HAPPY NEW YEAR

I can't begin to tell you all the things I am thankful for in my life. I suppose though, without a doubt I am thankful for my husband. My best friend. I read recently about a young man who wasn't able to think of things to thank the Lord for. He said that he realized we are supposed to: I Thessalonians 5:16 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. He realized it's not always easy to give thanks when things don't seem to be going our way. He was going through a difficult time. He lost his job, as a result of that his wife and children left as well. He realized he was a paycheck from losing his apartment. What could he possibly give thanks for? No job, no family, no food and quite possibly no where to live. He went on to say that he set a timer for five minutes and started praising the Lord for his life. He went on stumbling at first, but coming up with a few more things to give thanks for. By the time his time was up he was feeling completely filled by the Holy Spirit. Nothing in his situation had changed. So why was he feeling overwhelmed with joy? He accepted the Lord and asked Him to come into his life. He realized at that moment things were going to start getting better for him. One year I could have been that man. In less than nine months, my employer downsized and I was laid off. A few weeks later I lost control of my car on the ice and totaled it. I lost my house, my precious dog died and then my Mother passed away too. Was I discouraged? Of course. But through it all my faith was strengthened. I knew I would get another job, and I did. I got another car, my Mother is in heaven. And we now have two precious puppies. I can't stop praising the Lord for how good He is to me. I can't think of a better time to celebrate His goodness than today. A new year begins. Have a safe and happy celebration tonight. Blessings and hugs to you all. Happy New Year!

UN-RING THE BELL

"Although regret that leads to change is a dear friend, regret that leads to shame is a treacherous enemy." Patsy Clairmont wrote those words. How profound and true they are. Have you ever wished you could just start over? Or regret words that slipped out of your mouth in anger? My Grandmother used to say you can't "un-ring a bell". For a long time, as a child I thought about that statement. And for the longest time, I vowed to figure out how to do it. It wasn't until many year later I realized the wisdom that woman had. You can't go back and do it over. You can't go back to yesterday. You can't even start this day over. So what does that really mean? It means forge ahead. It means Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Looking back over my life the things I would have done differently would have been prayed more, trusted the Lord more and not tried to "chart my own path". Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord... It's still hard sometimes to sit back and wait. We pray and expect to hear from the Lord immediately. Just like at McDonalds when you order. That's not His plan. We don't "order". We give our cares and concerns to Him and wait for His time. Many years ago I read about a "box for God to do." If I could live my life over, that's one thing I would change. When I pray, I would put it in "the box for God to do." In my minds eye, I would close the lid, and leave it with Him. He has it all planned out anyway. And I'm so glad He does.

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

"You've just got to learn to say no." I'm not sure over the years how many times I've heard that admonition from my husband. His other favorite saying is, "you're just too generous." He reminds me I can't save the world. I know that. That's why the Lord sends them to me one at a time. Most of the time I'm not aware of "helping" someone. I have elderly friends who need someone to pick up a prescription. Or something from the grocery store. They may need a ride to and from the doctor. Last week I organized a group of people to appear in court to testify as character witnesses for a friend. I never know how God is going to use me. In spite of my husband's warnings, I continue to listen to God. I am led by the "still small voice" that directs me across the room. To speak to the person sitting by herself. That voice that tells me to hug the gentleman or lady sitting in the wheel chair in the hallway at the nursing home. To help the short lady at the grocery store reach something from the next shelf up. I'm not that much taller than she. We visited two nursing homes yesterday to sing Christmas carols. Our singing brought joy to the faces of many people who don't have any visitors all year long. Yesterday was the first time my husband has gone caroling. At the first nursing home we all stayed in a common room. The staff brought the residents to us. At the second nursing home we walked up and down the halls singing. Several times as we walked past a patients room, the ones who weren't able to be up or in a wheel chair, I went inside their room to wish them a Merry Christmas. At one point my husband was no longer beside me. There were so many of us singing that I wasn't surprised when I couldn't find him. In just a moment he appeared waving his arm. "Come quick, I want you to meet someone." He drug me into the room and introduced me to the lady, lying in bed. She shared with me that she is 90 years old. My husband smiled and took her hand, looking up at me. "She doesn't have any family. So I told her we would come to visit her as often as we can." Wait a minute. You need to learn to say no. You can't help everyone. You're too generous. I smiled. Has the Holy Spirit finally spoken to his kind heart too? I reached for her other hand. "We'll be back. Merry Christmas." Listen to your heart. Y'all have a Merry Christmas.

GIVING THE GIFT

I'm not sure, but this may be the best Christmas I've ever had. I know, Christmas isn't for two more days. But I have to share with you, just what's been going on.

