Sunday, December 30, 2012

A New Year: New Opportunities For a New You

Millions of us will make resolutions for the new year. Most of us will not keep them. Some of our resolutions will survive less than a month before life distracts us and our good intentions fall to the wayside.
Rather than making resolutions that you may or may not keep, in 2013 why not try making improvements in your life you can and want to keep long-term? I'm not talking about taking up golf or running, although either of those would be great if you enjoy them. I'm referring to being a better you. 
Here are some of my suggestions. Designate one night each month as family night. Go to a movie or rent one and make popcorn at home; play board games or video games together; or go to a local sports event.
Find a place to volunteer a few times throughout the year. Look for local charities that you're interested in and find out how you can serve. Volunteer opportunities are abundant and usually take only a few hours. Take your family or a couple of friends along and make it a fun experience.
Go somewhere you've never been before. Read an interesting book. Try a different hairstyle. New experiences are uplifting and you will have the memories that come with them forever.
Remember to always, always, be nice to everyone you meet. You never know when a kind word to someone could be the game changer for them when they're having a bad day. We are created with DNA that thrives on relationships. Let someone know that they are not alone.
Go a step further; talk to a stranger when you're in the check-out line at the store, or the next opportunity you're given, wherever that may be. The conversations that ensue could be interesting and enlightening.
Finally, take time to invite someone to church. And if you don't attend church yourself, I invite you to check out some churches this year. There are lots of options available from conservative and traditional churches to contemporary church services. There are many churches that offer podcasts and downloads so you can get an idea of what their services are like before you step out your door.
I encourage you to embrace the new year with optimism. 


Revelation 21:5

New Living Translation (NLT)
And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.”



Thursday, December 27, 2012

A Cure for the Post Christmas Blahs

Christmas and all the festivities that come with it have come and gone. The neighbors are taking down their decorations. Perhaps, you're thinking as I am, "I promise, I'll put mine away soon!" 
Are you beginning to feel the let down shared with so many that follows the shopping, travel, festivities and excitement of Christmas? I have a suggestion. It may not be a cure-all snake oil, but it can't hurt. 
Write down you blessings. Put them in a notebook, a journal, enter them as a note on your iPhone, or or track it however you choose. Remember to write down the good things that happen in your life. Try it for the next year. You'll be surprised at how many entries you'll have.
Then if you have an off day, or if you have the blahs following a holiday or vacation, you can look back at all the good days you've had. I can't make any guarantees, but If I had money to bet, I'd go for the trifecta on this one. Why, you say? First, you're going to have more blessings to enter in your journal than you think. Second, writing them down gives you a better perspective on your life. Third, reading and remembering your blessings when you have an off day will give you hopefulness and joy. 
At the end of the year, reach through your journal as a reminder of all the blessings you have received. If you're comfortable in doing so, share some of them with a friend or relative. It may inspire them to do the same.


Revelation 21:6-8

New Living Translation (NLT)
And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.


Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas!

I don't need to remind anyone that today is Christmas Day. Whether you believe today is the celebration of the birth of Christ or not, 93% of Americans and about half the world's population celebrate Christmas. For most of us who celebrate Christmas, today will be filled with gifts and time with family and friends. 
Despite the massive numbers of people who celebrate Christmas, there is a growing trend to remove the religious principles from the holiday. It's a sad reminder of the choices the Israelites made in the Old Testament when they turned from God. 
My prayer for each of us today is that we take time to remember why we're celebrating this season. Merry Christmas!



Isaiah 9:6

New Living Translation (NLT)
For a child is born to us,
    a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
    And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Monday, December 24, 2012

It's a Wonderful Life

The classic Christmas movie 'It's a Wonderful Life' will be shown tonight on NBC at 8 pm. This has been one of my favorite Christmas movies for many years. It's so nostalgic and yet still has such a great moral that is timeless.
A short recount of the story is a man named George Bailey finds himself in financial trouble and contemplates suicide, thinking his family would be better off with the proceeds from his life insurance. In his desperation, he says he wished he was never born. So God sends an angel named Clarence to show George how different his family and friends' lives would have been had he not been there. George soon realizes that he was needed. He prays, "Please, God, let me live again."


