Goodbye 2005

Well, it's almost over. In less than 10 hours 2005 will be a memory in our past. As I look back on this year there are a lot of smiles as well as tears that fill my soul. I am thankful for what God has blessed us with throughout this year. And I pray that we will not have to go through some of the painful times we had this year. All in all, 2005 was a good year.

This is the last year Jake will be in pre-school.

This year we got to go to Florida, Disney World, the beach and Key West.

This year we got to go to the ONU game and see the Polar Bears win BIG!!

This Christmas was wonderful....Santa even came to our house.

I once heard a blessing that went something like this....may the new year hold wonders for you and yours...may you love more than the years gone by...may your joys be greater than this year's and your sorrows be less than the year we leave.

Happy New Year!! May you be blessed in 2006!

After that Christmas Night

This year's Christmas was one filled with great wonder and awe. I have been reflecting a lot (as I do almost every year) on Mary's reaction to the events that unfolded around Jesus' birth. I have this beautiful picture on my computer with Mary holding Jesus. The look on her face is priceless and to me really captures the look of the new mother. I imagine that Mary felt so many emotions that day so long ago...I'll bet she was proud of her beautiful son, I bet that she sang him songs and looked lovingly on him as he slept in her arms. How wonderful it must have been to bask in the glory of the Christ Child. Little did she know what the future held...

I hope your Christmas was a joyful one filled with the presence of the baby who came to save all of us.

It's Officially Christmas

I heard it again...and how sweet it sounded. Every year we have Advent concerts on Fridays at our church. It's a time when musicians outside our congregation come and play or sing a lunchtime then we have a light luncheon following. Each year I wait in anticipation that sometime either during the concerts or on Christmas Eve I will hear one of my favorite songs sung...O Holy Night.

Last Friday my wish came true. There was a beautiful redition of O Holy Night sung by one of the Marshall students. It was so beautful I cried at the end.

Thank you so much for making my Christmas complete!

**The picture above is not our sanctuary, but looks kinda like our sanctuary

Congratulations Wes

I just read on the ONU website that Wes Hostelter was named the MVP of the Aztec Bowl after scoring three touchdowns for Team USA over Mexico on Saturday. This is in addition to setting two Aztec Bowl records...with 223 all purpose yards and 18 points scored. He was also named to the AFCA (America Football Coaches Association) All-America team.

For more information go to ONU Football

Congratulations Wes!

Had to Try This...I'm Rudolph

You Are Rudolph

Sweet and shy, you tend to be happiest when you're making someone else happy. Why You're Naughty: You sometimes stick that nose where it doesn't belong Why You're Nice: Christmas would be a sad affair without you!

Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?

Why Does Snow Keep Missing Us?!

Why is it that we keep missing the snow?! It goes North of us, it goes South of us and all we get is rain. I want snow!!!

And, it's Thursday and that means....RAIN. No snow...no sleet or any of the yucky stuff like ice. Just rain.

Well, there's always the possibility of snow next week...but according to the Weather Channel that won't happen either.

Until then...I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

Which Character from Narnia are You?

You have a strong sense of responsibility toward others and a deep respect for other people, even strangers, though you are not always sure what the best course of action is. You are Lucy, the brave child who is wise beyond her years and kind to all she meets.

I was hoping to be Lucy!!

Who are you?

Are You a Lion or a Witch?

Journey to Narnia was GREAT!

We went to see the Chronicles of Narnia tonight and it was great. Jake and I have been reading the stories for a while now. We began with the Magician's Nephew and have just finished The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. I am glad we read the stories together because reading them before gave us a chance to talk about what was going on and when we saw the movie Jake knew what was going on pretty much.

The movie was awesome...the special effects were wonderful! I really do feel, along with many, that this will offer the opportunity for theological discussion as people see this movie.

If you've not had the chance it really is a good movie. We gave it three thumbs up!

Could this be the first of many?!

Tomorrow's Thursday and that Means - SNOW!!

