THE GIFT OF TIME
Can you believe it? 2006 is almost over. A new year is about to begin. I have found out one thing -- time goes faster the older you get! But time is a fleeting moment. A fleeting moment that can change your life in an instant.
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:25 - 34
THE GIFT OF TIME
We have received so many gifts in our lives and one of the most valuable is time. Do we really appreciate the time we have? Do we really have time?
During the week in June 2000, time and priorities came into focus.
Many years ago, we had a young man who spent numerous hours, at our home with our son. During the week, this young man lost his father. In an instant, his father's heart had stopped. In an instant, there was a new generation leading the family.
During the week, our small town felt the impact of a tornado. There were blessings -- the tornado went enough north that it missed the town, the retirement homes and a mobile home park. Only slight physical injuries were received. You could follow the tornado because barns were destroyed, houses were damaged and trees were thrown in every direction. In an instant, lives were changed.
During the week, a young man and his wife were headed home after helping clean-up the tornado damage. They did not make it across the railroad track. This young man, paralyzed from an accident a few years back, would now have to recover and face the loss of a loved one. In an instant, a life was lost and a life was again tragically altered.
How many times do we take tomorrow for granted? How much time do we waste worrying what will happen tomorrow? How many times do we forget that an instant can decide whether we will see our loved ones again, watch our children grow or enjoy the wonder of grandchildren. Or walk in the woods. Or hear our favorite song. Or eat peanut butter fudge. Or laugh. Or cry. Or pray.
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY
Yes, you have to be prepared for tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, but do you put tomorrow before today? How do you spend your time? Do you worry so much that you do not see the blessings that are here, NOW? Do you need to begin the New Year calling a family member or friend that you have not gotten along with lately? Do you need to spend more time with family and less watching TV or less computer time? (Of course that does not apply to the time you spend checking out my blog.) How do you spend your time?
LET US PRAY
Oh God, Time is a precious commodity. Teach me to use it wisely. Teach me to appreciate the time I have to pray. To laugh. To rest. You have given me time to ………………………………… Amen
Friday, December 29, 2006
Friday, December 22, 2006
Merry Christmas ! ! ! I hope your Christmas day will be a time to remember the best Christmas gift ever -- The gift of the Christ Child. This Christmas let us all unite in a prayer for peace. -- Mary
A CHRISTMAS PRAYER --
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
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.”
Luke 2:8-15
A CHRISTMAS PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, It’s Christmas morning and I awoke early. I have always loved getting up early this one day of the year. As a child I would lie in bed, as the rest of the house slept, wanting to shout, “It’s Christmas! Wake up!” I must confess that I was too excited to sleep because of the gifts under the tree. I was wondering what I would find. Would the gift be what I had asked for?
I became a wife and then a mother. I still could not sleep on Christmas morning. I would get up and wait for our son, Bill, and our daughter, Terri, to wake up. Sometimes I would wake them, because I could not stand the quiet anymore. “It’s Christmas! Wake up!” I must admit that, as a mother, I was too excited to sleep because I wanted to see the reaction of the children. Did they receive the gift they dreamed of?
As a wife, mother and grandmother, I still like getting up early on Christmas Day. Not quite as early as years past, but I am still too excited to sleep in. But now I know what was really calling me all these years. “It is Christmas! Wake up!”
Oh Lord, is that the way you feel? Do you get excited every Christmas? Do you look at your children and anticipate their waking up? Do you wait for them to begin the day? This special day. Proclaiming from heaven, “It’s Christmas! Wake up!” Do you look at the faces of your children as they celebrate the gift you sent?
Merry Christmas God. Thank you for the gift of Jesus. The gift I use everyday of my life. The gift that makes me get up early Christmas morning and shout, “It’s Christmas! Wake up!” Amen
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY
Do you enjoy Christmas? Do you celebrate the real meaning or just open gifts and eat? Do memories of past Christmas days enrich your Christmas celebration or do those memories bring tears? (I hope they enrich your life, but if they bring tears, know that God sent the gift that dries those tears away.)
LET US PRAY
Dear God, Do wake me up. Do not let me sleep and miss Christmas. Do wake me up. Do not let me sleep and miss what you have to offer. I cannot imagine what the shepherds thought when they heard the heavenly host making such a noise. I bet they were scared. Sometimes I am scared, but the more awake I become to your word, the fears fall away. Do wake me up. Do not let me sleep and miss ………………………………… Amen
A CHRISTMAS PRAYER --
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
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.”
