The True Meaning of Christmas...

Luke 2

1)And 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.)

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

4)And 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:)

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

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

7)And 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

15)And 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.

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

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

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

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

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

We interrupt this program.....

Huge news!!! I can finally tell you all what has had me so stressed out. There is no easy way to break this so I'll just put it out there. Jill and I are going to have a baby. We've finally had medical confirmation and been told that everything is fine. I even faced the scariest moment of my life and told my mom tonight. Jill is approximately five weeks along and that gives us a due date of August 23... I'm sure that will change a few times. *chuckles* Anyway... I'm not gonna post anything else tonight, I'm exhausted and soon heading for bed. I'll return you to whatever it is you were doing before I interrupted. ;-P

In Rememberance

I went to Dad's mountain today... It had rained last night and into this morning. The clouds lay across the sleepy valley like a gray blanket. My sister had already been there and left a wooden cross here in Dad's resting place. I stood alone and talked to my father. As I looked out over the view he has, I told him what is on my mind and how sorry I am for the mistakes I made and the things I left unsaid. When I told him about my secret, a hawk circled overhead as if to say that he knew and it was all going to be ok. I left Dad's mountain today, feeling just a little better than I did before. Here's to you, Dad and to knowing you're never truly gone.


I see the countless Christmas trees
Around the world below,
With tiny lights like heaven's stars
Reflecting in the snow.

The sight is so spectacular
Please wipe away that tear
For I'm spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs
That people hold so dear
But earthly music can't compare
With the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you
The joy their voices bring
For it's beyond description
To hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me,
Trust God and have no fear
For I'm spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year.

I can't tell you of the splendor
Or the peace here in this place.
Can you imagine Christmas
With our Savior, face to face?

May God uplift your spirit
As I tell Him of your love
Then pray for one another
As you lift your eyes above.

So let your hearts be joyful
And let your spirits sing
For I'm spending Christmas in Heaven
And I'm walking with the king!





Dean L. Bierly Jr.
Nov. 19, 1954
Dec. 18, 2003

How do you spell holidays? S-T-R-E-S-S!!!

Yes... it's that time of year again. The holiday countdown has hit single digits and it all just keeps coming right at you. *chuckles* We all know how lovely working in retail can be and then add that it's this time of year and it just gets expotentially worse. It's been such a nut-house at work and then seeing as how we are short staffed by three associates.... *sighs* It just makes it WONDERFUL! LOL!

I've heard there are squabbles going on in our dept. about different things. One of them has been me and my mood. I had been angry (and at times still am) about our schedules. There is one associate (whom I love dearly) who has by their availability (or lack thereof) royally screwed all the rest of us. That associate has been feeling like an outcast or something now... What did they expect? "Let's screw my fellow associates and we'll all be bestest buddies forever!"???? I mean, puh-lease! One person cannot get all they want at the expense of everyone else... It just doesn't work out. But anyway... My mood lately has had more to do with other things. The holidays are the most of it, but not everything.

Tomorrow is another reason I've been stressing... I cannot come upon Dec. 18 and not have it all hit me in the face. The rotten choices I made and the chances that I'll never have to make things right. I will never forget and the lessons I've learned will stay with me... That's a promise.

*chuckles*
There is one other thing that's been on my mind. Some of you know and some of you don't. The one's who do know, I want to thank for keeping my confidences and those who don't know.... I'm sure you'll know soon enough. ;-) That's all I'll say on that subject.

Last night was Jill's family get together (on her mom's side of the family). It all went fairly well. Jill was tired and by the end of the evening I was too. We had a nice time overall and afterwards we went to Mark's for a while. *grins* For the first time ever Emily played with me and didn't get all shy when I'd talk to her. It was great! That kid is adorable.

Anyway... I think that's about all for the moment. I never have a whole lot to update about but I do try. *smirks* I know some people who haven't updated since October so.... :-p I'm out like your momma's bellbottoms!

Oh!!! Before I go... Here's an awesome holiday display!

christmas lights

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"I love it when you call me Big Poppa
The show stoppa, the rhyme droppa...
Chubby competitor, quick to kick a chump in the chest
Yes, it's Bad Boy, Right hard to the core
Lord!, Me can't take it no more
Out!!!"

Christmas cards

Last evening I was preparing to send out my Christmas cards. I thought I'd share one of them with you all.



I don't have much else to report here... I have a ton of things on my mind... but I'm not gonna post here about them just yet. And now I'm gone.

Pearl Harbor

"Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with the government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleagues delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.

Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.

This morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounding determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire."

-- Franklin Delano Roosevelt