In the movie, George lost sight of the fact that no matter how dire our circumstances may seen, God is always with us. At times, we have a tendency to put God on the sidelines until we're in a situation that makes us feel as though he's no longer there; then we cry out for his help.
As our pastor said yesterday, we often assume that if God is with us, then nothing bad, evil or painful will happen. In reality, in the midst of the evil and pain, God is most present. We often see and sense God the most when we are enduring painful times in our lives.
We read in Matthew 1:22-23: All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord's message through his prophet: "Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means 'God is with us.'" Jesus on the cross is the biggest and most vivid picture of God being with us. Believing in that gives us a wonderful life, even in the most painful moments.


Matthew 28:20

New Living Translation (NLT)
20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Revelation 21:3

New Living Translation (NLT)
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them."



Sunday, December 23, 2012

The True Meaning of Giving

My heart was warmed this morning by an email from relatives who joined a group to support a family for Christmas this year.
The family was given coats, gloves and warm clothes for the children, as well as coats for the parents. They were also given groceries, cleaning supplies, wrapping paper, a gingerbread house kit, toys and crafts for the kids, and more. I can only imagine how amazed and grateful the parents were as they received these gifts of love.
This family was chosen because both parents had been out of work due to medical issues. The dad is now working two jobs in an attempt to get their bills caught up. I'm certain that when this family is financially able, they will pay this forward.
The group of people who chose to give to this family will remember  this Christmas for many years. This is the kind of giving we're taught in the Bible. 
We also received an update from our friends, the Martin family, who are now living in Nicaragua. The Martins are ministering to the Nicaraguans via working with a local Compassion center, a local orphanage, a preschool and with a vocational school. You can learn more about them at www.facebook.com/ImpactNica or www.ImpactNica.org
This is the first Christmas the Martin family will spend outside the U.S. Their four children have learned so much in the nine months they've been in Nicaragua. When given the option, all four of their children chose to buy presents for 13 orphans who live nearby, rather than receive gifts themselves. They too, are living out the teachings of the bible.
To quote Andy Stanley, "When we come together, when we're generous, we can change our communities and the world."






1 Timothy 6:17-18

New Living Translation (NLT)
17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

It's a Red Kettle Day

Today I will join several people from my church, along with volunteers across the United States, as we ring bells beside the very recognizable Salvation Army red kettles. These red kettles have become a part of our Christmas traditions today.
The red kettle tradition began in 1891 in San Francisco in an effort to raise funds to feed destitute families at Christmas. The tradition grew and this campaign now assists more the 4.5 million people during Thanksgiving and Christmas.
If you're out today from 10:00-6:00, stop by please Walmart in Kernersville and give to the Salvation Army. You'll see some friendly faces ring those bells today. Hope to see you there!




Mark 12:41-44

New Living Translation (NLT)

The Widow’s Offering

41 Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. 42 Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.
43 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. 44 For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”

Friday, December 21, 2012

It's the Winter Solstice: The Shortest Day of the Year; Not the End of the World

Today marks the Winter Solstice. Despite all the hype from the doomsday fanatics, today is not the end of the world. Today will have the shortest daylight hours and the longest night of the year. Because the Earth will be tilted perfectly, today your shadow at noon will be its longest. Go outside at noon; take a selfie and post it on Instagram. You can compare lengthy shadows with your friends.
Beginning tomorrow, we'll have more daylight and shorter nights as we journey toward summer solstice. The Mayan calendar didn't discover anything new. Humans have been enthralled with the earth and its correlation to the sun, moon and stars since creation. We will continue to be consumed by these astronomical miracles because despite all the scientific evidence available to us, we are still awed by how the universe operates. God is a genius in addition to being the creator and artist of the universe. 
The Bible shows us that humans have been fascinated with astronomy since creation. In Genesis 1:14-18 we read: 'Then God said, "Let lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. Let them be signs to mark the seasons, days and years. Let the lights in the sky shine down on the earth. And that is what happened. God made two great lights - the larger one to govern the day, and the smaller one to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set these lights in the sky to light the earth, to govern the day and night, and to separate the light from darkness. And God saw that it was good."'
One thing is certain. No one on Earth knows when life here will cease. The important question is, when faced with uncertainty how many people would look to God for an answers? 

