Running in the Cold!

To truly enjoy these pictures, click on them to enlarge them!

I know I blog a lot about running, but today ranks among one of my favorites! Not because I was super fast, because I wasn't, but it was a beautiful morning! After a very cold storm yesterday, the world was clean and fresh! Yes, I wanted to stay in my warm flannel sheets but I was definitely rewarded for my efforts!

This was the temperature AFTER I got home. Peeps, that's definitely cold! (But not freezing!!)



This tree is in our next door neighbor's yard.
I took this from my front yard.


This was taken about two miles from our house. I had a feeling running with my camera would be a good idea today!


Here are the hills that were burned a couple months ago. New life already!



As I headed home, I felt like singing "How Great Thou Art." So I did!

Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

The Christmas Apron

Among my many, many, many Christmas decorations are a few rare treasures. One of those is the apron pictured above. I keep it tucked away all year, only bringing it out at Christmas, and I never actually wear it because I don't want to ruin it.

This apron was given to Mom for Christmas in 1995 by the parents of some of her students. This would have been one of the last years that Mom worked at TTCS, something she loved so much. It reminds me of the impact that Mom had on the lives of so many children and the importance of planting seeds in their hearts.


At the top of the apron, the words are:

TIDINGS OF COMFORT AND JOY

The glow of firelight reflected in a radiant face. Our Christmas wreath, symbol of eternal hope and grace. The warmth and coziness of the family together on Christmas eve. These are the memories that bring comfort and joy to our lives. They are the source of our most treasured traditions that time and time again we joyfully recreated.

I know that Mom would love what is going on in my kitchen this week - I'm definitely recreating a treasured tradition! I got almost all the recipes from her. Look for pictures of the finished products in the next day or so...

Annual Music Department Christmas Recital

Last night was our Christmas Recital. We have been doing this for several years and it's a very unique evening! The night starts with our beginning musicians - often playing the keyboard with only one or two fingers - then progresses to the more advanced. It's neat to see who has improved over the past year and to see where our next talent is coming from!

This year was no exception. Three year old Neveah sang "Happy Birthday, Jesus" to a soundtrack and did fabulous - right on beat!


Six year old Caitlin Flores played "Away in a Manger" and her four year old brother, Nicolas, sang along. Her finish was quite unique - she got a little lost, but kept smiling!



Angelica Craig (who will be seven next month) played "Joy to the World".


And our resident "diva", Miss Krystal Rojo, age 10, treated us with "There's Something Going on in Bethlehem."


There were songs by the children of each of our branch pastors, which included one song in Spanish. There was a song in Polish. There were piano solos, vocal duets, the Sign Language Team, and even an iPhone "flute" solo!!! Of course, none of this would happen without the prodding, pleading, and stressing of our Music Director, Sis White!


Each year, Sis. White and I choose a "Musician of the Year." This year, we selected Les, not because I'm married to him, but because he has been very faithful to our Music Department for a long time. He not only plays the bass, but he is also responsible for the sound equipment in our church - a big job in any church! Les, thanks for all you do - your help is greatly appreciated!


The church also took the evening to honor Pastor and Sis. White, presenting them their Christmas gift. Since it was "only" a card, I imagine there was some "green" involved. We love this couple!


We finished the evening with cookies and hot drinks. Wish you could have all been there!

Reindeer in Simi Valley??

I spotted a couple of deer the other morning while I was out running. It reminded me of the time when our niece Claire came for a visit with her dad. She wasn't quite four at the time...

It was almost Christmas, so I took her to our company's children's party and we all went to Disneyland. Les, Lance, and Claire also climbed the hill behind our house and saw deer while they were out. This combination of Christmas overload caused Claire to report to her grandmother, "Nana, I climbed a mountain and petted a reindeer!"

I can barely tell the difference myself!

Keeping Christ in Xmas

How many times have you seen "Merry Xmas" and thought, "here we go again, taking Christ out of Christmas?" I've done it myself on a regular basis since I was a child. But I learned a little something this week - Christians invented Xmas!

This abbreviation for Christmas is of Greek origin. The word for Christ in Greek is Xristos. During the 16th century, Europeans began using the first initial of Christ's name, "X" in place of the word Christ in Christmas as a shorthand form of the word. Although the early Christians understood that X stood for Christ's name, later Christians who did not understand the Greek language mistook "Xmas" as a sign of disrespect.

Another example is the symbol of the fish, one of the earliest symbols of Christians that has been found scratched on the walls of the catacombs of Rome. It likely originated from using the first letter of several titles of Jesus (Jesus Christ Son of God Savior). When combined these initial letters together spelled the Greek word for fish (icquV, ichthus).