Luke 2:8-15
A CHRISTMAS PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, It’s Christmas morning and I awoke early. I have always loved getting up early this one day of the year. As a child I would lie in bed, as the rest of the house slept, wanting to shout, “It’s Christmas! Wake up!” I must confess that I was too excited to sleep because of the gifts under the tree. I was wondering what I would find. Would the gift be what I had asked for?
I became a wife and then a mother. I still could not sleep on Christmas morning. I would get up and wait for our son, Bill, and our daughter, Terri, to wake up. Sometimes I would wake them, because I could not stand the quiet anymore. “It’s Christmas! Wake up!” I must admit that, as a mother, I was too excited to sleep because I wanted to see the reaction of the children. Did they receive the gift they dreamed of?
As a wife, mother and grandmother, I still like getting up early on Christmas Day. Not quite as early as years past, but I am still too excited to sleep in. But now I know what was really calling me all these years. “It is Christmas! Wake up!”
Oh Lord, is that the way you feel? Do you get excited every Christmas? Do you look at your children and anticipate their waking up? Do you wait for them to begin the day? This special day. Proclaiming from heaven, “It’s Christmas! Wake up!” Do you look at the faces of your children as they celebrate the gift you sent?
Merry Christmas God. Thank you for the gift of Jesus. The gift I use everyday of my life. The gift that makes me get up early Christmas morning and shout, “It’s Christmas! Wake up!” Amen
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY
Do you enjoy Christmas? Do you celebrate the real meaning or just open gifts and eat? Do memories of past Christmas days enrich your Christmas celebration or do those memories bring tears? (I hope they enrich your life, but if they bring tears, know that God sent the gift that dries those tears away.)
LET US PRAY
Dear God, Do wake me up. Do not let me sleep and miss Christmas. Do wake me up. Do not let me sleep and miss what you have to offer. I cannot imagine what the shepherds thought when they heard the heavenly host making such a noise. I bet they were scared. Sometimes I am scared, but the more awake I become to your word, the fears fall away. Do wake me up. Do not let me sleep and miss ………………………………… Amen
Friday, December 15, 2006
THE GIFT
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
“Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?”
Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
John 4:10 - 14
THE GIFT
The Gift appeared under the Christmas tree as if by magic.
As I picked up the package, I could tell it was special.
I did not shake it, I was afraid whatever was inside would break.
The paper made my fingers tingle, it seemed to glow.
This small gift had been wrapped with much care.
As I untied the bow, I stopped.
Anticipation and excitement filled the air.
The clock ticked, but time seemed to stand still.
I began to wonder if this gift really was for me.
Could there be a mistake?
I opened the box and then I understood.
Coming from the gift was a feeling of strength --
a gentle, quiet strength - and a feeling of peace.
The Gift was for me, but not for me to keep to myself.
This was a gift to share, a gift with no limit of time or space.
Inside the box was a simple paper, a birth announcement.
"Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,
which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David,
a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY
What is the best gift you have ever received from your family or from a friend? What is the best gift you have ever received from God?
LET US PRAY
Dear Heavenly Father, We have received so many gifts from you, from the beginning of time you have given us all we need. This gift though is special. To give us your Son. A gift of a baby. A gift to save our lives. Thank you for this gift and ………………………… Amen
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
“Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?”
Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
John 4:10 - 14
THE GIFT
The Gift appeared under the Christmas tree as if by magic.
As I picked up the package, I could tell it was special.
I did not shake it, I was afraid whatever was inside would break.
The paper made my fingers tingle, it seemed to glow.
This small gift had been wrapped with much care.
As I untied the bow, I stopped.
Anticipation and excitement filled the air.
The clock ticked, but time seemed to stand still.
I began to wonder if this gift really was for me.
Could there be a mistake?
I opened the box and then I understood.
Coming from the gift was a feeling of strength --
a gentle, quiet strength - and a feeling of peace.
The Gift was for me, but not for me to keep to myself.
This was a gift to share, a gift with no limit of time or space.
Inside the box was a simple paper, a birth announcement.
"Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,
which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David,
a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY
What is the best gift you have ever received from your family or from a friend? What is the best gift you have ever received from God?
LET US PRAY
Dear Heavenly Father, We have received so many gifts from you, from the beginning of time you have given us all we need. This gift though is special. To give us your Son. A gift of a baby. A gift to save our lives. Thank you for this gift and ………………………… Amen
Friday, December 08, 2006
THE FIRST CHRISTMAS LETTER
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
(Mary’s Song) And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me -- holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.
Luke 1:46-55
THE FIRST CHRISTMAS LETTER
Greetings to all of our family and friends,
This has been some year and I wanted to fill you in. As you know, I became engaged to a fine man, Joseph. The community had been informed about our plans and we were very happy. Then the strangest thing happened.
