Never Too Old To Be Young

After last year's unexpected winter storm had dumped 12 inches of snow here in the Upstate the schools were cancelled, roads were treacherous, and all I wanted to do was stay in bed. Still, I knew I had to get the day started so I bundled up and walked outside. The snow was over my shoes. The cold wind was chapping my lips. My 60 year old back ached in anticipation of the shoveling I would have to do if the snow didn’t stop soon. 

Yet, when I looked out on the crystal blanket that covered the ground I couldn’t help but smile a bit. It was so beautiful. It softened the bare trees and hid the dead grass. In the distance I could hear the sound of the snow plow on the interstate, the barking of a happy dog let out to run in the snow, and the laughter of my grandchildren playing outside, enjoying their day off from school. 

The sweet music of that laughter brought back a hundred memories of snowfalls past. I remembered catching snowflakes on my tongue, building snowmen, making snow angels, sledding down hills, and always losing the snowball fights with first my brothers and then my own son. Standing there in that warm coat of remembering made the wind a little less cold and my back a little less sore. I turned up my head, stuck out my tongue, and for the first time in years caught a snowflake on it. It tasted so fresh and clean. It tasted like youth, like joy, and like love. I looked up to the Heavens and thanked God for all of my memories and for the simple truth that you are never too old to be young again. 

May you always feel young in spirit no matter how old or achy your body may be. May you always delight in the simple joys of life. May you always share your happiness with the heart of a child. And may you always give your love, your light, your laughter, and your warmth to others even on the coldest of days.

A New Year's Survival Kit

This is a New Year's Survival Kit. Use it and this could be your best year ever! It includes:

-A Toothpick to remind you to pick the good qualities in everyone, including yourself.

-A Rubber band to remind you to be flexible. Things might not always go the way you want, but it can be worked out.

-A Band-Aid to remind you to heal hurt feelings, either yours or someone else's.

-An Eraser to remind you everyone makes mistakes. That's okay, we learn by our errors.

-A Candy Kiss to remind you everyone needs a hug or a compliment everyday.

-A Mint to remind you that you are worth a mint to your family.

-Some Bubble Gum to remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything.

-A Pencil to remind you to list your blessings every day.

-A Tea Bag to remind you to take time to relax daily and go over that list of God's blessings.

This is what makes life worth living every minute, every hour, and every day. I hope in 2015 you have 365 days of love, gratitude, friends to cherish, caring, sharing, laughter, music, warm feelings in your heart and that you soar with the eagles rather than cluck with the chickens!

My New Years Wish for you

1. May you get a clean bill of health from your dentist, your cardiologist, your gastro-endocrinologist, your urologist, your proctologist, your podiatrist, your psychiatrist, your gynecologist, your plumber and the IRS. 
   
   
2. May your hair, your teeth, your face-lift, your abs and your stocks not fall; and may your blood pressure, your triglycerides, your cholesterol, your white blood count and your mortgage interest not rise. 
   
   
3. May you find a way to travel from anywhere to anywhere in the rush hour in less than an hour, and when you get there may you find a parking space. 
   
   
4. May Wednesday evening, December 31, find you seated around the dinner table, together with your beloved family and cherished friends, ushering in the new year ahead. You will find the food better, the environment quieter, the cost much cheaper, and the pleasure much more fulfilling than anything else you might ordinarily do that night. 
   
   
5. May you wake up on January 1st, finding hope and personal peace.
   
   
6. May you ponder how did this ultramodern civilization of ours once managed to get itself traumatized by a possible slip of a blip on a chip made out of sand, but thinks nothing of the coming of the Lord.
   
   
7. May you be awe struck by God's sense of humor as you wrestle with the possibility that a professional wrestler once had a chance to become President of the United States. 
   
   
8. May what you see in the mirror delight you, and what others see in you delight them. 
   
   
9. May someone love you enough to forgive your faults, be blind to your blemishes, and tell the world about your virtues. 
   
   
10. May the telemarketers wait to make their sales calls until you finish dinner, and may your check book and your budget balance and may they include generous amounts for charity. 
    
    
11. May you remember to say "I love you" at least once a day to your spouse, your child, your parents, your friends; but not to your secretary, your nurse, your masseuse, your hairdresser or your tennis instructor. 
    
    
12. May we live as God intended, in a world at peace and the awareness of His love in every sunset, every flower's unfolding petals, every baby's smile, every lover's kiss, and every wonderful, astonishing, miraculous beat of our heart. A Very Happy New Year to All!

The Day after Christmas

Well, we made it. It's December 26th, the after Christmas sales are starting, broken toys are being repaired, and that ugly sweater you got that doesn't fit can't be returned because you don't have a gift receipt. Whew! For a holiday celebration that is so wonderful and special things sure change quickly. We go from a spirit of anticipation and expectation to a reality that in just a few days the real world takes over again. Life doesn't take a vacation or stand still-it just keeps moving on.

For many this day begins a week of reflection. We reflect on our victories of the past year and our failures. We reflect on our gains and losses. We reflect on our personal battles and how we can improve or grow from those experiences. We reflect on the changes in the atmosphere around us and hope that we can see better days ahead. We reflect on what we have become, where we have been, and where we hope to go in the future.

But there's one thing the day after Christmas doesn't provide for us and that is a glimpse into our future. Reflection may help us deal with the past and experience may season us, but none of us know what our future holds. The iconic Forrest Gump said it best in the movie by the same name: "Mama always said life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get!" Because of this spirit of uncertainty the safety of reflection is often better than the hopes of the unknown future.

The truth today is as it is every year and that is that we cannot live in the past. It seems like only yesterday Becky and I got married, but it's been almost 43 years ago. I still remember my oldest granddaughter's first Christmas, but the Glow Worm we got her then wouldn't have made her very happy 15 1/2 years later as the other presents she got Christmas Eve and yesterday. Time changes and we either have to change with it or get swallowed up by it. That decision is firmly in our hands.

Maybe this simple little poem can help you on this day after Christmas. Hopefully on this Day after Christmas it will encourage you to look ahead and not behind.

