On The Edge of the Ledge!

Let me compare America with the birth and growth of an eagle:

An eagle's nest weighs close to a ton.  The mother and father eagle line the nest with rabbit fur and feathers to make a soft and cushy lining for the baby eaglets to be birthed in, protected, provided for, and properly covered.  However, when the baby eaglets start to grow and its time for them to "leave the nest," the parent eagles remove the soft, cushy lining.

Next the mother eagle nudges her adolescents to the edge of a high cliff.  Then she PUSHES them over the cliff!  They start flapping their weak little wings and try to fly...but they keep falling!  So they cry out for help.  The mother eagle hears their cries and swoops down and carries them on her wings to safety.

America's soft, cushy life has been taken away.  We're now standing on the edge of the cliff (the so-called "Fiscal Cliff").  We're about to be PUSHED over the cliff.  Our only hope of survival and rescue is to put our trust in God (not in our government or in our finances)!

Over-and-over again the mother eagle takes them to the edge of the cliff and pushes them over.  This seems cruel, but it is the only way the young eagles will learn how to fly and soar above their circumstances and have victory over their adversaries.

"But those who wait (trust, obey and rely) on the Lord will find new strength.  They will fly high on wings like eagles...".  [Isaiah 40:31]

[Read:  Proverbs 24:10 and 16; John 10:10]

WINTER WONDERLAND

WINTER , for some, is a wonderful time of year...but for many others, they loathe it!  They can't find anything good about it; and they WONDER why God ever created it.  Yet, winter has so much to teach us.

I remember a cold, snowy winter when we traveled to IN to celebrate our anniversary (in March).  We stayed in an old lodge at Pokagon State Park.  One of the activities offered was to take a guided tour of the woods surrounding the lake.  The  Park Ranger revealed to us many things that were "growing" and "alive" in the dead of winter.  Our "untrained eyes" couldn't see, but with the help of the Ranger, our eyes were opened to see much beauty and life growing all around us.
Of course, some things were dormant--resting until spring.  But they weren't DEAD!!!

As Solomon wrote in The Book of Ecclesiastes, "To everything there is a season--a time to be born and a time to die; a time to laugh and a time to cry; a time to lift up and a time to let go; a time to spend and a time to refrain from spending; a time to speak and a time to be silent; etc."
[Paraphrased from Chapter 3]

Time is running out for 2012.  A new year awaits us.  I suggest you reflect and review what you've accompished and what you didn't finish in 2012.  Then look at what you need to attend to in the coming year.

As a heart doctor says in a TV commercial:  "Time waits for no one!"  OUT with the old year...IN with the new!

Many WONDER and WORRY what the new year will bring.  Others WAIT upon the Lord--believing He will guide them, bless them, provide for them, strengthen them, and protect them.

The 1st Snowfall

Yesterday was Toledo's 1st snowfall of the season.  As I gazed out the window, watching the snow pile up during the day, I was reminded of my childhood.

Our family lived along side a steep hill, which was a great place to go sledding.  Kids would come from all around the neighborhood--hauling their sleds--eager to slide down our hill.

It was such fun and so exciting to fall (belly-flop) on our sleds and slide swiftly down the hill.  However, it was not so much fun climbing back up that steep hill!  In fact, it took a lot of strength, effort, and required great endurance to climb back up that hill while dragging the heavy sled behind you.

You had to COUNT THE COST!  Was it worth climbing the hill?  Oh, YES it was!!!  The JOY of experiencing the ride on the sled made it all worth the trip!

(This reminded me of Jesus carrying His cross up Calvary's Hill.  That was a much more difficult climb--carrying a very heavy cross.  He, too, had to COUNT THE COST!  But He chose to ENDURE the cross for the JOY that was set before Him.)

Most kids today have "no clue" what it's like to sled down a steep hill on a snowy day.  Nor do they know how to climb back up--dragging a heavy sled behind them.  In like manner, most so-called Christians have no idea what it takes to carry "their cross" and follow Jesus and "go up higher" with Him.

There's JOY in the JOURNEY with JESUS, if you have the courage and the faith to climb the hill!

WAR & PEACE

It was during World War I--on Christmas Eve--that a "miracle" took place.  The American soldiers were camped on one side of a battlefield and the German soldiers were camped on the other side.

The gunfire had ceased for the night.  This allowed the soldiers to put down their guns and lift up their eyes to a star-lit sky.  Some soldiers started to remember that it was Christmas Eve!

The silence was broken when one lowly German soldier's voice could be heard singing "Silent Night."  Although he was singing in German, the Americans recognized the song.