My husband came home yesterday and asked me if I was opening a bakery. There were cookies on the table in the breakfast nook. Cookies on both counters and cookies on the dining room table. There was candy on the counter on the other side of the stove. He stood with his hands on his hips. "What are you going to do with all this stuff?"

Well, honey, I thought to myself, I'm glad you asked. I reminded him of the friends who always help him when he has a problem with the lawn mower. The ones who will never take any money. Then the neighbors who can't get out any more. And the friends we don't get to see as often as we would like. And then there are the friends who had surgery a few weeks ago. Finally he shook his head and walked into the other room. Before he sat down, I handed him a plate of iced sugar cookies. He smiled as he popped another one into his mouth. I didn't know when I should let him know that he would be the one who would need to deliver all the cookies and candy to our friends.

After we delivered Meals on Wheels today we went together to deliver all the goodies I have been baking for the past week. We stopped for lunch then came home to get ready to go to the first nursing home to sing Christmas carols. We delivered more cookies and candy, came home again, changed clothes and went to the second nursing home to sing to them too. We ate dinner and sat down a few minutes ago to rest.

The people we visited today reminded me what Christmas is all about. It's about giving heart gifts. I think it was Helen Steiner Rice who coined that phrase many years ago. The "gifts" we gave away today cost very little. I invested lots of time, and then we visited them. Some of them we sat and visited for a minute.

Tonight when I fall asleep I will remember the smiles on many unexpected faces today. I will remember the joy I felt handing them a few cookies. They know I love them.

I love Christmas. I love the way so many people act and react this time of year. People seem to be more loving. More forgiving. Wonder if there's a way to market that? Forgiveness. Kindness. Loving each other.

I'm sending you a big cyber hug and my wishes for a very Merry Christmas. Call someone and tell them you love them. It will make you feel better. Probably make them feel pretty good too.

That's the gift. Giving yourself. Your time and most of all your love.

Merry Christmas

THE PERFECT GIFT

My husband asked me a few weeks ago to write a list of things I wanted for Christmas. I haven't done that since I was a child, so I didn't know where to begin. What do I want? What do I need? Nothing, really.

Do I want gold? Let me think, that would be nice. Gold is very expensive, and fit for a King. No, I can't ask for gold. Am I worthy of gold?

Maybe I'll ask for frankincense. It's an aromatic gum resin obtained from from Boswellia trees used mainly for incense. I burn candles all the time, maybe this would be a cherished gift for me. Something to think about.

What about myrrh? It is also an aromatic gum resin obtained from several trees or shrubs of India, Arabia or eastern Africa used in perfume and incense.

I learned recently that the Wisemen did not present gifts to the baby Jesus in the manager. It was later when they found Him in a house with his mother. 

Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts: gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.KJV

  It's hard to find the "perfect" gift. The gifts they gave were to worship our King, the Prince of Peace, Our Savior.

We are all here to worship Him. 

I heard a sermon recently which reminded us, we are the perfect gift. What greater gift that to dedicate your life to the Lord. Give Him your all. His Son gave His all for me and for you. For my sins and yours.

It's Christmas. A time of rejoicing and thanksgiving. Praises to our Lord and King. A time to be happy and a time of celebration.

Why not join me this year. If you haven't already done so, give your life to the Lord. Present Him the "Perfect Gift". Dedicate your life to Him.

I guarantee the return you will receive on "your gift" will be greater than any gift you have ever given.

For Unto Us A Child is Born......

MEKO

I'll never find a more faithful loving friend. Meko, our Maltese follows me everywhere I go. My husband tells me when I leave he sits on the back of the sofa and watches out the window, waiting for me to return. He cries real tears. It doesn't matter what I do, he still loves me. A normal working day will find him asleep on top my desk. When he wants down he jumps into my lap. Trusting little guy, don't you think? Anyway, he is also very persistent when he wants to go outside, for a walk, or play, he doesn't give up until he gets what he wants. It doesn't matter to him what's on my schedule, it's all about him. When we are outside he barks at other dogs or people. A few days ago we were on a walk. He spotted another dog and yelped. In fact he jumped and bounced against my leg for me to pick him up. I reached down and scooped him up allowing his bravado to return. I laughed when he barked. As long as I'm holding him he's very brave. Oh, he's a mess all right, but he's my mess. My husband thinks I have ruined this little guy. He's just under four pounds, but doesn't realize it. He thinks he's a Rottweiler. I've mentioned to my husband several times this little guy isn't in control of my life, I am. Oh, I've got to go, Meko wants to play.

