December 31
Four grandparents wait for the arrival of a granddaughter. I’m sure this baby, three weeks overdue, will be here by years end for I had prayed for that and heard a clear ‘yes.’ Midnight—no baby!
The message had been so clear. Did I misunderstand? At 12:15 the new father reports baby is here. I ask when was she born? “At 11:45,” he says apologetically, “ I’ve been busy cleaning her up.”
“Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments.” (Deuteronomy 7:9)
"God’s Way is not a matter of mere talk; it’s an empowered life."
(1Cor 4:2 The Message)
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Time to Leave
December 30
“Everything will be fine you’ll see,” his mother said lovingly.
“But suppose the world does end,” he insisted, “I won’t ever see you again.”
She assured him, “I’ll see you in Heaven. You will go up from here and your Dad and I from the Civic Center.”
“How will I find you in Heaven? It will be more crowded than the Civic Center.”
She hugged him. “Remember Heaven has pearly gates? Wait for me there. Ok?”
“That’s a deal Mom.”
“Mizpah, because he said, ‘May the Lord watch between me and you when we are absent one from another.” (Genesis 31:49)
“Everything will be fine you’ll see,” his mother said lovingly.
“But suppose the world does end,” he insisted, “I won’t ever see you again.”
She assured him, “I’ll see you in Heaven. You will go up from here and your Dad and I from the Civic Center.”
“How will I find you in Heaven? It will be more crowded than the Civic Center.”
She hugged him. “Remember Heaven has pearly gates? Wait for me there. Ok?”
“That’s a deal Mom.”
“Mizpah, because he said, ‘May the Lord watch between me and you when we are absent one from another.” (Genesis 31:49)
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Go Figure
December 29
Before they left the funeral home the sisters prayed for a sign that their deceased dad was all right. A few days later Diane was listening to Public Radio while driving her car. Faith Middleton, was interviewing an author who responded to a question by saying, “It all began when I was shipwrecked off the coast of Africa.”
That’s how her dad started every bedtime story when they were girls. She called her sister who had heard the same program. They took this as a sign their dad was ok.
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 136.3)
Before they left the funeral home the sisters prayed for a sign that their deceased dad was all right. A few days later Diane was listening to Public Radio while driving her car. Faith Middleton, was interviewing an author who responded to a question by saying, “It all began when I was shipwrecked off the coast of Africa.”
That’s how her dad started every bedtime story when they were girls. She called her sister who had heard the same program. They took this as a sign their dad was ok.
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 136.3)
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Giving Cheerfully
December 28
The minister said there were ten apples in the basket and took one out to illustrate tithing. "This one is for God," the minister said holding up the apple. A little girl said, "Poor God, only gets one apple."
The minister ate the apple while telling of the widow's gift of two Mitre coins. Placing the core in the offering plate she asked, "When we give are we giving just what is left over?"
That was a sobering question. Am I willingly and joyfully sharing my bounty or am I just giving leftovers?
"So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)
The minister said there were ten apples in the basket and took one out to illustrate tithing. "This one is for God," the minister said holding up the apple. A little girl said, "Poor God, only gets one apple."
The minister ate the apple while telling of the widow's gift of two Mitre coins. Placing the core in the offering plate she asked, "When we give are we giving just what is left over?"
That was a sobering question. Am I willingly and joyfully sharing my bounty or am I just giving leftovers?
"So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)
New York City Cabbie
December 27
I was catching all the lights green. I zipped across Broadway to the other side to continue my journey when suddenly traffic was coming directly at me. I was heading right for a cab. Breaks squealed and I swerved to the right and he did the same. Both cars came to a screeching halt side by side. Slumped over his wheel the cabby whispered, "One way buddy." It seemed all of New York was staring at me. Clearly I was at fault. I didn’t know the city to be driving the way I did.
"It is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, and he sins who hastens with his feet." (Proverbs 19:2)
I was catching all the lights green. I zipped across Broadway to the other side to continue my journey when suddenly traffic was coming directly at me. I was heading right for a cab. Breaks squealed and I swerved to the right and he did the same. Both cars came to a screeching halt side by side. Slumped over his wheel the cabby whispered, "One way buddy." It seemed all of New York was staring at me. Clearly I was at fault. I didn’t know the city to be driving the way I did.