I was visited by an angel! I know that is hard to believe. I am just a small town girl and was shocked when Gabriel came with a message from God. I was told that I had been picked to carry God’s Son. The angel even told me what to name the baby – Jesus. I was confused at first and could not begin to imagine all the consequences of this announcement. The Holy Spirit came upon me and I conceived.
Joseph was also confused when I told him I was with child. After all, I was a virgin. Why should he believe me? I think he seriously considered walking away, but then an angel told him I was telling the truth. Joseph believed. Joseph understood. Joseph is a good man.
I went to visit my cousin Elizabeth and when I walked in the door, the child she was carrying jumped in her womb. Elizabeth then called me “blessed among women.” Oh what a time we had. Elizabeth was so excited about being with child. Why who would have thought such a thing was possible at her age? Truly a gift from God. She explained that Zachariah could not speak until after the birth. The child she carried was also a son and when the baby was born, Zachariah spoke and said his son would be called John.
Of course, Caesar called for the census and we had to go to Bethlehem. I know this was a hard time on all who had to travel, but being heavy with child made the trip even harder. I was beginning to think we would have to stop along the way until the baby came, but we did make it to Bethlehem. The town was so full there were no rooms. Joseph finally found an innkeeper who would let us have shelter in the stable. Now how could there be no rooms, when I was to give birth to such a special child?
We had just settled into the stable, when I delivered a beautiful baby boy. Then the most unusual things began to happen. The shepherds came. They said angels had told them about the birth of a baby. A special baby. The Christ Child. They fell on their knees and said this was a blessed baby. The Savior they had been waiting for. The one who would love even the lowliest. When Jesus was eight days old, we took him to the temple and a man named Simeon took Jesus in his arms, praised God, and said his eyes had seen God’s salvation. And Anna, a prophetess, gave thanks to God and spoke about my child to all who would hear.
Joseph and I have been fine. Jesus is almost one year old now and it has been a daily wonder to see him grow and learn.
Well, that is my news. What has your year been like?
Mary, Mother of Jesus
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY
Now how do you top that? If you had received this letter, would you have believed it? What would you put in a letter if you were writing to Mary?
LET US PRAY
Dear Jesus, I am so thankful that you were born. To know that God loved me enough to send His Son to save me makes me want to leap with joy. What a glorious day that was when you were born. Angels proclaiming the news. Never allow the Christmas spirit to leave my heart. Christmas means ………………………………… Amen
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
(Mary’s Song) And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me -- holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.
Luke 1:46-55
THE FIRST CHRISTMAS LETTER
Greetings to all of our family and friends,
This has been some year and I wanted to fill you in. As you know, I became engaged to a fine man, Joseph. The community had been informed about our plans and we were very happy. Then the strangest thing happened.
I was visited by an angel! I know that is hard to believe. I am just a small town girl and was shocked when Gabriel came with a message from God. I was told that I had been picked to carry God’s Son. The angel even told me what to name the baby – Jesus. I was confused at first and could not begin to imagine all the consequences of this announcement. The Holy Spirit came upon me and I conceived.
Joseph was also confused when I told him I was with child. After all, I was a virgin. Why should he believe me? I think he seriously considered walking away, but then an angel told him I was telling the truth. Joseph believed. Joseph understood. Joseph is a good man.
I went to visit my cousin Elizabeth and when I walked in the door, the child she was carrying jumped in her womb. Elizabeth then called me “blessed among women.” Oh what a time we had. Elizabeth was so excited about being with child. Why who would have thought such a thing was possible at her age? Truly a gift from God. She explained that Zachariah could not speak until after the birth. The child she carried was also a son and when the baby was born, Zachariah spoke and said his son would be called John.
Of course, Caesar called for the census and we had to go to Bethlehem. I know this was a hard time on all who had to travel, but being heavy with child made the trip even harder. I was beginning to think we would have to stop along the way until the baby came, but we did make it to Bethlehem. The town was so full there were no rooms. Joseph finally found an innkeeper who would let us have shelter in the stable. Now how could there be no rooms, when I was to give birth to such a special child?
We had just settled into the stable, when I delivered a beautiful baby boy. Then the most unusual things began to happen. The shepherds came. They said angels had told them about the birth of a baby. A special baby. The Christ Child. They fell on their knees and said this was a blessed baby. The Savior they had been waiting for. The one who would love even the lowliest. When Jesus was eight days old, we took him to the temple and a man named Simeon took Jesus in his arms, praised God, and said his eyes had seen God’s salvation. And Anna, a prophetess, gave thanks to God and spoke about my child to all who would hear.