It's the day after Christmas and the last week of the year,
Today some are happy still filled with Christmas cheer.

But in just a few days, a New Year begins,
And already some wonder how it will end.

Will it be good, or will it be bad?
Will I be happy, or will I be sad?

Only one knows the answer and can put your mind at ease,
His name is Jesus and He can meet your needs.

Christmas Blessings

I awoke at about 6:45 this morning and somehow my mind wandered to past Christmas Days that brought both joy and sadness.

-I remembered the Christmas Days when we would go to Shirley and Jerry's house or they would come to ours and the amount of presents under the tree.

-I remembered the pies Nanee would cook and all the crazy things she would do with us kids.

-I remembered seeing the joy on my dad's face sitting at the table and enjoying all the Christmas food.

-I remembered celebrating my first Christmas together with Becky and her parents.

-I remembered our first Christmas together with our son Shane and all the joy that it brought and still brings today with Candace, Hannah, Gracie, Hayden, and Gannon.

-I remembered our first Christmas with Dennis and Tonine, and later with their kids, Kaleb, Kamaron, and Kendell.

-I remembered our first Christmas with David and Sue, and later with their kids, Jared and Tiffany.

-I also remembered the first Christmas with my beautiful daughter-in-law, Candace, and the past 15 years with my babies, Hannah, Gracie, Hayden, and Gannon.

These are special Christmas Days I will never forget. I have been a blessed man to be able to enjoy these times with my family.

I also remembered the phone call we got on Christmas Day when my PaPa died. How quickly our happiness turned into sorrow upon hearing that news. And things are a lot different now and continue to change quickly as time passes. My father, Becky's parents, PaPa, Nanee, Shirley, and many more are not with us this Christmas Day. Physically they may be gone, but their memory still lives on in my heart and in my mind. I hope I never forget all the Christmas blessings that I have received, the good people I have pastored, and all God has blessed me with. In good times and in bad, He has, is, and always will be God. And on this Christmas Day 2014, I am very grateful for all He has done for me.

So from my house to yours, Merry Christmas, and don't forget to count your blessings.

The Christmas Alphabet (Part 3)

Q is for Quickly, as shepherds who heard Hastened to act on that heavenly word.

"And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger."   Luke 2:16


R is for Rejoice. The sorrow of sin Is banished forever when Jesus comes in.

"And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth."   Luke 1:14


S is for Savior. To be this He came; The angel of God assigned Him His name.

"She shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS, for he shall save his people from their sins."   Matthew 1:21


T is for Tidings related to all, Telling of Him who was born in a stall.

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."   Luke 2:10


U is for Us, to whom Jesus was given To show us the way and take us to heaven.

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."   Luke 2:11


V is for Virgin, foretold by the sage, God's revelation on prophecy's page.

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."   Matthew 1:23


W is for Wonderful, His works and words The King of all Kings, the Lord of all Lords.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given... and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."   Isaiah 9:6


X is for Christ. It's X in the Greek, Anointed, Messiah, mighty, yet meek.

"God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power."  Acts 10:38


Y is for Yes, called God's Yes in His Word; God's answer to all is Jesus the Lord.

"For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us."   2 Corinthians 1:20


Z is for Zeal as it burned in Christ's heart. Lord, by thy Spirit to us zeal impart.

"And his disciples remembered that it was written, the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up."   John 2:17

The Christmas Alphabet (Part 2)

G is for God, who from heaven above Sent down to mankind the Son of His love.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life."   John 3:16


H is for Herod, whose murderous scheme Was told to Joseph in a nocturnal dream.

"The angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise and take the young child and his mother and flee into Egypt... for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him."   Matthew 2:13


I is for Immanuel, "God with us," For Christ brought man back to the Father's house.

"Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."   Isaiah 7:14


J is for Joseph so noble and just, Obeying God's word with absolute trust.

"Then Joseph being raised form sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife."   Matthew 1:24


K is for King. A true king He would be, Coming in power and authority.

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, they King cometh unto thee; he is just, and having salvation."   Zechariah 9:9


L is for Love that He brought down to earth That night in the stable in lowly birth.

"In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him."   1 John 4:9


M is for Mary, His mother so brave, Counting God faithful and mighty to save.

"And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word."   Luke 1:38


N is for Night, when the Savior was born For nations of earth and people forlorn.

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night."   Luke 2:8


O is for Omega, meaning "the last;" He's eternal: present, future and past.

"I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last."   Revelation 22:13


P is for Prophets, when living on earth Foretold His redemption and blessed birth.

"I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel."   Numbers 24:17

The Christmas Alphabet (Part 1)

A is for Angels, appearing so bright, Telling of Jesus that first Christmas night.

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host."   Luke 2:13


B is for Bethlehem, crowded and old, Birthplace of Jesus by prophet foretold.

"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel."   Micah 5:2


C is for Cattle, their manger His bed, There in the stable where He laid His head.

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger."   Luke 2:7


D is for David and his ancient throne Promised forever to Jesus alone.

"He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David."   Luke 1:32


E is for East, where shone the bright star Which Magi on camels followed afar.

"Behold, there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews?"   Matthew 2:1 & 2


F is for Frankincense, with myrrh and gold, Brought by the Wise Men as Matthew has told.

"And when they had opened their treasurers, they presented unto him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh."   Matthew 2:11

Holiday Tips

• Carrot sticks-avoid them. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls. 
  
  
• Drink as much eggnog as you can. Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an egg-nogaholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have two. It's Christmas! 
  
  
• If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. 
  
  
• Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. 
  
  
• Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food. 
  
  
• If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. 
  
  
• Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day? 
  
  
• Fruitcake? Avoid it at all cost! 
  
  
• If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips. But hurry! Cookieless January is just around the corner.

The Forgotten Ones

Please read this beautiful true Christmas story.

After many years of trying to brighten the season for needy children, my husband and I happened upon an Angel Tree for nursing home residents -- the often forgotten fragile, lonely ones in our society. 

