New Year's Eve

The Coffey Home Graphics

Isn't that a beautiful promise from God's Word? A nice reminder as we begin a new year.

Don't you wonder what God's plans are for you this year? Do you have a sense of excitement about what He is going to do in your life, the lessons He has, the journey He will take you on?

Aren't you glad we can have a hope and a future with Him? I am.

It's a quiet evening for us. Hubby was working on his computer and now snoozing in his chair! I've been catching up on some blog reading. Earlier I made some hand stamped thank you notes, or I should say, I have started some. I must go finish them soon and pick up my mess. I'm not so sure I will be able to stay up to see the New Year in as I usually do. I must be getting old, but it's just over an hour away now.

I have not made any resolutions. The ones I've made in the past, I usually fail at, so why set myself up for failure??! Of course there are things I hope to accomplish.

I love to read inspirational fiction. Not "fluff" books, but those that have a message, a challenge, an encouraging word. For the past few years I have been telling myself that I should read more non-fiction. I am thinking that for every fiction book I read, I need to read a non-fiction one. I certainly have plenty sitting in my bookcases. Why buy them if I am not going to read them? Osmosis hasn't happened yet, and I don't expect it will!

I have many, many handcraft projects started.... it would be nice to finish some of them.

Of course, I have spiritual goals as well. I would like to be a better pray-er. I would like to read the Bible through in 1 year - not the 4 that it has taken me (and I still am not done). I like reading it in chronological order and will plan to do that again. This plan looks a bit different than my Chronological Bible and I can use a regular Bible for it. I hope to get myself onto a schedule now that I am teaching so I can set time aside to lead a ladies Bible study again. We need that time together.

I'm sure there are other things I will think of later. Most of all, I was Jesus to be seen through me. I want to be a shining light for Him. I want the children I teach, and the teachers I am in contact with, and others to know there is something different in my life.

How about you? Do you have special goals or resolutions for 2008? May God bless you and may He be glorified through us. ~

From My House to Yours

Even though Christmas Day is over, I still have my tree, lights and decorations up. Often I keep them up until Epiphany, Jan. 6. In recent years I have been taking them down on New Year's Day, symbolizing a new start. I thought I would share a photo of Christmas at our house.

Although I have been on "vacation" for a week, I am just now getting around to visiting some of my favorite blogs. I look forward to Fridays when Kelli hosts the Show & Tell. I enjoy looking at special things others share. You can see what I shared today at my other blog. I will give you a hint - jewelry made by my cousin. Go have a look!

Celebrating our family Christmas

It's been awhile since I have been able to post. The past 2 and a half weeks have been packed with gift preparations and subbing (full time) in a fourth grade classroom. I love teaching, but the days aren't long enough! Then I come home, correct papers and fall asleep! It's not a very interesting life, but I'm thankful for the opportunity to teach.

We celebrated out family Christmas today since my DIL has to work Christmas Day. I bought very little and made various things personalized for the person getting the gift. Since I read a Calvin Coolidge quote a few weeks ago, “Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” and being convicted that our gift giving needed to change, I have had a more peaceful heart.

I do admit that I was stressing a bit about getting things done for today, especially since my dh was called out to a fire for a few hours and was not able to help with some things as planned. But, the day turned out fine, of course, and everyone has gone home. Now I look forward to a few peaceful, quiet days. My dh & I have never had a Christmas day alone, so that will be different. Our neighbors will come over for coffee and coffeecake in the later morning as has become our own personal tradition. It's nice. Though we live right next door, some time we get so busy that we don't visit together for months, so this is a special time for us.

I'm ready to crash now, but thought I would use this opportunity to get caught up. May your coming days be filled with peace, love and joy.

Show and Tell Friday

Please visit what I am sharing this week here at my Stamp, Stitch, Scrap 4JOY blog. It's is something that I treasure and got me into one of my hobbies.

