WITH INTENT

 Here we are once again ending another year.  What a year it has once again been!  I really thought this pandemic was going to go away after a year---but it has proved me wrong- AGAIN.  After three shots I have decided to go back to living my life as normally as possible.  (There's that word again--you would think I would begin to recognize there is no such thing as normal.)  Masks are kept in my car, along with hand sanitizer to try and adhere to expectations where ever I might go.  

Do you not love this quote?  Think it over--what really happens when January 1 rolls around, yet again?  We turn the calendar over to a new page.  Another day rolls around.  We use our calendars to signify the opportunity for creating change.  Have we all not said, surely this will be a better year?

What seems most important is that we live the new year with intent, or even better, live everyday with intent.  How many days have I let flitter away on the winds of lack of direction and laziness?  My prayer is this year, I can look to God with intent of seeking what He has instore for each and every day.  The days are dwindling as I get closer and closer to the end of the book.  There is an urgency in seeking to finish well and that only comes from intent.

SO--celebrate big today.  Begin that new calendar--fresh--with no wasted days.  Trek down the path of the days of the New Year with intent of living each and every day to the fullest.  HAPPY NEW YEAR, FRIENDS!

 Brothers and sisters,

 I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. 

But one thing I do: 

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,

 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize

 for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13-14

TO START A NEW YEAR

 

I am not a frequent visitor to Starbucks, but I recently gave myself a gift of dropping by early one morning for a venti Roasted Chestnut Praline Latte.  What's not to love about all of that!  I remember when visiting New York City for my 70th smelling the roasting chestnuts the vendors were selling on the streets every time I have one.  NOW, I am too cheap to make this splurge very often, but it seemed like the perfect Birthday-Christmas gift from me to me.  After all this began my love of a morning latte.  (I make my own at home---MUCH cheaper)

NEWSFLASH---some of the very best gifts are those we give ourselves.  After all no one could possibly know what we would like better than us.  One man's gold is another man's----.  The things I love-you might consider junk.  What you might like ---I might wonder, "What in the world were you thinking?".  Are we not SO thankful God all made us all different--unique.  That is what has made His world such a diverse and interesting place.

There is one gift you can give yourself which is perhaps the very best gift ever.

We ALL have done stupid things, things we regret, things we wish we could change.  At times these things are overtly deliberate and at other times inadvertent and perhaps we are even unaware of our injury to another.  One thing remains true for both of these--we need to confess, repent, forgive and THEN forgive ourselves.  Our unwillingness or seeming inability to forgive ourselves flies in the face of God's grace.  He paid the price, He provides the sacrifice and we need to accept His atonement.  There is NOTHING for which God has forgiven us that we cannot forgive ourselves.  The holding on to personal guilt is harmful not only to our relationship with God, but to our spirit and physical body.  Guilt, shame, regret, and all those negative emotions associated with our unwillingness to leave our offenses behind will become a ball and chain we are dragging behind us.  Friends, forgive yourself--put it behind you---take the words of The Father and place it as far as the east is from the west.

I am praying in the final days of this year we can pray that God will help us to leave the past in the past--covered with the blanket of forgiveness He has provided.  As you forgive others---also forgive yourself.

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

II Corinthians 5:17-18

REGULAR MAINTENANCE

 I took my ride in today for its regular scheduled maintenance.  Here's a new twist--these smart new cars not ONLY notify you every time you turn your vehicle on that it is time for maintenance, they also let your dealership know.  They have taken a page out of the medical insurance company's book and started calling (and nicely) nagging you.  WELL NOW---a girl can not let anything slip by anymore!

Those cars do operate better with regular check ups and oil changes and they will actually last longer when you take care of them.  They are no small investment and we should take care of our possessions.   HMMM--so it is with our health.  If we all would just comply and have our regular physicals, we might avoid down the road trouble.  We could maybe even keep those warning lights from flashing, if we go to the trouble of that required regular maintenance.  

Why in fact, if you think about it, our homes also require regular maintenance.  Talking about a costly investment!    My home has reached the age where I am slowly replacing many things.  New HVAC, dishwasher, disposal, gas logs, and I have a list of other things which I will be updating.  If you want your home to last and keep its value, you need to keep it maintained.  

