More Christmas Thoughts

We expect too much of Christmas Day. We try to crowd into it the long list of lost opportunities for kindliness, forgiveness, and compassion of the whole year. (David Grayson)

Christmas Thoughts

Ben Franklin said,

"How many observe Christ's birthday, how few His teachings. O, 'tis easier to keep holidays than commandments."

Sad Today - But Hopeful

Got an email today from a friend's husband, that she passed away last evening. She has been battling cancer for a while now. I was so sad and surprised. I had just received an email update from her about a week and a half ago and she was so upbeat. We were really good friends with them when we lived in Arkansas and she was a phenomenal person. She always made me laugh and she and I had children that were close in age. She had such a great attitude and always closed her emails with words like, "still smiling", "enjoying God's incredible grace". I know she is in heaven sitting at the feet of Jesus and I know she is adding much laughter and joy to the throngs of heaven.

Thank God for sending Jesus to us and for taking away the sting of death. There are so many scriptures that refer to this and the scripture that is so neat to me is from Psalm 116:15, "precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints."

God created us for His glory and for fellowship. This earth is only a temporary stopping place for us. What an incredible thought; life does not end here, but this is just the beginning. We have eternity to look forward to. I don't know about you, but I don't know of any other being that has ever offered anything like that to humankind. Thank you, Jesus, that your death gives us life!!

Getting Ready

I love this season, the time from Thanksgiving to Christmas. I love all that it entails; the colder weather, the hope of a bit of snow?? (sorry, but I'm originally from the north), baking, Christmas decorations, apple cider, presents under the tree, fun times with family and friends, and of course, all the preparations that happen at church. We have several things going on at our church at this time of year. We have several parties to attend and one to give and also two programs to share. The first will be on December 9th and is called "The Planet with the People". It is a drama and musical and has a wonderful message of Jesus coming in human form to that planet with the people. My husband, son and I have minor parts, but just being a part is so much fun. Also, I am singing in the choir for that same program. Singing is one of my favorite things to do, and I feel so blessed to be able to join in with the others. The practices and camaraderie that go with that are such a special part of the season for me. On December 16th, our children will be sharing their program. It is called "Christmas Where, When and Why". I am blessed to be helping with the music for this production. So, there's alot of preparation going on and I love being a part. It makes Christmas all the more special for me.

Turkey Day

We had a great Thanksgiving Day. We invited some friends over and had 11 total. Then had some other friends come later and we played games. All in all, it was such a fun time. We played several very fun group games including Pit, Balderdash and Catch Phrase. I laughed so hard, I was crying. I am thankful for good food and good fellowship; of which we enjoyed both bountifully yesterday.

THANKS-giving

Fifty years of blessings for me, so it's time to share 50 things for which I am extremely grateful to God:

1. Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the Cross for me
2. God the Father, Creator of this universe, All-Powerful God and His Word
3. The Holy Spirit, the Comforter and Guide
4. my incredible husband, Melvin
5. my oldest daughter, Kristin
6. my middle daughter, Kelsey
7. my son, Kendall
8. good health
9. financial provision
10. a roof over my head
11. food in my stomach
12. clothes on my back
13. a vehicle to drive
14. good friends
15. family
16. an incredible church
17. a Pastor who is truly a shepherd
18. a Pastor's wife who models this position in such an honorable manner
19. a Sunday School class with whom we have such great fellowship
20. the invention of insulin
21. precious ESL students who are so hungry to learn and so grateful
22. a mother-in-law that has loved me as her own
23. a surrogate mother (Mary) who has truly been like a real mom to me
24. my real mother
25. my brother
26. my sister
27. my sister who is now in heaven with Jesus
28. my dad who is now in heaven with Jesus
29. my Uncle Fred and Aunt Denise who have been so kind to us
30. my Uncle Virgil, my dad's lost brother, whom the Lord allowed me to
find a few years ago
31. my cousin, Patty and her family
32. Elberton, Georgia; for being a place that provided for us and accepted us
33. good neighbors that God blessed us with there
34. Edward Jones - a company that has been an incredible blessing to and for us
35. worship music
36. Christmas
37. a new home - more than I could've ever imagined
38. the ability to speak another language
39. whole wheat bread
40. hot tea
41. I Love Lucy
42. a free country in which to live
43. living in a place where I can enjoy the changing seasons
44. word games
45. good books
46. The Atlanta Braves
47. getting to grow up near Washington, DC and see and enjoy all those
incredible sites and buildings
48. a good education and God-sent teachers who impacted my life
49. The Assemblies of God
50. Easter - if it wasn't for Easter, I wouldn't have this list. Thank you, Jesus!

The Cultural Confrontation

I have been confronted of late by the humility and simplicity that is evident in other cultures. This past week I had two opportunities to hear and take part in the testimonies of two different humble pastors and their messages. One from an Asian country, the other from Central America. I was struck by their humility, simplicity and yet the fervor of their message regarding God's Kingdom and their love for people. It's like one of our church members said after hearing one brother share, "I want that heart for myself." I, too, cry out for a different way of seeing things. Our American eyes have become enmeshed in materialism and self-sufficiency. I am not saying I do not love America. For I do with all my heart and thank God that I live in a free land where I can serve Him. But I believe that what these two men model is because they have been through trials; character producing trials, like having their life almost taken or not knowing where their next meal is coming from, or seeing a loved one die because there was no way to get them to medical help; these kinds of trials have made them into who they are. I don't know... I am just sharing my heart with you. I am sharing my heart with God and crying out for understanding and for a tender, more compassionate heart toward those around me and a zeal, a burning in my soul to share His love with others. In other countries, our brothers and sisters in Christ are dying because they are sharing His love and yet we are afraid of the rejection we might face from our neighbor if we mention His name. Something is very wrong.

I remember when I lived overseas and saw people come night after night to a big open tent with sawdust on the floors and wooden benches with no arms on them. People came in the rain and 40 degree weather, night after night. People walked for miles to hear a preacher preach God's Word and they came with a faith that healed their children of diseases and delivered them from demonic spirits. I saw it with my own eyes. And yet, I am not seeing it now. I am reminded again of this faith, this faith that knows it has nothing but Jesus to run to, nothing but Him to rely on. I want that heart, that kind of faith. Can it happen for me, can it happen for America?

Our country is becoming alot like some other places where religion is just something to do. Our nation is going from being a Christian nation to becoming a secular nation. I believe it grieves God's heart. He gave us the freedom we enjoy, not to squander on ourselves and live like the devil, but to share freely His love and to share freely with our brothers. We have been unfaithful to Him. God help us. Break our hearts with the things that break Your heart. Teach us Your ways, Oh Lord. Start with me.