STAND UP

Being a single Mom isn't always easy. One of the most difficult things for me was taking, or not taking my kids on vacations. I was lucky to keep the electric on and food on the table. One summer I had a little extra money and the three of us decided to go on a canoe trip. A state park not too far from our home had a livery where we could rent all the equipment. My daughter and son each brought a friend with them. The "men", I think they were six or seven at the time wanted their own canoe. So we girls set off in ours. The creek bed was dry that year, and was probably only three or maybe four feet deep at the deepest point. The boys were ahead of us and despite my warnings they were moving around in the canoe, laughing and acting like boys. The current was swift, but the water was shallow. We had just begun the eight hour trip when I heard screaming just ahead of us. There in the water were my son and his friend. The canoe was upside down against the bank. My son and his friend were screaming, fearful they would drown. I yelled at them to stand up. He continued thrashing in the water as I neared. Finally, he peered at his friend who was already standing and sputtering. I am reminded of the times in my life when all I had to do was stand up. My faith wasn't strong enough. All I had to do was place my feet on the bottom and push myself up. The Lord was there all the time. Just like my son and his friend. The water was knee deep. All they had to do was stand up. Sometimes our faith is tested and we don't realize all we have to do is stand up.2 Chronicles 20:20 Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld....

For I Know the Plans

Many years ago a friend called in tears. "Do you have a minute?" she began. I saved the file I was working on and sat back in my chair. She blew her nose and took a deep breath. "What's going on?" I said. She shared that she felt her family was under attack. She went on to describe a viscous attack on her family by a man who claimed to be a Christian. She shared how he was doing everything he could to destroy their family business. It seemed he had entered an agreement with her father to purchase the business, only to default later and was causing a great financial hardship on her parents as well as her own immediate family. While she was talking I began praying. I remember telling the Lord, "I don't know what to say to her Lord." I need a little help from you. She is suffering, her family is suffering, they may lose their home. What should I say?" I continued listening for a while and that little voice inside my head told me to go to Jeremiah 29:11. That particular day, many years ago, I wasn't familiar with Jeremiah 29:11 so I couldn't quote it to her. She suggested I send the verse to her in an email. We talked for a little while longer and we prayed before we hung up. I immediately looked up the verse. I got chills. A few hours later I heard from her again. This time the tears were gone. She said, "you aren't going to believe this. But after you sent me the scripture to read, I received another email from another friend just minutes apart. " The excitement continued in her voice. "Guess which scripture she sent for me to read?" Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to proper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Whenever I need to be reminded of how God works in my life, I remember the day I sat back in my chair praying for God to use me to help this friend. God doesn't have email, but he uses those of us who do. I will never forget the way I felt at the moment she shared with me how God had worked in my life and another friend of hers to tell her HIS message that day.

Crossing the Jordan

This isn't the Jordan River, but it is a river in Colorado and represents water flowing from the mountains above. I can't imagine stepping onto the water, hoping it will part so that I can cross it. I think it would be easy to stand back on the shore and say, "sure I've got lots of faith, but you go first." Kinda like the Monday morning quarterback. How many times in my own life, when the Lord has asked me to step out in faith, have I said, "Please Lord part the waters first?" I've got lots of faith Lord, but will you help me, show me another sign. One that's safe. Not so easy, is it. I love the way God uses me to bring people to him. One of my prayers is give me someone to bless today. And every single day He does. Some days I don't realize it until much later in the day. It is never like the parting of waters, it may be someone who needs a ride home. The other day I visited a friend who is incarcerated in the county jail. When I came back outside, I was making mental notes of things I needed to do for my friend. I wasn't paying any attention to my surroundings. A lady approached me, and asked if I could give her a ride back to her apartment. I said no, without even looking at her. After all, I was too busy. I'm interviewing people for the book I'm writing. I was late for one of those appointments. I had many other projects waiting at home. I was just too busy that day. Driving to her apartment was not part of my plan. Where is her apartment? I'm sure it's not convenient for me. However, I turned back around to face her. She was carrying a large paper bag full of her possessions. She said, "if you could wait just a second, I'll run across the street to the pawn shop." I knit my brows, "why would you do that?" She continued, "so I can pay you $20 for gas." I shook my head, and motioned for her to follow me while I found my car. As we were walking, I asked her if she was visiting someone in jail. She shook her head, "no, I just got out." On the way to her apartment we prayed. And a little later, after I dropped her off, I thanked the Lord for sending me someone to bless. Sometimes the leap of faith the Lord asks us to take, is just a tiny baby step. I almost tripped that day during my walk. I had to reschedule my appointments that day, but I was able to finish all the other projects and deadlines waiting for me. Thank you Lord for blessing me------don't wait for the waters to part.

