The Guide

As kids we grew up on a farm.  We had 109 acres to run and climb over, around, and through!  We knew that farm like the back of our hands, even as kids.  We knew where nearly every ditch, dead end, look-out point, and hiding spot was.  We would go into the pasture and follow the cow-paths from one end of the farm to the other and we knew where each path would end up and where they would go as we followed them in the different directions.  Some paths lead down to the big ditch at the end of the farm. Some went past the cable swing that would swing out over the small pond.  Some would lead us clear on down past the big ditch to the big pond.  Some would lead us absolutely "no-where" - a dead-end!  Some would just lead to an open clearing where the cows would leisurely graze and lay down, rest and chew their cud as the baby calves would scamper around in their play.  We knew the lay-out of the ground whether it was in the pasture or across the cornfield. 

It seemed like our friends always wanted to come to the farm! We always had lots of fun as we would set out for a day of good old "farm fun".  We rode the horses, climbed the haystack and jumped into a big pile of loose hay. We'd swing out over the pond and let go - falling into the pond.  There was always something to do on the farm! 

One of our favorite things to do was play hide and seek! Especially when Uncle Bill and Nora came out - they had 10 kids so we always had plenty to play a fantastic game of hide and seek.  Of course we always had the advantage because we knew the lay of the land and every perfect hiding place.  My brothers and I would take off to hide and before we knew it we had one or two of the cousins following us to hide with us. So we would lead them on to some hiding places where no one would find us.  We'd usually be perched somewhere watching the others hunt all over for us - sometimes walking right by us! There we would wait and wait for them to find us until finally we would hear them calling out "ollie-ollie oxen all in free"!  I wonder who came up with that phrase?!  Anyway, in we would come running and laughing all the way! 

We would go into the pasture and sometimes the "city-kids" would get lost in the cornfield as we cut across the field to the pasture.  We were always the guides as we planned halloween ghost walks down through the pasture each year.  We would go ahead and scout out all of the paths and prepare them.  We would have camp outs for the kids from church making sure there was plenty of cut up wood for the camp fire and a nice sheltered spot for the tents.  We always put a lot of planning into these events and always had a good time of fun and fellowship as we made our trek down through the timber.  Many times some of our friends said "don't leave me" - they wanted to stick close to us . . . especially after it got dark!  Even with our flashlights, it can really be dark in the middle of 30 acres of timber with only the moon peeking out through the clouds!  They knew that we knew how to get back to the house - we knew which one of the cow-paths lead back to safety.

Life offers many paths for us to follow.  Some, like those in the pasture, lead past ponds, to and sometimes through ditches, some take us to dead-end places, some take us to quiet valleys of rest and refreshment and some take us "no-where" at all just "around in circles".  That is why we need a guide that knows the way.  A guide that scouts out what is up ahead and can provide shelter and provisions for our journey.  A good guide will clear the path and prepare the way and light the path for us offering us strength and will take our hand and help us up the path when we need that extra help.

Where do we find a guide like that?  A guide that will walk with us and talk with us and look out for our best interest every minute of the day? One that will light the path ahead of us and show us the way? 

"Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path". -Psalms 119:105 (NIV)
or the Message says it this way, 

"By your Words I can see where I am going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path".  

God's Word is that lamp and as we read it and let it take hold of our lives we see it's beam of light shining on our path illuminating the way "home".  The way to peace and happiness on our journey through life.  We can play hide and seek and be lead down paths that will only lead us far away from where we really want to be.  Unlit paths that lead to distruction and disaster.  Paths that take us to unfamiliar places filled with hate, heartache and regrets.  Paths that lead us farther and farther away from the God that loves us and wants to care for us.  The God that wants to be our "Guide".   

Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life"  -John 14:6

He wants to be our Guide and light the path we are traveling.  Wherever you are on your path of life -
TRUST HIM!

Anne's Chicken Burritos

Yummy and so easy! 

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
15-1/4 oz. can corn, drained
16-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
16-oz. salsa
6 to 8  10-inch flour tortillas


Garnish: shredded Cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole

Place chicken in a slow cooker; top with corn, beans and salsa. Cover and cook on low setting for 8 to 10 hours, or on high setting for 4 to 6 hours. Shred chicken; stir back into slow cooker. To serve, spoon mixture onto tortillas. Add desired garnishes and roll up. Serves 6 to 8.

Life's Snow Storms

Blonde Joke:  Due to the recent snow storm the news was alerting everyone to park their cars on the odd number side of the block for 24 hours so the snow plows could plow the streets.  The next day they needed to park them on the even number side of block.  It snowed again the next day and the "blonde" is listening to the news to see where she should park her car now and the electricity went off.  She was so upset she wanted to know where she should park her car now.  Her husband finally suggested that she just leave her car parked in the garage!!! (HA! HA!)

