Category: Month

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My Favorite Present

Do you remember being a kid and going out to play with your friends the days following Christmas?

Some kids had new bikes, others had skateboards, some had new dolls or kitchen sets, and some had new shotguns. Most everyone was excited to “show off” what they had. But some didn’t say much – finances at home had been tight and their Christmas presents were new socks or a jacket, a couple pair of new jeans or sneakers. Some gifts brought joy and others an element of embarrassment. I remember both of those kinds of Christmases.

This morning the verses that came to mind were verses on singing. Nothing to be ashamed of here.

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Serve the Lord with gladness!  Come into his presence with singing! 3 Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” Psalm 100:1-3 ESV

The gift of God’s presence is one of the greatest presents ever, His presence is our present!

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 ESV

He is our Shepherd. He leads us, He guides us, He causes us to rest, He protects us!

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2  He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;  your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:1-4 ESV

The “presence”, presents, of God are something to sing about. As His children we have bragging rights directed at our Father’s goodness.

“Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. 3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” Psalm 96:1-3 ESV

Because Jesus came, we have the message of the Father’s love. Because Jesus died, we receive forgiveness of sin and we are welcome in the Father’s presence

“ Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” Jude 24-25 CEV

Jesus made us a present to the Father and in turn, the Father gave us His presence. My favorite present!

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The Last Week

Are you feeling frantic or rested? It’s the last week of the year.

Maybe you feel you haven’t measured up or you haven’t completed the projects you had scheduled. It could be you are just the opposite and resting in the glow of spending Christmas with family and friends.

It’s the last week of the year 2025. How is that thought affecting your outlook toward 2026? Let’s consider this:

“Consider the incredible love that the Father has shown us in allowing us to be called “children of God”—and that is not just what we are called, but what we are. Our heredity on the Godward side is no mere figure of speech—which explains why the world will no more recognise us than it recognised Christ. 2 Oh, dear children of mine (forgive the affection of an old man!), have you realised it? Here and now we are God’s children. We don’t know what we shall become in the future. We only know that, if reality were to break through, we should reflect his likeness, for we should see him as he really is!” I John 3:1-2 Phillips

Consider the incredible love that the Father has shown us! In our successes and in our failures, His love does not change. One year ends and another begins but our relationship with Him is established in eternity.

“Children of God” is not just who we are called but it is who we ARE!

“My sheep know my voice, and I know them. They follow me, 28 and I give them eternal life, so that they will never be lost. No one can snatch them out of my hand. 29  My Father gave them to me, and he is greater than all others. No one can snatch them from his hands, 30 and I am one with the Father.” John 10:27-30 CEV

I recently heard someone say “I hope that the good I have done will be enough”. Our relationship with the Lord has never been based on the good we have done, nor will it ever be that way. Our relationship, our right standing, with God is based solely on the good that Jesus has done. It’s His sacrifice, His goodness that makes us right with God.

There’s a song that we sing that brings me to tears every time. The lyrics are the words of my heart, “Reckless Love of God” by Cory Asbury.

“Before I spoke a word, you were singing over me
You have been so, so good to me
Before I took a breath, you breathe your life in me
You have been so, so good to me

Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
I couldn’t earn it, and I don’t deserve it, still, you give yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah

When I was your foe, still your love fought for me
You have been so, so good to me
When I felt no worth, you paid it all for me
You have been so, so kind to me

And oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
I couldn’t earn it, and I don’t deserve it, still, you give yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God,”

The last week of the year – God’s love never changes. It carried us through 2025 and it will be our strength, our hope and our peace in 2026. Never underestimate the precious love of God!

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Consistency & Reflection

Our Christmas celebration started a week ago.

We went with our youngest daughter’s family to an Ostrich Farm where the kids, and the adults, were able to feed and interact with the animals. A memory maker for sure. Then Tuesday the oldest daughter and her family, married grandkids and great grands, came to spend time with us at our home. Food and fun! More memories.

Christmas Eve day we all met at our oldest daughter’s for Christmas brunch, family time and gift exchange for the littles family members. The only one we were missing was our son. We had planned to FaceTime him in for the reading of the Christmas story and the opening of presents. But much to our surprise, he was able to take some vacation time at the last minute and arrived unannounced. It was a wonderful Christmas – definitely a memory maker.

What a wonderful gift from the Lord – memory!

All through the Old Testament the Lord created memory making experiences. The rainbow after the flood, the Red Sea opening, manna from heaven, the walls of Jericho falling down, David killing Goliath, right up to a baby being heralded by angels and born in a stable and laid in a manger.