As I thought this over, it dawned upon me how our relationships also require regular maintenance.  The pandemic has not been our friend when it came to maintaining our relationships.  You have to be together--be present---to maintain  relationships.  One of God's greatest and most precious gifts to us are our relationships.  He would want us to regularly maintain them---keep them in tip top shape.  

So it goes with our relationship with The Father.  It requires maintenance.  We have to be present with Him---to keep us in tip top shape.  Praying we can all maintain our presence with Him --with no need for reminder.  May He be our top priority!

"You must love the Lord your God 

with all your heart,

all your soul,

all your strength,

all all your mind.

And, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' "

Luke 10:27

ON TO THE NEXT THING

 Enough about Christmas, the next big thing is quickly closing in---

It is time to be thinking over resolutions and goals for the new year.  Personally, I do not do either.  Resolutions are just sitting there sticking their tongues out at us daring us to break them and goals---well I think they are best left to scoring in games.  NOW--if that works for you to have resolutions and goals-

We are all created different and what works for one may not for another.  ME--I feel like I am setting myself up for failure.  NOW---what I prefer to do is come up with a list of behavior modifications.  (That's psycho speak for changing how you act)  EVERY SINGLE YEAR---I vow to exercise more, eat better, spend more time with family and friends, seek areas to serve, etc etc.  (I refuse to give you all my areas which need addressing).  The good thing about sitting down and thinking this over and perhaps even physically listing them is we are spending a time of introspection.  We are thinking over where we would like to see changes in our lives and consciously deciding to pursue a higher quality of life.  What ever way works best for you, I am hoping you will spend some time of contemplating needed changes.  We NEVER get too old to make changes.

One area that is on my list every year is my relationship with God.  One on one--deep love-knowledge of who He is and His desires for me.  You can go to church 7 days a week, but it does not substitute for that personal relationship.  I pray every year to know Him at a deeper level - to feel in my very heart and soul His abiding presence.  To KNOW He knows me like no one else.  To understand He has plans for me (probably are not my plans).  To speak with Him in an on-going conversation throughout my day.  To feel His deep and abiding love every moment of every day.

Make your resolutions, set your goals, and modify you behavior as this year draws to a close, but thank our God for second and third and fourth and infinite chances to draw closer to Him.

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

145:18

HANGING ON TO CHRISTMAS

 Have you begun putting away all your Christmas?  I know some who take their tree down Christmas afternoon.  I must say, before artificial trees made their permanent debut, you had to take those live trees down or spend the remainder of the year vacuuming up needles.  (Not to mention the fire hazard they became as they dried out).  There is another segment of the population who leave everything up until New Year's Eve--enjoying the full holiday of decorations--from Thanksgiving until New Year's Eve.

You DO REALIZE there is an old tale which says it is bad luck for the next year if you still have decorations up on New Year's Day.  Disclaimer--I do not believe in luck.  But it does seem if the New Year's Baby has made their appearance, perhaps it is time to put away all the Christmas.  I seem to have less and less to put away with each passing year.  We have already explored my diminishing decorations in a prior post.  And then there is the complication of eating the correct foods on New Year's Day which require a few hours of cooking.  Who has time to cook and de-decorate??  

DEFINITELY TIME for this to go!

I am a BIG fan of clean slates--including putting up those Christmas decorations before January 1.  What I do think we need to hang on to and continue to enjoy is the knowledge of a birth of a baby who came to save the world.  What a beautiful Christmas gift which has kept on giving throughout the ages.  This bears hanging on to and remembering every day of the year.  Merry Christmas Indeed!

"For the wages of sin is death,

but the free gift of God

is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 6:23

CHRISTMAS ALL YEAR LONG

 PRAYING WE CAN LIVE

CHRISTMAS 

ALL YEAR LONG

SABBATH BLESSINGS,

DEAR FRIENDS!

TODAY

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS,

DEAR FRIENDS!

CHRIST

 MAY THE LIGHT

OF CHRIST

BURN BRIGHTLY

THROUGH YOU

MERRY CHRISTMAS,

DEAR FRIENDS

ONE MORE GIFT POST

 Surely by now you have finished your gift purchases and though you may not have them all wrapped--you are breathing a sigh of relief.  NOT to pop your bubble, but I have finally decided what "The Perfect Gift" consists of.  

