..the weather report...

In Jamaica we live in "forever summer"....with just a little spring as Denny is quick to remind me. He likes to remember those plummeting temperatures into the seventies! And not to mention the hurricane and tropical storm season!

I love the weather. I love the seasons. I love the changes the weather brings, not only to the sky, and to the land, and to my feelings, but the fact that it is something beyond my control. When there is an element in life that I absolutely have no control over and I don't have to worry about the way it is going, that gives me freedom. That is a good thing! The weather just reminds me of that...no control!

Funny how in one day the weather can go from bad to worse, or from good to bad, or from bad to better or even simply be delightful all day long. The other day I took these pictures from my yard at the same time! On one side of the house the sky was gorgeous and blue, on the other side of the house the storm was brewing hard and in just a couple of minutes the dark storm clouds were going to take over the entire area and begin to bring rain.






It reminds me that I can wake up in the morning and never imagine the weather patterns that are going to dictate my day! It sometimes goes from puffy clouds and blue skies to even puffier clouds and blue-er skies and you hear yourself humming the old song...if it keeps gettin' better and better, if He keeps on pourin' it on....

But then there are other days when the blackest clouds turn blacker and you wonder how am I ever going to get through this one? All I know and what I am learning is God allows the weather to be what it is and many things indeed are out of my control. That is when I begin to hum....it won't rain always...or hear the saying in my head..this too shall pass.

It is hard to stay consistently faith-centered when life's rain is peltering on your head. It is so easy to slip and fall when you are running for cover without an unbrella. When life's car starts to slide on the wintry mix and goes out of control and panic sets in you realize you are not in control, but somebody is.

Every weather pattern God brings into my life is for my good and for His glory. This week Ryan sent me a song that has grabbed my attention.

"It may not be all that I had hoped for, and every dream has not yet been realized, but to see your face one day God I know,it's all going to be worth it."

valentines early.....

Valentine's day is focused on using cards, candy, flowers, and gifts to tell the people in your life that you love them. To tell a stranger...well that's not supposed to be the plan. I haven't seen Valentines Day to be a big deal here in Mandeville, Jamaica. Many holidays are American generated and sustained. Since this isn't little America we don't see the commercialism. Denny and I can handle an American holiday to not exist but when you have children, well that is a different story. I can't just run to the local store and plan to find something on Monday morning for Renee. When you live in a different country you have to start thinking way ahead! Fun Fun!

We know that we are in Jamaica according to God's plan. We know that 4 years is a long time, but not so long that when discouraged you know just around the corner of another year you will be home itinerating all over again. Missionaries are an unusual bunch! A missionary can pack their bags and leave comforts and conveniences of home and plunge forward to the unknown. Missionaries can survive not having healthy budgets, they can live on a shoestring in a country that is very expensive. Missionaries don't have to use electricity and even have water every day. Missionaries can wear the same clothes and shoes for 4 years and not be bothered. Missionaries don't expect much in return, except that the burden to minister cross-culturally never lessens. Missionaries are an unusual bunch! A missionary can plug along without praise and "stuff" for a pretty long time.

So when a call comes out of the blue like the one we had it was pretty amazing! Let me tell you about it!

A week ago Den received an email from missionary friends in Springfield, MO. They said that their friends were going on a cruise and would port in Jamaica for one day and would like to spend $50. and bring a missionary something. "Would you have something in mind that they could bring you?" We were very surprised and wondered what it was all about. We were kind of perplexed as the missionary friends gave us the information. How do you call a stranger and say, could you bring me a can of shortening! There are just so many things that we cannot find here and our list could have been...well should I say interesting. But the more I thought about it, the more I felt like we should focus on Renee who never complains and goes without so many things and happenings like Youth group, camps, or regular teen-age things as a missionary kid.

Time was of the essence as this couple was going to be leaving their home in a couple of days to begin their vacation. So we began to toss things out there and thought of some things that would be nice to receive unexpectedly! The second evening after having this information I wondered, "what would make Renee smile?"