I may not blog as often as I would like. I am not substitute teaching full time for three months in a 4th grade classroom. I enjoy it, but I come home exhausted! I pray my fibro flare will subside and am relying on God's strength to get me through each day.... especially when I stay after school until 4:30 or 5pm to get things done and get my mind settled. Today I stayed to put up a December bulletin board and to put up the Christmas tree and get lights on it. I'm glad that we can put up a Christmas tree in the classroom and call it that!

So, if you don't hear from me, you will know why. :-)
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Thinking about Gifts

Today someone asked me if my Christmas shopping is done. I stopped to think. I honestly don't know. Because I am making many gifts, or had some bought ahead, or am using prints of my own nature photos for gifts, I really don't know what I need to buy. Buying hasn't been high on my list this year. Oh, I did buy a set of pots and pans for my mom, which she needed and will like because they are red, but I don't have a buying list. The thought on my mind most of all this year is this: the best gift is LOVE. LOVE = TIME.

It may be time spent on making something special for someone. It might mean taking the time to write a letter or make a phone call. It might the time it take to stop by and have that Cup of Christmas Tea with someone you haven't seen in awhile. each year our pastor reads that poem to us, challenging us to go out and visit a neighbor, a relative, someone in need, etc.

My son & wife have asked for Lowes gift cards because they are remodeling their first home. I would like to add some "coupons" to that to gift: a gift of our time to help with whatever project they have going. As a young married couple, they are busy and may not come see us as much as we would like, and might not think about how important time is, but I want to model that for them. We are willing to give our time, because that is an expression of our love to them.

So that is what's I've been musing about .... Christmas .... gifts .... love .... time ... and tea!

A Snowy Day in Maine

It's a good day to be inside and relax. Relax?? Ha! I have so many thngs I need to do, but I must say I have been blessed by visiting some new blogs today.

It is so nice to meet other Christian ladies and be encouraged by them. Sharon is hosting a giveaway. Jackie shares what Christmas is like in Paraguay. Jen shared a couple days ago about a very special doll her daughter received and the precious memories attached to it. Diana has a very cheery Christmasy website and I love her nature photos. Michelle shows some of the projects she and her her husband have been working on. Ginny posted a new ornament she finished cross stitching. Very pretty. I like checking in on Katy, their MinPin since my son & wife have a MinPin puppy (Macey).

Well, I must get to my own To Do list and enjoy the snowy weather and Christmas music.

I will leave you with photos of my "Grandpets". I hope to get to see them again soon.

Sager - a tiger kitty is a handsome boy. He is maybe 6 months old or so. He came from a shelter and has a broken or chipped bone in one leg. (I'm not remembering the exact injury). Sager had the house to himself for a few weeks and then along came Macey - she's a pretty girl. She may have been the runt oof the litter, weighing in a 3 pounds at 9 weeks old, but she has Attitude!

Show and Tell Friday

I learned about Show and Tell Friday at my friend D's blog and that sent me to "There is no place like home" blog. This is my first time to do this. I have a number of things I collect. Today I'd like to share with you my Snowbabies collection.

It all began about 20 years ago when I received one from my neighbor whom I babysat for. I didn't know it was part of a collection until a few years later. My first figurine was of two little snowbabies on a toboggin, representing her liitle boy and mine. They loved to play in the snow and then would come in with rosy red cheeks.

I have since added more snowbabies on sleds. One of my favorite ones was a gift from my son, now grown, for Christmas. It's the one of the snowbaby holding a blue blanket. My son loved his "Minnie" when he was little so it reminds me of him. My mom has given me quite a few of these. My husband and son have given me the rest. Many of them have special meaning. One that isn't shown is playing a violin which reminds me of when our son took violin lessons in 3rd grade.

Thanks for visiting!

What is Christmas?

I started to comment on Lori's blog and realized my answer was more like a blog entry! So, now I know what I will write today...

