Good-bye, Twenty Thirteen.....

.....hello Twenty Fourteen!!!

Breathing in Jesus,

Deb

Think about it.....

"Your headlights should always be brighter than your tail lights!!!"

(statement made by our pastor yesterday regarding how we should look ahead, not back)

Philippians 3:13b-14
    No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, 
but I focus on this one thing: 
Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,   
I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Breathing in Jesus,

Deb

SONday Morning Song - Let Them See You.....

Breathing in Jesus,

Deb

Self Care.....

.....and....keep on.....

Breathing in Jesus,

Deb

Friday Foto.....

Breathing in Jesus,

Deb

Bethlehemian Rhapsody.....

It's officially the day after CHRIST-mas.....
but it should live in our hearts everyday, right?!?!?

Y'all have probably seen this before.....
but it's worth repeating!!!

HOPE everybody had an awesome CHRIST-mas!!!
I know we did,  especially seeing the joy and hearing the laughter from our grand's!!!
And, in the midst of it all..... I really tried to remember to keep.....

Breathing in Jesus,

Deb

Christ is born.....

"This night, you on this ­visited planet, your rescue is here. 

You can breathe. 

Your God extends now on straw. 

He lays Himself down in your mire. 

He unfolds Himself in the stench you want to hide, in that mess that is your impossible, in the mucked straw you don’t want anyone to know. 

Rejected at the inn, holy God comes in small to where you feel rejected and small. 

*God is with you now.* 

Wherever you ­are—­
in a soundless cry or hidden brokenness or in your ­ache—
God always wants to be with you. 

You are not ever left alone in this. 

We are never left alone in this; 

*God is with us*. 

Tonight there are no big people --- 

only the Manger Tramps, 

Manger Tramps who tramp in with all our poverty of spirit ... 

*so there can be an abundance of God.* 

God comes as a Babe because grace is weightless. 

