The King is Coming -- Order Up a 21-Gun Salute

It’s Palm Sunday – just one week before Easter – oh the joy of our Risen Lord! But, hold on! Without this week, there would be no Resurrection Sunday! On this day, the disciples and the crowds were fanatical praisers and worshippers – waving palm branches and shouting “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” Matthew 21:9. The crowds rejoiced in His powers of healing, in the miracles He’d performed; His popularity reigned supreme. He was SOMEBODY! While kings today ride in streamlined jets, King Jesus rode in on a donkey, a symbol of meekness and peace. How different His entry was – not a 21-gun salute, but the swishing of palm branches.

But those finding-fault Pharisees complained about all the raucous: "Teacher, reprove Your disciples!” Notice that they didn't call Jesus “King.” They called Him "teacher." To them, Jesus was no greater than any other teacher. He had become a threat to their "authority." This, SOMEBODY, was getting in their way! But our “rock-solid” Lord replied, “I tell you, if they keep silent, the stones will cry out!” And we took Christ’s words so seriously, that today we join those crowds of praising and worshipping our King of Kings and Lord of Lords! We will NOT allow the rocks and stones to outdo us!

Those of us who know Him as Savior and Lord cannot be silenced by a few who would “reprove” us. We know what this week represents. We stand in allegiance to Him as in this week, He was our humble, suffering, sacrificial servant. He suffered rejection, lies, beatings, floggings, being nailed to the cross and dying for us. We are doing our best to follow His lead because we've learned not to run away or cower in the face of difficulty. We want the world to know that Jesus Christ is King and it is worth the price of ridicule and rejection to proclaim Him as our Lord and Savior. This Holy Week, we continue to journey on with our precious Lord. What a gift it is to know the promise that awaits us if we stay with Him on the road. If we are faithful servants, we will also know the empty tomb, and best of all, we will abide with Him forever in eternity.

Not only did our King know precisely who He was when He entered Jerusalem, He knows who He is as He enters the Jerusalem of our lives. He touches ALL people – those with rank, and those who are broken, rejected, and unloved. He never refuses anyone who comes to Him for help. He helps those with shattered dreams and bruised spirits. That's the kind of Lord He is! That's the kind of KING He is! Today, He desires to transform us, touch our lives and make us new. He loves us so much that He was thinking about us then....and He is still thinking about us today. “Hosanna! Our King has come!

Please, God! Take This Baggage!

BAGGAGE: past experiences that are regarded as burdens, cares and weights (i.e., emotional baggage).

I made it home from Tulsa in time to quickly change clothes and head to my church for our annual 3-night Lenten Mission where we intentionally set aside the time to dive deeper and lean in closer to God. It’s about going to a place of introspection and renewing our hearts to purposely enter into a deeper relationship with our Lord. It’s as though we’re at the doctor’s office and he’s using his stethoscope to check our heart beat and condition. Then he gives us the “prescription” for healing our heart.

Last night’s message focus was on our relationship with Jesus Christ who is our Face of Freedom. He sets us FREE which implies that we have been BOUND by stuff. We’ve become stuck in our issues and clutter and all that BAGGAGE in our lives. Jesus gets us because He came to earth to be one of us and experienced what we experience. Hebrews 4:15 “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses since He had the same temptations we do, though He never once gave way to them and sinned.” We experience temptation, rejection, betrayal, disappointment, discouragement AND, so did Jesus. Jesus came to give us freedom. Freedom from anything that holds us bound: bad attitudes, addictions, fears, guilt, despair unforgiveness, anxiety, worry. All of that “stuff” is BAGGAGE that Jesus came to free us from. It’s time to ask God to free us of baggage that our soul cannot afford to lug around anymore. Jesus came to give us abundant life but we can’t live in that abundance as long as we don’t let go of the stuff.

Once we are willing to let go of all that BAGGAGE that we’ve carried far too long, Jesus will free us of the weight of so much baggage. We did that in a symbolic way last night as we wrote on an index card the names of the BAGGAGE that was weighing us down and then, where four tall crosses were at the front of the sanctuary with a basket beside them, we processed forward and gave those cards that contained our “BAGGAGE” to Jesus -- once and for all. All that “baggage” will be burned so there's no need to ever take it back on.

