Category: God’s Love

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Christmas Traditions

Some of you who have been reading my blog for the last few years know that I have a couple of Christmas traditions that will always be a part of my life.

There are the books that sit on my coffee table, the nativity that decorates my living room and the candy canes that sit in a basket at the door and make their way into my purse on each of my outings.

Even though we are in the RV and space is limited the nativity still graces the mantel, the books (we’ll talk about some of those in the next few days) are on the small table in the living room and I keep candy canes in my purse.

All three items tie together and are a part of my Christmas traditions.

Years ago, I mean many years ago, I was introduced to a book, “The Legend of the Candy Cane”. I was on staff at a Calvary Chapel in Encinitas CA when I found it on the shelves of their bookstore. I bought it and the coffee mug that was a part of the set.

Handing out Candy Canes with this little message is a great way to share Jesus at Christmas.

The story is of a candy maker who befriends a little girl while she helps him unpack the merchandise for his new stop. There are gum drops, licorice sticks, butterscotch drops, lemons drops and then there was a new candy she had never seen.

It was a red and white crook, like the kind a shepherd would use. The candy maker told her the crook was for the “Good Shepherd” who came to take care of us all. The white represented the sinless life of Jesus and the red for was the blood He shed to save us. When turned upside down, the crook became a J – the first letter in the shepherd’s name, Jesus.

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“I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep, and they know me. 15 Just as the Father knows me, I know the Father, and I give up my life for my sheep. ” John 10:14-15 CEV

Christmas is all about sharing the love that Jesus has for us. Giving out candy canes with this little message is just one way I do that.

“ I have not turned away from Your Law, for You Yourself have taught me. 103 How sweet is Your Word to my taste! It is sweeter than honey to my mouth! ” Psalm 119:102-103 NLV

I hope each of us will be an ambassador of the sweet peace of God’s love this season.

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Christmas Lights

Christmas is a time for remembering and for sharing the joy of times spent together. This morning I will tell you another grandchild story.

Our youngest grandson was just over a year old when his mom and dad came to visit us in Rio Rico. Dave and our son-in-law went out to the desert for an afternoon of shooting while our daughter, grandson and I went to Tubac, an artisan community, to shop.

Every shop we went in was fascinating to Sam. He is so taken with Christmas lights, and he wasn’t disappointed as we went from store to store. He would stare at the pierced metal stars that hung from the ceilings and he loved the “balls” so big and brightly colored. Most of the time I carried him, so his mom was free to look through each shop. We laughed and giggled, and the love and excitement Sam felt. It worked its way into the hearts of the shop keepers and shoppers.

Christmas through the eyes of children. The wonderful, the excitement, the joy!

When I was in high school choir we sang a song, “Christmas Was Meant for Children”, made popular by Sandi Patty

“Christmas was meant for children
Children like you and me
With mistletoe and holly
And toys upon the tree
The stockings by the chimney
And hearts so full of joy
Old Santa’s riding through the snow
For every gift and boy

So ring out the bells from the steeple
For the world in its mantle of white
Let the star in the East that lead us
Shine on your tree tonight
Always remember the infant
Away in a manger to see
For Christmas was made in heaven
For children like you and me

Those stars that captured Sam’s attention were a representation of the bright and shining star that led the wisemen to the Christ child. We place lights on our trees and outside our homes to give the warm glow of joy and love to all who pass by.

Our lives should be lights of love, joy and peace that will attract others to finding Christ. Jesus is our example of a life filled with light.

“Later, Jesus talked to the people again. He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never live in darkness. They will have the light that gives life.” John 8:12 ERV

And then He gave us a command to be light.

“People don’t hide a lamp under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand. Then the light shines for everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:15-16 ERV

Let’s wipe the dust off our bulbs, trim the wick in our lamp, and shine. Shine with Jesus for all the world to see!

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Nothing Missing

One thing that I missed this Thanksgiving was a good jig saw puzzle. My daughters and I always have a puzzle to work on over the holidays.

We can sit for hours, hunting for the right pieces and visiting as we do. There have been evenings that we have been tired and needing to go to bed but only 50 or so pieces would remain so we would stay up “just a little bit longer” to finish our labor of love.