Genesis 8:22

New Living Translation (NLT)
22 As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.”

Matthew 24:37-39

New Living Translation (NLT)
37 “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. 38 In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. 39 People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes."

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Blue Christmas

Christmas is less than a week away and with all of the shopping, parties, and celebrations for many, of us it's "the most wonderful time of the year". But for some, it can be a difficult time.
The holidays as well as the shorter days and longer nights of winter can cause an increase in anxiety and depression for some people, as well as a tendency for increased substance abuse. If you find that you're having a 'Blue Christmas', please talk with someone. Find a friend whom you feel can give sage advice or seek a professional counselor. There are many counseling options available at no cost to you or at a reduced rate.
Do not be ashamed or embarrassed either. We're all human and we're created for relationships. We need to be able to talk to other human beings about how we feel. Tell a close family member if you're feeling down and let them know that you're seeing a counselor for assistance.
Remember, you're never alone. No matter what you're going through, God is there with you, as he is with all of us. Talk to him about it. He wants that relationship with you too.
And one last thought. Everyone needs counseling at some point in their life; some people just never realize it. You can be one of the wise ones who do. :)

Proverbs 12:14-15

New Living Translation (NLT)
14 Wise words bring many benefits,
    and hard work brings rewards.
15 Fools think their own way is right,
    but the wise listen to others.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Last Time This Year

Today marks the first of many events that will be the last time I share them with some wonderful people. Tonight's event is very close to my heart. We will have the last youth group meeting at our church  for 2012. What is so dramatic about that? Well, the girls in my small group are seniors. That means when we return for our next youth group meeting they will be a few short months from graduation. I've been with these girls since the summer after their sixth grade. They're my babies!
Four of the girls in my small group are now co-leading their own small groups of sixth and seventh grade girls with college students or another adult. I'm very proud of them for stepping up to do this during their senior year - a time when so many students tend to drift away from church and their youth group. 
Knowing that most of them will attend different colleges next year, I try to spend as much time as I can with them now outside of church. We go to the movies; go shopping; go out for coffee or food; and sometimes we just talk. I see some of the girls more than others because of their school, sports and work schedules, but we still stay in touch via social media and texting.
I don't know if God is intentionally ending my job around the time they graduate high school so I could be more flexible about visiting them at college or not, but if that was his reason, then that was pretty cool. :)
I would not trade the time I have spent with these girls for anything. They are as precious to me as if they were my own children. If you ever get the opportunity to mentor a student, please give it a try. It doesn't take a lot of your time, and it's time well-spent. The results you see over time will make your heart smile.


Proverbs 22:6

New Living Translation (NLT)
Direct your children onto the right path,
    and when they are older, they will not leave it.


Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Christmas Movies

I believe everyone has a favorite Christmas movie, whether it be 'It's a Wonderful Life', one of the versions of 'A Christmas Carol'; or comedies such as 'Christmas Vacation' or 'Elf'. There have been many, many great Christmas-themed movies made over the years, and a few of these were about the birth of Jesus rather than latter day celebrations. Christmas Day is a movie theater tradition at our house, and we've seen some interesting movies over the years.
In December 2006 'The Nativity Story' was released, just in time for the Christmas season. My husband and I saw it on Christmas day in a sold-out theater. This movie depicts the lives of Mary and Joseph, and the era in which they lived in the weeks and months before Mary gave birth to Jesus. It follows them as they made their journey to Bethlehem across the desert of Israel.
'The Nativity Story' was no Hollywood blockbuster; but it was a great family movie, and it adeptly illustrated the events immediately surrounding Jesus' birth as they affected his family. The storyline more closely mirrored what we read in the Bible than numerous other movies based on biblical narrative. The costumes and scenery had been carefully planned. It has become one of my favorite Christmas movies.
If you haven't seen 'The Nativity Story', or even if you've seen it before, you may want to watch it with your family this year. You can rent it from several venues, or you can buy the DVD for around $7; $15 if you want the blue ray version. I think we'll watch it on Christmas Eve. :)



Luke 2

New Living Translation (NLT)

The Birth of Jesus

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant.
And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

The Shepherds and Angels

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified,10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”


