Christ Birth is Bridge for the Broken

It is so easy to look out across a group of people scanning the crowd to see all, smiles and happy faces laughing and carrying on with not a care in the world.  And isn't that great when life is like that?  Sometimes as I observe, I wonder what is behind that smile, if I were to really know. I know - not my business, right? But I still look and watch people and sometimes wonder, do they ever come down off of that mountain top they have been on for years? Do they ever admit that they are going through a tough spot? That everything isn't always GREAT!?

Sometimes there are the mountain top times and then sometimes there are the valley times when life is just plain hard.  Hard decisions, hard relationships, hard situations, hard tragedies to face, just plain hard "stuff" that bring us down off of the mountain top. Many times this hard stuff brings us to our knees with a broken spirit in total despair.

Ps.51:17, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;

a broken and contrite heart" . . . 

The verse before this says, "For You (God) do not desire sacrifice . . . You do not delight in burnt offerings".  God didn't need the ceremonial sacrifices - He didn't need the lambs, cows, doves sacrificed. He didn't need meat!  Remember He owns the cattle on a thousand hills.  He just didn't need it!

The commentary says "What pleases God more than sacrifices is a humble heart that looks to Him when troubles crush and penitently pleads for mercy."  God wants us to come to Him in our brokenness and give that brokenness to him with a contrite heart - a heart that isn't afraid to admit, hey I'm struggling here! I need help! Forgive me!  Forgive my lack of faith, my failure, my frustration, my fake face (always smiling)!  My ceremonial sacrifices (which God doesn't even need) that I may have put so much faith in. Those are not what He wants - He wants my heart.  My humble heart and all that comes along with it.  That is who I really am.  I am what is IN my heart.  "Where your treasure is there also is your heart" (Luke 12:34)

It is when I humble myself, forget about trying to live in this perfect body, in this perfect little house with a perfect car in the driveway, with this perfect family, in this perfect neighborhood, in this perfect church where God loves us all and . . . .   Are you getting the idea?  Life is not 100% perfect 100% of the time 24-7!!! 

But as we face up to who we are in our heart of hearts and humble ourselves unto God - that is the sacrifice He wants.  Not our possessions, positions, past achievements!  He wants us to come in humbleness and give Him our hearts and let Him flow through us out to the rest of our world.  When we drop our guard and take off the mask that we so easily slap on as we walk out the front door, then God will show us "His world".  The world He was born into on that First Christmas Day! 

When we humble oursleves and look around us, we will see those that Christ came to earth to save.  The hurting, hungry, helpless, people that may need to know that we have been there also. Have you been thru some tough times that you have never shared with anyone?  Do you see someone else going through the same situation you have already come through?  Some of us have been wounded, hurt, broken, bruised, defeated . . . the good news is that God came to heal the brokenhearted.  Remember, what pleases God more than sacrifices is a humble heart that looks to Him when troubles crush and penitently pleads for mercy.  We can then, through God's abundant grace and mercy be healed and restored. It is then that we can turn around and be Jesus to those we meet every day at school, at the store, at the gas station, wherever God leads us. My daughter posted this quote on her blog (The Rustic Chick) and it really spoke to my heart.

Sheila Walsh said, "Our brokenness is a better bridge to others than our pretend wholeness will ever be." 

Through our brokenness we are able to reach so many other people that are going through some of the same brokenness we have gone through if we will stop and look around. We can pretend we are whole - holy and performing the ceremonial sacrifices (you know the ones that God didn't really need cuz He owns it all anyway!!) and we can say we are fine whenever we are asked and keep up the smiles, laughter and false pretense. But God knows if we have given Him our contrite heart and our bokenness.  He knows our story, where we have been.  And He knows who is out there that I can be a bridge for - who may need to know that I've been there and I understand what you are going through.  Can you be an encouragement to someone around you? Look around you during this Christmas Season.  Who and what do you see behind those smiles?  Is there someone you can reach out to, understand, and share Jesus with?  Is there someone that just needs to know that somebody else sees and understands what they are going through?  YOU could be that person!  

