Good Bye 2010 Hello 2011

Well another year has come and gone as well as the first decade of the new millennium. So with that said, we are starting a new year as well as the second decade of this millennium.
It is amazing to me how fast this past year and decade flew by. It just seems as yesterday to me when we started all of this new millennium as we awaited on the YK effect!
In that time I have manged to reconnect with estranged family old friends and have added seven new grandchildren to the already three that I had. The family continues to grow in leaps and bounds.
I have added numerous new friends that I'm so blessed to have in my life. I have said goodbye to many wonderful and loved, family and friends. The loss and emptiness in my heart forever changed not just because they are no longer here but, because who they are and what they left in my life can never be measured. I thank each one for the gift of their friendship and those I still have with me. But know they are resting in a much better place. I look forward to the many news friends I will meet along my new adventures this year and coming decade ahead.
I have helped and started several new business and am still running two of them. The other is still ran by the family. All small but successful in their own right. What a wonderful feeling to help be apart of something like starting a business. It has so many life lessons in it. I look forward to the coming growth in each one and the new lessons to be learned.
My life in travels has been exciting as well! I have seen many places that I thought I would not be able too go and see. I look forward to seeing many more in the years ahead. My adventures have been many the changes on going.
Through the tears, laughter, joy, and sadness, good, bad, ugly exciting, etc etc. It is a daily journey that I look forward to and am honored to share and take you along with me. As I continue to share the journey here on lifesbeautynuggets.
So as we say goodbye to 2010 and the first decade behind us. I say thank you for the life lessons and blessings along the way. As I come into the new year of 2011 and the new decade ahead. WELCOME!! I look forward to the journey and the adventure.

May we be open to see the treasures in each new day
May we see the joy and the love in each broken smile
The twinkle in the eyes as one shares
The laughter in a child's joy
May we each be blessed coming in and going out.
May we have good health and prosper
May the joys of family and friends be your blanket of warmth and love
May all your tomorrows be filled with all you need
May you not want
May you never lack or be without
May you have an abundance of whatever you have need of
May the friendships you forge bring you new insight and joy of life
Through each new day and adventure
May happiness and joy follow you all your days

Treasure's In Life

There are treasures in life,
but owners are few
Of money and power
to buy things brand new.

Yet you can be wealthy
and feel regal too,
If you will just look
for the treasures in you.

These treasures in life
are not hard to find
When you look in your heart,
your soul, and your mind.

For when you are willing
to share what's within,
Your fervent search
for riches will end.

The joy and the laughter,
the smile that you bring;
The heart unafraid
to love and to sing;

The hand always willing
to help those in need;
Ones quick to reach out,
to labor and feed.

So thank you for sharing
these great gifts inside;
The caring, the cheering,
the hug when one cried.

Thanks for the energy,
encouragement too,
And thank you for sharing
the treasures in you.

Cross Roads

For the past week instead of dancing in the glory and celebration of the Christmas season of the birth of our Savior we have been faced with a cross roads of death and life in our family. Many times through our lives we come upon them as we are preparing for other events. Then comes along that unexpected unplanned event that no one wants to have in their lives.

How we face them and how we deal with them builds our character. It shows the world how we face our cross roads with grace, faith and determination.

How we lean on the Lord and His ability to carry us through to the other side of Victory! It draws those who want to know where that inner strength comes from.

We reach for the unseen and the hope that He will answer our prayers and that all will work out the way we want.

I'm grateful to say Thank you Lord for the miracle of not only your Son for the forgiveness of sins but for the life that you have given in my brother.

I thank you for the battle that he will face; but the grace to face with strength and courage that only you can give.

I glory in each day as if it where Christmas and the celebration of life that you give in each breath we breathe.

So as you come upon those cross roads in life whether small or large; life or death. Face it with the courage and grace that only the Lord can give.

Take each one as a gifted treasure to share and to grow into the person you are created to be in Him.

Be blessed as we come upon this new year and the cross roads you maybe facing as we end this year and face a brand new baby year ahead with all of its many cross roads that it will bring upon each one of us this year small or big.

We can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens us.

Christmas Miracle

Life is precious and Jesus sent His son for us on this night. If we look and we watch, we wont just hear the bells of the sleigh but the love and the joy of His love sent in every song and every breathe we take. This night I celebrate with each of you the miracle of Christmas and the true love of family friends and those that we are estranged from. Look up and see His face in all that is around you this Christmas season in the love and eyes of those who hold dear. I thank Him this very night for my brothers life. He gave us another Christmas miracle besides His precious son 2000 years ago. Thank you Lord for your hand upon each of us and the Christmas miracle you give 365 days a year. Merry Christmas!