I thought of a valentine "Build a Bear" for Renee, a walmart box of candy for me and maybe a dvd for Den. We didn't expect all those things, just whatever they could find under $50. Things that we can't get here but things that would make us all giddy! Den called the couple the next day and because of the ice and snow in Dallas they were going to start their journey that day to get to Galveston. The wife said that they would do their best to find the items. I really wondered if they would be able to find a Build a Bear store enroute so I didn't say anything to Renee. I hate to dash expectations!

On Wednesday of this week Den taught till 1:00, Renee went to school till lunch time and we started our journey to the cruise ship!! We were so excited we could hardly stand it! We had no idea who the family was. We had no idea if this was really gonna work. All we knew is that we were to meet them in Montego Bay between 3 and 3:30 at the security area near the ship.

When we arrived we were not sure of where to go. So after asking the guards on duty and explaining why we were there, we planted ourselves in one spot and boy was it hot. Because we came upon an accident we were late. We could see 2 ships from where we were, we just couldn't get through the traffic to get there. We eventually arrived at 3:40 and didn't see anyone nearby waiting for us. So we waited and waited and waited. Unbeknownst to us, the couple was waiting and waiting and waiting in the hot sun somewhere else! At 5:00 one of the security guards came over and said, "there is the couple that is looking for you!" Here they come walking toward us! We were so excited and yet so humiliated that we were the cause of them standing in the hot sun for nearly 2 hours.




Here is the story! David and Carolyn attend Oaks Fellowship in Texas and a couple of months ago their pastor challenged the church with a campaign, ACT NORMAL, An Exercise in Compassion. The promo has this line.."It's moving compassion from niche to norm." The promo also says that ACT NORMAL is not only about opportunities but about action. It is taking compassion to another level in your personal life. Along with the idea of "doing" like raking leaves or volunteering at a pet shelter, the campaign includes spending $50 on someone that would come to mind during the yearlong challenge, such as filling someones gas tank, buying $50 of groceries for someone, investing in a soup kitchen, etc. Little did we ever realize that God had this little Seler family in mind when the pastor introduced the challenge. In the realm of life, such a little thing, but monumental for us at this time.

Missionaries can be very lonely people. They do a lot of cross cultural things and ministry, ministering in many situations, making many acquaintances but not having a "heart" friend, one who understands your culture, your framework, your background, etc. Missionaries can tend to be very guilt ridden. If I do find a Dr. Pepper and consider spending an outrageous amount of money to buy it, compared to how much it would be in America, I am not being a good steward, or like ice cream or something non essential and then compare the price of that soda to what an average person makes here and you wrestle with justifying the expenditure. Missionaries can live in disconnect. Family members just don't understand the dynamic of leaving everything to go somewhere that they have never visited and think that it is any different than America. For example, we don't live on an Army base where everything is shipped in for our comfort or what do you mean it takes a month to get the car inspected, what do you mean, you go to cash a check and the bank doesn't have sufficient cash, and the list continues with things people just can't understand until they are in the situation.

When something like this Valentine blessing happens, you remember...God does know my name and He knows where I live!

As we watched Dave and Carolyn walk up the road I noticed something in his hand but couldn't tell what it was. He said to Renee (as if he already knew her), "Do you know what this is?" Her eyes got big as he began to unfold that Build a Bear house box! She squealed as Carolyn pulled a valentine bear out of her tote bag! It was a moment to remember! This valentine blessing was just what the doctor ordered!




