Have A Christmas Heart

 

      We just celebrated Thanksgiving and the Christmas holiday officially begins in earnest! Sometimes it’s so hard to stay focused on the meaning of Christmas when there is so much else going on.  

     

      With the shopping, decorating, entertaining, mailings, cooking and baking and all the other “must dos” on the list, we often feel overwhelmed and lost in the wonder of it all.  We lose sight of the “why” we are doing all that we are trying to get done.  We put off communicating—and put on hold talking with our families and friends because there just isn’t time in our already overloaded schedule to just stop and “be!”  

And there certainly isn’t time for me to take the time for "me"! Yet, I wonder if this isn’t exactly what I must do!  It’s the time of year when stress limits spike, as life gets beyond hectic!  So as I think about my “favorite things” this time of year, I find a Christmas catalogue, a warm cup of tea, lights blinking merrily on the tree, Christmas music playing on the radio and a solid rocker in front of the fireplace to make it just about right!

So as you place the last ornament on your tree, toss the last bit of tinsel in the one neglected spot, turn on the lights and finally sit down in front of your masterful job with a warm cup of coffee (or tea, etc.) remember that Christmas is all about the heart.  It’s about giving and connecting with loved ones.  It’s about sharing with someone who has less than you or with someone who needs encouragement.  It’s about remembering those who are going through a bad time or are lonely and feel forgotten.  

Christmas is about family in whatever form family comes.  Wrap your heart around another.  Be heart healing medicine.  Offer love that seems to transform even the “grinchiest” person this time of year.   Sing a song of joy and promise that warms the coldest heart.  Unless you can feel the spirit of Christmas in your very being, you are only play-acting.  Your outward demonstrations will be meaningless unless you feel the joy you are exhibiting, that is Christmas, with others. 

Let your eyes be dazzled like a child’s.  Open your soul to hear the ringing of bells and your eyes to the softly falling snow. Feel the excitement of the two-year-old in front of the Christmas tree.  Smell the scent of cookies or brownies in the oven intermingled with the fresh scent of pine.  Taste with anticipation all the flavors of the celebration: eggnog, turkey or ham, stuffing, cranberry sauce, fruit cake, pies and sweet potatoes.  Listen with pleasure and appreciation to the Christmas carols playing softly in the background as you drink in the Spirit of Christmas.

Christmas is not about a single day on the calendar to be celebrated.  It’s about the heart all year long.  It’s an occasion to be honored, enjoyed, relished and delighted in, but not for a mere 24 hours!  It’s a season that should be celebrated every day, as we cherish the moments that give us a Christmas heart!

Merry beginning of the Christmas season, my friend!  Enjoy this time with family and friends,--- and take a moment to just be alone, in the quiet with The Lord, and experience His love.

Photo Credit:  free Christmas pics   

A Thankful Heart

 

      “So much has gone wrong”, my friend said.  “It’s almost Thanksgiving and I just found out my husband is very ill; my daughter miscarried a couple weeks ago; another daughter isn’t even speaking to us; and the list just seems to be growing. 

“I know it’s the time to be thankful.  I even know we are supposed to be thankful in all things and in every circumstance, but what do I tell my head when it won’t let me sleep at night or my heart that wants to break, or my emotions that are just all over the place?”

I understand my friend’s concerns.  Life has a way of ‘kicking us when we’re down’ sometimes.  But in truth, we are supposed to be thankful, in all things.  I can’t help but think of Paul’s accounts of his life in God’s Word.  Here was a man who was beaten, imprisoned and even facing death.  Yet, even in this ‘dark’ place he could find the strength to sing songs—while in a horrible prison cell!  His circumstances were much worse than mine, or even my friends, who from our perspective was a lot to handle at one time.

God is a God of miracles.  He’s a God of love who promises to see us through no matter what is happening.  He knows the beginning from the end; he can see the whole picture.  Our view is so narrow and our vision is blurred.  God has a clear stake in the lives of his children.  He doesn’t want to see us suffer.  But how would we know joy if we never experienced sorrow?

