Pamela's Victorian Cottage...A New Year's Adventure

As an addendum to my last post from Pamela's Victorian Cottage (seen HERE) I must write a quick update before I move on to other subjects, and then we can leave the sweet family enjoying their winter holidays until the next big event. 

If you recall from our last visit, our little family was surprised by a Christmas visit from their beautiful Auntie from the city, who brought wonderful gifts for all the family, as well as a dear little "Angel" visitor, who helped them all remember the true meaning of Christmas as they gathered around the manger and sang "Silent Night" to the Baby Jesus.

Auntie had to return to the city right after Christmas, but she left her little Angel friend to stay and visit and help the family continue to learn the true meaning of Christmas...because there were more adventures yet to come their way...

Not long after Auntie left with a whirl of hugs and kisses and fond farewells and promises to return again soon, there was another knock at the door.  Mother was surprised as she opened the door to find another sweet little girl waiting on the doorstep.

All the children gathered around and peeped out the door and through the windows to see who else could be coming to their house!

Even their little Angel friend was watching from the upstairs window, with a knowing look...

And unbeknownst to them, there was another little angel perched on the gable of the rooftop, watching from a distance with a smile on her face...

Who could this little girl be, and where did she come from?

 Mother and the children looked her over very carefully...she certainly was well dressed, but looked a little uncertain as to whether or not she would be accepted by the family...

She certainly has beautiful hair...and a lovely big pink bow, and is carrying a curious toy...a nutcracker of all  things!  All the little girl would tell them was that her name was "Clara"...

 Mother is again looking rather concerned about having another little girl to take care of and to dress and feed...

 Perhaps now she understands better why "Auntie" brought her a brand new sewing machine for her Christmas gift...

Suddenly she recalls a Bible verse that her mother used to quote when strangers would come to visit their home:

Hebrews 13:2 (NKJV)

"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels."

Well, it certainly does seem like the angels have been quite busy behind the scenes, helping to make the Christmas season very bright!    And all the children were delighted to have another new playmate to come along on all their adventures! 

Mother decided she needed a little quiet time for herself, and so she got the children all dressed in their winter clothes and sent them outside for some sledding and fun in the snow!

And so, while the children merrily played outside with the neighborhood children, Mother sat down in her rocker by the fire and had a cup of tea and read from her beautiful new white Bible that "Auntie" had brought her.  And there was another Bible there for the children to read as well. 

Yes, it looks as though the New Year is going to be filled with many new and wonderful adventures for our little family at Pamela's Victorian Cottage! We can only imagine what good things God has in store for them next! 

So, until next time, Happy New Year everyone!!  And don't forget to "entertain strangers", because we never know just who God may be sending to our door! It could be an angel...or it may just be one of God's children in need of some love and attention!  Don't have a "closed door", but be ready to open the "window" of your heart to whatever new adventure God has planned for you!

A Special Christmas Visitor at Pamela's Victorian Cottage

It's been quite a while since we last visited "Pamela's Victorian Cottage" (Click HERE for a previous special visit)

You've probably thought that I forgot to pack this lovely little cottage when we moved...well, no, I certainly did not forget...but I've been so busy unpacking my own "cottage", that I haven't had much time to visit with our special friends at Pamela's Victorian Cottage.  But now that it is almost Christmas Eve, I thought it would be a good time to check in on our little friends and see if they are ready for Christmas!

Oh! I think we are just in time! It looks like there is a special visitor waiting on the front doorstep!

Oh, and isn't she lovely?  She's all dressed up for Christmas, and it looks like she has even  brought gifts for the family! I wonder who she is?  It looks like there are some little faces in the windows looking out to see who has come a calling!

 Oh my! It appears there is another very special guest waiting in the garden beside the snowmen! This lovely angel must have flown in for a Christmas visit as well...

We are all wondering just who can these special visitors be?

 The snowmen aren't saying a word...

Inside the cottage everyone is busily getting things ready for Christmas.  Mother is still a bit worried that she won't have enough food and gifts for everyone...

They all can hear someone knocking at the door, but they are scurrying about to make sure everything is in place before they open the door...

 The table is set for a very special Christmas tea, using the unique Santa Tea Set that is only used for special Christmas guests...

And they are so excited to welcome their special visitors, their lovely Auntie from the city, who always brings the best gifts for everyone!

But this year Auntie has brought a dear little friend, a beautiful angel, to help them celebrate the true meaning of Christmas...

