The VERY Beginning of Christmas

Have you ever wondered like me, how it was in Heaven just before Christ left to come to Earth as a babe in the manger. Max Lucado obviously has too, for he wrote a book about it called Cosmic Christmas.  Here is what the inside cover says . . .

. . .do we know the whole story?  What about the hidden happenings that might have led up to the Savior's birth?  Was the arrival of Jesus a quietly profound event?  Or could it have been the result of heavenly battles, angel armies, and a scheming Satan?  Envision a confrontation in heaven between the King of creation and the rebellious Satan.  Threats.  Challenges.  A gauntlet laid on the floor of the sky.  And then the passage from heaven to earth.  "There was a war in heaven" the Bible states in Rev. 12:7.  Angels battling Satan's armies as they transport the essence of heaven itself.

The back cover reads. . .

The two stood facing each other, God robed in light, each thread glowing.  Satan canopied in evil, the very fabric of his robe seeming to crawl.  Satan rose slowly off his haunches. Like a wary wolf, he walked a wide circle toward the desk until he stood before the volume and read the word: Immanuel.

Immanuel?  He muttered to himself.  "God with us?"  The hooded head truned squarely toward the face of the Father.  "No. Not even you would do that.  Not even you would go so far.  The plan is bizarre!  You don't know how dark I've made the Earth.  It's putrid.  It's evil, It's. . .

"It is mine," proclaimed the King.  "And I will reclaim what is mine."

"Why?" Satan asked.  "Why would you do this?"

The Father's voice was deep and soft.  "Because I love them."

Wow!  This gives me goose bumps.  And you know what I think?  Anyone out there who is wondering if they are worthy, please just let me shout a great big "Yes!"  The angels and Satan battled in Heaven for you.  God let a part of himself leave the comfort of a holy home to come to this Earth for you and for me.  Why?  Because He loves us.  Yes, you are worthy.  You are special.  You are loved.  Let's live our lives showing Him that we think He is worthy, that He is special,  that He is loved by us.

As a new month begins, let's prepare our hearts by thanking Him, our Heavenly Father, for the battle that was won on our behalf, the battle that was fought before that very first Christmas tree went up, before there were wreaths on the doors and bells ringing from the churches.

Thank you Father for loving us so!

It is going to be a Merry Christmas

WAIT!!!

 

Before you indulge, sorry, eat that wonderful Thanksgiving dinner, ponder on this for just a minute.  Matthew 5:6 say, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled.”  As good as that turkey, potatoes, and gravy will be, to be filled with righteousness is even better.

            I used to think it didn’t sound right; it wasn’t humble to say or even think, “I am righteous.”  But that was because I didn’t completely understand the word.  When I trusted in Christ 40 years ago, I exchanged my sin for His righteousness.  The bible says our sin was poured into Christ at His crucifixion and His righteousness was poured into me (us believers), at our conversion.  It was a gift I gladly and humbly accept.  I am righteous, not because of anything I have done, but all because of what Christ has done for me.  I am clothed in it.  When God sees me, He sees His Son.  He doesn’t see my sin, He sees His beloved.  How awesome is that?!  That is something truly to be so thankful for!  Now what I can say and feel good about is this…I am righteous in God’s eyes.

            Before you bite into the turkey, remember to thank Him for already filling you with His righteousness, and then go ahead and fill up on that wonderful meal.  Don’t forget to thank the cook also!

“The righteous eat to their hearts content.

Proverbs 13:25

The Story of Thanksgiving

I'm glad I'm not eating at their tables. . .no brussel sprouts for me or potatoe chips in my stuffing.

I pray your table is full of tasty treats and your chairs are full of family and your hearts are full of gratitude. And I'm sure your bellies will be full so remember to wear elastic waistband pants. . .you'll be sorry if you don't ;)

A Bed Time Story

Once upon a time, on a glorious spring day, nine little chicks met for lunch. Eight of the nine knew each other as they had attended the same church at one time or another. The ninth little chickie only knew them through the blog they shared. How fun it was for little chickie, who had been blogging with these chickens for a year and only knew their names, to finally meet them face to face and witness each wonderful, individual personality. There was the baby chick (although already very mature and wise), the momma chicks, and some grandma chicks. All were interesting, wise, humble, funny and very much in love with the Lord. What an awesome gift to have met eight wonderful new chicks all in one day!

