This morning was what John and I call a “sleep in day.” No alarm clock. No rush to get out of bed. I need those days after busy times and before busy times. And the Christmas season is all busy!! (And wonderful!!) He did have a late morning appointment so as he headed out, I got comfortable on the couch with a piece of toast and a protein shake and turned on the TV.

I couldn’t find anything interesting and began channel surfing. I found the “Senate Channel” and listened to a wonderful man speak before my mind turned to a memory of my last time in the Senate’s chambers.

We had taken our three granddaughters on a trip to Washington DC. Our visit included stops at the offices of their members of the House of Representatives and quick visits to the Senate and House Chambers.

When we got into the House, they were just beginning their session. We stood for prayer and said the Pledge of Allegiance along with the few folks who were in the chamber and gallery. Then the House began having a period of 1-minute speeches. There had been a controversial call at a Major League Baseball game the night before and several members used their time to make comments on the quality of the umps and the teams involved. Our visit was over quickly and we departed the gallery.

When we entered the Senate they had already begun their day. As I recall, there were only three Senators in the chamber; one presiding, one speaking and one reading. Again, our time was over quickly and we were ushered out.

If you ever want truthful and clear opinions, ask a kid! Here were some of their reactions:

• Why were they talking about baseball? They should be doing their job!!
• That man speaking didn’t know all of the words that he was reading. He should have practiced!
• And if he didn’t know all of the words, how could he know if what he was saying was even right?
• Where were all of the rest of them? They should have been on time, working, like we have to do at school.

It was funny but it wasn’t. Our girls took seriously the responsibility to use time appropriately.

I agree whole heartedly. And last night a dear friend shared how she appreciates my sense of time. I am kind of a no-nonsense kind of gal when it comes to people’s time. I start and finish events on time (and ending earlier than planned is always great!!)

But sometimes I find myself missing something because I was too focused on the time or getting the job done. Last night I forgot to eat dinner or drink all of the fluids that I should, thinking I could do that four hours later than usual. Bad decision and it showed! My body insists on getting what it needs when it needs it.

So this holiday, let’s find that sweet point of balance: making good use of the time and yet slowing, or even stopping, to enjoy the view.

Love,

Jill (just one of God’s kids)

Ps. Gotta get going, packages and cards need to be mailed before I do a complete stop and enjoy lunch with a friend. Balance, Dear One, balance! ❤️❤️❤️

When I was a child, my family visited Yellowstone National Park where the geyser “Old Faithful” is located. When we visited, the geyser erupted about every 70 minutes (or so) with each eruption lasting 2-5 minutes. Its name came from its relatively predictable eruptions.

I remember watching Old Faithful and holding Mom’s hand as we walked on the wooden walkways that take visitors close to the geysers. At one point, one geyser erupted with the rest of the family on the other side of the hot, sulfur-smelling water. I was worried, but Mom reassured me and we held each other’s hand a little tighter.

You see, like the geyser, my parents were faithful. Faithful to their God, each other, their family and their promises.

Faithfulness comes at a price; it isn’t cheap. And the cost of being faithful, of consistently remaining true and loyal with integrity and truthfulness, is why faithfulness isn’t popular or common.

One of the attributes of God is that He is faithful. He never changes. Imagine that – our Creator will always be Who and what He has always been. No moodiness. No changing of the rules. No holding back on the promises He has made.

This attribute of God, His faithfulness, is part of the reason that I love the Christmas carol “O Come All Ye Faithful.” Although we do not have a history of the origin of the hymn, we do know that it was written to the Church, to the faithful followers of God.

My goal is to become more and more like God, to be a more accurate reflection of Jesus, His mind, His view of people, His mercy and grace. I’m not far toward that goal, but, I am happy to say, that I do have had tiny moments of progress!

To be called by God, to be faithful to Him – always looking for His way and not my own, reflecting His grace and love, to have the mind of Christ is so exciting! So, Fellow Believers, come with me and answer the call to come and worship the Lord. He knows our striving to be faithful. He is delighted when we praise His name!!

Brothers and Sisters, let us spend some time this Christmas adoring Him, worshipping the One who calls us to be faithful!!

Love,

Jill (just one of God’s kids)

Verse 1
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant!
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold Him born the King of angels:
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

Verse 2
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God, glory in the highest:
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

Verse 3
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be all glory given!
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord!