, I should say, a Jack Russell? [lol]

O christmas tree
O christmas tree, o christmas tree,
With faithful leaves unchanging;
O christmas tree, o christmas tree,
With faithful leaves unchanging;
Not only green in summer's heat,
But also winter's snow and sleet,
O christmas tree, o christmas tree,
With faithful leave unchanging.
O christmas tree, o christmas tree,
Of all the trees most lovely;
O christmas tree, o christmas tree,
Of all the trees most lovely;
Each year, you bring to me delight
Gleaming in the christmas night.
O christmas tree, o christmas tree,
Of all the trees most lovely.
Not only green in summer's heat,
But also winter's snow and sleet,
O christmas tree, o christmas tree,
With faithful leave unchanging.

~ Ride Safe ~

Sparky

It's Been A Hard Day's Night And I've Been Working Like A Dog

The day after Thanksgiving, we stayed busy. It was bloody cold for this part of the world, but still started on the chores.

First, I decorated the house inside and out. Put the tree up. Yeah, it's a small one this year. I used only the top part of the artificial. I'm concerned about putting something with pretty dangles on the floor with our new Jack Russell brothers will be just too much temptation.

Oh, and all the dogs "helped". [ha ha] As soon as I crank up The Mule, Lucy gets excited because she knows "Mommy is doing something outside! Oh boy!"

Jack and Sam, The "Jack Russell Terrorists". They certainly put the fear in all our squirrels now!  Get 'em boys!

Lucy "helped" too. She's my moral support.

Also made time to start [emphasis on start] burning the yard debris. Now that the trees are so huge I'm going to be picking up leaves for awhile. [sigh] I keep repeating, "I love my trees", "I love my trees" ...

Oh, and I also got all the Christmas cards with a newsletter ready for mailing on Monday. How cool is that? [smile]

Hope your day was productive and fun too.

~ Ride Safe ~

Sparky

Seasons Greetings From Our Legal Team

Please accept without obligation, implied or implicit, the wishor’s best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, politically correct, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, celebration of the winter holiday; practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasions and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all; and a financially successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2013, but with due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures or sects, and having regard to the race, creed, colour, age, physical ability, religious faith, choice of computer platform or dietary preference of the wishee.

By accepting this greeting you are bound by these terms that:

This greeting is subject to further clarification or withdrawal.

This greeting is freely transferable provided that no alteration shall be made to the original greeting and that the proprietary rights of the wishor are acknowledged.

This greeting implies no promise by the wishor to actually implement any of the wishes.

This greeting may not be enforceable in certain jurisdictions and/or the restrictions herein may not be binding upon certain wishees in certain jurisdictions and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wishor.

This greeting is warranted to perform as reasonably as may be expected within the usual application of good tidings, for a period of one year or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first.

The wishor warrants this greeting only for the limited replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wishor.

Any references in this greeting to “the Lord”, “Father Christmas”, “Our Saviour”, or any other festive figures, whether actual or fictitious, dead or alive, shall not imply any endorsement by or from them in respect of this greeting, and all proprietary rights in any referenced third party names and images are hereby acknowledged.

Now that that is out of the way, Merry CHRISTmas y'all!

Christmas Day Doings

Hark! There's A Sparky In The Kitchen
This year we where suppose to be in south Florida staying with family but the trip was suddenly cancelled because Hubby is laid up with a bad back. Poor man! At least I did get to attend Christmas Eve service but without Hubby along it wasn't as much fun. This afternoon, thanks to so many prayers, bed rest, and proper medication he is now much improved.

It's been literally years since I've had to cook Christmas dinner. Usually Hubby does all the food preparations. I customarily decorate the cave and clean up any messes made. So Hubby very kindly gave specific directions as to how to prepare the chickens in the new electric smoker. This is my first time using the smoker but it was so easy. The chickens were cooked to perfection. I also cooked fresh spinach in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with melted Parmesan cheese on top. Oh, and I enjoyed my glass of Sutter Home White Zinfandel wine with the meal, of course. It was all wonderfully delicious and homey. Earlier in the day I prepared the desert: Sugar Free - Fat Free Jell-O Instant Chocolate Pudding. I use deluded Half & Half instead of milk. Makes it richer. After a good long chill, we put real whipped cream on top and it's so yummy. We'll have that later this evening when the hunger pains start again.

After the meal we opened the presents from friends [since we had earlier gifted each other], and lo and behold, looky what my good friend Marydon at Blushing Rose sent:


A drinking glass from Flying Dog Breweries. She knows how much I enjoy their beer. Way cool! Can't wait to have a beer in it Marydon. [drool] Thank you!


She also gave us a specially hand painted ornament for the tree. Isn't it the most loveliest thing you ever saw? I can tell it so delicate. I will rewrap it oh so very carefully and keep it in a special place to adorn our tree every year. What a sweet friend I have.


It has a cute little bee on it too. Thank you Marydon and family! You are so generous and kind! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I know this lovely ornament will grace our tree for years to come.

Also, thank you everyone who sent cards and other well wishes. Believe me, I can feel the love. I appreciate y'alls friendship so very much. You are all always in my prayers.

I hope everyone had a very Merry CHRISTmas with loads of loving family, good friends and delectable food. Onward together we will fight for our freedoms in the New Year. May the Lord have mercy on us that good will prevail that our Nation be restored once more to it's former glory in His name.

God bless and,

Merry Christmas!

Even though many of us are seperated by hundreds of miles, and sometimes cultures or ideals, I feel like we are all friends. I know I consider you my friend! Thank you for following my blog. I appreciate you all VERY much.

Here's hoping that you and yours have a very safe and happy holiday season.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious to you.
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you,
and give you peace.

Merry CHRISTmas Y'all!

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

The tree is up, it's decorated, everything is ordered on-line and I don't have to do another blasted thing. So, I'm ready!!

Whew. My work is done for the day. :)

In case y'all are wondering: I plan to be back to talking about politics again real soon. I'm only on a brief hiatus. So to the gummit I say, "keep honking, I'm reloading" ...