An overwhelming PEACE, in the midst of a horrific WAR, began to blanket the battlefield.  PEACE began to penetrate hearts as the soldiers paused to worship and remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Truly "The Prince of Peace" had come to comfort them!  It was, indeed, a "holy night"...it was a "Divine intervention!"  All hatred ceased and fear fled for that moment in time.

There's a line from an old hymn that I'd like to use as a prayer today:

"Let there be PEACE on earth...and let it begin with me."  Amen.

SANTA CLAUS FAITH

It seems that our society is more consumed with telling tales than telling the truth about Christmas.  Many parents have convinced their young children to believe in Santa Claus, but fail to teach them about believing in Jesus.

The children send their WISH LISTS to Santa, but parents are forgetting to tell them to take their PRAYER LISTS to God.  They've taught them to say things like, "I want...I need....I have to have" rather than teaching them to tell the Lord how grateful they are for what they already have!

It's more of a family tradition at Christmas time for many parents to read the book, "'Twas The Night Before Christmas" to their children than to tell them the story about Jesus (the true "Christmas Story," which can be found in Luke Chapter 2).  Children seem to know more about the fictional character, Santa Claus, than they know about the one true God!!!

Christmas is not about Santa Claus coming to town....it's about the Christ-child being birthed into our world!  It's not about reindeer....it's about sheep and shepherds seeking the newborn babe.

GET REAL...tell the truth!  The Bible is not a fiction book....it's the real deal!  It's okay to tell a tale about Santa, but children need to hear the real story about the true meaning of Christmas
(over-and-over again....year-after-year.....to every generation).

Show them THE WAY (and it's not by a sleigh).  Go "over the river and through the woods," or however you have to go to get to grandmother's house....I bet she'll remember The Story!!!

THE GIFT OF LOVE

You can't put a PRICE TAG on love.  Some people leave the price tag on their packages.  They want you to know how much it cost them.

Some give gifts with STRINGS ATTACHED.  They're expecting something in return.

Some give gifts to BUY your love.

God gave us THE GREATEST GIFT of all....He gave us His Only Begotten Son.  And, His Son GAVE His life to save ours!  RECEIVE His gift....and SHARE this GIFT with others this Christmas.

BE PRESENT

There's a TV coffee commercial where the sister is talking to her brother, who has just returned from a long stay in South Africa.  The brother hands his sister a Christmas gift.  She takes the bow off the package and sticks it on his chest.  He says to her, "what are you doing?"  She answers, "you're my Christmas present this year!"  WOW!  What a beautiful answer! 

We should place more value and importance on the PERSON than on the PRESENT!!!

Jesus was the invited guest at Mary and Martha's home.  Martha was a fabulous cook--and she set a beautiful table.  One would think she was the "Martha Stewart" of her day!  But her sister, Mary, was a better hostess!  Mary sat with Jesus and listened to what He had to say while Martha was distracted and overly occupied with her kitchen duties!  More absorbed with her SERVING than SITTING with Jesus!!!  Mary, however, was determined not to miss  being present with Jesus (being in His presence).  [See:  Luke 10:38-42] 

Don't be a Martha and display a "bahh-humbug" attitude this Christmas!  Choose to demonstrate a "merry heart" as did Mary.  Have yourself a very "Merry Christmas" this year!

BEING PRESENT is the best PRESENT you can give!

My "Love Jar"

The most precious Christmas gift I ever received was a simple glass jar, which was filled with 365 slips of paper.  On each slip of paper was a handwritten note from my husband--one note for each day of the year.

This was my husband's way of expressing his love for me by honoring me with daily "acts of service."  For example:

• Note #1 - "I'll give you a backrub today."
• Note #2 - "I'll do the dishes today."
• Note #3 - "I'll take you to the movies."
• Note #4 - "Take a nap--I'll watch the kids."

Get the idea?

Neither the jar nor the paper were of any real value, but it truly was "A Gift of Love"--and that made it PRICELESS!!!  For you see--the jar contained his heart!  (And you simply can't put a "price tag" on love!)

What's in your heart to give as a gift this Christmas?  Who do you treasure most in your life?

Matthew 6:21 - For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also.

Lost & Found Christmas

A Home Health Aide, whom I knew when I worked at Hospice, had stopped at a Wendy's to use their restroom.  And, of course, she washed her hands before leaving.  It wasn't until she was at her next scheduled visit that she discovered she'd lost her wedding ring.  She went into a panic!  She frantically called a friend--exclaiming, "I've lost my diamond ring!"