"It is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, and he sins who hastens with his feet." (Proverbs 19:2)
Thursday, December 24, 2009
The Day After
December 26
The Christmas wrappings are trash, the stockings are empty and soon it will be time to store the decorations for another year. I admit to a day after Christmas let down. Why can’t we smile some more and wish each other happiness as we did yesterday. I want to linger a little longer with the notion of peace on earth. I want to hold onto Christmas everyday and not go back to ‘normal.’
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14)
The Christmas wrappings are trash, the stockings are empty and soon it will be time to store the decorations for another year. I admit to a day after Christmas let down. Why can’t we smile some more and wish each other happiness as we did yesterday. I want to linger a little longer with the notion of peace on earth. I want to hold onto Christmas everyday and not go back to ‘normal.’
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14)
Away for Christmas
December 25
It is my first Christmas away from home courtesy of the U.S. Army. I’m stationed in the Panama Canal Zone. My view of Christmas is snow, sleighs and evergreens.
Here there are palm trees, plastic wreaths and cardboard snowmen. I’m just not in the Christmas spirit. I go to the chapel for a candle light service. As I leave it dawns on me that the first Christmas was in a desert. I get the message loud and clear.
“Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
(Luke 2:11)
It is my first Christmas away from home courtesy of the U.S. Army. I’m stationed in the Panama Canal Zone. My view of Christmas is snow, sleighs and evergreens.
Here there are palm trees, plastic wreaths and cardboard snowmen. I’m just not in the Christmas spirit. I go to the chapel for a candle light service. As I leave it dawns on me that the first Christmas was in a desert. I get the message loud and clear.
“Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
(Luke 2:11)
Christmas Eve-Speak Up
December 24
It is Christmas Eve and we are to give the “moment of sharing” at First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Ct. Joy has a bad case of laryngitis. We pray hard.
At the 5:30 service she is barely audible. The Semior Minister asks her to speak up.
By the 7:30 her voice is a little louder. We pray some more.
At the 9:30 service her voice is stronger. Prayers are being answered.
At midnight she sounds like herself. I share with the congregation how the Lord has been answering our prayers. There is applause for God. Driving home Joy turns to say something and her voice is gone. It doesn’t return to normal for two days.
"With men this is impossible but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)
It is Christmas Eve and we are to give the “moment of sharing” at First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Ct. Joy has a bad case of laryngitis. We pray hard.
At the 5:30 service she is barely audible. The Semior Minister asks her to speak up.
By the 7:30 her voice is a little louder. We pray some more.
At the 9:30 service her voice is stronger. Prayers are being answered.
At midnight she sounds like herself. I share with the congregation how the Lord has been answering our prayers. There is applause for God. Driving home Joy turns to say something and her voice is gone. It doesn’t return to normal for two days.
"With men this is impossible but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
The Wise Men
December 23
The story is familiar. Magi come from the East, following a bright star. "On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary and they bowed down and worshiped him." (Matthew 2:11)
HOUSE! What happened to the stable?
The wise men traveled better than a year to find the new king, which explains when they didn’t return to Jerusalem the paranoid Herod orders all children two years and younger slain. Wise men obey God and act on faith. We should too.
"And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod they returned to their country by another route." (Matthew 2:12)
The story is familiar. Magi come from the East, following a bright star. "On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary and they bowed down and worshiped him." (Matthew 2:11)
HOUSE! What happened to the stable?
The wise men traveled better than a year to find the new king, which explains when they didn’t return to Jerusalem the paranoid Herod orders all children two years and younger slain. Wise men obey God and act on faith. We should too.
"And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod they returned to their country by another route." (Matthew 2:12)
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Party Icebreaker
December 22
Many of us hadn’t met before so the hostess played a game to break the ice. Each of us was to say three things about ourselves, one of which was a lie.
I said: “I spent a day with poet Robert Frost;
President George Bush Sr. greeted me; “Tony Randall said he saved my life.”
Actually it was Barbara Bush who greeted me. The game is an exercise in how to deceive by twisting the truth. The master deceiver, Satan, does this all the time..
“Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.” (Matthew 24:5)
Many of us hadn’t met before so the hostess played a game to break the ice. Each of us was to say three things about ourselves, one of which was a lie.
I said: “I spent a day with poet Robert Frost;
President George Bush Sr. greeted me; “Tony Randall said he saved my life.”