Some have outlived their children, others have children not willing to travel across the country, while some have no family or friends whatsoever. They are left to languish alone on our holiest holiday. 

These are ones we owe so much -- they are survivors of wars that kept our country free. Many suffered during the Great Depression simply trying to put food on the table for their families. They are all strong folks that could teach us much and deserve our absolute respect! Most of them did not have easy lives and in their final years. Many are the "forgotten ones." In my eyes, nothing could be more shameful! 

My husband, Jerry, instantly grabbed a card for a gentleman from that very special Angel Tree, while I selected the name of an older lady. Then we launched into an all-out shopping spree. The only information we had was first names, ages, and two wish lists. Never have I given such thought to each and every purchase. Making Christmas special for these two older kids became an obsession for both of us on a cold winter's afternoon. 

The gentleman had simply asked for music CDs. There was no mention of what type of music or any particular singer he enjoyed. We were both perplexed and then it hit us like a rock! Doing a little math we figured out what years he'd have been a teenager and took it from there. We purchased several CD's of hits from that time, as well as hits on into his twenties and thirties. 

The dear lady had requested only a robe. After some thought, I knew it must be washable, warm and of durable fabric to withstand being washed at the nursing facility. I located a lovely, plush, terry cloth robe with a bit of pink "girly" embellishment down the front -- the tag even said it could be bleached. But, what woman wouldn't enjoy new house slippers to match her robe? I tracked those down as well! 

Jerry and I were so wound up at that stage of the game that we couldn't stop with simply the items that had been requested. 

"What's Christmas without a box of fine assorted chocolates?" Jerry asked. 

I giggled and agreed, but as we headed to the candy department I realized one of them could possibly be diabetic. We found wonderful sugar-free assortments of chocolates that could satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth. 

Still, it seemed something was lacking. 

"I wonder how long it's been since this little gal enjoyed a bottle of nice perfume!" I wondered. 

We sprayed and sniffed until we found a mild scent that seemed suitable, and so hoped she wouldn't be allergic. I also included hand and body lotion. In my heart I knew she'd once again feel spry and beautiful as she pampered herself with the delicious aroma. 

Then, Jerry piped up, "Boys are never too old for toys!" 

After studying every small-scale model car and truck in the store, he chose several that would have been popular when the older gentleman likely purchased his first "set of wheels," and possibly his first family auto as a young married man. They would be nice remembrances placed on his bedside table or dresser to remind him of "the good old days."

I took great care in wrapping all items. The packages had to be beautiful. All the while I envisioned the sparkle in their aged eyes when opening each gift, and prayed our efforts would create a very blessed and Merry Christmas for two genuinely deserving people. 

No, that year they were not forgotten! In fact, they are never forgotten in our home. Each holiday season we discuss the joy that filled our hearts that year as we attempted to sprinkle the Christmas season with a bit of bliss for two aged, forgotten, souls. 

In remembrance of two nursing home residents who, every year, remind us of the reason for the season. 

~ Kathleene S. Baker ~

Copyright © 2011

Christmas Lights

Did you know that hanging lights on a Christmas tree is one of the three (3) most stressful situations in an on-going relationship? (The other two danger zones are teaching your mate to drive and wallpapering. Don't EVEN think of going there!) So I now present for you.... 

*Things NOT To Say When Hanging The Christmas Lights*

1. "You've got two red lights right next to each other, goober. You're supposed to go yellow, green, red, blue, not yellow, red, red, green, blue..." 
   
   
2. "Up a little higher. You can reach it. Go on, try." 
   
   
3. "What on earth do you do to these lights when you put them away every year? Tie them in knots?" 
   
   
4. "Come away from that aluminum ladder, kids. I'm going to fry that sucker." 
   
   
5. "If you're not going to do it right, don't do it at all. Don't just throw them on, like you do the icicles. You're worse than your father." 
   
   
6. "Give me that!!" 
   
   
7. "You've got the whole thing on the tree upside-down. The electric pluggee thing should be down here at the bottom, not up at the top." 
   
   
8. "I don't care if you have found another two strings, I'm done!." 
   
   
9. "You've just wound 'em around and around - I thought we agreed it shouldn't look like a spiral this year?" 
   
   
10. "Have you been drinking?!!?" 
    
    
11. "Okaaay! Looks like we're *finally* done here now. Not too shabby huh? Hey....wait a minute, where's the cat?"

Gossip

Gossip is unconstrained and often derogatory conversation about other people, and can involve betraying a confidence and spreading sensitive information or hurtful judgments.

Research shows that people who gossip the most have very high levels of anxiety. They are generally not particularly popular because they cannot be trusted. Spreading private information or negative judgments is painful to others and reflects poorly on the gossiper.

Why do people gossip?

•  To feel superior

People who don’t feel good about themselves temporarily feel better when they judge others negatively.

•  Out of boredom

When people can’t generate interesting discussions based on knowledge or ideas, gossip can rouse people’s interest.

•  Out of envy

People gossip in order to hurt those whose popularity, talents, or lifestyle they envy.

•  To feel like part of the group

People gossip to feel as though they belong to the group. Yet, when acceptance is based on being “in on a secret,” it is not based on a person’s identity, but on exclusion or maliciousness.

•  For attention

A person gets to be the center of attention temporarily while divulging a piece of gossip. Yet, spreading gossip or rumors is like buying attention; it’s temporary and has little foundation.

• Out of anger or unhappiness

A person can derive a sense of retribution with disparaging remarks.

Is it always wrong to talk about others?

Most people have a natural curiosity about what’s going on among people in the community. Some of the best books are biographies that tell the life stories of other people. However, the best biographies give the reader an understanding of the nuance and complexity of the person’s character through facts. They are not based on one-sided, offensive judgments of the person.

The key is to look at one’s intent in discussing other people and relationships.

Is the intent to understand human nature and improve one’s quality of life and relationships?