Ever since we started Common Grounds on Thursday nights we have had a series of bad weather events on that evening. It started last January and continued through to the Spring. Even in the summer we had storms on some of the Thursday nights of the service. At first it was funny...and then we began a mantra, "Of course the weather's bad...it's Thursday."

I thought that maybe this winter would be different, but it doesn't appear so. Tomorrow afternoon and evening there's supposed to be a winter storm in the area. I'm excited about the 2-4 inches they're calling for, but just wish it would come later in the night and not be preceded by the slushy rain/snow/sleet/freezing rain mixture they're calling for. 'Course, Tony Cavalier (the weatherman at WSAZ-TV) could be wrong. Just have to wait and see.

'Course it is Thursday.

What Christmas Figure Are You?

You are one magnificent person! You are the night
of Christmas. You are a beautiful, good-hearted
person who enjoys the best for others. You are
probably very sentimental as well. You don't
believe in material objects for making you
happy, but in things more important. You truly
live out the spirit and meaning of this
holiday. Being around the ones you care about
most is enough to make you content. The thing
is that most people may either really love or
unfortunately hate you for your beautiful
nature. Merry Christmas =)

What Christmas Figure Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Now This is More Like It!

Since our little snowfall on Thanksgiving I have been struggling to get into the holiday spirit. The weather has been too warm to fully get into the Christmas mood. There's something really wrong with Christmas shopping with no coat and short sleeves. There's a problem when the weather is 75 degrees after Thanksgiving.

But today I was so happy...once again it is snowing!! I grew up in Northern Ohio so I LOVE snow! I like to sit inside and watch it fall from the sky. I like (unless it's slick) to walk while the snow falls...there's just something calming and beautiful about the snow. I miss the snows that we had when I was growing up.

I'm so excited!! I tried to take a picture of it with my cell phone but the pictures didn't do this pretty scene justice.

I remember a couple of years ago, I told my college group that one thing I missed about my years growing up was that it was taken for granted we'd have a white Christmas. It seems like those don't happen a whole lot anymore. It could be I moved about 300 miles South of where I used to live, it could be global warming, but for what ever reason I just missed it. I remember telling them that all I really wanted for that Christmas was snow. Well, weeks passed and soon it was Christmas. The weather hadn't forecasted anything for overnight, but when I got up and looked out...THERE WAS SNOW!!

I looked up and said, "Thanks God! That was so cool!" I told the group about it later that week in Sunday School...two of them said they had seen it too, thought of me and almost cried.

I was just saying the other day that I said I hoped this winter it would snow and snow and that we would have a beautiful winter to enjoy. It's almost as if God has granted me a glimpse of what this winter can be. Thank you God for creating snow to remind us of you!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! Today we woke up with scents of breakfast casserole in the air...and tuned in to NBC to watch the Macy's Day Parade....

So far we have seen the Big Bird big balloon, Elmo and friends. The Chicken Little balloon, many people singing new and Christmas songs.

We've seen Sponge Bob, and many others....I wonder if we'll see Spider Man this year?

The floats are some of my favorites, but I must admit there is definitely something about all of those people who hold the balloons to keep them from flying away. Horses, singers, performers and so many other entertainers are some of the staples of the Holiday parade.

And who could forget the bands?! This tradition of watching the parade has been one that I remember doing when I was Jake's age. We would watch the parade and in the middle travel to see my cousins at one of their houses for the big Thanksgiving dinner.

On the way to my cousin's house we would listen to the first of the Christmas music on the radio and anticipate seeing our family. It was a neat experience to be together with everyone during the holidays. We would arrive just in time to catch the end of the parade and the arrival of the guest of honor this day...Santa...with his arrival you always knew the Christmas season had officially started. This is the time of Thanksgiving each year that makes me emotional. Maybe it's because I'm truly a kid at heart. Maybe it's because Jake gets so excited when he sees Santa come down the street riding on a swan-like sleigh. Or maybe I'm just wishing for times past.