The friend tried to calm her down...they prayed...and then she remembered the place where she was sure she LOST it.  After work, she and her friend went back to Wendy's and began to SEARCH through the garbage can.  And a miracle happened...they found the ring in the midst of all that garbage!

WHAT WAS "LOST" HAD BEEN "FOUND!"  (But they had to turn around and go back and search for it!)

The Christ child came into this world and was born in a dirty, filthy stable.  He came to save the LOST!  A few came SEEKING Him:  The wisemen came seeking the newborn king ("The King of the Kingdom of God"); the shepherds came seeking the newborn "Lamb of God."

Many have carelessly tossed Jesus into the garbage can--discarded Him like a piece of junk!  They prefer to SEEK after wordly GAIN (they worship power, money, and fame) that will rust and decay--and eventually be taken away.  But the true worshippers will SEEK after the Savior and find the most precious, lasting GIFT of all.

What about you?  WHAT are you seeking after...WHO do you worship?

A Walk In The Woods on Christmas

My worst Christmas and my best Christmas were on the same day!  Let me explain:

One Christmas, when we had the family gathered together for dinner, one family member began getting upset and angry.  He started making sarcastic and insulting remarks.  The noise level heightened in the room--tempers were getting hotter.

I couldn't take it any longer, so I escaped outside.  We lived near a woods--a fresh snow had fallen.  A blanket of snow lay on the branches of the trees.  Everything looked so clean, so white, so pure, so inviting.  I found myself walking deeper into the woods...just wanting to be alone.

It was after dark, but the snow glistened like diamonds as the moon shown down upon it.  "All was calm"..."all was bright!"

I began to feel a peace like I'd never felt before.  Peace seemed to be surrounding me; and, a Heavenly Presence began to walk with me.  I was no longer alone.  No words were spoken--we simply walked together in silence.  It truly was a "silent night"...a "holy night."  There, in the woods, I fell to my knees and began to worship my Lord.  I'd never before felt such love...such peace...such joy!

When I returned to my backyard, I could hear the voices inside the house.  They were so loud and disturbing that I couldn't make myself go back in.  So, I decided to stay outside and make a snowman.  (I hadn't made a snowman in years!)  I started to feel like a kid again.  I started to sing as I played in the snow.  I even made "snow angels."

What had started out to be my worst Christmas had turned into my best Christmas on the same day!  Why?

I had been in His Presence...I had worshipped my Lord...I had celebrated Christmas with "The Prince of Peace."

Too Heavy At The Top

Our 1st Christmas tree only cost us $1.98--but that's all we could afford!  (My husband was an Airman 3rd class.  His annual pay was only $800.)  We didn't have many ornaments to hang on the tree (and they were pretty cheap-looking).  However, we had a very big star to place on top of our spindly little tree.  The star caused the tree to bend down and hang low.  [It looked like the "Charlie Brown Christmas Tree!"]  The tree simply could not support the star!

Isn't that a picture of what's happening in our country today?  We've become too TOP heavy!  The "little tree" represents our "middle class."  The "star" has become "tarnished" by corrupt leaders and businesses, puffed-up and over-compensated politicians, etc.  Sadly to say--there are "too many chiefs and not enough indians!"

The backbone of this country (the middle class) has become weighted down.  It's growing weaker.  Many branches have been discarded, are deformed, or have not been cared for properly.

The tree doesn't need trimming...our country's budget does!!!  We need to remove, reform, or revise what's on TOP!

Our money has printed on it, "In God we trust."  But do we?  We, the people MUST put our trust in God rather than in government programs to provide aid and assistance.

The only way to save our land it to do what we can.  We can pray...we can put our trust in God...and we can obey what His Word has to say!

The wisemen went seeking THE STAR so they could worship THE SAVIOR.  If we're wise, we'll "Seek Him 1st and renew a right relationship with Him....then all these things (this country needs) will be given unto us."  [Paraphrased from Matthew 6:33]

A Christmas Past

Many years ago I gave my husband a tandum bike for Christmas.  We rode many miles together on that bike--and we went several places. 

• He rode up front and I sat behind him. 
• He led the way--but, we pedaled together.
• He protected me from the strong head winds.
• I could talk to him while we traveled.
• Sometimes we had to pedal hard to get up a hill; and, sometimes we could relax and coast     downhill.
• We even added a babyseat on the back of the bike so our 2-year old son could go with us.  The 3 of us took many rides together.

Isn't this the way we're to be with the Lord?  He leads the way; He protects us from strong winds; we can talk with Him as we go along the way; the way may not be easy, but He always takes us through the hard places.

