Rich Man/Poor Man

Recently I was invited to a magnificent home sitting on country acreage surrounded by luscious grounds. Whimsically decorated with full size statues of various animals, I'd never seen anything quite like it. Once inside I was greeted with soaring ceilings, marble floors and a kitchen that a chef's dream scape  Using extreme restraint, I managed to keep from staring with my mouth wide open.

Who are these people, I wondered? I was about to find out. The man who built this house is considered a genius, he holds doctorates in several different fields, and is currently working on another degree. He made a fortune in the computer field, inventing a  program  sold around the world. He and his wife have raised a family and have traveled the globe.

Although the worldly success is obvious in this place of luxury, the house is eerily hollow...like the man. With all his worldly successes hanging on the wall, and all the booming applause ringing throughout the rooms, this man is spiritually a pauper. I wanted to weep for the folly of it all. Instead I prayed, "Lord, have mercy. Open his eyes to the truth of who you are and who you want to be in his life."

I've often been envious of other's material things, but standing in that house made me more grateful than I've ever felt in my life. Grateful that thirty some years ago, I surrendered my heart and soul to the one Person who loves me most. Regardless of what I possess, or how much money I earn, I am loved unconditionally even when I'm unlovable and disobedient. This my friends, is a priceless gift from God.

Here's what the Bible says in Ecclesiastes: 1:2b, about what the world has to offer. "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity." After my visit to the mansion on the green, I totally understand this scripture. All we have here will someday burn, but God's love continues into eternity. I just love how rich I am!

Merry Christmas

Christmas seems to be most people's favorite holiday. I know it's mine.  But this year, after perusing our local mall, I was sorely disappointed to see not one reference to the real meaning of Christmas except at the Christian bookstore. I wasn't surprised, just sad. Then, as I started down the escalator, music began pouring out of loudspeakers everywhere: "Joy to the world, the Lord has come. Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room. Let heaven and nature sing. Let heaven and nature sing..." The busy, uncaring, un-adoring mall, now pulsated with holy truth.

Even now, remembering those words and my feelings, brings me to tears. As people rushed around---some in despair, many in debt, and others not caring---the truth rang out. Joy is possible, even in a world of chaos. Let every heart prepare him room. Yes! Prepare, and He will come: He wants to abide with us...make His home in the place He created just for Himself. Let earth receive her King: The King of heaven came to be King of every living heart. Ah yes, let heaven and nature sing: Sing of the greatness of a God who sent the breath of heaven for our salvation.

Dear Friend, if this Christmas season finds you down, remember this: You're supernaturally loved. If heartaches threaten to consume you until your very soul feels empty, do not despair. Why? Because the Lord God of the Universe wants to give you life---abundant life. This life is an eternal gift, one He gives freely to those who ask. The celebration of Christmas is meant to remind you of that precious, irrevocable life. As you heart think over the true meaning of Christmas may you be transformed and renewed.

Sharon Bernash Smith

From My Heart to God's

Dear Lord,
     You know my heart. You know how hard I struggle with feelings of helplessness in the face of suffering. How can I make a difference? Even when I do raise my hand to do something, I wonder... does it really matter? Can one person make an impact in a world of hurting children?
     How faithful you are to show me just how important one person can be in the life of another.  I thank you that your hand is on the ministry of Compassion International, and that through them, one good intention builds on another. Remarkably then, not just one child is impacted, but hundreds, and eventually thousands.
     Sometimes it's hard to step out when the need is so enormous. But believing in the power of your direction, it becomes simple. Pledging to sponsor a child through Compassion International is faith in action. It's putting feet to the gospel in order to touch the "least of these."
     Thank you for the opportunity to spread your love to the little people you love so much. Thank you for blessing me so that I might be a blessing.

Your daughter, Sharon

School's Not for Everyone!

Today was the first day of school for thousands, including my two oldest grandchildren, going into high school and fourth grade. They were nervous and excited at the same time. School and all that goes with it is a very big deal in every child's life...or should be.

it's sobering to think that there are thousand and thousands more children around the world for whom school never happens. Never! Not only that, but there are those who spend every day hungry, foraging for food and sometimes even shelter in places we've never seen in this country....like huge, stinking garbage dumps.

But there is hope! After reading about the ministry of Compassion International, I was inspired by the integrity surrounding their mission to help children who suffer from lack of even the barest of essentials.  They reach out to be the heart of Jesus in the most practical of ways. I want to be Him to the world. How about you?