The exact origin of the single letter X for Christ cannot be pinpointed with certainty. Some claim that it began in the first century AD along with the other symbols, but evidence is lacking. Others think that it came into widespread use by the thirteenth century along with many other abbreviations and symbols for Christianity and various Christian ideas that were popular in the Middle Ages. However, again, the evidence is sparse.

So the next time your agnostic neighbor or atheist co-worker says "Merry Xmas", just smile and say thank you! Or take Paul's approach in Acts 17:23 "For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you" and introduce them to the Christ of Xmas.

Happy Birthday, Sis. Cynthia!

Today is one of my good friend's birthday. I know she won't read this today, because she's taking the day off for her! But I want to say happy birthday, anyway! Sis. Cynthia, I hope you had a fun day and did lots of shopping!!

Love ya!!

A "Mary" Christmas

In 2001 John Grisham wrote the book "Skipping Christmas." Since then it has become an annual read for me. What would it be like to skip the chaos that comes at Christmas? No parties, luncheons, dinners, or banquets. No elaborate decorating schemes or exorbitant gift buying. No scurrying from store to store to find the hearts desire of all 50 of my dearest friends and family members! What would it be like to escape it all for a tropical retreat instead?

As I was thinking about "skipping" some things, I realized what I really want is a "Mary" Christmas. Not the Mary we read about in the Christmas story, but Mary, the sister of Lazarus as found in Luke 10:38-42. It's so easy to be a Major Martha during this time of the year, but finding time to sit at His feet becomes more and more difficult.

So, in the midst of decorating, shopping, baking, shopping, wrapping, shopping, partying, and more shopping, I want to be like Mary. While I'm "decking the halls," I want to take time to "fall on my knees" and "adore Him."

White Christmas

I really have to pretend when it comes to a white Christmas. There are good things about southern California weather - we never get snowed in, never have to shovel snow, etc. But snow falling on Christmas morning sounds fun!

A few years ago, a friend told me about Martha Munizzi's Christmas CD. She and Israel Houghton wrote an incredible song called "White Christmas". I have sung it in church a few times, and love listening to it each year. I hope you'll enjoy the words.

Verse 1
Life use to be so dark and cold,
A bitter wind blowin' through my soul
But now I've got to let you know
Everything changed it's a miracle

Hard to explain how it came to be,
Yesterday I was blind, today I see
This love I have so wonderful,
Cause everything changed it's a miracle

Oh what a beautiful season
Oh and Jesus is the reason

Chorus
It's gonna be a white Christmas
Into the new and out of the old
Though my sins were red as crimson
Now they're white as snow
It's gonna be a white Christmas
The past is passed away
And it's a brand new day because of Jesus
It's gonna be a white, white Christmas

Verse 2
This can be the year for change
Where Christmas happens everyday
And joy returns to you in full
This is your day for a miracle

Dreams and destiny renewed
What He's done for me He can do for you
So open up your heart once more
This is your day for a miracle

Bridge
More than just a fantasy
It can be reality
If you believe, it's not a dream

Chorus
It's gonna be a white Christmas
Into the new and out of the old
Though my sins were red as crimson
Now they're white as snow
It's gonna be a white Christmas
The past is passed away
And it's a brand new day because of Jesus
It's gonna be a white, white Christmas

So no matter what the weather, we can all have a white Christmas because of Jesus!

The Joy Story

This past Sunday morning our Sunday school department presented "The Joy Story". I love it when the kids do a program. You just never know what is going to happen! There are always the little ones that get distracted, start wiggling and giggling, and generally steal the show! But there are also the ones who surprise you. You just never knew where the next talented singer is going to be spotted!

I enjoy sitting back and watching it all unfold, and this year was no exception. A few voices I had heard before - Crystal and Rachel both did a great job, as always. Paloma is developing quite a voice - can't wait until she's old enough to join the choir! Even a couple of the boys sang solos - which is usually the biggest challenge! And of course, the true meaning of the Joy Story - Jesus came to earth to bring eternal joy!

Hats off the all the adults who made it happen as well. Costumes, props, music, PA, timing - none of that happens on its own. Great job, everyone!

First Fire of the Season and a Game of Tag

The weather has finally cooled a bit here. Only suppose to get to about 65 today! Bring out the hot chocolate, sweaters, and mittens!! Yes, I've turned into a bit of a Southern California wimp!! In honor of our "cold front", I decided to start a fire in our fireplace for the first time since about last March.

I'm also playing a game of tag with fellow blogger, Karen Hopper. Here are the rules:

RULE ONE: Grab one of the books closest to me, go to page 56, type the fifth line and the next two to five lines that follow.

