Bloom Where You’re Planted.com

Here we are …. 2010 is just around the corner. One thing that is never out-of-date is to learn something new so I’m suggesting that we all determine in our minds that we will take on some new task and learn how to expand our horizons!

The internet is not going away so that is one area in which we can all grow. Of course, we all have our own area of expertise and to keep us sharp at the workplace we should spend time honing that field too.

The Bible is a book of great wisdom and by it will the truths bring about great knowledge. We should pause to exceed in areas of spiritual growth. One handbook that I love to use to help me is a book called “

Rightly Dividing the Truth

” by Clarence Larkin. Also, a great book to learn truth is by Bill Gothard called

Basic Truths.

For the most part, I am “on time”. And I mean that… “on time”. I don’t tend to be early. No, let me say that again, I am rarely early but generally walk in about 5 minutes before an event begins.

This morning was a bit different. The cold got me up and stirring. For one thing, I wanted to make a fire in the fireplace. Living in Florida, this is rare so I wanted to do it while it could be done and enjoyed.

Still, being a clock watcher, because I don’t want to be late, getting to Sunday School was still a big deal but today, I was actually 20 minutes early! Wow!(Wikipedia photo).

A lot of times, I don’t take seriously my duty as a Christian. I gain the benefits of God’s grace but I am not willing to do my part. This is true. Colossians 4 is a mandate for the Christian to look, see and do. I am going to try to in 2010 to do a better job by reading God’s Word and better follow through on “doing” as it says. This was the Sunday School lesson today from Colossians 4:

1Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

2Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

3Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

4That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

5Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

7All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

8Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;

9With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.

10Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

11And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

13For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

14Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

15Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

16And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

17And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

18The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

Today, I stopped by the make-shift memorial created for little Kaitlyn, the 6 year old who died after being hit by a Ford Expedition at the corner of San Jose and Kori Road in Jacksonville. According to news reports from WJXT and The Florida Times Union, it is possible the light turned green before the mother, who was pushing her brother in a stroller crossed with the little girl. Reports indicate the SUV took off when the light turned green hitting the little girl. The boy has some injuries as well including some broken bones.

An investigation is still in place but no one has been charged. ‘Very sad situation at any time much more at Christmas.

While “Turtles” are probably my all time favorite candy, the sideline snack that I just LUV is Peanut M n M’s . The small chocolate M n M’s often go on sale but so often, Peanut M n M’s don’t and such was the case today.

As a result, I tried the Almond M n M’s today. Nothing’s changed. I still love Peanut M n M’s best. Yum but until I get a bag on sale… I’m out!

My dad is quite a carpenter. His age (89) is the only hindrance of his excellent work. On this barn, I cut the doors out and he was able to easily hang them on the barn. The sawing part was less than perfect, but they sure do swing good.

I’ve wondered if the renters that took off the aluminum to this shed have ridden by to see the “new shed”? What a difference.

Today, outside of The Loop Restaurant, there was a fine example of a sports car

. For many years, I’ve heard of these fancy cars but don’t know that I ever remember seeing one until today.

This was a fine auto…

The pet adoption agency was open so I went to just look. On the one hand, it was a very clean place and the people there were friendly but the situation was quite sad with the kitties, puppies and dogs behind cages.

When I walked in the dog area, they immediately began barking and jumping on the cages. There were several that I would have taken home if I could have but with dogs of my own, I just couldn’t.

For just a little, I would have taken an outside cat but even there I would want to have him in from time to time so… no….but I sure recommend this to anyone who would like company. Animals are a pleasure.

As tradition holds at our home, before opening gifts, we read from the Bible the wonderful story of Jesus, the Savior of the World’s birth…
Luke 2:

1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.(Courtesy, Biblegateway).

Often I like to do things for both of my kids. My youngest works at a restaurant and with it being the Christmas season, I thought I’d take a party to her, so I did. First, I went to the Dollar Store and bought a load of plates, cups and bowls.

Then, I went to the grocery store and bought a ton of food. After a full day at my rental working, I went home, washed up and made finger sandwiches and other nice goodies for the party. I even put together punch!

About 5:00 p.m., I delivered a Christmas party to her workplace. Because it was such a busy night, they let me set it up in the very back of the store. I took each employee a pair of antlers too! They all seemed to appreciate it.