Your involvement in Compassion International, can be so simple. First, I challenge you to view this ministry up close by looking at their website...www.compasioninternational.org.  The information is eye-opening, and heart wrenching. Next, maybe you could pray over a child or two. How about praying about your own involvement. Sponsoring a child is so simple, yet so effective in changing that child's future. When you get to the website, check out Sponsor a child, page, and you'll see what I mean.

I'm so excited to be able to share the heart of Compassion International. Can't wait to bring you more information tomorrow.

Thanks, Sharon

Praises From a Small Window

I've been following the advice of Ann Voskamp after reading her book One Thousand Gifts...looking, then expecting to find moments of gratitude in my daily surroundings and circumstances. She calls them "eucharisteo" moments.

After nearly a year, it's become a habit, this waking to expectation. Scripture says "all my expectations are on Him." So I search and wait...  Now, the window in my bathroom has become my daily starting point. First, I crack it...let  the happenings of my backyard float inside...sounds of jays, finch and sparrows at the feeders with scrambling squirrels on high wires. Best of all is to hear, laughing children from behind the fence.. Ah, the awakening!

I open the window a little wider and hang my head out to spy tiny orange tomatoes becoming sweet promises for later in the week. From here I can just see ripening grapes behind huge green leaves and curly tendrils.  And oh wow, catch a glimpse of an leaf turning fallish on the maple tree.  Next I check on our first ever apple crop. "Crop" loosely defined as a dozen apples. Time is ticking...I can hear that from this place of gratitude as well.

Lord, how I praise you for the opportunity to see with my heart the things from your bountiful, grace filled moments. Thank you for the gifts that You've created for those who look....even from one small window.

Freedom at Coffee Creek

Coffee Creek! Sort of brings to mind a lazy flowing stream, doesn't it? Actually, Coffee Creek is a women's prison in Wilsonville, OR., and all female offenders in the state are housed within its walls. A few years ago, I was asked to go there with some Christian women who desired to start a post-abortion ministry for the prisoners who were interested.

Except for the signs posted around, from the parking lot, there is little evidence that the facility is a prison. However, once inside the doors there is no doubt you've entered a different world. From body scanners to armed personnel, the evidence of incarceration is immediate.

After hearing a heavy door close behind me, all my senses were brought to a hyper level of awareness. The sights, sounds and smells invaded my consciousness and I felt a spiritual heaviness all around me. I began to pray.

After several long hallways and more heavy doors, we entered the chapel. It was filled with about two dozen women of various ages and ethnic backgrounds, each dressed in identical uniforms. All the women were part of an on-going Christian fellowship and Bible study group.

As we began to worship, the heaviness I'd felt upon entering lifted and the sweetness of God's presence filled every inch of space. While sitting in the back, I began looking around at the inmates and the "others" like me. I sat up a little straighter as I became aware of a profound truth... except for our clothing, the women on the "inside" were exactly the same as those from the "outside."

Whatever circumstances had brought these women here, they no longer mattered in the reality of God's grace. It was the same for me! Once I entered into a personal relationship with the Lord God of the Universe, I was free from my past.  Now, in this church, we could all come together in that freedom and celebrate the reality of God's mercy. "If any man be in Christ,  he has become  a new creation, old things have passed away, behold everything has become new in HIM." Never had that truth been more evident to me than in that moment. Surrounded by steel bars, locked doors and armed security every single person in that place was FREE.

Joy to the world?

When we look around, it would appear that "joy" has skipped a lot of hurting people around the world. There have been earthquakes, tsunamis, recent flooding and on-going famines. Our economy has plunged many into desperate times because employment opportunities and the stock market continue to remain bleak and unstable.

Closer to home, I've watched two families say good-bye to loved ones who have died from terrible cancers, and just last week a couple in my church lost their tiny baby girl at eighteen weeks gestation. Locally, a large homeless population, including entire families, goes unaided despite several shelters and charities like the Salvation Army. Today, I'm praying for a vibrant pastor friend who suffered a heart attack.

Obviously, people are suffering, and as Christmas approaches, their plight is brought forward to linger in our consciousness. As Christians, how do we minister to those whose happiness seems just out of reach, or buried beneath circumstances beyond human control? How do we ourselves keep a focus on joy when everything around us seems to be falling apart?

Jesus said: "I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly." How is that even possible given the above mentioned situations? If God says that abundant life (joy) is possible in the impossible chaos of civilization, then we must surely realize that joy is not the same as happiness.