Actually it was Barbara Bush who greeted me. The game is an exercise in how to deceive by twisting the truth. The master deceiver, Satan, does this all the time..
“Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.” (Matthew 24:5)
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Advent can get Personal
December 21
It is Advent but our nation is at war.
The Priest’s heart is heavy with the killing and by the atrocities men do to other men.
He says he turned on the TV and a woman is asked what she would like most this Christmas. She sings, "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me."
The Priest says, "I wept. I knew what I had to do and it has to begin with me," We agree, to find peace it starts with us.
Jesus lived the words of that song, "Let there be peace and let it begin with me."
"I did not come to judge the world but to save it." (John 12:47)
It is Advent but our nation is at war.
The Priest’s heart is heavy with the killing and by the atrocities men do to other men.
He says he turned on the TV and a woman is asked what she would like most this Christmas. She sings, "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me."
The Priest says, "I wept. I knew what I had to do and it has to begin with me," We agree, to find peace it starts with us.
Jesus lived the words of that song, "Let there be peace and let it begin with me."
"I did not come to judge the world but to save it." (John 12:47)
Saturday, December 19, 2009
The Best Place to be
December 19
The front page of The Hartford Courant has a picture of toll stations on a bridge. Both have green lights but one is empty while the other has a line of cars. The caption explains the commuters are going out of their way to show their appreciation to a friendly toll taker on his last day on the job.
That picture shows me I can be God's aroma of love to everyone, no matter what I'm doing or where. Isn’t that the best place to be, in His will?
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (Colossians 3:23)
The front page of The Hartford Courant has a picture of toll stations on a bridge. Both have green lights but one is empty while the other has a line of cars. The caption explains the commuters are going out of their way to show their appreciation to a friendly toll taker on his last day on the job.
That picture shows me I can be God's aroma of love to everyone, no matter what I'm doing or where. Isn’t that the best place to be, in His will?
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (Colossians 3:23)
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Its a Wonderful Life
December 18
At this time of year we always watch Frank Capra's classic, "It's a Wonderful Life" with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed.
The main character George Bailey is a good man but blames himself when things start going wrong at his savings and loan. He contemplates suicide. He has misplaced his faith. An angel is dispatched to rescue George from himself.
The message is an important reminder that when our heart is right and we help others God will bail us out just as George Bailey is delivered in the film. It is a wonderful life when we see God in it.
“The blessing of the Lord makes one rich and He adds no sorrow to it.”
(Proverbs 10:22)
At this time of year we always watch Frank Capra's classic, "It's a Wonderful Life" with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed.
The main character George Bailey is a good man but blames himself when things start going wrong at his savings and loan. He contemplates suicide. He has misplaced his faith. An angel is dispatched to rescue George from himself.
The message is an important reminder that when our heart is right and we help others God will bail us out just as George Bailey is delivered in the film. It is a wonderful life when we see God in it.
“The blessing of the Lord makes one rich and He adds no sorrow to it.”
(Proverbs 10:22)
It is all Attitude
December 17
She was in her 80's and walked a mile everyday to the church office arriving with a smile and a kind word for everybody.
Then there was Leo, “Mr. Fix It,” drawing after his car rolled backwards demolishing a metal shed he had just erected. What are you doing Leo? “I'm designing a new shed and this time I'm making it out of wood, so if this ever happens again, at least I'll have some kindling left."
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
She was in her 80's and walked a mile everyday to the church office arriving with a smile and a kind word for everybody.
Then there was Leo, “Mr. Fix It,” drawing after his car rolled backwards demolishing a metal shed he had just erected. What are you doing Leo? “I'm designing a new shed and this time I'm making it out of wood, so if this ever happens again, at least I'll have some kindling left."
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
Shopping
December 16
While shopping Joyous sees a young mother struggling with two little girls. She was speaking sharply to them.
Joy said to those girls “aren't you fortunate to have such a nice Mom who brings you shopping with her.” Walking down the aisle the woman addresses her girls in a pleasant tone of voice.
“That was God using me to reach that young mother." Joy mused, "God wants to use us to give words of encouragement."
I can do that I thought. Who can I serve?
"Therefor as we have opportunity, let us do good to all."(Galations 9:10)
While shopping Joyous sees a young mother struggling with two little girls. She was speaking sharply to them.