A U-Turn

Some days start out great!
It progresses with no incident's,
Then without looking
You need to make a U-turn
Things have just went astray
How could everything go along just fine...
Then....
You turn your head for a moment
Then you have to re-collect
Re-group
Re-think it all!
What just happened?
Oh yes!
It is called life!
When your doing life,
Life will throw you a curve ball.
Then...
All you can do
Is make a U-turn.
Throw up your hands
Rejoice
That you just made it through.
Tomorrow is  a new day
And life will throw curve balls!
Be ready and prepared
The U-turns in life
Maybe the very one that saves your life.
                                                                                                    

The Making of Adopt-A-Grandparent Packages

The deadline is quickly approaching!
The arrival date is coming close with the Adopt-A-Grandparent delivery on the horizon. With Christmas Eve just around the corner on Friday. Miss Santa will be dressed in her Santa red best with her bags brimming with goodies over flowing.
So to work we must go to prepare the bags of goodies to bless those lovely individuals who will be receiving  these packages of love from their community and surrounding area.
Busy helping hands where recruited to help put together these little gifts of love for those who would not have other wise. It was a delightful morning of laughter and chatter as we gathered the goodies to put together the little tokens of love for those whose footsteps and hand prints to life came before us that have prepared the way so we might enjoy the fruits of their hard labor. I'm so excited to put them together and deliver them on Friday. So many smiles and lit up eyes of awe! Like little children who have been given the present they have waited for all year long. The love wrapped up in  a package that says thank we love you and we didn't forget what you have done.
It wasn't as many as I had wanted or near the number needed. But am delighted with the first run of this event. I look forward to working on this project again in the future. Many lessons learned this time around. One I will start earlier in the season. I'm thinking September would be the perfect timing to start moving on such a huge project. Especially if I intend to enlarge the number and those who would participate in it as well.  I would be able to hand out even more gifts so that means more letters and information re guarding this project. As well as being able to receive more names and numbers to follow up on so that I can call them back and get their feed back on both the homes and those participating; on this project and collect the funds on a set date as well as a delivery date for gifts. I think getting mailings out to my customer base as well to see if they would like to participate in this project with their families and loved ones would be excellent. As many people are always looking for areas to donate and  give durning this time of year.
Then we can bless so many more in the Assisted Living Homes, Care Facilities, Independent Living, Adult Foster Care. So many in the area. I work in one and go to three Adult Foster Care Homes.
They so look forward to seeing someone come for a visit with a bright shiny smile. You might just drop in and say hello to one today. Take your own gift wrapped package and drop in and say thank you for being you and paving the way. They would be delighted and you just might find you will enjoy talking with them and hearing their life stories. So many they have to share. They are our walking and living history books.
For the first time around am pleased with the turn of events. Like anything the first time around we are learning and making many mistakes so that we can do much better next time. I'm still getting some calls in and commitments on them still. You have until Friday morning to commit to one or more if you'd like. Just contact me via the post or through my web page and leave me a message www.marykay.com/ehernandez1
To those of you who have participated I would like to give a great BIG shout out: THANK YOU so very much!!! You have helped this project to be a success, without you I couldn't have done it. You have made this project so much fun! I look forward to working with you all in the future.



Busy Stuffing




Ribbon Cutting




A Snip Here And A Snip There



The Little Details Always Count





A Little Bling To Bright





Not To Much



Some Mittens & Lotion





A Candy Cane Too!




Busy Hands Will Need Some Of This Lotion





Tying It Off




The Bundle is Ready For Santa Delivery



The Gift....

THE GIFT OF LISTENING... But you must REALLY listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening.

THE GIFT OF AFFECTION...Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER...Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE...It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT... A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job" or "That was a wonderful meal" can make some one's day.

THE GIFT OF A FAVOR... Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.

THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE... There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION... The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone, really it's not that hard to say, Hello or Thank You

Christmas Story

The Christmas Story of the Birth of Jesus - Paraphrased from the Bible:

This Christmas story gives a biblical account of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. The Christmas story is paraphrased from the New Testament Books of Matthew and Luke in the Bible.

References:

Matthew 1:18-25; Matthew 2:1-12; Luke 1:26-38; Luke 2:1-20.

