Merry Christmas

 

"I thank God for Christmas. Would that it would last all year. For on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, all the world is a better place, and men and women are more loveable. Love itself seeps into every heart, and miracles happen...". ~ Peter Marshall

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 

John 3:16-17

What to do this Christmas

   

  What To Do This Christmas

This Christmas, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Share some treasure. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Find the time. Forego a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Listen. Apologize if you were wrong. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Appreciate others. Be kind; be gentle. Laugh a little. Laugh a little more. Deserve confidence. Take up arms against malice. Decry complacency. Express your gratitude. Go to church. Welcome a stranger. Gladden a heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love. Speak it again. Speak it once more. Christmas is a celebration, and there is no celebration that compares with the realization of its true meaning --- with the sudden stirring of the heart that has extended itself toward the core of life. Then, only then, is it possible to grasp the significance of that first Christmas --- to savor in the inward ear the sweet music of the angel choir; to envision the star-struck sky, and glimpse, behind the eyelids, the ray of light that fell athwart a darkened path and changed the world. 

                                        Author Unknown

Joy to the World

JOY to the World! the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart, prepare Him room,

And heav'n and nature sing, And heav'n and nature sing,

And heav'n and heav'n and nature sing.

JOY to the earth! the Savior reigns!

Let men their songs employ,

While fields and floods,rocks, hills and plains

Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

HE rules the world with truth and grace,

And makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness,

And wonders of His love,

And wonders of His love,

And wonders, wonders of His love.

JOY TO THE WORLD!

Detours

 

When Pharaoh let the people go, "God did not guide them by the road towards the Philistines, though that way was the shortest.... God made them go round by way of the wilderness towards the Red Sea" (Ex 13: 17, 18 NEB).

The direct route would save time as well as wear and tear on the people, but God had something infinitely more important than economics in mind--He wanted the people to be able to sing the song of praise of chapter 15--"The Lord is my refuge and my defence...my deliverer. He is my God and I will glorify Him; He is my father's God and I will exalt Him" (Ex 15:2 NEB). They sang this song because they had firsthand experience of God's power and deliverance. Pursued by all the chariots and horses, cavalry and infantry of Egypt, they had passed through the Red Sea in safety and seen the enemy drowned. They would have missed this glorious lesson if they had taken the short road.

When we are puzzled by delays and detours, let us think about the great purpose of life: to glorify God. The lessons He wants to teach us "in the wilderness" are priceless means of providing us with a song we could not otherwise have sung: "In Thy constant love Thou hast led the people!" (Ex 15:13).

~ Elisabeth Elliott

Bread for the Journey

 

Prayer! What is it that keeps us on our knees. Is it concern for a child? A sick loved one? Difficulty at work ?The dying? Prayer is the essence of conversing with God, our Father.

Here is a quote by Max Lucado from his book "Outlive Your Life" -

Did God call us to preach without ceasing? Or teach without ceasing? Or have committee meetings without ceasing? Or sing without ceasing? No, but he did call us to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess 5:17).
Did Jesus declare: My house shall be called a house of study? Fellowship? Music? A house of exposition? A house of activities? No, but he did say, "My house will be called a house of prayer" Mark 11:17."

"Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ." Col 4:2-3 NLT

"God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, you created all that exists, and you sustain all through your infinite wisdom and boundless power. Yet you invite me to come to you in prayer, boldly and with the expectation that you will hear and answer me. Teach me, Lord to take full advantage of this privilege, especially in regard to reaching others with your love. Give me a heart for those who have yet to experience the fullness of your grace, and prompt me to pray for them and for their welfare. In Jesus name, amen."

A Christmas in the Alps

 

A Christmas in the Alps is a contemporary Christian novella written by Melody Carlson.