This is what Oswald Chambers said about joy. "Joy should not be confused with happiness. Jesus prayed that our joy might continue fulfilling itself until it becomes the same as His. Have I allowed Jesus Christ to introduce His joy to me?" "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." (John 15:11)"

He whispers, or shouts, calling us by name..."come receive from Me the abundant life." What amazing, miraculous transitions are birthed when despite what goes on around us, near or far, we accept the intimacy of His invitation and remain focused on Him.

God brings life out of dark places from habit. New life comes from the darkness of the womb, and from the vast void of nothingness came His creation. (Genesis 1) He desires to bring hope to those who suffer through the dark night of the soul for He is HOPE. Joy comes from fixing our eyes on Him because He is JOY, and therefore, we can lay all expectations and suffering at His feet. However, it's been my experience this does not come without repetitious, faith filled, effort.

Christmas is the perfect reminder that God is on the side of mankind despite the fact He does not spare extreme hardship or even agonies of the flesh. We can still hail "joy to the world," because JOY came to the world for our soul's redemption in the form of the Infant King Jesus...our Emmanuel...our God with us.

Despite young death, old suffering, or the onslaughts of nature, we may partake in the riches of God's joyful glory ...and not just at Christmas.

Merry Christmas and JOY to your world!

Merry-go-round Gifts.

I've been focused lately on living in the moment. Yesterday, I almost missed one...a delicate, lacy one.

Trimming a plant while watering is such a menial task. A simple duty that takes little attention and little time. As I pruned, I ever so slightly gave the greenery a turn...something caught my eye.

The opposite side...the one soaking up precious light, had gifted itself with a splash of delicate whiteness. I continued the rotation, like a down-sized merry-go-round...sans the music. "Oh!"

The entire back side was covered with the gift of profuse blooms. Surprise, it shouted! Look what you almost missed. "Lord," I whispered...thank you." I'd forgotten this plant ever bloomed at all.

Living in the moment means giving my full attention to the flowing of time that surrounds me with inevitable movement...for sure God's plan. The flow moves me forward, but focusing on the moments at hand instead of the future or the past, I am free. Freed up to notice little gifts on the backside of things.

After my merry-go-round surprise, I began to wonder how many other gifts from God I might have noticed if only I had been more attentive, more awakened to the possibilities of hidden blooms. Since "if only" can drive me to rooms marked guilt and frustration, I refuse to enter there. Not today, hopefully, not ever. See, I'm learning the lesson of moment living after all.

When I am, like a prisoner freed, loosed from the burden of future worry and past mistakes, I am able to focus on the Source of life Who gives me life. A life filled with the exquisite gifts God wishes to lavish on His child. Here I am...I am she! The one He's chosen...the one He dotes upon, and shouts out love to from every corner of the earth... Sharon, come and see...come and see that I am good.

It's exciting to move about with new vision. Who knows what I might discover the next time I water a plant, glance out a window, or open my mail. I can't wait.

Can You Hear Him?

When I hit the ground after a collision with another biker, my life changed in an instant. The pain was unbearable, and all I craved was prayer. In the back of the ambulance, blood flying everywhere, I cried out to the Lord in song. "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint." When I finished, I heard the Lord say, "You're going to walk." I believed Him, though I didn't know my leg was more than broken. It had imploded.

At the hospital, the doctor looked at my x-rays and declared he had no idea where the rest of my leg had gone. Four inches had broken off my tibia and was now missing. After five hours of surgery and three blood transfusions, the doctor concluded that I'd never walk without a crutch or a cane because of the damage to my knee.

That's when I remembered what the Lord had declared to me in the ambulance. I clung to that promise as time went by and I became stronger. In only four months, I was fitted with a brace to support my leg and told that I'd mostly likely have to wear it the rest of my life.

The first time the doctor saw me walk towards him without a crutch,cane OR brace, he declared me a walking "miracle." Of course I was! But I believed all along this day would come.

In the past, I'd spent years walking around the back roads near my country home, but after the accident, I wasn't sure if that would continue even though I now got around my daily life with ease.

On the anniversary of my life-altering-experience, a friend and I went on a victory/praise walk. It was only a quarter mile, but it was sweet and lovely. My thoughts went back to that day in the ambulance. "Oh Lord, I prayed, thank you for giving me ears to hear your comforting voice."