Now that we’re free of all the stuff – we can be FREE to give our full attention to Jesus – to make Him the Savior and Lord of our life. This question was asked “Where is God in your life on a scale? Is He #1 or #3 or #8? When we were dating our wife or husband, we couldn’t think about anything or anyone except them. We couldn’t help ourselves. We thought about them and even talked about them incessantly. That’s how our relationship with Jesus should be. What if we incessantly thought about Him, talked about Him and talked to Him, the more in love with Him we will become. When we’re that much in love with the Lover of our Souls – the cares of this world (the BAGGAGE) will no longer weigh us down and have us bound. I’m ready for that FREEDOM. How about you?

But the Greatest of These is Love

I am not a debater -- never desired to be, EXCEPT for when my husband and I had some “discussions” (that’s what we called our disagreements that the kids witnessed). If I knew that I was right, I would be like “stuck on glue” to debate my position to prove my case. When he would cave in and concede that I was right (or just to make for peace), it brought me a sense of great pride and joy, but it certainly didn’t add “sugar and spice” to our relationship. Over the years I relented from having to be right all the time .It wasn't worth the struggle. I didn’t want to be a “know-it-all”. I wanted to be a lover who prided herself more on love, peace and harmony than having to "win" the game of having to be right. To this day, I steer clear of disagreements as best I can. I desire to be a lover -- not a debater.

Over the past couple of weeks, I've been challenged to be a debater. Out of the blue, I’ve been in communications with two individuals who seemed bound and determined to persuade me that there is no God, so there is therefore no need to pray, and convince me that “religion” is the cause for the world’s problems, etc. etc. Rather than get into a theological debate with either, I simply shared my story. I remembered that debating and having to be right with my husband, only led to a disconnect. But authenticity and warmth brought about understanding and harmony. More than winning the debate with those two individuals, I determined to just let my little light shine, and hopefully, that light might start to penetrate the darkness. I knew the only way to share was to express love.
This was my latest communication.

"I understand that you believe that organized religion is responsible for the mess in our world. But, honestly, for me, it's not about religion. I'll admit there's some wack-o people out there and what they do for their "religion". I'm not talking about religion. I'm talking about my belief in God -- the One revealed in Jesus, who looks nothing like the evil in our world.

Jesus Christ has given this gal unbelievable peace, joy, comfort and great hope for today and my future. Maybe it sounds like the "Good Ship Lollipop" thinking, and if it's a fallacy and at the end of this life, against everything I believe, that I believed a lie, it would still have been worth it. I have been a joy-filled, peace-filled, love-filled daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and friend who loves to serve and encourage others on a daily basis. I will have left a legacy of a good heart and soul. If what I believe is true, however, at the end of my life, I will hear God say, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You were faithful. Enter into my joys." And if there is no God (which I utterly believe is not true), I know at least my family and friends will say "She was a good and faithful servant and friend." It's a win-win for me either way! Let me insert here that I've made many mistakes along the way, but I'm so thankful that God loves me enough to correct me, forgive me and forget. What an awesome role model for fathers is my Heavenly Father.

Here is really what I believe:
I believe that Jesus called us to love people unconditionally. I love YOU, my friend.
I believe that any time anybody claims to follow Jesus but they do not love people, they are not following Jesus.
I believe that if what I practice is true, then these practices will help me love others more.

Yes, I know that there are lots of "religious" things about Christianity with which you object. But please know that none of that is important if it doesn't help me love others like Jesus. If they don't help me love others, then they probably aren't true. And if they do help me love others, I hope you will be able to see it in my life, and many others.

Christianity isn't about proving others wrong (and I apologize if that's what it sounds like I'm trying to do), but about proving that others are loved. So, go ahead and believe what you will. As for me and my house, we will serve God. I believe God is alive and He lives in my heart. If you knew me and had seen the changes in my life and seen the awesome miracles I've seen, you'd believe in Him as well.

Thank you for these interactions via email, because, more than anything, it's made me look a little closer at my life and how much more I need to reflect the love of Jesus Christ to a world that needs His love. In the words of the great philosopher, Dionne Warwick (LOL!), "What the world needs now is love sweet love, it's the only thing that there's just too little of".