What is Christmas?
For some people it's the most depressing time because they can't live up to the expectations their children have that are fed by the media. For others it's another excuse to party and get drunk. Others see it as an opportunity to gather with family and friends and give gifts, but why? Is it out of duty or love? Or just a family tradition? It is because they are celebrating Christmas or a holiday/day off from work? Do they remember St. Nicholas, Santa Claus, or are they remembering the birth of Jesus Christ and the gifts the wise men presented to him?
The other day a freind shared with me a song by Reba McEntire called "Happy Birthday Jesus (I'll Open This One for You)" . I wish I could share the whole song with you, but it spoke to my heart.

A friend on an email list sent a link to a YouTube video called Christmas with a Capital C which really says it all for me! It's a rather "rocky" song but the message is so clear. I hope you will take a look and share the message with others.

Why are you celebrating Christmas? What/Who does it make you remember?

As for me, I will be remembering the birth of The Christ, the Messiah, the Savior, Emmanual ~ Jesus, Son of God. Even though man put a date on that day and the world has distorted and corrupted the remembrance, those who do remember can make a difference. We can use this Holy-day to share with those who have forgotten, or who have never known, why this Christmas Day is so important to us.

Changes and Growing

Good Morning! First of all, you are in the right place! With winter coming on, the pink page was too "flowery" and I needed a a different look. :-) As for "growing", well it took a couple of friends a long time to convince me that I needed to start blogging. Less than a month into it, I decided I needed 2! I have started another blog to focus on handcrafted items made and received. Am I crazy???!! So, if you have a chance, I hope you will check out my Stamp Stitch Scrap 4 JOY blog.
Have a blessed day!

Preparations

Because I know the next few weeks will fly by, I am trying to work at getting myself prepared for Christmas bit by bit now. I know, many people have their Christmas cards mailed the day after Thanksgiving, but I have never been one of those people! I get my inspiration just before a holiday, and then I don't have time to do what I want.... I am in the process of making a calendar, a scrapbook, and a couple scarves for gifts as well as a cross stitch project! I wonder if there is some way to stretch the month of December. LOL!!

We are having a church Christmas gathering at my house on Dec 7, so I want to have my home decorated and ready! My hubby helped me get my Christmas village out and he cleaned it up for me. That was so helpful. I now have it sitting in my living room window.

Usually I try to make my own cards wih rubber stamps, but this year I decided to use one of my photos for the card as suggested by a friend of mine. I thought I would share the photo with you. I will stamp the inside text. I usually mail an annual letter too, but I have not yet begun it. Soon!

Maine pine cones © 2007 J-ME

Preparations .... I am reminded of the preparations God made in order to save us, in order to give us the opportunity of eternal life with Him. This time of the year is a remembrance of the beginnings of those preparations that one could see ~ Jesus the Christ, the Messiah, sent to be born a lowly birth. As we carry on with our preparations and family traditions this Christmas season, let us remember first and foremost WHY we are doing what we are doing.
I leave you tonight with Hebrews 2:9,17

"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. ...Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people."

God bless you.

First Snow

We had a bit of snow yesterday, but more snow fell overnight. I just wanted to share with you a photo of our first snowfall - a bit of autumn and winter together! It might not last long but it brings to mind the old Thanksgiving song ~ "Over the river and through the woods".

I baked my pies yesterday ~ apple and pumpkin. I've also cooked my potatoes and squash. I am trying to do as much as possible so tomorrow can be "stress-free" - I hope! We will have a small gathering with just my BIL and mom joining us. My DS & DIL have to work, but they will be in our thoughts. (added later: So much for stress free - when I mashed my potatoes, they came out like wallpaper paste! They were so starchy. They tasted about as appetizing as wallpaper paste would, too. UGH. I will try again tomorrow. Does anyone have any cooking disasters to share to make me feel better??)

May you be blessed with family, friends and special memories on Thanksgiving Day.

