BLESSINGS? Yes, I think so...

The Pharis Family & Grandkids

(From left to right, top to bottom)

 Jake Tutor

Buddy Pharis & Weslyn Pharis

Peyton Hardin, Zoe Tutor, Harley Pharis

Ethan Jackson, Brittany Hardin

So, that's my family...my parents, my children, my niece and nephews (and my "sister," the dog, Harley).  They are my heart - well, half of it.  The other half includes my husband, all my in-laws, step-children (and "adopted" children) and my nieces and nephew on Jeff's side of the family.  As we get closer to the day we celebrate the Birth of Christ, I can't help but think about all those men, women and children that don't have a family to celebrate Christmas with, for whatever reason (orphaned, widowed, serving in the military, etc.).  Why am I so blessed so have a family that loves to spend time together, to laugh together, and cry together?  And why are those persons without a family surrounding them at Christmas, or any other time of the year, not blessed the way I am?  I don't know the answer to those questions; I wish I did.  I only know that I'm so very thankful for what I have been blessed with.  And I pray that I can be more compassionate, more patient, more loving, and more attentive to those that have not been blessed in the same way I have...  I also pray that in the coming year, I can learn from those that have overcome situations I cannot begin to imagine. 

I have a lot to learn - about Jesus and His plans for me, about my family (because we are constantly growing and changing), about my friends, and about my church.  I want to be the kind of Christian I am called to be.  (BTW, I am asking you all to hold me accountable to this desire!  And I will struggle because now the devil knows of my intentions...)

Right now, I pray that anyone reading this post already knows the joy that can come from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ - not just believing there's a God, or a being "out there somewhere that's bigger than we are" - but knowing Jesus Christ!  If you have questions, I implore you - PLEASE ASK QUESTIONS!  Find someone that is willing to talk to you and listen to your comments, concerns, and questions.  But whatever you do, TALK TO SOMEONE!  If you want to talk to me, email me at ghardin72@gmail.com.  If I don't know the answer, I will find out!  Even if I don't know you, email me...it's that important!

Okay, sorry for preaching... :)  I just know that I am blessed - and I believe without a doubt it's because I'm a child of Christ.  The joy that I experience daily through my health, my family, my employment, my service to others, and on and on, comes directly from the Father (God), the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit, aka the Trinity.  There is so much to learn and so much to gain...

God bless you and have a very Merry Christmas and a joyous Happy New Year! 

What Christmas means to me...

It is December 11th and I am getting excited about Christmas!  The gift giving, the music, the memories, the church services; we all know the usual sayings, "Jesus is the Reason for the Season," "Keep Christ in Christmas," etc.  So, at the risk of sounding cliche', I would just like to say that I love every aspect of the true story of Christmas: Jesus Christ!


Earlier this week I had the pleasure of singing at an Insurance Women of Jackson (IWJ) luncheon.  I chose a Christmas medley that included Away in a Manger, Silent Night, and O Holy Night.  I also sang the song Mary, Did You Know?  If you've never heard the song before, I'd like to share the words of the song with you.

Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered will soon deliver you.


Mary, did you know that your baby boy would give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy would calm a storm with His hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God? 


Oh, Mary, did you know?


The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak the praises of the Lamb.


Mary, did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy was heaven's Perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the great I AM.

Isn't that beautiful?  The lyrics are awe-inspiring.  When I hear that song, I can feel what Mary must have felt when she held the baby Jesus!  Mary was the tool to God's greatest gift to us - she was obedient, never wavering, and a most loving mother.  I can only strive to be as obedient to God in honor of the gift He's given me, the Ultimate Gift, Jesus Christ - who truly is the only Reason for this Christmas season.


Merry Christmas to all of you!  I pray that each of you will have a blessed holiday with friends and family and that your New Year brings you joy, peace, and much prosperity!