Hopefully, I looked a little like Jesus to these individuals, because as John 12:32 says, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." Hopefully, I lifted Him up enough that it will draw those two to Himself. That's my goal -- to meet up with them in heaven someday!

The Perfect Gift

Do you remember your all-time favorite Christmas gift as a child? MIne was a Tiny Tears Doll set. It was so awesome that she cried real tears and wet her diapers. LOL! My nephew, Mark David Lawrence, to this day, remembers his favorite gift -- it was one of those 60s electronic football games (not computer generated) from my Mom (his Mamaw). It was his dream come true. Those gifts for us were the perfect Christmas gifts!

I keep getting email messages that the subject line reads, "Give your family and friends "THE PERFECT GIFT FOR CHRISTMAS". I've been deleting most of those and not even checking to find out what they meant until yesterday. THE PERFECT GIFT??? A Gift Card. And, I thought, yes, gift cards are great because you can buy anything you want. But, why not just give someone cash? What's the big deal of the PERFECT GIFT being a Gift Card? Is it perfect if the receiver of the gift card doesn't need or want anything from that particular store. They just don't shop there....and then when they get to the store and start looking.....it takes FOREVER to find something there they want to use the gift card for. PERFECT? I don't think so.

I think you know where I'm headed with that observation. THE PERFECT GIFT? That ONLY PERFECT GIFT we could ever give, is that of HIM, Who is the PERFECT One, Who isn't a tangible "thing", but is the ALL in ALL, BEGINNING and END of joy, comfort, peace, life, love, happiness, and life everlasting. He is John 3:16 "For God so LOVED the world that He GAVE His only begotten Son -- that whoever believes in Him, would not perish but have everasthig life."

So how do we give that PERFECT GIFT to others -- by giving ourselves as peacemakers, servants, joy-peace-hope bearers, by being LIGHTS that this world so needs and wants. Though Jesus is the ultimate, ever-ready, radiant, source of LIGHT that dispels darkness.....He told us in Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shines to all that are in the house. Even so let YOUR light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

Your GIFT this season? YOU and YOUR LIGHT shining brightly so that others will come to know THE PERFECT GIFT -- Jesus Christ!

What Symbols Do You Hold Dear?

When I was twelve, my boyfriend (who eventually became my husband) and I went on our first official (chaperoned) date. On my 13th birthday, he bought this pictured gold bracelet and charm for me with his savings. I still have that bracelet and charm. It has always been a SYMBOL of when we met and had our first date and the sweet love we shared for so many years.

We are surrounded by signs and symbols in everyday life. We make decisions based on them -- traffic signs, for example. How about that coin on the sidewalk that reminds us “In God We Trust”?

There is no symbol more dear to Christians than the cross of Christ. At one time, crosses represented only torture until death. Now, the cross is a symbol of Jesus' conquering death and His resurrection.

Do I worship my bracelet or do I worship the cross I wear? Oh, no! My bracelet AND my cross are sweet reminders. Another symbol that we see is the Ichthys which is the Greek word for fish. Early Christians made an acrostic of it which means “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.” The fish has plenty of references in the Bible, (for example, Jesus fed the 5,000 with 2 fishes and 5 loaves of bread and Jesus told His disciples to be Fishers of Men).

In the early church, the fish didn’t attract too much attention or suspicion (unlike the cross) so it was a perfect secret symbol for persecuted believers. When threatened by Romans in the first centuries after Christ, Christians used the fish mark in meeting places to distinguish friends from foes. According to one ancient story, when a Christian met a stranger in the road, the Christian would draw one arc of the simple fish outline in the dirt. If the stranger drew the other arc, both believers knew they were in good company and safe to admit they were Christians. Now you know the back story to the fish symbol we see used so often today. Thank God we are free to express our faith, unlike those in countries and places today, where they still must resort to secret signs & symbols.

My friend’s home front door has always appealed to me because the first time I saw it, I saw the Ichthys – the fish sign in it. Some would see it as a unique and beautiful front door, which it is. I loved that door and how ironic that now I’m staying at that friend’s home.

