The year is almost over. We can soon say good-bye to 2009 and say hello to 2010. Many people are deciding what resolutions to make for the upcoming year. Before I make any resolutions, however, I want to look back. I want to see how differently my thoughts and hopes had been for 2009 and see how close or how far they were to reality. I want to remember what roads I traveled, and what detours I had to make.
But most importantly, I want to review again just how interactive God was in my life. I felt His presence every step of the way. In trials and triumphs, He was there. At home or away, He was in my heart. I cannot escape from the Lord, as Psalm 139 talks about, nor would I want to. He is One source of strength and comfort and guidance I never want to be without.
So as I look back at all 2009 brought me, I can't help but smile at the Lord's presence in my life. And as I look ahead to 2010, I wait with eager anticipation to see all He has planned for me.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Words
It never fails. At least once a year my sore throat turns into laryngitis. This time my voice started fading as I enjoyed Christmas with the relatives. I started out strong, and by the end of the evening I could feel the strain on my vocal cords and only a mere whisper proceeded from my lips. Now I'm trying only to speak when necessary.
But that is a difficult feat to accomplish. There is just too much to say or to explain. Hand signs or scraps of paper fail to communicate all that is in my heart and mind. I can't wait until I get my voice back.
Of course, times like these help me to recognize just how important our words are. That is why when I read my Bible I try to really look at the words. Granted I do take into account the fact that it has been translated, but I can still understand the message that the Lord is trying to get across to me. Sometimes a particular word will jump out. It was used for a reason, and I try to see how the Lord would apply it to my life. It's amazing the insights you can receive when you really "pay attention" to the words.
But that is a difficult feat to accomplish. There is just too much to say or to explain. Hand signs or scraps of paper fail to communicate all that is in my heart and mind. I can't wait until I get my voice back.
Of course, times like these help me to recognize just how important our words are. That is why when I read my Bible I try to really look at the words. Granted I do take into account the fact that it has been translated, but I can still understand the message that the Lord is trying to get across to me. Sometimes a particular word will jump out. It was used for a reason, and I try to see how the Lord would apply it to my life. It's amazing the insights you can receive when you really "pay attention" to the words.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
The Free Gift
The malls are crowded. Convenient parking is a rarity. Patience is lacking. Yes, it's Christmas time once again. Time to buy, buy, buy those special gifts for family and friends. Oh...that scarf would be perfect for Aunt Paula. Those socks are crazy enough for cousin Fred. The boss could use a new fountain pen, and those are just the action figures that little Joey was asking for.
It's all about the gift, isn't it? Yes...except everyone has the wrong one in mind. They forgot about the free gift that this season was designed for. They forgot about Jesus.
Christmas is supposed to be the time we celebrate the birth of our Savior. It is to commemorate His time on earth where He sacrificed Himself so that our sins can be forgiven, and so that we can experience eternal life when our earthly bodies die.
The gift is free...but so many refuse to take it. The gift brings hope...but many choose to find hope in articles and objects that will eventually bring emptiness.
Even with this down economy, people are spending their hard-earned cash to buy gifts. Too bad they miss the best gift that cost them nothing and God everything.
Looking for a great gift this year? Give them Jesus.
It's all about the gift, isn't it? Yes...except everyone has the wrong one in mind. They forgot about the free gift that this season was designed for. They forgot about Jesus.
Christmas is supposed to be the time we celebrate the birth of our Savior. It is to commemorate His time on earth where He sacrificed Himself so that our sins can be forgiven, and so that we can experience eternal life when our earthly bodies die.
The gift is free...but so many refuse to take it. The gift brings hope...but many choose to find hope in articles and objects that will eventually bring emptiness.
Even with this down economy, people are spending their hard-earned cash to buy gifts. Too bad they miss the best gift that cost them nothing and God everything.
Looking for a great gift this year? Give them Jesus.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Bickering
My kids have been bickering a lot lately. They keep bugging and pestering to the point that I start hearing, "Mom...he's doing this!" or "Mom...she's doing that!" It's enough to drive a mother crazy. And to top it off, they've just begun their Christmas break. UGH!
But then I wonder, isn't that how we are sometimes with our spouses? Aren't there times when we bicker with them, and then call on God saying, "Lord, did you see what he did?" or "Did you see what she did?"
I say enough of the muttering, fighting, and carrying on. We need to develop a mutual respect for one another, even if we don't always get along. We need to be loving; finding ways to show that although we don't always agree with them, they are still significant and special in our lives.
Of course, the sure fire way of doing this is asking the LORD for help. He can inspire the best ideas for dealing peaceably with each other. All we have to do is ask. So if you find yourself doing some bickering, ask God to help you work on a more amiable solution for peace in your household.