Monday, December 17, 2012

Silent Night

I'm borrowing words and ideas from Jeff Henderson today. If you're not familiar with Jeff's name, he is part of the pastoral staff at North Point Community Church in Atlanta. 
Jeff started his message yesterday by giving a history lesson in an intriguing way. The nerd in me perked up. There were 400 years of silence from the time that the Book of Malachi was written until Jesus was born. That's a lot of silent nights. Jesus' birth wasn't so much about one silent night, but about the interruption of 400 years of silence. Maybe the Christmas carol should be "Silent Nights".
So what was God doing during that time? He was laying the groundwork needed to spread the Gospel. During that 400 years some things occurred that may seem random, but God had a purpose for all of it. 
First, Alexander the Great conquered the known world. He didn't do that over night. Conquering the world takes time. And once Alexander the Great had accomplished his historical feat, he decided that everyone should speak the same language. So he declared Koine Greek the official language.
Second, the Roman Empire developed military peace. Third, the Romans developed an improved transportation system. The Roman Empire had provided peace and good roads for traveling.
So let's see. God knew he was going to send his Son here to be sacrificed for us. He knew that there needed to be a way to spread the Gospel though out the world. So is it a coincidence that just before Jesus was born there was an official language that could be shared with everyone, peace throughout the lands and roads so his disciples could travel safely? Is it a coincidence that all of this happened and the original New Testament was written in Koine Greek? 
When you feel that God is being silent in your life, remember he's laying the groundwork for something bigger and better. When you hear silence from God and feel he is absent; trust in his presence. The best place we can hope to be is in the center of God's will. 


Galatians 4:4-5

New Living Translation (NLT)
But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Make the Most of Every Opportunity

I wake up between 5:00-5:30 every morning, without an alarm clock. My husband sleeps in later, so I have some quiet time each morning. During that time this morning, I watched last week's message from our pastor online. He said something that really stood out to me in light of last week's events. "Make the most of every opportunity."
That is a statement I fully believe in, and I'm sure it has greater meaning to many people today and in the days to come. It also reminds me of a quote from Albert Einstein. "Learn from yesterday. Live for today. Hope for tomorrow." We cannot change the past, but we can make the most of the opportunities we have been given, with the hope for a brighter future.
The pastor also said, "The best gift you can give your family is your presence." By this he meant that sometimes, although we may be at home, we're so preoccupied with other things that we don't make time to have a relationship with our family. How many of us spend our evenings in separate rooms watching various TV shows? How may nights do we spend in the a room together, yet each person in the room is glued to his or her personal electronic device? What happened to family nights? I certainly didn't grow up in a perfect family, but we played cards and board games after we ate dinner and washed the dishes. Anyone want to play Rook? :)
I read an anonymous quote recently I would like to share. "Love the people God gave you because He will need them back one day." There are many important things in life; jobs, housework, school, sports. The list could go on and on; but none of those things will matter as life progresses. What will matter is your family and the people you love, so love the people God gave you. We never know how long we have to love them, and that time is precious and irreplaceable.


Ecclesiastes 3

New Living Translation (NLT)

A Time for Everything

For everything there is a season,
    a time for every activity under heaven.
 A time to be born and a time to die.
    A time to plant and a time to harvest.
 A time to cry and a time to laugh.
    A time to grieve and a time to dance.
 A time to search and a time to quit searching.

    A time to keep and a time to throw away.  
 A time to tear and a time to mend.
    A time to be quiet and a time to speak.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

