Tonight we will bring a trunk load of gifts to the women at Isaiah House, thanks to so many of you. Your response has been overwhelming. We will be able to give two generous gift bags to each woman there. We can’t thank you enough. It will be a joyous surprise. Pray for all the logistics. It’s going to be a neat trick getting everything accomplished in the short amount of time they give for dinner.
Sorry for the short Catch today but we’re exhausted getting everything ready. You will all be in our thoughts tonight. Thanks again for making this possible.
“Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and redeemed His people… Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” (Luke 1:68, 78-79) — spoken by the Zechariah the priest, after receiving his voice back at the presentation of his son, John the Baptist.
John Fischer The Catch 
It is heart warming to see there are still people in this world who care about others….strangers who have needs. How wonderful, how marvelous is my Savior’s love…
Super fantastic!! God is awesome!
God Bless you, Marti and all those involved in making the Holiday season brighter for those in need.
God Bless you and Marti for giving these women a special evening! I can’t wait to hear about it tomorrow.
How wonderful!!! BTW, thank you for your new format of The Catch. It’s so nice to see pictures that make your posts so much more personal for all of us who sit it many different places near and far. Blessings to you and your family this Christmas season.
Kimberly
Thanks. We like it too!
I don’t cry much anymore. But, when I read today’s Catch my tears flowed freely. I think its because, although I was one of those who contributed and sent a gift, I almost didn’t. I almost thought it would take too much of my time. I almost thought it would take too much of my money. And, I almost lost out on the blessing of God giving me those humbling, cleansing tears. Because, while I was one of those who contributed and sent a gift, it was God who worked in my sin and world hardened heart to make it happen. And it is to Him that I give the praise. Thank you Marti and John for providing the conduit for blessing the women of Isaiah House. And for blessing me.
You’re the one that got the blessing. That’s great.
What a great blessing to those lovely ladies at Isaiah House. I think I visited and played guitar there for Christmas a couple years ago. (if it’s the place I think it is in Santa Ana). God bless you both and your ministry.
Praising God for this blessing that has touched so many of us. Thank you for allowing God to work through you and this ministry.
My tears flowed as Marti expressed so beautifully the transformation that not only happens in the person receiving those gifts of love and dignity but also what happens in the heart of the giver. I too sent a gift, I sent it to bless those dear women, to somehow lift their sense of personal dignity and worth but also as a seed of faith for my son who is living homeless. May God use it to bring someone to him to help communicate unconditional love and dignity to him. You are an amazing writer, Marti…..two of you in the same family no less!
hi John, The following is just something I send out every year. Feel free to use anything if you wish. Merry Christmas !!
Christmas Ponderings from Bare 2010.
Greetings Christmas Ponderers!!
If you are new here, welcome !! If you have been here a while ( didn’t wanna say old : ) ) welcome back!!
Well it is that pondering time of the year. Please feel free to ponder at other times of the year as well. : ) OK, so this year I am pondering…. My Turn.
Christmas as we all know is a time of peace on earth, good will toward men, and celebrating Christ’s Birth, which is clearly THE most important part of Christmas. But, let’s be honest. Running a close second is…. Getting presents!! I mean, who doesn’t like to get stuff?? In our families we open gifts one person at a time. As I sit there, I know sooner or later it will be my turn. Perhaps your family is so excited to get to their turn that they can’t even wait for the, one present at a time system, and just tear into presents all at once until the room is nearly buried in torn paper and scattered ribbons. We have all observed kids at Christmas that have to be sometimes seemingly constantly reminded to wait for their turn as they share toys. There is an excitement that can’t be denied. This pondering of …. My Turn, was actually planted in my brain months before the Christmas season. Here’s how.
As some of you know Mellissa and I are Assistant Managers of an independent retirement community. The people here need to be able to take care of themselves. It is not assisted living or a nursing home, but most are of advanced age and not exactly setting any physical feat records. Given that information, it is not uncommon for this to be the final place they may live. So a while back when one of the residents passed away, I was having a conversation with a wonderful lady here about this gentlemen’s passing. We both agreed he had a better place to go and at a key point in the conversation she said…. I wonder when it will be my turn. Please understand, there was no dread or fear or any kind of negativity at all in her statement. She was genuinely looking forward to her turn. I immediately told her that was a wonderful way to look at it, and in fact, I feel exactly the same way!! We didn’t get into exactly why she had this view, but I can tell you I have this view. It is ONLY because I have trusted in The One Who’s birth we are about to celebrate. My turn to be in Heaven forever is coming not because I deserve it, not because I earned, or any of that. It is only because I asked for it. We will all have our turn at leaving this life. There is no pondering necessary for that. It is a sure thing. I hope we can all look forward to what the next life will bring with joy and excitement. The wonderful lady that started this pondering was named, Dot. Her turn came several weeks ago. When I heard that news my immediate thought was…. Good for her !! I too am looking forward to …. My Turn !! : )
What are you pondering this year?? Merry Christmas.
In The Birthday Boy’s Love, Bare