Is there something God has been saying to you? Sometimes He speaks in a still, small voice, or through His Word, or another believer. Wait in expectation, friends, for indeed, He has something to say.

Walking forward with a listening heart, Sharon

PS In the years since, God has restored my leg so that I'm able to walk 8-10 miles every week. Praise the Lord!

An Adage Broken!

Have you heard the adage that says "you can never go home?" Me too, however I believe I've proved that old saying wrong.

For several years in the late forties, home for me was just outside of Worden, Mt., east of Billings...population...small. I was five and my sister two when our parents divorced, and we left Washington to begin a new life near my mother's family.

I was broken hearted, full of grief and anger; yet soon Montana's magic began to work on me from the inside out. A city kid until then, the country became my personal playground, where the Lord intervened with a four-legged adventure named Brownie. She was old, gentle and exactly what a red-headed-tom-girl needed for escape. On her back, I was the sum total of my dreams...trick-rider, cowgirl roper, or a child who could ride into a place of comfort whenever she wanted. The healing began.

Going into town was a weekly adventure I loved as much as farm life. Memories of tart strawberry ice-cream melting on my tongue and the dusty, acrid smell of the feed store, still float through my mind.

Another vivid recollection is a white stucco building in the middle of town...the movie theater.Bambi was the first movie I ever saw in that place of great imagination. How vibrant yet is the remembrance of intimate anticipation., waiting in the dark until the Lion roared and the music began with a dramatic crescendo. Snuggled in Grandma's lap, we shared Black Jack gum, popcorn, and sometimes a Canadian mint or two.

I still missed my dad, but the attention of family, new adventures, and the discovery of the big screen created an environment of protection and comfort. My parents eventually reconciled, and we returned to the Pacific NW, the way we'd come....by train. I cried the long way back , hoping my grandparents would ship the big brown horse when I got home.

Over the years we had several family reunions in Montana, my last visit being as a teenager. But, life goes on, and so did I, with a piece of Big Sky Country remaining with me always.

My husband and I love to "landsail," that's getting in the car for places unknown for exploration,photography and nature observations. Since he's the photographer, and had never been to Montana, the lure of unexplored vistas put us on the road one brilliant October.

We each had a wish list of places to visit. Worden was on mine for obvious reasons. Would it be the faded memory photo of my childhood? Is is possible to hold onto a piece of innocent time and not be disappointed when allowed to return?

We picked the perfect week for our sentimental journey, having wonderful sun-filled days, and crisp autumn mornings the entire way to Billings. We passed through the Bitterroots, stayed in Red Lodge where we had to scrape clinging frost off the windshield before leaving. The deeper we went into the state, the more my memories stirred.

The day we left for Worden, I prepared myself for disappointment. Knowing how much change could take place in decades of "progress," I wanted to be ready. Nothing looked familiar as we followed the map and road signs. I was silent while picture memories passed through my mind like the highway's mileposts.

When I spotted our turn off, my heart skipped. We were now on the old road from Billings.Searching for Worden's main street, I wondered if I'd recognize it, or even find it after all the encroachment of time and development.

We drove a short distance, and I spotted some buildings on our right. "Stop, this is it," I told my husband. "It's right here. The main street is right here."

We pulled in front of an all brick, vacant building. Peering in the window, I could see worn, hard wood flooring, and evidence of various vacated businesses scattered around. Something stirred' I was certain I remembered standing on those old floors. Was I only imagining the sounds and images that came to mind? This had been the bank! I closed my eyes and I was five, filled with delight. Delight, and something more. I choked back tears to do more ex;oration.

Directly across the street, a hardware business stood where the feed store once thrived, modern metal a substitute for old, fragrant wood. A couple of doors down, another structure begged to be recognized. The movie theater. Only now, it was the American Legion Hall, doors locked and blind pulled. Tempted to look around back for a discarded popcorn machine, or perhaps and abandoned velvet seat, I reasoned against it, wanting my imagination to remain intact with the past's youthful content.

As I continued the explorations, the memory of delight remained and I realized what the "something more" was. Security. That's what this place brought to mind. In the middle of a chaotic decision beyond my childhood control, this little town had been a place of refuge.What had started as a miserable chapter in my life, ended with something good and nurturing.

I'm so very grateful that I had the opportunity to turn back the pages of m life and not be disappointed. As a matter of fact, I've been back often...if only in my mind.

Here, then gone!

