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It's Friday, December 8th --- tonight is my husband's holiday party for the year.  While I don't especially enjoy these events - I'm looking forward to tonights --- it's a time for Mark and I to have together time - enjoying each other, a nice meal, his colleagues, holiday conversation - and did I mention - the kids are going to spend the night with his parents! - How fun! --- This doesn't happen often. 

I'm excited about getting dressed up - and not just wearing jeans and a sweatshirt - LOL - (my almost everyday attire) --- Can't wait! If it's eventful - I'll try and write more tomorrow. 

I'm thankful for this time to enjoy one another - and the blessing that our marriage is - Praise the Lord!

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O Holy Night
The words and lyrics of the old carol 'O Holy Night' were written by Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure in 1847. Cappeau was a wine seller by trade but was asked by the parish priest to write a poem for Christmas. He obliged and wrote the beautiful words of the hymn. He then realised that it should have music to accompany the words and he approached his friend Adolphe Charles Adams(1803-1856). He agreed and the music for the poem was therefore composed by Adolphe Charles Adams. Adolphe had attended the Paris conservatoire and forged a brilliant career as a composer. It was translated into English by John Sullivan Dwight (1812-1893).

 

 O Holy Night
Christmas Carol Lyrics

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

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My husband Mark and our son Aaron have been gone for 9 days on a hunting trip. --- No success in terms of a deer or bear - but- a successful trip of Daddy and son - bonding.  The girls and I had a blessed time together, too - this week.  Thank you, Lord.  We did realize how much we missed each other and how much we love each other - when Aaron and Mark came through the door - and the girls were screaming with elation and wouldn't let go or stop hugging them (I finally got a long hug from both, too)

We had lunch together and then went out after lunch and cut down our Christmas tree.  This is the first year we cut one down - we had a great time.  We just set it up and will start to put the lights on in a bit. 

We are so thankful for each other - and for the life the Lord has blessed us with - together.  My friend just made me a pillow with stitching on it - that says - Home Is Where Your Heart Is... Our heart is here - our heart is - wherever we are together.  We are so incredibly blessed.  This past spring and summer was a time of stretching of our faith - when we were trying to sell our home.  It didn't sell - we didn't move into the house we believed we would be in - yet - the Lord has continued to show us --- This house - IS A HOME.  The Love of Christ is felt by all who enter our door.  Praise His Name.  We will be able to live here - comfortably - and do some traveling - that we are really excited about.  As long as we are together - that is where home is. 

Thank you, Lord -

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Each year, you really get into the spirit of Christmas.
Which is much more important to you than nifty presents.

Your Christmas is like a Charlie Brown Christmas - THIS IS IF IT IS JUST THE 5 of us!

Here's what it is with my side of the extended family...

Your Christmas is Most Like: A Very Brady Christmas

For you, it's all about sharing times with family. Even if you all get a bit cheesy at times.

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This is the week of my husband and son's annual hunting trip to Pennsylvania.  They go with my father, brother in law and male cousins - it's all testosterone - all the time - they love it - and it sounds like once again - they are having a wonderful time!

So - it's been my 2 daughters and I - Rachel (almost 9) and Sarah 7.  We have been having the best time.  They set a "goal" - just a silly - fun one - for this week.  In our county - we have 4 shopping malls - 4 big malls.  They want to go to each of them - we have already been to 2 - and this afternoon - we will go to our 3rd. 

Praise the Lord - mainly we have been looking at Christmas decorations and window-shopping.  We have purchased just a few things...

It is fun to just watch them - look and laugh and have fun together - being sisters.  There are days I still seem them as babies - or as little toddlers playing together for hours with their dolls and toys --- and granted - and thank you Lord, they are still very much little girls - and they are not at that teenage stage - but - I can see - that they are growing up. 

Their styles, tastes, personalities are changing and so much fun.  I'm loving this age - they are not little, very young girls - yet - they are not teens either - they are in that in-between stage - and it is fun to watch and be a part of. 

So glad, too - that they think I"m fun still and "cool".  --- I hope to have the relationship with them - that I had with my mom.  She was my mom first - and I respected her very much - and then- as I got older - more on my own - she became my friend. 

3 more days until the mighty buck hunters come home - and 3 more days to enjoy - just having girl time.  Thank you Lord, for this special blessing!