We then proceeded to a little Island Grill to give our new friends a taste of Jerk Chicken! Over our little snack, they didn't want to eat too much as they would be eating dinner on the ship, Carolyn pulled more goodies out of her bag! A box of candy, oh how I miss Hersheys, a Celine Dion cd and a Narnia DVD. We were silly, we were so excited. Then they began to tell us about the church challenge and how it had changed their lives. As a matter of fact, I don't think I will ever forget Dave saying, "This is our 18th cruise, how I wish I had blessed a missionary in those ports of call before." The next day they were going to port at the Cayman Islands and so guess what? Another missionary family was going to be blessed by Dave's $50 ACT NORMAL gift. We were the receivers of Carolyn's $50. I wonder if the Cayman Islands missionaries asked for something as trivial as we did. Probably not!!







When Dave and Carolyn shopped for us I doubt that she set out to make this our best Valentine's day yet, but she did it!! Another little side note, they were cruising with another couple and they wanted to be in on the blessing so they bought the candy for me!

Den sent an email thanks the next day and when I read it I cried. Den told me that when he wrote it, he cried. Dave and Carolyn had no idea how dry our ground was, how desperately we needed to sit and chat. How they blessed Renee, wow, they were there with her and still they will never realize what they said to speak into her life. Here is an excerpt from Den's email to these wonderful people.


".......I don’t know that I will ever forget the smile and joy on my daughter’s face as you asked her about a simple cardboard box. Her squeal of delight was so obvious. The two of you gave her a very special moment and even more a long-term memory of her experience in Jamaica. Thank you so much. Your speaking into her life the words of encouragement as you referenced your daughter and Quentin and Elizabeth’s girls and their education was equally special. She is in a very significant life formation time as she sorts out her future – your words were so welcomed.David and Carolyn, you will never realize how much your kindness, generosity and presence meant to this missionary family. We will cherish the memory – thank you."


Well... to say that valentine blessing surprised us, encouraged us, and gave us love is an understatement...thanks Dave and Carolyn!

They wanted a photo in front of the STL car!



Renee and Shortcake enjoyed the journey back to Mandeville!

Happy Birthday Ryan! You're 21!

Children's birthdays have really special memories especially for moms that have a good pregnancy, are surrounded by a supportive family, have a good delivery, are tended to by wonderful doctors and nurses, moms who see the excitement and tenderness in the eyes of the new daddy....for so many new moms things turn sour and turn into a trial, but for me it was a wonderful day! Today, 21 years, Ryan was born!A great day!




Ryan was always wanted. Denny and I were married in 1978, Ryan came along in 1990. We had experienced many ministry settings to his arrival. We were associate pastors in Illinois, then were youth pastors in Massachusetts. We were missionaries in Spain, then we returned back to Walpole as youth pastors once again, then Ryan came! Little did we realize when he was born in that month of February that God was setting things in motion for us to be asked to be Youth and Christian Education Director for Southern New England A/G come May. But when Ryan arrived, we were youth pastors in Walpole, one of the most dynamic churches that we have ever known even till this day. The people in the church were the welcoming committee for his birth as well as my parents and my sister Janine and her husband.




Ryan wasn't due on Feb.2, but for as long as my fatherinlaw knew I was pregnant, he said that I was going to have a boy and he was going to be born on his birthday! I said, "I don't think so because the people at church say I am carrying a girl and first babies never come early"! I was due closer to Valentine's day so I knew that my fatherinlaw's wishful thinking had to be mistaken!

On February 1 I became quite ill and just didn't feel right. Janine called me from work to see how I was doing and I told her. She called Denny at the church. The day went on, I was feeling pretty rotten all day. That Thursday evening, my parents came to check on me and Dad started timing the contractions. When mom and dad left, probably around 10:00, the contractions were 7 minutes apart. I couldn't rest, I couldn't really lay comfortably, I remember telling Den to go to sleep and that I would wake him if need be. Around 3:00 in the morning I woke him and he called the doctor. The contractions were getting closer and more consistent so off we go to the Norwood Hospital. I remember thinking, could this really be it or will they send me home. I had never gone through this before, how was I to know!