And so they all gather around the lovely wooden Nativity scene, and sing together:

"Silent Night, Holy Night

All is calm,

all is bright.

Round yon virgin, 

Mother and Child,

Holy Infant so tender and mild,

Sleep in heavenly peace,

Sleep in heavenly peace."

Amen.

Good Night Everyone.

Sleep in heavenly peace...

and have a Blessed and Holy Christmas!

4th Sunday of Advent = Love

Today is the 4th Sunday of Advent...the Sunday of Love.

"Jesus shows us God's perfect love.  He is God's perfect love in human form.  Those who believe in Him and live in Him, live in love.  Love transforms and perfects all things.  It never ends.

We light this candle today to remind us that God is love.  We thank God for HOPE He gives us, for the PEACE He bestows, for the JOY He pours into our hearts, and for the LOVE that redeems us and shows us the way."

Let us pray:  "O God of Love, Emmanuel, send your light into our hearts at this time.  Help us to be ready for the time of Christ's appearing.  grant that we may so dwell in Him that His perfect love fills our entire being.  Make our worship a time in which we celebrate Your love and are made ready to show that love to the whole world--both today--and forevermore.  Amen."

We sing this verse to the tune of "Away in the Manger":
 

"A candle is burning, a candle of love, a candle to point us to heaven above.

A baby for Christmas, a wonderful birth, for Jesus is bringing God's love to our earth."

Following our advent candle lighting service, we had our Christmas Cantata: "Joy Has Dawned"

If you would like to sing along, click on this link:

For another  previous perspective on the 4th Sunday of Advent, click HERE

I pray that as you continue in your preparations for Christmas, you will remember that Jesus came to earth as a little baby, God in human flesh, because of love. 

John 3:16  (KJV)

 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Busy Days

I've been so busy I forgot to post a post today! Been getting ready for Christmas, shopping, practicing for our Christmas cantata...

I'll let you figure out which one is me.

My son is one of the narrators...he did a great job! These pictures were from our Dress Rehearsal Thursday night. Our performance will be Sunday morning at church.

Also been watching the birds in "Still Waters Pond", when I can sit still long enough to relax and enjoy them...

 This white egret has been coming back quite often to pat the water with her foot and stir up the minnows or whatever it is she is fishing around for...

 I think she got a leaf here...probably not what she wanted...unless it has some tasty bugs on it...

 And these two are still hanging around...looking quite proud of themselves...

 Maybe we need a caption contest for them...

And even though this is a bit blurry, it shows that there are two male Wood Ducks and two females...so they must be traveling together...

So, what do YOU do to relax in between all the Christmas activities that are going on?  I know that in the New Year I am going to be more intentional about spending more time with the Lord, hopefully outdoors as weather permits...I'd like to get back to writing like the "Secret Garden Chronicles" I used to do again.  This time it will be from a new perspective...I really haven't established the "secret garden" yet here in this new home...but there are plenty of places to sit and meditate on God's Word and spend time in prayer and pondering what the Lord is speaking to me at that moment.  

That's my goal for the New Year...I know I need to get back to that "place" in my walk with the Lord. This past year has been just too busy to concentrate for any length of time, and I miss that daily communion with the Lord. 

How about you? Perhaps you can also be looking for that special spot where you can spend time alone with the Lord and be more intentional about what His message is for you each day. Maybe we can encourage one another in our pursuit of being still before the Lord... and then perhaps we can each write about our experiences...just a thought.  I know that with all that is going on in our world and nation today, we need to spend more and more time in prayer and in reading God's Word and spending time with the Lord. We need to strengthen our armor  (Ephesians 6:10-18) as the battles are getting harder.

Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth!"

Psalm 46:10

Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)

The Armor of God

10 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people."

Yes, this is what I know I need.  I hope you will join with me in this pursuit of growing in Christ in the New Year.  Maybe we can remind each other to keep looking up!

In the meantime, enjoy your Christmas with your loved ones and family...and keep Christ is Christmas in every way that you can.  I may not have too much time to write over the next week, so just be safe and be blessed!

An Advent Message-"Behold, I Will Do A New Thing!"

Yes, I am "recycling" this Advent message from a previous year again...  I hope you are as excited about preparing for Christmas as I am...no, not just the decorations and shopping and baking, etc., but about actually preparing our hearts for Christmas...for the Advent of the Christ Child once again! That is a message that is well worth recycling and repeating over and over and over again!!