Thanksgiving is a time I remember with fondness...a joy and happiness that is only surpassed by Christmas. We would gather around a big table filled with food, family and friends and share what we were thankful for. There seemed to be less (unless I didn't pay attention to it) product placement and commercialism to the season and things seemed to be more authentic then.

I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving and that you take time to spend with family and friends.

May we all be counting the great ways in which God has blessed our lives. And may we, during this upcoming Advent season, spend time with God in prayer and thanksgiving for all the gifts in our lives.

Thank you, Sue

I found out today that an Emmaus friend passed away this morning. I first saw Sue during my walk to Emmaus last Spring. I remember she light up the room when she entered, dressed as one of the clowns seeking to share the Gospel of Christ. I haven't known her that long, but her impact on me through her clowning made everything so real. Sue lived her life in faith...throughout her bout with cancer she kept her faith and rarely ceased to smile in spite of the outlook of her diagnosis. Today she met Jesus face to face as she entered into glory...a place with no pain, no sorrow and no cancer. I am sure that heaven is an even brighter place because of her presence and her smile there. Please pray for her family and friends in their loss of a true angel of faith. God has truly blessed my life through the witness and faith of Sue. Thank you, Sue...You will be missed!

Giving Thanks

So many times we take things for granted. With the events of this past year I think it's even more important to be thankful for all that we have. I am thankful to God for the many blessings that we have in our lives. I'm thankful for family...for Jim and Jake and extended family. I'm thankful for friends...too many to list. I'm thankful for health and happiness. And I'm thankful for the home we live in. There are so many things we take for granted that it's good to pause and offer God praise and thanksgiving for all that God has given to us. Isn't it neat how our country is one whose roots is in offering thanks for our blessings.

Love Fall, Love My Yard, HATE the Leaves

We are so blessed to have a wonderful parsonage with a great back and front yard. The parsonage we lived in before had a very small front yard and a back yard that wasn't really conducive to playing. But this house has a nice sized front yard that is on a cul de sac and a fenced in large back yard where Jake can safely play.

The only issue...we have a HUGE pin oak tree in our back yard and a magnolia tree in the front yard. During the spring and summer these trees are wonderful...offering flowers and great shade on our deck in our back yard...and offering us a little bit of coolness in the summer heat.

But around this time of the year, I hate both of those trees...they're frustrating as they continue to lose leaves from sometimes mid to late October until after the first of the year. Raking, blowing and vacuuming up the leaves is not something that I enjoy doing...it seems like just when you think you might be done, the leaves pile up again.

But, I'll grin and bear it because I keep thinking of the spring and summer and the joy of being outside. Plus, I guess raking is good exercise, right?

We're Not in Kansas Anymore!

As is the tradition in our family...it is the annual time for watching The Wizard of Oz in the McKay household. The Wizard of Oz is my favorite all time movie...I can't remember when I didn't watch it during the fall every year.

When I grew up I remember it being on around Thanksgiving. The witch scared me so much, but I always tuned in to watch anyway.

Now it is my turn to share my love of Dorothy and her friends with Jake. He has inherited a love of this movie too.

I just wish the amusement park was still open. I still remember when I was about 10 years old going to Boone, North Carolina to the Wizard of Oz theme park. After you entered, you went into Dorothy's house...which had landed on the witch...it was so cool. I wish it was still around because I'd love to take Jake.

But until another park opens up (if it ever does) we'll have to settle for the on screen version.

"....And this is my room. And you're all here. And I'm not going to leave here ever, ever again. And, Oh Auntie Em...there's no place like home."

Happy Birthday to Me!! The World Didn't End!!

Well, today is my birthday. I won't say which one, but it's today. The day went pretty well and I was stuffed with many different confections throughout the day. The best thing about today was that the world did not end.

A couple of weeks ago I was in the drug store and saw the Star Magazine with the cover: DOOMSDAY 11/9/05 in big bold letters. Well, since it predicted that the world was going to end on my birthday I just had to buy it.