A Tragedy Like No Other

The tragedy in Newtown, CT yesterday was the most disturbing act of violence at a school. The children at Sandy Hook Elementary School had their lives stolen from them without warning; leaving their friends, families, and classmates forever changed.
The shooter took the lives of 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook, as well as the life of his mother and himself. We will never know why this young man decided to play god with these people's lives. It has been reported that he had a history of mental illness. 
I cannot imagine how the families of these children feel today. A part of them has been taken away senselessly and tragically. My prayer for them is that they seek God for comfort  and guidance; and that each and every person affected by this horrific event will diligently attend grief counseling. They will never forget what happened, but through counseling and learning to forgive others as God forgives us, they will be able to continue with their lives. To let this stop them from living the life they were meant to have, is to let the shooter win. We fight such tragedies and adversities by moving forward.
Louis Smedes defined forgiveness well. "Forgiveness does not erase the bitter past. A healed memory is not a deleted memory. Instead, forgiving what we cannot forget creates a new way to remember. We change the memory of our past into a hope for our future."
Nelson Mandela, when asked why he was not resentful for his imprisonment said, "Resentment is like a glass of poison that a man drinks; then he sits down and waits for his enemy to die." God knew that we would have difficulty forgiving other people. That's why he gave us the perfect example by sending Jesus to die for each of us, giving us eternal forgiveness if we choose it. 
There are not only spiritual effects that come with forgiveness, but physical effects also. Research shows that when we forgive those who have wronged us, it reduces stress, blood pressure,  heart rate, chronic pain and lowers the risk of substance abuse. Forgiveness also results in fewer depression and anxiety symptoms, healthier relationships, and improved psychological well-being. 
God wants us to forgive, but that doesn't equate to forget. I pray the people of Newtown, CT will find comfort in God's love for us during this tragic time and that with time, they will learn to forgive so they can have the peace that forgiveness brings.


Matthew 6:14-15

New Living Translation (NLT)
14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.


Friday, December 14, 2012

10 Shopping Days Left

To quote Dr Seuss, "How did it get so late so soon? It's night before it's afternoon. December is here before it's June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?"
As I sit here typing this on December 14th, I'm not only reminded that we have 10 shopping days left till Christmas, but I stop to think "where did the time go?" It certainly doesn't seem like a year has past since last Christmas. It feels like only a few weeks since the beginning of summer. If the old adage "time flies when you're having fun" is true, I must be having a blast!
This is also a reminder of how precious time is with family and friends. The girls in my youth group will graduate from high school in June. My nephew Tyler, who is already taller than I, will take driver's education next year. I could go on and on, but you get the idea. Life moves  quickly, and we have to adapt with it or we will find ourselves left behind. 
In relation to faith, Reggie Joiner said it best, "You can't put new wine in old wineskins. If you want to pass on a legacy to the next generation, it has to be transferred relationally. Any time you pass down rules, practices or truths outside the context of a genuine, compelling love, you establish an empty religion." 
Reggie's quote inspires an idea to challenge each of us, not only during the Christmas season, but all year long. Reach out to people at their level. Don't wait for them to come to you. If that means stepping out of your comfort zone, then try it; you may be surprised at how comfortable it becomes. Jesus shared his life with people that others often shunned. (See John 4 and 5.) Should we be any different?


Luke 2

New Living Translation (NLT)

The Birth of Jesus

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant.
And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

The Shepherds and Angels

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

A Miracle on 34th Street: A Lesson in Believing


"A Miracle on 34th Street" is on my list of favorite Christmas movies. I've watched both versions numerous times. It's the kind of movie I can watch over and over.
If you've never seen it, the short version of the story is a man who looks remarkably like Santa is hired to play the part of Santa Claus in a New York department store. The store's human resource manager and her daughter, due to past circumstances, are a bit reluctant to believe him when he tries to convince them that he's the real Santa. Through a series of events, Santa warms their hearts and convinces them that he's the real deal. In a nutshell, he teaches them to believe.
When Jesus was on earth, he got similar reactions from the people he interacted with. Few people believed he was the Messiah. The Messiah they expected was a warrior king who would rescue them from the centuries of persecution they had endured, not a poor carpenter's son. In Matthew 21:32 Jesus is quoted "For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn't believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to believe him and repent of your sins."
It took a lot of effort to get people to believe Jesus was who he proclaimed to be when he walked on earth with them. But those who followed him had a remarkable story to tell. The disciples truly believed in Mark 13:10 "For the Good News must first be preached to all nations," and Matthew 28:19 "Therefore, go out and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit."
I think, at least in my mind, the chronicles of Jesus' followers are what make the Bible so believable. The disciples gave up their lives as they knew it, and some of them died for sharing Jesus's life story. Why would anyone go to such extremes unless they had proof that the account of Jesus's life they were sharing was true? These men witnessed Jesus' life, miracles, death and resurrection. No one is willing to be imprisoned, tortured or martyred for something they know is not true. That's something worth believing!

