Christmas Joys

A jolly old man in a red and white suit
Surrounded by tiny elves
Reindeer looking from outside
While Santa fills the shelves

Is this what we've reduced Christmas to?
An unabashed toy free for all
We've failed to embed in our children that
Christmas didn't start in the mall

In a tiny manger is where it began
No ornaments, trees or a toy
Just God watching over the birth
Of His little baby boy

The gifts that were given to Him
Were given with hearts of love
That God would send them a Savior
Straight from Heaven above

No thoughts of reciprocation
Not expecting a gift in return
Only seeking to see His face
Each waiting for their turn

I suggest we not feel required
To spoil our kids with toys and more toys
I instead say that we should teach them
Christmas' true wondrous joys

Present sufferings to future glory!

Romans 8:18 NIV
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us

I pray that you each took the time to watch this video.  It was inspired by the terrible hurricane we know as Katrina.  The words in this song are truly sent from God.  It tells us that in the midst of the worst day of our life, when we have lost everything and everyone we still have the most important person, Jesus.  He is with us through all times, good and bad.  Just to call upon His name can bring us through the worst times and make the best times taste even sweeter.  

In this video the young man asks the mother "shouldn't you be calling on FEMA, the Red Cross, Bush or Chaney?" (paraphrased)  No, we should call upon He who breathed life into this world.  He who heals the blind, and makes the lame to walk.  The name above all else is Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.  

Can you think of a name any sweeter than this?  Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!  Thank you so much Lord for dying on the cross for not only my sins, but the sins of the entire world.  

I cannot wait until Romans 8:18 is fulfilled.  When our present sorrows are but  a distant memory.  When there will be no more sadness, no more pain.  Dried will be the tears, broad will be the smiles, every knee will bow and every mouth will proclaim that Christ IS KING!!!

Thank you all so much for reading.  I pray that each of you grow closer in your relationship to the LORD on this day.

The Little Things

In a world where most only give thanks
For things amazing and grand
I strive to notice the finer details
Of things made with God's hand

A small ant on a hillside
Toiling away all day long
Working for a simple goal
To make it's colony strong

A cloud lazily floating
On a gentle puff of breeze
Not hard to think of God
As you lay back completely at ease

It gets a little bit harder
When you think on things of gloom
A storm of great magnitude
Can darken any room

But He has promised me I can
Give Him all my fears
That He will carry my burdens
And wipe away my tears

If only I put my trust in Him
And the words He has given me
Then the little things will seem so grand
If you see like God can see

Grace...that's what it is

Have you ever met someone who just exudes good "vibes"?  Someone who just seems totally unfazed by lifes constant shifting and the worries of day to day life?  I won't say this is encompassing all people like that, but I would wager that for a large portion it is due to God's grace.  When we have God's grace, things that really use to bother us just seem distant and conquer-able.  He gives us a constant shoulder to cry on, a steady rock to lean on and is always there in our time of greatest need.  These are among many of the reasons that myself and millions of other followers of Christ feel comfort in times of sorrow, release in times of pain and in times of joy, that joy is multiplied a thousand fold because we know that in all things God works for good. 

A wonderful example of my previous statement is a girl I know and adore named Destiny Armstrong.  She lives right here in my community and was diagnosed with Lymphoma recently.  Through all the treatments, the pain and fear, she has stuck to a motto that gives her strength "God's got this".  And He does.  God doesn't promise that when we accept Him that our lives will be picturesque, but He does promise that He will take our burdens and that we can call upon Him at any time. 

I ask for my readers to consider this.  Think of Destiny and the strength she gains by trusting in God.  Not only has He given her strength through this, but has also used her as a remarkable reminder that He indeed does "Got this".

Random-ness

I am hoping that I am not the only person in the world with this problem.  This will be a totally random page.  Sometimes I feel like I can't even clean the house without being unorganized.  I will start on one room and then find something else in another room that needs cleaned and start on that.

Please tell me I am not the only 1 with this problem.

A sad goodbye

Very few times in my life have I met someone I can totally gel with even if we don't always agree on all topics.  Today one if those few people and I said our long term but hopefully not forever goodbyes.  When you find a friend who just likes you for you and not what they get by being your friend, keep them. 

Best wishes to you Samantha! Will miss you all terribly!