A few Sundays ago, a friend came to church, served in children's ministry, participated in worship, then went shopping before heading home. She never made it. While in a store, she collapsed and died en route to the hospital from a massive stroke. She didn't know when she got up that morning, she would be dead in a few short hours.

When I heard the news, my heart rejoiced for her heavenly homecoming, but I wondered about the last words she spoke. Would she have said something different if she knew those words would be her final ones?

I'm a writer, and I love words, but I've often used them negatively in anger, or frustration. What power we possess through our speech...power and opportunity...opportunity to bless or to curse.

Of course I want to be remembered for the words of blessing I've spoken, words full of grace and mercy. One of the first scripture verses I learned was from proverbs. " Whoever guards his mouth and tongue, keeps his soul from trouble." When I fill my heart with kindness, mercy and things of good report, my mouth reflects it. "Not what goes into the mouth, but what comes out of the mouth defiles a man."

When my final appointment with destiny comes, I hope my friends, family and my readers will remember my final words with a smile or two. Until then, I will be practicing.

Longings

In the dead of winter, with the Columbia River gorge winds blowing, my heart is longing for spring. I want clear skies, warm breezes and fresh flowers on my table. This is a seasonal longing.

I have another longing that runs through my heart like a deep, endless ocean. I am homesick, dreaming of a place without sickness, pain or suffering. This earthly dwelling place is exhausting with the trials of life and all the burdens we encounter as mortal humans while residing here.

When I read scripture, I find I'm not alone in such emotional turmoils. Paul said: "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose, I cannot tell." He concluded by acknowledging the body of Christ needed him...they had work to do for the Lord. Phil. 1:21-26 Paul found joy in the serving regardless of his circumstances or his own heart longings, by submitting to God's plan and not his own.

I find great encouragement in this today, watching winter's rain pelt against my window pane. I have a renewed interest in being about my Father's business here on earth, and will continue to serve Him mortally with His eternal Hope.

Are you tired of waiting, friend? Tired of grappling with earthly troubles and burdens? Here's what God said to Jeremiah. "I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans for good and not for evil...to give you a future and a hope." Jer. 29:11

I'll be longing for Heaven until I take my last breath, but in the mean time, I'm willing to "wait upon the Lord," who renews my strength on a daily basis. How about you?

Wasted!

Yesterday was the fourth of July and today I've been thinking about all the money wasted on fireworks (they're legal in WA.) While I was wagging my finger at my neighbors (and others) I was struck with the reality of something I waste on a daily basis. 

To be sure, I try not to put too much pressure on the earth space I live in. I recycle, re-use all my bags, don't run water while I'm brushing my teeth, and try not to leave unrecognizable food in my fridge. No, the thing I waste is not water, bags or food...it's time. Every day, I  waste too much of it on things that frankly are petty. One of my problems is a failure to prioritize my day. Periodically I will get a momentum going and for a while I'm rolling forward like a trucker headed to LA. But then distraction raises its ugly head and I'm side tracked. 

I have no idea how many days, weeks or years the Lord will leave me here, but my heart's desire is to serve Him well in the mean time. I need to be more faithful to begin each day seeking His plan for my day. It's amazing how His plans work so much better than mine.

My oldest son, a father for the first time, shared with me that his work took on a whole new meaning since his daughter, Zoey was born. "It's all worthwhile now."
That got me  thinking about the Lord and what He did for me on the cross. He saw me, a sinner, and said, "Sharon is worth My sacrifice."  This brings me to tears with a grateful heart and words to sing in appreciation.

Amazing love, how can it be

That you my King should die for me!

Amazing love, I know it's true

That it's my joy, to honor You

In all I do, I honor you!

You are my King.

You are my King.

"I live, I ride I am!"

 Last night I had trouble sleeping and that Jeep commercial kept running through my head...I live, I ride, I am, I live, I ride, I am!" Catchy, but not in the middle of the night. I decided, in my non-sleepy-state, to change the slogan around a bit. "He died, I live, I am."

 It fits doesn't it? As a Christian I live by the truth of Christ dying for me. Because He died and rose again, I live. Therefore if I live by/in Christ, I am. 

 Now, if I only had a sleek new Jeep, I could put this on a bumper sticker. Oh well, Happy Easter!