When my friend asked that I oversee the painting of that door while she’s away (it faces West so the stain had faded from the sun beating upon it), I was delighted that I was able to call my good friend John Krzych to do the job. It was like me, symbolically, drawing the arc in the sand and John completed it. That door will be symbolic to me in another way now – it will remind me of a good friend who is a professional, thorough and excellent painter. BTW – if you need a good painter in the Tulsa area, call John!

What symbols are reminders to you of significant events, precious memories and even keep you in closer touch with God? Do you wear a wedding band? Does it represent the the sacred marriage covenant you made before God with your spouse? Is your Bible just a book of stories on your coffee table, or are you reminded of God’s Word to His people that is a road map to success and victorious living if we apply its principles?

Symbols – reminders. What symbols do you hold near and dear to YOUR heart?

Cry Babies Gotta' Cry

Yesterday, I heard a man telling about how easy it is for him to cry these days -- over the birth of a baby, the great love he has for his wife, a touching movie, and the love He has for God and His tender mercies. He said he could cry at the "drop of a hat". He called himself "emotionally incontinent"! LOL!

I felt pretty strong that I could hold it together at my grandson's wedding a couple of weeks ago, UNTIL, I saw his lips quivering in efforts to hold back his tears when he saw his beautiful bride coming down the aisle. I cried when I witnessed the deep passion and love he has for her. I'll admit it, I love it when I see a strong, manly guy, have such tender emotions that he is unafraid to shed some tears.

The Gospel writers didn't feel that tears were a threat to either the manhood or Godhood of Christ when they recorded that “Jesus wept.”

It seems the longer I live, the easier it is for me to tear up -- not to mention weddings, birthday parties, my grandkids accomplishments, my godson's hugs and kisses, viral videos about children and animals being rescued, or the baby announcement to the soon-to-be grandparents. Of late, those tears have a lot to do with my soon-to-say "good-bye" to friends and family as I make my move to Texas.

But, what makes me tear up and be "emotionally incontinent" the most, is when I watch someone who has had a miserable life of mental and physical abuse and their existence was hell-on-earth OR someone who WAS the abuser, the thief, the alcoholic, the liar, the cheat, the selfish -- but then GRACE encountered them face-to-face in the Person of Jesus Christ. Their OLD became NEW, their messes became their message, their heartbreaks became their story, their tests became their testimony, their sadness was turned to gladness and their mourning became joy. I'll take those tears and I'll be emotionally incontinent anyday because there are just some tears that can't help but flow in gratitude to our God of mercy and grace!

And if tears are great for the soul -- here's some bonus benefits for the body:
~ Crying Relieves Stress
~ Crying Lowers Blood Pressure
~ Tears Remove Toxins
~ Tears Reduces Manganese

So, the next time we feel those tears welling up, let's just go ahead and be "emotionally incontinent" and let the tears flow!!!

Be the Change

It's second nature to focus on everything that's wrong with others or what's wrong in politics or what's wrong with our places of business or churches or what's wrong in our nation. But, what about doing a "check up from our neck up" -- a self analysis about some of the areas we might just not have it altogether? If we did, then maybe some course corrections are called for that would result in us being the influencer for CHANGE that impacts our world in a positive way. That sounds like a lofty ambition. Me? Impact this world? After all, I'm just a Mom or I'm just a carpenter, or I'm just a housekeeper, or I'm just an artist.

When we think of world changers, we come up with the likes of Jesus Christ, Martin Luther King, President Ronald Reagan, Mother Teresa (Saint Teresa of Calcutta), Mahatma Gandhi? They most certainly were world changers. But, let's give credit where credit is due. What about all you Moms & Dads who influence their kids everyday for greatness by your own examples of compassionate, caring, loving and giving leaders? What about you volunteers who tirelessly impact hungry, needy and loveless individuals as you give your time, talent and treasure at charitable organizations? What about those of you who daily touch people's lives just by your smile, a gentle touch or hug? And, what about you grandparents who never cease to pray for their family?

What about YOU and ME? What if we were willing to be the difference maker in someone who needs that extra word of encouragement and hope -- to not give up....TODAY!

Seems like a tall order to be a world changer....but when we consider the affect we can make on at least one person's life, we will most certainly be their WORLD changer!

