Christmas Spirit

Thomas K Woolen Mill, Salem
Originally uploaded by kjwatson103.

A man asked me last week if I was ready for Christmas. I said no, I’m really not. His question in response went something like, “Why does everyone equate being ready for Christmas with shopping?” I hope he was including himself in that question because I was not talking about my shopping list at all.

Thanks to some friends who contributed to six Christmas worship stations around our church this week, now I'm ready. Merry Christmas.

proud of a fellow oregonian

When I read Dan's blog about Senator Gordon Smith's comments last week, I didn't think much about it. I had been out of town for a week and was trying to piece my real life back together before work on Monday. It wasn't until this afternoon as I was walking and watching Wolf Blitzer interview Senator Smith on CNN's Situation Room that I really understood the significance of what happened while I was sitting in back-to-back conferences being inspired to better care for our country's aging citizens. Today, I am proud of Senator Smith for his heart-felt remarks about the war in Iraq and am praying that the tide on capital hill will turn to untangle our troops from the unholy mess we find ourselves in. In fact, I got so excited about it I wrote Senator Smith to tell him how proud I am of him at this moment. I hope you will too by clicking here.

writing assignment

I’m writing for Listening Life and need a little help from a broader perspective. Will you reflect on the following questions and comment on one or more before December 22nd?

I believe we (all people) are God’s precious and dearly loved children. Have you ever sensed that for yourself? What was it like? How has it changed you?

What does “filled with the Holy Spirit” mean? How have you experienced it yourself?

Thanks in advance! -- Kathy