Luke 2

New Living Translation (NLT)

The Birth of Jesus

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant.
And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

The Shepherds and Angels

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Surviving Christmas: No Stress Celebrating


Okay, let's all take a deep breath. Now let it out slowly…ahhh...doesn't that feel better? Yes, we all get a touch of holiday stress. Some of us tend to get more stressed than others, but don't let that put a damper on your Christmas spirit. I've been doing my homework, and I have a few ideas. These tidbits can help us all keep our blood pressure and budget in check; and keep smiles on our faces, even when the in-laws come to visit.
If holiday meals with your family (or his family) cause you to cringe, take some time for yourself. Do something you enjoy, whether by yourself, or with your spouse and/or children. The happy memories you will share from that joyful event will override any negative moments that would otherwise make you shudder. Avoid controversial subjects at family dinners, and be proactive if a family member brings up a conversation you wish to avoid. Excuse yourself from the room; take a few minutes to clear your head and return to the conversation when you feel comfortable.
Speaking of holiday dinners, if you're the family cook, that can bring on its own pressures. To save yourself some time, effort and money, consider a pot luck dinner with the family. If that doesn't appeal to you, mull over the idea of a buffet dinner in which you provide the main course and your relatives bring breads, drinks and desserts. And if you're hosting a Christmas party, consider a BAD (Bring a Dessert) party. The idea is KISS - Keep It Simple Sister.
Haven't finished your Christmas shopping? Check out vintage/antique/thrift shops like Vintage Jane and etsy.com or ebay.com for unique and inexpensive gifts. Find a few good deals that are widely useful that you can wrap; then keep a couple in your car. No more last-minute, forgotten gifts!
Take care of yourself. You won't do yourself any favors if you spend your time stressing about all things Fa La La La La and forget to focus on yourself and your needs. Try to stick with your nutrition plan as closely as you can. There will be lots of temptation. Don't deny yourself, but instead of having four sausage balls and three pieces of fudge, have one of each. There will be another party in a couple of days. You can have more goodies then :) And remember to exercise. Go for a walk, a run, go to the gym; do whatever works for you, as long as you get your heart pumping. The adrenaline and dopamine released into your body through exercise will relieve any unwelcome stress.
Finally, take time to tell God about your concerns. He wants us to talk to him; he cares about us; and you may be surprised by how much better you'll feel. The Bible refers to Jesus as the Prince of Peace in Isaiah 9:6. We're celebrating Jesus' birth during this holiday season, so let's make an effort to have peace in our hearts, our lives, and in all that we do. 

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

The Skinny on Santa…do you tell your kids or not?

Do you remember how old you were when you stopped believing in Santa Claus? Did someone tell you, or did your parent do something that gave it away? There has been much debate about when parents should reveal the truth about Santa Claus to their children. Some kids grow up not believing in Santa at all. 
My Santa bubble was burst on Christmas day at my grandmother's house when I was six years old. My cousin, who was nine, took me into Grandma's bedroom on the pretense that he had something important to tell me. It was his opportunity to tell me Santa wasn't real. When I told him didn't believe him, he said I should stay awake on Christmas Eve the following year to find out for myself. 
The next year I went to bed on Christmas Eve and I pretended to be asleep. My mom peaked in my room to check on me, and I laid perfectly still. Then she went to our basement and came back up with my Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers. 
I was a little disappointed, but my reaction wasn't as dramatic as some of the stories I've heard about from other people. So there was no Santa. Mom had been pretending so I would believe in him. That was okay with me.
Whether you teach your children about Santa or not, the true importance doesn't lie in whether they believe a man in a red suit flies all over the world delivering gifts on Christmas Eve. The important concept is to teach children to believe in something they can't see or touch. It's called faith.
In the 1947 version of "A Miracle on 34th Street", Fred Gailey, Kris Kringle's attorney said, "Faith is believing in something when common sense tells you not to." Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." 
The Santa question is still up for debate. The decision may be different for each child. But teaching them to have faith will give them immeasurable opportunities. "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." Hebrews 11:1 



The Birth of Jesus

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant.
And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

Monday, December 10, 2012

15 Days Till Christmas!

It's Monday and in case you haven't looked at the calendar, today is December 10. We have 15 days left till Christmas! Don't worry, if you still have shopping left to do, there is plenty of time left.

