by Sharon O | Dec 10, 2023 | Uncategorized
The next scene that takes place is found in Luke 2.
The census was taken throughout the Roman Empire and Joseph needed to go and be counted.
Because he was a descendant of King David he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea.
While they were there Mary gave birth to Jesus.
Now let’s back up and imagine a journey on country roads that were not easy to travel, and Mary was very round and riding a donkey.
I’m sure she was very tired and worn out from the riding and maybe she walked too we are not told that information.
It was a hard journey, but it was necessary.
When they got to Bethlehem there was no room anywhere for her to rest.
Joseph had relatives there but apparently, they were not open to him staying there, and the census would mean many people would be in that area.
I can’t imagine what Mary thought. Any new mom is fearful of what is to come.
The unknown is hard to deal with and here she was giving birth to a baby.
Perhaps she was alone? We are not told, maybe someone in the town helped her?
Joseph didn’t know what HE was doing or what was expected to do.
It says she wrapped the baby in strips of cloth and laid him in the manger.
There were no diapers, no soft baby blankets, nothing that we would think of when a new baby is born.
YET the baby arrived and the angels too and they were singing GLORY TO GOD…
out in the field where the shepherds were keeping watch at night.
The sky would be bright, and clear and if you have ever looked up in a night sky it is amazing and marvelous….to see the constellation of stars and beauty.
The next scene that takes place is found in Luke 2.
by Sharon O | Dec 4, 2023 | Uncategorized
When Elizabeth was six months along with John, an angel met with Mary who was engaged to be married to Joseph.
Gabriel appeared to her in Luke 1:28 and he said,
“Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!”
Now we must stop for a second and remember she was only 16, not quite a woman; but God knew.
It said she was, confused and disturbed as she thought about what the angel had said to her.
Wouldn’t that be the normal response when hearing a greeting like that?
The other thing to remember; women who were pregnant and not married were often stoned to death.
It was a serious issue not only for her, for Joseph and their families involved.
She must have had many questions and concerns.
Then the angel said,
“Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God!
You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.
He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High.”
Mary asked the angel, “How can this happen? I am a virgin.”
The angel replied,
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
So, the baby to be born will be holy, and will be called the Son of God.
What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age!
People used to say she was barren, but now she is in her sixth month.
For nothing is impossible with God.”
Mary’s response to the angel was,
“I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true,”
Then the angel left her.
{I truly think the angel brought the news about Elizabeth to Mary, so she would believe more intensely and with more reality.
She knew Elizabeth was old and barren. She also knew she must go see her and see for herself what the angel had said.}
An angel met with Mary and told her the good news..
by Sharon O | Dec 3, 2023 | Uncategorized
When I think of the Christmas story; I am in awe and in amazement of the number of players that were used to create the scenes.
It is orchestrated like a screen play with everyone doing every little part, to make the whole, story complete.
God was so wise to use a simple teenager, and a humble man.
Of course, HE was wise, He is God the Almighty Father.
It was perhaps a love story; that would be tested from the moment the angel met with Mary.
She was a teen, so young and being told. “You are to be the chosen one.”
She had a tender heart full of acceptance and honor.
Can you even imagine how it started? Being startled by an angel in the room?
“Don’t be afraid.” (Of course, he would have to say that!) I would be terrified.
I have always been amazed over the fact that the angel spoke in a language Mary could understand.
We don’t think of angels having language or sound other than singing.
I wonder if sometimes WE get an angel among us telling us things that we hear, but not realizing Who was telling us?
Mary was the chosen one to be the mother of Jesus.
In Luke 1: The story is written and played out and it unravels with each and every character.
The beginning of it began with Zechariah and Elizabeth who were relatives of Mary.
It was the miracle before the miracle.
Their son, John would be born before Jesus.
Elizabeth was barren for many years and then Zechariah was told they would have a son.
He didn’t believe the angel and so the angel told him to be quiet until the birth took place.
I don’t blame him for doubting, that would be the reaction of many in the same situation.
But God… can do miracles.
A miracle before the miracle.
When I think of the Christmas story I am always in awe of the details and the obedience.
by Sharon O | Nov 16, 2023 | Uncategorized
Thanksgiving will be here soon. Fast approaching, the shopping not really done.
We are going to our son’s house, so it is not the big ‘drag out the china’ day for us and that is OK.
We welcome the invitation.
November is also our anniversary month.
This year it was our 50th.
Hard to believe that we have been living in the same house for that long.
Well not same physical house, but ‘us’ together.
We were young. We grew up together.
Had our children, watched them grow up into wonderful adults with children of their own. We have six amazing grand children. Life is good.
We have really lived through the richer, poorer, in sickness and in health, and it has been a learning process for both of us.
He out did himself this year by purchasing 50 Yellow roses.
LONG stem in one bouquet. The vase was huge.
I was surprised and not sure what to think. The bouquet was massive in size.
We went to the beach for a few days with our trailer and had wonderful meals out.
We planned it simple and cozy.
I think it matters most when we do things that are comfortable and not overly stressful.
Next week is Thanksgiving and then we head into the Christmas season.
I can decorate and set up lights and enjoy the season with a holiday movie or two.
It is a special time of year.
I also have a birthday. I thank God I made it this far to enjoy it.
We give thanks for all things small and large.
For family and for memories.
For friends who are near and dear to us.
We give thanks for a church that we can go to in freedom and without worry.
We give thanks that our Pastor is a man of integrity and knowledge.
Thanksgiving will be here soon, and we give thanks with our whole heart.
Our wedding day so many years ago.
by Sharon O | Oct 16, 2023 | Uncategorized
Part of the experience was entering into the radiation room.
Pretty overwhelming at first.
The machine was big and even though they do what they can to make you comfortable, it is a setting you don’t really want to be a part of for very long. I didn’t have to have this very long or very intense, and I do have three little tattoo’s to mark where the radiation beam was to go, it’s pretty life changing to arrive every day to this room with the hope and prayer that it will work, and nothing will be found ever again.
The actual radiation part takes about 5-7 minutes. It took us longer to drive there than the actual treatment.
Then I met with an oncologist there at that clinic who would determine how long and how intense of radiation I would receive.
I honestly have to say, the experience was good. Yes I know that sounds funny, but I have heard of others who come out with major burns, and I didn’t.
I didn’t have any residual problems from the treatment, and I passed with a good amount of energy and willingness to fight this.
I did do something that was not the best idea, in the afternoon the fatigue would hit me and rather than lay down for a nap, I made a pot of coffee.
I was emotional at times, but I think that is part of the process too.
The 16 sessions were life altering, and part of the experience is being willing to learn and accept what must take place.
I have a new understanding of cancer and the process of healing.
Part of the experience part two.
I 