God, thank you for your gift to us.  The gift of Jesus, born so long ago.  Let me not forget the reason for this Christmas season as I celebrate!  The sacrifice of all sacrifices sent to us as a Babe in the manger.  I praise Your Name, Jesus, Name above ALL Names!  Now, help me to see this world that You came to earth to live and die for - through Your eyes. Open my eyes to see the brokenness and hurt that You came to heal.  Let me through my own brokenness be a bridge for others to cross that they may come to You in their own brokenness and give their heart to You and accept the greatest Christmas Gift ever!  In Your blessed Name - Jesus.

"Our brokenness is a better bridge to others than our pretend

wholeness will ever be." -Sheila Walsh

Bridge that first Christmas so long ago to this present time and place where you are right now - today!   
Drop your guard, remove your mask and be that bridge for others!
Merry Christmas to each of you! 

Creatures Stirring

“Hark the Herald Angels Sing”

When Charles Wesley wrote “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” in 1739, he had the angels proclaim: “Glory to the newborn King; peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!”

And what did Wesley think should be the consequences of that message? “Joyful, all ye
nations, rise.” The Prince of Peace had come.
“Light and life to all he brings.”

“Born that we no more may die; born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth. Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King!”

When Wesley wrote that hymn, England was going through a desperate, hopeless time. Unemployment, poverty, illness, alcoholism and crime were widespread. Wesley and his brother, John, believed the answer for their nation was Christ’s life-changing message. Changed lives would bring a changed nation.

Wesley’s Christmas song rang true: “Light and life to all he brings.” Some historians have written that England didn’t have a revolution (as did France) mainly because of the message the Wesleys preached and sang.

And Did You Know

And did you know . . .

"And did you know that your cousin Elizabeth conceived a son, old as she is?”

 Luke 1:36 MSG 

         Click on the the link below to read a heartfelt message for this Christmas from Guest Blogger, Alene Snodgrass at "Beyond Me Devotionals":

And Did You Know

Maxine

"Take a Break" from life's hussle &

bussle and enjoy a cup right now!

The Bear Film by Jean Jacques Annaud

(Mute the "blog music" so you can get the full effect of this moving video - you want to hear it)

This video will touch any parents heart. My heart went out to this little bear!

As parents we teach our children to be careful of people, places, and things. We tell them to yell "stranger-danger" when in trouble and try our best to prepare them for their future. But just as with this little bear, we cannot always be there watching out for them. And sometimes they don't think or see anything of the danger out there ahead of them. Many times they walk a little too close for comfort - at least for us mothers!  As a mother, I could feel the emotion and terror in this little bear. The frantic realization that he was in big trouble. The fear and panic followed by the chase.

There are times I see and feel that same kind of scared, frightened emotion in my own children. I can see them scramble and run trying to escape the consequences of playing too long in the meadow, as the little bear did. It is a scary thing to watch your child as they fall down, as they are tossed about hitting rocks and logs in this raging river of life and are washed upon the enemy, as we would put it. As the enemy itself is attacking them with nowhere to run, frozen in fear, frustration, and failure. All alone to face the hard places that have come their way. Listening as the child in them cries out for help in his/her own way not always being understood by those around. And all the time, as parents, wanting to stand up and growl like the mother bear and watch as the enemy gives up and runs away at the very sound of our voice. At least for the time being.

As parents, we can pray and hope that a lesson in life is learned through whatever the circumstances are - even if it has to be learned the "hard" way. Hard places make for hard lessons and we can only trust God to bring that lesson to the very heart, soul, and mind of these young people.  We must never give up, we must lift them up in prayer, love them, and do everything this side of heaven that we possibly can to get them back on track. And if they do fall and are wounded, we need to "be there", like the mother bear, to pick them up, lick their wounds and love them unconditionally just as Christ loves all His dear children. 