Joy said to those girls “aren't you fortunate to have such a nice Mom who brings you shopping with her.” Walking down the aisle the woman addresses her girls in a pleasant tone of voice.
“That was God using me to reach that young mother." Joy mused, "God wants to use us to give words of encouragement."
I can do that I thought. Who can I serve?
"Therefor as we have opportunity, let us do good to all."(Galations 9:10)
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
My Radio Debut
December 15
It is my big chance to do the midday café show, on campus radio. I am the disc
jockey and my own engineer. The hour goes well, I think, and I fantasize some pretty coed making her way over to Davis Hall to get a glimpse of the man behind the voice. I end on time and reach for the main power switch. HORRORS. It is already off. My voice has never left the studio.
If I am not connected to my power source all I do is for naught.
"I am the vine. You are the branches, he who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)
It is my big chance to do the midday café show, on campus radio. I am the disc
jockey and my own engineer. The hour goes well, I think, and I fantasize some pretty coed making her way over to Davis Hall to get a glimpse of the man behind the voice. I end on time and reach for the main power switch. HORRORS. It is already off. My voice has never left the studio.
If I am not connected to my power source all I do is for naught.
"I am the vine. You are the branches, he who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Stop, Look, and Listen
December 14
God speaks to us in many ways, most notably through His Word. Many times I have picked up my Bible and there is the very passage I need for that moment.
Charlie, a friend, while laying in traction thought, “Ok God you have my attention.”
God wants to interact with us. Listen and notice God’s way in your life and embrace the Almighty’s love.
“See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from Heaven.” (Hebrews 12:25)
God speaks to us in many ways, most notably through His Word. Many times I have picked up my Bible and there is the very passage I need for that moment.
Charlie, a friend, while laying in traction thought, “Ok God you have my attention.”
God wants to interact with us. Listen and notice God’s way in your life and embrace the Almighty’s love.
“See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from Heaven.” (Hebrews 12:25)
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Christmas Presents
December 13
Every year this woman has raised funds and donated gifts to needy families. But she was feeling depressed over not selling her house and had no energy for anything.
One weekend her house sold and on Monday her boss informed her that all the sales associates decided not to exchange Christmas presents but buy toys instead and donate them to ‘her project.’ “It was God saying, Ok the house is sold here are the toys, now go distribute them. Isn’t our God awesome?”
“Oh give thanks to the Lord, For He is good, For His mercy endures forever.”
(Psalm 136:1)
Every year this woman has raised funds and donated gifts to needy families. But she was feeling depressed over not selling her house and had no energy for anything.
One weekend her house sold and on Monday her boss informed her that all the sales associates decided not to exchange Christmas presents but buy toys instead and donate them to ‘her project.’ “It was God saying, Ok the house is sold here are the toys, now go distribute them. Isn’t our God awesome?”
“Oh give thanks to the Lord, For He is good, For His mercy endures forever.”
(Psalm 136:1)
Don't Get Comfortable
December 12
The class assignment is to write a technical paper on the disassembly and assembly of something with several moving parts. "My paper receives a passing grade and I now knew how to take my shotgun apart. I am feeling pretty smug.
A week later my mother says, " I found this under your bed, do you know what it is?" It is from the gun. I reread my paper twice but I had not recorded that piece coming off the gun or going back. I have no clue what it is. When I'm comfortable I'm close to a fall.
"God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble." (Proverbs 3:34)
The class assignment is to write a technical paper on the disassembly and assembly of something with several moving parts. "My paper receives a passing grade and I now knew how to take my shotgun apart. I am feeling pretty smug.
A week later my mother says, " I found this under your bed, do you know what it is?" It is from the gun. I reread my paper twice but I had not recorded that piece coming off the gun or going back. I have no clue what it is. When I'm comfortable I'm close to a fall.
"God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble." (Proverbs 3:34)
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Singing Christmas Carols
December 11
There we were, about 20 strong including about eight young children, singing carols in the dining room of a nursing home. Several residents and their visitors sang along with us from their tables. Then we went singing to those who had their meals at their bedside. We left wishing all a Merry Christmas. Joy exclaimed, "This is the best thing I've done this Christmas, "
It is wonderful all the little things God does through us.