“Teach them to your children. Talk about them all the time—whether you’re at home or walking along the road or going to bed at night, or getting up in the morning. 20 Write them on the door frames of your homes and on your town gates.” Deuteronomy 11:19-20 CEV

“Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 CEV

“ Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing.” James 1:17 CEV

Memory makers! God’s faithfulness, His protection, His provision, His deliverance!

As we head into 2026 – take time to remember. Reflect on the past and know that God is faithful and consistent in your future.

“With all my heart I praise the Lord! I will never forget how kind he has been. 3 The Lord forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick, 4 and protects us from death.
His kindness and love are a crown on our heads. 5 Each day that we live, he provides for our needs and gives us the strength of a young eagles” Psalm 103:2-5 CEV

Reflect on His goodness – remember His unconditional love – know that He is consistent, He never changes!

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Running Over

A home filled with laughter, new friends, good food and an abundance of love!

It’s not what’s under the tree that gives us reason to celebrate but what’s in our hearts! The joy of Christmas doesn’t have to end the day after – even when the home is quiet and things seem to be back to “normal” the joy that fills our hearts should carry on.

“You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch.You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows. Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life,and I will live forever in your house, Lord.” Psalm 23:5-6 CEV

My cup runneth over…God has been so good to me. He saw me for who I was and He loved me in spite of my shortcomings and my faults. He sees me now through His eyes of grace and His desire is for my good.

He has placed all I need before me and He has promised to go with me on this journey. He will provide – He won’t abandon me. His desire is for me to become all that He has designed me to be.

“ The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” John 10:10 AMP

That which runs over isn’t wasted because God isn’t wasteful. But the overflow can be given out to others.

Let today be the start of your overflow – where there was drought in your life; let there be a cup running over.

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Merry Christmas

I hope you all have a wonderful day celebrating our Savior’s birth!

If today finds you in a place of heartache remember that he came to heal the brokenhearted. His life on earth was prefaced with the words “Peace on earth, good will to men”.

God will embrace you with His love as you draw close to Him!

“For God so loved the world – He gave His Son”

Merry Christmas!

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Home for Christmas

Those song lyrics, “I’ll be home for Christmas, you can count on me…I’ll be home for Christmas if only in my dreams”, bring a sense of nostalgia and longing to our hearts.

Remembering Christmases as a child or as a parent with young children around the Christmas tree. But, whatever the memory it was home.

Not so for Jesus.

Jesus came from heaven to earth; He left his home and came to ours to bring us abundant gifts.

“Praise be to God for giving us through Christ every possible spiritual benefit as citizens of Heaven! For consider what he has done—before the foundation of the world he chose us to become, in Christ, his holy and blameless children living within his constant care. He planned, in his purpose of love, that we should be adopted as his own children through Jesus Christ—that we might learn to praise that glorious generosity of his which has made us welcome in the everlasting love he bears towards the Son.” Ephesians 1:3-6

God the Father sent his Son to bring the gift of eternal life to all of us. By accepting this gift so freely given we are adopted into God’s family and He lavishes the same love and care that He has for Jesus on us. Marvelous grace!

He came to make His home with us. I always want to make Him feel welcome – my heart is His home.

“Jesus replied: If anyone loves me, they will obey me. Then my Father will love them, and we will come to them and live in them.” John 14:23 CEV

I will make Him the center focus of all I do. He will be the honored guest!

He has adopted me and given me the right to call Him “Abba Father” as Paul says in Romans. Abba Father is an endearing term like “daddy” or “papa”, a term of great love and affection spoken by a child with a wonderful relationship with their father. What more could a Father ask for but the love of His child.

Be home for Christmas with the Father, His arms are open wide!

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Tidings of Comfort & Joy

Tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy!

The reason Jesus came was to bring “tidings” of comfort and joy.

“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

The message of Jesus in the Temple…

“The book of Isaiah the prophet was given to him. He opened the book and found the place where this is written: 18 ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me. He has chosen me to tell good news to the poor. He sent me to tell prisoners that they are free and to tell the blind that they can see again. He sent me to free those who have been treated badly 19 and to announce that the time has come for the Lord to show his kindness.” Luke 4:17-19 ERV

It’s amazing how a word from Jesus can turn our world right side up.

Peace be still.

Lazarus, come forth.

Throw your net to the other side

Let him with no sin cast the first stone

Zacchaeus come down

Take your bed and walk

Don’t fear, neither be afraid

When Mary was grieving in the garden because Jesus body was gone all it took was one word, “Mary” and all was well. He simply called her by name. He knows each of our names and He speaks to our hearts.

What has you troubled today – relationships, health, finances, mental stress, work?