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My friend - Heidi - HeidiHomeschools - (don't know how to make a link for you to go right to her blog - and all of my blogger friends - are also on our homeschooling message board with her anyway) ---- Heidi leaves for VIETNAM - tomorrow morning - to get their son! - PRAISE THE LORD!

I think many of us - are more excited than if it were Christmas morning as a little girl. 

Praying for her, her husband and 2 beautiful daughters, and their newest addition - Baby Ian!

God is faithful - Praise His Name!

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Have a blessed Thanksgiving - there will be family coming in tomorrow - and I will be so busy - there will be very little - if any computer time - Blessings, dear friends!

I am thankful for you. - Charity

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Mark is my miracle - that's what I call him.  I know that I am a blessed woman. My husband grew up in a Christian family - and for that I am extremely thankful. At a young age - he gave his heart to Jesus.   He went through a few years - of trying to spread his wings - and fly off by himself - but - Praise His Name - Mark came back to God and made Jesus not only his Savior - but - also - LORD of his life.  Mark then found me - and it was at a time - where I had just come back from also rebelling and doing things in Charity's own strength - which was not working....

Mark came into my life - right after I swore off men/boys - at all.  I wanted NOTHING to do with them - but - the Lord had something else in store for me - for us. 

Mark respected me - Mark loved me - the way Christ loves the church.  Mark reminded me of Christ's love for me - and when I shared with him - the deepest, most intimate part of my life - he stayed!  He didn't run away. 

I'm sitting here at my school desk - where there is a picture of Mark and I on our wedding day - wow - did we look young! --- We were 22 and 21 at the time.  Now - at 37 and 36 - it feels like a lifetime has already passed - not that it's been long and dragging - we have just been through so much - TOGETHER - and with the LORD as the center of everything - OUR ROCK - OUR REEDEMER. 

I pray today that the Lord will bless my husband abundantly.  That He will give him the strength and determination to do his job the best that he can - for the Lord's glory.  That Mark will be the best Daddy he can with the Lord's help - to guide and direct our children in His ways.  That he will walk daily beside Jesus - looking to the Father for wisdom.  That he will remember he is a prince - of the King of Kings!

I pray that I will be a helpmate to him - seeking to build him up and not tear him down.  May Mark's name be on my heart daily as I lift him in prayer before our Lord. 

Thank you, Lord - for my husband - for a phenominal Daddy to our children - for my very best friend.

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I just got off the phone a few hours with my sister - and I think we will ALL be together for Thanksgiving! - PTL!

Dad, Mom, Cole, Cody

Charity(me), Mark, Aaron, Rachel, Sarah

Rachelle, Caylinn, Bryden, Austin

Janna, Tom, Morgan, Taylor

Elissa, Matt, Quinn, Matti, Sawyer

Marla

Grandma

* The list doesn't look so big there - but - when we all get together - and we five sisters get talking and then add the 11 grandchildren - and the rest - well - to me - "it's heaven". --- I LOVE being a part of a large family.  I am the oldest of 7 children.  I am 37 - my youngest brother is going to turn 18 in February.  --- There are as many years between Cody and I - as there are - my mom and I. --- Generation gap, yep.

* I can't wait - one week from today - Thanksgiving - my favorite holiday of the year.  I love all there is to love about Thanksgiving.  - I have so much to be thankful for - God is so incredibly good! 

Thanksgiving is at OUR HOUSE this year...my sisters, mom and I take turns hosting - it's our turn this year...

Our menu is pretty typical - and I'm excited to add something new from my dear friend, Amy ---

2 turkeys

mashed potatoe casserole

sweet potatoes (not with marshmallows - with pecans on top)

corn

green bean casserole

homemade rolls

cranberry

relish tray

cider

apple pie

pumpkin pie

*another dessert - not sure what - for those who are not pie eaters

Praying for safety in travels

Praying for no major family drama (my extended family is known for it)

Praying for the salvation of family members not saved - and that those of us who are - would be a witness of the love of Christ

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#9 - I'd much rather wear no socks - yes, even in the winter - than to wear socks - with shoes or - just be barefoot even - around the house.

#8) - I can't stand to eat applesauce - it makes me gag - but - I do like apple juice, apple pie, apple cider, apple whatever else...