Original Message:

I believe in recycling...old Christmas cards, and last year's Advent messages.  This one has some of my childhood Christmas memories...as well as a message of hope for today and forever.  Please go back in time with me...and look forward to our future as well...

Picture is from a Christmas card received in previous years!

Can't you just imagine what these children are saying as they stand in front of this toy store window? The little boy sees a sailboat and a pony, and perhaps a toy truck or train.  The little girl sees a new baby doll or a teddy bear...or possibly a dollhouse.  The older girl has her eye on a bride doll or a pretty new dress.  They each have stars in their eyes and dreams of the magic of Christmas morning, when they will discover new and exciting gifts under the tree...maybe even some surprises they never imagined they might receive.

I remember those idyllic days of childhood.  My older sister and I would snuggle into our beds on Christmas eve wondering what Santa was going to bring us...hoping that he had actually read our Christmas list and that perhaps there would be at least one thing we were yearning for under the tree. We found it almost impossible to close our eyes and sleep...every little noise just had to be Santa and his reindeer on our rooftop!  And oh! The excitement and thrill as we actually heard sleigh bells ringing and the prancing of hooves...no matter that we learned in later years that our sweet daddy was actually ringing those bells and throwing stones on the roof to make it sound like hooves...we never felt sorry that our parents allowed us to enjoy the dream and fantasy of Santa Claus as long as we could.  Those were the kinds of moments that made our childhood happy and memorable.

Me, My Sister and Two Older Brothers on Christmas Eve,
"Hanging our stockings with care in hopes that St Nicholaus
would soon be there..."  

There was never any doubt as to what was the real meaning of Christmas.
We had been brought up going to Sunday School and Church from practically the day we were born.  Our family had a strong faith and belief in Jesus...and in the child of the manger.
But we enjoyed the fun and tradition of the Christmas legends and mysteries...and our parents made sure that Christmas was always a time to be merry and bright!

Yes, that's me...so sweet and angelic! Wonder what happened to that
little innocent babe?  

Yes, Christmas at our home was magical and happy. Homemade cookies, pies and candies...hot chocolate with marshmallows, toy trains and villages under the tree, lots of singing and laughter. Homemade paper chains and bells strung from wall to wall, and myriads of pretty colored lights and glistening balls on the tree.  I think that's the way God intended Christ's birthday to be...a time to celebrate...and a time to rejoice!


I believe God wanted to wipe away the tears and sorrow of His people...and to give them a new hope...Some ONE to redeem them from the cares of this world and to show them the way to live "out of this world" eternally!

In Isaiah 43:18-19 He said to us through His prophet:

"Do not remember the former things,

Nor consider the things of old.

Behold, I will do a new thing!

Now it shall spring forth;

Shall you not know it?"

That's what the promise of Christmas is all about...through the wonder and majesty of a tiny babe in a manger...God gave His people hope...He did a new thing...He sent His only Son to this old, sinful, sorrowful world, and through Him sprung forth salvation, full and free...new life...old things are passed away:

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,

he is a new creation; 

old things have passed away;

BEHOLD! ALL THINGS HAVE BECOME NEW!"

II Corinthians 5:17

Now, isn't that good news?  Isn't that the best gift ever found under a tree on Christmas?

We are new creations in Christ!

Oh! What wonder! What joy! What delight!
Jesus came to earth for ME that night!

This beautiful Nativity ornament was always on my parents' Christmas tree.

And Now, click HERE for an update about this particular special ornament!

"Jesus, my Saviour, to Bethlehem came,

Born in a manger to sorrow and shame;

Oh, it was wonderful~

Blest be His name!

Seeking for me, for me!

Seeking for me, for me!

Seeking for me, for me!

Oh, it was wonderful~

Blest be His name!

Seeking for me, for me!

"Seeking for Me!", a Hymn,  Anonymous, 19th century

What are YOU longing for this Christmas? May all your dreams come true, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.

Sermon Notes and Epiphany! Updated In Defense of the Wise Men!

This post was originally written last year on January 7, the day after "Epiphany" (see below for more information on that).  However, I am re-sharing it here today because I was disturbed by something I saw yesterday and it bothered me all night!  Someone posted that they refused to include the wise men in their nativity scene because the wise men were not present at the birth of Christ.  Now, anyone who has read the Scriptures regarding Christ's birth and the subsequent events in His life (see Matthew 1:18-25, and Matthew 2:1-23) knows that the wise men began their journey to follow "His Star" (Matthew 2:2) most likely at the same time Jesus was born. However, it took them many months to travel to the place where the Star was guiding them.  Apparently, by the time they arrived in Bethlehem, Jesus was several months old or up to perhaps 2 years old. (See Matthew 2:16). So obviously, Jesus and His parents were not still waiting in the stable where Christ was born. They apparently had moved to a little house somewhere in Bethlehem. We don't know any particulars about that time except what we see written in Matthew's gospel. 