RULE TWO: Pick five people who love books (I think) and who could receive the Bookworm award with honor.

From "The Christmas Scrapbook" by Philip Gulley, lines 5 through 10:

"Do you remember what she said when she saw that picture?"
Sam thought for a moment. "I believe she said the life jacket made her look big."
"See what I mean." He put the offending picture back in the box. "Won't be needing that one."

Here's where I'm changing the rules! I'm including some of my non-blog-writing book lovers! Since the rules said pick five people, not bloggers, I'm doing just that! So here are my five: Chris Tarazon, Cynthia Simmons, Lori Long, Chloee Tarazon, and Caroline Rogers. If you are a non-blogger, please leave the words to your book as a comment on my blog. And if you are not named here and want to play, please feel free to join in. Maybe I'll write a story entitled "Page 56, Line 5..."

And now, with such a wonderful fire blazing, I think I'll look for another book!

First Christmas

From My Baby Book:

Kathy's first Christmas was marred by Rodney being in the hospital. She got lots of gifts - dolls, sweaters, dresses, several squeaky toys, and stuffed toys.
Kathy spent the day with Irene Wilkinson. We had planned a beautiful Christmas - spending the day at home with the children. Of course our plans were shattered by Rodney's sudden attack. Kim and Rickey spent Christmas with Grandpa Hogan and Grandma Luella. We spent the day running back and forth between the hospital and home. We've got a lot to be thankful for.

Obviously, I don't remember my first Christmas! It's incredible that Mom recorded all of this with all that was going on. She amazes me with the comment "We've got a lot to be thankful for."

How wonderful to have friends to rely on in times of great need. Irene and Kenneth Wilkinson were true friends to Mom. Their two sons, Gary and Calvin, were probably under the age of 10 on this particular Christmas, but they willingly took care of me as well.

Irene was also there for Mom when Mom and Dad first moved to Fresno around 1960. They had known each other in Visalia and Kenneth and Irene were faithful to take Mom to church for many years. I can only imagine how my life would have turned out had it not been for these wonderful people.

Any readers from Fresno, please give Irene a Christmas hug for me!

Why JESUS is Better Than Santa Claus!

Got this in an email today. It's so true!


Santa lives at the North Pole... JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh... JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year... JESUS is an ever-present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies... JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited... JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart.

You have to wait in line to see Santa... JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap... JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, what's your name?"... JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly... JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO... JESUS offers health, help and hope.

While Santa says "You better not cry"... JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."

Santa's little helpers make toys... JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but...JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree... JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

Its obvious there is really no comparison. We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about. We need to put Christ back in Christmas, Jesus is still the reason for the season. Yes, Jesus is better, he is even better than Santa Claus!

Merry CHRISTmas!!!

Vacation Report - Gatlinburg

Our travels finally ended in Gatlinburg on Tuesday night. Many, but not all, of my father-in-law's family were in attendance. A total of 49 descendants of Earl and Marie McElhaney converged upon Gatlinburg, four generations, and 17 of them were 10 or younger! Many of the cousins had never met, but they seemed to get along splendidly (with refereeing by parents as needed). As you can imagine, the noise level was deafening, the laughter continual, and the food plentiful. My darling niece, Hannah, was my assistant photographer, taking most of the candid shots! She got all of us at our best - funny faces galore!

On Thanksgiving Day, most of us rode the Tram to Ober Gatlinburg. Claire, Hannah, and Sydney sang along with the Christmas carols on the radio as we slowly drove down the main street in Gatlinburg - with the windows down. Les and I took Hannah ice skating, and various family members joined us from time to time. Les and I rescued cousin Bill Hobson as he tried to skate with two of his kids! Spencer, age 3, and Sheridan, age 5, were a bit much for one adult! Especially when their version of skating is holding the hands of adults, leaning backwards, then flinging themselves forward! Hannah was quite the trooper - she skated for over two hours and loved it! I think the back of my legs are still bruised from the tight skates! But making memories with the little ones is what it's all about!

And finally, we took group shots of each family unit. The Crabtrees had four generations in attendance, while the rest of us only had three!

Guess where we ate our final meal in Tennessee???

New Header Photo

Shown above are all the munchkins that we saw on Thanksgiving! A total of seventeen - ages one through ten. Lots of cuties in this family!! Claire and Hannah, along with the Wearing Four, are our nieces and nephews. There are second, third, and fourth cousins.

