Tribute to Sandy Hook Elementary School

                         A heavenly cloud from our eastward view for Skywatch Friday

                      A Tribute to Sandy Hook Elementary School Students and Staff 
                                                          (Poem from Heidisongs)

Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38,

When 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.

Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air,

They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there!

They were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.

They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.

"Where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse. 

"This is heaven." declared a small boy. "We're spending Christmas at God's house."

When what to their wondering eyes did appear, 

But Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.

He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same. 

Then He opened His arms and He called them by name.

And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring!

Those children all flew into the arms of their King!

And as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace, 

One small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.

And as if He could read all the questions she had,

 He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."

Then He looked down on earth at the world far below,

He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe.

Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,

"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"

"May this country be delivered from the hands of fools!" 

"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"

Then He and the children stood up without a sound. 

"Come now my children, let me show you around."

Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran,

All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.

And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight, 

"In the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith of Mt. Wolf, PA.

The Friday 56

Cover via Amazon

" He got out the box of ornaments, and we decorated it as best we could; but men aren't too good at things like that, and besides, it wasn't the same without Mom."

Hugs for the Holidays: Stories, Sayings, and Scriptures to Encourage and Inspire
-- Stories by John William Smith and Personalized Scriptures by LeAnn Weiss

2 grandsons in their red pajamas for Color Connection. Hug your kids and tell them you love them!

Interested in making snowflakes for Sandy Hook? The children will be greeted by your snowflakes when school resumes for them in a new building.

Friendship Friday

Question: "What represents the miracle of Christmas to you?"

Answer: The birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ... and the gift to believe that he is the Savior of mankind, is indeed a Christmas miracle. (Matthew 1:18-21)

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!

Warmly,






 “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Review: Finding God in the Hobbit

 Book Description

Thousands have been captivated by the spiritual themes that underlie Tolkien's imaginative fiction. In Finding God in The Hobbit, Jim Ware, co-author of the popular "Finding God" series, indulges readers with an exploration of the spiritual significance of J. R. R. Tolkien's famous children's classic. As they are acquainted with Tolkien's message of transcendent truth, readers will see how God is mysteriously at work even in everyday moments. A reflection summarizes each chapter's main insight. Bibliography included.

About The Author

Jim Ware, a graduate of UCLA and Fuller Theological Seminary, is a longtime book enthusiast who grew up savoring childhood classics like TOM SAWYER, HUCKLEBERRY FINN, THE MERRY ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD, and KING ARTHUR AND HIS KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE. He's the author of GOD OF THE FAIRY TALE and FINDING GOD IN THE HOBBIT, and co-author (with Kurt Bruner) of the best-selling FINDING GOD IN THE LORD OF THE RINGS, FINDING GOD IN THE LAND OF NARNIA, and THE PURPOSE OF PASSION: DANTE'S EPIC VISION OF ROMANTIC LOVE . His latest effort, THE STONE OF DESTINY, is a work of fantasy-fiction for tweens, teens, and adults who like imaginative tales. A Celtic music enthusiast, he enjoys playing the guitar and other stringed instruments with family and friends. He and his wife, Joni, are the parents of six children.

My Review

I thought Jim Ware did a very good job of weaving chapter by chapter the subtle truths of Tolkien's story with Biblical truths. I found his insight to have a certain depth that was very refreshing. The further along I read in the book, the more I began to respect the author's understanding, not only of Tolkien's writing and storytelling but of the truths that were expressed so well by the author. Jim Ware has true faith and does a great job of expressing it through his comparisons with Tolkien's adventures of The Hobbit. A very enjoyable and profitable read. I recommend it to all who have enjoyed reading The Hobbit.

5/5 stars

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for my review. The thoughts and opinions are my own.

Finding God in The Hobbit






“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis