Tuesday, December 16, 2008

A deep freeze has settled upon the land. When we were enjoying all of the beautiful autumn days, we knew that we would be paying for them somehow. :) I actually love winter - as long as the roads aren't bad. But then, I live in a warm house. At this time of year we need to count our blessings and see if we can't share them with others. It doesn't take much. Somewhere in our arsenal of time, talent, and treasure is a spare blessing that we can bestow on someone else. Not everyone suffers from physical needs - there are many who suffer spiritual poverty in the midst of material wealth. In the commercial frenzy that whirls around us, let's try and tune in on the quiet voice that calls us to remember who we are and where we come from. Your spare blessing may be someone else's miracle!
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Last night I finished up an order for a baker's dozen of tealights, cut and packaged a batch of fudge, made a batch of snack mix, finished up gifts for the student aides, and started the boxes for family gifts that Melisa and I will be sending out. Tonight I have a batch of jar candles, and a pillar to pour. The house is a mix of scents - cranberry, carrot cake, Christmas pine - I love it!
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Remember the hippopotamus incident from a few days ago? Last night Anna left a comment here on my blog. Apparently, Clayton told her that her mother (meaning me - his grandmother) is not very good at hiding presents. Et tu, Clayton? LOL!

Word of the day:
Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent
Gospel
Mt 21:28-32

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people:
“What is your opinion?
A man had two sons.
He came to the first and said,
‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’
The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’
but afterwards he changed his mind and went.
The man came to the other son and gave the same order.
He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go.
Which of the two did his father’s will?”
They answered, “The first.”
Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you,
tax collectors and prostitutes
are entering the Kingdom of God before you.
When John came to you in the way of righteousness,
you did not believe him;
but tax collectors and prostitutes did.
Yet even when you saw that,
you did not later change your minds and believe him.”

Thoughts from the cornfield:
Here is my opinion. Both sons disrespected their father.
Second son - scribes, pharisees . . . us
First son - tax collectors, prostitutes and - by the grace of God - us.

God bless our troops!

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