Remembering to Forget

   Unwanted invaders! They tripped the switch of blissful slumber and flashed the before dawn lights of “could have been’s,” and “would have done’s,” soon followed by the colorful “if only’s” and “should I have’s!”

   What brought this onslaught? I wasn’t quite sure, but I ran for help – to the only One who could help! I’m not sure if I even audibly whispered His name – all I know is He was there! Instantly He brought His Word – “Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are before. . .

   Immediately I felt a touch – a Presence from a Hand unseen but, oh, so real. Out the door with the unwanted invaders! The light of truth permeated the atmosphere of my mind, my soul, my spirit . . .

   This time of year lends itself to reflecting. Reflecting on the past – but no matter what the past year has brought, today is not forever. Where it has brought joy – rejoice! Where it has brought sorrow – weep. Where it has brought failure – seek restoration, and forgiveness. Whatever it has brought you – bring it to HIM!

   Then, remember to forget – and seek HIM for the future! Today is not forever – and you are never alone.

“Leave the broken, irreversible past in God’s hands, and step out into the invincible future with Him.” Oswald Chambers

Take it with You

“. . . this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13b-14

The Greatest Gift Exchange

   The rush is on! It seems like everyone is scurrying about, trying to find that perfect gift for that perfect someone. Gift exchanges abound! At work, at church, between families . . .

    Houses shine out colorful lights, the air is filled with sounds of music and the smell of fresh baked cookies, . . mmmm . . .  It’s a celebration!

   What are we celebrating? We are celebrating the most perfect gift! He wasn’t wrapped with a ribbon and bow, or stuffed into a stocking a long time ago. His gift tag didn’t read one name. He was God’s gift of love to each of us -- a gift to the whole world.

   He left what He had always known – the splendor of Heaven and came to the lowliness of earth. He wasn’t even born in a house – and certainly not a hospital! He didn’t have the comforts of a crib, and Mary wasn’t worried about having the nursery in matching colors. Chosen by God, she gave birth to the very reason we celebrate this season in a place where animals stayed. His very first bed was a manger. Yet, He is still the greatest gift of all – JESUS!

   Exchanging gifts is a wonderful part of Christmas, and, it’s really the birthday of Jesus we are celebrating – so, what are we giving Him? There’s really only one thing He wants. He wants us to participate in the greatest gift exchange ever. And guess what? WE get the BEST gift!

   He takes our sadness – and brings us joy. He forgives our sins – bringing us salvation and eternal life! He takes our emptiness – and fills it with HIMSELF!

I'll Give Him The Very Best I Have 

All of the presents, under the tree— What can I give back, to God’s gift for me?

I have no wonderful items to show--Then, suddenly whispered inside me I know.

I’ll give Him the very best I have -- I’ll bring Him all that I am.

And that gift will last for eternity -- When I give Him all of me.

Jesus, I love You, this Christmas it’s true -- The very best present is God’s gift of You.

I want to bring You something so grand -- You whisper inside me

Give what you can.

 I’ll give Him the very best I have --I’ll bring Him all that I am.

And that gift will last for eternity -- When I give Him all of me.

Janene Dubbeld/FGG

      In the middle of this celebration, let’s take some time to reflect, and remember the real reason for the lights, the music, the gift exchanges . . . If you’ve never received the greatest gift of all now is the time.

“Dear Jesus, Thank you for being the greatest gift of all for me. I want to accept you as my personal Lord and Savior. Please forgive my sins and make me new in You.  I bring You all that I am, and give you all of me. I love you, Jesus.

In Jesus name, Amen

Take it with You

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son; that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16

God Moments in the Baking

   The supplies were bought, quickie lunch in the crockpot, Christmas music playing, recipes out, mixer on the counter – time to bake! Mom mentally organized the day. Mix the sugar cookies first – they have to chill . . .

   Soon she was joined by a ten year old, very energetic helper. She mentally “re-organized” for a few moments so he could make some “microwave fudge.” By now she was joined by another seven year old energetic helper! Time for another recipe . . .

    The day progressed and soon it was time to roll out the dough and cut out the fun Christmas shapes. As we worked together, my seven year old began asking questions. He wanted to know things. Things like – “before God was a baby were there people?”

   In an instant, baking turned into a “God moment.” With flour everywhere and our hands rolling out cookie dough the beautiful sharing of the Incarnation began.

   God didn’t ever begin – He always existed. He took on the FORM of a baby – became a human being so He could experience life like us, and He could save us from our sins. Because He came to earth, lived, died and rose again, we can have eternal life.

   We talked only a few moments – He seemed to understand. Didn’t seem to stumble over Truth, but with the faith of a child – believed.

   The cookies soon lost their interest, and they were out to play football or head for the woods. Mom had lots more to do, but she was thankful for the moment – the God moment in the baking!

   Merry Christmas! 

Take it with You

“And she will bring forth a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

Genuine Kindness

   It was the blur of the holiday season . . . one of those days between Thanksgiving and Christmas when the busy day was closing out with a family game of Monopoly. One member of the family was hitting all the right properties, making money, and “going for the gold!” Two of the other players were doing fine also – but, mom? Well, Mom hit all the wrong spaces, ended up going to jail, and once she was out things didn’t turn for the better!

   Soon, all her properties were mortgaged, and she landed on someone else’s property with a hotel. It was doing her in. She counted her money and tried to make it work, but it just wasn’t working. Just as she “threw in the towel” a little voice sounded from around the corner, “Wait!”

   The youngest player of the game handed her a folded up piece of notebook paper. Unfolding the paper she found three one hundred dollar monopoly bills, and a note that read, “From a nice friend.”

    It was so unexpected and kind it actually brought tears to her eyes! In the middle of “growing up” and working on winning a game, there was a genuine kindness that still spilled over from his heart. 

   “A little child shall lead them!” While this season brings its wonder and beauty, it sometimes brings a rush and flurry that aids in forgetting the simple things. A smile at the checkout, a listening ear to the waitress, a donation at the door, a bed time story for the children, a hug for our spouse . . . genuine kindness.

   So, my prayer is . . . “God, please engrave this reminder on my heart and mind for the days to follow. May genuine kindness be a representation of You to those I encounter!”

Take it with You

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32