*Grace is weightless."

~~~Ann Voscamp~~~

Breathing in Jesus,

Deb

Merry Christ-mas.....

Thank you for being so faithful to stop by and visit me here at 

"Breathing in Jesus"!!!

My HOPE is that you have the best CHRIST-mas ever celebrating the birth of our most precious Jesus.....
our Lord and Savior.....
our KING!!!

Breathing in Jesus,

Deb

SONday Morning Song - Light Has Come.....

Breathing in Jesus,

Deb

Happy belated 6th birthday.....

.....to one of our precious grand-boys!!!

His birthday was yesterday.....

but this is the picture I really wanted to share and I had to wait 'till I got a chance to "steal" it from our daughter!!!

This boy is simply awesome.

I have never met anybody.....child, or adult.....like him!

He's so merciful and kind.

His Dad and Mom volunteer at The Samaritan House.

When Sawyer found out that a little boy living there with his Mom and sister needed toys.....he willingly.....nobody prompted him.....he wanted this boy to have his DS and one of his games and one day when I was at their house, he got it together, along with two Hot Wheel cars, one for the boy and one for his sister.  He was so excited to give away one of his "prized possessions" to somebody in need.  And, don't even get me started on his prayers.....

Yes, I'm a proud Nannie......

but this boy is just different!!!

We love you, Sawyer Jackson.....

you are one of our greatest blessings.....

along with your sister and brothers!!!

Breathing in Jesus,

Deb

Friday Foto.....

I was almost 12 when this picture was taken at Papaw and Mamaw's house on CHRISTmas Eve, 1966.  That's me on the left holding my cousin.  The two other girls are his sisters.....and the handsome young man on the lower right is my baby brother.  What sweet memories this brings to mind.  I loved my Papaw and Mamaw so much and the meals she cooked for us at CHRISTmas were simply awesome!!!  

Their CHRISTmas tree was always a cedar tree that Papaw would cut and then Mamaw would mix up "warshing powder and water" to make a thick paste to "flock" the limbs.  I remember the smell to this day when one of those big old light bulbs would get the powder hot!!!  I was blessed with some of those old ornaments when Mamaw passed away!!!

Sweet, sweet memories that I ponder in my heart!!!

Luke 2:19

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Breathing in Jesus,

Deb

Because you are mine.....

 Isaiah 30:20-21

Your own ears will hear him.
    Right behind you a voice will say,
“This is the way you should go,”
    whether to the right or to the left.

I prayed in my devotional time yesterday morning for God to speak to me about a decision I had to make and I was led to the above scripture in "Jesus Calling".  When I made the phone call to confirm my decision, the lady and I shared our testimonies.  As I realized just what a blessing I had received I asked God.....

"Why are You so good to me?"

And, I felt in my spirit.....

"Because you are Mine"!!!

Breathing in Jesus,

Deb

Wednesday's Word - Refuge.....

Breathing in Jesus,

Deb

I Then Shall Live.....

Our pastor talked about grace SONday night and at the end of his message he played this song.  I realize it's lengthy, but the words are just so awesome.  My prayer for myself is that God will shine HIS Light into my heart and show me if I harbor any unforgiveness, or bitterness toward anybody.  

I want to love....as HE loves!!!

Breathing in Jesus,

Deb

Hello, my name is Deb.....

.....and I'm addicted to CHRIST-mas socks!!!

(this was a repeat from last week.....

but you can't go wrong with owlie socks, right?!?!?)

Proverbs 17:22

A joyful heart is good medicine!!!

Breathing in Jesus,

Deb

SONday Morning Song - O Holy Night.....

This is one of my favorite CHRISTmas carols.....

and John Berry's rendition is probably the best of all

(in my humble opinion)!!!!

Breathing in Jesus,

Deb

Friday Foto.....

....isn't actually a photo!!!

If you've visited here often, then you might realize I kinda like emoticons!!!

Here are a few cute ones for CHRISTmas.....

HOPE y'all have an awesome weekend!!!

We're gonna be keeping our kiddos so our daughter and son-in-law can celebrate their 12th wedding anniversary!!!

With four kiddos age 7 and under.....

I definitely am gonna have to do a lot of.....

Breathing in Jesus,

Deb

What a difference.....

....a year makes!!!

Exactly a year ago today, our daughter, son-in-law and the two oldest grand's left for Uganda.  I knew that I would have a mini breakdown, so I didn't take them to the airport.  I did okay until I got a picture text of the boys standing in the window at the airport watching the planes.....

and word that our youngest at the time said he was already missing Nannie!!

That's when I lost it!

What was expected to not take but a few weeks turned into FIVE very long, stressful weeks!  The Ugandan government pretty much held our kids captive, expecting them to pay a bribe in order for them to issue Ruby Kate a passport to enter the US.

They truly didn't know who they were dealing with.

Jess....in no uncertain terms....refused!!!

We had people tell us that they just needed to go ahead and offer them some money.

My comeback was always what if they did.....

which would have been totally unethical.....

but what if they did and then they put them in prison for paying the bribe!!!

It all worked out and they returned to the US on January 18th, 2013.....

with our beautiful grand-daughter!!!

(there were tons of people praying them home)

Then, on July 15th of this year, we were blessed with yet another grandson!!!

Ain't God good?

Oh, yes HE most certainly is!!!

(Instagram picture I stole from Jess)

Psalm 27:14

Wait patiently for the Lord.
    Be brave and courageous.
    Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

Breathing in Jesus,

Deb

Wednesday's Word - Laughter.....

Breathing in Jesus,

Deb

Christmas This Year.....

I heard Mr. TobyMac sing this on the K-Love special last night.....