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life"  -John 3:16

Just as we want to save, rescue, and restore our children so does God want to save, rescue and restore each one of our lives.  No matter where we have been or what we have done.  It doesn't matter what river of life we have been floating down or where it has taken us or even what rocks we have been slammed up against - God loves us unconditionally and wants to rescue us from the raging rapids and the snares of sin and its hold on our lives. "Unconditional" means: not limited to; absolute; not subject to conditions; not dependent on conditions or learning. So you see it doesn't matter where we've been, what we've been through, God still loves us unconditionally. He does not love the sin in our lives - but He does loves us and has seen the river where we have been tossed about. He knows all about us and yet He loves us! He died on the cross for our sin and He wants to rescue and restore us - to cleanse us from what is about to overtake us.

God's unconditional love reaches out to us and just as the mother bear reached out to her cub, He wants to gather us close and touch our wounds, both physical and emotional - whatever they may be. He knows the plans He has for us and He wants to show us what He has prepared for each one of us.

"But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."
-1 Cor. 2:9

Turn and run to God's loving, outstretched, arms and taste and see
 what He has prepared for you!  

Jesus is Better than Santa

Santa lives at the North Pole - JESUS is everywhere. Santa rides in a sleigh - JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water. Santa comes but once a year - JESUS is an ever- present help. Santa fills your stockings with goodies - JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited - JESUS stands at your door and knocks . . . and then enters your heart. You have to stand in line to see Santa - JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap - JESUS lets you rest in His arms. Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?" JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He nows our address too.

He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads. JESUS has a heart full of love. JESUS offers health, help and hope. Santa says "You better not cry".

JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you. Santa's little helpers make toys - JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions. Santa may make you chuckle but - JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree - JESUS became our gift and died on the tree. It's obvious there is really no comparison. We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about. We need to Put Christ Back in Christmas!

Jesus is still the reason for the season.



I received the above in an email today. I do not know who wrote this but the message is so true.  Santa and money cannot buy any of the things that Jesus offers us - there really is NO comparison to what He alone can give us if we accept HIS GIFT of Salvation.  God's gift to us meant everything - His only Son to die on the cross for your and my sins.  Yes, a Big sacrifice for a Big Gift and it is ours!  Everything that Santa isn't - is ours but only if we accept this Gift from God - His Son - Jesus Christ . . . our redeemer, our deliver, our salvation, and our life!  Take a moment and accept this gift of all gifts - Jesus!   It is for you . . . today!  Merry Christmas!

"For God SO loved the world that He gave His ONE and Only Son, that whoever believes on Him shall not perish but have

Eternal (Everlasting) Life." -John 3:16

Hints for a Hope-Filled Day

1.  Today I Will Not Strike Back

If someone is rude, impatient, or unkind, I will not respond in a like manner.

2.  Today I Will Ask God to Bless My "Enemy"

If I come across someone who treats me harshly or unfairly, I will quietly ask God to bless that individual.

3.  Today I Will Be Careful About What I Say

I will carefully choose and guard my words, being certain that I do not spread gossip.

4.  Today I Will Go The Extra Mile

I wil find ways to share the burden of another.

5.  Today I Will Forgive

I will forgive any hurts or injuries that come my way.

6.  Today I Will Do Something Nice For Someone

I will reach out and bless the life of another.

7.  Today I Will Raise The Spirits Of Someone Who Is Discouraged

My smile, my words, my expression of support can make the difference to someone wrestling with life.

8.  Today I Will Nurture My Body

I will eat less; I will strive to eat more healthy foods.  I will thank God for this temple I live in.

9.  Today I Will Grow Spiritually

I will spend a little more time in prayer. I will find a quiet place and listen to God's voice!

10.  Today I Will Celebrate Forgiveness In Christ

I will continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of my Lord, my rock and my salvation. 

Changing Seasons

Thanksgiving is over and the Christmas lights are going up all around on my block. I am running a little behind with my Christmas decorating! This week I plan to get most of it done! But on the flip side of Christmas decorating, I also like to enjoy one season at a time. Especially Thanksgiving season! There is so much to be thankful for not just at Thanksgiving but all year long.