The frustration comes when we are down to just a few more pieces and realize there is one missing. The hunt is one. Did it fall on the floor, is it on a chair, did the dog eat it? Where did it go? One missing piece will ruin the whole work.

Life is like that.

We have all the pieces and begin putting them in place. The right spouse, the career, the home, or perfect 2.3 children. The car, the clothing, the financial plan, the prestige. All the pieces are coming together.

Yet something is missing. What?

“The angel said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. I have some very good news for you—news that will make everyone happy. 11 Today your Savior was born in David’s town. He is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.’” Luke 2:10-11 ERV

The missing piece of a fulfilling life is wrapped in pieces of cloth.

As we look forward to Christmas there will be many distractions and even some frustrations. These can leave us searching for the missing piece, the peace that only comes through relationship with Christ.

“ Be sure you are not led away by the teaching of those who have nothing worth saying and only plan to deceive you. That teaching is not from Christ. It is only human tradition and comes from the powers that influence this world. 9 I say this because all of God lives in Christ fully, even in his life on earth. 10 And because you belong to Christ you are complete, having everything you need. Christ is ruler over every other power and authority.” Colossians 2:8-10 ERV

The world tries to imitate and counterfeit what can only be found in Christ. In Christ we are complete having everything that we need. He is the missing piece.

“God put everything under Christ’s power and made him head over everything for the church. 23 The church is Christ’s body. It is filled with him. He makes everything complete in every way.” Ephesians 1:22-23 ERV

In Christ our joy is complete, our peace is certain, love is unconditional, and forgiveness is everlasting. In Christ, we have all we need for a full and abundant life.

He completes the puzzle and there is nothing missing!

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Thankful for God’s Love

Happy Thanksgiving!

I pray that each of you find much to be thankful for today. One of my favorite Psalms is entitled “Praise for God’s Love”. That’s what today is all about – praising God for His love, protection and sustaining power.

I hope you will read it all the way through and open your heart, as King David did, to praise God for His amazing love.

“Praise the Lord, O my soul. And all that is within me, praise His holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, O my soul. And forget none of His acts of kindness. 3 He forgives all my sins. He heals all my diseases. 4 He saves my life from the grave. He crowns me with loving-kindness and pity. 5 He fills my years with good things and I am made young again like the eagle.

6 The Lord does what is right and fair for all who suffer under a bad power. 7 He made His ways known to Moses and His acts to the people of Israel. 8 The Lord is full of loving-pity and kindness. He is slow to anger and has much loving-kindness. 9 He will not always keep after us. And He will not keep His anger back forever. 10 He has not punished us enough for all our sins. He has not paid us back for all our wrong-doings. 11 For His loving-kindness for those who fear Him is as great as the heavens are high above the earth. 12 He has taken our sins from us as far as the east is from the west. 13 The Lord has loving-pity on those who fear Him, as a father has loving-pity on his children. 14 For He knows what we are made of. He remembers that we are dust.

15 The days of man are like grass. He grows like a flower of the field. 16 When the wind blows over it, it is gone. Its place will remember it no more. 17 But the loving-kindness of the Lord is forever and forever on those who fear Him. And what is right with God is given forever to their children’s children, 18 to those who keep His agreement and remember to obey His Law.

19 The Lord has set up His throne in the heavens. And His holy nation rules over all. 20 Praise the Lord, you powerful angels of His who do what He says, obeying His voice as He speaks! 21 Praise the Lord, all you armies of His who work for Him and do what pleases Him. 22 Praise the Lord, all His works in all places under His rule. Praise the Lord, O my soul!” Psalm 103 NLV

God loves each one of us with an everlasting love! Happy Thanksgiving.

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It’s Supper Time

Maybe some of you are like me, no family this year at Thanksgiving. Our kids and their families will all be in different places. It makes me a bit envious of those who have their families living close by.

When the kids were little, we lived close enough to be with my folks but as time passed, we moved farther and farther away. The kids grew and they moved. Although we are close in heart, family holiday traditions were not high on our list.