In this world where so much hen-pecking goes on, it was refreshing to meet these lovely chicks, who discussed favorite scriptures, songs, and good advice handed down through the years. These were not hen-pecking chicks, these were praising the Father kind of chicks. Because they were obviously mature, outstanding, wise women, this little chickie about lost her feathers when she sat at this table and also heard stories about Viagra, bras, and slurpie drinks. She laughed so hard she thought she was going to lay an egg!

There are some funny creatures out in the world who think “the believers” are boring, have no fun, and are just plain ol’ fuddy duddies. Well, they certainly have not met little chickies eight new friends…nothing boring or stodgy there!

Although little chickie had just met these chicks face to face this day, she felt loved and protected within this flock. It reminded her of someone else she knew who loves her and protects her with His wings. She read in her Bible Psalm 17:8 which says, “Hide me in the shadow of Your wings.” This verse is talking about the wings of her God, her Savior. She doesn’t think He literally has wings, but believes His all encompassing holy power and love covers her as a momma bird’s wings cover her children and protects them. This makes little chickie feel protected and loved, and feels like she will always be ok, because her God will always be there for her. And how awesome that He sends little flocks with real wings, (arms), to come around to praise with you, to hug you, and give a little piece of himself to you through those with skin on.

Little chickie observed the head chick at the table give a book titled, “Whispers of Encouragement for Moms” to their waitress. She was very good at her job, but chickie noticed she looked tired and thought she saw a sadness in her eyes. When asked if she was a mom, she replied yes, but that it can be really hard at times. She did not look joyful. Little Chickie felt for this woman and wished she had got up and given her a hug. Why didn’t she? Little chickie prayed for this waitress later, praying she would find encouragement through the book given to her, and also from our smiles and politeness to her during their lunch. And if she doesn’t know about the abundant life offered, someone would share with her. It also made little chickie realize to be more ready when opportunities arise. She was so thankful that the head chick was more on the ball!

This little chickie clucked all the way home praising and thanking her Heavenly Father for these real feathered friends. That evening as she fluffed up her feathers and settled into her nest for the night and said her prayers, she saw a yellow sticky note pad on her nightstand and cackled herself to sleep. (You had to be there)

If there is any moral to this story, it might be to step out and always be willing to make new friends. You just never know who God wants you to meet. The other is more a reminder that as long as you stay under God’s protective covering, we need never be afraid, life never need be boring, and to go out and share His love with others; especially the unbelievers. Introduce them to this Savior who saves and protects, teaches and grows and loves with a love like they have never known. Tell them about the abundant life He offers. You just might need to take them to lunch and have a cackling session. Wouldn’t it be awesome to witness a new bird entering into the flock!

OH…and if the ol’ rooster at home asks what chicks talk about over lunch, just casually mention Viagra, bras, and slurpy drinking. You’ll fall over with laughter from the puzzled look he gives you. (Who says believer chicks don’t know how to have fun?! J )

The End

This bed-time tale is dedicated to…Teresa, Ruth , Lynnmarie, Becky, Amy, Betty, Molly, and Amanda.

PS ~ I feel led here to say the Viagra story was G rated and had to do with a sweet, little girl sitting in church. She was given a sticky note pad and pen to keep her quiet and occupied in big church.  On the pen was an ad for Viagra.  She didn't know in her young mind what that was. Unbeknowst to her grandparents sitting next to her, she began to write the word on each sticky note and when everyone stood up to sing, the little girl stuck a note down on everyones seat to find.  Surprise!!!  :) 

 

Hope Everywhere

I love the little things! I always have but being a counter of blessings, learning to write them down after Ann Voskamp's dare. . .I seem to notice all the more. And I believe that was one of the points, to notice and give God glory for all, even the microscopic. Sometimes the microscopic actually is enormous if we just not look, but really see.

