Jesus' Christmas Letter

Dear Children,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking
My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually
born during this time of the year and that it was some of you're
predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a
time of pagan festival, although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.
How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily
understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own.
I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth just,
GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Now, having said that let me go on.

If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene
depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and
put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all my followers
did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square
because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday
tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can &
may remember me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish:
I actually spoke of that one in a teaching explaining who I am in relation
to you & what each of our tasks were. If you have forgot that one, look up
John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give me a present in remembrance of my birth here is my wish
list. Choose something from it.

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is
being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home.
They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell me
all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally.
They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his
staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be
praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice
hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they
don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I
came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that
I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own
life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't
know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile it could
make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line:
they talk with people like that every day.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the
holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile
and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas"
that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on
Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and
let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary, especially
one who takes My love & Good News to those who have never heard My name. You
may already know someone like that.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals & whole families in your town
who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any
presents to give or receive. If you don't know them (and I suspect you
don't) buy some food & a few gifts & give them to the Marines, the Salvation
Army or some other charity which believes in Me & they will make the
delivery for you.

10. Finally if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty
to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you
wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one
of mine.

P.S Don't forget; I am God and can take care of myself. Just love Me & do
what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the
list above & get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now
in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you
love and remember.

When ever we get tangled up in our problems; be still, so God can untangle
the knot.

God Has a Plan

Some of us are born into the lap of luxury, some of us are born into poverty and others of us are born somewhere inbetween.

Some of us are blessed with extreme intelligence, some of us are born with no more than the capability of a 5 year old, whereas others of us are right in the middle.

Some of us are born to be famous, some of us are born to do great things, while others of us are not. Most of us are born without afflictions while others come into this life with struggles the moment they take their first breath.

All of us no matter what our backgrounds, our physical and mental capabilities might be, no matter where we are in life, no matter what decisions we've made, no matter how easy or hard life has been for us, all of us are God's children. All of us were made beautiful in His eyes. And all of us have a plan that God has laid out before us. Whether or not we choose to go with that plan is up to us.

Some may say that none of us have to be poor. And in a sense that is true. But also we must stop and realize that not all of us will be rich either. Now in poor and rich I'm referring to monetarily. Sometimes we need to stop and realize that sometimes it's not in God's plans for us to be filthy rich. If that were the case then there would be no rich or poor. But the truth is there are the different classes. And sometimes it's not because a person doesn't try to get a head in the world, the fact is, it's not their "station" in life. Because God has a plan for everyone. And as people of God, we need to learn how to recognize that plan. And once we do, we need to be willing to accept whatever that plan may be, even if we don't feel that it's fair.

Those of us who may look out at the world we live in and see those who have so much more than we do, may at times be envious and wonder why you were not chosen to lead that type of life. But stop and think about that rich person you may have your eye on....think long and hard about it and ask yourself this question..."Is that person truly rich? Is their life in essence full of the richness of God's love?" You need to realize that some of those whom God has graced with richness have failed to glorify God for what He has given them, and although he's not taken their wealth away he has placed emptiness in their lives and hearts because they've not praised Him or loved Him as He has loved them. If they don't talk to God, how can He in turn talk to them and fill their hearts with richness and joy?

And then there are those who are not rich, or even at the poverty level that look at their lives and smile. See them with laughter in their voices and smiles on their faces? Because they've been touched by the love of God and they listen to His voice. They've learned that life is not always as it appears to others. They've learned that God is there to comfort and love them. They've learned to appreciate even the smallest gifts from God and they praise Him every moment they can for simply having enough to eat, for the sun rising another day, for the smile on their loved ones faces. These people may be poor but they are far richer than the one with wealth that turns their back on God. These people have discovered God's plan for them and accept it joyfully.

They understand that life is not always fair and bad things can happen and it's not that God is cruel or uncaring but that he wants you to grow from each and every experiance that is handed to you.

My husband and I are not monetarily rich in any way, but I've come to realize that if I rely upon God to help us travel through this journey called life that we're never really in need of anything. Whenever there's been times of financial trouble, not once have we not had a roof over our heads, not once was there not enough food to eat. We always had clothes to wear even if it wasn't brand new, He still provided for our basic needs. No matter what, we've gotten through it. And each time a difficult trial has been thrown on the path of our journey, there's always been a way to get past it and each time things have gotten better and brighter.