Like today when I got up and looked out to see snow and the cold wind blowing. But as I sat down to my warm cup of coffee, read a little and got ready for work, I was thankful for a warm house (although my daughter says I need to turn up the temp a bit – I told her to wear a sweatshirt!!) And when I stepped outside thinking I may need my snow shovel, I was overjoyed that the cold bitter wind had blown the snow off of the sidewalks leaving a nice clear path. Yeah – no shoveling!! As I went out to warm up my PT Cruiser I was thankful that it has such a great heater and doesn’t take long to get toasty warm. Then as I was driving to work I noticed this car ahead of me that had plastic covering the window on the passenger side. As I watched it blowing in the wind, I just thanked God for the unbroken windows in my car!

Little things . . . maybe so . . . but all of these are things that effect my life, making it easy or difficult one way or another. It is the little things that change my outlook on life. Little things that make a difference in my attitude, my joy level, my ability to cope and see and do what God put me here on this earth to accomplish. All of these little things in life make up the big thing - who and what I am about.  What are the little things in your life that make you who you are?  Are there little things that you are thankful for that distinguish your character - your being?

Thanksgiving is over but that's ok - what are some of the things you are thankful for today one week after thanksgiving?  I challenge you to look around you and see, I mean really see, the things in your life that you truly are thankful for each and every day!

. . . So when I arrived at work today, I took the thanksgiving “Turkey” outfit off of my “Gertrude Goose” that sits on my desk and put on her “Santa” outfit!! I strung a few Christmas lights around my computer and put up my little Christmas tree!! So I guess you could say that I have officially started my Christmas decorating here at the office.

Moving from Thanksgiving on to Christmas is great - for without Christmas and the Christ Child I think I probably would not have a truly thankful heart! I love the Christmas season and enjoy all of the joyous celebrations of Christ’s birth but I will still keep a Thankful spirit along with my Christmas spirit! Happy Thanksgiving ALL year long and Merry Christmas to you!

New Diet

After starting a new diet, I altered my drive to work to avoid passing my favorite bakery. I accidentally drove by the bakery this morning and there in the window was a host of goodies. I felt this was no accident, so I prayed, “Lord, it is up to You. If you want me to have any of those delicious baked goods, create a parking place for me directly in front of the bakery.”

. . . and sure enough, God answered my prayer!!! On the eighth time round the block, there it was! LOL!!

You know we laugh at that, but I think back to the many times I have said, "Lord, it is up to You!"  And then I kept driving around the block again and again until I got what I thought I needed or wanted!!  Have you ever done that?  Like a little child begging and begging until a frustrated mom gives in to the begging.  Does God get frustrated at me when I tell Him it's up to Him and then I just keep on driving around the block?

Trust is such a powerful word. Do I trust God enough to say and really mean . . . it's up to You, God???  He who knows all, sees all, and even knows what is in my heart and mind! Sounds like a "no-brainer" - why would I not put my trust in a God that created and knows ALL things. He knows me from the inside out! So why does my trust waver sometimes?  Yes, I am human, I do get over-worked, over-stressed, and over-whelmed at times in the things that press in on me, but God really wants me to stop and say . . . it's up to You, God!!  Lord, help me trust You more and me less!!

Power Verses:

 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths".  -Proverbs 3:5,6  

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."      -I Peter 5:7

"Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass".  Psalm 37:5

"Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust".  Psalm 40:4

"They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever".   -Psalm 125:1

The True Meaning of ThanksGiving

Wishing each of you a "Blessed Thanksgiving" as you reflect on the blessings God has given you. I'm counting my blessings - well, actually there are too many to even begin to count!  How about you?  Blessings we sometimes take lightly - our family, friends, the words of encouragement, the smile from across the room, the helping hand, the listening ear, the pat on the back, the prayer partners, the mystery miracle workers in our midst, the many, many unrealized blessings and above all . . . God Himself!  All of these are treasures that money cannot buy - blessings beyond compare to anything else this world offers.

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!

Parrot with a Bad Attitude

A young man named John received a parrot as a gift. The

parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary.

Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious

and laced with profanity. John tried and tried to

change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only

polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could

think of to 'clean up' the bird's vocabulary.

Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot.

The parrot yelled back. John shook the parrot and the

parrot got angrier and even more rude. John, in desperation,

threw up his hand, grabbed the bird and put him in the

freezer. For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed! Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute.

Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, John quickly opened

the door to the freezer. The parrot calmly stepped out

onto John's outstretched arms and said "I believe I

may have offended you with my rude language and

actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my

inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do

everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior."

John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude.

As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a

dramatic change in his behavior, the bird spoke-up, very

softly, "May I ask what the turkey did?"

Just a little "Thanksgiving" humor to remind us how much our words and actions can offend others or build up and encourage them - many times much more
than we even realize!

Everything You Need to Know

Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah's Ark.

One: Don't miss the boat.
Two: Remember that we are all in the same boat.
Three: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.
Four: Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
Five: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
Six: Build your future on high ground.
Seven: For safety's sake, travel in pairs - at least you and God!
Eight: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
Nine: When you're stressed, float a while.
Ten: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
Eleven: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.


My uncle sent me this and I could not resist posting this one.  I do not know the author but the advice is worth remembering!  I just may have to make a plaque of this and put it with my Noah's Ark collection!   

Proclamation of Thanksgiving

The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful years and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the Source from which they come, others have been added which are of so extraordinary a nature that they can not fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.

In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign states to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theater of military conflict, while that theater has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.

Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the field of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plow, the shuttle, or the ship; the ax has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than theretofore. Population has steadily increased notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battlefield, and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.

In testimony wherof I have herunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

[Signed]
Abraham Lincoln

Life is Good

My face in the mirror

Isn't wrinkled or drawn.

My house isn't dirty,

The cobwebs are gone.

My garden looks lovely

And so does my lawn.

I think I might never

Put my glasses back on!!

Procrastination Trouble

One of my daily chores was to gather the eggs everyday after school. I learned early on not to procrastinate and wait until after dark—hen houses are very, very spooky after dark!!! On one particular evening I conveniently “forgot” to make my trip out to the hen house! I can still remember mom asking, “Did you gather the eggs today?” I still haven’t figured out how, but moms just have this built-in antenna that picks up on our words, actions, expressions, etc. Well, she took one look at me and knew that I had not done my chores. I remember saying, “but, Mom, it’s dark out!” And I also remember dad saying, “get the flashlight and go get the eggs.”

Reluctantly, I went out alone into the deep, dark night with my flashlight lighting the path ahead of me. Slowly walking across the yard and driveway over to the chicken coop - flashlight in one hand and egg bucket in the other. I was wishing all the way out to the chicken coop that I had done my chores when I came home from school. Instead, I had put it off and now the sun had set and the shadowy moon shown through the chicken coop windows casting eerie shadows on the floor and walls of the hen house making my task all the more dreadful.

In the dark coop the chickens lined their roost making their “chicken night- noises” with all eyes on me – the intruder!  I proceeded quietly, tip-toeing and talking softly to comfort the chickens . . . and myself too! I didn’t want to scare them and get them all flying off their roost in every direction attacking and flogging me! Who knows what they would do if scared.

Approaching the row of nests along the far wall, I was reaching into the nests one by one with one hand holding the egg bucket and flashlight and the other hand bringing out one, two, three eggs putting them in the bucket then moving to the next nest. All the time keeping one eye on the rooster of this brood of chickens behind me.

On I went collecting egg after egg when it suddenly happened. While looking over my shoulder, covering my back from the roosting chickens and at the same time hurriedly reaching into yet another nest, the dreaded moment came. Payback for my procrastination!

As quick as I put my hand in the next nest an old sitting hen flew out of the nest. She was coming right up my arm and into my face flogging me but good!!! Dropping the bucket of eggs and flashlight, I ran screaming from the hen house only to run smack dab into dad who was, un-be-known to me, standing just outside of the hen house. I wasn’t alone after all! Whew!! He had followed me out there since it was so dark. Calming me down, he went back into the hen house, collected the rest of the eggs, bucket, and flashlight while I waited outside where the full moon shone brightly all around me.