Or: Is the intent to temporarily feel superior or get attention by disparaging others

Let’s suppose that somebody is gossiping mercilessly about someone close to you. It’s important not to feed the gossiper with curiosity, agreement and further questions. It’s best to simply change the subject. Here are some other possible responses:

“I notice that you talk about Them a lot. I’m curious why they interest you so much?”

“Let’s take a look at it from Their side.”

“I am more interested in what you are up to.”

“Let’s talk about something more positive or decide what we’re going to do this afternoon.”

“I feel uncomfortable listening to negative judgments about people unless we figure out how to help them.”

Gossiping shows others the gossiper’s insecurity and meanspiritedness. It also leaves everyone involved feeling as though they’ve just eaten a bad apple. Ultimately, insight into the intricacies of human relations and behavior is more interesting, uplifting, and enlightening than one-dimensional judgments and rumors.

A Toothless Grin by Sharon Palmer

I was doing some last-minute Christmas shopping in a toy store and decided to look at Barbie dolls for my nieces.

A nicely-dressed little girl was excitedly looking through the Barbie dolls as well, with a roll of money clamped tightly in her little hand. When she came upon a Barbie she liked, she would turn and ask her father if she had enough money to buy it. He usually said "yes," but she would keep looking and keep going through their ritual of "do I have enough?"

As she was looking, a little boy wandered in across the aisle and started sorting through the Pokemon toys.

He was dressed neatly, but in clothes that were obviously rather worn, and wearing a jacket that was probably a couple of sizes too small. He, too, had money in his hand, but it looked to be no more than five dollars or so, at the most.

He was with his father as well, and kept picking up the Pokemon video toys. Each time he picked one up and looked at his father, his father shook his head, "no."

The little girl had apparently chosen her Barbie, a beautifully-dressed, glamorous doll that would have been the envy of every little girl on the block.

However, she had stopped and was watching the interchange between the little boy and his father. Rather dejectedly, the boy had given up on the video games and had chosen what looked like a book of stickers instead. He and his father then started walking through another aisle of the store.

The little girl put her Barbie back on the shelf, and ran over to the Pokemon games. She excitedly picked up one that was lying on top of the other toys, and raced toward the check-out, after speaking with her father.

I picked up my purchases and got in line behind them.

Then, much to the little girl's obvious delight, the little boy and his father got in line behind me.

After the toy was paid for and bagged, the little girl handed it back to the cashier and whispered something in her ear. The cashier smiled and put the package under the counter.

I paid for my purchases and was rearranging things in my purse when the little boy came up to the cashier. The cashier rang up his purchases and then said, "Congratulations, you are my hundredth customer today, and you win a prize!"

With that, she handed the little boy the Pokemon game, and he could only stare in disbelief.

It was, he said, exactly what he had wanted!

The little girl and her father had been standing at the doorway during all of this, and I saw the biggest, prettiest, toothless grin on that little girl that I have ever seen in my life. Then they walked out the door, and I followed, close behind them.

As I walked back to my car, in amazement over what I had just witnessed, I heard the father ask his daughter why she had done that. I'll never forget what she said to him.

"Daddy, didn't Nana and PawPaw want me to buy something that would make me happy?"

He said, "Of course they did, honey."

To which the little girl replied, "Well, I just did!"

With that, she giggled and started skipping toward their car. Apparently, she had decided on the answer to her own question of, "do I have enough?"

I feel very privileged to have witnessed the true spirit of Christmas in that toy store, in the form of a little girl who understands more about the reason for the season than most adults I know!

May God bless her and her parents, just as she blessed that little boy, and me, that day!

Christmas 1 Corinthians 13 Style

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.


If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.


If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.


If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.


Love stops the cooking to hug the child.


Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.


Love is kind, though harried and tired.


Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.


Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way.


Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.


Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.


Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love will endure.

The Christmas Alphabet

A is for Angels, appearing so bright, Telling of Jesus that first Christmas night.

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host."   Luke 2:13


B is for Bethlehem, crowded and old, Birthplace of Jesus by prophet foretold.

"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel."   Micah 5:2


C is for Cattle, their manger His bed, There in the stable where He laid His head.

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger."   Luke 2:7


D is for David and his ancient throne Promised forever to Jesus alone.

"He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David."   Luke 1:32


E is for East, where shone the bright star Which Magi on camels followed afar.

"Behold, there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews?"   Matthew 2:1, 2


F is for Frankincense, with myrrh and gold, Brought by the Wise Men as Matthew has told.

"And when they had opened their treasurers, they presented unto him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh."   Matthew 2:11


G is for God, who from heaven above Sent down to mankind the Son of His love.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life."   John 3:16


H is for Herod, whose murderous scheme Was told to Joseph in a nocturnal dream.

"The angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise and take the young child and his mother and flee into Egypt... for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him."   Matthew 2:13


I is for Immanuel, "God with us," For Christ brought man back to the Father's house.

"Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."   Isaiah 7:14


J is for Joseph so noble and just, Obeying God's word with absolute trust.

"Then Joseph being raised form sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife."   Matthew 1:24


K is for King. A true king He would be, Coming in power and authority.

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, they King cometh unto thee; he is just, and having salvation."   Zechariah 9:9


L is for Love that He brought down to earth That night in the stable in lowly birth.

"In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him."   1 John 4:9


M is for Mary, His mother so brave, Counting God faithful and mighty to save.

"And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word."   Luke 1:38


N is for Night, when the Savior was born For nations of earth and people forlorn.

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night."   Luke 2:8


O is for Omega, meaning "the last;" He's eternal: present, future and past.

"I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last."   Revelation 22:13


P is for Prophets, when living on earth Foretold His redemption and blessed birth.

"I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel."   Numbers 24:17


Q is for Quickly, as shepherds who heard Hastened to act on that heavenly word.

"And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger."   Luke 2:16


R is for Rejoice. The sorrow of sin Is banished forever when Jesus comes in.

"And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth."   Luke 1:14


S is for Savior. To be this He came; The angel of God assigned Him His name.

"She shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS, for he shall save his people from their sins."   Matthew 1:21


T is for Tidings related to all, Telling of Him who was born in a stall.