and it just plain made my heart happy!!!

Breathing in Jesus,

Deb

I like cute socks.....

.....and I cannot lie!!!

 It's been kind of a joke on Facebook and Instagram about how much I love my CHRISTmas socks!!!  
A friend asked me yesterday, before I could get home from church and change.....where my socks of the day were!!!

So I thought it would be fun to just show the cute socks I wore last week.....

Romans 10:15 

And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? 

As it is written: 

“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Breathing in Jesus,

Deb

SONday Morning Song - Hallelujah.....

I know You came to rescue me.
This baby boy would grow to be
A man and one day die for me and you.
My sins would drive the nails in You
That rugged cross was my cross, too,
Still every breath You drew was Hallelujah!!!!

 

Breathing in Jesus,

Deb

Twas the Night Before Christmas.....

(received in an e-mail from Tim's Inspiration)

Twas the night before Christmas and in Bethlehem town,

All the Inns were so crowded, Mary couldn't lie down.

The baby was coming, all willing and able,

The only safe place to be born was a stable.

The shepherds were sleeping on a hillside nearby,

While Mary was singing her first lullaby.

The lambs in their sheepfold, all wooly and white,

Had just settled down on this clear starry night.

When an angel appeared right there where they lay,

While they rose in fright, he said, "Be not afraid."

The Lord's glory shone as the angel did say,

"Good News, I bring to you all on this day,

A Savior in Bethlehem was born for you,

Now He lies in a manger, ragged cloths are the clue."

When what to their wondering eyes should appear,

But a sky full of angels singing loudly and clear.

God's glory they sang for all they were worth

And peace among all whom He favors on earth.

More rapid than eagles they all disappeared.

A shepherd then shouted to all who would hear,

"Now, Levi!  Now, Reuben!  Now, Isaac and Jacob!

On, Eli!  On Matthew!  On Simon and Caleb!

To the stable in town, to the manger of hay,

Let's go quickly and see where Christ Jesus does lay."

The shepherds could hardly believe what they saw,

Jesus lay in the manger asleep in the straw.

So, down to their knees all the shepherds then sank,

With their hearts full of wonder, their God they did thank.

And then in a twinkling to Joseph and Mary,

The words of the angels, the shepherds did carry.

As they drew in their breath, their heads spinning around,

From the stable the shepherds left without a sound.

Mary pondered these words in the depth of her heart.

She ne'er would forget how the shepherds took part.

A bundle of joy, Mary thought of her child,

And He looked like a pure lamb, so gentle and mild.

His eyes full of wisdom, even though just a baby.

"My Jesus, a Savior? she wondered, "Well, maybe."

His soft, little face seemed to glow with a smile,

So their troublesome journey now, too, seemed worthwhile.

Soon after came wise men from places afar.

Many days had they traveled to follow a star.

They looked for a King who would rule over all,

After speaking with Herod, the worst choice of all.

Herod plotted and planned - a right nasty old king -

Who tried to kill Jesus and end this whole thing.

The magi came in and they kneeled at Christ's bed

And gave Him three gifts and then thinking ahead,

They took a new road on their long journey home.

And Jesus and family to Egypt did roam.

And later He laid down His life for our souls,

Forgiving our sins, Jesus Christ made us whole.

He rose from the dead, to His friends gave a mission.

And we are now given new life with a vision.

So let us exclaim on this most holy night ...

    

Merry Christmas to all,

Jesus Christ is the light!

Breathing in Jesus,

Deb

Friday Foto.....

I finally got our CHRISTmas tree decorated Wednesday night.

I did a bit more decorating this year than last,

mainly for our GRAND's!!!

Last year they were in Uganda at CHRISTmas-time,

and now we have FOUR to spoil!!!

(I love all the neat ways to edit a pic on Instagram)

Notice the picture behind the tree?

That was crocheted by my Daddy many, many years ago.

Mom gave it to my brother and he had it framed.

I'm not sure what prompted him to give it to me, 

but I'm sure glad he did!!

What a blessing!!!

Isaiah 60:13

The glory of Lebanon will be yours—

    the forests of cypress, fir, and pine—

to beautify my sanctuary.

My Temple will be glorious!

Breathing in Jesus,

Deb

The older I get.....

.....the simpler my holiday preparations become...

the closer I feel to old friends as I write my CHRISTmas cards...

the more I cherish the oldest ornaments...

the more fondly I remember CHRISTmases past...

the longer I hold on to a holiday hug...

the more I realize CHRISTmas is a matter of the heart...

the tighter my throat gets when I sing "Silent Night"...

the more I enjoy giving than receiving...

the more I try to see CHRISTmas through the eyes of a child...

the longer I sit at night in the glow of the CHRISTmas tree...

the more wondrously beautiful the CHRISTmas story is...

the deeper my awe at God's infinite love...

the More I Love CHRISTmas!!!

(this was the message in a CHRISTmas card we received)

Ephesians 1:17

I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus CHRIST,

the Father of glory, 

may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know HIM!!!

Breathing in Jesus,

Deb

Wednesday's Word - Bitterness.....

SONday night, our pastor touched on "bitterness" in his message.

Then, on Monday morning, I was led to scripture about bitterness.

I told the Lord that I was hearing Him loud and clear.....

and spent a bit of time repenting of some things I've been bitter over.

He also talked about "anger".

As I searched for signs to go along with this word that God placed upon my heart, I came across this one and felt like it pretty much summed it all up.....

I know I've just gotta continue.....

every single day......

Breathing in Jesus,

Deb