He’s Still Looking Out For Me

Yesterday, I was filled with so much thanksgiving, yet a little weepy, missing my Sweetheart on our 50th Wedding Anniversary. That’s how I roll. I purpose to live with joy, peace and thanksgiving, but there are still those tender times of sweet memories that bring a few tears to my eyes (yesterday, a few more than usual), and then I pick myself up by the bootstraps to get on with the assignment God has for me each day. My sweet kids had beautiful yellow roses for me. They know how much those yellow roses meant to us. I embraced the calls, text messages and FB messages that celebrated this special day with me. Thank you so much to my precious friends and family who embraced me, virtually AND personally. I strongly felt my Sweetheart's love -- in huge measure, and the chain of events that followed let me know "He's still looking out for me.

On Wednesday, I drove to Frisco and at Sherman TX, my car's air conditioner went out. Hello, Texas heat flash! Five minutes after it stopped working, Staci called and said, “Mom, is everything alright? Payton just called from the church and said, “What’s going on? I feel like we need to pray about something.” I told her about the a/c and she said she’d call Payton back and tell him and his friends to pray for me. They did pray and Payton passed the prayer on to me “Nana, God stated in Genesis that we have dominion over all the earth, and that includes car problems. We all come together in the spirit right now and bless you with all the knowledge of Jesus Christ with us. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is with you always and we can all count on Him to save us. May you be healed from this adversity. Amen."

I truly believed that prayer. After all, “NOTHING is impossible with God”. Thursday morning I headed to the closest Buick dealership. When I arrived, I was amazed at the courtesy that was shown to me by the service reps. Fortunately, at 62,000 miles, I had purchased an extended warranty on my car. When the service rep, Brett Taylor (my knight in shining armor shown in the photo here) drove my car into the garage, he noticed my brakes were squeeshy so he recommended that they be checked, and he noticed that my car had a “recall” on the tailgate and they would see after that, as well as seeing after the a/c – all at no charge except the $50 deductible. By now, I felt like I was at the doctor’s office and the doc was making sure I was in tiptop shape from head to toe. I was getting quality and geniune customer service. How refreshing! I told the rep about some disappointing experiences at my dealership back home and I was assured that wouldn't happen here.

Because of the extensive work needed, a valet driver took me home. Later I found out there were way more issues and needed replacement parts in the vehicle than a mere a/c issue (i.e., replaced steering gear, rack pinion, replaced both front struts, replaced other parts, as well as a new a/c motor). All those parts were nearly $5,000 in vehicle repairs. On Friday afternoon, the rep said, "Miss Donna, I just got the approval from corporate to cover everything. We'll start to work on it all tomorrow morning at 7 am.” That would be Friday morning, July 8th, our wedding anniversary.

Am I so naïve to believe that a vehicle a/c going out could result in a $5,000 blessing? I’m not naïve. I am faith-filled and convinced in my Heavenly Father’s love and promise to me: “ALL THINGS….work together for good to those who love God……” Romans 8:28. AND, to add to that, I’m quite sure that my Sweetheart is STILL looking out for me, and how much better he can do that from his front row seat in the grandstands in heaven than here on earth.

"Jesus replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you." Luke 17:6

Merry Christmas!

Day 312 of Photo Inspirations -- MERRY CHRISTMAS
Just look at this sweet sunbeam!  Yesterday, I walked into Reasor's Grocery Store in Jenks, the cafe side. The cashier at that side of the store, Beverly, was beaming from ear-to-ear and greeted me, "Good Morning!  It's a great day for sweaters, isn't it (I had on a sweater)?"  I have never been into that store that Beverly wasn't cheery with that delightful smile.

With my shopping done, I headed to Beverly's register. I told her "What a blessing it is to see you....always so full of joy.  You are the PERFECT one to be here at the entrance."  She promptly said, "Oh, I'm sure not perfect, but I sure try to be the best I can be!"  I replied, "There's no one perfect but Jesus.....right?"  She agreed.  Then, I whispered....."Merry Christmas", and she quickly replied, "Merry Christmas to you.  Mr. Reasor says it's okay for us to say 'Merry Christmas'.  In fact, he let's me put my NOEL sign up here at my register."  I told her that makes me want to buy my groceries there even more now.  I headed out the door and it hit me, "I know what my photo inspiration will be for tomorrow!"  I asked Beverly if I could take her photo for my blog today. Now.....you know what a sunbeam looks like.