The name of my church is Living Hope. We have a non-profit organization in our town that helps the homeless and needy whose name is Hope House. I am part of a Bridge Outreach Ministry for the homeless, a place where they can come for Hope. It is a dear place in my heart.

When I began to look for a publishing company for the book I had written, I chose one in Nashville and sent my manuscript there. A couple of weeks later, I received a very nice, encouraging but none the less, a rejection letter. But I was not dejected. I had hope because I believed in what I had written. I really believed the story came from God himself and I had the privilege of writing it out. So I prayed for the next publishing company. I believe I was directed from Hope Himself to the next place. I sent my manuscript off again. Three days later, I was accepted. The word hope is in the name of my publisher.

I am not surprised. God has amused me so much through my journey into the homeless community and through this journey of writing. I had no experience in either and there have been so many mishaps and yet, success happened. I have experienced so many blessings through new friendships out on the streets, seeing and feeling grace, growing in my relationship with Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. When I thought I couldn't do something or I was scared, I always heard the whisper, "I can do it through you, I will be with you."

That is my Hope. . .Jesus. He is the  true Living Hope and it's His House I will dwell in forever because I received the gift, the gift that came into a manger and the same gift who hung on a cross.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. . .

First Peter 1:3

Hope in the stable. . .Hope on the cross. . .Hope in my heart. The four letter word may be small, but what it is, Who it is, is not. I am seeing Hope all around and not just in the names of things.

Do you see it?

If you are one who has not seen hope, felt hope, know where it is, please write me. Hope is all around. If you cannot see, I will point you in the right direction and we will pray for you to see. It would be the best Christmas present you would ever receive, a Christmas present that is not just given one day a year, but each and every day.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

$4.19 A Day. . .Could You?

WARNING!

Telling the cold, hard facts. If it sounds tough, please forgive me!
But sometimes we just need to hear. . .and to understand.

The average SNAP (known as food stamps until 2008) allocation per adult in the state of Kentucky is $4.19 a day.  Think about when you go out to lunch or dinner, how much do you spend on your meal, just for yourself.  And think about what you spend if you're paying for your family.  I know, we do it too.

But my mind goes to my friends out there on the streets.  Many of them eat because of SNAP.  Do you think they feel hunger pains?  Do you think they get to have treats like we give ourselves?  If they do have the treats, then they are not getting a good meal.  And a good meal for them would be a bologne sandwich and maybe an apple.  This doesn't sound too bad, but if that's all you got to eat, how would you feel?  Would you get cranky over time?  Would you start to feel bad physically?  Would you be prone to falling into depression?  I know I would just start to really crave a good juicy steak, potato, salad, and bread and tea after awhile.

But most people I befriend out there do not complain.  I have heard a few complaints about the food at the one shelter in town but other than that, only one complaint came from the bridge when we ran out of food and that man apologized later. He was taken care of.  I hear people who have MUCH complain about such silly things, things that do not hurt their comfort, and yet complain, complain, complain.  And then I hear ones who complain about the ones out on the street. . . "if they would just get up and get a job, they wouldn't have it so hard". . .if they would just and on and on and on.

I would like to challenge those abundant complainers to walk in the others shoes for one week and see how they feel. With no shelter, little food, feeling unloved, everything we take for granted stripped away. On top of that, imagine if you had been beaten the years you grew up by people who should have loved you, raped by men who thought only of themselves, parents who thought more about there booze than their child, or parents who didn't even care for you and left you in the foster care system, taking your chances on who got you, having to drop out of school, never graduating because your parents needed you to make money, or you needed money because they weren't taking care of you.  Your self esteem might just be stripped down to the bare bones.  If you had a sense of humor, it just might have fled. If you were considered friendly, you just might change after awhile in these conditions. They pay a pretty high cost for their upbringing.