The perfect gift has nothing to do with stuff.  I wrote last week about the best gift being your presence.  This certainly has a boat load of merit.  The perfect gift can be your presence, but I have decided the perfect gift was modeled that very first Christmas.  It had nothing to do with sheep or wise men, although their presence on this blessed occasion was a wonderful gift.  Perfect gifts usually involve sacrifice on the part of the giver.  God gave us that perfect gift the very first Christmas when He gave His Son to be our sacrificial lamb.  NOW--we certainly cannot be anyone's sacrificial lamb, but our gift to them can require sacrifice.  A sacrifice of time, effort, energy, thought--giving of a part of ourselves we will never get back for the love of the recipient.  

I am giving my grands gifts--of course, but I give them far more when I spend time with them.  When I sit and have a conversation--LISTEN, play a game, tell them stories, watch a movie together---on and on.  When I give them a piece of the time I have left, I am sacrificing that time for them.  That sacrifice is not difficult for it is done in love.  So

 The gift of the sacrifice of God's own son so that we might be with Him eternally was also done in great love.  Though it came with a great cost, He never faltered as He sacrificed for those He loved.  What a beautiful picture of what real gift giving is all about.

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.

I John 4:9

UNEXPECTED

 We all have experienced the unexpected at some point in our life.  Many of my unexpected experiences have brought great joy or great fun.  I remember one vacation when I had not seen #1 son for 18 months.  He appeared quite unexpectedly--courtesy of my dear friends we vacationed with.  What a wonderful and unexpected surprise.

It is no secret that my third child was unexpected.  She came along when her brothers were 15 and 7.  I thought I was finally seeing the light at the end of those early first years of intense child rearing.  (Little did I know how much fun those teen age years would be)  When I finally figured out I was not dying, but instead pregnant, I was in shock.  Did not think that would happen.  Well now, this was one of life's unexpected blessings in a huge way.  What a joy she has been!  When I first found out, I was trying to wrap my head around how in the world I was going to make this all work out---busy years of sports for the boys & trying to stay on top of school, a growing accounting practice, keeping the home fires burning and then a new baby.  Color me overwhelmed.  Obviously it all worked out, but there were moments of sheer panic.  

WHAT must Mary have thought when the angel appeared to her and told her what was to come?  How in the world do you process this piece of news?  Never known a man, but you are having a baby---to top that He was God's own son.  Stop and think about how her thoughts must have been whirling.  Then the day finally comes---she has endured months of whispers and probably rude remarks--but that baby is coming.  Add to this story the story of how He was born and you have the most unexpected birth EVER!  And yet Mary, with great faith, accepted all that was to come.  The unexpected came with great joy. 

As we walk through these final days leading up to the celebration of the birth of Our King, slow down and experience remembering those unexpected moments of the great blessing which is celebrated on Christmas day.  The birth of a man--who was also a part of the Trinity---who came to give us New Life.  May we all thank God for this wonderful unexpected day when the baby  was born -the LONG expected and promised Messiah.  Thank God for Jesus.

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

Matthew 1: 26-33

WONDERING IF YOU WILL MAKE IT THROUGH CHRISTMAS?

 This time of the year can bring about a dichotomy of reactions to the huge celebrations going on around us.  There is a large range of emotions associated with Christmas.  If you are fortunate enough to have only experienced the joy and wonder of it all, come back tomorrow.  This post will not interest you.  If you have walked through the black hole of depression, the winding path of grief, or any of the other sad, mad, or bad experiences of trying to get through the season, read on.  This one is for you.

If you live long enough,  you will experience that first Christmas without a dear loved one.  Long before the day comes, you begin to wonder how in the world you will live through this day.  Many are estranged from loved ones or have loved ones spread all over the world---how do you navigate that gaping hole?  On this seemingly most important holiday, family is emphasized more than any other time during the year, and yet some are totally alone.  We all get together only to discover dysfunction still rules the day when it comes to families uniting  All of the preparation can be overwhelming---in a world already filled with daily chaos.  Stress and exhaustion can come to reside in your body and mind with a choking grip on seeing true reality.  We become so consumed with what the world tells us about this holiday, that we fail so see reality.  We are standing firm with our feelings and ignoring certain truths.  Here are a few of the things which have helped me step back and remember what this holiday is really all about.