I could go on about being a bright light to our world and if ever our world needed more Beverlys in it, it does today!   St. Francis said, "Preach the Gospel at all times, and sometimes use words." Beverly is preaching the good news every day with her happy heart and encouraging smile.

My Starbucks Coffee Cup photo here was inspired by the recent "red cup without snowflakes or representation of Christmas on it" issue.  Someone got uptight about it.  Seriously?  I think that guy hangs out at Starbucks too much and too much time on his hands.  But, his uptightness (Is that a word?) has sure given Starbucks a boatload of free marketing. They've gotta love it.  But, I'm sure not going to get on that band wagon.  The cup is bright red like bright red Christmas lights and ornaments. Oh, and here's really good news for that uptight guy.  They still sell their "Christmas" Blend Coffee.  

Back to the conversation that Beverly and I had -- I won't let anyone keep me from declaring in my greetings and my spirit and my outward joy...."Merry Christmas".  I agree with columnist Rachel Held Evans when she said,  "The whole story of Advent is the story of how God CAN'T be kept out. God IS present.  God IS with us. God shows up — not with a parade but with the whimper of a baby, not among the powerful, but among the marginalized, not to the demanding, but to the humble."

Yes, it's more important than ever that Christians stand courageously and boldly for Jesus.  But it's also crucial that we do so with a positive, joyful spirit.....like Beverly's.  We know how the story ends.  We know that the Bible is true, and heaven is real. We know that the One, Jesus Christ, who came as a baby will come again as a King. And we know that one day, we will be celebrating Christmas eternally with Him!  

Merry Christmas to all.....and to all....a really GOOD Saturday!

Roll Out the Red Carpet for the Guest of Honor

Many have the notion that the BIGGEST DEAL about Christmas is that it's simply a month-long party.  Yes, the traditions and festivities are so enjoyable, but rolling out the red carpet and recognizing the Guest of Honor is what this awe-inspiring season is all about.  And.....it's up to us to ensure the predominant Honoree is positioned in His rightful place of distinction.

I love the story of St. Nicholas.  He was a very kind man and had a reputation for helping the poor and giving secret gifts to people who needed it.  And that story inspires us all with a heart of giving.   St. Nicholas is where "Santa Claus" came from.    But, as sweet as those "treasured" photos of Santa Claus with our little ones are, and seeing their little eyes sparkling with wonder, and putting cookies out for this jolly old soul to pay us a visit, Santa ISN'T the "Guest of Honor".  

The leading characters of the Christmas Story are Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the angels, and, of course, the Headliner, the main Attraction and the Star of the Show is Jesus Christ.  He is the REASON for the celebrations and He should be the Guest of Honor at each one.  I love that we have a role to play in this great story, too.  Perhaps we can be one of the shepherds.  We don't need eloquent words and we don't need a place of prominence or status. We just need to be bearers and sharers of "the good news of great joy".

People expect pastors and priests to talk about Christmas being about Christ.  But what people need are shepherds of the world to teach and preach that message.

You and I have the ability to amaze someone today with the message of Christmas. "For God so loved the world He GAVE His one and only Son." Let's keep our eyes and hearts open for the opportunity to amaze someone with the most precious of all GIFTS this Christmas -- in fact not just at Christmas -- all year long!

Even Santa bows down to Him as the Guest of Honor.

Give Your Family and Friends "The Perfect Gift for Christmas"

I keep getting email messages that the subject line reads, "Give your family and friends "THE PERFECT GIFT FOR CHRISTMAS".  I was deleting most of those and not even finding out what they meant until yesterday.  THE PERFECT GIFT???  A Gift Card.  And, I thought, yes, gift cards are great because you can buy anything you want.  But, why not just give someone cash?  What's the big deal of the PERFECT GIFT being a Gift Card?  I'm really grateful for any gift that comes to me, but I receive, and have even given, gift cards to stores that just maybe the receiver of the gift card just doesn't shop there.....and then when you get to the store and start looking.....it takes FOREVER to find something there you want to use the gift card for.  PERFECT?  I don't think so.

