Away in a Manger

Be near me, Lord Jesus! I ask thee to stay

close by me forever and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,

and fit us for heaven, to live with thee there.

Yesterday, in church, I was too sick to participate in the singing of praise songs and carols, so I closed my eyes and just listened. I need to do this more often. Too often the words of a song gets lost in repetition. This verse of "Away in a Manger" will be my prayer throughout this Christmas season.

Our time here on earth is to prepare us for heaven and eternity with Jesus.

Gratitude journal cont.

61. Riley- has a growl-y 3 year old voice that is sometimes hard to understand, but he always has something to say about everything. He'll talk your ear off if you let him.

62. Maggie - is enthusiastic and passionate about music, school and play.

63. Kayla - has owned a special place in my heart from day one. She's sweet and genuine in spirit. Wanted Grandma to play with her, which I gladly obliged.

64. Ella - is competitive, sly, selfish and stubborn. Don't get in her way! IF you can get her to smile, she'll steal your heart away.

65. Avery - my shadow. Grandma had to sit next to her at the table; on Grandma's lap whenever possible; holding hands; holding her; captured my heart.....will miss this one terribly.

66. Emma - so grown up already! Sensitive, smart in school, talented in many ways. This girl will go far!

67. Josie - very spoiled, but very sweet. What baby of the family isn't?

68. Family who accepts me as I am.

69. Smooth landings.

70. My own bed and pillow.

Gratitude journal cont.

51. He carries me

52. sweet memories of my Mom

53. new shoes

54. gentle rain

55. boundless grace

56. making plans for Thanksgiving

57. Skyping with grandkids

58. another birthday for my husband

59. cell phones that work on dark country roads

60. fur kids who fill an empty house with life

Gratitude journal cont.

41. a good book
42. safe travels
43. feeling included
44. being loved by God
45. joy that's coming
46. strength for another day
47. the hope for Heaven
48. God is a constant in my life
49. a husband who eats anything I make
50. a tolerable work situation

Sunday Morning

You are forever in my life,
You see me though the seasons.
Cover me with Your hand,
and lead me in Your righteousness.
And I look to You,
and I wait on You.

I'll sing to You Lord a hymn of love
for your faithfulness to me.
I'm carried in everlasting arms,
You'll never let me go, through it all.

Lord, even through my doubt and unfaithfullness, you are here in my heart.
Please help me erase my doubt and help my faith to grow anew.
In Jesus name,
Amen

Gratitude journal cont.

31. a granddaughter with a tender, caring heart

32. her parents who taught her to be so

33. renewed friendships

34. warm, sunny November day

35. red maple leaves still clinging to our tree

36. modern health care

37. nurses who are compassionate

38. fleece jackets

39. down comforter

40. God is still in control

Gratitude journal cont.

21. Two wiggling furry bodies greeting me at the door.
22. Hard working farmers plowing their fields after dark.
23. Harvest
24. Orange harvest moon.
25. An aunt who calls me her third daughter.
26. A warm house.
27. A son who is growning up.
28. Making plans with girlfriends.
29. Praying for a friend.
30. A good sermon.