This year we’ll be doing something new. I volunteered to cook the turkey and dressing, make the gravy and then we will share it with our neighbors, who also won’t be with family.

As I woke this morning a song was going through my head, imagine that. It was written in the 1940-1950’s by Ira Stanphill and was recorded by a myriad of Country and Gospel singers. Come Home, It’s Suppertime.

“Come home, come home, it’s suppertime
The shadows lengthen fast
Come home, come home, it’s suppertime
We’re going home at last”

Jesus told his disciples a story about a banquet that was thrown by a King. He invited many people to attend but some refused His invitation. They made one excuse after another. So, the king sent out His servants to invite those of lesser reputation in society.

“‘Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ 22 After the servant had done this, he reported, ‘There is still room for more.’ 23 So his master said, ‘Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full.'” Luke 14:21-24 NLT

We are some of those who have been invited to this banquet. God the Father has issued the invitation. “Come home, it’s suppertime”. There will be one more banquet, a type of wedding feast. This one will be in heaven and all of us who have accepted Christ as Savior will be invited.

“A voice came from the throne, saying, ‘Give thanks to our God, you servants who are owned by Him. Give thanks to our God, you who honor Him with love and fear, both small and great.’

6 Then I heard what sounded like the voices of many people. It was like the sound of powerful rushing water. And it was like loud thunder. It said, ‘Thanks to our God. For the Lord our God is King. He is the All-powerful One. 7 Let us be full of joy and be glad. Let us honor Him, for the time has come for the wedding supper of the Lamb…

9 The angel said to me, “Write this: ‘Those who are asked to the wedding supper of the Lamb are happy.’” And he said, “These are the true words of God.” Revelation 19:5-8 NLV

God, the Father, is anticipating having all His children home. The banquet will be great. Whether you are joined by family and friends or alone this Thanksgiving, give thanks that the Father has welcomed you to His table.

Very soon we will hear, “Come home, it’s suppertime”!

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The Price is Paid

On a number of occasions, I have told you that the best way to read/study the Bible isn’t by reading many chapters or for multiple hours but it’s to read for application. If we read only a couple of verses and they speak to our heart and we think on them throughout the whole day, it’s better than marking chapters off a list and having the words make no impact.

Yesterday I was taken back as I read one verse, one obscure verse in Psalms.

“Remember the people you bought so long ago. You saved us, and we belong to you.” Psalm 74:2 CEV

It was this one verse that reminded me of my Father’s love. Remember You, heavenly Father, bought us – saved us and we belong to You!

The word bought is translated in other places as the word “redeemed”.

“You know that in the past the way you were living was useless. It was a way of life you learned from those who lived before you. But you were saved from that way of living. You were bought, but not with things that ruin like gold or silver. 19 You were bought with the precious blood of Christ’s death. He was a pure and perfect sacrificial Lamb.” I Peter 1:18-19 ERV

Years ago, our favorite pastime was attending farm and ranch auctions. We were addicted to finding treasures that others overlooked. We went so often that we became friends with some of the different auctioneers and from time to time they would ask us to help out. Dave would spot bids in the crowd and I would clerk.

We were working at one auction where someone had consigned some artwork. I was busy recording the bids so, I hadn’t really looked up to see what the pictures looked like until there was a lull in the bidding. It was then I saw this angelic face.

I was captured by the innocence I saw in his eyes, the chubby cheeks and the cherub like smile. I knew I needed to buy it and give it a place of honor in our home.

When I read that verse yesterday morning – You bought us, You saved us, You made us your own”. I remember that day at the auction – I bought, saved and made my own that sweet little angel.

How much greater, how much deeper is the Father’s love for us? We have been redeemed, we have been purchased by the blood of Jesus and by that blood our debt has been marked “Paid in Full”.

This painting, which now hangs in our daughter’s home, has been a daily reminder for me. Just seeing it stirs my heart, it’s such a sweet face that needed rescuing but more than that it reminds me that I was in need of rescuing and Christ stepped up and paid the price.

“ He paid for our sins with His own blood. He did not pay for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world.” I John 2:2 NLV

I will be grateful for all eternity that God bought me, saved me and made me His own. I’ve been redeemed, you have too. The price for our salvation has been marked “Paid in Full”.