When the admitting nurse finished the paperwork, I was still thinking maybe this was a false alarm, I mean I wasn't even due yet! The only time that it hit me was when the nurse gave me the johnny to change into! As if it were yesterday I remember the exchange! She said, "honey you are going to have a baby" I said,"TODAY???" She said, "oh yes honey that baby is coming today"! I said, "but wait, I can't it's my fatherinlaws bday!!!" and then of course I told her why I said that. I love my fatherinlaw, but I had told him he was wrong for at least 6 months, he couldn't possibly be right!!! Somehow I knew that if he was right on the date, he would be right on the gender! The only problem was, what would we do with the name Brittany Shannon! We had only picked out a girls name!


Today I am looking at Ryan's baby book and reminiscing that wonderful day! Jen Schlosky bought me Ryan's baby book! I can't throw out the box it came in, I have notes written on the box as well! After we came home from the hospital I was in the emergency room 3 times. During those difficult days, Mema and Pop Pop and Aunt Janine helped Denny with Ryan and Jen Schlosky tended to me! She is such a nurse! I will forever be grateful to my family and my friend Jen, there through thick and thin.






So many people to be grateful for. I remember them coming by, bringing food items and care, support for a new little family that had a very sick mommy. People spoke into our lives and prophesied over Ryan. Christian Life Center was a very special place because of all the special people. When I look at the book and see the Shower page, my oh my, so many people with so much love! I still feel overwhelmed 21 years later. I guess this isn't a baby book but rather a mommy book!




Ryan, you and your sister are the joy of our lives. For 21 years and 9 months more we have spoken Jesus into your life. I remember things that we told you when we couldn't see your face. I remember reading the Word to you when you couldn't yet see, I remember playing music for you when you didn't yet know what music was. You were so loved before we even knew you.




I found some really neat things in your book! One of your first Bible crafts, some Christmas wrap from Mrs. Harper, pictures and cards you wrote for your daddy. This book, though small in comparison to other books, holds treasures that can never be replaced. I remember my mom always said, "if there is a fire, grab the baby books". Now I know why she said that. Everything about your birth and growth is worth remembering and keeping! As a matter of fact, I assisted God in making a miracle today 21 years ago and I don't want to forget it!








It is so easy to appreciate you and to love the memories you have given us, Ryan. You grew up to be such a fine man. Of course we have had disappointments, who hasn't? Of course there were times when you could have made better choices, who hasn't? But for every one of those, there have been a hundred wonderful choices and wonderful decisions. I always said to you, "make your daddy proud, both of them"! Today both your earthly father and your heavenly one are proud of who you are and so am I!




The envelope with your hair from your first haircut is also in the box. Why do moms save hair??? It is so light compared to what your hair color is today! Isn't that funny?



I found a letter from the Sturbridge School Bus, telling us what bus you would be on and what time it would be at the bottom of the hill. Boy those were tough times letting you go. I remember crying for most of the morning! silly me. We are so possessive of God's gifts, aren't we! I said I trust God, but did I really? Worrying about the safety of the bus, worrying if you would remember your backpack, worrying about the drivers on the road that would be near the bus, worrying if you would fall asleep and not get off :), worrying about the bullies near you, worrying if you would be the bully :), worrying about YOU, my precious treasure.











I wish you a happy 21 honey. You are a man. You know what is required from being a man, responsibility and all that stuff. I am proud that you graduated from High School. I am proud that you went to Bible College and are soon to graduate, I am proud that you had a paying job when you were a teenager. I am proud that you are a capable driver. I am proud that you work hard at your craft. I am proud that you are your own person, I am proud that you pray. I am proud that you write. I am proud that you want what is best for you. I am proud of your choice in friends. I am proud that you are my Ryan. I am proud that you are a Seler. I am proud of how you treat your sister. I am proud that you want to lead others in worship. I am proud of YOU.

...don't toss it out...send it and bless em!