Dad and I walked to the house with the flashlight shining on our path ahead and the moon beaming over our shoulders. As we carried the bucket of eggs with broken egg dripping from it, Dad said, “This is why it is best to not wait until dark to do our chores.” I agreed wholeheartedly!

Back in the house, mom and I sorted out the good eggs from the broken ones, washed the broken egg off of them, and put them in the refrigerator while dad sat down to read the newspaper.

Lessons learned: Some things just can’t wait. Do what needs to be done at the right time. Timing is everything! It is a whole lot easier and takes less time in the long run. Some times life takes us to places we don’t want to go or through things we don’t want to go through. But just remember you are never alone. God is always with you – trust Him to get you through.

  

Faith vs. Worry

How Firm a Foundation

The authorship of this well known hymn has always been a mystery.  It first appeared in 1787 in Selection of Hymns, published by Dr. John Rippon and is classified as an American melody. What an American melody and message it has!

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, is laid for your faith in His excellent Word! What more can He say than to you He hath said - To you, who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

Fear not, I am with thee - O be not dismayed, for I am thy God, I will still give thee aid; I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, upheld by my gracious, omnipotent hand.

When thru the deep waters I call thee to go, the rivers of woe shall not thee overflow; for I will be with thee thy troubles to bless, and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

When thru fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply; the flame shall not hurt thee - I only design thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose, I will not, I will not desert to his foes; that soul, tho all hell should endeavor to shake, I'll never - no, never - no never forsake.

What more can He say than to you He hath said - To you, who for refuge to Jesus have fled.

I look around and there are so many people struggling.  Struggling with finances, families, food, shelter, health, jobs, and just plain old life in general.  Many are looking for the quick fixes, make-overs, and the claim to fame or success!  But unless our lives are built on the firm foundation of Christ all is in vain. Our strength and stability lie in Christ alone.  We can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. . ." Hebrews 13:6

Here are some "Foundational Verses" to stand on:

"Fear thou not, for I am with thee, be not dismayed, for I am thy God..." Isaiah 41:10

"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee . . ." Isaiah 43:2

"My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness . . ."  2 Corithians 12:9

"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee . . ."  Hebrews 13:5

 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

Fear not, I am with thee - O be not dismayed, for I am thy God, I will still give thee aid; I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, upheld by my gracious, omnipotent hand.

Smell the Coffee

I enjoy my coffee and the sweet, pleasant aroma that fills the room and awakens my senses to reach for my cup and pour a steaming hot cupful! I have a programmable coffee pot – one of the best things I have purchased!! I just picked up some Cinnamon Hazelnut flavored coffee and it is so good!! Oh, to wake up to the smell of coffee and come downstairs with it ready to pour into my cup with no waiting for it to brew – let me tell you, it is great! That is unless you get so busy the night before that you forget to put in the coffee, water, and push the button to turn it on!!! I can’t believe that I forgot two nights in a row!!! Slow down, Diana, and smell the coffee!!! Well, last night I did remember and the last thing I did before going upstairs to turn in was “put the coffee on”. Yes, it takes a little time when I am tired and ready for bed but it is so worth the extra time and effort when morning comes and I wake up to fragrant coffee filtering all the way upstairs!

Some things take a little extra time and effort in life and when we put forth that little extra the rewards are so worth it. Life goes on with or without the effort but the blessings of that little “extra” truly can be a blessing to not only myself but to those around me.

“We are cups, constantly and quietly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” -Ray Bradbury

We are cups, continually be filled. . . some days we may be only half full, some days three-fourths, some days nearly empty, and some days we are overflowing! Oh, for those days that we are overflowing!! But it is important for us to remember that we are being filled every single day. Have you been there? Can you think of some of those times in your own life when you were being filled? It is that mix that makes up “life”. The easy-going, the ups-and-downs, the joyous moments, the sad-heart-felt times, the tough-hard times, the times of uncontrollable laughter, the quiet times of peaceful contentment - they are all a part of life – if we slow down and “smell the coffee”.

