Time For New Beginnings

"This is a time for reflection as well as celebration. As you look back on the past year and all that has taken place in your life...

* Remember each experience for the good that has come of it and for the knowledge you have gained.

* Remember the efforts you have made and the goals you have reached.

* Remember the love you have shared and the happiness you have brought.

* Remember the laughter, the joy, the hard work, and the tears.

And as you reflect on the past year, also be thinking of the new one to come. Because most importantly, this is a time of new beginnings and the celebration of life."

Recipe for a Happy New Year

Take twelve fine, full-grown months; see that these are thoroughly free from old memories of bitterness, rancor and hate, cleanse them completely from every clinging spite; pick off all specks of pettiness and littleness; in short, see that these months are freed from all the past—have them fresh and clean as when they first came from the great storehouse of Time. Cut these months into thirty or thirty-one equal parts. Do not attempt to make up the whole batch at one time (so many persons spoil the entire lot this way) but prepare one day at a time.

Into each day put equal parts of faith, patience, courage, work (some people omit this ingredient and so spoil the flavor of the rest), hope, fidelity, liberality, kindness, rest (leaving this out is like leaving the oil out of the salad dressing— don’t do it), prayer, meditation, and one well-selected resolution. Put in about one teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor.

The Real Essence Of Christmas

THE CHRISTMAS TEN COMMANDMENTS

* Thou shalt give thy heart to Christ. Let Him be at the top of thy Christmas shopping list.
* Thou shalt prepare thy soul for Christmas. Spend not so much on gifts that thy soul is forgotten. Thou shalt not let Santa Claus replace Christ, thus robbing the day of its spiritual reality.
* Thou shalt not burden the shop girl, the mailman, and the merchant with complaints and demands.
* Thou shalt give thyself with thy gift. This will increase its value a hundred fold, and he who receiveth it shall treasure it forever.
* 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.
* Thou shalt not neglect the needy. Share thy blessings with many who will go hungry and cold unless thou are generous.
* Thou shalt not neglect thy church. Its services highlight the true meaning of the season.
* 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.
* Thou shall not forget to share your joy, peace and faith with those around you.

WAYS WE ARE DIFFERENT THIS CHRISTMAS

* Last Christmas we were thinking about all the things we didn’t have; this Christmas we are thinking about all the things we do have.
* Last Christmas we were placing wreaths on the doors of our homes; this Christmas we are placing wreaths on the graves of our heroes.
* Last Christmas we were letting our sons play with toy guns; this Christmas we are teaching them that guns are not toys.
* Last Christmas we were counting our money; this Christmas we are counting our blessings.
* Last Christmas we were lighting candles to decorate; this Christmas we are lighting candles to commemorate.
* Last Christmas we paid lip service to the real meaning of the holidays; this Christmas we are paying homage to it.
* Last Christmas we were digging deep into our bank accounts to find money to fly home for the holidays; this Christmas we are digging deep into our souls to find the courage to do so.
* Last Christmas we were trying not to let annoying relatives get the best of us; this Christmas we are trying to give the best of ourselves to them.
* Last Christmas we were thinking about the madness of the holidays; this Christmas we are thinking about the meaning of them.
* Last Christmas we were getting on one another’s nerves; this Christmas we are getting on our knees.
* Last Christmas we were giving thanks for gifts from stores; this Christmas we are giving thanks for gifts from God.
* Last Christmas we were wondering how to give our children all the things that money can buy; this Christmas we are wondering how to give them all the things money can’t (peace, security). * * Last Christmas we were thinking about all the pressure we were under at the office; this Christmas we are thinking about all the people who no longer have an office to go to.
* Last Christmas we were thinking how good it would feel to be affluent; this Christmas we are thinking how good it feels to be alive.
* Last Christmas we thought angels were in heaven; this Christmas we know they are right here on earth.
* Last Christmas we were contemplating all the changes we wanted to make in the new year; this Christmas we are contemplating all the changes we will have to make in this new reality.
* Last Christmas we believed in the power of the pocketbook; this Christmas we believe in the power of prayer.
* Last Christmas we were sharing—spreading—listening to gossip; this Christmas we are sharing—spreading—listening to the Gospel.
* Last Christmas we were complaining about how much of our earnings went to taxes; this Christmas we comprehend that freedom isn’t free.
* Last Christmas we valued things that were costly; this Christmas we value things that are holy.
* Last Christmas the people we idolized wore sports uniforms; this Christmas the people we idolize wear police, firefighter and military uniforms.
* Last Christmas peace on earth was something we prayed for on Sunday morning; now it’s something we pray for every day.

CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION

* I BELIEVE that Christmas is more than a time for parties and ornaments; it is a time for remembering Christ and the incarnation of God’s love in human flesh.
* I BELIEVE there are gifts more important than the ones under the Christmas tree, the things we teach our children, the way we share ourselves with friends, and the industry with which we set about reshaping the world in our time.
* I BELIEVE that the finest carols are often sung by the poorest voices; from hearts made warm by the wonder of the season.
* I BELIEVE in the angel’s message that we should not be afraid—that the Child of Bethlehem is able to overcome all anxieties and insecurities.
* I BELIEVE in prayer and quietness as a way of appropriating Christmas—that if I wait in silence I will experience the presence of the one born in the manger, for he lives today as surely as he lived then.
*I BELIEVE in going away from Christmas as the wise men went: "another way." I want to be different when these days are past—more centered, more thoughtful, more caring.
**AND I BELIEVE GOD will help me. Amen

Change Your Mind ~ Change Your Life

Fear is the greatest enemy of your future.

Uncertain times is no time to let fear stop us from living our lives to the fullest.

God has a perfect plan for each of our lives (Jeremiah 29:11). We must trust Him no matter what's going on around us. Be anxious for nothing, pray and be thankful in everything (Philippians 4:6).

When fear knocks at the door, let faith answer.

Fill your mouth with the Word of god and walk boldly and confidently into your future.

See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut (Revelation 3:8).

I am afraid, fearful of my own weaknesses; maybe even thinking what I have to give to God is not quite good enough fro His acceptance.

sometimes I feel that the mental geniuses and the physically strong always walk ahead of me. They seem to pass through the open doors of opportunity, unaware of my long struggle in working, waiting for my turn, I need a chance to break loose from this cocoon of inferiority.

Yesterday's disappointment will not stop me!

What I was then is no excuse for what I am today. Instead of sitting down I WILL get up, and with every bit of energy I can muster I WILL as a not~so~saintly saint reach for my impossible dream.

With one deep breath I get up, struggling to stand on my own two feet, but I am standing! Steps are coming...Wait...I see a DOOR...it's open...wide open...not closed, as I had thought. Someone is standing there. it's the Lord and I hear Him saying: "I know you well, you are strong, but you have tried to obey and have not denied My name. Therefore, I have opened a door to you that no man can shut.

Fill your mouth with the Word of God and walk boldly and confidently into the New Year, 2009.

Remember My Birthday

As you well know, we are getting closer to My birthday. Every year there is a celebration in My honor and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated. During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone is talking that My birthday is getting closer and closer.

It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of Me. As you know, the celebration of My birthday began many years ago. At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration.

Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration. I remember that last year there was a great feast in My honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts. But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited. I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send Me an invitation. The party was for Me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in My face...and I wanted to be with them and share their table.

In truth, that didn't surprise Me because in the last few years all close their doors to Me. Since I was not invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner. They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were having a great time. To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing along white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying: "Santa Claus, Santa Claus"... as if the party were in his honor! At 12 midnight all the people began to hug each other ; I extended My arms waiting for someone to hug Me and...do you know...no one hugged Me.

Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for Me. How would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one? I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left. Every year it gets worse. People only remember to eat and drink, the gifts, the parties and nobody remembers Me.

I would like this Christmas that you allow Me to enter into your life.

I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this world to give My life for you, on the cross, to save you. Today, I only want that you believe this with all you heart. I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite Me to their party, I will have My own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party. I'm still making the final arrangements.

Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in My great guest book. Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party.

Those who don't answer the invitation, will be left outside. Do you know how you can answer this invitation? It is by extending it to others whom you care for... I'll be waiting for all of you to attend my party...

See you soon ....I love you !

~ Jesus ~

~ Merry Christmas ~

Bringing Joy To Children In Hospital

I witnessed the most awe inspiring event today with bikers delivering toys to the Portland, Oregon Shriner's Children Hospital...Over 7000 bikes with two bikers per most bikes brought toys to the children!! There must have been 15-20 thousand people! I am still trying to take it all in. Was in tears most of the time while watching. This is just a few of the pictures. Bikers from all around the world I think were here. Bikers for Christ, Bikers for Vet, Biker-Bikers and more bikers!! Bikes decorated and FULL of toys! Simply amazing!!

This December season offers all of us a chance to take a look at our lives and appreciate the blessings we have, whether they're large or small.

God's love and His Blessings are just waiting for us, wherever we are. We are all part of God's Family and we must all do our part to bring hope to the hopeless.

Keep your thoughts on Jesus, whatever you may do. All will know without a word, that Jesus lives in you.