Had a great thing happen on Saturday. I went to the mailbox! Now that is monumental around here! I haven't seen anyone in Jamaica with a mailbox outside their house. Post offices hold everybody's mail. You can rent a little space street side, accessible anytime, day or night, or if you don't rent a box you stand in line. A clerk pulls out your last name initial bundle and you can wait for a looooooong time for her to find your mail. The line will wind out the door most times of the day.

But the reason post office visits are few and far between is that finding a place to park is impossible. If I am alone I have to get at least somewhat close for other potential problems that I won't mention here, so, to say the least, I usually don't worry about the mail too much. Most of the time if we do get mail it is usually for the landlord!

But Saturday...well, the reason I went was to check and see if a Christmas card arrived that a friend sent from the states on December 7. That card wasn't there but something really special was!

We started our ministry in Illinois and that is where Den was licensed with the Assemblies of God, but shortly after that sojourn we found ourselves in a church that was meant for us! We Pennsylvanians, fit into New England and spent most of our ministry there.

Back to the Post Office. We received a letter from a dear friend who was part of the ministry of Christian Life Center. Joyce retired this past fall from her employment and found herself at home full time. Being home more now, she is going through things that have collected and instead of throwing out this treasure, she sent it to us! She wrote this for our farewell many years ago. When I look at even the paper it is copied on, my mind immediately traveled back to the CLC office, the copier room, the pink paper we used for so many things. My memory walked through the offices, the foyer, Den's "Snoopy" office, the sanctuary, the beautifully muraled nurseries. So many things drifted into my mind over a beautiful piece of mail.

For those of you who have heard about our CLC days you will laugh. For those of you who experienced those years with us, you will be brought back to those days when everything seemed so RIGHT. Enjoy and...thanks Joyce, you made our day!

Debby and Denny...
They're from CLC
She plays the piano
Youth Pastor is he.

We love them both so
They've been here five years
But now they must leave
We will shed many tears.

We've all been so blessed
By the things they have done
Their work with the youth
And the souls they have won.

They both went to Zion
A Rhode Island place
And before that, the Air Force
Was Denny's home base.

The state of Pennsylvanis
Was birthplace for the two
In small towns alike
They were raised in a pew.

Six brothers, Two sisters
Was Denny's large clan
With two each for Debby
The Hall household ran.

They came here to Walpole
From a town in Illinois
Their ministry since that time
Has truly been a joy.

They worked so very hard
For Speed the Light's big day
While Denny drove around
Deb walked the whole long way!

The Speed the Light Marathons
Were worth all the tears
Since First Place in District
Was ours for all five years.

The puppet group started
Under their watchful eye
Bringing joy to so many
On the very first try.

Those cute little puppets
So funny and bright
"A little bit of Sonshine"
Was shining His light.

Their first trip was special
To Sunbury, PA
Barbados came next
And led them to pray.

Their hearts were so touched
As their next trip was made
That Mexico sunshine
Seemed almost like shade.

And then came Jamaica
The puppets came too
Which all led to Belgium
And a world-wide review.

And speaking of talent
Which is all heaven-sent
Our Denny revised
The Teen Talent event.

As a pastor of youth
Denny sure made the grade
He counselled and nurtured
And perfected his trade.

He's known in the District
As the Youth Leader rep
With ideas and promotions
And energy and pep.

The Youth Staff will tell you
He trains them just right
He always looks forward
To "Youth Alive" night.

And Debby herself
Is quite special, ya know
Her musical talents
Have blessed our hearts so.

"His Own" is the group
Of singers she started
Made up of young teens
Who were so tender-hearted.

They sang for us here
And they traveled around
To nursing hones, churches
And toured with their "sound".

She once taught piano
But stopped such a pity
She then went to work
For our own Dr. Chitty.

She played for the choir
And accompanied them well
And taught little children
To sing clear as a bell.

Well, so much for that
We've told you enough
Of awards and achievements
And all that good stuff.

The time's finally come
To say "see you later"
We know in our hearts
That your next step is greater.

"We love you-We'll miss you"
We say through our tears
But we're praising the Lord
For the last great five years.