A SMELLY STABLE

Have you ever walked through a horse or cattle barn at the county fair? Flies buzzing all around your head. It's hot and smelly. Jodie Bailey reminded me on her blog last week about how Mary must have felt entering that stable. She was nine months pregnant. She rode a donkey for miles. Let me back up just a bit. According to Hebrew customs Mary and Joseph's marriage was arranged by their parents. After the contract was settled the two were considered married. Each of them lived with their parents until after a waiting period, when they lived together as husband and wife. If, during that time conception occurred, the marriage could be annulled. Imagine the disgrace Joseph must have felt upon learning Mary was with child. Joseph, not wanting to disgrace her publicly, planned to divorce her quietly. But Matthew 1:20 an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." Now can you imagine what his friends thought? When he tried to explain Mary's pregnancy. Did they believe him? Probably not. They were scorned and mocked. Joseph and Mary,under the ruling of Augustus Caesar, were listing their names to be registered in the town of Bethlehem in Judea, known as the town of David. While they were there it was time for Jesus birth. Because there was no room in the Inn, Mary and Joseph went to the stable, where the animals were fed. It was there Mary wrapped her tiny babe with pieces of cloth and laid him in a manger (a tiny box for feeding animals). There among the animals in that smelly stable lay our King. Our precious Lord and Savior who would one day die on a cross for our sins. Yes, it all began in that smelly stable. Thank you Jodie Bailey for reminding me of this fact. And thank you Lord for loving me. Don't forget to wish everyone a Merry CHRISTmas this year. Don't take Christ out of Christmas. Remember it isn't happy holidays, but Merry Christmas. It also isn't a holiday tree, but a Christmas Tree. It's a time of Joy and celebration of our wonderful Lord's birth.

THANK YOU

I don't seem to hear those two words as often as I used to. Are we still teaching our children to say please and thank you? My grandmother used to pound those two words into my head. I hear people say to me, "times are different now." Those were the same words Grandma used to say. Times are different today, but manners aren't. Are they? I don't think so. I didn't get any "mother of the year" awards from my children when they were growing up. In fact, I was the "meanest mom in the world." That award usually came right after, or during my suggestion that they clean their room before they go outside to play football with the neighbors or go shopping with girlfriends. It used to surprise me, if I was the meanest Mom in the world, why all their friends hung out at our house? It also surprised me that their friends would ask me if they could help with a chore around the house. There were times when I wanted to cave. When I wanted to be their friend rather than fight with them and remain the parent. The most unpopular person on the block. One of my fondest memories of my son is the memory of the look on his face when he thought "he won the battle." I always insisted my children write thank you notes for gifts or cards from friends and relatives. One day, my son stood before me with his little scrunched up nose and his hand on his hip. "I don't want to write a thank you note to Grandma. Can't I just tell her the next time I see her?" I turned and smiled at him and nodded my head. "Sure, you can do that." He stood waiting. I continued. "I'm going to call Grandma right now." He smiled victoriously. No more thank you notes, I'm sure he was thinking. "Why are you calling Grandma?" "I'm going to tell her you hate writing thank you notes. So in order for you not to have to write another one, I don't want her to ever buy you another gift." He yelled. "Where's a pen and paper." Today I love being their friend. And watching them be the meanest parent in the world.

CALLED

When I was younger I heard a sermon about being "called". At the time, in my minds eye, I envisioned 3,000 people being led to the alter. Today I realize God calls each of us. He doesn't expect us to lead 3,000 people to Him, at least not all at once. But HE does expect us to listen to HIS voice. When HE calls us, and HE will call you if you are listening, it may be in a more subtle way. There are hundreds of ways we can serve Him. Hundreds of ways we can answer HIS call. If you knit or crochet, you can always make baby blankets for the Linus Project. During this Christmas season, visit a nursing home with a box of Christmas cards. Sit down with one of the residents and address them for her/him. Some of them would love to send a card to a friend or relative, but don't have any way to get to the store to buy a card, or their hands may be so crippled with arthritis it is no longer comfortable to write. Sing in the choir. While driving through McDonalds or Starbucks for your morning coffee, hand the clerk an extra ten dollars to pay for the order in the car behind you. There are so many ways to serve the Lord. Don't wait for the waters of Jordan to part. Seek God's plan for you. Don't know what it is? God has promised He will instruct you. Psalms 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Pray for HIS guidance. Remember HE reminds us of HIS plans for us in Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. By the way, I was in the car behind you at Starbucks when you paid for my coffee. You made my day.