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."   Luke 2:10


U is for Us, to whom Jesus was given To show us the way and take us to heaven.

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."   Luke 2:11


V is for Virgin, foretold by the sage, God's revelation on prophecy's page.

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."   Matthew 1:23


W is for Wonderful, His works and words The King of all Kings, the Lord of all Lords.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given... and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."   Isaiah 9:6


X is for Christ. It's X in the Greek, Anointed, Messiah, mighty, yet meek.

"God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power."  Acts 10:38


Y is for Yes, called God's Yes in His Word; God's answer to all is Jesus the Lord.

"For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us."  
 2 Corinthians 1:20


Z is for Zeal as it burned in Christ's heart. Lord, by thy Spirit to us zeal impart.

"And his disciples remembered that it was written, the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up."   John 2:17

The First Christmas Day

There were no Christmas stockings hung
on that first Christmas day,
Just a lonely manger
and a lowly bed of hay.

There was no jovial Santa Claus
with toys and gifts galore,
But shepherds came from out of fields
to worship and adore.

There was no Christmas tree that day
bedecked with tinsel bright,
But in the East there was a star
that dazzled with its light.

There were no Christmas carolers
to serenade with song,
But hosts of angels gathered 'round
to watch the whole night long.

No fast last-minute shopping
and no Christmas cards to send,
But hope was born in one small Child
for new life without end!

 "And the Word was made flesh
and dwelt among us..."
(John 1:14 KJV)

What Do YOU Want for Christmas?

This poem was sent to Dear Abby just a few years ago from a couple who had too much stuff.
It was entitled, " So What Do You Want For Christmas?"

So many of you asked us (since Yuletide's drawing near)

"What do you want for Christmas? What can we give you this year?

If we say, "We want nothing!" you buy something anyway,

So here's a list of what we'd like; believe now what we say:

Pajamas for a little child, food to feed the poor.

Blankets for a shelter, and we ask a little bit more--

Perform good deeds and let us know, or volunteer your time.

These last are worth a fortune, and they needn't cost a dime.

We have to many things now, vases, candles, tapes and clocks.

 

We have our fill of garments, ties, underwear and socks.

Candy is too fattening, crossword books we've more than 20.

We don't need trays or plates or cups, and knickknacks we have plenty.

We've no walls to hang more pictures;

we have books we've not yet read;

 
So please take what you'd spend on us and help the poor instead!

Just send a Christmas card to us and tell us what you've done;

We'll open them on Christmas Eve, and read them one by one.

It won't cost as much for postage as a package sent would do,

You'll need no wrapping paper, ribbons, ink or glue.

And we'll thank God you listened to what we had to say,

So we could be the instruments to help someone this way.

The Christmas 10 Commandments

1. Thou shalt give thy heart to Christ. Let Him be at the top of thy Christmas shopping list. 
   
   
2. Thou shalt prepare thy soul for Christmas. Spend not so much on gifts that thy soul is forgotten. 
   
   
3. Thou shalt not let Santa Claus replace Christ, thus robbing the day of its spiritual reality. 
   
   
4. Thou shalt not burden the shop girl, the mailman, and the merchant with complaints and demands. 
   
   
5. Thou shalt give thyself with thy gift. This will increase its value a hundred fold, and he who receiveth it shall treasure it forever. 
   
   
6. Thou shalt not value gifts received by their cost. Even the least expensive may signify love, and that is more priceless than silver and gold. 
   
   
7. Thou shalt not neglect the needy. Share thy blessings with many who will go hungry and cold unless thou are generous. 
   
   
8. Thou shalt not neglect thy church. Its services highlight the true meaning of the season. 
   
   
9. Thou shalt be as a little child. Not until thou has become in spirit as a little one art thou ready to enter into the kingdom of Heaven. 
   
   
10. Thou shall not forget to share your joy, peace and faith with those around you.
    

The Light Of The World by Helen Dowd

"As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. - He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." 

John 9:5 & 8:12

Christmas is a special time of year. I can't imagine what it would be like if we did not celebrate Christmas. What better time of year than Christmas, to teach our children the true meaning? 

Christmas is not about lights, trees and presents, turkey dinners, or family gatherings. Oh yes. Those things are great, and "God has given us richly all things to enjoy." But more importantly, Christmas is about God's LOVE, about LIGHT. John 3:16 sums up the true meaning of Christmas, God s ultimate gift to EVERYONE His Son, the LIGHT of the world. God loved His creation, US, so much that in order to redeem us from eternal death, which we so deserves, He sent His Son to be the substitute for us. 

I don t care that some say that the first Christmas was not observed at the birth of Christ, that it originated back in Rome to honor Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture, or some other theory that someone else might have come up with. To me, the first Christmas was the day that God sent LIGHT into the world. 

I am glad that Sunday schools and churches put on pageants with the manger scene and the shepherds. What better way to teach a child about Christ and why He came to earth. I am glad that the authors of the Bible recorded that the humble shepherds celebrated on the night of Christ's birth, by leaving their sheep when the skies filled with LIGHT and the angels sang, and they went seeking for the Light of the world, JESUS. The wise men began their search for the King that same night because they saw a LIGHT in the sky a star in the East. 

Does it matter that the usual scenario is of the wise men at the inn with the shepherds in these pageants? Is it really giving the children the wrong idea? Of course we know that the wise men came on the scene much later. The child will learn to put things in their proper order as he grows up. I did. So let the Sunday schools put on their pageants, with the wonderful Christmas scene of the shepherds and the wise men worshipping Jesus. 

I don't care that research has shown that we do not know the exact day of Christ's birth. It does not matter whether it was not December 25th or some other day of the year. What matters is: Christ, the LIGHT of the world was born. And that He lived--as a man; suffered--as a man; died a cruel death on the cross--as a man; and rose again on the third day--as God, triumphant over sin and death, our REDEEMER, our SAVIOR, our LORD. 