"I was sick and you visited me. Assuredly I say to you inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me." (Matthew 25:36-40)
There we were, about 20 strong including about eight young children, singing carols in the dining room of a nursing home. Several residents and their visitors sang along with us from their tables. Then we went singing to those who had their meals at their bedside. We left wishing all a Merry Christmas. Joy exclaimed, "This is the best thing I've done this Christmas, "
It is wonderful all the little things God does through us.
"I was sick and you visited me. Assuredly I say to you inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me." (Matthew 25:36-40)
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Better to Give than Receive
December 10
As an adviser to a handicapped facility I would sometimes learn of needs of the
individuals. One lady wanted a special attachment for her apartment, which was not covered by financial assistance. I gave the director a small check for the item.
Months later during an open house my wife went on a guided tour. Driving home she says, “I’m glad I came, otherwise I would never have known about your gift. The resident saw my name tag and told me how appreciative she is.”
“and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:4)
As an adviser to a handicapped facility I would sometimes learn of needs of the
individuals. One lady wanted a special attachment for her apartment, which was not covered by financial assistance. I gave the director a small check for the item.
Months later during an open house my wife went on a guided tour. Driving home she says, “I’m glad I came, otherwise I would never have known about your gift. The resident saw my name tag and told me how appreciative she is.”
“and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:4)
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Know the Truth
December 9
“You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)
December ninth is Joy’s freedom day. On this day a spiritual sister helped her through The Steps To Freedom in Christ outlined by Neil T Anderson, author of The Bondage Breaker. “Now I know the truth, God loves me, I am His child,” she says. “God used this to open my eyes and ears to His truth.” In a symbolic ceremony Joy gave up those things keeping her in bondage from knowing the freedom that God offers all of us.
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”(James 4:7)
“You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)
December ninth is Joy’s freedom day. On this day a spiritual sister helped her through The Steps To Freedom in Christ outlined by Neil T Anderson, author of The Bondage Breaker. “Now I know the truth, God loves me, I am His child,” she says. “God used this to open my eyes and ears to His truth.” In a symbolic ceremony Joy gave up those things keeping her in bondage from knowing the freedom that God offers all of us.
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”(James 4:7)
Monday, December 7, 2009
Christmas Cards
December 8
I look at Christmas cards differently than I did some years ago. I used to send the religious cards to the minister and a few church friends, the Currier and Ives scenes to most people on my card list and the humorous cards to family and close friends. Now I send cards appropriate to the “ reason for the season.” I don’t write Xmas anymore, to me that is crossing Christ out of Christmas.
One Christmas card I receive stands out. Its message is a timely reminder.
“From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.”
(John 1:16)
I look at Christmas cards differently than I did some years ago. I used to send the religious cards to the minister and a few church friends, the Currier and Ives scenes to most people on my card list and the humorous cards to family and close friends. Now I send cards appropriate to the “ reason for the season.” I don’t write Xmas anymore, to me that is crossing Christ out of Christmas.
One Christmas card I receive stands out. Its message is a timely reminder.
“From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.”
(John 1:16)
Sunday, December 6, 2009
The Arizona
December 7
In the motor launch to the sunken battleship Arizona I notice there are as many Japanese tourists as Americans. Pearl Harbor is as much a part of Japanese history as it is of ours. I am surprised by this but not angry. I'm proud that this nation has followed the policy of reconciliation it has with its former enemies. It really is the only way to lasting peace. Maybe we should revisit that thinking.
"I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." (Matthew 5:44)
In the motor launch to the sunken battleship Arizona I notice there are as many Japanese tourists as Americans. Pearl Harbor is as much a part of Japanese history as it is of ours. I am surprised by this but not angry. I'm proud that this nation has followed the policy of reconciliation it has with its former enemies. It really is the only way to lasting peace. Maybe we should revisit that thinking.
"I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." (Matthew 5:44)
Picking out a Christmas Tree
December 6
Every year when I lived in Connecticut we’d head out to Bob Merriman’s Tree Farm in Burlington to pick out a live tree. The kids and dog loved roaming the woods searching for the perfect tree.
My children and now grandchildren are like those trees. We get them as seedlings with a short time in which to shape them and give them roots. I’ve shared the excitement of searching for a Christmas tree with them. I must share with them the joy of knowing the maker of that tree.
“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)
Every year when I lived in Connecticut we’d head out to Bob Merriman’s Tree Farm in Burlington to pick out a live tree. The kids and dog loved roaming the woods searching for the perfect tree.
