A CHRISTMAS I HOPE TO REMEMBER, 2010

(Pictured above: Aaron, Jim, (Cabbie Dog), Miley, Jenny, Matt, Coletta)
"And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;  Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage."
(Deut. 6:11 - 12)

The picture above was taken yesterday just before our Sunday dinner on Dec. 26th.  I pray that I will not soon forget not just the picture, but the people and the event of this wonderful weekend.  It seems like the older I get the more worrisome I become about some things, and the more grateful I am for life and for my family.  The reason this picture is priceless to me is that this past week end, Coletta and I were able to celebrate our Christmas with both of our sons, our daughter in law and our granddaughter at our home and church. 

Aaron, our youngest son had not been back to U. S. for two years. Thus he had not seen his brother and family for two years.   His only "niece" Miley was one when he last saw her.  She is now three.  I'm the one that insisted on this picture because I know that with Aaron's time back in the states being only one month long, we might not be together again as we were yesterday for years to come.  It's likely that the next time Aaron sees Miley she will be in Kindergarten.  

The thing that makes me feel that God blessed me with such a great Christmas this year is the dark velvet back drop in this year's Christmas scene here in Van Wert, Ohio.  Within just the past two weeks, one young man in a nearby town lost his 50 year old mother, his 25 year old wife and his 3 year old son in a car wreck.  Another young father we know along with his 3 and 5 year old children lost his 34 year old wife to cancer, and several families here in Ohio lost their children in house fires.  I'm also thinking tonight of a little three year old girl who's mother was sent to prison a few days ago.  A pastor friend of mine in Kansas died on Christmas morning and another Pastor friend had to resign his church just a few Sundays before Christmas. 

So now you see why I say, "God has been so good to me, our family and our church this Christmas."  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everybody!   Thank you Lord for not giving me what I deserve but by showering me with such blessings in having a great family and church this Christmas Season!"

I'm Jim Burns and that's something to think about!    Email:  jimmycburns@aol.com

COLETTA'S B. D. YESTERDAY, BLIZZARD TOMORROW!

(Pictured:  My wife, Coletta with our granddaughter, Miley Burns)

In spite of My wife's horrible pain, I think she had a great birthday yesterday.  Her parents drove up from Marion, Ohio and surprised her for lunch and cake.  We sang the B. D. song, and she blew out her candles.  I won't say how many candles!  Since she has been pretty much bed fast due to her pinched sciatic nerve, some of the women from the church have been bringing over food for lunch each day this week.  What a blessing!  With my "lack of" cooking skills and almost daily trips to Wendy's and Balyeat's, the home cooked meals have hit the spot.  Other than my in-laws coming for the afternoon, Coletta's birthday was pretty low key this year since she was not able to leave the house. 

Today, Dave and Shelly Miller, a couple who attend our church got married at a nearby country church and their reception was at Liberty (our church).   As I type this,  we are getting    T. V. and Internet reports that a possible blizzard like snow will be starting in about 3 hours.  Temperatures will be dropping like crazy soon and it presently raining pretty hard.  So, Sunday morning church could be a little challenging.  We have several folks who drive as far as 25 and 30 miles in to fellowship and serve at our church, and I must accept the fact that with ice on the roads topped with drifting snow, many won't be able to come. As dangerous as it could be, I certainly don't want them to take a risk. These are "Sundays" Pastors never order, but get from the Lord to humble us (I guess).

So why don't you come and worship with us tomorrow?   If you can't, then send money.  HA!

This is Jim C. Burns, and that's something to think about!   Email:  jimmycburns@aol.com

PS.  Please pray for our son, Aaron Burns who is flying home from China Dec. 29th.  He has not been home for two years.

BURNS' SNOW SKIING AT 57

I'm the guy on the right in the "black and blue."  I met this Ohio "Buckeye" from Toledo skiing alone like me, so we spent the afternoon going the slopes together.  This was the last time I skied at Winter Park, CO.  For the first time in my life, I skied above the timber line.  JUST SNOW EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK!  It was a blast.  But, I kinda feel like the "Pillsbury Dough Boy" in this picture.  I'm hoping to get a new ski jacket for Christmas this year.  Bright GREEN so the Ski Patrol can see me better in the Avalanche!

I'm Jim Burns and this is "Something to Think About!"       Email:  jimmycburns@aol.com

PLEASE PRAY FOR MY WIFE

Coletta,  has a pinched sciatic nerve. We would covet your prayers for her.

Thank you.  Jim C. Burns, Van Wert, Ohio

Email: jimmycburns@aol.com