I spent some time over the weekend thinking of what my favorite Christmas gift was as a child. It wasn't a bike or a doll. It was a red Tonka dump truck. I still have it, packed away. I was given that truck as a gift at a church when I was a toddler, and I played with it for years. The truck wasn't purchased specifically for me, though. My family attended a  Christmas play at the church my mom went to as a child. At that church in the late 1960's children were given random Christmas gifts that the church members donated. I hope every child there had as much fun with the gifts they received that night as I had with mine.
The other gifts that stand out in my memory as my favorites were the stocking stuffers I got each year. The stocking stuffers I'm referring to aren't the gifts that most of us think of now, but  hard candy, oranges and pecans that were still in the shell; and the pecans had to be in the shell, because removing the them from their shell was challenge, and that was part of the Christmas tradition too. I looked forward to those stocking stuffers every year.
While my favorite gifts may seem simple; they left me with great memories. Isn't that what a great Christmas gift should do? The same principle applies to our relationships. They should be memorable, but they don't require anything grandiose to make them so. If our relationships - with our spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, family, friends and with God are simple and memorable; then we can know it's right. That may seem understated, but a child knows when they are loved. Why do we as adults sometimes find it so hard it accept or understand?
Psalm 100:5 For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.


Luke 2

New Living Translation (NLT)

The Birth of Jesus

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant.
And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born.



Sunday, December 9, 2012

Hope for Christmas Part 2

I spent a few joyful hours yesterday participating in an event at my church called Hope for Christmas. I knew there had been numerous volunteers and countless hours spent preparing for this event, but I had no idea how elaborate the decorations would be or how extensive the planning must have been until I saw it. It was absolutely amazing!
There was a snowman archway at the door and a wall of huge presents to guide people in. There were Christmas trees, snowmen, and an abundance of Christmas decorations; including giant Christmas candies, and huge, sparkling snowflakes suspended from the ceiling. And that only describes the lobby area! The entire church was decorated in spectacular Christmas fashion!
The multitude of volunteers had turned our auditorium into a play land for the children who walked through its doors yesterday. These children got to enjoy face painting, balloon artists, a bounce house and an enormous slide. There was lots of candy too! 
In addition to the fun and games, the families that came to Hope for Christmas yesterday received Christmas presents for the parents and children and food for the family. For some of these families, the gifts they received yesterday may be the only gifts they have for  their family at Christmas.
My "job" yesterday was at a family check-in table. I shared my duties with my friend Angie, who is a teacher at a local school. Some of her students were among the families who were some of our guests at Hope for Christmas. It was a very heart-warming experience.
I want to thank the staff at The Summit Church and all the volunteers who helped make yesterday happen, on behalf of the families who were the guests and beneficiaries of the event, and for allowing me to be a part of it. After talking with a social worker, the significance of yesterday's event became even more evident. Erica, the social worker, was there to pick up the gifts and food for two families who could not be there themselves. One family was homeless and living in their car. Erica said she could not thank The Summit staff and volunteers enough for all they do to help the community. I was humbled to be a small part of that yesterday. I look forward to doing it again :)


Matthew 25:40-43 "Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?" 
"And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'

James 2:15-17 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, "Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well"-- but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.


Luke 2

New Living Translation (NLT)

The Birth of Jesus

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant.








Saturday, December 8, 2012

Hope for Christmas

Today I'm participating in an event at my church called Hope for Christmas. For several years, our church has provided Christmas gifts to folks in our community, and my husband and I have always bought gifts for this. Last year, the church decided to make it an celebration. Christmas is about so much more than gifts, and what better reason to celebrate than the birth of our Savior! 
This is the first year I have volunteered to be part of the event itself. I am so excited! There have been over 200 volunteers and countless hours spent preparing for this in an effort to ensure that the parents and children experience Christmas in a wonderful and memorable way, regardless of their circumstances.
The families, who are our guests of honor each year, are chosen from our area schools through social workers and guidance counselors, and from within our church based on their need.
Over 140 families will be blessed with gifts, food, love and a day of fun!  Hope for Christmas has brought out immense generosity in our church members. The families will receive almost 1600 gifts including 84 bicycles, lots of toys, clothes, and gifts for the moms and dads. This is one of the things I love about my church!
When the Pharisees asked Jesus the most important commandment, he replied with Matthew 22:37-40. "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commands." The church in Acts 2:45 "sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need." 
The Bible gives us these perfect examples of how God wants us to share his love with others. How are you going to share his love with someone during this Christmas season?