I don't care if they tell me that the exchanging of gift idea did not originate with the gifts that the wise men took to the child Jesus. To me, gift giving, 'though enjoyable, is not important. God's ultimate Gift is. If people get pleasure and comfort from giving and receiving gifts, then let them carry on with it. To me it does not detract from the true meaning of Christmas. 

I don't care what they say about the Christmas tree--that it is a pagan symbol. To me that is not important. I have heard several opinions on this. Great that people get pleasure out of putting up and decorating a tree. It doesn't bother me a bit. In fact, if it uplifts someone from their humdrum existence, bringing light and giving them something to look forward to, at least once a year, let them put up a tree. To me this is not a distraction from the true meaning of Christmas. Perhaps it even adds to it. Christ came as the Light of the world: so let the lights at Christmas help remind people of this. Christ died on a tree for our sins: so let the tree be a reminder of this.

How quickly time passes

James 4:14 "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."

Becky said yesterday while putting up the Christmas decorations that it didn't seem like a whole year had passed since we were doing this last year. This year has been tougher on me than any I have experienced since 2005. Physically, mentally, and emotionally I have been stretched to a point that I never have been before and it has been rough. During the past 5 years I have made some very wonderful friends, but I have gone through some very rough times and only by the grace of God have I made it through. I always heard that the older you got time seemed to move by quicker and I'm beginning to believe it (LOL)! My point is time has continued on. It didn't stop for me and it won't stop for you.

Time does go by so quickly. If the Lord tarries His return:
-My oldest grand will be 16.
-My middle grand will be 12.
-My next will be 7.
-My youngest will be 2.

It seems like only yesterday Hannah was in diapers, Gracie was still sucking her pacifier,
Hayden was learning to walk, and Gannon was not even in the picture. Before you know it they will be grown, married, and have their own families. Shane was bemoaning that thought last night.

Nostalgia hit me yesterday afternoon and I worked for hours on Christmas videos from our time serving the Union Church of God. I mad several videos from some of our Down Home Christmas celebrations at the church. It made me happy and sad at the same time, realizing that some of those precious folks are no longer with us, but in glory now, or have moved on to another church. Those were some of the best times of my life working with those precious folks, playing with those great musicians, and just enjoying the holidays.

Time slows down for no one. It just keeps on moving and we have to do the best we can with the time that we are allotted. So we have some choices to make. Either we accept the changes that time brings us and keep on living or we allow our time here on earth to be one of despair and defeat. That decision is ours to make and ours alone. I have to make it and so do you. Before you realize it a day may come when time as we know it has slipped away. So do the best that you can with what you've got. Make every minute count because you will never see that minute again.

The Tale of Three Trees

Once upon a mountaintop, three little trees stood and dreamed of what they wanted to become when they grew up. The first little tree looked up at the stars twinkling like diamonds above him. “I want to hold treasure,” he said. “I want to be covered with gold and filled with precious stones. I will be the most beautiful treasure chest in the world!”

The second little tree looked out at the small stream trickling by on its way to the ocean. “I want to be a strong sailing ship,” he said. “I want to travel mighty waters and carry powerful kings. I will be the strongest ship in the world!”
The third little tree looked down into the valley below where busy men and busy women worked in a busy town. “I don’t want to leave this mountaintop at all,” she said. “I want to grow so tall that when people stop to look at me they will raise their eyes to heaven and think of God. I will be the tallest tree in the world!”

Years passed. The rains came, the sun shone, and the little trees grew tall. One day three woodcutters climbed the mountain. The first woodcutter looked at the first tree and said, “This tree is beautiful. It is perfect for me.” With a swoop of his shining axe, the first tree fell. “Now I shall be made into a beautiful chest,” thought the first. “I shall hold wonderful treasure.” The second woodcutter looked at the second tree and said, “This tree is strong. It is perfect for me.” With a swoop of his shining axe, the second tree fell. “Now I shall sail mighty waters,” thought the second tree. “I shall be a strong ship fit for kings!”
The third tree felt her heart sink when the last woodcutter looked her way. She stood straight and tall and pointed bravely to heave. But the woodcutter never even looked up. “Any kind of tree will do for me,” he muttered. With a swoop of his shining axe, the third tree fell.

The first tree rejoiced when the woodcutter brought him to a carpenter’s shop, but the busy carpenter was not thinking about treasure chests. Instead his work-worn hands fashioned the tree into a feed box for animals. The once-beautiful tree was not covered with gold or filled with treasure. He was coated with sawdust and filled with hay for hungry farm animals.
The second tree smiled when the woodcutter took him to a shipyard, but no mighty sailing ships were being made that day. Instead the once-strong tree was hammered and sawed into a simple fishing boat. Too small and too weak to sail an ocean or even a river, he was taken to a little lake. Every day he brought in loads of dead, smelly fish.

The third tree was confused when the woodcutter cut her into strong beams and left her in a lumberyard. “What happened?” the once-tall tree wondered. “All I ever wanted to do was stay on the mountaintop and point to God.”
Many, many days and nights passed. The three trees nearly forgot their dreams. But one night golden starlight poured over the first tree as a young woman placed her newborn baby in the feed box. “I wish I could make a cradle for him,” her husband whispered. The mother squeezed his hand and smiled as the starlight shone on the smooth and sturdy wood. “This manger is beautiful,” she said. And suddenly the first tree knew he was holding the greatest treasure in the world.

One evening a tired traveler and his friends crowded into the old fishing boat. The traveler fell asleep as the second tree quietly sailed out onto the lake. Soon the thrashing storm arose. The little tree shuddered. He knew he did not have the strength to carry so many passengers safely through the wind and rain.
The tired man awakened. He stood up, stretched out his hand, and said, “Peace.” The storm stopped as quickly as it had begun. And suddenly the second tree knew he was carrying the King of heaven and earth.

One Friday morning, the third tree was startled when her beams were yanked from the forgotten woodpile. She flinched as she was carried through an angry, jeering crowd. She shuddered when soldiers nailed a man’s hands to her. She felt ugly and harsh and cruel.
But on Sunday morning, when the sun rose and the earth trembled with joy beneath her, the third tree knew that God’s love had changed everything. It had made the first tree beautiful. It had made the second tree strong. And every time people thought of the third tree, they would think of God. That was better than being the tallest tree in the whole world.