#7) - I'd rather write a letter or an email - than talk on the phone (I know - probably not too weird - I just feel a bit vulnerable/insecure- not sure that's the right word - on the phone) - that doesn't mean you can't call me...

#6) - I think that "Gollum/Schmiegel"  from Lord of the Rings is "cute" - love those big eyes. - LOL

#5) - I've got lists for my lists - I'm a list-maker

#4) - I organize things - again - that have already been organized - in a new way - might not even be a better way - just newly organized - I know - too much time on my hands, yea right...

#3) - I'm VERY afraid/grossed out - whatever - by ANTS - yuck!

#2) - When I'm having a conversation - sometimes - in my mind - I type that conversation with my fingers "in the air" - like air guitar - LOL - but - it's air typing.  --- I think that has to do with being an administrative assistant and working in other office jobs - and doing LOTS of typing. 

#1) - I've eaten guinea pig, monkey and cow intestine soup - (while on a missions trip to South America - 20 years ago)

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about finding how many people have my first and last name in the USA...

There are 11 people in the USA with my first and last name- I find that really hard to believe - my name - Charity - is not common at all - and to find the combination with my last name - wow - that was pretty cool...

I "love" my name.  Well - that is what my name "means", too - CHARITY, love, an affectionate word to man...

I wish I could say that my parents picked it from the KJV Bible from the 1 Corinthians 13 scripture - or - even that they were hippies from the 60's... but - I think they just "liked the name" -

My husband and I gave much thought to naming our children - my husband actually named them...

Aaron Mark

Rachel Faith

Sarah Hope

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Ten Guidelines From God

1. QUIT WORRYING:
Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit
and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here
to take all your burdens and carry them for you?
Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little
thing that comes your way?



2. PUT IT ON THE LIST:
Something needs done or taken care of. Put it
on the list. No, not YOUR list. Put it on MY
to-do-list. Let ME be the one to take care
of the problem. I can't help you until you turn
it over to Me. And although My to-do-list
is long, I am after all... God. I can take care
of anything you put into My hands. In fact,
if the truth were ever really known, I take
care of a lot of things for you that you never
even realize.



3. TRUST ME:
Once you've given your burdens to Me,
quit trying to take them back. Trust in
Me. Have the faith that I will take care of
all your needs, your problems and your trials.
Problems with the kids? Put them on My list.
Problem with finances? Put it on My list.
Problems with your emotional roller coaster?
For My sake, put it on My list. I want to
help you. All you have to do is ask.



4. LEAVE IT ALONE:
Don't wake up one morning and say,
"Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think
I can handle it from here." Why do you think
you are feeling stronger now? It's simple.
You gave Me your burdens and I'm taking
care of them. I also renew your strength
and cover you in my peace. Don't you
know that if I give you these problems back,
you will be right back where you started?
Leave them with Me and forget about
them. Just let Me do my job.



5. TALK TO ME:
I want you to forget a lot of things.
Forget what was making you crazy.
Forget the worry and the fretting because
you know I'm in control. But there's one
thing I pray you never forget. Please, don't
forget to talk to Me - OFTEN! I love YOU!
I want to hear your voice. I want you to
include Me in on the things going on in your life.
I want to hear you talk about your friends
and family. Prayer is simply you having
a conversation with Me. I want to be your
dearest friend.



6. HAVE FAITH:
I see a lot of things from up here that you
can't see from where you are. Have faith in
Me that I know what I'm doing. Trust Me;
you wouldn't want the view from My eyes.
I will continue to care for you, watch over you,
and meet your needs. You only have to trust Me.
Although I have a much bigger task than you,
it seems as if you have so much trouble just
doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?



7. SHARE:
You were taught to share when you were
only two years old. When did you forget?
That rule still applies. Share with those who are
less fortunate than you. Share your joy with
those who need encouragement. Share your
laughter with those who haven't heard any in
such a long time. Share your tears with those
who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith
with those who have none.



8. BE PATIENT:
I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime
you could have so many diverse experiences.
You grow from a child to an adult, have children,
change jobs many times, learn many trades,
travel to so many places, meet thousands
of people, and experience so much. How can
you be so impatient then when it takes Me
a little longer than you expect to handle
something on My to-do-list? Trust in My
timing, for My timing is perfect. Just
because I created the entire universe in
only six days, everyone thinks I should
always rush, rush, rush.