SERVICE for others is always the key to a reality check.  When you see the effects of poverty, isolation, or illness on lives, you quickly clue in to how blessed you are.  This is NOT the most wonderful time of the year for those who are generationally poor, for those suffering with chronic or terminal illness, or those either out surviving their circle or those abandoned for various reasons to name just a few.  Quit looking at your "Blessed Neighbor" and see those we tend to look right through.  So many need help.

SEEK SUPPORT from all those in your life who are more than happy to step up and walk beside you.  Relationships are the key to survival in so many areas, but especially during times of huge loss, deep depression, or overwhelming stress.  Ask a friend to go see a movie or have dinner, invite a neighbor over for coffee, take a drive to look at the holiday lights with a child in your life.  Do NOT stay isolated.  Isolation is our worst enemy in those times of our greatest needs.

EXERCISE to keep those good juices flowing in your brain and body.  How many times have I taken a Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day walk?  Walking always clears my head and reminds me of the wonders of creation.  Having a bad day--take a walk/run/ride--it is a sure remedy to the blues.

Every good speaker knows to make three points and quit.  I will say there are more ways to fight the holiday blues, but these three will certainly get you over the hump.  BOTTOM LINE---I have learned one great truth----

IT IS ONLY ONE DAY

Twenty Four hours and the world quickly goes back to normal (is there any such thing?)  You will survive---you will get through the day---and many of us care deeply for you and understand what your are feeling.  Hang in there and keep doing the next right thing!

THE UNLIKELY

 

Many times over the years I have been asked to teach or speak when I am not really gifted in public speaking.   So many know so much more than I do and many are able to speak with ease and poise.  Why was I asked? is always my question. Thankfully God has been able to use my futile attempts--even when I wondered what I said when it was all said and done.

Writing comes MUCH easier for me.  Give me a computer or a pen and paper and I always have something to say.  What has been a REAL surprise is that God has slowly morphed my writing into a style of devotionals.  NOW--those who really know me and know my story are shaking their heads and wondering 

I am NO shining example of how we should live our lives.  In fact, those who know me best would for sure testify I have feet of clay---on my best days.  And yet God has chosen to use me for His glory.  My audience may be small, but God has faithfully placed a subject to write about on my heart over and over.  He has chosen to use me---as unlikely as that may seem---with words on a screen.

The Word is filled with examples of God using the Unlikely.  Perhaps there is no more poignant picture than the inaugural announcement of The New Born King to the shepherds in the fields.  There you have it folks--the bottom of the professional chain---those who are only able to perform this menial work.  Can you imagine what they thought when those angels hovered in the night sky over them?  In case you have never been in the country where there is no light at night-IT IS REALLY DARK!  I would have probably ducked into the nearest cave or run for the hills had this appeared to me in the deep dark of the night.  The shepherds went to find the baby---they were the first visitors to see the promised Messiah.  The low man on the totem pole is who God chose to announce the arrival of His Only Son to.  The most unlikely of the unlikely were given the opportunity to see the beginning of the life of the man who was to save us all.  OH, how I love how God works!

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

LOVE

 WISHING YOU ALL THE

LOVE

YOUR HEART CAN HOLD

THIS ADVENT

MAY WE ALL 

HAVE OUR MINDS

ON JESUS

AS CHRISTMAS APPROACHES,

DEAR FRIENDS

WHAT AM I READING?

 

This timeless classic was gifted to me years ago by a dear friend.  I re-read it every year.  What better reminder of what Christmas is all about than reading of the sacrifice for the ones we love.  It makes a wonderful gift!  You can find this book HERE

I'M GETTING DIZZY!

Today marks the anniversary of my 73rd rotation around the sun.  Color me dizzy!  Usually my birthday gets lost in the hubbub of Christmas, and being an introvert that is fine with me.  Anniversaries, if not celebrated, should certainly be a cause to pause and reflect.  It has been a wonderful life---not to say there have not been bumps in the road and sometimes an entire wash out---but when you look at the whole God has mercifully blessed me with  so much more than I deserve.  The truth be known, none of us really deserve much.  I am thankful--immensely thankful.