Do not underestimate what God is doing for you as well.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Thankfulness (Part 5)

Thanksgiving In Our Hearts

Thanksgiving is a special day, it comes but once a year,
When we give thanks for all our blessings, for family and friends so dear.
But Thanksgiving should be like Christmas, alive in our hearts everyday.
And for the gift God gave on Christmas, let us bow down our heads and pray.

Not just once a year, but all year through, each and every moment we must savor,Giving thanks and praise to God above for the gift of our dear Saviour.

For family and friends, love and health give thanks, but also please remember;
The blessing that holds the greatest wealth is that of our Redeemer.


Happy Thanksgiving from the Stone family.

Thankfulness (Part 4)

A Thanksgiving Prayer

Dear Father in Heaven please lend me Your ear,
'Cause I've got a prayer You'll be happy to hear.

Lord, there's no request list this time when I pray,
I just want to give thanks this Thanksgiving Day.

First, I want to thank You for gifts from above:
Your unending mercy, Your undeserved love.

And thank You for sending Your Son down to earth,
For now those in Jesus can have second birth.

Lord, thank You for saving Your children from Hell,
And giving Your Spirit who comes to indwell.

And thank You for choosing me to be Your own,
For now that You're in me I'm never alone.

Lord, thanks for forgiving me when I'm untrue,
And last, but not least, Father, thank You for You!

Thankfulness (Part 3)

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,

If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something

For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.

During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations

Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge

Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes

They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary

Because it means you’ve made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.

A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are

also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles

and they can become your blessings.

Thankfulness (Part 2)

2 Chronicles 5:13
The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: ‘He is good; his love endures forever.’

Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

Mark 14:22-23
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take it; this is my body.’ Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it.

Luke 17:15-16
One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him - and he was a Samaritan.

Ephesians 5:19-20
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Colossians 2:6-7
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

1Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 

Thankfulness (Part 1)

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV

Cultivating a spirit of thankfulness is more than a good idea; it’s a direct command from God. In the Old Testament, God laid down specific guidelines for the Israelites to bring thank offerings. In the New Testament, believers are instructed to be thankful in all circumstances.

When we’re struggling with trials and difficulties, this sounds like a strange command, especially since we live in a culture that encourages us to act on the basis of how we feel. But God knows that when we focus on our blessings, it’s easier to keep our problems and concerns in the right perspective.

A spirit of thankfulness honors God and strengthens our faith. It also strengthens our relationships with other people. We can’t be in a right relationship with God or with anyone without a spirit of thankfulness no matter what problems we’re struggling with.

So this Thanksgiving week give praise to the Lord for everything. It can change your mind and heart for the better.

I Am Thankful

Colossians 3:15 NKJV "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful."

The older I get the more thankful I become for precious friends who have been mentors and supporting partners in my ministerial journey. Without their support, prayers, and friendship it would have been a very lonesome path.

My dad was my first inspiration. The next 6 weeks were his favorite time of the year. This will be our 26th Christmas without him. You never stop counting the time when you lose one of your best friends and when the Lord took him home He took mine. He was my first mentor and example of what a Christian should be and how a pastor ought to live. Was he perfect? No, but he was one of the best examples of a believer that I ever knew. He was so young when the Lord called him home, but his legacy lives on.

I. C. Morris, Jr. was another mentor of mine. A great pastor, leader, and friend. He loved God, the Church of God, his family, and his congregations. He had a way about him that stood out and pastored some of the largest churches in our movement in that day. It was he that taught me how to help a congregation grow and allowed me enough leeway to become creative and inventive with our music, worship, and media. We had a lot of "firsts" in the Church of God in North Carolina back in the 70's under his leadership. I am thankful I was his friend and associate.

Bobby and Peggy Johnson also had a great influence over my life. Sister Peggy went home to be with the Lord a number of years ago, but Brother Johnson is still pastoring in Mauldin today. Brother Johnson offered me my first church staff position and was very kind to Becky and I. Sister Peggy was my buffer, my protector, and my friend. They both had such an impact on my life that even at my age I still honor Pastor Johnson as my elder and not just a peer in ministry.

I also give thanks for good church men like Brother Shirley, Turner, Murphy, Nave, Taft, Clark, Birch, Beard, Sanford, Thomas, Calhoun, Ramsey, Thackston, and many others who stood with me through thick and thin in the churches I have served. These men were there when I needed them and did whatever was needed when asked to help perpetuate the Kingdom of God. Without the great men and women of God our churches could not have done in the past what they did or today what they are continuing to do.

Sometimes I get very sad when I think about them not being with us, but I rejoice and am very thankful that one day I will see them again if I serve the Lord. That's why I am so thankful today and encourage to be as well. Take the time to remember those who have mentored or assisted you to where you are in ministry today. Be thankful for what they taught you and pass it on to the next generation. It is surely something worth sharing.

Absolutes

Those of us who were raised Pentecostal have always been excited about a new evangelist preaching in an excitable way what we call the old-time doctrine. Yes sir, down with the trends and fancies of the day just give me that old-time Word. Sounds great doesn't it? However, most of the time we shout a little bit, dance a little bit, and worship and then within two days we go back to doing the same things we did before we heard that new evangelist. Why is it that we have professed to have the greatest outpouring of the Holy Spirit on a generation and yet can be so spiritually fickle when it comes to just basically living right and treating people with respect as we should? That is the question most non-Christians and even-non-Pentecostals are asking today-"If you guys profess this Holy Ghost power, why doesn't it give you the ability to love one another and help one another when you are in need and treat people right?"

There is a need for sound doctrine today. There is a need for absolutes.
2 Timothy 4:3, 4 "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;  and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables."

I am not talking about Church of God doctrine, or denominational doctrine, I'm talking about Biblical doctrine. The Bible is still filled with absolutes by which we are known as believers or not. A professing Christian may not be perfect, but he or she will do all within their ability to make sure to adhere to the true doctrines of the Word of God.