The Conception of Jesus Foretold

Mary, a virgin, was living in Galilee of Nazareth and was engaged to be married to Joseph, a Jewish carpenter. An angel visited her and explained to her that she would conceive a son by the power of the Holy Spirit. She would carry and give birth to this child and she would name him Jesus.

At first Mary was afraid and troubled by the angel's words. Being a virgin, Mary questioned the angel, "How will this be?" The angel explained that the child would be God's own Son and, therefore, "nothing is impossible with God." Humbled and in awe, Mary believed the angel of the Lord and rejoiced in God her Savior.

Surely Mary reflected with wonder on the words found in Isaiah 7:14 foretelling this event, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." (NIV)

The Birth of Jesus:

While Mary was still engaged to Joseph, she miraculously became pregnant through the Holy Spirit, as foretold to her by the angel. When Mary told Joseph she was pregnant, he had every right to feel disgraced. He knew the child was not his own, and Mary's apparent unfaithfulness carried a grave social stigma. Joseph not only had the right to divorce Mary, under Jewish law she could be put to death by stoning.

Although Joseph's initial reaction was to break the engagement, the appropriate thing for a righteous man to do, he treated Mary with extreme kindness. He did not want to cause her further shame, so he decided to act quietly. But God sent an angel to Joseph in a dream to verify Mary's story and reassure him that his marriage to her was God's will. The angel explained that the child within Mary was conceived by the Holy Spirit, that his name would be Jesus and that he was the Messiah, God with us.

When Joseph woke from his dream, he willingly obeyed God and took Mary home to be his wife, in spite of the public humiliation he would face. Perhaps this noble quality is one of the reasons God chose him to be the Messiah's earthly father.

Joseph too must have wondered in awe as he remembered the words found in Isaiah 7:14, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." (NIV)

At that time, Caesar Augustus decreed that a census be taken, and every person in the entire Roman world had to go to his own town to register. Joseph, being of the line of David, was required to go to Bethlehem to register with Mary. While in Bethlehem, Mary gave birth to Jesus. Probably due to the census, the inn was too crowded, and Mary gave birth in a crude stable. She wrapped the baby in cloths and placed him in a manger.

The Shepherd's Worship the Savior:

Out in the fields, an angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds who were tending their flocks of sheep by night. The angel announced that the Savior had been born in the town of David. Suddenly a great host of heavenly beings appeared with the angels and began singing praises to God. As the angelic beings departed, the shepherds decided to travel to Bethlehem and see the Christ-child.

There they found Mary, Joseph and the baby, in the stable. After their visit, they began to spread the word about this amazing child and everything the angel had said about him. They went on their way still praising and glorifying God. But Mary kept quiet, treasuring their words and pondering them in her heart. It must have been beyond her ability to grasp, that sleeping in her arms—the tender child she had just borne—was the Savior of the world.

The Magi Bring Gifts:

After Jesus' birth, Herod was king of Judea. At this time wise men (Magi) from the east saw a star, they came in search, knowing the star signified the birth of the king of the Jews. The wise men came to the Jewish rulers in Jerusalem and asked where the Christ was to be born. The rulers explained, "In Bethlehem in Judea," referring to Micah 5:2. Herod secretly met with the Magi and asked them to report back after they had found the child. Herod told the Magi that he too wanted to go and worship the babe. But secretly Herod was plotting to kill the child. So the wise men continued to follow the star in search of the new born king and found Jesus with his mother in Bethlehem. (Most likely Jesus was already two years of age by this time.) They bowed and worshipped him, offering treasures of gold, incense and myrrh. When they left, they did not return to Herod. They had been warned in a dream of his plot to destroy the child.

From: http://www.christianity.about.com/

The Barber and The Customer

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about so many things and various subjects.
When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said
"I don't believe that God exists." "Why do you say that?" asked the customer. "Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things"
The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop. Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt.
The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber: "You know what? Barbers do not exist" "How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber. "I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!" "No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside." "Ah, but barbers DO exist! That's what happens when people do not come to me."
"Exactly!" affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! That's what happens when people do not go to Him and don't look to Him for help. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world"

Author-Unknown

Evil pursues sinners, But to the righteous. good shall be repaid.   Proverbs-13:21