My children and now grandchildren are like those trees. We get them as seedlings with a short time in which to shape them and give them roots. I’ve shared the excitement of searching for a Christmas tree with them. I must share with them the joy of knowing the maker of that tree.
“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)
Christmas at Home
December 5
My first Christmas was 1933. I was a depression baby and grew up in a working neighborhood. Like “The Waltons,” we didn’t have much but we had each other.
Christmas was a special time. We had a cut tree, electric candles in the windows, a fresh wreath on the door. Unlike the Waltons, Bible reading was not central in my family. However, my parents modeled moral values and I know the Lord blessed us. God loves a loving family.
“ And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children.
And the hearts of the children to their fathers…” (Malachi 4:6)
My first Christmas was 1933. I was a depression baby and grew up in a working neighborhood. Like “The Waltons,” we didn’t have much but we had each other.
Christmas was a special time. We had a cut tree, electric candles in the windows, a fresh wreath on the door. Unlike the Waltons, Bible reading was not central in my family. However, my parents modeled moral values and I know the Lord blessed us. God loves a loving family.
“ And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children.
And the hearts of the children to their fathers…” (Malachi 4:6)
Thursday, December 3, 2009
History Lesson
December 4
In Westminster Abbey there are statues to British figures dating to the 17th century. In the crypt are graves that predate the Mayflower. Outside of London I tour the ruins of an old Roman garrison. Yet we are told in the history of our planet the last five minutes has been mankind.
“Indeed, You have made my day as handbreadths. My age is nothing before you; certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. Surely every man at his best walks about like a shadow; surely they busy themselves in vain; He heaps up riches and does not know who will gather them.” (Psalm 39:5-6
In Westminster Abbey there are statues to British figures dating to the 17th century. In the crypt are graves that predate the Mayflower. Outside of London I tour the ruins of an old Roman garrison. Yet we are told in the history of our planet the last five minutes has been mankind.
“Indeed, You have made my day as handbreadths. My age is nothing before you; certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. Surely every man at his best walks about like a shadow; surely they busy themselves in vain; He heaps up riches and does not know who will gather them.” (Psalm 39:5-6
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Selling a Home
December 3
It is a buyer’s market with the average house sale taking six months. We are moving in a month and need to sell fast.
I am pounding a for sale sign into the ground when a car stops in front of our house. The young lady driver says she has been looking for a house on this street. A week later she buys our house. Realtors call and can’t believe we sold the house so quickly. They didn’t know that we had asked God to be our real estate agent.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God.” (Philippians 3:6)
It is a buyer’s market with the average house sale taking six months. We are moving in a month and need to sell fast.
I am pounding a for sale sign into the ground when a car stops in front of our house. The young lady driver says she has been looking for a house on this street. A week later she buys our house. Realtors call and can’t believe we sold the house so quickly. They didn’t know that we had asked God to be our real estate agent.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God.” (Philippians 3:6)
He is always Near
December 2
My van is zipping along when I hear “whap.” The battery gauge drops to zero. I exit and head for the nearest gas station,
“Here’s your trouble, “ the owner says pulling out a shredded belt. While waiting for a tow truck I realize how blessed I am. Yesterday I was driving this van on a dark road with miles between exits.
Praise the Lord for his continue mercies.
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
My van is zipping along when I hear “whap.” The battery gauge drops to zero. I exit and head for the nearest gas station,
“Here’s your trouble, “ the owner says pulling out a shredded belt. While waiting for a tow truck I realize how blessed I am. Yesterday I was driving this van on a dark road with miles between exits.
Praise the Lord for his continue mercies.
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
Every Day is a Gift
December 1
Another day to hear the birds sing,
A chance to see another rainbow,
An opportunity to learn something new,
More time to forgive and to forget,
Another day to appreciate all that grows,
Lord thank you for another day to serve,
Another chance to make a difference,
More time to laugh, linger and love,
Time to embrace the moment
Everyday is a precious gift.
“Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 3:13)
Another day to hear the birds sing,
A chance to see another rainbow,
An opportunity to learn something new,
More time to forgive and to forget,
Another day to appreciate all that grows,
Lord thank you for another day to serve,
Another chance to make a difference,
More time to laugh, linger and love,
Time to embrace the moment
Everyday is a precious gift.
“Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 3:13)
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