Last week, as I last blogged, we were at my hometown where I preached at my home church. I used this illustration as I reflected upon the scripture of the 10 sleeping bridesmaids. I encouraged everyone to see Jesus throughout today and to look for him in their midst. I was sharing this idea with a friend and telling them that one of the funnier things I kept saying was, "My birthday is coming...and Jesus is going to be there." She asked if I had seen Jesus today...and I responded that I saw Jesus in everyone and in everything today. It's been a good day...and Jesus did come to celebrate my birthday with me...and he's with me every day.

Jake and Klondike

This weekend, Jim, Jake and I went back home. I led worship on Sunday at my home church. But on Saturday we got the chance to go to the Ohio Northern game. The Polar Bears won a mere 63 - 0 over Wilmington. The game was also a time of sadness as the campus community remembered Coach Ron Bendekovic who died suddenly last Wednesday at the age of 34. The crowd paused for a moment of silence to remember the coach and on the field his name was written as a final tribute to this friend and coach.

Great game, great day, great weekend spent seeing everyone back home.

Jake had an extremely fun time as he got to again meet Klondike, the ONU mascot, have his picture made with him and watch as the big bear joined the cheerleaders in doing push-ups each time the Bears scored.

I think the highlight for Jake came, though, when he got his hair spray painted orange and got a paw print put on his cheek. Thank you Student Senate...I think we may have another potential Polar Bear in the making.

One more game of the regular season...against Marietta. Go Bears!

Trick or Treat

Tonight, as in most communities, was Trick or Treat night. We took Jake around and then finally ended up at the Court House for Safe Trick or Treat. Jake collected so much candy he couldn't carry it all...and actually it was heavy.

One of the neatest places we went was this huge house that used to belong to Jake's pediatrician. They have gone all out making a graveyard in their front yard. This is a picture of our little Red Power Ranger trying to fight someone who really doesn't want to rest in peace.

Happy Halloween!

For All the Saints - Thank You

Today we celebrated All Saints Day...remembering all those who have come before us in the faith who have made an impact on our lives. As some of the names were read off and we were asked to consider those who were saints in our lives, I remembered some of the people whose walks of faith made an impact on me.

I was reminded of my high school Sunday school teacher, Dale, who was such a great presence in a time when many of us need direction. He was one of the most biblically literate people I've ever known. A farmer by profession, his true vocation was serving the God he loved so much. He has gone on to be wit God, but will forever be a key element of my faith life. I thank God for sharing Dale with me and with all those he touched.

I also think of my grandmother who was spiritual and true in her life. I remember from one of my earliest memories how warm and welcoming her house always was. How she was such a great hostess to all of her children and grandchildren. But the key element I remember from our visits to her house was the picture of Jesus she had hanging by the door. This same picture hangs in our house today. I miss you, grandma, and look forward to seeing you again. You are a true part of who I am today.

There are living saints who are still revealing God to me in so many different ways. There's my family...each and every one of them teaches me more and more about faith and about God. Jake helps to remind me of the wonder and amazement of children...Jim teaches me about the love of God and Christ...my dad teaches me the importance of a genuine and true faith...my mom teaches me the truth of making a joyful noise...there are so many others who have made me into the person I am today. Jim's mom has taught me to love and enjoy life to its fullest and think f life as an adventure. To all of these and many more family members who have made me who I am today I thank you all!

To Erv, Sissy, Marv, Jim W., Todd, Merv, and so many others that I have learned with and laughed with thank you for sharing your love of God with those you are called to serve. Thank you to those who I have had the privilege to serve with...to my "girls" Mary and Betty...to Linda a sister and good friend, and to the many others who have taught me more about myself and more about God through service together...you all are the best!!

And finally to the homies that have known me for the longest, thank you for keeping me grounded in your love and reminding me of where I came from so that I can focus on where I'm going...thanks Mary, Michele, Becky, Diedre and all you others who knew me when. I love you guys!

Thank you God for all those who come into our lives...for a moment or for a lifetime...all those we encounter make an impact upon our lives and our souls and help us to learn more about you. Thank you!