SO, did you realize we sub-consciously get it into our heads that the age of our parents leaving us is what we believe is our destiny?  I saw this played out with my older brother as he neared the age of losing Daddy--45.  We seem to disregard extenuating factors and become fairly certain their life span will be ours.  Thankfully that is not always the case.  My brother is now 75---30 additional years--lagniappe.  We lost Momma at 81---I am guilty of also thinking that is my legacy.  Perhaps---perhaps not---only God knows and we are told before we are a glint in our parent's eyes he knows the number of minutes we will be here.  

The question then becomes what do we do with the time remaining?  If we are still around at retirement age, do we sit down and rest; do we pursue personal desires; do we become content?  I think not.  Everyday I see examples around me of those with deteriorating health who are still calling to check on their family and friends and most importantly praying.  A tree should always bear fruit---when it stops bearing fruit--what then is its purpose?  (It might be firewood)  God has given us gifts--they have no expiration date on them.  Those gifts are to be used for His purpose and His glory until the fat lady sings.   Our first birthday gift are  those talents and capacities He has bestowed upon us.  I recently saw a post on social media of a sweet 95 year old lady playing the piano.  Her daughter in law said she can no longer always remember how old she is, where she is, who her family is, but she always remembers how to play the piano and is still sharing her talent.  There is the point of my post.  Keep sharing---until the bell tolls---keep using your gifts for God's Good Purpose.  The gift that truly keeps on giving.

SO--Happy Birthday to me!  Praying I can continue to use what God has gifted me with---and that when you see me---you will know how much I love Him by how I am using those gifts.  

"As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

I Peter 4:10

THE GIFT OF LOVE

 It's that wonderful time of the year when we all go into a frenzy of gift buying for those we love.  True confession---I have not bought the first gift.  Will start  soon and in all truthfulness I only buy gifts for the littles. (I wrote this two weeks ago--so do not think I am desperate)    I give donations in honor of my loved ones instead of giving them gifts---we all have FAR too much already.  So I pick a charity or organization that I know is dear to them and send a donation in their honor.  

Why in the world do we give all these gifts and how did it get to be such a big deal?  Until we lost my dad, Christmas was a big deal at our house.  He was the biggest kid ever and we always got the latest toys.  I strongly suspect it was what he wanted to play with and for me--what my mother deemed appropriate.  I am scarred from only receiving one doll--one Christmas.  NO WONDER I am such a tomboy.  Giving gifts is our meager effort to show our love.  Proving our love by giving a gift is an impossible task.  It is NOT the gifts that prove our love.

A perfect example of this is the very first Christmas gifts that were given to the new born babe.  OH, some make such a big deal of the expensive gifts the Magi left for the little baby.  As I thought over those gifts this week, something profound occurred to me ~ the Magi were rich kings from the East---they could well afford to give what seemed like over the top gifts.  It was like pulling a golden egg out of the stock pile you have saved in your Golden Goose nest.  They would never miss it.  NO--those gifts were certainly wonderful, but the Magi gave something far more important--they gave their time, which we have a limited quantity,  to search for the promised Messiah.  They rode on the backs of camels for a LONG time (your rear would be screaming) to find and worship that king.  The gifts they left were more on the order of a hostess gift---thanking the host/hostess for the joy of the visit.  They left a token of their esteem after traveling for many weeks--following a star--looking for the babe.  They worshipped the new born king after seeking Him.

When you are thinking over gifts for your loved one this year, keep this in mind.  We show our love in the most important way--not through gifts-but by our presence---really being present.  All the rest is nice, but no real proof of our love.  Please do not shoot the messenger---stop and think it over.

NO ROOM

    

  We often read stories such as "Scrooge" and think this does not apply to today--but let me give you a true story that is happening as this very moment.  One of the ladies from The Well is in the middle of chemo and radiation treatment for cancer.  She received a notice from her landlord that the property she rents has been sold and  all tenants must be out in 20 days  (that is TWENTY DAYS- right here at Christmas.)  He did not bother to knock on doors and explain the situation---he put a letter on each tenants door.  BAH HUMBUG! at its best!  NOW to complicate the issue, this lady has no transportation and must live close to stores, etc so she can walk to do her shopping.  She also has to make a round trip of about 70 miles - one way - daily for treatment.  There is NOT much time to be out walking around trying to find a place to live.  The real kicker is funds are very limited.  She is only one of many families from the property in the same boat with very limited options.