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A Different Perspective

Today’s Thanksgiving memory takes me back over 40 years. Our oldest daughter was not quite a year old. We had gone to the grocery store to get the things we needed for our Thanksgiving dinner.

She was in the grocery cart, smiling at the grandparent-type people passing by. One older man was startled when she reached out to touch his hand. He scowled at her and made a grumpy comment. Her face puckered and she was on the verge of tears when an older woman and her husband stepped up. They told her how pretty she was, and the smile returned to her face.

May I say here that not everyone is happy about Thanksgiving. Theirs is a different perspective.

Maybe it’s there first year to be alone; no family will be around their table or maybe their spouse is ill. It could be they are just grumpy.

Today we’re going to look at thankfulness in another way – how do we treat the unthankful? I’m glad you asked. Jesus gave this instruction to his disciples.

 “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. 36 You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.

37 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” Luke 6:35-38 NLT

Jesus’ instruction was clear – we are to be an example of God to those we deal with each day. We were all sinners by nature but Jesus freely gave His life so that we could have eternal life and be brought into right relationship with God the Father. He gave freely and so should we.

Look at the second phrase in today’s verses, lend without expecting to get anything back. What have we lent, our time, friendship, our assistance, tools, car, money, our love, our compassion, our attention and genuine interest? When we lend without expecting to get things back then we’ve really made them a gift and in giving we’re an example of our heavenly Father.

Let’s look for an opportunity to give to someone who is by nature unthankful. Maybe they were raised to be skeptical and feel that anytime someone gave something there was a hidden agenda.

Give today, genuinely give. Give because God has given freely to us. Who knows, we may be the one God is using to bring out an attitude of gratitude.

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The Heart/Hand Connection

We’re only about a week away from Thanksgiving and I hope you have enjoyed the writings of the past month on gratitude. My prayer is that you have become more aware of the daily blessings you have received from the Father and your heart has become more thankful.

Each morning as I write to you, I look across the room and see my Gratitude Pumpkin. I’ve been writing blessings, both large and small, on its ribs. It is a visual reminder of the events of the past month. My hand writes what touches my heart.

I’m a big believer in the heart and hand connection. This morning, in my prayer time I was reminded of the compassion Jesus showed – His heart prompted Him to use His hands.

“Many people spoke sharp words to them. They told the blind men not to call out. But they called all the more, “Lord! Take pity on us, Son of David!” 32 Jesus stopped and called them. He asked, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 33 The blind men said to Jesus, “Lord, we want our eyes opened!” 34 Jesus had loving-pity on them and put His hands on their eyes. At once they could see, and they followed Jesus.” Matthew 20:21-34 NLV

His heart was filled with compassion for these blind beggars and His hands went into action. This was not an isolated experience. Jesus touched a leper and he was cleansed; He took the hand of an adulterous woman and lifted her to her feet after he defended her to her accusers.

His heart and hands were also working in concert as He healed the man who had been crippled from birth. He had compassion on the crowd that had followed Him and listened to His teachings. He made them sit down and then, with His hands, He broke the bread and fish and fed them all.

I think it is almost impossible for a loving heart not to be moved to action. Our hearts, filled with love, cause our hands to reach out with a hug or an applause. A loving heart causes our hands to wipe away a tear. Our heart sees someone we love fall and we take action to lift them up, both physically and emotionally.

Yes, there is truly a heart/hand connection.

The one action I am most grateful for is this.

“ Christ suffered and died for sins once for all. He never sinned and yet He died for us who have sinned. He died so He might bring us to God. His body died but His spirit was made alive.” I Peter 3:18 NLV

“But God showed His love to us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 NLV

God’s heart was filled with love for each of us and so Jesus stretched out his hands and had them nailed to a cross. He took our place on that cross insuring that we would have a place with Him in heaven.

Now the question I ask myself is this. How will the love I have in my heart for the Father move my hands in to action?

Thank you, Father, for loving me and touching my life!

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Great Is Our God!

This morning starts with a warm cup of coffee and heart filled with praise.