But then I wonder, isn't that how we are sometimes with our spouses? Aren't there times when we bicker with them, and then call on God saying, "Lord, did you see what he did?" or "Did you see what she did?"
I say enough of the muttering, fighting, and carrying on. We need to develop a mutual respect for one another, even if we don't always get along. We need to be loving; finding ways to show that although we don't always agree with them, they are still significant and special in our lives.
Of course, the sure fire way of doing this is asking the LORD for help. He can inspire the best ideas for dealing peaceably with each other. All we have to do is ask. So if you find yourself doing some bickering, ask God to help you work on a more amiable solution for peace in your household.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Singing Through the Season
I love Christmas music. The songs bring back wonderful memories from my childhood: chilly nights, candy canes, marshmallows, decorated Christmas trees, and manger scenes. They also play prominently now at my home when we decorate the house or have our yearly Christmas cookie baking day.
The nice thing is my children are sharing in this love. My oldest told me as Thanksgiving was approaching that he couldn't wait for the beginning of the Christmas songs as they now play from Thanksgiving to Christmas. We all enjoy singing along in the car or at home as a catchy or familiar tune hits the airwaves.
And I love that our worship services at church feature beloved Christmas hymns. The joyous sounds of the whole congregation joining in song is but a hint of what we can look forward to when we sing in heaven.
Yes, I love singing through the season. It prepares my heart for the best time of the year: celebrating the birth of our Savior.
The nice thing is my children are sharing in this love. My oldest told me as Thanksgiving was approaching that he couldn't wait for the beginning of the Christmas songs as they now play from Thanksgiving to Christmas. We all enjoy singing along in the car or at home as a catchy or familiar tune hits the airwaves.
And I love that our worship services at church feature beloved Christmas hymns. The joyous sounds of the whole congregation joining in song is but a hint of what we can look forward to when we sing in heaven.
Yes, I love singing through the season. It prepares my heart for the best time of the year: celebrating the birth of our Savior.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Unexpected Blessings
This Christmas I had wanted to treat my son to the Toby Mac concert that was coming to town. But because of an unanticipated change in our finances, concert tickets were not in our budget. So when I heard that our local radio station was offering some tickets as prizes, I decided to try to see if I could win.
After seven tries in two days, I became caller number 7 and won! My kids were so excited, especially my oldest son. They are in for a big treat. In fact, I think this will be their first concert.
I have been thanking the Lord for this unexpected blessing. I could have kept calling and kept getting passed over, but the Lord allowed persistence to pay off. Yeah!
After seven tries in two days, I became caller number 7 and won! My kids were so excited, especially my oldest son. They are in for a big treat. In fact, I think this will be their first concert.
I have been thanking the Lord for this unexpected blessing. I could have kept calling and kept getting passed over, but the Lord allowed persistence to pay off. Yeah!
Monday, December 14, 2009
A Word About Christmas
Many advertisers are changing their tune this season, acknowledging Christmas in their ads. It's about time. But just because they realize that most of their shoppers are buying Christmas presents doesn't mean they want to acknowledge its true meaning: the birth of Jesus.
Santa Claus is pushed to the forefront more than ever. This legendary character has some amazing attributes: he sees you when you're sleeping; he knows when you've been bad or good. I'm sorry, but only God can do those things. This is why my husband and I chose not to give our children gifts from Santa Claus. Jesus is the reason for the season, so He needs to be the center of our celebration, not some make-believe jolly man who flies around in a sleigh pulled by reindeer.
We did receive some frowns initially, but since the kids didn't seem to suffer socially from this lack of Christmas cheer, no one brings it up anymore. Our children know the truth about Christmas, and that's far more important. They know God came down to earth to suffer and die for our sins, and then rose again so we may have eternal life.
I think it hurts kids more to put their faith in Santa Claus, and then have that faith shattered with the truth that he is not real. Wouldn't it be much better to just tell them the truth about Jesus? He is not make-believe. He is the genuine article. And He is far more amazing than Santa will ever be, because He is God and He holds the key to our entering Heaven.
Who are you celebrating this Christmas season?
Santa Claus is pushed to the forefront more than ever. This legendary character has some amazing attributes: he sees you when you're sleeping; he knows when you've been bad or good. I'm sorry, but only God can do those things. This is why my husband and I chose not to give our children gifts from Santa Claus. Jesus is the reason for the season, so He needs to be the center of our celebration, not some make-believe jolly man who flies around in a sleigh pulled by reindeer.
We did receive some frowns initially, but since the kids didn't seem to suffer socially from this lack of Christmas cheer, no one brings it up anymore. Our children know the truth about Christmas, and that's far more important. They know God came down to earth to suffer and die for our sins, and then rose again so we may have eternal life.