But, in defense of leaving the wise men in our Nativity scenes, this story is so important in the life of Jesus.  Their journey began at the time of His birth...and even though by the time they found Him he was no longer in the stable, their visit was extremely valuable and vital to the young family.  Yes, I believe in keeping the facts straight, but I also believe that the Wise Men are important enough to include in my Nativity Scene.  If someone wishes to be totally exact about the details...well, perhaps they should build a little house with a toddler Jesus and His parents, and have the Wise Men show up there.  (And if you really want to get particular, we really don't know exactly WHEN Jesus was born...most likely NOT on December 25th!)   But that gets a little crazy if you ask me and we lose the whole beauty and glory of the story of Christ's birth.  The Wise Men were used by God to actually protect  the child Jesus and His family from the horrible attack of King Herod. (Matthew 2:12)  You can read about the rest of that below in my original post on Epiphany.  I believe the wise men deserve some recognition, and therefore, they will stay with my Nativity Scene. 

Here is the original post from last year:

Yesterday, January 6, was the day that the church "liturgical calendar"  celebrates or recognizes "Epiphany", or the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child....

Epiphany definition:

1.   The manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi (Matthew 2:1–12).
1.1  The festival commemorating the Epiphany on 6th of January.
1.2  A manifestation of a divine or supernatural being.
2.   A  moment of sudden and great revelation or realization.

Here is a link to some info on "Epiphany"https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/epiphany

Many churches, mostly the more liturgical churches do recognize Epiphany, or "Twelfth Night".  In my home growing up we never took down our Christmas tree until Jan. 6th, which was also my mother's birthday.  I always assumed it was because that was her birthday, and that is what they did in her home as she was growing up.  It wasn't until later years that I understood that Jan. 6th was "Epiphany", and many traditional churches recognize the visit of the Magi (The Wise Men) on that day. That doesn't necessarily mean that was the date they actually visited the baby Jesus. There are many discussions on that, mostly that it was anywhere from several months up to a year or more before the Wise Men actually arrived to present their gifts.  We just know that it wasn't on Christmas day.  They had followed the Star from their lands starting on the day Christ was born, and it led them to the Christ Child (read Matthew chapter 2).  

So whether or not you or your particular church recognize Epiphany as an actual event is not the most important aspect of this.  It's just another beautiful way to close out the Christmas/Advent season and recognize the significance of the gifts of the Magi...Gifts that actually may have helped the "Holy Family" to make their escape to Egypt when King Herod ordered all the baby boys two years old and younger to be slaughtered...just some things to ponder as you put away your Christmas things and your Nativity Scene...

And so yesterday in our church our Pastor gave us some things to think about regarding the journey of the Wise Men.  I will summarize the main points here:

When the Wise Men saw the star shining they knew that "King of the Jews" had been born. (see Matthew 2:1-12)  They had studied the stars and knew this star was significant.  And so they "put feet to their faith" and started off on their journey to find the newborn King.  

What can WE learn from the Wise Men?

• Be constantly alert---stop, look and listen...
• Be willing to act...
• When God presents us with a new opportunity, are WE willing to get up and start that journey of faith?
• What is God calling us to be doing?
• The Magi found Jesus and worshipped Him.  They presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. But their greatest gift was to get down on their knees and worship Him.
• When God asks us to do something, somehow we have to put our feet to our faith
• Rise up and follow

It's a New Year...time for a new fresh start...time to stand up and put our feet to work to serve God.

• Where is the Light of the Star leading you now?
• Prepare your hearts for action...don't get too comfortable
• Put action to your faith
• What will YOU do with that star?

The following passage is a prophecy concerning the epiphany of the Light being given to the Gentiles...The Wise Men seeing that star was the fulfillment of the Light of God's salvation, Jesus Christ, being made manifest to the Gentiles as well as to the Jews...so there was a lot more significance to the Wise Men's journey to see Christ than just a few kings traveling to see a newborn king...

Isaiah 60:1-6

1.  "Arise, shine;

for your light has come!

And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.

2.  For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,

and deep darkness the people;

But the Lord will arise over you.

And His glory will be seen upon you.