Wherever you may go, He always will be near. He's standing close beside you, to quiet every fear.

Good deeds are like good seeds, growing into a beautiful garden of life. You can give without loving, but you can't love without giving.

Do all the good you can when you can, how you can, where you can and to whom you can.

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. (James 2:17)

Divine December

December brings a chilly, gray looking sky. Colors muted, and clod weather seems here to stay. Winter solstice arrives toward the end of the month, with the official first day of winter. Even now, days are beginning to lengthen and we can gradually look forward to more daylight.

Though it is one of the most coldest months on our calendar, it is one of the warmest months in our hearts. It is the month when we celebrate the birth of Jesus. He came into the world poor, wrapped in swaddling clothes, His bed a manger. His parents were far from the comfort of their home the night of His birth, having journeyed to Bethlehem to be counted in a census. Turned away from the Inn, sent to a stable. There, among common animals, Jesus was born.

The world was changed for all time!

This is a story told many times, but never to grow old. It rings down through centuries, always new and inspiring. For Jesus came to bring peace and love into a weary world. His words and deeds are fresh in our hearts to this very day. The joy of His birth is echoed in the love we share with others!

Sometimes the message of his birth gets lost in commercial trappings of the holiday. It becomes a time of gift, card and parties. But we should always remember the real reason for Christmas.

Take time during the holiday festivities to stop and think of Jesus. When His spirit of Peace becomes a part of our lives, each day will be Christmas, and each night will hold promise of joy in the morning. So find a quiet corner and say a little prayer, a prayer of love and brotherhood for all men!

Usher the old year out by letting your faith shine like a beacon to herald the New year.

Decide right now things are going to be better for you and your dear ones and that, with God’s help, you will work hard to make it your best year ever.

December 7th~Pearl Harbor Day, the anniversary of the Japanese attack of Pearl Harbor in 1941, putting the United States into World War 11.

December 25th~Christmas, the birthday of Jesus, and a time for good will toward all men!

December 31st~New Year's Eve...a time to say goodbye to the old year, and welcome the New Year with anticipation!

In December I will share the Lord's peace and love with all I meet.

Stepping Out In Faith

When was the last time you consciously, willfully stepped out in faith, trusting God regardless of the potential outcome?

A very real tension exists between what we would like the outcome of a situation to be, and what God wants for us. Faith is about trusting that God can see beyond our limited vantage point to the bigger picture. Jesus assures us that faith provides everything we need to cope in this world.

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. You believe in, adhere to, trust in and rely on God, believe in, adhere to, trust in and rely on Me also.” (John 14:1)

It is important to make the distinction between trust in God and trust in the outcome. The Bible says; “The Lord is righteous in all His way and holy in all His works.” (Psalm 145:17)

While God’s works may truly be merciful, at times they can undo us emotionally. It can be devastating when we trust in the outcome, and forget or refuse to lean on God for His understanding and mercy. “Not Your will, God,” I’ll say, “but mine.”

We lost my mother very unexpectedly a almost five years ago and found that we had many things to take care of and tend to. All we had was God…He had not abandoned us.

I will be honest with you~it was hard to like God. After all, how come He took her from us so early? He could of spared us those dark hours. It was within His power to do so. I trusted in Him, and felt He had let me down.

In my time spent with the Lord the next year, God pointed out that He loved her so much that He sent someone into her life to love and nuture in good times and bad times. That someone was her children. He must of felt we were pretty special if He choose us, out of all the candidates, to be her children.

All our pain is not without purpose, if it meant we got to know and love her. Hurt faded into gratitude as blessings were discovered amongst the losses. God keeps His promises.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I willl listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

When we step out in trust on God’s understanding, despite our hopes for the outcome, we deepen our relationship with Him. “In pece I will both lie down and sleep, for You, Lord, alone make me dwell in safety and confident trust.” (Psalm 4:8)

When the outcome is not what we would have chosen, we feel that God ignored or shunned our prayers. Reality is, God always hears and answers our prayers, but He is not limited by our blurred vision. “Great is our Lord and of great power; His understanding is inexhaustible and boundless.” (Psalm 147:17) God sees beyond the immediate. He knows what we need.

Pain, suffering and disappointment can come to us with such enormity that all other reality is engulfed, all other thoughts eclipsed.

Personal pain can potentially unseat the strongest of faiths. With the real threat of being tossed about like a ship on rough seas.

I have learned that God’s truths are like an anchor in the storm. I am secure in the knowledge tha “neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8: 38-39)

Mike Mason writes, “One does not hold rational, articulate opinions when one is writing in pain.”

May we let the Good Shepherd, Shepherd us today and always.