And yet, these people are resilient.  Some have kept their sense of humor in spite of the former beatings and rapes and other abuses.  They have a toughness about them and a fighting spirit that keeps them going.  Yes, some fell into addictions.  They fell into something they thought would take them away from it all.  Most of them now, after years of this kind of abuse, have gotten away from that or are trying to. If you ask them, how do you do it, more times than not, they will tell you Jesus or point up to Him and smile.  Jesus paid the ultimate cost.  Some of them are starting to believe this. Some who believed as a child and ran away are coming back.  Some still need time. They all need love. And they all go on eating on $4.19 a day and they all still smile at me when I come around and give me hugs.

Could you live for months, years on $4.19 a day?  

Some of our workers have taken the 4.19 challenge. They multiplied 4.19 x 7 and that is all they are eating on for one week. That means they have had to cut out soda, coffee, and tea. They are eating P&J sandwiches, lots of eggs, drinking water. They have been getting headaches, cravings, and are missing the things they like to have on a daily basis. I bet after awhile, they just might get cranky. But after a week, they can go back to their regular way of eating.

Next time you go out for a meal, give thanks, and then please, pray for the homeless and hungry. And if you would like to take it a step further, please donate food to the food banks in your community.  In ours, two of those places would be HOTEL INC and Hope House. A little compassion goes a long way.

Thank you!

 

When I was hungry, you gave me food. . .
Matthew 25:35

Written by one who had the church bring her food when she was a little girl. Written by one who had a glimpse long, long ago.
Now she sees others and shares their stories.

My 2015 One Word

I found a site on the internet several years back called ONE WORD. It's all about giving up New Year's resolutions because, let's face it, they are usually out the window by March, April, or  Jan. 3. Instead, you pray about One Word that you will focus on for the year. Just one word.

My words in the past were good words, words like discipline, giving, healthy, honor. Good words. For the most part, serious words. Well, here it is Fall and I've already decided on my next word for this next year coming up. I wanted it to be different. I wanted a short word but packed with a lot.

My life has had a lot of seriousness in it. Today, I love what I do as in writing and volunteering but where I volunteer, there is a lot of seriousness. . .in the hospitals and homeless community, both of which I write about. I'm living in my 5th decade now. I've watched a lot of people my age and younger get sick, be in accidents, die. It just makes me realize even more than ever, I don't know how many more years, or days, or minutes I have.

 

One day something funny happened, and I had one of those big ol' belly laughs, something I had not had in quite some time. It felt good! And then I met two ladies who love living with their inner child. They make me smile. That feels good. Silliness can be good. . .for your health, for your face, for your relationships. SO. . .

 

I am picking a word for this next year that is going to make me giggle, laugh, snort, leap for joy maybe. . .and hopefully, it will make someone out there on the other side of the screen giggle, laugh, snort, smile, leap for joy. If nothing else, just for minute, to leave seriousness behind and give your heart a jog, a jiggle, a leap of joy before getting back to the seriousness of the day.

Have you guessed my new word yet?

 Well. . .just follow the arrow. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HERE IT IS. . .

 

TA DA. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've already started, I just couldn't wait!!!

 

You might see this lady around the corner. . .

 

 

 

 

OR

 

 

you might see something crazy like

 

 

 

If you would like to help me have fun, call me up, give me a ring, shoot me an e-mail, text or face book message.

 

Want to send me a joke, please do!  (clean please ;)

 

Want to share a cartoon, go for it!

 

Want to do something wild and silly with me?

 

Want to take you inner child out with mine?

Let's do it!

 

 

~You know where I am~

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Room in the Inn

My friends. . .they live out on the streets with the stars above and the chilled wind wrapping around their shoulders like a shawl, but this shawl is not warm. . .it's cold. They live out in God's world, a sanctuary without walls and windows. God is with them; some know this and some don't.

My friends are being blessed this winter by an old program that is new to our community called Room in the Inn. Churches sign up to participate and open their doors at night for our homeless neighbors. They are invited in for a dinner, fellowship, and a warm bed to sleep in with a breakfast the next morning.

A basic need. . .to be warm in the cold of winter. A basic need. . .not there for some. It doesn't matter why, just that they need. . .and the church can give. The church can serve. The church can love. It's a beautiful thing to see people step forward to serve, love, fellowship with their neighbors. Is this not what Jesus did? He comforted and loved and shared good words.