Festival of Lights

An evening out in the chilly cold air enjoying the festival of lights at the Grotto in Portland, Oregon. One of many events through out the city celebrating the Christmas season. This one is one of my very favorites as you walk in the gates the story of Our Saviors birth is told through lights and song. So many activities to enjoy through the evening. Choral concerts, Carolers, Puppet shows, Living history outdoor drama, light displays, Christmas tress of hope (prayers), Petting zoo, Nativity sets from around the world, Festival food, as well as some holiday shopping.                  www.thegrotto.org



Friends Enjoying the Night Out





Christmas trees of hope (prayers)




Captured Hopes &  prayers




Oregon Chamber Singers




St. Nick




Door Angel




Christmas Carolers



Behold the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name "Immanuel" Which is translated, "God with us."  Matthew-1:23

Christmas Basket



A Tumbling Mess





A complete Package

Making dreams of Christmas wishes come true!
Delivery express through your Mary Kay Consultant.
No wrapping for you !
No holiday hassle!
Just a click away
www.marykay.com/ehernandez1





A Mary Kay Christmas




A Santa's Helper's Dream Package

Researching and Learning

So I have been having so much fun learning about blogging. Today I decided I wanted to explore the idea of different ideas and thoughts we have through the day and how I could capture them and share them through my blog. Besides jotting down little notes and thoughts through out the day. As I don't always have a pen handy. Asking the Lord to bring it back to remembrance is defiantly one way. I love telling stories and taking pictures. And pictures are like a thousand words.  So I usually do have my camera in tote with me. Its just remembering to pull it out and take a candid shot of what has captured my attention. A picture can tell a story in a glimpse.
So as I took my beautiful CK for a walk today I felt the Lord nudging me and giving me wonderful ideas and direction on things to share and how to tell some wonderful stories about Him and the gifts and treasures He leaves around for me daily. So  I came home and sat and thought and said to self, I need to go for another walk.
So out came the leash again and CK and I went for another walk around the field and school. This time I had camera in tote with me so we could stop and take pictures of things that spoke to me and gave me a story, a thought or insight or just made me feel good. So many things out there to be excited about and that will speak to us if you are listening to the still small voice inside of you, that is the Holy Spirit.
I don't think CK had so much fun the second time around as she did the first time out. But she so loves going for walks and being with me. It was a nice brisk one both times and very engaging as I listened and enjoyed the beauty and sun that was streaming down from heaven above, sent for me to bask in.
I know have a nice start of a collection of photos, thoughts, ideas and things that are running rampant in my brain that I want to share. It is laying them out and putting to type and formatting them to my blog that will take time and skill that I'm still learning. If you have thoughts ideas or anything that can help me please feel free to express yourself here on comments. I will take each one to heart and pray.
Thank you for reading and following this journey.

A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. Proverbs 13:1

Twas The Night Jesus Came

Twas the Night Jesus Came

'Twas the night Jesus came and all through the house
Not a person was praying, not one in the house.
The Bibles were left on the shelf without care,
For no one thought that Jesus would come there.
The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And mom in her rocker with baby in her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the east there rose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and lifted the sash!
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here!
The light of His face made me cover my head--
It was Jesus returning, just as He said.

And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.
In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said, "It's not here" my head hung in shame.
The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.

With those who were ready He rose without a sound
While all the rest were left standing around.
I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I'd known that this was the night.
In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is now drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was true after all.

--AUDRY PATRICIA WOOLVERTON

A Handy Chart For Daily Success

A Handy Chart

God has a positive answer:
YOU SAY	GOD SAYS	BIBLE VERSES
You say: "It's impossible"	God says: All things are possible	(Luke 18:27)
You say: "I'm too tired"	God says: I will give you rest	(Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: "Nobody really loves me"	God says: I love you	(John 3:16 & John 3:34)
You say: "I can't go on"	God says: My grace is sufficient	(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out"	God says: I will direct your steps	(Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: "I can't do it"	God says: I can do all things	(Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm not able"	God says: I am able	(II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It's not worth it"	God says: It will be worth it	(Roman 8:28)
You say: "I can't forgive myself"	God says: I Forgive you	(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: "I can't manage"	God says: I will supply all your needs	(Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I'm afraid"	God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear	(II Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"	God says: Cast all your cares on ME	(I Peter 5:7)
You say: "I don't have enough faith"	God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith	(Romans 12:3)
You say: "I'm not smart enough"	God says: I give you wisdom	(I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: "I feel all alone"	God says: I will never leave you or forsake you	(Hebrews 13:5)
	Believe God is there just for you.. PASS THIS ON. YOU NEVER KNOW WHO MAY BE IN NEED