Heaven knows I do not enjoy suffering.  It wears me out physically and emotionally.  But I find when I’m down in the valley of sadness, very often that’s when I can feel God closest.  He’s not going to leave me alone.  I am never alone!  God promises that, as well.

I encourage you to believe that statement.  Even repeat it aloud to yourself several times.  Sometimes your ears need to hear what your mind is thinking!  “I AM NEVER ALONE.”  Second reflect on the positive things that have happened over the course of your life.  Can you see God’s hand in how things turned out?  

When we remember what God has done, from where he has brought us, and situations he’s brought us through, it’s easier to recall that God does indeed, care about every facet of our lives.  Then try to rejoice and see a silver lining in whatever circumstance you are currently in.  It may be just a tiny glimmer and may have nothing to do directly with your problem.

God may (or already has) provided a need you didn’t realize you had; he may send someone (more than once) to your rescue just at the perfect time; or just given you his peace and assurance that regardless of what’s going on, let you see He will see you through.

I wish you a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving.  Times are tough all around.  No one is spared, regardless of age, race, gender, political preferences, or religious beliefs.  But to know we have a Savior who loves us regardless the state of our lives, is enough to give us a thankful heart!  

Photo Credit: free pics of thanksgiving 

An Active Prayer Life

 

  I love my early morning Bible and prayer time, as well as, the time I spend with God before I go to bed.  But there are times when I just don’t feel like I’m doing it right!  Have you ever felt this way?

When attending church Business meetings or a Bible study class, there is usually a prayer before beginning.  Sometimes different people are called on to pray and I panic, afraid I will be asked to pray out loud.  There are those who pray amazing prayers.  It sounds so perfect and so natural; yet because of its total cohesiveness, no grammar errors, or the use of the words umm, or even ‘and’ at the wrong place, it almost sounds rehearsed!

Prayers like this inspire me, yet intimidate me at the same time.  I don’t believe God wants ‘cookie cutter’ prayers.  He wants a ‘conversation’ with us, just as naturally as your spouse, parent or child would.  Because of this I admit, I tend to ramble, until I remember he knows all this anyway!  Then for just about half a heartbeat, I feel a little silly.  But I don’t believe God wants me to feel like that!  

Someone commented once on what a prayer ‘conversation’ between Jesus and God must have sounded like.  They said something like, “Can’t you just see/hear Jesus say, ‘Did you catch Samuel’s reaction when I told him…..?’”  I don’t know.  I’d love to think it was just this way.  Conversational!  Couldn't that be what God wants from us?  

Now I admit, there is a line between being conversational and disrespectful.  I kind of see the same line I might have had with my children when they were young, (and still follow to this day.)  God is God, yet wants to be a part of every area of our lives.  I’d think he’d want us to share our joys and yes, even our disappointments, and perhaps even our surprises.  I also know we are supposed to pray for each other!

My guess is, he probably laughs (at least giggles sometimes) at me, because often my prayers are just like I talk to anyone else (and people laugh at me all the time!)  I tend to be animated and honestly I do that even in prayer—my hands are not always still!  I don’t know if it’s right, but if God is my “Abba Papa” shouldn’t I just be ‘me’ even when I am praying?

There are ideas available to help with our prayer life.  Some write out their prayers (I’d never get that done) but the idea of making lists does help me.  Praying Bible verses sometimes is also very helpful, especially when I am distressed, or even using the ACTS method:  Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness and Supplication.  I’ve even tried using the ‘Our Father who art in heaven’ scriptures to walk me through.  This is after all how Jesus told the disciples to pray when they asked his advice on prayer.

So, I wonder, what are your methods of prayer?  Do you use different methods to keep you on track or have you found a single way that works perfectly?  Are you a little intimidated about praying out loud in front of others?  How do you handle it?  I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject!  Please share!