I think it hurts kids more to put their faith in Santa Claus, and then have that faith shattered with the truth that he is not real. Wouldn't it be much better to just tell them the truth about Jesus? He is not make-believe. He is the genuine article. And He is far more amazing than Santa will ever be, because He is God and He holds the key to our entering Heaven.
Who are you celebrating this Christmas season?
Friday, December 11, 2009
Making Time for Friends
Although this is a busy time of year with Christmas just around the corner, I have set aside a few days to get together with friends I don't always get a chance to spend time with.
Friendships are a gift from God. He knows we need fellowship with others, particularly believers who we can share in the joys of the Lord and encourage each other in life's trials. But today's lifestyle is hectic. We are so busy that if we aren't careful, we can be in danger of isolating ourselves; something which the Bible discourages.
It isn't too difficult to reach out and maintain our friendships. I try to e-mail my friends every so often to say a quick "Hi" and to see how they're doing. I've also sent Scripture texts to encourage, or left voicemails to let them know I'm praying for them. I also try to arrange a get-together, even if it's to meet for coffee/tea and muffins for a half-hour or so on a weekday morning after the kids have been dropped off at school.
I cherish the friends the Lord has given me. And just as the Lord calls us to be good stewards in life, I feel it's vital to be good stewards in our friendships, too. How are you making time for your friends?
Friendships are a gift from God. He knows we need fellowship with others, particularly believers who we can share in the joys of the Lord and encourage each other in life's trials. But today's lifestyle is hectic. We are so busy that if we aren't careful, we can be in danger of isolating ourselves; something which the Bible discourages.
It isn't too difficult to reach out and maintain our friendships. I try to e-mail my friends every so often to say a quick "Hi" and to see how they're doing. I've also sent Scripture texts to encourage, or left voicemails to let them know I'm praying for them. I also try to arrange a get-together, even if it's to meet for coffee/tea and muffins for a half-hour or so on a weekday morning after the kids have been dropped off at school.
I cherish the friends the Lord has given me. And just as the Lord calls us to be good stewards in life, I feel it's vital to be good stewards in our friendships, too. How are you making time for your friends?
Monday, December 7, 2009
Looking Behind to Move Forward
We all experience difficulties in life. Some of them we really don't want to remember. And many things we shouldn't. But one thing I have learned is that I sometimes need to look behind me in order to move forward.
What I mean is, our difficulties create teachable moments where we have the opportunity to grow so we don't repeat our mistakes. If we look behind to grab that lesson, then we can move forward in our maturity and development. We don't want the past to drag us down. But we can use the past to change us for the better.
How about you? Have you taken the time to look behind you so you can move forward? Why don't you give it a try and see just how much you grow.
What I mean is, our difficulties create teachable moments where we have the opportunity to grow so we don't repeat our mistakes. If we look behind to grab that lesson, then we can move forward in our maturity and development. We don't want the past to drag us down. But we can use the past to change us for the better.
How about you? Have you taken the time to look behind you so you can move forward? Why don't you give it a try and see just how much you grow.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Taking Time to Pray
How does God do it? How does He keep track of all the people in the world? The Bible says that He knows the hairs on everyone's head. Considering the population of the world is over 6.8 billion, that's a lot of heads. Yet He intimately knows each one of us. He knows our troubles and our joys.
As I grow older, I find there are more people to pray for. Sometimes in my busyness, I may forget to keep someone in prayer. It's just hard keeping track of everyone and everything that needs to be lifted up to the Lord. But I try. I even use my sleepless nights to ask the Lord, "Who do You want me to pray for right now?"
I'm not any holier because I pray. I pray mostly because that's the way I can get closer to God. There is a desire in me to get to know Him better, and besides reading my Bible, I know it is best to pray. It's not hard. It's like talking on the phone except you don't always hear a response right away. But I keep talking because I know for a fact He is listening.
If you don't pray often, try to make it a habit. God knows all about you (and He still loves you!). Why don't you try to know Him a little better through prayer?
As I grow older, I find there are more people to pray for. Sometimes in my busyness, I may forget to keep someone in prayer. It's just hard keeping track of everyone and everything that needs to be lifted up to the Lord. But I try. I even use my sleepless nights to ask the Lord, "Who do You want me to pray for right now?"
I'm not any holier because I pray. I pray mostly because that's the way I can get closer to God. There is a desire in me to get to know Him better, and besides reading my Bible, I know it is best to pray. It's not hard. It's like talking on the phone except you don't always hear a response right away. But I keep talking because I know for a fact He is listening.
If you don't pray often, try to make it a habit. God knows all about you (and He still loves you!). Why don't you try to know Him a little better through prayer?
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