Front row: Daniel and Dusty Robbins, Brooklyn and Reed Crabtree (twins), Liam Crabtree, Leksi Wearing
Second row: Mason McElhaney, Grant Crabtree, Spencer Hobson, Galina Wearing, Sheridan Hobson, Hannah McElhaney, Reece Wearing
Third row: Morgan McElhaney, Sydney Hobson, Claire McElhaney, Wesley Wearing

Vacation Report - Chattanooga

Monday morning found us making our way to Chattanooga. It was a bit cold and raining, but I enjoyed just riding along with my best friend. It was still raining when we arrived in Chattanooga, so we decided to go to the Tennessee Aquarium. It was nice and dry inside the two buildings - River Journey and Ocean Journey.

Tuesday morning dawned bright and clear, so we headed to Lookout Mountain. History was made on Lookout Mountain during the Civil War, with the Battles for Chattanooga changing the outcome of the war.

On Lookout Mountain there are numerous attractions - we visited three: Ruby Falls, Rock City, and the Incline Railway. My favorite was definitely Rock City. The outdoor gardens, viewing seven states, Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village were all a site to see.

This slide show is a bit lengthy, so feel free to click on View All Images to see them more quickly.

Vacation Report - Nashville

Our flight arrived in Nashville on Saturday, November 22nd at 1:00 p.m. We picked up our luggage and rental car and headed straight to Cracker Barrel! This was the first time that Les really tried to eat stuff - and eat he did! His first meal included fried catfish, hashbrown casserole, biscuits, and some of my chicken.



Our next stop was First Church. For the past 25 years, the church has had their Christmas Village and Flea Market on the Friday and Saturday before Thanksgiving. I've been hearing about it for the past 17 years, but we never arrive in town early enough to actually see it. Well this year we did and I'm so glad! Christmas Village consists of many booths of food, candies, desserts, etc., with the Flea Market part consisting of used clothing for all ages, toys, etc. It was remarkable! I know that a TON of work went in to this event and I'm happy to say that over $17,000 was raised by the church in those two days!

The booths each had a theme. I can't remember them all, but the children's section was Whoville and the ladies that worked it had amazing hairstyles! I also loved the roof of the sweet shoppe - it looked like red and white candy, and I when I got up close saw that it was made of paper plates. Creativity was everywhere! And of course we got to visit with tons of people who had been praying for Les - they were thrilled with our victory report. For those of you who told me you read my blog - Thanks! That means a lot to me and I'm happy to keep you current on the life of one of your "kids".

I also met Sis. Doris. She was one of Les' Sunday school teachers and she is also a founding member of First Church. The church was founded in 1941 by her uncle, Bro. J.W. Wallace. Sis. Doris is a widow, in her 80s, but her memory is sharp as could be! She told of the first building and each step of growth the church has taken in its 67 year history. What a treasure she is and I'm glad I got to meet her.

When we left Christmas Village, we went to the home of our good friends, Doug and Lori Long. Doug was part of the Nashville church when the McElhaney family moved to Tennessee in 1971 and he and Les have been friends since. They also share the same birthday!

I knew we were in for a treat when Doug asked Les to help him make dinner! This was such a rare event, I took many pictures as proof. The two of them made stuffed manicotti, shrimp scampi, and sauteed asparagus. It was delicious!

Sunday morning we attended service at First Church. Bro. Becton preached a great message about the tribes of Ruben and Gad not crossing Jordan to claim their inheritance. He told a story about a little boy that kept falling out of bed each night. Finally his grandfather decided to watch what he did each night just before he fell out. The next morning, Grandpa said, "Son, you're falling out of bed because when you get in, you just lay on the edge. Get in bed all the way!" So many wonder why they struggle with staying in the church - get in all the way and it will be easier!

Because of all the work that the ladies had done for Christmas Village, there was no service on Sunday night. So the fun continued at the Long's house! We were joined by another long time friend, Jerry Barlar, with his wife Allison, and their two children, Jaden and Sophie. Doug and Lori's daughter, Danielle, was also there and she brought her boyfriend, Craig. After a meal of soup and sandwiches, the kids played in the basement, while we adults sat at the table and played "remember them? where are they now? and who did they marry?" for a while.

When we finally moved into the living room, the hilarity truly began! We laughed until we cried! We laughed until we couldn't breathe! We laughed until Les said, "I'm going to tear my esophagus again!" and then we laughed some more! If I tried to explain what we were laughing about it wouldn't even make sense - "you just had to be there!" and I'm glad I was. There is nothing like lifelong friends. Sophie took a little while to warm up to all of us, but by the end of the evening she was leading us in a rousing version of the song BINGO - you know, "there was a farmer had a dog and Bingo was his name-o." The pew that the three amigos are sitting on is an actual pew from the original sanctuary in Nashville. The three guys have many memories of sitting on those pews when they were younger.