When I Am Afraid

     

        I was reading an article recently about a blind man who walked the Appalachian Trail.  The story tells how during his journey with his German Shepherd dog, Orient, he fell thousands of times, cracking ribs and suffering from hypothermia as he forged rivers and raging waters.  He hiked the entire 2,100 miles, from Georgia to Maine.

He wasn’t always blind, but had eye surgery, as an adult, after a misdiagnosis of malignant melanoma.  As a sighted person, he drank a lot and smoked up to five packs of cigarettes a day, used drugs and was nearing despair!  But one day on top of Mount Katahdin, Maine he fell to his knees to pray.  His life was changed, and he made the decision to walk the Appalachian Trail as a testament to his living faith.  He shared his faith as he stopped for food at grocery stores or did laundry at the laundry mat.  He also shared the Gospel with children he passed along the way.  With dedication to his faith, determination and mind set, despite his handicap, he chose to not use maps or a compass, but relied entirely on his dog and his faith in God, for guidance.¹

Having a set mind with determination and grit can take a person a long way.  I suggest however, that in our day to day lives, sometimes it takes more than resolve, purpose, fortitude or even grit.  Circumstances like health conditions, trauma, homesickness, grief, abuse, stressful events, and exhaustion can all be catalysts in the progression of depression.  When any kind of substance abuse is added, whether it be illegal drug use, alcohol or even prescribed pain medication, the “cup” is tilted and running over into a sinking chasm of despair. This is what happened to Mr. Irwin in his early life.

Our lives are a journey which cannot be done alone.  It takes human companionship with those who will encourage, build up-or hold up, advise, share trials, and good times.  It’s a connection that must not be ignored, because the lack of it will cause an almost unbearable loneliness.

Something greater than human companionship is the relationship with Christ.  This relationship is so important, to spend a single day without this communion, is nothing less than critical!  We have an innate desire for friendship and fellowship and this desire is greatest for Christ.  He demonstrates His wonder in the world around us, and His love through the gift of His sacrifice of life on the cross.  Once we come to know Him, there is no greater joy than communion with Him.  Bill Irwin learned this as a blind man, but could see clearer than many of us!

Great peace and a heart that is full to overflowing, fills our being when we stop to talk with the Father.  And when we also listen, He speaks to our hearts in ways beyond description, yet so real there can be no doubt.  

So I challenge you to consider what it is you would most like to accomplish.  Have a set mind, with determination and grit, but also an inexpressible love for the God of the Universe. He is the Great Creator who can open doors humans cannot.  He is our source of strength, encouragement, wonder, power, guidance and so much more when we ask Him to be.  

¹https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/bill-irwin-dies-at-73-first-blind-hiker-of-appalachian-trail/2014/03/15/a12cfa1a-ab9b-11e3-af5f-4c56b834c4bf_story.html

Photo Credit: https://unsplash.com/s/photos/appalachian-trail 

Searching For God

 

        Viewing the star-studded sky without artificial light given off by developed areas can be challenging, unless you view this breathtaking gift from somewhere where there is complete (or at least almost complete) darkness, which allows the depths of the terrestrial world to unfold.  

While doing some research to view Mercury I became transfixed on the idea of how the planet Mercury could be easily missed, if not actively searched for in the night time sky, at just the right time of twilight.  It seems the light can be too bright, if the search is early or lost in the horizon if searched for too late.   There is only a ten to twenty minute time frame with which to pursue the sighting of this planet.

I suggest our search for God can be such an adventure.  If we don’t actively search for the Lord in our life through His Word, we will miss the Light that would offer guidance in our life.  His Word is there on the shelf, on the seat beside us, on the table, in the drawer or other place nearby, “twinkling” ready to be used for all areas of our life.  But often we get so busy with life, we lose the time frame we’ve planned to spend with our Lord.