We recently had had a similar snow storm. We even received emergency phone messages telling us which side of the street to park on for the next couple of days. My neighbor tried to tell me it was the opposite side of the street first - I didn't think that was right but he insisted.  I went back into the house and listened to the phone message again and sure enough it was the odd numbered side of street the first night.  So I left my car parked on the odd side even though my neighbor kept telling me I needed to move it to the other side! I guess he finally figured it out but he didn't want to admit it!

Do we ever make more out of things than we need to - like my neighbor or like the "blonde" lady parking her car on the even and odd sides of the street when she had a garage!  She didn't even need to park on the street. She had a garage to park in where her car would be inside out of the weather - protected from all of the winter elements!

How many times have I insisted on doing what "I" thought or felt needed to be done without first listening to God's Majestic Voice?! Or, I have listened to what others were telling me instead of hearing God's Almighty Voice!  The book of Job talks about listening and hearing the thundering of His Voice as God sends it forth under ALL of Heaven!  (Job 37:1-6)  Wow!  How could I possible miss it? And yet there have been times I have done that - totally missed it in my attempt to park my car on the right side of the street during the "snowstorms" of my life.  "His Voice roars and thunders marvelously - and He does great things which we cannot comprehend" (Job 37:5).  Did you catch that?  Great things!!!

Are you going through a "blizzard" or a "snow storm" or a "winter weather watch"?  Just as the TV and radio broadcast storm instructions, stop and listen for "God's Majestic Voice".  Listen to the thundering of His Voice and KNOW that HE WILL DO GREAT AND MIGHTY THINGS that we cannot comprehend if we will turn to Him and Trust him just as Job learned to do.  Job 37:6 says, "For to the snow He says, fall on the earth" . . .  Sometimes God uses these winter snow storms to stop everything around us so that we may listen and recognize the work of God - His great things that maybe we would not see unless we were in the middle of a snow storm.

Listen, Learn and Let it Snow!   

Man in the Coffee Beans

Doctors have concluded that if you find the man in the coffee beans in 3 seconds, the right half of your brain is better developed than most people. If you find the man between 3 seconds and 1 minute, the right half of the brain is developed normally. If you find the man between 1 minute and 3 minutes, then the right half of your brain is functioning slowly and you need to eat more protein. If you have not found the man after 3 minutes, the advice is to look for more of this type of exercise to make that part of the brain stronger!!!

And, yes, the man is really there!!

So, how was your brain functioning this morning?  Well, I have to admit - mine was a little on the slow side!  Even after my two cups of coffee!!! Guess I'll go to lunch and find some protein to eat!!! 

The Buzzard, Bat, Bumblebee & People

THE BUZZARD:  If you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet and is entirely open at the top, with no top. This bird, in spite of its ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 10 to 12 feet. Without space to run, as is its habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail.

 THE BAT:   The ordinary bat that flies around at night, a remarkable nimble creature in the air, cannot take off from a level place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air. Then, at once, it takes off like a flash.

THE BUMBLEBEE:   A bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself.

PEOPLE:   In many ways, we are like the buzzard, the bat, and the bumblebee. We struggle about with all our problems and frustrations, never realizing that all we have to do is look up! That's the answer, the escape route and the solution to any problem! Just look up.

Sorrow looks back, Worry looks around, But faith looks up!

Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and trust
in our Creator who loves us.

More Hours in my Day

Do you ever wish you had more hours in your day?  Have you ever crawled into bed only to lay there going through your "to-do" list of things that didn't get done?  I have done that.  Sometimes there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in my day.  I wake up each morning ready to go out an "conquer the world" but find that my list is longer than my day.  So I cross off those things accomplished and move the untouched things on to the next day!

I read this the other day . . . decide to get up thirty minutes earlier. Do this for a year, and you will add seven and one-half days to your waking world!  Well, there is our answer!!!!  Yeah, who wants to get up earlier EVERY day?? Then I thought . . . "thirty minutes" - I easily waste thirty minutes throughout my day.  What is thirty minutes in exchange for seven and one-half days?  Could you use another week in your waking hours? 

What would I do if I actually would "rise and shine" thirty minutes earlier?  Well, I could always exercise, have my daily devotions, spend more time in prayer and meditation on God's Word, enjoy an extra cup of coffee without hurrying out the door. I could use that extra thirty minutes to stop and smell the roses, to visit with my neighbor, help that little old lady put her groceries into her car and push her grocery cart back to the cart rack, I could stop and watch the kids sled riding or ice skating, I could visit someone in the hospital, I could reach out and touch someone that is searching and in need.  So many possibilities!  What are some of the things you would do if you had and extra thirty minutes? 