So what are some of those absolute truths?
-Salvation-Whosoever calls upon the Lord shall be saved.
-Living a sanctified, holy life-Possessing your vessel (body, mind, and soul) in sanctification
-Being filled with the Holy Ghost-Acts 2
-Bearing the fruit and gifts of the Spirit-These identify you.
-Restraining yourself from vengeance, gossip, and deceit-Controlling your actions.
-Carrying for the needy and hurting-doing the work of the Father.

For so long we have majored in minors and that has hurt the Kingdom of God. I have shepherded precious people who had all the trappings of Spirit-filled believers, yet they bore no fruit as a believer in Christ should. Nope, I'm not judging, just stating facts. I know myself that I have fallen short in some areas of my life and had to sharpen those areas up to be the best that I could be for God and it wasn't based upon some new doctrine or spiritual fad. It was based on the absolutes of the gospel that my life was changed by God and I had to do things differently if I wanted to give Him honor and glory.

I cannot tell you how to worship because worship is based on your relationship with God. I cannot answer every mystery of why things happen in your life or mine when we serve the Lord that are bad, painful, or hurtful. I cannot tell you the answer to certain things that have happened around us in our families and homes that have had a negative effect on us. But I can tell you I believe that God still has absolutes that we can build upon even in times of need and will do so in closing. These are some absolutes you can count on:

He is Almighty.
He is a Bridge over troubled water.
He is Closer than the mention of His name.
He is Dedicated to His children.
He is Encouragement personified.
He is Full of grace.
His Goodness is everlasting.
He Helps us in the time of need.
He is In control of your situation.
He Just cares about you.
His Kindness is beyond compare.
His Love is boundless.
You Matter most to Him.
Your Needs He will supply.
He is Patient and concerned.
He's ears are Open to your cries.
He Qualified you for eternity with the availability of His great salvation.
He Rescues the hurting today.
He Saves the needy.
He Totally knows what you are facing and going through.
He Uses every means necessary to show you His glory.
He Verifies daily how much He understands your problems.
He still Works miracles today.
His Spirit is a spiritual X-ray of your soul.
He is Zealous to see you make it out of your turmoil and restored to high ground.

Thank God for absolutes! They still work today!

Time management

"But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin." (Romans 7:23-25 KJV)

Most of us pastors spend way too much time on what is urgent and not enough time on what is important.  In other words, productivity is not just about getting things done, it’s about getting the right things done.  

Being busy for appearance sake only doesn't mean you are always doing what is right. A pastor must take care of his congregation, but he must do so in a balanced way so that he is spiritually and physically empowered by God to be the best he can be.

At the end of each day, you have to look at how you have spent your time, and adjust your schedule as necessary for tomorrow.  If necessary get rid of your schedule’s complexities so you can spend more time on the things that really matter. Sometimes this means fine-tuning and eliminating all but your essential tasks, so you are left with the ones that add value to your life.  

Above all, know when to set aside the time for important things like family, prayer, study, and personal care. I am still in this learning process myself and it is a struggle. Yet I'm learning everyday that I must take care of me if I am going to help lead and take care of others.

So for whoever this message is for today just stop what you're doing and analyze your day. Do what's important because it's important and let the other stuff take care of itself. Fight that inner war and win because tomorrow may depend upon it.

Hope and Future (Part 2)

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

The future you build depends upon a lifetime of positive choices. It’s not based on something that's one-and-done as some people believe. Finding the path to your future can be simple for some, but walking on the path destined for you is harder than you can imagine.

Why is that path so hard to stay on?
-There are always people filled with negativity looking to infect you with that spirit.
-There are obstacles that interfere with completing your journey that were unforeseen when you embarked on your path.
-There are defeats and losses you will encounter that will shake the very foundation of your path as you walk step by step on it.

But remember this: when your mind is challenged by situations that engage your plans for your future, things come to life that help you grow into your greatest self. You learn through experience that you have to put in a great effort to live the life you imagine and dream of regardless of what you face.

You learn how to hope through life's journey. You learn it by saying ‘no’ to all the negativity in your life. You learn it by conquering the obstacles life has put in the path of your future. You learn it by making each victory a declaration to yourself that you are on your way to bigger and better things in your future with the help of the Lord. and that defeats are but stepping stones.

When things about your future seem clouded remember a day from your past that ended with a great sense of joy. It wasn't a day when you goofed off with nothing to do, but it was a day you had more to do than seemed possible, and you did it and felt great joy in what you were able to accomplish.

God does have a plan for you and that plan is to prosper or bless you in your future. Bad days will come along with sorrows sickness, and even loss, but God wants you to invest your hopes and dreams into His plan for your future. Your happiness can grow with each effort you put forth and your future will be blessed.

Hope

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Hope is so much more than an emotion. Hope is the fire that fills your heart with great joy. The Negative Nellies of this world never see this ever happening in their lives. That’s why they fall victim to feelings of sadness, envy, and hopelessness. They lose sight of what’s important, wasting their time and energy on things that don’t really matter.

Hope comes from a chosen course of action, a way of being, and a constantly renewed mindset as well. Hope is the key that unlocks your potential. Whatever you dream about your future begins on the path you pave with the commitment to being happy and living a fulfilled life.

The hope that makes your future different doesn't come from instant gratification. There’s nothing instant about healing old wounds, nurturing real love, and finding the courage to let go of what’s not working. It’s takes commitment and a great effort on your part to make the changes necessary to have hope when everything seems hopeless.

You are responsible for the life God gave you. You either do what you know can give you hope in the future or you allow yourself to be swallowed up by the sorrows of the past. The choices you make, good or bad, are yours and you have to live with them. Your destiny to live happy and fulfilled or sad and empty will be affected by the company that you keep and the relationships that you make. If hope isn't in that company you will be in trouble.

Remember God has plans to give you a hope and a future. Don't let yesterday destroy your tomorrow.