I love Christmas time. It just seems to bring people together. While my family and I don't really get involved in the presents and decorations, I still love all that. See, what we decided to do, now, is give the money we'd use for all that and send it to people in need...a charity, friend, someone we feel led to send it to. We all know we don't really need anything, and can get those things during the year, so this is the time to really reflect on the true meaning and give instead of receive. We have a beautiful service, as a family, and my dad reads the attached file. This is a 15 page Word 6 attachment (I can e-mail you that attachment.  I converted it to a webpage for here). Much of it at the end is scripture references in full text.

The following is from my father...

Over the years as the spiritual leader of my family, one of my goals has been to bring the family to a neutral point regarding some Christian practices. By neutral, I mean that they must come to a belief in certain things on their own not because "we've always done it that way." I wanted them to not just follow certain things out of habit. There is so much richness in the Christian life that is missed because we tend to follow tradition without a scriptural basis and God has so much more in His way of doing things than man's tradition. One of them was the celebration of Christmas. I have come to conclude that most of what goes on during this season is cultural and not scriptural. Over the years I have kept this to the family circle. I do not pretend to be part of some revolutionary new Christian movement, nor do I want to export to others what doesn't work here at home. Some weeks back, I had thought of asking Elisa if it would be appropriate to send this in her newsletter and then I put the thought aside and asked God that if it was to be put out, He would make it obvious to me. Elisa asked me tonight if I would e-mail it to her to include in her Christmas e-mail. I took this as a sign to go ahead. I realize that what I say can offend some and it may make others feel guilty and some will get plain angry. I hope that if you have an adverse reaction that you don't take it out on Elisa by "unsubscribing" from her e-mail. This is the way we do things for Christmas, you can do whatever you feel God would have you to do. I do hope though, that it does make you at least think about it and make your own conclusion, even if it is continuing to do whatever you do. 

I know you will be blessed by reading it, but like my father said, you are to come to your own conclusions. My father is a wonderful, Christian man, and I have a deep respect and love for him. His advice has never steered me wrong, and I wouldn't be who I am today without God and my father and mother. Many of you, on this list, know him and will agree with me. Well, God bless you all and have a WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Thank you for everything you've done for me this year! It has meant SOO much!! Love you all! See ya next year! LOL Remember...

We awoke on Christmas morning, the sun it shone so bright.

Snow lay on the ground, that had fallen in the night.

Ornaments and lights, they glistened on the tree,

The presents they were opened with laughter and with glee.

Paper and some toys were strewn upon the floor,

The children sat there waiting to open up some more.

We heard somebody clear their throat, and we all turned to stare.

No one had noticed him as he was standing there.

He handed out a gift box to every one of us,

We all wanted to know just Who this Stranger was?

He sat down ever so gently as we looked at our box.

What could this small box contain? Perhaps a new pair of socks?

We opened it so slowly, it said "Handle with Care."

Tears welled up in our eyes when we realized what was in there.

He said, "Always remember the reason I was born."

As we looked down at the rusty nails and twisted crown of thorns.

"As friends gather round to celebrate the season,

Amidst all the fun, they forget the real reason."

He passed out bigger boxes marked with the word "sin."

Each of us had our own, but found no sin within.

Only the word 'Forgiven' and a bloodied wooden cross.

Here we were the sinners, yet Jesus had paid the cost.

He said, "If you are willing, I will live within your heart.

And from you I do promise, never will depart."

Our presents, the tree and the lights grew strangely dim.

As we all there presented our hearts up to Him.

Jesus then touched every one of our hearts,

and said, "Go, sin no more. Here's a new life to start."

With new found freedom and a gift beyond worldly worth,

He said, "Now go proclaim to the world My and your new birth!"

"Tell them that I came to earth for all men!

I was born in a manger, in a town called Bethlehem.

I grew up in God's wisdom, and then one day,

on the cruel, rugged cross, your debt, in full, I did pay.

But I rose in three days, my purpose fulfilled,

and I wait for your heart that only I can fill.

So, don't forget as you celebrate this season,

That I am the One and only true reason."

Check out the new Gaither site!! It's wonderful! I recently became a member and am having so much fun! In fact, I've met many wonderful people through the chat room. We've become great friends already! I'd like to welcome them to my newsletter!! Also the wonderful friends Jeanie Hutton has sent my way and many others who have recently been added! WELCOME! I'm honored to add you all and hope you always enjoy being on my list. If not, let me know and I'll take you off...no questions asked!

Well, anyhoo, the Gaither site is incredible. It's opened up doors for me already!! They've posted three of my poems!! I got some really great feedback already! And they will be archived for more people to see. :) I think you have to be a member in order to see them though. I've also chatted, live, with Bill Gaither, and he was gracious enough to recognize me, say hello, and answer two of my questions! There are many other great benefits to being a member. You get advanced tickets to their concerts, contests, free shipping on Gaither products, chatroom with other members, message boards, interviews, live chats with the Gaither singers, and points so you can win GREAT prizes such as backstage passes and a call from Bill Gaither, videos, CD, etc. There's also lots of info about the artists, etc. So if you're a real Southern Gospel fan, it's great! I know you'll enjoy it!! So check it out...www.gaithernet.com

My Silly Plight! True story! hee hee

My Silly Plight - Elisa Sangiorgio

I stoop up on the stool,

and balanced myself on there.

The ground it looked so far below,

I started to get scared.

I held my breath, then let it out,

and looked up at my task.

I closed my eyes and said a prayer,

"Lord, please keep me safe." I asked.

I reached up with my hands,

and my heart began to race.

I took in one deep breath again,

then felt the sweat on my face.

Putting my arms down for a moment,

I let them rest at my side.

I suddenly realized the stool I was on,

wasn't really that wide.

But I was determined to get this thing done,

And get it done I would.

I reached up and finished the task,

as quickly as I could.

I finally stepped down off the stool,

and realized my silly plight.

No wonder we women ask the men,

to change a stupid light!!

About my poetry:

We are all on a journey through life. Some of us get lost, some search for the truth, some have found the truth, and sometimes we all need a little "service station" along the way to continue on. These poems were written for that purpose; for those seeking to find life, for those who have it, but need a little lift, for those who have strayed and need directions back, and for those who just need a little encouragement. It is for every day living, experiences, heartaches that lead us to the realization that God is the only way, the only truth, and the only life. I pray my poems minister to your heart, and give you the energy, direction and encouragement that you need. If you ever wished to be removed, please send me an e-mail and I will remove you, no hard feelings. :) God bless.