"I rise before the dawning of the morning, and cry for help; I hope in Your Word".    -Psalm 119:147

For me, it is in those early morning hours that I feel my time with God is so special.  We all have our special moments we spend with God but for me it is those early hours when the house is quiet, the sun is laying low and just about to burst forth a brand new day!  Such an exciting time - the dawning of the morning!  I can cry out to the God of creation for help.  Help for my daily activities, help in showing me where and what He has in store for me, help in my struggles, help in my blessings and help in showing me ways to share His abundant Grace and Glory to those around me. What would another thirty minutes in His Presence do for my day??!!!

"Commit your way unto the Lord, trust also in Him,

and He will bring it to pass".  -Psalm 37-5 

As we begin this new year, let's commit our way unto the Lord.  Commit that extra thirty minutes to Him and trust Him and let Him bring it to pass. 

Let Christ show us new and mighty things that we have never taken the extra thirty minutes (seven and one-half days) to experience!  A new year - a new day!

Maxine - Gas Prices

"But the path of the just is as the shining light,
that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."

Proverbs 4:18

Stepping Stones

Love is patient,
 Love is kind . . .

1 Corinthians 13:4

 In everything, be patient,
For good shall follow bad
And in time you won't remember
Most problems that you had.

In everything, show kindness

For others' great concerns,

And, my friend, it will amaze you

How great are your returns!

 

In everything, be willing

To learn, endure and grow,

For a candle that's unlighted

Cannot begin to glow!

 

                           In everything, show courage,

                           For courage conquers fear,

                           And fear can cloud our judgment

                            When storms of life appear.

 

                            In everything, be thankful,

                            For each path we must trod

                            Shall become a stepping-stone

                             Which leads the soul to God!

 

                                                  -Clay Harrison

2011 Handbook - Health, Personality, Society, Life,

Health:
1.   Drink plenty of water.
2.   Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner
      like a beggar.
3.   Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat
      less food that is manufactured in plants.
4.   Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.
5.   Make time to pray. 
6.   Play more games.
7.   Read more books than you did in 2010.
8.   Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9.   Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk,
      smile.

Personality:

11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea
     what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot
     control. . . instead invest your energy in the positive
     present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind others of their
     mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present
     happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate
     others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn.
     Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear
     and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you
     learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to
     disagree . . .

Society:

25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything....
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 &; under the
     age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your
     friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:

32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything. Turn to Him and Trust Him. 
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change....
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come....
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Start each day with pray, read your Bible and worship
     God throughout your day. 
40. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

I am a "Kept" Woman

You see, there were a few times when I thought I would lose my mind . . . But GOD kept me sane. (Isa. 26:3)
There were times when I thought I could go no longer. . .
But the LORD kept me moving. (Gen 28:15)
At times, I've wanted to lash out at those whom I felt had done me wrong . . . But the LORD kept my mouth shut.. (Psa. 13)
Sometimes, I think the money just isn't enough . . . But GOD has helped me to keep the lights on, the water on, the car paid, the house paid, etc. (Matt. 6:25 -34)
When I thought I would fall . . . HE kept me up. (Psalms 145:14)
When I thought I was weak . . . HE kept me strong! (I Pet. 5:7, Matt. 11:28-30)
I could go on and on and on, but I'm sure you hear me!
I'm blessed to be 'kept' !

Are you a 'kept ' woman?

I'm "Kept" by the Love and Grace of God!!!

Spotlight in the Sky

A little boy returned from Sunday school with a new perspective on the Christmas story. He had learned all about the Wise Men from the East who brought gifts to the Baby Jesus. He was so excited he could hardly wait to tell his parents.

As soon as he arrived home, he immediately began, "I learned all about the very first Christmas in Sunday school today! There wasn’t a Santa Claus way back then, so these three skinny guys on camels had to deliver all the toys! And Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with his nose so bright wasn't there yet, so they had to have this "big spotlight in the sky" to find their way around!"

The Shepherds and the Angels – Luke 2:8-14

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;

he is Christ the Lord.

This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths

and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Where is our focus today – this Christmas? Let’s look up as the wise men did and follow that spotlight in the sky. The one that leads us to Jesus! He was and still is the “Light of the World” . . .

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." -John 8:12

Christmas Gift Suggestions

GIFT SUGGESTIONS:

To your enemy - forgiveness.

To an opponent - tolerance.

To a friend - your heart.

To a customer - service.

To all - charity.

To every child - a good example.

To yourself - respect.

To Jesus - your all.

Cracker Fudge!

Every Christmas Eve we went to see Grandma Mowery. She always had some "goodies" waiting for us. And one of my favorites was her Peanut Butter Soda Cracker Fudge. It was always good. Later when I got her recipe, I couldn't believe how simple it was. You don't even have to go to the store for ingredients for this! You probably have everything you need in your cupboard!!!  It is a such a simple recipe but oh, so good! 

