http://www.joydekok.com/wordpress Believe Thu, 25 Dec 2008 17:39:12 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en I wish you all a Merry Christmas!!!  Today, Jon, the puppies, and me are going to have Christmas dinner with my Mom & Dad. We're looking forward to the time with grateful hearts. It's a different kind of Christmas Day for my family though. It's the first time ever we're not all ... http://www.joydekok.com/wordpress/2008/12/25/a-different-kind-of-christmas-day/ In a few minutes I will start getting ready. In just a few hours, our house will fill up with the voices of loved ones. The air will smell like egg bake, fruit breads, coffee, and cinnamon candles. The tables are set - 12 are coming and that's just too crowded for the ... http://www.joydekok.com/wordpress/2008/12/24/a-bunch-for-brunch/ Stable living was not the couple’s first choice. We know Joseph sought other lodging. There was none. Except the place God had planned all along. I believe the God who knows everything was not surprised when the only place available was a stable. In fact, it was the perfect place. ... http://www.joydekok.com/wordpress/2008/12/23/stable-living/ Mary & Joseph. Two people who had angelic visits and said yes to the messengers. Then, she bore Him and they lived with Him;  the Message – Jesus the Christ – the Good News. As much as I’m in amazement at the scene in the stable…it’s the trip to Bethlehem ... http://www.joydekok.com/wordpress/2008/12/22/on-the-road/   The temperature at our house right now is -6 degrees. It’s cold. In fact, it’s downright frightful. I don’t have a fire going but truly…inside our snug home, it’s truly delightful. We’ll eat a warm dinner and later, we’ll  pop some corn and watch a movie. Outside the window is ... http://www.joydekok.com/wordpress/2008/12/21/the-weather-outside-is-frightful/   I’m really trying with Christmas this year…mostly I feel tried. Sorry. I’m not doing much better than I was yesterday when I wrote Tis the Season. I have been doing some pondering. When I read about the star that shone over Bethlehem I wonder…Why did most of the world miss ... http://www.joydekok.com/wordpress/2008/12/21/do-you-see-what-i-see/     I mean to be jolly. I do. Instead, I’m feeling grumbly this year. Not quite the Grinch – but close. And, I’m not the only one. We sat in Culver’s tonight (they have great chili!) and I watched people. Two men nearby argued through a family dispute. Merry they were ... http://www.joydekok.com/wordpress/2008/12/19/tis-the-season/ Today at Bible Study, my friend Peg shared the next stage in her earthly journey. Peg has battled cancer for 11 years and without a miracle she is entering her last phase of this life. It took a lot of courage for her to stand in front of over 100 ... http://www.joydekok.com/wordpress/2008/11/07/a-grace-filled-life/ (This is me in September 1963 - my first day of 1st grade) Something got into me that day.  I remember it well. I was full to the brim with energy. It had to come out. And, it did. I don’t remember what it was, but I had to tell Cindy Gilbertson ... http://www.joydekok.com/wordpress/2008/10/15/unforgiven-in-the-1st-grade/ I enjoy the taste and smell of fresh corn on the cob, dripping with butter and sprinkled with salt. I don’t mind the mess when the butter and sweet corn juice run down my arms to my elbows planted firmly on the table. I savor each kernel. I also like ... http://www.joydekok.com/wordpress/2008/08/04/stop-smell-the-corn/