We all seem to think everyone is provided with a place to live by the government.  This is NOT the case.  Not all who are homeless choose to live on the streets.  Many do not qualify for help, fall through the cracks, and have limited choices within their budget.  Poverty is not a pretty story.  Add to that poor credit, past bad choices, and generational acceptance of the little which is available and you have desperate situations.  These people become the invisible.  We see them, but look past them and do not acknowledge them.  They blend in to the community and we opt out of having any concern with the excuse that someone (The Government)  is taking care of them.  This simply is NOT always the case.  

As I have wrestled with this problem of helping find my friend a place to stay, I thought back to a story we have all heard.  A traveling couple who were expecting a child--any moment-- knocking on doors seeking help---a place to sleep.  Everyone looked past them--so concerned with their own comfort---they could not see the dire circumstances of the couple.  They were invisible--looked past--ignored by the more fortunate.  We are thankful this is not our circumstance, but we also count on someone else to supply the compassion to help.  We decide this is not our problem and look the other way.  

How thankful I am for the innkeeper who had pity on the desperate couple.  Who showed compassion by offering what little space he had remaining.  He was used by God to fulfill the long ago prophecy of the Messiah being born in a stable.  What a wonderful story---what a wonderful act of charity---but the story would had been different if the innkeeper had turned his back or looked past the desperate situation.  I am so thankful for all of you who see those in your path and choose to not count them as invisible and ignore the problem.  Yes, the poor will be with us always-- how we treat the "least of these" is a direct reflection of our thankfulness for all that has been lavished upon us.  May we all "see" those God places in our path and reflect our love for God our Provider by being His hands and feet to help those He loves dearly.

"She gave birth to her firstborn, a son.

 She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger,

 because there was no room for them in the inn." 

Luke 2:7

ANTICIPATION

 What is all this decorating, gift giving, cooking, parties, plays, light displays, and on and on about?  Why do we bother?  Why do we go to the trouble? It is not unlike a pep rally--it is the build up to the big event.

Christmas is coming--the count down is on.  We try to squeeze as much as possible into the days between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Christmas is the favorite time of the year for many of you.  I love seeing the lights and enjoying the frantic hurry scurry of activity---FROM A DISTANCE.  I am not a big fan of being in the midst of it all---I consider it more of a spectator sport.  I enjoy seeing the photos of all the parties you are attending, all of the plays you are enjoying, all of the concerts, and all the decorating you are doing.  Social Media is filled with events and experiences you all are enjoying.  I am thankful for a seat in the crowd via the WWW.  In the last few years, I have worked at enjoying the experience vicariously without becoming trapped in the fast pace of participation.  I limit what I do.  NOT to say that you should not enjoy every over the top moment---good for you.  I have learned enough about who I am to know the pace I should keep leading up to the BIG DAY!

My Christmas wish for each of you is that in the midst of a fast paced world, you are also preparing your heart for the

Reason for the Season--the birth of Jesus.  The long anticipated and foretold arrival of the Messiah.  I am praying you remember to invite the Birthday Boy into the midst of your celebrations.  I am hoping you pause and remember why we are joyful.  I am asking you to stop and consider the real reason this should be your favorite time of the year.  The answer, My Friends, is ALWAYS Jesus!  I wish you all the joy of the season as we prepare to celebrate the Wonder of It All.

"Have this mind among yourselves,

 which is yours in Christ Jesus,

 who, though he was in the form of God, 

did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,

 but made himself nothing,

 taking the form of a servant, 

being born in the likeness of men."

Philippians 2:5-7

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?

 

Once again it is the time of the year when we all have to decide what is enough and when we have gone over the line into TOO MUCH.  I must confess in my younger life, when I was still raising children---I leaned toward the OVER THE TOP.  I am guilty of climbing on the roof, shimming up trees, and stringing wire from here to yonder in an effort to catch the spirit of the season.  Those days are gone.  Now I find myself more apt to trying to talk myself into almost any  decorating.  The Thanksgiving box of decorations was never opened the past two years.  COVID lockdown has taken another prisoner captive--my annual dragging out the decorations.    I am usually gone on Thanksgiving and Christmas day--spending time with the grands.  It is a LOT of work to decorate and then the putting it away is even more of  a chore.  I am NO Scrooge, but I also fail to see how all my efforts really enhance my holiday experience.  I am not the only one in this season of life who echoes these sentiments.  IF the grands were coming here, I would be all out, but it loses the magic when those young eyes are not here to enjoy the wonder.  PLEASE do not think I lack Christmas spirit.  I have chosen to display that spirit in ways other than decorating, but I still enjoy the wonder of the season.