9. BE KIND:
Be kind to others, for I love them just
as much as I love you. They may not dress
like you, or talk like you, or live the same way
you do, but I still love you all. Please try
to get along, for My sake. I created each
of you different in some way. It would be
too boring if you were all identical.
Please, know I love each of your differences.



10. LOVE YOURSELF:
As much as I love you, how can you not
love yourself? You were created by me for
one reason only -- to be loved, and to love
in return. I am a God of Love. Love Me.
Love your neighbors. But also love yourself.
It makes My heart ache when I see you
so angry with yourself when things go
wrong. You are very precious to me.
Don't ever forget......

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I am thankful for my husband, Mark! - I call him "my miracle".  He loved me - like Christ loves me - at a time in my life - when I felt VERY unloveable.  He came into my life a few months after the most tragic time - ever.  It has been 17 years ago - this past September.  What a blessing!

He is my very best friend.  He is my greatest encourager.  He is a fantastic father, excellent husband, wonderful leader of our home.  I praise the Lord - that he loves God and has Jesus as His Lord and Savior.  I do cherish him - and know how incredibly blessed I am. 

This journey we have been on - has had it's twists and turns - it's mountain top experiences and it's valleys --- yet --- because the Lord is the center of it all - and we have the love we do for each other - there is no other person I'd rather be taking this trip with. --- Thank you, Lord - for my miracle - my precious, Mark.

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I am thankful for the college that I graduated from...

I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree - 14 years ago - from Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, NY

www.roberts.edu

It is a wonderful Christian, liberal arts college - that has helped to shape my life into what it is today. --- The Lord truly worked some amazing miracles and I took some very big growing steps in those years of shaping and molding. 

I met my very best friend - my miracle - my husband there. 

We stayed in the area after graduation - and live only 6 miles from the college, now.  It is still a very big part of our life - some of our children even talk of going to the college that Daddy and Mama went to. 

There are some people that I have come in contact with - that think - I have wasted my college degree by staying at home - YET - I think it has been used DAILY - and is an incredible resource.  I am teaching full-time - every subject to 3 different grade levels - AND - the whole college experience also help me be the well-rounded person I hope that I am. 

Whatever our children's plans and dreams are for the future - whether it be college or not - I pray first and foremost that they devote themselves to following the will of God for each of their lives and commit their ways to Him.

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I am thankful for my children...

I have 3 children here on earth and 1 in heaven with the Lord (that child would have been a senior in highschool this year - it's so amazing how the older I get the faster time seems to "fly" - it's been 18 years this year - since that child went to be with the Lord) --- I have a little brother who is the same age - and it is so difficult at times to see the things he experiences and goes through - and remember that my child is not here to do those same things. 

I am blessed with the 3 incredible miracles that my husband and I do have.  They bring us so much joy!

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Praise the Lord for the sacrament of communion...

Today at my parent's church we took communion...

When I was younger - communion sometimes - we just "something we did" - and honestly - it had little meaning to me.

The older I get - the longer I walk with the Lord - and this year - it has been 30 years that I have been a Christian - the sacrement of communion is incredibly blessed and meaningful...

I can't help but be even more affected by what it means after watching The Passion of The Christ a few years ago...

Thank you Heavenly Father, for loving me so much - that you sent your one and only son to die for me and save me from my sins.

Thank you, Jesus for your sacrifice - I love you so much!

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I am thankful for trips home to visit my family (parent's and sister's in the area where I grew up)...

I live 2 hours from where I grew up - we live in the area where my husband grew up - and where we both went to college. 

I've always liked that we are "close enough" - that if we want to make a quick trip down - or a long one - that they are fairly close - and it doesn't take much time at all to get there when we would like to or need to.

I also like the fact - that we are far enough away - that we have our "own town/place" --- and that when there is drama and such down there - that we are here - and not there. 

I truly am blessed and love the home that Mark, myself and our children have made - for us.  We are blessed with Christian brothers and sisters in Christ - who are family to us. 

I like to go back to my parent's to visit - but -the older I get - and the longer we are here - as a family of our own - this is H-O-M-E --- As Caroline Ingalls tells Charles in the Series Premier Movie - "My home is where you and the children are." - and that's exactly how I feel about wherever the Lord has Mark, Aaron, Rachel, Sarah and myself - as long as we are together - that is home!

Charity

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