“ The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10 NLT

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NLT

Listen to the words of the angels again and receive the tidings of GREAT JOY for ALL PEOPLE.

“But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy. 11 This very day in King David’s hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. ” Luke 2:10-11 CEV

The Savior has come and He has a word just for you!

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Mary Did You Know?

A good portion of the country is having really bad weather – the snow, subzero temperatures, the wind!

I got to wondering what the weather must have been like travelling to Bethlehem all those years ago. I know it wouldn’t have been subzero but it can get cold in the desert regions. Was there rain?

Ladies, imagine this…9 months pregnant, riding a donkey, sleeping under the stars. Regardless of the weather, it may have been perfect, but that’s not the time you want to try out the new tent and sleeping bags you just got from BassPro, right?

What was Mary thinking, this was certainly a “memory maker”? Did the trip affect her disposition? What questions did this young woman have, after all it was her first pregnancy?

Mary, did you know?

” So they went running and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the feeding box. 17 When they saw the baby, they told what the angels said about this child. 18 Everyone was surprised when they heard what the shepherds told them. 19 Mary continued to think about these things, trying to understand them.” Luke 2:16-19 ERV

As a mother, I sit here this morning remembering different Christmas mornings with my children and grandchildren. I pray that the significance of that first Christmas morning stays as the focal point in their lives long after I am gone.

Last night I put down the knitting needles and washed the final baking dish of the season. The gifts are finished, and the baked goods have been distributed to friends and neighbors. I want to be remembered not for the goodies and the handmade gifts but for honoring the Lord and being obedient to Him.

I want to keep the attitude of heart that Mary had. The heart of a servant.

“ Mary responded, ‘I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.’ And then the angel left her.” Luke 1:38 NLT

There are not enough words of gratitude to possibly express my heart’s joy over the events of that first Christmas morning and how it’s changed my life. My desire is to be a faithful ambassador for Christ, sharing His love with those around me.

“ For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us…” II Corinthians 5:19-20a NLT

Mary, did you know that your obedience would change the world?

Thank you, Father, for loving me enough to give me the gift of Your Son and a relationship of eternal life with You that first Christmas day.

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Just Because

When I woke up this morning, my heart was filled with so much love and thanksgiving to the Lord.

Just because…

because He’s God, because He loves me, because He knows me and loves me still. When Jesus was born, wise men from the East saw His star and came to worship Him just because.

” Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2 ERV

They knew the heavens declared the glory of God and they came to see the child.

My “just because” came when I realized that God was not holding my sin against me but that I had been “justified freely” by His grace.

” Now God says he will accept and acquit us—declare us “not guilty”—if we trust Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, by coming to Christ, no matter who we are or what we have been like. 23 Yes, all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious ideal; 24 yet now God declares us “not guilty” of offending him if we trust in Jesus Christ, who in his kindness freely takes away our sins.

25 For God sent Christ Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to end all God’s anger against us. He used Christ’s blood and our faith as the means of saving us from his wrath.” Romans 3:22-24 TLB

God loves us just because, and because He does He sent His Son!

“ The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God. He takes away the sins of the world! ” John 1:29 ERV

Just because of His great love He has given me a robe of right-standing to wear.

“I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels.” Isaiah 61:10 NLT

Jesus came just because of God’s great love!

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Great Riches

Rich – what does that word bring to mind? At this time of year it can be used in several ways.

Our conversation was rich with laughter.

The fudge was rich.

The presence of family and friends is rich.

That’s a present fit for a king but it requires his riches to buy it.

Rich: 1.wealthy: owning a lot of money or expensive property 2.worth much: worth a great deal of money 3.costly and fine: made from or consisting of things of the highest quality

What things in life make you feel rich?

Remember a couple of days ago when I used the verses from John 1 about the Word (Jesus) became flesh. Ok, so hold that thought for a moment and let’s look at Colossians.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16 KJV

Let the word dwell in you richly or let’s put it this way. When Christ, who is the word, dwells in us we become rich in wisdom. Now there’s a novel concept, rich in wisdom. Wisdom is a commodity that money can’t buy but dwelling in the Word makes wisdom available.

“Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body. And always be thankful. 16 Let the teaching of Christ live inside you richly. Use all wisdom to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus.” Colossians 3:15-17 ERV

“But God is rich in mercy, and he loved us very much. 5 We were spiritually dead because of all we had done against him. But he gave us new life together with Christ. (You have been saved by God’s grace.)” Ephesians 2:4-5 ERV

Now there are some gifts that we all desire – peace, thankfulness, wisdom, mercy and grace. A relationship with Christ, the Word, brings the richness of these gifts to our lives.

Merry Christ – mas!

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