Luke 2

New Living Translation (NLT)

The Birth of Jesus

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee.



Friday, December 7, 2012

71 years ago today - Remembering the attack on Pearl Harbor

I have been blogging about Christmas so far, but I can't let the day go by without reminding anyone that takes time to read this blog that today is the 71st anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Admittedly, I'm a bit of a history nerd. I'm certainly no expert, but it definitely interests me.
The short version of the attack on Pearl Harbor is the Empire of Japan was planning military actions on overseas territories of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the United States located in Southeast Asia. Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor was a "preventative measure" because of U.S. military locations in Hawaii. Or at least that's how it's rationalized now.
The reason behind the attack isn't what comes to mind when I think of Pearl Harbor though. I wonder how many 18 year old young men were there that day who had no idea December 7, 1941 was going to be their last day on earth. I stop to think how frightening it must have been for everyone there, because the attack by over 300 Japanese fighter planes was completely unexpected, so there was no time to prepare.
I imagine how horrific it must have been to see the dead and wounded American soldiers that day. Some were injured by gunfire, torpedoes, and bombs; over 2400 were killed that day and nearly 1300 were wounded. Eight U.S. Navy battleships were damaged and four sank. Some of the men on those ships were trapped on them and drowned. President Franklin Roosevelt called December 7, 1941 "a day which will live in infamy".
The next day, there were no protests because someone's child had been killed in combat. There was an enormous outpouring of support, both from all branches of the military and from civilians alike. The United States declared war on Japan, and four days later, we were fully involved in WWII. The rest, as they say, is history.
There aren't many WWII veterans left to share their experiences with us, so if you have the opportunity to spend time with a WWII veteran or someone who lived in that era, glean all you can from them. I've been fortunate to have met a few of these fine folks. I could listen to them for hours.
I hope when I see my dad and his oldest brother, my "Uncle Buck" in heaven, they will tell me about their experiences in the Army. We have a lot to talk about, but we'll have a lot of time to talk too :)
I hope on this anniversary of the beginning of WWII for our country, you have the peace of Christmas in your heart and your home. If you know a veteran or someone serving in the military, thank them. You may never know what kind of sacrifices they are making to protect all of us so that we can continue to have our freedom. And tell them Merry Christmas.


Luke 2

New Living Translation (NLT)

The Birth of Jesus

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census.



Thursday, December 6, 2012

Christmas, perhaps, doesn't come from a store


I borrowed a quote from Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" to illustrate a point to all of us. In the classic animated adventure, the Grinch took all the gifts, decorations and food from Whoville. He was making his way back up the mountain when he heard the people of Whoville singing their Christmas carols. He turned in disbelief, and then had a revelation. "Christmas, perhaps, doesn't come from a store," he thought. I'm sure you know the rest of the story. It's one of my favorites.
The Grinch was right. Christmas doesn't come from a store. It's easy to get caught up in the shopping frenzy that has become part of the holiday season, though. Over 90% of Americans exchange gifts during the Christmas holiday.
The month leading up to Christmas is traditionally the busiest shopping period of the entire year. For many countries, Christmas is the single largest annual economic stimulus. American consumers spent over $52 billion during Thanksgiving weekend in 2011 and $45 billion during Thanksgiving weekend in 2010. That's a lot of shopping and a lot of money!
While Christmas gifts are a fun part of celebrating the holiday, I hope we can all take a few moments during this Christmas season to reflect on ways we can give the gifts of love, kindness, hope and encouragement. Here are a few suggestions: Find a venue to volunteer a few hours of your time over the next year; donate blood to your local Red Cross; share your Christmas cookies, baked goods, etc. with your neighbors; and if it snows this winter, help your neighbor shovel his or her driveway - especially if you have older neighbors. These are gifts that cost you nothing, but will have great meaning to those around you.

Luke 2

New Living Translation (NLT)

The Birth of Jesus

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.)