3.  The Gentiles shall come to your light,

and kings to the brightness of your rising.

4.  Lift up your eyes all around, and see:

They all gather together, they come to you;

Your sons shall come from afar,

and your daughters shall be nursed at your side.

5.  Then you shall see and become radiant,

and your heart shall swell with joy;

Because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you,

the wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you.

6.  The multitude of camels shall cover your land,

the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah;

All those from Sheba shall come'

They shall bring GOLD and INCENSE.

And they shall proclaim the praises of the Lord."

Question to consider:

How does the Presence of the Holy One manifest itself in our life today? And how will we, when He is revealed to us, like the Wise Men, express our joy at seeing that "star"?  

Sermon Notes from FUMC Interlachen, FL., Pastor A.C. Myers, 1/6/2019

Please Note : I want to repeat this disclaimer here...the notes, outline, and content included here are based upon my own personal understanding of the message that was being given. I am not attempting to completely quote or reproduce this message or any other message I've shared previously. Just as each person reading these notes may glean insights and thoughts that seem to directly apply to one's own situation and interpretation, my own delivery of these messages is skewed by my hearing and translation of what is being said. Some may read my notes here and wonder if they were hearing the same message as I...and I say, God speaks to each of us as He wills...there are things He is trying to get across to each individual that may be entirely different than what the person sitting next to you in the pew is needing to hear... That is how the Holy Spirit works! He knows what we need to hear and how to apply it to our hearts. So it is with that understanding that I present these sermon notes to you.

"Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming"

I discovered this rosebud blooming on my memorial garden rosebush today, and this is what came to my mind:

Today is the 3rd Sunday of Advent, which is known as the Sunday of "Joy".   From our Advent service today in church:

"Our joy is in God and in His son Jesus Christ.  Like peace, joy is a gift from God.  It overtakes us and fills us when we remember what God has done and what He has promised to do.

We light this candle today to remind us that Christ came, and is coming, so that all people might have a rich and abundant life.  We thank God for the hope He gives us, for the peace He bestows, and for the joy He pours into  our hearts."

Let us pray:  "O God of Joy, Emmanuel, send Your light into our hearts at this time.  Help us to be ready for the time of Christ's appearing. Fix our hearts and our minds upon those things You have done and those You have promised to do that we may have the joy You have promised.  As we worship You, strengthen us so that we may always do Your will and so bless You and the world You have made. Amen.

Then we sang this little chorus to the tune of "Away In The Manger":

"A candle is burning, a candle of joy. A candle to welcome brave Mary's new boy.

Our hearts fill with wonder, and eyes light and glow as joy brightens winter like sunshine on snow."

For those of you who have been a part of "blogland" for a while, many of you will know our dear friend Toni Taddeo, from her blog  "Treasures by Toni".  We were very saddened to learn that Toni passed on to her heavenly home this weekend.  But she left us with a wonderful legacy to follow. Toni's "treasures" were many poems written from her heart, and many positive, inspiring, and encouraging words shared with us both in her blog and on Facebook. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.  We know Toni loved the Lord and was looking forward to being with Him.  Here is her last post written on Facebook on 12/13/19, just one day before she took that "walk home" with the Lord:

What's It Like?

"What's it like you ask me about the new changes in my life?

I answer it's hard to explain as my mind still sees no difference

My body is broken and the pain tends to take over at times

But I'm a person with a strong mind and beliefs and resilience

I can cope and accept what life has thrown my very way

For I am blessed with a love so great from my family

Most of all My Lord who walks by my side and holds my hand

Each step of the way and will walk me home personally."

Toni Taddeo 12-13-2019

R.I.P., Toni Taddeo.  

"When Morning Gilds the Skies"

"When morning gilds the skies,

(The early morning mist on Still Waters Pond)

my heart awaking cries;

May Jesus Christ be praised!

(Little Wren outside my window.  Picture taken through the glass/screen in dawn's early light)

Male and female wood ducks on Still Waters Pond

Alike at work and prayer,

To Jesus I repair; 

Did you ever see such beautiful ducks?  

May Jesus Christ be praised!

 (Little Wren still singing)

 The night becomes as day

(The sunset of the same day)

When from the heart we say;

May Jesus Christ be praised!

The powers of darkness fear

 when this sweet chant they hear;

May Jesus Christ be praised!"

Let all the earth around ring joyous with the sound:

 May Jesus Christ be praised!

In heaven's eternal bliss the loveliest strain is this:

May Jesus Christ be praised!

Amen!