PEANUT BUTTER SODA CRACKER FUDGE
(As made by my Grandmother, Edna Mowery)

2 C sugar
2/3 C milk
Boil together 3 minutes
Add 6 T peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla
50 soda crackers, crushed fine


Stir until thick. Pour in buttered pan.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here is a Chocolate Graham Cracker Fudge I ran across.  I am going to try this one and see if it is as tasty as the Peanut Butter Soda Cracker fudge!

Graham Cracker Chocolate Fudge

2 sqs. unsweetened baking chocolate
14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups graham crackers, finely crushed
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, walnuts or almonds, divided

Melt chocolate in a double boiler over hot water. Add condensed milk and cook, stirring constantly, about 5 minutes or until mixture thickens. Add vanilla, graham cracker crumbs and one cup nuts; mix well. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of remaining nuts in the bottom of a buttered 8"x8" baking pan. Use a knife that has been dipped in hot water to spread chocolate mixture in pan. Press remaining 1/4 cup nuts into top. Cover and chill overnight. Cut into squares.

Christmas Giving from the Heart

My Grandma Edna Mowery  was a short, plump little lady whose eyes always sparkled.  Grandpa had passed on long before and she lived alone.  She spent her time making things. She sewed, mostly by hand.  I remember one year she made me a whole wardrobe of Barbie doll clothes.  These were amazing.  There were fancy dresses with sequins sewed on them, there were flannel pajamas, pleated skirts with tops to match with tiny little buttons sewed on them. One of my favorites was the tiny corduroy coat with little pockets stitched on it.  Grandma had even completed it with a matching lining! There must have been  25 outfits in this little box that she had waiting for me under her Christmas tree one Christmas Eve.  And to think that all of these were sewed from scrapes of material and sewed by hand - stitch by tender stitch.  There are no other Barbie clothes like these.  I actually still have them and no I don't play "Barbie" anymore but every now and then I take them out and look at the tiny stitches  stitched with love and am still amazed at this special wardrobe of clothes!!  I was the envy of all of my girlfriends when they saw all of these!  And as I look at these clothes I am amazed at the time, patience and love that went into making them.  Another year in my early adult life I had a big package under Grandma's tree.  It was a colorful red and white quilt - again all hand stitched!  These things must have taken her all year to make. 

I in turn always looked forward to giving grandma something equally as special.  I painted china so I would always hand-paint her a cup and saucer (she loved her hot tea!) or a plate, or more salt and pepper shakers to add to her collection. She collected all kinds of salt and pepper shakers!  She must have had hundreds!!  As a kid I remember standing for hours looking at all of these she had in two big china cabinets - row after row of them filling every nook and cranny in the cabinets. I've often wondered where all of her salt and pepper shakers ended up.  That was such a fond memory for me of gazing at each and every one of them as a child. 

When Grandma passed away I was given a box with all of the china pieces I had painted for her.  Each layer of paint and each firing of the paint was done with a loving heart as I painted it just for her with her alone in mind.  I now look at those china pieces and recall the joy I felt with each stroke of paint that was applied. And even more joy as I gave the painted china pieces to her. 

That is what Christmas is all about the joy and blessings of giving from the heart.  Not so much the dollar amount spent - but the act of giving.  Giving out of love reaches clear down into the depths of the heart. And that is when the act of giving fills not just the giver but also the receiver with the joys and blessing of that expression of true love - that of giving!  It was once said that "you may give without loving, but you cannot love without giving". 

May the gifts you give and receive this year during the Christmas Season be those that bring true joy and blessings to you and to the receiver of your gifts! 

 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." 

John 3:16

This Christmas remember this special gift of love
 God gave to us !

~ ~ JESUS ~ ~

An Ode to Christmas Lights

Bursting through December nights

That could be long and cold,

Our Christmas lights bring warmth and joy

With colors soft or bold.

Cascading from the rooftops,

And from trees both small and tall,

The lights cry out, “We have good news!”

We want to shout to all.

“You’ve seen the darkness earth can hold,

The sorrow, war and fear;

But God has sent his Son for all,

To show his Love is here.

“The darkness can’t put out God’s Light.

Christ’s with us day by day,

Illuminating paths so we

Can follow in his way.”

Light homes and streets and candles.

Make your world shine clear and bright.

God’s love surrounds and blesses us.

Come, celebrate God’s Light!

         —Peggy Ferrell

Chrismas Quotes

“Christmas began in the heart of God. It is complete only when it is in the heart of man.”       —Anonymous

“To see his star is good, but to see his face is better.”   —Dwight L. Moody

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!