Since the early 1990s David and I have been helping to support the work at the Lulwanda Children’s Home in Mbale, Uganda. We “adopted” a precious young boy who has now become a handsome young man.

In order to contribute more support for the orphanage, early this year I dedicated my art to the Lord in this way.

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” ___James 1:27

Visit the orphanage website  

http://www.ugandaorphans.org/

‘Til He Shouts!

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…..Just stay home!
Yeah, actually those three words are my best advice about Christmas shopping. Trust me, I know these things! After sixty-four years of marriage and the age that implies, I have tested all methods of Christmas shopping. Of course, that was before online shopping, which I love. Back to the subject.
I first published this blog December 2, 2013. This morning I realized I was beginning to have the same thoughts about Christmas shopping and suddenly remembered my own Excellent Advice. So here it is again.

I love numbers. After my husband served 6 years in military service; after 5 years of his undergraduate studies; after many years of his graduate studies; after 3 children, (all this time with 0 discretionary funds), I finally began to notice a singular truth about my shopping: If I went out of the house I would spend money! That’s it! It was as simple as that! To resist the urge to shop, I would make a cup of coffee, grab a cookie, and wait for the urge to pass….and it would pass. Yay! Just think how much money I saved today, I would think. Perhaps the thought of taking three little children along with my shopping trip had something to do with deciding to “…just stay home.” Maybe.

Fast forward to today with the convenience of online shopping at my fingertips. Remember I said that I love it. Well, I’ve learned something about that, too; If I fill out all the necessary information in the Shopping Cart…i.e. the mailing address, credit card number, on and on, I’ll probably make a mistake and have to delete the whole thing. I’m usually so aggravated and bored by that time, I go find something else more fun to do. Yay! Just think how much money I saved today.

Recently while shopping online at a fancy store website, I came to the final bottom line stating the cost, it was really low….yes LOW! I thought how can that be? I just ordered some expensive items, jackets, sweaters, etc. I pondered this for a while and decided to start over by going back to the home page of the store. Oh! I see it now….in big bold letters it read “EVERYTHING 70% OFF TODAY.” That answered my question and confirmed my growing suspicion that I am the world’s worst shopper. Yes, I started over and bought all the same things I wanted as before. Oops! I didn’t save any money that day.

You might also find it helpful to know that if you are traveling with all your children and you are on a tight budget……don’t stop the car……ever! It will cost you money if you do. I’ve tested that theory before, in fact, we’ve lived it. However, I’ll admit it is a little difficult if you are trying to get to Lubbock, Texas from Houston, Texas in one day. At last count it is almost 600 miles.

Friends, that is the extent of my shopping advice gleaned through hard-earned experience and a lot of fun. Get a cup of coffee and a cookie….and wait.

I wish you and your family a blessed and happy Thanksgiving Day and season!

And Merry Christmas, one and all. Praise Him as we celebrate His birthday. 

Information About This Greeting Card Art

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen His glory,
the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14

‘Til He Shouts!

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“Only One Life”

Oil painting by Adele Bower

For Information About This Painting

I’ve always admired the Hibiscus flower blossom for its beauty and wondered at its brief life. It reminds me that the Lord created such beauty full well knowing it was to live only one day, then be replaced by another blossom. It teaches that one day is as important as many days. That blossom had a responsibility to shine in all its beauty, for the joy of we viewers and the glory of the Lord…and it did. We believers in the Lord Jesus Christ also have only one life, with joy, beauty, and responsibilities to fulfill.

High on the wall above the door to my Grandmother’s kitchen was a hand-made plaque. That was a long time ago, but I’ll never forget the message:

“Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

 Poem by C.T. Studd

‘Til He Shouts!

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Our Tiny Kitchen Tree

It is NEVER too soon to decorate for Christmas. Never!

Considering the sacred and divine reason for the Celebration of Christmas, it is relevant year round. The message of the coming to earth of the Second Person of The Holy Trinity, our Lord Jesus Christ, taking on human form,  is so profound and far-reaching, it cannot be repeated too often. You may remind me any time, any place, and frequently….please.

I love everything about Christmas, even fruitcake (but only from a special store in Corsicana, Texas). I love the music, the colors, the lights, the fragrances, the family get-togethers, the food, the little Snowmen figurines, church specials, cookies too pretty to eat, wrapping paper, tinsel, glitter, cats knocking over the tree, Christmas cards, selecting the perfect Christmas stamp, ugly Christmas sweaters, wreaths at the windows and doors, jingle bells, silly gift exchanges, (stop me….I could go on and on.)

And the graphics. Oh yes, the graphics of Christmas. I realize my noticing graphics comes from the fact that I’m an artist, but, oh my….have you ever wondered what our Christmases today would be like if it were not for graphic designers and artists the world over? They design decorations, wrapping paper, cards, toys, figurines, special chinaware, table decor, wreaths, candles, again….I could go on and on. I appreciate and thank the graphic designer/artists of the world.

Another reason I love Christmas is my birthday, which is very close to Christmas….very. I must have been about 8 years old before I realized the lovely decorations, special foods, guests, gifts and sweet attitudes were NOT because it was my birthday.

Don’t get me wrong, I love and celebrate Thanksgiving, too; turkey, dressing, family, pie, cranberry sauce, spiced peaches, and football games. But I can take in a lot of celebrating…all right on top of each other. It is all welcome in our house.

“We Need A Little Christmas!”

“Haul out the holly;
Put up the tree before my spirit falls again.
Fill up the stocking,
I may be rushing things, but deck the halls again now.
For we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute,
Candles in the window,
Carols at the spinet.
Yes, we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute.”

____ From the musical “Mame” by Jerry Herman

I think I’ll turn on some Christmas music.

First published in November 2015

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