I think you know where I'm headed with that observation.  THE PERFECT GIFT?  That ONLY PERFECT GIFT we could ever give, is that of HIM, Who is the PERFECT One, Who isn't a tangible "thing", but is the ALL in ALL, BEGINNING and END of joy, comfort, peace, life, love, happiness, and life everlasting.

So how do we give that PERFECT GIFT to others -- by giving ourselves as peacemakers, servants, joy-peace-hope bearers, by being LIGHTS that this world so needs and wants.  Though Jesus is the ultimate, ever-ready, radiant, source of LIGHT that dispels darkness.....He told us in Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shines to all that are in the house.  Even so let YOUR light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

Your GIFT this season?   YOU and YOUR LIGHT shining brightly so that others will come to know THE PERFECT GIFT -- Jesus Christ!
#ThePerfectGift #LightOfTheWorld

Redeemed -- Exchanged for Value

I loved the First Sunday of Advent message brought by Fr Bryan Brooks.  He said, "This was before recycling.  Many of you youngsters won't remember when we took our glass soda pop bottles to the store to "redeem" them for some change.  But you mature folks will remember."

And, I add to that thought -- many of you won't remember the S&H Green Stamps that we put into little booklets that we "redeemed" for merchandise.  But, again, those of us who are "mature" will remember.  In fact, you still might have something around your house that you redeemed your stamps for.

REDEEM:  to buy back, to get or win back, to free from captivity by payment of a ransom, to release from debt, to remove the obligation of payment, to exchange for something of value. (Source, Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

But here's a redemption story that tops them all!   The reason for all the carols, and nativity scenes, and Christmas programs, and candlelight services, and the feeling of awe and wonder about a baby being born in a manager is that  Jesus Christ, Son of God, humbled Himself and became a man so that He could redeem us from our mistakes and the messes we make of our lives.  He came to redeem us from our sins.  Jesus paid the price for our salvation.

We used to sing a song, “He paid a debt He did not owe, I owed a debt I could not pay, I needed someone to take my sins away. And now I sing a brand new song, Amazing Grace.   Christ Jesus paid a debt that I could never pay.”   That is the good news. That is the debt we could never pay. God did it through His Son Jesus Christ coming to this earth to take our sins upon Himself.  And He did that, when He died on the cross for you and me.

Doesn't that give you a huge reason to give a sigh of relief.  IT IS FINISHED.  From the Manager to the Cross -- he paid the ultimate price for you and me!  He REDEEMED us.  Doesn't that make you feel that you're worth a million?

It Made a Difference to That One!

Oftentimes, we tend to focus on what's wrong with others or what's wrong in our nation or what's wrong in our places of business. Isn't it time we do a self analysis about how we can be the influencer for CHANGE that impacts our world?

Sure there are the obvious world changers like Jesus Christ, Martin Luther King, President Ronald Reagan, Mother Teresa ...but what about the Mom & Dad who influence their kids for greatness, the volunteers at charitable organizations who daily touch people's lives, the grandparent who never ceases to pray for their family, and those who are willing to be the difference maker in someone who needs that extra word of encouragement and hope -- to not give up....TODAY?

One of the sweet ladies who attends my Life Group, was on her way to our meeting last week, but first stopped at the service station. As she went in, she saw a dissheveled young man sitting on the curb. She came out, and he was still there, and she passed him by. Almost to my house, she couldn't get that young man off her mind -- and had to turn around. She got to him and handed him all the cash she had with her, and said, "God bless you" and his reply, "No, God BLESS YOU!"

Seems like a tall order to be a world changer....but when we consider the effect we can make on one person's life, we can sure be their WORLD changer! We're counting on that act of kindness, by my friend -- to be the world CHANGER that young man needed. It's like the story of the old man throwing starfish back into the sea, and when asked "Old man, don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it! You can’t possibly save them all, you can’t even save one-tenth of them. In fact, even if you work all day, your efforts won’t make any difference at all.” The old man listened calmly and then bent down to pick up another starfish and threw it into the sea. “It made a difference to that one.”