A Ministry of Tears

"Weep with those who weep," the Bible says. I've been shedding a lot of tears lately, and not for myself. Life is extremely difficult for many people right now. A family we've known for years is battling childhood cancer for the third time with their nine year old, while another fights a different kind of cancer with a young wife and mother of four. We, the by-stander, are asked to pray, to come along side and "weep with those who weep." Because each one of our tears actually contains the love of God within the saltiness of their existence, we're invited to pour them out.

 Don't we all struggle with  what to say,  in response to tragic situations? I have. But, I've found it's not what we say, as much as what we do, in response to another's grief that counts. Therefore, I will not ever be embarrassed by my tears. Sometimes there are simply no words.

Lightning Speed!

Here it is the middle of February, things are warming (at least in the N.W.), many trees and Spring flowers are budding. I love this, but it all seems to be going too quickly...at lightning speed. Didn't we just celebrate Christmas? Do I hear an "amen," here?

When our kids are small, we can't wait for them to walk, talk, be potty trained, etc. (OK, I have to admit, I liked my kids a lot better BEFORE they talked.} It seems like yesterday my niece Katie and I were singing "You are my Sunshine," to one another, and just a couple of weeks ago, she got her driver's permit. NO WAY!

A few short years ago I graduated from High School, now my classmates are talking about having a 50 yr. reunion next year. Sorry ladies, but I will not be attending THAT reunion for at least 25 more years.

God alone numbers our days,  each one in His hands, and though life does seem to go by quickly,  I'm determined to enjoy every minute the Lord leaves me here. How about you?

Trust the Lord, with all your heart
And lean not on your own understanding
In all ways acknowledge Him
And He shall direct your paths
Prov. 3:5-6

Is it "Ho, Ho, Ho," or "No, No, No?"

Some people can't wait for Christmas (like me), but there are many others who dread it. If you're in the first category, you love it all...the music (I've been playing carols for weeks,) the shopping and of course, the tree and decorations.

The second group are the grinches. Ok, that's not a very nice word, but then, some of the "oh no's" can make it miserable for the "ho, ho, ho's." They could be your mother, your sister/brother, or like me, anonymous.

What do you do if you love Christmas and those around you can't wait for it to be over? My method is to stay focused on Jesus, and NOT just in my preparations. As I keep Him foremost in the quiet place of my heart, I remain in perfect peace. Well, maybe not perfect, but you know what I mean.

So, if you're decking the halls and all of your house, 

Forget about Grinches and that one sleeping mouse.

Open your heart and all of your mind,

Let go of worries, just leave them behind.

Look at the night star shining so bright, 

And you'll see only Jesus, His love and His might.

Now, if you're in the "oh no," category, I have nothing to say to you, except this: GET OVER YOURSELF.  OK, that might be a bit harsh. What I really mean to say is: Have a blessed, Christ filled Christmas.

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

On facebook, many of my friends there are choosing one thing everyday to be thankful for until Thanksgiving. Awesome! There's just something wonderful about being reminded of all the things God has blessed us with in this country. Most posts contain simple things, like a warm house, a cup of hot coffee, or a crackling fire. But others have walked through some huge milestones this past year.

One family will be celebrating their son's ninth birthday, and he still has a Hickman Catheter from his second bone marrow transplant. They are beyond grateful for this birthday and the healthy progress he's making.

Some are missing family members who have died this past year, but continue to be thankful for those lives, regardless. They'll never be forgotten. It's a struggle, yet they do not despair.

Others have spouses, or sons and daughters in the military, and will have empty chairs at the dining table over the holidays. Still they say: "God is good, and we are grateful."

Me? I'm grateful for the small things like that fire and a good cup of coffee. But I'm also grateful to the Lord God of the Universe for His non-stop faithfulness to me over and over again. Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.

Here it Comes, Ready or Not!

I was in a store yesterday, waiting for my husband who was running an errand. I slowly walked from rack to rack, not really paying attention to what was playing on the overhead speakers. But soon I began humming along.  Hummm...dreaming...hummm...of...hmmm...a white...What? Excuse me? A Christmas Carol, they were playing/I was singing, a Christmas Carol on Nov. 3rd. No way! Yes way!

Don't get me wrong, I love the holidays, especially Christmas. But there needs to be a law stating Christmas Carols cannot be played during the first week of November.

Regardless, I refuse to get caught up in any marketing ploys used to push people into the yearly shopping frenzy. I will continue to keep Jesus at the center of the celebration and focus on the gift of His birth.

How about you?

DECK THE HALLS WITH BOUGHS OF HOLLY, FALALALALALALA!