Happy New Years

I was reading from Philippians 2 today and came across a familiar verse, but the Lord gave me some things to think about:

12 So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose. (HCSB)

A few things caught my attention:
   Work out your own salvation - I am called to work out my salvation, not worry about what somebody else is/is not doing. Not a new revelation, but a good reminder. Was it John Wesley who said something along the lines, "I have too much to work on with me to have time to judge others"? Still trying to find this exact quote, but it came to mind when I read this today.
   With fear and trembling - Working out my own salvation is not putting my trust or pride in "my" good works. I humbly follow Christ considering what an awesome privilege it is to be in relationship with the God of the universe.
   Enabling you both to desire... - The Holy can and does not only change my heart, but He also changes my desires so that I desire to be less like me and more like Christ. How awesome is that!
   Enabling you...to work out His good purpose - Again, working out my own salvation is not about being a "good person" or earning points with God for being "good". Working out my salvation is about becoming more Christ-like and living a Christ-centered life so that I can fulfill God's purpose in my life. My life is all about God and bringing Him glory. It is not about me.

Lots of good stuff there. Thinking this may end up as a message one day after I have time to study it out more.

The puppy dogs are so happy we are at home, both in town and off work today, so that we can spend time with them. I do not know why Boo's eyes flash green like this, but I'm thinking if I blew up a picture of just her face to poster-size and put it on our front door it might make would-be burglars think twice!

We went over to my parents to celebrate Christmas with them today since we were out of town. Mom and Dad were sick all through Christmas and are just starting to feel better. We enjoyed a lunch of vegetable soup and corn bread today.

How cool is this! This is a microwave S'more maker. It has a little tray where you put your Graham Cracker, chocolate, marshmallow and second Graham Cracker. The little arm pushes down on the marshmallow as it melts. In the back is a vented container where you add water. I think the vapor helps the S'more cook. No, it doesn't taste the same as cooking it over a camp fire, but we all had two eaten by the time you could have gathered the fire wood!

The puppy dogs were in the laundry room while we ate lunch. Here is Boo sticking her feet under the door as she whimpered reminding us how much she missed being with us.

Amanda is the movie lover in our family and Geama & PaPa D took good care of her for Christmas. We are looking forward to watching We Bought a Zoo with them as they have not yet seen it (great movie!)

Our trip home this afternoon. Sully was worn out after visiting today.