Things You Didn't Know About Me

My friend, the writer of A Crafter's Chronology , tagged me for the eight things you didn't know about me meme. When tagged you must list the person who tagged you and post the rules. At the end of the post you must tag and link to 8 other people.

1. Jobs I have had include: Headstart helper, field worker for Soil & Water Conservation Dept., Telephone surveyor, Tutor, Teacher, Children's Librarian, Baby sitter, Substitute teacher, Care giver, and Life Insurance sales, but being a wife & mother are best of all.

2. I enjoy genealogy research when I have time.

3. I collect souvenier spoons (among other things!)

4. I like watching NASCAR, football, ice hockey, and the Olympics.

5. I hope to go to Scotland someday.

7. I am a fire auxiliary memeber and my dh is fire chief.

8. Though I have siblings, I am really an "only" child. No one else has the same mother and father.


Because I am new to blogging and the only ones I know well have already been tagged, so, I tag: YOU!

Thanks Giving revisited

As I read my friend D's blog this morning, something really hit me. We give thanks for the good things in our life. That's easy. God blesses us with so much. So much that we often take things for granted. But when was the last time you gave thanks for an affliction, an illness, a sorrow, even a death of a loved one? Can it be done? I think of Paul when he wrote that he asked God to remove his affliction 3 times and God said no. Why? God's grace is sufficient. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Have you thought about that for your own life? Are you praising God for the affliction in your life? Take a moment to read 2 Corinthians 4:8-18 and ask God to show you what you need to thank him for.

Blessings to you.

Thanks Giving

As we approach Thanksgiving Day, I am thinking of things I am thankful for. Aside from being thankful for having Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I am thankful for the family God has given me. I particularly want to honor my husband who is the fire chief in our small town and our son who is a volunteer firefighter/EMT and a 911 dispacher. Our daughter-in-law is also a fulltime FF. Today I will share a FF cross stitch sampler I made in honor of the fire fighters in my life.

Feeling stressed?

We all face stress at one time or another. Stress over things that need to be done. Stress over not feeling well enough to do the things we ought to do. Stress over matters that are beyond our control.

What do you do when you feel stressed? I guess all three of the above fit me today. What helps? Now I know the old saying that "stressed" spelled backwards is "desserts" and chocolate or a bowl of ice cream might seem to help at times, but not always.

How about the following:

Prayer for strength (Colossians 1:11).

A comfy chair in front of a sunny window (unless it's a migraine).

Easy listening music - I'm listening to Jim Brickman right now.

A cup of something warm to drink. (I like Chai).

Realizing that God is in control and everything will work out for His glory. (Romans 11:36)

Surround yourself with beauty. (Philippians 4:8)

© 2007 J-ME

What works for you?

Looking forward to the weekend....

Today I subbed at our high school in the special ed department. Sometimes it involves helping students during study halls, or going into classrooms to take notes and to help students with assignments. Two classes today watched parts of movies pertaining to a book they are reading and a time period in history. I was glad I took some knitting with me so I could be busy while I watched. I am working on a scarf for my secret pal at church and a second one for another Christmas present.

I have to get as much done in the next three weeks because on Dec. 3, I will begin to sub full time for a 4th grade class. This will be for 3 months. It will be fun, but tiring, too! I am so thankful that Jesus gives me the strength to get through each day. Philippians 4:13

Every so often I will share some of the things I am working on. Today I will post a couple of my autumn cards that I like. I hope you like them, too.

© 2007 J_ME

Entering the Blogging World

© 2007 J-ME


OK, I've done it.... Some of my friends have said that I need to have a blog. Why? What will I write? Will I share ideas, my thoughts, my feelings? Will I share about my days, my pet peeves, my hobbies, my life? Will I share about my Creator, His marvelous world, His great love and mercy, His wonderful gift of salvation? Yes. I will share those things that on my heart. What will I begin with? I don't know that yet. For now, this is the beginning.