All in Jesus
As we waited in our spot by the curb for the annual Christmas parade, our two-and-a-half-year-old grandson grew impatient. I tried to tell him about all of the cool lights and sights the parade promised, but to no avail. I could not believe it when he came up with an excuse for why he would not enjoy the event.
For some reason, at Christmas time we feel the need to prepare all sorts of decadent sweet treats. Homemade cookies, candy, cakes, and pies adorn kitchen cabinets and tables, many even used as gifts for friends and neighbors.
We were hiking through a mountain forest in Colorado and we came to a flowing stream. At first, we did not see a way across without getting our shoes completely wet. We thought we would have to turn back. I quickly prayed… asking Jesus for help. We looked at the rocks again, and now could see a path of rocks that stood above the water. The rock path seemed to suddenly appear and we used those rocks to cross to the other side.
Rest for my soul? Soul Rest! Soul Rest just might be the most valuable commodity in today’s economy. It is something I have sought and treasured since the earliest days of my life.
Mother taught me how to sew at a young age. At first, she personally handled the do-overs because removing stitches required too much patience for a child. Eventually, though, she announced, “Anyone who sews must also be willing to rip!”
I love the story of Cleopas and his companion, as Jesus joined them the Sunday of His resurrection on their way home from Jerusalem and its ensuing hubbub: “We had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel” (Luke 24:21).
“One, two, three, seven, thirteen, twenty. ““Ready or not, here I come!”
How do you feel about darkness? Copper Breaks State Park in Texas offers darkness as its main attraction. Miles away from city lights Copper Breaks is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park (IDSP). A Dark Sky Park is a land that possesses an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment.
My daughter and I used to be angels. Years ago, we participated in our church’s annual Christmas concerts. We were angels with other women and girls, garbed in white gowns and barefooted.
It was late at night when I received one of those dreaded phone calls. My son told me that his three-week old daughter was lethargic and in respiratory distress. They were at a hospital emergency room in the Dallas, Texas area.
My granddaughter is four months old. If she cannot see or hear mom and dad, she cries, turns red and kicks her legs. Little does she know, they are close by, probably watching her every move on the baby monitor. As soon as she is aware of her parents’ presence, she starts to calm down.
Israel had a history of great leaders, such as Abraham, Samson, Moses and David. The Jews often reminisced about the days Israel lived under those leaders. They each possessed admirable strengths but they could never match those of the Son of God.
Do you need help making a decision? Or understanding the Scriptures correctly? Or relating with someone in the best way? The Wonderful Counselor is ready to assist you!
December just began and already my calendar is filling up with Christmas activities, parties, and baking. I haven’t even started buying gifts yet. The hustle and bustle of the holidays can quickly become overwhelming for me. Where can I get some peace?
Most couples struggle to decide on the best name for their children. My parents batted around several names before I was born. They arrived at the hospital to deliver me, certain I would be called Robin. When I left the hospital, my name was Terri.
My heart broke when I heard her story.
Pain and difficulty caused by others and sometimes herself.
The struggle to forgive.
Then my heart jumped for joy when she shared the difference Jesus made in her life.
His heart hurt, he was frustrated.
I asked, “What are you going to do?”
He said, “I am going to thank God anyway.”
The book of Haggai winds down dramatically with promise after promise from God, first of supernatural intervention: “I will shake…I will overturn…(I will) shatter…I will overthrow” (2:21-22). But when, wonders Zerubbabel—when?
For most of my life, I have preferred to read non-fiction books. In the last few years, however, I have become a fan of mystery novels. Since I read them mostly for relaxation, I prefer those without complicated sub-plots or multiple minor characters to keep track of.
Ladies, I am so glad for the sun and the rain and the pruning and fertilizing of the word of God under the shepherding of the Lord and the Spirit. Living securely now is a given for those who believe. As Jesus prayed in John 17:3, “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” We are truly blessed.
