Rescued...

...and I don't mind saying so!  The definition of rescue - to free from confinement, danger or evil; to recover, to deliver! I was and am rescued.  It is sweet to my ears to know that the Kings of Kings loved me so much that he came to earth in the form of a little baby solely and completely for the purpose of rescuing you and me!

I am once again amazed and so humbled by the Christmas Story.  Jesus' arrival here on earth through the virgin Mary accompanied by her new husband, Joseph.  I marvel at their faith... The part that always brings me completely to tears is the fact that Jesus chose the animals to first witness this momentous event - born in a stable...next the Shepherds in the fields were told of the Good News!  The animals that God created, that he loves.  The Shepherds a very low class - not always thought of, in that time, as the best type of people - but none the less people who God created and that he loves.  And isn't it amazing how much God uses the picture of the Shepherd and the sheep as an analogy to teach us?  But, it boggles my mind to know that God could have sent fireworks from the skies with great fanfare to announce Jesus' birth...he could have made way for Jesus to have been born in a mansion filled with dignitaries to witness this wonderful event, swaddled in the finest lavender linen, laid in a gold lined crib.  But he didn't...Jesus came to this world in the most humble way...the way he would go on to live his life.  Coming to those who needed rescued...those who would understand their need for a Savior.

Everything God does and says has great meaning; nothing is coincidental...everything has a purpose and a plan for our lives. He loves all of creation, especially people...of all walks of life.  He seems to delight in using the most broken of vessels; the ones who haven't lived a perfect life...perhaps, because they are simply the most open to Him, they know how very much they need a rescuer, a deliverer, a Savior.

I am thankful that God chose to rescue me...to deliver me.  I needed him and he came to me, spoke to me in the best way so that I could understand his great love for me(often teaching me through the animals in my life).  I am so very thankful that he is the God of all...no matter your position in life.

I find it curious, fascinating that lately the term rescue, in regards to animal rescue, seems to be falling into that category of "politically incorrect" language.  That some are so sick of hearing that a dog, cat or horse is a "rescued" animal.  That animals don't need that label nor want it?  I own rescued animals and animals we have bought from wonderful breeders.  I do believe that the ones I have rescued seem to know at first, they do seem to have an understanding of being helped and then go on to live a happy life just like all my other animals. I think the most wonderful thing that has surrounded the animals I have rescued is the way it changed me...the way I grew through their stories...the way I realized that if God loved this animal so much that he allowed me to intervene in it's life...how much more does he love me and want to intervene in my life!  It's a beautiful story...journey all the way around.  How could there be any angst surrounding an event such as this?  I'm interested that anything and everything in life can be twisted...look at how some twist God's love for us (a "church group" picketing American Soldiers funerals?), how sweets, candies and food can become an addiction (food is meant to give us life and sustain us)...everything can be twisted, brought to an unhealthy extreme...I guess that's why we need a deliverer, a rescuer...  I choose not to think of the unhealthy extremes and focus on the intent and great meaning of the word rescue.  I'm overwhelmed by the kindness and goodness of the one who imitates the heart of Jesus himself when they reach out to help (to rescue) those in need...animals included.  I think God is touched by that also...

I pray you will allow the one who came, because of his great love, so many years ago - in the form of a baby - to deliver you...no matter your position, the difficulties you may face today...He's reaching out for you...to rescue you.
                                                  

Celebrating Family

Pictured are my sweet kids; Nicholas and Natalie Christmas 1996

My sweet daughter, Natalie (pictured above right) welcomed her own baby girl and our first granddaughter this past week.  My son, Nicholas is an Uncle at age 18! What a wonderful moment filled with joy in the life of a family to welcome their first child, grandchild and niece. We all  fell in love the minute we laid eyes on her and have been over the moon about her ever since!  She's beautiful and I'm not a bit prejudiced!

As I looked at this beautiful new family; Brian, Natalie and their new baby girl I was overwhelmed by the love they represented.  Their love was now fulfilled in the birth of their little daughter.  You could physically see the love between the two of them in the gift of baby Alli. As I sat there thinking back to the precious day we welcomed our little baby Natalie, so many memories flooded my mind.  So much of our two stories were similar.  Matt was still in college - like Brian - I was out of work but happy to be able to stay home with my baby - like Natalie.  We lived in a tiny 2nd floor apartment; much like Natalie and Brian's apartment and like them, we were poor as church mice...but we had the love and support of our family around us - as do they.

I thought back on the struggles of a young family.  I know how hard it is to fight for your family.  This world is not conducive to encouraging families.  In fact, we are encouraged to think about our self first and be happy at all costs.  Many times the cost of this thinking is our very family; the ones who should be the most precious to us are the first pay the price of our selfishness...

Family is worth fighting for and the memories of family are worth preserving.  I think back on the struggles and the joys, the heartaches and the celebrations and I would not trade any one of those moments.  Those precious moments have made us who we are...a family that love each other with all our wonders and all our faults.  It's not an easy journey but is is the most fulfilling calling of your life.

I celebrate this sweet new family; Brian, Natalie and Alli.  I welcome sweet baby Alli into our family! I commit my love, understanding and support to all of them.  And I thank God for them and ask for His blessing on this family and this new baby girl!

Creativity...art...artist?

I have had the best fun preparing for my 3rd Craft show! I'm loving it!  From picking out fabric, designing and sewing my bandannas, making colorful toy tugs and bi-fold pouches for baggies (for doggy clean up, tag silencers and jewelry pouches), deciding how to display my table full of my creations just right to the wonderful people I have met along the way.  It's been plain fun - a labor of love!   IF you're in the Gambier Ohio area stop by the 43rd Annual Christmas Craft Show at the Kenyon College Athletic Center - 11 am to 3:30 pm.

This week as I thought about my display I wondered how I might make my gift bags look a bit more festive.  My thought was to use paper bags as they are easily recyclable.  As I sat down and looked at the many stamps my sister had given me over the years; I decided to use what I have to make my gift bags pretty and here's what I came up with.

As I was having fun creating my bags I thought about the movie, What about Bob? The part where he is strapped to the boat and yelling out, "I'm sailing, I'm a sailor"!  Some might argue that he wasn't quite there yet...but he was definitely on his way of becoming a sailor.  I thought about how much I love creating; whether making a birthday cake for my family, planning a graduation party, a wedding, a theme for a parade or a children's church play - I love creating...cakes, costumes, little gifts, theme ideas!  When someone would say to me; Barbara you are such an artist I always found myself looking over my shoulder and seeking the person they were talking about.  Nah, not me...I would say.  But, as I was creating my little paper gift bags it dawned on me that perhaps maybe "they" were right?  :0)  I create...I'm an artist!

By the way, I want to add another of "my favorite things."   Pictured below are homemade soaps from Dancing Bee Farm (I love that name).  Again, if you should be interested in these lovely soaps, I can get you in touch with the lady who makes them.