Christmas Away From Home

As I sit out on the deck of the house we are house sitting I can see the islands of St. Thomas and St. John. If I close my eyes and use my imagination I can see the states of Florida, Georgia and Maine where my family all live. We have been away from home most of the last 20 years of our marriage but Christmas always brings the yearning to go home. This year probably more so as Ryan & Nicole will be having Ali Cecilia Smith on December 26th. She is our sixth grandchild and despite complications, the Lord has kept her safe and growing til the 36th week of pregnancy. I know that God has me where He wants me to be but still, the desire to go home is here.

I wonder...

When Jesus was here on this earth, did He ever look towards heaven and yearn to go back home? Did He think of the things He was missing, wonder why He was so far from home? I know He chose to come to this earth. His love for me and others was so strong that He made the sacrifice. That's why we can celebrate Christmas Day with hope. He chose to die on the cross for our sins 33 years later, rose to heaven and is preparing a place for those who are His. He will return someday for His people.

This Christmas, though I yearn to go home, my prayer is that I will have the heart of Jesus. My desire may be for home but the work is not quite done. May I be about my Father's business until He calls me Home!

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Legend of The Candy Cane



The J reminds us of Jesus who was born on Christmas Day.

It looks like a Shepherd's Staff. They were the first to find out about Jesus' birth.

The Red Stripes remind us of Jesus' suffering and His blood. By his stripes we are healed.

The White candy reminds us that when we give our lives to Jesus, his blood washes away our sins, making us white and pure as snow inside.

Ali Cecilia Smith

Soon little Ali will be entering this world. She is our sixth grandchild. Each of the others are very dear to us. But this is the first grandchild that I have been such a part of her life before she arrived. When Ryan & Nicole told us in June they were expecting we were totally surprised. God has blessed me with the best daughter in law! She invited me to go with her to one of the ultrasounds so Lindsy, my oldest granddaughter, and I went and had such a good time. My little grandbaby was barely a couple of inches and she was bouncing all around in her mom's womb. What a precious sight!

Soon we had to leave to come back to St. Croix, which is a long way from Maine! But more ultrasound pictures and updates came from Nicole. October brought us the news that there were some indications the baby would come early. Prayers were prayed and bed rest followed. She is due around January 15th and God has kept her safe inside while she develops and grows each day.

Probably the sweetest thing happened to me on October 24th. Ryan & Nicole chose to name her 

Ali Cecilia Smith!

Words can not describe the emotions that brought. It doesn't look like I will be able to be there when she is born but since I know Nicole, I will have LOTS of pictures sent my way!
Now we just hurry up and wait!

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

We want to wish you a very

Merry Christmas

&

A Happy New Year!

May the Lord bless you and your family!

Love

Billy & Cecilia

Adventures at Ruby Diamond Plantation

It is Finished!

Last year when we moved to St. Croix I started writing a children's book titled

"Adventures at Ruby Diamond Plantation."

It is about a 10 year girl named Naomi, who along with her parents, brother and sister, move to the island as missionaries. Island life, hurricanes, a new school and many other adventures await this little girl. Through all of her experiences God is teaching her His ways.

Now the next step is to get some honest critics who are not afraid of telling me like it really is...and who knows..maybe a publisher after that.

If any of you are interested send me your email and I will send a copy for you to proof read. Even if it never gets published it has been a fun experience for me!

A Simple Story

Today we gave each child a Wordless Book so they could tell others how Jesus saves.

Gold Page ~ Represents the streets of gold in heaven..a perfect place where God is

Dark Page ~ Represents sin..the things we do wrong..sin can not be in heaven

Red Page ~ Represents the blood Jesus shed on the cross for our sins so we can go to heaven

White Page ~ Represents a clean forgiven heart

Green Page ~ Represents spiritual growth after accepting the Lord

Thank you Church Hill Baptist Church in Augusta Maine!



Thanksgiving Blessings From Maine!

Yesterday in the mail came a box of 100 Wordless Books that these children from Church Hill Baptist Church in Augusta, Maine made for the children here on the island. What a WONDERFUL surprise just before Thanksgiving. Their moms, who home school them, met in September. The children worked very hard to measure, cut out and put the books together. Behind them is a lot of love and prayer. Also in the box were some Maine leaves, pretty in their fall colors.

Soon there will be a story about the Wordless Book and pictures of the children receiving them here in St. Croix. I believe God will use these precious children in Maine to reach children here for the Lord. It's amazing what children can be taught if parents spend quality time with them!

A BIG THANK YOU to Church Hill Baptist Church!