What would Jesus do? He would walk into the mess of dirt and cold and loneliness and say, Come! Come to Me, all you who are weary and I will give you rest. There is room in the inn. Come! Come sup with me. He would stoop to wash. He would feed His sheep, feed in more ways than one.  Come. . .there is room in the inn. Leave the cold night behind and come into the warmth. And our churches are saying, Come, there is room in our inn. May the guests feel the warmth in more ways than one.

 

Welcome!

 

 

 

 



The Year's Last Loveliest Smile

“Autumn...the year's last, loveliest smile."
[Indian Summer]”
― William Cullen Bryant


Autumn is slowly, quietly, and gently falling away and before we know it, the cold winter will be upon us with stark, bare trees standing before us.

 

The other day a friend was sharing with me how she was driving down the road and just taking in all His glory and the beauty God gives us in the Autumn and what a blessing it is too have such beauty to take in, to breathe in and enjoy before the winter arrives. For those of us who do not like the cold much, those memories can carry us through to the other side of spring where it's own kind of beauty will abound. Oh, I believe winter can beautiful too in it's own way, but I will be enjoying it from inside.





So, before this Autumn beauty slips away, I would like to share with you some of our Kentucky Autumn from the lens of my husband and my own. Breathe with us and let's thank God for the beauty He created and bestows on us.  Glory to God for every color, every leaf, every beauty of this world!
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you Father for the beauty of Autumn. We have breathed in your goodness and we are thankful for all blessings, in all colors, in all shapes and sizes and we will even thank You for the winter that is coming. There is beauty in the frosty season too and we just have to open our eyes to the blessings of it. I pray Father for each one here, that whatever season of life they are going through right now, that you would bless them whatever their need is right now, whether that be comfort, healing, strength, guidance, courage, provisions, love. . .We thank you Jehovah Jireh, our Provider for ALL things. May we glorify You with our lives and may your love pour out of us all over the ones you put in our path just as much as the leaves are pouring all over the ground right now.

We praise You and love You and thank You for all

In Jesus Name,

Amen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Things People Think When You've Authored A Book

1.  They think your rich now. ( I still wonder how the bills will be covered)

2.  That you have a grand life. ( I still live in the country and mow my yard and pull weeds) and
     to me, that is grand! :)

3.  That you don't have to clean your house anymore. ( I still kneel at the porcelain throne)

4.  That writing is so easy for me. ( I still struggle and pray every day for the words to come)

5.  That I'm so smart. ( I'm really not! Just maybe diligent and perseverant and pray a lot.)

6.  That I have all the answers to writing. ( NOT!)

7.  That life has become glamorous.  ( Look back at number #3)

8.  That I get all the money from the sales of the book. (Not!)

9.  That you wrote to make money. (Not! Not! Not!)

10. Assume because you had never written before, your book is self-published. Not! (God's hand
      was in this from day one and led me to a traditional publisher who accepted it.)

11. That I set out to write a book...Not! 

     Never in a million years would I have ever dreamt I would have written a book and even more so, that it would be published. But the great Author of life knows every detail of our lives and it was no surprise to Him. It was Him that saw this book before it ever began. It was Him who put the thought into my mind. It was Him who directed certain people to be sitting in certain places that kicked off the beginning of the book. It was Him who gave me the boldness to start talking with strangers and writing their stories. It was Him who gave me a story of my own with one of the strangers and it was Him who made us brother and sister in Christ. It was Him who gave me a wonderful husband who has always walked by my side, supporting, helping, and loving me through everything, there for the good and the bad days, there to walk with me through abandoned barns and underneath bridges, through the pain of having a prodigal son, to the joy of seeing the birth of the book.

  It was Him who lead and guided me through the whole process and because of Him, this non-writer became the author of a book.

 

“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Matthew 19:26

Where has He led you?

Do you sense Him leading you somewhere now?

I would love to hear about it and pray for you.
And we can say together,
"All glory and honor to God, the Author of all."