We no longer have the bike.  Our son is grown and has a family of his own.  But the memory of those times we rode closely together will never be forgotten.  What memories will you be building this Christmas that will not be forgotten?

Many Christmas' have PAST, but that's one that'll always LAST!

Give a gift that keeps on giving--year after year:  Give a gift of time.  Give a gift of unconditional love.

The REASON for the SEASON

What appeared to be a DISASTER turned into a MIRACLE!  The story begins in what seemed to be the darkest of nights:

A husband and wife were traveling to a distant city.  It was getting very late, so they knew they needed to find shelter for the night.  They went from inn to inn--but there were NO VACANCIES!

The wife was pregnant--and her labor had begun.  Soon she would give birth.  What were they to do?  As they desperately pounded at the door of the last inn, the innkeeper told them "there is NO ROOM!"  All he could offer them was the stable out behind the inn.

The stable was dirty and it was OCCUPIED--crammed full of smelly barn animals!  No cushy beds or clean sheets available...only straw to lay on...only a manger to cradle a newborn.  But it was in this humble setting that the Christ child was born.

No doubt that when the baby breathed its first breath or let out its first cry, a new STAR appeared in the sky.  It shown brighter than any other star.  It was so bright that it caught the attention of lowly shepherds, who were watching over their sheep, on the hillsides.

No family, relatives, or friends came to see the newborn baby.  Only the shepherds came to gather 'round to celebrate the birth.  Then came a special messenger angel to deliver the BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT!

What had seemed to have been "the worst of times" was miraculously transformed into "the best of times!"  God's only Son had come to dwell among us!

JOY to the world....
         the Lord has come! 
                Oh come--let us adore Him! 

[See:  Luke Chapter 2]

GIFT EXCHANGE

Have you ever taken part in a Christmas gift exchange?  I'm sure you have.  They can be very interesting and challenging--full of surprises--some good...and some bad.

When my husband and I were dating, and we were starting to get more serious (even though we were only teenagers), I used to buy him some pretty expensive Christmas gifts.  I'd be so excited about what I'd picked out for him that I'd just have to show them to his mother before I wrapped them!  I didn't know it at the time, but this upset her greatly.  It was her custom to exchange gifts of the same value...and she didn't want Jerry to spend that much on me!  I'd buy him a bowling ball and bag, or a watch.  In return, I'd get a blouse or a pair of gloves.  I didn't care....I just loved to give gifts to the people I loved!

Well, the Lord loves to give us expensive gifts, too!  He gave us the most priceless GIFT:  "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."  [John 3:16]

Ever since that 1st Christmas gift was given, we've had the opportunity to EXCHANGE GIFTS with Jesus.  We give Him our SINS in exchange for His GIFT of FORGIVENESS.  We exchange our old life and receive a new life (one that will never perish).

Mary, at the Banquet at Bethany, EXCHANGED all that she had (and I'm not talking about the Alabaster jar of oil).  She  "poured out" all her past sins, soaked them with tears of love, and gave her HEART-- to Jesus.

What gift  are you willing to give Jesus this year for Christmas?  What does He want from you?  He's drawn your name...He's asking you to EXCHANGE gifts with Him!

LET THERE BE LIGHT

As I was walking my dog around the neighborhood (while it was still DARK) this morning, the Lord seemed to begin to speak to my heart.  As I turned the corner, I could see one house that had left its Christmas lights on all night.  Every other home on the street was dark.

I began to go back in time, remembering when I was growing up.  Almost every house in the neighborhood would decorate the outside of their homes and their front yards with Christmas lights and Christmas scenes.
Not so much these days!  Times have changed!   The manger scenes have been replaced with Santas or snowmen....fewer-and-fewer homes hang outside lights anymore.  The world's getting DARKER!

First CHRIST was crossed out in the word Christmas and replaced with an "X."Next it became "politically incorrect" to wish people a "Merry Christmas."  Now we're supposed to say, "Happy Holidays."

Society is more preoccupied with purchasing gifts and scurrying around the malls rather than quieting themselves down and reflecting on that 1st Christmas night.   "Silent night, holy night--all is calm, all is bright!"  

It's all about being in His PRESENCE, and sharing HIS STORY.  It's all about letting your light shine in a dark world.  "Oh, come, all ye FAITHFUL!"  Let us celebrate His birth and share His love this Christmas season.  

Draw Water from His Well

WISHING WELLS dry up!  But, the Lord's WELL of LIVING WATER never runs dry!  The way to draw water from His well is to "prime the pump" through PRAYER.

