Reflections

Tis that time of year again

You see plenty of news organizations listing the top stories of the year. The top ten of this and that. Stories that really are not the important things in life. They always remind me of an email that list a bunch of questions that most people can't remember the answers to. Then the next list has questions similar to- who was the teacher who made the biggest impression on you, etc. Truthfully, those are the 'Top Stories' of any persons year. Lots of people will be making New Years Resolutions that they will keep for a couple of weeks. They can't be faulted for the struggle to complete their wishes. New Years Day gives each Christian an opportunity for a fresh new walk with God.
This picture illustrates the amazing verse in Matthew 6:6. 'when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret'.
I love this picture. It is one of those pictures where the glass is either half full or half empty. For me the picture is completely full........ full of God, His son Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Some of the most revealing insights to myself and my relationship with God and others, have been when I am completely alone with God. It is so fulfilling to open up your heart and soul to receiving what the Lord has for you.

Bring in the New Year meditating on God's Word !
He can give you hope for the future:
Jeremiah 26:11 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end"
Learning from past mistakes:
Hebrews 12:10-11 "For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: neverthless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby"
Gods timing is perfect:
Ecclesiastes 3:11 "He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end"
Each New day is special:
Lamentations 3:22-24 "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him"

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. May this New Year be blessed for each of you.

1-2-3 Christmas's

Three Christmas's in three days. Whew......that is what I call busy, busy, busy (famous saying by the magician in Frosty the Snowman!) As you might sense, from knowing our family, that any get together, can and probably will be, a fun and entertaining gathering of family. That assumption would be true again this year.

Our first stop was Christmas Eve at Tom's family. We met at Bonnie's (Tom's sister) sharing a meal and gifts. Watching the young ones was the entertainment of the evening.

Tom and his mother-Chig Looks like they are sharing something funny

Stephanie and Mark

Luke showing off the 'dance' he taught himself !

On Christmas evening we all gather at Mom and Dad's. It is always very crowded and hot! I keep telling Mom to cool the house down before we get there, but it is usually pretty warm. Collin and I opened doors and raised windows this year which resulted in a cooler house which meant it was much more comfortable. There are 37 of us all together, so you can see why it gets warm. We always have a carry in dinner, and after a little cleaning, it is off to the gifts. The younger boys all got guns, which lead to a gunfest! Sit down boys, we cant see or hear what is happening!

Mother giving instructions (is Barbara imitating her? Nahhhhh)

Jack Wallace Boggs- takes the prize for being the youngest (born in October)

Malia Jo Lu Mahan- Prize of being the newest addition (Nov. 2nd) Also pictured is the oldest- Our dear wonderful Dad. 87 years old this year ! Our much loved and needed- Mom and Dad (Grandma & Grandpa-also great Grandma/ Grandpa) It appears Collin thinks it is taking Tom much too long to distribute the gifts.
Wake up Jennifer- it won't be much longer
Seems Barbara thinks there is a problem !
Now she appears to be happy-must be the gift she was waiting for It appears that Eli has things under control or he is practicing to be a policeman Hmmmmm ...........electric knife?
Jane seems surprised. Is there only one of them?
Oooooooooooooooo............ there is the other one
Dad really thinks Mom's gift is funny ... he may use them !
Pork Chops from Shippy Jane???????
And the prize of the evening goes to......(drum roll).......... Rob/ The man who can't seem to find things. Gosh there is a lot of paper in that box. Just what Rob needed.................. A vehicle finder of his own. Personalized even ! Yep, Yep....attach it to your belt loop. Hmmm...... Jane seems to really like the chain thing that Rob has going on ! And the gifts just keep rollin in.........strange looking gift !!!!! There ya go Rob....now you should never loose your car again. You have your 'I am not lost' flag, your map of the shopping area to show you where you parked your car, and your personalized super duper Vehicle Locator Button. All is well in your world?

Our family celebration of Christmas, was the day after the 25th. We have to work around schedules. Once again it is lots of fun to be with the kids. To hear their laughter, watching their spontaneity, their love for one another comes shining through. God has certainly blessed us with a wonderful caring family. We get things started, after the meal, with the drawing of the Santa Helpers for the evening. Rick and Amanda were bestowed the role this year. Seems Rick wasnt so sure he wanted to work with Amanda?

Proud Amanda.............does the 'L' stand for Loser Rick?

One of Santa Helpers little Helpers Malia is very happy to be Daddy's little helper
Malia in a zone of her own before the opening of the gifts F E A R................ that is what is showing on Stephanie's face. Rick thinks throwing presents saves time Amanda is trying to appear sorry after dropping Rainey's gift that was fragile ! Rick is marking her as a double loser !
Malia showing us all how to look cool with her new IU hat Luke beginning to open his gifts Looking very happy with this one from Rick, Jennifer, Spencer and Malia Lauren RheaSpencer and Cassidy Rainey wants Mark to wear her new earrings WOW - - Alex is surprised ! Little Missy (aka: Malia Jo) checking out Alex's black pearl from China Can anyone help Rick decide where their new mug came from? Jennifer is delighted, Rick is in shock, Spencer is confused and Malia is asking "What is a stroller?" Ummm .... is this scene real? Amanda, Kyle, Tom and Luke Our Pride and Joy

Alex, Rainey, Lauren with Luke, Spencer with Malia and Cassidy

Too precious for words !

Matthew 1:20-25

Behold the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.

Twas the Night Before Christmas...

This is a little different version of the Clement Moore Christmas Classic.










Twas the night before Jesus and all through the house
Not a creature was praying not one in the house
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.


The clildren were dressing to crawl into bed
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.


When out of the east there arose such a clatter
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash


When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be the day.


The light of His face made me comer my head
It was Jesus, returning just like he said
And though I possesed worldly wisdom and wealth
I cried when I saw Him, in spite of myself.


In The Book Of Life which he held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name
When He said "It's not here" my head hung in shame.


The people whose name had been written in love
He gathered to take to His Father above
With those who are ready He rose with out a sound
While all the rest were left standing around.


I fell to my knees but it was too late
I had waited too long and this sealed my fate
I stood and cried as they rose out of sight
Oh, If I had only been ready tonight.


In the words of the meaning is clear.
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was true after all.



Every knee shall bow.Phillipians 2:8