And we know He is wiser
For moving you on
To a far greater calling
Even though you'll be gone.

As missionaries now
To a world far away
Please know that our prayers
Will be with you each day.

And as you depart
To the vastness of Spain
We know that our loss
Is that country's gain.

"Good-by and God bless you"
As you tread foreign sod
We say "Vaya con Dios"
May you "Go thou with God".

Cooking Class - #1

I'm not sure how it happened, but I gave my firstborn his first "Pennsylvania Dutch" cooking lesson. Maybe he has graduation on his mind. Maybe he is thinking of getting his own place soon, maybe he....well maybe he thought it was time to learn how to make a staple in our home for his almost 21 years of life!

I didn't grow up on Pot Pie but as soon as I became a Seler I had to learn fast! My motherinlaw taught me how to make a Seler favorite. I was making pot pie for a long time before I became acquainted with the Cracker Barrel Restaurant where you can get really good Pot Pie. I was making Pot Pie long before I ever had my first dinner in Lancaster where they serve really good Pot Pie.

I have to say I am really proud that I can make it as good as my motherinlaw! At least that's what they tell me! Since I have been a Seler I am forbidden to put pineapple and cloves on my Christmas or Easter baked ham because if I do that I can't make Ham Pot Pie the next day! One can make chicken, turkey, beef Pot Pie, but the all time favorite in our house is ham Pot Pie.

For all of his life, Ryan has watched me make the pot pie squares, but this time I got to watch him and it was a treat! I must say, it sure was delicious and turned out just like Nana Seler would have wanted, not too thick and not too thin! Just right little Bear!

As a matter of fact, during the lesson we talked about Nana alot and sent some messages heavenward hoping that she could see her #14 grandchild receiving his Pot Pie lesson.





Ryan has a few dishes in his repertoire so it was time to have his own apron instead of using his dads!

..save the Ryan fund.....depleted!

Coming to live in Jamaica in 2008 without Ryan was tough. I have to say going to live anywhere without out one of your "God" gifts is tough. He was in our every thought, our communications, our dreams, and most of all our intercession. The three of us missed him so much, at times it was almost debilitating. You know like times you can't get your breath for the tears of missing someone so much. We have managed with God's help and have grown accustomed to celebrating his accomplishments from afar.

One of the things we did upon moving here was to start a "save the Ryan fund." We began collecting our silver coins in a little piggy bank and every now and then when it got full we would transfer it to the big glass jar. Sometimes when missing Ryan we would pull out the big, glass jar from its' secret hiding place and count it. Little did Ryan know that we were saving and little did he know that he was going to tell us what he wanted to do with it upon his last student vacation here!



One time during one of his VFCC breaks, we told Ryan about the fund and asked him to think about what he would like to do with it. It didn't take him long to tell us that he wanted to go to "The Ruins" in Ocho Rios with it and have a special dinner. After that announcement we knew we would have to get serious about our fund! We saved with intention and discipline. We all couldn't wait to go to "The Ruins." Even missionary friends have contributed to the "save the Ryan fund!"

The first time Denny and I went to "The Ruins" was in 1984 when we brought an AIM team to Jamaica and for our day off took the team to Dunns River Falls and ate dinner at "The Ruins." I remember it being a very special time and the team saying this is where they wanted to either be married or at least honeymoon! It was one of those very special teams and memories in my mind. Funny thing, I never heard that anyone of them returned to "The Ruins" except us!

When we were here in 1984, we would have never imagined moving here in 2008! This was not a place that was on the radar screen of our lives. To think that one of our children would have her high school career here would have really been quite unimaginable but here we are!

This past Christmas break for Ryan was the planned time for us to celebrate and use the "save the Ryan fund." We anticipate him coming back to Jamaica, but the timing will be different. Ryan graduates VFCC in May and will change his status from college student to full time employee, wherever and however God orchestrates. We will not be able to claim him for holidays and school breaks! Seeing him for our last 18 months here could turn out to be sporadic...so this was the appointed time! Oh we were so excited!