After losing her grandmother, Simone finds a letter written by her Great grandmother, Simone Sophia Beaumont, describing a "treasure" left behind in her family home. Great grandmother married an American navigator during the war and left France. Simone sells her grandmothers house and travels to Avre France, seeking the treasure. When she arrives in Avre, Estelle, her great aunt is cold and angry. But Simone learns about her family history and eventually Estelle learns to love her long lost niece.

What Simone finds is family, a bit of romance, mystery and a true treasure. 

This was a sweet story about forgiveness and depending on God. 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Un-aging Youth

 For over 30 years, I looked forward to the start of school.

Whenever school supplies started showing up at the stores, a little thrill of excitement quivered through me.

 New pens and pencils.

The smell of glue and the hunt for the right pair of paper scissors.

Crayons and colored pencils in every hue of color. With new ones appearing every so often.

 Paper, paper, paper.

And of course a new bag to carry every little thing.

The school year marks the progression of time. We grow older and we leave behind the things of our youth. We learn and move onward towards being an adult. Making our way in this thing we call life.

Yet spiritually, we never grow old. Even with the passing of years we hover in un-aging youth. Totally opposite of natural life. If we study God's word, seeking to be more Christlike, we become more like a little child. Simple. Childlike. Trust. Inevitably, we grow younger instead of older.  Revelation 22:13 states, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last."  When we trust Jesus with child-like faith, we begin the journey of eternal childhood. It is my desire to lean on my heavenly Father with the faith of a child. 

 

Trusting. 

 

Learning. 

 

Loving.

On Christmas Avenue

  

I love Christmas stories. And I have always enjoyed the books by Hallmark Publishing. 

Mary Ward is hired by the town of Clark Creek, Virginia as a Christmas Consultant, to devise a plan, saving the town from financial ruin. Her plan for a Christmas Parade is accepted by all in the town. All that is except the sheriff, Evan Clark. Evan sees the parade as a drain on the town finances. And he tries everything he can to get Mary out of town.

Mary's plan moves forward, eventually with Evan on board, until disaster strikes. In threes!

This is a sweet romance, clean reading and very entertaining. Ginny Baird writes a lovely story, building a relationship between Mary and Evan that is believable and full of Christmas spirit. I really enjoyed it.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Hallmark Publishing and NetGalley. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Words to Live By

 

Blessed is the man who listens to me,
watching daily at my gates,
waiting at my doorposts.
For he who finds me finds life,
and obtains favor from the Lord.

Proverbs 8: 34-35

Words to Live By

Words to Live By

 

Fly Home to Me

 

Gabriel Orsini likes holidays. He has researched Sunday holidays  And when there is no holiday on the calendar it is an unholiday. So the story begins with Gabriel and Piper. 

Gabriel is charming and a flirt. He is an Air Force pilot and moves around a lot. Piper works for a tourist magazine, Finding Phoenix, and comes up with an idea, 'A day in the life..' hoping to feature Gabriel in the article. Piper struggles with fears due to loss in her life, so when Piper meets Gabe those fears resurrect. The romance that develops between Piper and Gabe is sweet. The flirty banter was fun. There was a bit too much descriptions about what they were wearing. But Fly Home to Me is a clean, Christian romance story. 

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Words to Live By

 

Easter

 

“He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our sins; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”  Isaiah 53:5

This weekend is the time Christians celebrate the Risen Savior. If it was not for the sacrifice Jesus made, we would be dead to our sin, eternally. Jesus paid the price we could not pay, for the debt that we owed.
 
We have all sinned, since we have all done wrong things. But God made a way for us to be forgiven so we can have eternal life in Heaven. We must recognize our sinfulness and accept that Jesus paid the penalty for our sin when he died on the cross and rose again from the grave.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

It's a free gift..........Have a blessed Easter

Grateful

There are bloggers who write posts about being grateful. So I was thinking about some of the things I am most grateful for......

I am grateful for each new day that the Lord gives me. It is certainly a gift. I am to celebrate life and use the day in a worthy way.

I am grateful for a dear sweet husband who has been my faithful companion and friend for over 40 years.

