Glory to God, Peace to Man

A Savior Is Born! Glory to God, Peace to Man

We listened to this amazing sermon by John Piper yesterday.  It is one that is worth listening to any day of the year! (Click on the title above to go to the website where you can watch/listen to the sermon.) :)

"Continually cultivate a sense of amazement that in spite of all your sins God has forgiven you through Christ. Be amazed that you have peace with God. It’s this sense of amazement, that I, a sinner, have peace with God, that makes the heart tender, kind and forgiving."

~ John Piper

"All I Have Is Christ"

I love this song!

ALL I HAVE IS CHRIST

I once was lost in darkest night

Yet thought I knew the way

The sin that promised joy and life

Had led me to the grave

I had no hope that You would own

A rebel to Your will

And if You had not loved me first

I would refuse You still

But as I ran my hell-bound race

Indifferent to the cost

You looked upon my helpless state

And led me to the cross

And I beheld God’s love displayed

You suffered in my place

You bore the wrath reserved for me

Now all I know is grace

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ

Hallelujah! Jesus is my life

Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone

And live so all might see

The strength to follow Your commands

Could never come from me

Oh Father, use my ransomed life

In any way You choose

And let my song forever be

My only boast is You

© 2008 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI), by Jordan Kauflin

Merry Christmas!

Saturday was the W. family Christmas celebration at Uncle David's!

I enjoyed holding my cousin's youngest son, Teddy.

 Amy and Walter!

Kristen handing out the gifts.

All the great-grandchildren with Dad's mom. 

Getting them all in one picture, sitting relativly still, was quite a funny experience! :D 

Pillows!

I've been in a pillow making spree the past few days!  They are all made from scraps of home decorating fabric a friend gave me.  The deer head applique was an idea I saw on Pinterest.  I am planning on trying a moose silhouette next...and then maybe a horse...and then...who knows! :)



...Major Dick Winters...

Major Dick Winters
Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment
101st Airborne Division

Today is the 1 year anniversary of the death of Major Dick Winters. He was 92 years old. 

I first read his book Beyond Band of Brothers, in 2010, and it quickly became one of my favorites. I don't know if he was a Christian, but he was certainly a man of integrity, discipline, and moral character. Here is the review I did back then, after reading the book:

I recently finished reading a book by Major Dick Winters called Beyond Band of Brothers. He tells about his experience as a paratrooper in WWII as a part of Easy Company, later known as the "Band of Brothers". On D-Day he parachuted into France and assumed leadership of the Band of Brothers when their commander was killed. When other officers were inadequate or shell shocked, he stepped up and saved the company more than once, demonstrating superior leadership abilities and battle tactics. After leading the men of Easy Company to victory on D-day, behind enemy lines, he continued to do so throughout the war. He fought with them in Bastogne in the famous Battle of the Bulge, and all over Europe, including Austria and Germany, captured Hitler's "Eagle's Nest" and liberated a concentration camp.

Here are his principles for leaders:

Leadership at the Point of the Bayonet

Ten Principles for success

1. Strive to be a leader of character, competence, and courage.
2. Lead from the front. Say "Follow me!" and then lead the way.
3. Stay in top physical shape - physical stamina is the root of mental toughness.
4. Develop your team. If you know your people, are fair in setting realistic goals and expectations, and lead by example, you will develop teamwork.
5. Delegate responsibility to your subordinates and let them do their jobs. You can't do a good job if you don;t have a chance to use your imagination and your creativity.
6. Anticipate problems and prepare to overcome obstacles. Don't wait until you get to the top of the ridge and them make up your mind.
7. Remain humble. Don't worry about who receives the credit. Never let power or authority go to your head.
8. Take a moment of self-reflection. Look at yourself in the mirror every night and ask yourself if you did your best.
9. True satisfaction comes from getting the job done. The key to a successful leader is to earn respect - not because of rank or position, but because you are a leader of character.
10. Hang Tough! - Never, ever, give up.

The Official Major Dick Winters Website