What is your favorite blend? I have several blends – I’m not too picky! I think variety is a good thing when it comes to coffee. Although, I was fixing coffee for a birthday party we had last week and my cousin quite adamantly informed me that he did not like that “flavored stuff” – he just likes the “plain old stuff”!! Well, I also like the plain “old stuff” too.

. . . The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” -Ray Bradbury

Don’t you just hate it when you spill your cup of coffee? Me too! But this quote compares us to “cups” and mentions “knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out!” I was thinking about that and sometimes when we spill things, our cup may be almost empty while other times it may be brim full. What is in you cup? How full are you? You may ask, how can that be beautiful? Whether your cup tips over and spills a little or a lot, it doesn’t really matter. Some days I may only have a little of the “beautiful stuff” to share because I am going through some hard times. Even some of the most difficult things in life can be “beautiful stuff” with time and when spilled at God’s perfect timing. Maybe someone needs to see how God can take hard things and make beautiful stuff out of them! Other times, I am just brim full waiting for that first sip of steaming hot coffee and WOOPS!! . . . it spills!!

I don’t always know or understand these spills in life but I think the trick is in not letting the “spills” in life upset us as much as learning to lean on a God that makes the beginning to end, leaving what’s in the middle for us to hold in our cups. Then knowing how to tip ourselves over and let God’s love, His grace, His mercy, His understanding, His help, and His peace spill over. I was thinking that some of the stuff in my cup isn’t so beautiful! Do I want that spilled out?? But just as I like many flavors of coffee, I believe God can use every one of our personal flavors in life and as God blends all of these flavors together it is He and He alone that brings all of the aroma together from our very own special brew.

I was looking online at some coffee from "The Roasterie Air-Roast Coffee" in Kansas City. (Time out for just a little "Commercial Break" here!  Stormin' Normin' has the very "best" coffee!  Stop in and see him next time you are in KC).  I noticed that you can special order your very own favorite flavors and put them together for your own personal flavor label!! That’s exactly how we are – God knows our personal flavor label, He knows how he can use us to “tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out!” He fills our cups with special flavors - the good, bad, and the ugly, and gives us opportunities, abilities, and strengths to tip ourselves over at just the right time and place. He can mix the blend and bring out the richest, fullest, roast of perfectly blended flavor.

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that
God maketh from the beginning to the end.             
- Ecc. 3:11 KJV



So, slow down, don’t forget to put the coffee on and remember . . .

. . . “We are cups, constantly and quietly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over
and let the beautiful stuff out.”
-Ray Bradbury

Pecan Pie Bars

If you like Pecan Pie, you will enjoy these bars. 

1-1⁄4 c. all-purpose flour

1⁄2 c. plus 3 T. brown sugar, packed and divided 1⁄2 c. plus 2 T. butter, divided

2 eggs

1⁄2 c. light corn syrup

1 t. vanilla extract

1⁄2 c. chopped pecans

Combine flour with 3 tablespoons brown sugar; cut in 1⁄2 cup butter until coarse crumbs form. Press into a lightly greased 11"x7" baking pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes. While crust is baking, beat eggs in a large bowl and add remaining brown sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, corn syrup and vanilla. Blend in pecans and pour mixture into hot crust. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Cool and cut into bars. Makes 2 dozen.

These are really good while still warm.  Call a friend, pour the coffee and sit down and enjoy your time together! 

God Said No

I asked God to take away my habit. God said, No.
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. God said, No.
His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary

I asked God to grant me patience. God said, No.

Patience is a by-product of tribulations; It isn't granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness. God said, No.

I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain. God said, No.

Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me. I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, No.  You must grow on your own! But I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, No.
I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.
I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
God said . . . Ahhh, finally you have the idea.

                                               ~Author Unknown

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."   

                                                                      - John 3:16-18 NKJV