You know how it is when you’ve gone someplace you were really looking forward to – then you head home. Oftentimes that drive home is simply a boring drive. There’s nothing more to see. Your trip is over and you just want to get home. I did not want to end this awesome month-long journey in that manner!
The Water and The Word
It has probably always occured, but it’s especially common during these recent seasons ~~ Christians “watering down” the Word of God.
I expect it from nonbelievers. They do it to rationalize sin, to explain compromise, and to find fault with Christ followers. When this happens, it doesn’t surprise me – or bother me – or even offend me. But and I am saddened and disturbed when believers “water down” the Word. I don’t expect it from the believer – from those who have supposedly trusted in Jesus Christ as Savior.
Today I Celebrate Her Birthday.
Today is her birthday –
in heaven.
Happy Birthday, Mama!
When she passed years ago, just one month after Daddy, I hoped I might adjust to life without them. Then I saw a multitude of Facebook condolences, and I heard the words spoken as they hugged me at the visitations and wrote on cards of sympathy:
the daughter
She was truly a lovely young girl – probably a teenager – dressed in jeans and a jean jacket. Fine, thin hair. A pale complexion. Yet she didn’t appear quite like other teenage girls. As I shopped, she floated around the produce. I noticed her mother, a pretty, small, dark-haired woman, a short distance away, selecting produce as I was, yet constantly aware of her daughter’s every move. This was obviously a way of life to which she had become accustomed.
Heaven Hears . . .
Some years ago, when the beautiful Christmas season was upon us, Ron and I had finished our shopping: toys and clothes, specially selected by Nana and Papa for the grandchildren; and uniquely selected presents for our adult children, in hopes they would be pleased. The gifts were wrapped and placed under the tree, in papers coordinating with the ornaments! The house was decorated in anticipation of our beautiful family gathering on a hopefully snowy, Sunday, December afternoon. During this time, I celebrated the Savior’s birth, and I rejoiced in the influx of Christmas carols and classics playing on every Pandora, radio, or satellite station I heard. Yet my heart hurt, more during this season than at any throughout the year. Some of you understand. You’re feeling similar right now. I’m writing this especially for you.
Pangs of shame pierced me when I perceived that hurt, urging me to think on the good things and to praise God for all the joys of this season.
The Cold Moon Supermoon Night
Luke Chapter 10 – Advent Reading
The Lord Jesus sends us out. We’re among the seventy-two. We might be “lambs among the wolves,” but He sends us, nonetheless.
Simeon’s Lullaby – Memories
I recently wrote about memories – memories of an experience that is in your mind for good. It’s yours. Your memory. Your experience. You own it.
Others might not understand or relate, but that’s okay. It’s something special God has given you.
Pondering . . .
Mary kept all these things, treasured the very thought of them, and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19 paraphrased)
So much had happened. Mary had been visited by the Angel Gabriel,
Winter in the Yellow House
Cold. Oh my, it was cold outside.
Daddy had placed an outdoor thermometer outside the front “picture” window. Through the thin old glass, he aimed his flashlight on it. It read -18°.
Speak Life
We can count on God’s promises! Cherish each one. Make it personal. Write them down on lined paper – every promise in the Bible that you need., so that even if your mind seems cluttered with so many obstacles – even if you can’t always remember where each promise is found, you will be able to see the promises and speak the promises.