Where can we find this LIVING WATER?  It flows down from heaven above from THE RIVER of LIFE--then poured into the hearts of those who worship the One True God (those who worship Him in spirit and in truth).  [John 4:23-24]

Many wells have been poisoned and polluted by the lies of the devil and false religions.  Drinking from the devil's cup causes DEATH.  Drinking from the cup that Christ offers brings eternal LIFE.

As Christ said, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.  He who believes in Me--out of his heart will flow rivers of LIVING WATER."  [John 7:37-38]

Those who partake of this LIVING WATER will themselves become CHANNELS of SPIRITUAL REFRESHMENT for others.

Come to His [Refreshment] Table...let Him fill your CUP 'til it overflows!  [Psalm 23]

???

Take a look at your DAILY PLANNER...look at today's date...ask yourself these 3 questions:

(1)  Is this what I want to do today?
(2)  Is this what someone else wants me to do today?
(3)  Is this what the Lord wants me to do today?

Jesus didn't do everything He wanted to do.
Jesus didn't do everything everyone else wanted Him to do.
He only did what His Father wanted Him to do.
[John 5:19]

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

A PRESCRIPTION FOR WORRY

The prescription for worry is to take mega doses of Philippians 4:6 Amp. each day: 

"Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God."

A dear friend of mine is the Director of Nurses at an Extended Care Facility.  In a matter of two weeks, the facility lost 14 residents (due to death)--leaving a big drop in their census.  This was a real concern, which could result in laying off staff, etc.

My friend confesses that she is a "worrier."  However, she is learning to take her worries and concerns to the Lord.  So, for a few days--she fretted, worried, and anxiety was starting to overwhelm her.  Then she remembered Philippians 4:6.  Not only that, but she decided to invite (not order or demand) her staff to join her for a time of prayer.  Within 3 days, the census began to rise...beds were being filled...God had heard their prayers.

Know this:  God will do His part (hear and answer your prayers) IF you will do your part!

• TAKE your concerns to Him and make your requests known.
• TRUST in Him to meet all your needs.
• THANK Him for what He's done in the past and for what He's about to do.

Yep!  This is a good RX for worry!  "Don't worry....be happy" in the Lord!!!

Proverbs 17:22 - "A cheerful (merry) heart does good, like medicine."  Keep your heart healthy by laughing at the devil today!

WHAT DID YOU SAY?

The Bible tells us that "out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks."  [Matthew 12:34]

LISTEN to your words today.  Are they uplifting and positive, or are they critical and negative?  Are you tearing others down with your tongue, or are you building others up with words of affirmation--validating their worth?

I was taught as a child that "if you can't say something NICE, don't say anything at all."  That's pretty good advice.  Our mouths (words) can get us into a lot of trouble!  There's another old saying that says, "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but names will never hurt me."  WRONG!!!  We've all been emotionally scarred by words that have been hurled at us to harm us.

May the words that we say be pleasing unto You, O Lord, as we go about our day.  [Psalm 19:14]

"The tongue is only 6" long--yet, it can kill a man 6' tall!"   

(Or as the Bible would say, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." - Proverbs 18:21) 

UNBELIEF DEFEATS!

FAITH believes in God's promises whereas FEAR only sees the presence of the giants or the mountain of circumstances that stand in our way.

God PROMISED the Israelites that they could (and would) possess the Land of Canaan.  BUT, He didn't promise them they wouldn't have challenges and face giants along the way!

Moses sent 12 of his soldiers to spy out the land.  Ten returned with a NEGATIVE report; only 2 (Joshua and Caleb) gave a POSITIVE report.  The 10 (with "defeatist attitudes") died in the wilderness and never obtained what had been promised to them. 

They only saw what was, but could not see what could be!

We, who call ourselves BELIEVERS, must go by FAITH...not by what can be seen with the natural eye.  [II Corinthians 5:7/Hebrews 11:1]

Negative thoughts produce stinkin' thinking!  Negative thinkers are DOUBTERS...they DOUBT God's promises; therefore, their fruit falls from The Tree of Life and lays rotting on the ground.  Positive thinkers--BELIEVERS--those who trust in the Lord--bear good fruit and live an abundant life.

I urge you to "be DOERS of The Word" and you'll receive all He's promised you.  [James 1:22]
Let me leave you with this little poem to help motivate you:

Some people said "it couldn't be done!"  But he with a chuckle replied:  "Maybe it couldn't, but he would be one who wouldn't say so 'til he tried."  So he knuckled right in--with a trace of a grin.  If he worried, he hid it.  He started to sing as he tackled the thing that couldn't be done, and--HE DID IT!