Unlike Mercury, God isn’t tricky, requiring a certain time of day to get a glimpse of Him.  He’s there, always steady, shining brightly for those who would choose to see.  We don’t need a telescope, a night sky, a specific separation from the sun or the right time of twilight.  He’s ready and willing to make himself clearly visible through a variety of means if we are actively searching for Him.

I had a conversation with a young man recently who said he just didn’t understand.   He believes as a human he does not really have free will at all and feels God is biased in his love.  Further he believed God does not have any enemies, so as humans how can we?  I tried to explain that God loves everyone and wants none to be lost, but those who choose to reject him then become enemies, in the sense they choose to live life apart from him.  

There does come a time when the Lord cannot be found because we have hardened our hearts to Him.  He makes himself available and draws us to himself, but we can only say “no” so many times.  He will stop knocking and wooing.  But that is not what He wants.  The Lord wants us to call on him, repent of sin and allow Him to be Savior of our lives.  He has compassion on those who harken to His voice and wants to abundantly pardon.

Given the state of affairs in our country and throughout our world, as a Believer it’s easy to see the end is near. Biblical prophesy is being fulfilled even as we breathe!  Even the scripture which challenged many even fifty years ago, about the Witnesses who are eventually slain and left dead in the streets and the whole world could see, is now completely fathomable!  We have instant access to ALL news across the globe via the internet!  

Take a moment, breathe deep and then and look up at the vast, beautiful stars above you tonight.  God is the creator of every single one; and of each person who walks the earth; all that has come before and all that will ever come.  Do you hear him calling you?  He isn’t hiding; He’s not being tricky; He’s right next to you…waiting.  Waiting for you to call His name and welcome you into the Family of God.

Photo credit: https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/mercury-planet

Trivialities of Life

 

       I was thinking this morning about all the things we obsess over, in the sense that in the whole scope of things, they are unimportant or insignificant.  

      For example, I am one of those women who insists on making the bed as soon as my husband and I are out of it.  Does it really matter if it’s done then, --or done at all?  I could close the door and no one would see it and it’d still be ready for me to climb into that night!

Or what about watching specific television shows?  My husband loves Westerns.  I’m more of a Hallmark kind of person, but does it really matter?  Couldn’t I just as easily pull out a book to read, sew, paint (by number!), try to learn a musical instrument, garden or do a hundred other things!  Do I need to not ‘enjoy the time’ because I’m not crazy about Westerns?  

Yet, don’t we all (and I could be wrong, but I don’t think so), have ‘stuff’ that just annoys us to no end, that ultimately doesn’t matter?  Some things we can’t change, and worrying about things from the past or what the future holds, does no one any good!  Gossip and insults are hurtful, but does it help to agonize over it?  

Some people are purely tormented about what other people think of them, whether it be how they dress, their hair style, or in some way they believe they don’t fit the standard.

I read somewhere that in our world, we live in a ‘great disease of triviality.” We focus on sports outcomes, the stock market ups and downs, and the economy.  We fret about the politicians who may (or may not be) making decisions we may (or may not) agree with.  We center our lives on the latest trends and soak up anything technological, spending hours upon hours on our electronic devices.

When is the last time you saw someone obsessed with Jesus?  Even our regular church attendees often display only a limited amount of excitement as they enter the sanctuary on Sunday morning; but can be found checking their phone if it vibrates during the service, or if they find themselves needing a diversion.

What’s happened to God’s people?  The story of Ruth is an amazing account of living for a divine purpose.  She gave up everything and then found more than she ever imagined by connecting herself with something far greater than herself.  

Her story is a great example of living for a ‘magnificent cause.’  Her life was given to God and her reward was going down in history for fulfilling her destiny for eternity.  She became part of the genealogy of Christ!  What an amazing gift for stepping out in faith!  Can we do less?  

Stepping out of our comfort zone can be tough.  But when we focus on our Redeemer, how can we not?  Our lives should not be consumed with trivial matters that have nothing to do with our eternal destination!  Our lives should be engrossed, captivated, and preoccupied with the will of the Father for our lives.