As I was pondering exactly what efforts I will make this year, I thought back to that first Christmas.  There was no glitz or glitter of the manmade kind.  There was only the majestic wonder of a star shining bright, animals bowing low, angels singing gloriously in the sky, parades lead by Wise Men, and shepherds seeking a baby.  God Himself decorated the skies and all the earth that first Christmas.  He celebrated as only He can with all the wonder and glory of nature and His creation.  The very earth celebrated that first Christmas in unequaled wonder.  That must have been a sight to behold.  OH THE WONDER OF IT ALL!

"Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!"

II Corinthians 9:15

JOY

 WISHING YOU A 

HEART 

FILLED WITH JOY

THIS ADVENT SUNDAY

ADVENT BLESSINGS,

DEAR FRIENDS

WHAT AM I READING

 

This author is an easy to read--no thinking required writer.  He has written MANY books and this is his latest offering for Christmas.  I finished this in a day of on and off reading.  It is of course a feel good book, but NOT his best offering.  It took me a few chapters to really get into the story and I never really had the feeling this is a Christmas book.  It had a little bit of a Christmas theme, but only a little bit.  If you are looking for an easy read with a good ending--this is your book.  You can find it HERE

FEELINGS

 

"Feelings, nothing more than feelings"  Can't you just hear Barbara Streisand & Julio Iglesias singing this classic (well if you are old as dirt like me).  We all have feelings---they are the result of our emotions.  They can sometimes change with the wind and at others become so ingrained they color our heart.  I woke up this morning feeling like I should start running again.  A swift walk turned that feeling into a "What was I thinking" epiphany.  Feelings are a great deal like seasons---subject to change.  Here in Louisiana the season can change 3 times in one day--so can my feelings.  

Here is the thing about feelings---when we are "Feeling good" MY HOW WE ENJOY THAT!  OH YES,  another great song about feelings---"I Feel Good" by the rhythm and blues legend James Brown.  WOW am I dating myself with this post.  Our small group is doing a study on a Beth Moore Book, Why Good People Do Bad Things.  WARNING---don't think you are above this---seduction is lurking.  One of the points she makes is how unreliable our feelings can be and how  often they get us into trouble.  We talked about our neediness and how flattery can seduce the purest heart.  (BY THE WAY---I saw a neighbor the other day who reminded me we ALL are needy when I was laughing about my needy old man, Hero.  WISE WORDS!) 

 Back to the subject---we cannot trust our feelings 100 % of the time.  NOW, You Ladies, most of us have had a feeling of danger in some situation---my rule is ALWAYS pay attention to those feelings.   DO NOT proceed when your gut is telling you there is danger in the parking lot--down the hall--around the corner.  BUT, in general, our feelings  are fickle and cannot always be trusted. 

 

Well then what can we trust?  The truth---the truth and only the truth.  There is a line in a Jack Nicholson movie, "You can't handle the truth!"  YES YOU CAN! There are many types of truth, but the one I rely on 100% of the time is God's truth.  Steep yourself in His Word, study it, learn what He has to say and THEN use it to judge what your are feeling.  My feelings of low self worth do not come from God---His book tells me what He thinks of me.  Bottom line I am His Beloved.  Those feelings come from the whispers in my ear by the enemy.  He is a crafty devil--who is lurking around waiting for the opportunity to attack.  One of his favorite ploys is playing with our feelings.  DON'T YOU LISTEN TO HIM!  He is a liar!  

SO next time you are feeling low---feeling mad---feeling envious---feeling invisible---check that feeling with the truth.  Make certain what your emotions are telling you lines up with what you know to be fact.  Ask yourself -"If I shared what I am feeling with a trusted love one, what would they say?"  Listen to The Truth and remember the folly of trusting your feelings.  God's truth has no need for trickery, luring,  enticement, or any of those tools used by the enemy.  His truth stands on its own and is the foundation for living---NOT feelings.

"Then we will no longer be immature like children.

We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching.

We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies

so clever they sound like the truth.

Instead, we will speak the truth of love,

growing more and more like Christ"

Ephesians 4:14-14