Joseph and I have been fine. Jesus is almost one year old now and it has been a daily wonder to see him grow and learn.
Well, that is my news. What has your year been like?
Mary, Mother of Jesus
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY
Now how do you top that? If you had received this letter, would you have believed it? What would you put in a letter if you were writing to Mary?
LET US PRAY
Dear Jesus, I am so thankful that you were born. To know that God loved me enough to send His Son to save me makes me want to leap with joy. What a glorious day that was when you were born. Angels proclaiming the news. Never allow the Christmas spirit to leave my heart. Christmas means ………………………………… Amen
Friday, December 01, 2006
GOD SENT A MIRACLE
I could say so many things about December. I look at December as the end of something old and the approach of something new. Yes, it does close one year and makes us prepare for the next, BUT December reminds us that one chapter in our history closed and another began. With the birth of one small baby, our lives changed. A baby sent for all – Jews and Gentiles, men and women. A baby that changed forever our relationship with God. A baby – visual proof of God’s love for us. A baby was born and one chapter closed (The Old Testament) and another began (The New Testament). God sent us a gift. It is up to us how we use it.
May you welcome God’s gift into every minute of your life.
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”
Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.”
John 1:29-34
GOD SENT A MIRACLE
God said to the angel, “You are right.
These humans of mine aren’t very bright.
I gave them a world full of all they would need
and ten simple rules you think they could heed.
Now look at the mess they’ve made down there.
To straighten it out will take more than a prayer.
They’re asking for a miracle, so I’ll send them one.
A miracle indeed ---- I’ll send them my son!
They’ll want a soldier or, most likely, a king,
but I’ll send them a baby, a wee little thing.”
“What can a baby do?” the angel did ask.
“Can a baby live up to such a great task?”
“He’ll listen and learn as he grows up with man.
That, my dear angel, is part of the plan.
Yes!” God said. “I’ll send them my son.
Through faith in Him, freedom can be won.”
God was right on that first Christmas morn,
The world had a chance when that baby was born.
So don’t be a human, who’s not very bright,
Believe in Jesus and do what is right.
QUESTION OF THE DAY
Yes, the world was perfect. Perfect until God created humans. We have messed it up, but then Jesus came for each of us. Do you know that God sent His Son to take away your sins?
LET US PRAY
Oh, thank you God, We would be lost without the redemption of Your Son. We have made a mess of things down here. It seems no matter how hard we try, things still go wrong. But it is not we, it is me. I try and try, but still mess things up. I do thank you for the gift of Jesus. The Lamb of God. My way to you. Without this gift, I would be lost. Without this gift I would be ………………………………… Amen
I could say so many things about December. I look at December as the end of something old and the approach of something new. Yes, it does close one year and makes us prepare for the next, BUT December reminds us that one chapter in our history closed and another began. With the birth of one small baby, our lives changed. A baby sent for all – Jews and Gentiles, men and women. A baby that changed forever our relationship with God. A baby – visual proof of God’s love for us. A baby was born and one chapter closed (The Old Testament) and another began (The New Testament). God sent us a gift. It is up to us how we use it.
May you welcome God’s gift into every minute of your life.
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”
Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.”
John 1:29-34
GOD SENT A MIRACLE
God said to the angel, “You are right.
These humans of mine aren’t very bright.
I gave them a world full of all they would need
and ten simple rules you think they could heed.
Now look at the mess they’ve made down there.
To straighten it out will take more than a prayer.
They’re asking for a miracle, so I’ll send them one.
A miracle indeed ---- I’ll send them my son!
They’ll want a soldier or, most likely, a king,
but I’ll send them a baby, a wee little thing.”
“What can a baby do?” the angel did ask.
“Can a baby live up to such a great task?”
“He’ll listen and learn as he grows up with man.
That, my dear angel, is part of the plan.
Yes!” God said. “I’ll send them my son.
Through faith in Him, freedom can be won.”
God was right on that first Christmas morn,
The world had a chance when that baby was born.
So don’t be a human, who’s not very bright,
Believe in Jesus and do what is right.
QUESTION OF THE DAY
Yes, the world was perfect. Perfect until God created humans. We have messed it up, but then Jesus came for each of us. Do you know that God sent His Son to take away your sins?
LET US PRAY
Oh, thank you God, We would be lost without the redemption of Your Son. We have made a mess of things down here. It seems no matter how hard we try, things still go wrong. But it is not we, it is me. I try and try, but still mess things up. I do thank you for the gift of Jesus. The Lamb of God. My way to you. Without this gift, I would be lost. Without this gift I would be ………………………………… Amen
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