Last night we sat outside for quite a while thanking God for the events of the past few days. Today, we will spend some time with our daughters, sons-in-law and three of the grandkids. We are blessed to live close and have these opportunities. Blessed indeed.

Life is pretty close to perfect today. However, not every day has been filled with the joy I feel in my heart this morning. There have been days of struggles, days of tears. Whatever the day presents you with I want you to understand this one thing, our heavenly Father is faithful.

He is faithful when we are struggling (emotionally, physically, financially or spiritually). When we are in a good place, the Father is faithful!

His love endures forever and it’s unconditional. He never changes. He’s always the same. He’s not bothered by circumstances – He is God! He is praiseworthy and trustworthy!

I know, if we seek Him, we will find Him to be faithful.

“You rule forever, Lord, and you are on your throne, ready for judgment. 8 You judge the world fairly and treat all nations with justice. 9 The poor can run to you because you are a fortress in times of trouble. 10 Everyone who honors your name can trust you, because you are faithful to all who depend on you.” Psalm 9:7-10 CEV

We can trust Him with everything, the large and the small. I see it like this. Since we are His children, He desires to be involved in every area of our lives. Remember being little and having a splinter in your finger or a scraped knee? It was so special to have it kissed and made better. That’s what a loving parent does. The injury may have been trivial, but the love was great.

Our Father is faithful to all who depend on Him. He doesn’t leave us to flounder on our own. He can be depended upon always – in the needs and our greatest challenges.

“I worship at your holy temple and praise you for your love and your faithfulness. You were true to your word and made yourself more famous than ever before. 3 When I asked for your help, you answered my prayer and gave me courage…I am surrounded by trouble, but you protect me against my angry enemies. With your own powerful arm you keep me safe. 8 You, Lord, will always treat me with kindness. Your love never fails. You have made us what we are. Don’t give up on us now!” Psalm 138:2-3, 7-8 CEV

Our Father is faithful, His love never fails! Our God is great!

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Grateful for Friends

The last couple of days Dave and I have been visiting friends. It has been wonderful!

We left home on Thursday morning stopping in Tucson and spending time with old friends. Then on down the road and another short visit with friends and neighbors. We spent time with family and then the last two nights and a day in the home of more friends, enjoying their company.

Last night we gathered for a time of feasting where we made some new friends. It was a great time for us. We felt part of the family, We shared delicious food, the joy and the laughter, the hopes and the dreams. It was wonderful!

It’s amazing how God’s love knits hearts together.

Do me a favor. Stop for a moment and think about the friends you hold dear. As their names and faces are fore front in your mind pray for them and thank God for them. Now, think about the qualities in your relationship with them. What makes them the special friends they are?

Those qualities and those people are a blessing from the Lord! They are a gift.

Did you know that God has friends? The Bible tells us that Abraham was a friend of God. Jesus said to his disciples that they were friends.

“ You are My friends if you do what I tell you. 15 I do not call you servants that I own anymore. A servant does not know what his owner is doing. I call you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from My Father. 16 You have not chosen Me, I have chosen you. I have set you apart for the work of bringing in fruit. Your fruit should last. And whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give it to you.” John 15:14-16 NLV

How great it is to be called God’s friend!

Friends share heart to heart, they share one another’s sorrows, they encourage and build one another up. It’s a relationship of giving, of openness, of loving.

“A friend loves at all times…” Proverbs 17:17 NLV

“A man who has friends must be a friend, but there is a friend who stays nearer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24 NLV

We have a friend in Christ – a friend who loves at all times, a friend who stays close by in every situation.

The warmth of last evening will be with me for a very long time. It is imprinted on my heart. It is just another confirmation of how dearly the Father loves me. It is also a reminder of the type of daily relationship He wants to share with me. Jesus said he wasn’t keeping secrets from his friends. God said the same about Abraham, his friend.

“And the Lord said, “Should I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, 18 since Abraham will become a great and powerful nation, because good will come to all the nations of the earth through him? ” Genesis 18:17-18 NLV

I truly believe that God wants to say about each one of us what He said about and experienced with Abraham. He desires to share His heart with us, to not only be our Father but our friend.

Yes, I am grateful for friendship!

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