I am grateful for three precious children, which the Lord gave to us. There are others waiting in heaven that I look forward to meeting one day.

I am grateful for family and friends who enrich my life and encourage me in my daily walk.

I am grateful for spring, and all that it represents. New life, a renewal of the earth. The fresh smells of rain and flowers.

But I am most grateful for a free gift. It is the gift that was given to me when I realized that I have done wrong things and I fall short of standing before a righteous God. God reached out to me and wants me to be His child. The promise of eternal life is the best gift of all! All you have to do is accept Christ as your Savior and believe in Him. "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). "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and it is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)

That surely is the best gift ever! And I am very grateful.

The Nature of A Lady

 

The Nature of A Lady by Rosanna White is set in 1906 on the Isles of Scilly. Lady Elizabeth Sinclair is fascinated with microscopes and nature. Which sets her apart from society. She and her maid holiday for the summer on St. Mary's Island. The former cottage resident is also named Elizabeth, who has vanished. 

Oliver Tremayne, a vicar and brother of the missing Elizabeth, meets up with Libby. Which starts a hunt for Beth and the mystery surrounding her disappearance.

There are stories and legends about ghosts and pirates. Which appears to try to draw one in. There was an abundance of explanations that might have been shortened just a bit. But I really enjoyed the third part of the book, with a clear gospel message and enemies making peace with one another. 

I have enjoyed Rosanna's other books. Her writing style has always been very engaging. This one was nice, interesting setting, mostly good characters and sound faith message. 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Net Galley and the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Detours

 

Detours

When Pharaoh let the people go, "God did not guide them by the road towards the Philistines, though that way was the shortest.... God made them go round by way of the wilderness towards the Red Sea" (Ex 13: 17, 18 NEB).

The direct route would save time as well as wear and tear on the people, but God had something infinitely more important than economics in mind--He wanted the people to be able to sing the song of praise of chapter 15--"The Lord is my refuge and my defence...my deliverer. He is my God and I will glorify Him; He is my father's God and I will exalt Him" (Ex 15:2 NEB). They sang this song because they had firsthand experience of God's power and deliverance. Pursued by all the chariots and horses, cavalry and infantry of Egypt, they had passed through the Red Sea in safety and seen the enemy drowned. They would have missed this glorious lesson if they had taken the short road.

When we are puzzled by delays and detours, let us think about the great purpose of life: to glorify God. The lessons He wants to teach us "in the wilderness" are priceless means of providing us with a song we could not otherwise have sung: "In Thy constant love Thou hast led the people!" (Ex 15:13).

~ Elisabeth Elliott

Shadows of the White City

 

Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green is the story of a young single woman, in her forties, who raises a young immigrant orphan. Sylvie Townsend tends to be overprotective, almost afraid to let Rozella go. As Rose grows into a young woman, she is interested in her Polish roots.

When Rose mysteriously disappears, Sylvie becomes frantic. Girls have been disappearing throughout the city which leads Sylvie to search for her with her neighbor and friend, Kristof Bartok. 

We are guided through the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with many interesting facts. It was an adventure to learn about the historical aspect, with many details noted by the author at the end. 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the publisher. All thought and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Trust in the Lord

 

Trust in the Lord When is it a good time to put our trust in the Lord? In Psalm 62:8 the Lord gives us the answer, “Trust in Him at all times.” Putting our trust in the Lord is not something we jump in and out of according to our difficulties or circumstances. Put your trust in the Lord when you are healthy and when you are ill; when you have a lot and when you have little; when things are going well and when things are going poorly; when you are settled and when you are in the midst of change; when you are getting a pay-check and when you are looking for a job; when you have understanding and when you don’t know what to do. Our trust in the Lord must never be seasonal or selective, optional or debatable, relative or arbitrary. Our trust in the Lord must be steadfast, constant, consistent, unwavering. We must completely trust in the One who is completely trustworthy. ~ Roy Lessin

Happy New Year