Happy New Year

 

Merry Christmas

 

 

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

Books

My home has always been filled with the aroma of printed paper. Ever since I was a young child, a book was a friend who would go with me and fill my life with entertainment. Books capture my imagination and take me to places I will never visit. I relish entering into the lives of characters who often defy odds. 

When we travel, I make it a habit of searching out places where older books are sold. I found a half price book store in Minnesota, and there's always a wide variety of books at the Goodwill or Hospice thrift stores. Have I found treasures? Yes, I often find out of print books or by some of my favorite authors. 

One thing has perked a question in my mind. With all of the ebooks on Kindle and other hand held devices, what is happening to the printed word? Will we still go to the library or book store to acquire a solid, page turning book? Maybe one day books will become obsolete, but for now I think not. I recently went into two thrift stores, and is my habit, went to the book section. As I stood there, head leaning to the right searching out titles, the whole section filled with people. It becomes a bit of a treasure hunt, mostly because the books are not sectioned. But oh the fun and thrill of finding that one special prize. A title, or an author that will take me away to places where my imagination will fill in the gaps. 

Let's not lose the love of books. I've passed that love on to my children. And I hope they will pass it on to the next generation.

Bread for the Journey

Blessed are they that mourn

 

Today has been a different day. It is a day full of thoughts and memories. Every year I try not to allow this day to get me down, but something inside of me just won't let it go.

Forty one years ago today my sweet Mom left her place here on earth and walked the streets of gold. She left suddenly and quickly. Which does not make it easy on family.

"Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted."

I know forty one years seems like a very long time, but when you are young and you lose your Mom, there is a hole left in your heart. It really never heals, but it becomes like a wound that has a scar over it. You always know it is there.

With time the pain does subside, but the memories are still there. And I am so thankful that our loving Lord has come along side of me to lift me up on the days when the memories bring back pangs of pain.

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

Spread your wings............

Bread for the Journey

Teach us to number our days

I recently received a newsletter where the writer made this comment -

The brevity of life can act as a spur to disciplined faithfulness. Each of us has a sphere of influence and usefulness. All our days and our deeds may be good for someone and for something.........
When I reflect on the way in which (someone's) life was, from an earthly perspective, cut short, I am reminded that there is a longer lived "morning" (Psalm 90:6) for all who are in Christ. We are daily face-to-face with the reality of suffering in one form or another. It is not for the Christian to flee from such difficulty or to deny the often ravaging impact of hardship. Instead, the believer turns to the TRUTH of God's Word FOR the living of his LIFE.

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

(Alistair Begg)

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