On December 27th we loaded up the car with beach paraphernalia, our bags and the "save the Ryan fund." On to Ocho Rios! The second day of our stay found us at "The Ruins" with its cascading falls and beautiful outdoor atmosphere!



Steak is not something that is easily found in Jamaica. We have tried to eat it even at an American establishment like T.G.I.F and it is horrible. We have tried to purchase it from a meat supplier and that is not something we will try again. We stick with chicken. But at "The Ruins," you find none better. Chef Sam Shum knows how to do steak! So Ryan and Den had steak and Renee and I shared the surf and turf. Renee had the turf and I enjoyed my favorite surf..lobster. What a treat. We dined like royalty. From appetizers to desserts and it was all scrumptious!









Ryan has gone back to college and we are into January. I guess as is typical, one ties up all the loose ends from Christmas and gets life back in order! So today we went to the bank to pay our rent and while there Den asked about all this silver! Now that we have spent it we need to make it usable cash! Since we don't have an account here in Jamaica we were finding it impossible to find a bank that would take these coins, might I say, a whole lot of coins! Eventually we found ourselves asking a man in town that sells us watch batteries. "Do you have need of silver, can I sell it to you?" He said that he has so much from people buying things at Christmas time that he couldn't help us. So that got Den to thinking, I guess we could bag it and use it at the grocery store or to get gasoline or even Renee to buy her lunch at school! Oh boy I was thinking, you can use it to go to the store, but I'm not pulling out a baggie of coins, no way! I have too much pride for that!

So tonight we found ourselves bagging coins! We have one more place to check and see if they will take it, if they don't....well let's just say, Den is going to be doing the shopping!







I was just thinking, next time I go out the door, Den will say, Debby, do ya have your wallet? I can respond. Yup, stuck my driver's license in my baggie!

..all for you Ryan.....all for you!

..a kid thing...

Denny and I have a collection. A big collection. So big that most of them are in a storage unit in Pennsylvania. This collection is so important to us that we notice when one is missing or out of order. Both of our children are already claiming parts of this collection when we pass on. My dream house has a room dedicated solely to our collection. If we were weathy people there would be no end to adding to our collection.

The collection....books!

One of my favorite categories is Christmas Children's Books. I love them. I only buy one a year. Last year one of my gifts from Ryan was "The Polar Express." It meant so much to me that he gave me something I really wanted! No matter how old you get, you are never too old to read a children's book.





Last night's selection was "A Red Neck's Christmas," I read it out loud. When everybody laughs at the lines, it makes my day! You can never get to old to be read to! There is something calming about being read to. My mom is an avid reader, my husband is a voracious reader, my children loved to read while growing up.



Today I opened my book for this Christmas season and Renee and I really enjoyed it. The cover is misleading a little bit. Although it is about Santa, the story is about a little girl Holly and since it is Christmas Santa is in there somewhere!



When my children were growing up one of our favorite activities was library night. We would dedicate a night of the week to simply reading. No music, no television, no friends. Just reading our books.

Of course going to the library was always a regular routine. We would bring home literally bags and bags of books. Such treasures.

Being a reader develops critical thinking, good spelling, increases the vocabulary. Stimulates the imagination and can take you all over the planet without buying an airplane ticket. We have ministered in so many countries. The one thing we always buy is a book about the country we are in. That has become another special collection.

Since our passion is the ministry and preaching, we are continually made aware of how important reading is to a speaker. We can always tell when a preacher does not spend time reading. Reading is an important element in being a life-long student and learner. Reading outloud is also important. How distracting it is when people stumble over reading the text outloud to the congregation. It is such an important discipline. Disciplines can be just a natural overflow of your life or they can be very tedious and unwelcome. Either way disciplines are critical to our behavior and character development.

Well from a kid's thing to preaching....how did I get there?

Merry Christmas!