Ruth was an unlikely candidate, seemingly just another woman by worldly standards, having no unique qualities to set her apart.  But God knew different.  He knew her heart and used her for an unbelievable purpose.  It leaves me in awe of just how awesome our God is.

He can use you and me for his purpose, just as he used Ruth.  But we need to shove aside all those trivial matters that overwhelm our lives that make us less mindful of God, and instead, soak in the wonder of our Creator and then be open to God's divine purpose.

Photo Credit:  https://bigthink.com/plus/decision-making-two-major-tricks-your-brain-can-play-on-you/ 

Prayers Over Judgement

 

       My husband reads the news almost every morning via his computer.  As he reads I often hear him say.  “You’ve got to be kidding!”  His breathing a little heavier with anger, he reads on or goes to another article, which ultimately makes him bristle that much more.  

How does this stuff happen?  Why are we seeing the wicked moving on and upward, while many of us seem to be spinning our wheels waiting for the next ‘shoe to drop’? The elite and merciless are seeing more and more profit while many are fighting tooth and nail just to make ends meet. We grumble and wish things would get better.  We wonder about the justice which seems to be lacking all around us.  

We may even rail against God, even if only in our thoughts.  The emotional anxiety we inflict on ourselves through our anger only intensifies our emotions.  We’ve forgotten God’s grace because our minds are clouded with disillusionment about who deserves punishment and who doesn’t.

God has a plan.  It’s not ours to see, but we can know it’s there, just by reading the back of the Book!  We know God wins and ultimately Satan and all his minions will be defeated!  It isn’t our job to ‘fix things.’  It is our duty however, to be on our knees asking God to let their eyes to be opened; and forgiveness for our own arrogance against a God, who knows all.

What has made us so angry?  Are our personal emotions of feeling cheated driving us to envy and a desire to live lives like the elite who are successful, prosperous, have wealth and are in control?  Perhaps it’s a sub-conscience thing we hadn’t even realized.  It’s perhaps a little like Adam and Eve in the Garden.  They didn’t realize they were being tempted by Satan until after they ate the apple.  Do we not realize in our deep seated desires for something that isn’t ours, we are being tempted?

How do we stay faithful?  Our marriages and even friendships require faithfulness in order to grow and stay strong.  We have to work at it, and sometimes it doesn’t come easy, especially when we face trials.  We all have shortcomings, both with our families and with friends.  No one is perfect; we can’t be everything to everybody.  

But God is perfect.  And he accepts us just the way we are.  I suspect when we rail against him, he must feel pain; maybe even anger?  Just as we must work to keep relationships strong and growing in our physical lives, we also must work to keep our spiritual lives strong.  It requires one on one time with God in prayer and in His Word.  We can’t just sit back and expect God to do all the work.

We want miracles, but do we ask for them; do we even expect them?  I suggest many believe we live in an era where miracles don’t happen.  I disagree.  Miracles happen every day.  Just waking up in the morning is a great example!  Or the birth of a new baby.  Consider everything that had to happen to create that new little person!  And beyond that, God is still in the healing business; which completely baffles doctors!  

And then, the simple word ‘salvation.’  Now there’s a miracle for you!  Jesus was raised from the dead after three days.  When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, our sins are taken away and we are promised a home in heaven.  We can know we will be raised again when this body breathes its last on this earth.  And should Christ return for the Rapture of His church while we yet live, there is such joy in knowing we will be lifted to Him through the air!  What a thrilling time that will be!

So while those around us continue to behave badly, perhaps even wickedly, it’s not our job to judge them, but to pray for them.  Because if they aren’t ready, they will be lost forever in a place of horror and pain for eternity.  They need our prayers, not our judgement.

Photo Credit: https://www.dreamstime.com/man-reading-news-tablet-home-man-reading-news-tablet-home-imaginary-online-mobile-news-website-application-image103769971