It's taken me quite some time in my life to understand God's plan for me. I've come to realize through some very painful moments that one thing I, myself had hoped would have been in the plans, was our grandson. But as hard as it is to grasp and to accept, it has been made clear to me that he indeed is NOT part of God's plan for me. I've learned to accept it, much like Job who said "When God sends us something good we welcome it. How can we complain when he sends us trouble?"

What I've come to realize that part of his plan for me is to share my ability to express myself about life and God in general, to give strength and encouragement to others in need of guidance and support. And to take more steps in learning to listen more to what He wants me to do in this life.

I look around me, my humble home, filled with things I would never dreamed of having just a few years ago, a beautiful little garden, 3 wonderful cats, a loving husband, a loving and caring community within this church, wonderful friends, a loving father who I am so proud of and two sons that still need my strength and love and my ever increasing faith in God and I realize, I am content and I'm at peace with myself. And I realize now, that that was part of God's plan all along.

Remember, God has a plan for each and every one of us. All you have to do is take the time to stop and listen to what He is trying to tell you. Don't whine and complain about what you don't have, but take a look around you and REALLY see what you do have and praise God for every bit of it!

Don't allow the hard times to get in the way of all the beauty that lies before you. Don't let bitterness and envy stand in the way of God's plan for you. Don't allow the trials that he gives you burden you, if he didn't think you could handle it He wouldn't ask you to go through it. And if it does become to tough, then tell Him! Ask Him to come to you and relieve you of it! He's waiting for you to ask. Don't be selfish, it's not all about you! You're not alone in this world. You're only alone if you want to be. Open your eyes and your heart to God's plan and the rough times will be easier and the good times will be far better than you can imagine!

You Are Beautiful!

Remember, God thinks you're beautiful, no matter what!

Get to Know Your Neighbor

Get to know someone first before accepting that he may be your enemy!

Miracles

Do you believe in miracles? That's a question a lot of people ask others. And it's one question that can often be misunderstood I think.

How often have you asked someone that question and they've had a hard time answering it? Or they've simply said no.

And when that answer comes in a negative form, does it make you feel that perhaps they don't believe in Christ and all that he did? Well, before we start thinking that way, what we need to do is step back and take a look at the question we're asking, and what might it mean to them.

It's very possible that when someone hears that question the first thing that comes to mind are miracles that were performed by Christ himself. Raising from the dead, healing the sick with just a touch of his hand, changing water into wine and multiplying the loaves and fishes with just a thought. These might be some of the things that might be going through someones mind when you confront them with that question.

Now if you put it in that perspective, they might find it hard to believe in the occurances of miracles happening on that level, especially in this day and age. After all, what person could actually believe you, me, or others could perform such feats? Would be pretty tough to swallow, don't you think?

And that's why we need to take a look at exactly what miracles are and perhaps what miracles can be. Things that happen around us that perhaps get missed in our daily lives, things that actually are miracles if we take the time to examine them closely.

Can I walk on water? No, well if there's solid ground under me I can. But in reality no I can't. But if I can walk over to a person who is in tears and take those tears away by replacing them by putting a smile on their face, then I've just performed a miracle.

If you can receive joy from the sound of a child laughing, then you've just experienced a miracle.
If you can open your heart and sit down and talk to a perfect stranger while waiting for the bus instead of completely ignoring them, then you've just participated in a miracle.

If you're a woman and have given birth then you've experienced a miracle beyond words.
If you are parents and are dealing with teenagers without having to see them struggle with drugs and deliquency then you are surely blessed with a miracle.

If you are parents and witnessed your childs first steps or first words, can you not think of that as a miracle?

All you have to do is look around you. Each and every day and you'll see the miracles of life happening before your very own eyes. It's not that hard to do. It's when someone tries to find them, tries to find the "big one" that is when they will have trouble answering the question..."Do you believe in miracles?"

Miracles aren't planned. You can't jot down in your date planner that you are going to witness a miracle today, that you are going to find a miracle today. They just happen, God makes them happen, WE make them happen.

Think about the love of your life and how you met him or her and how you are together now and how you have stuck through all the highs and lows of the relationship to get to where you are today. Two people, working together, loving, laughing and crying together. Is that not a miracle?

Do you have a pet? A cat or dog for instance. Think of all the unconditional love you receive from them, the friendship and companionship you receive from this little creature. The enjoyment you receive from their antics or the comfort you receive knowing that they are there by your side. Isn't that in itself a miracle?

The wonders of nature that God provides us are nothing short of miracles upon miracles. The tiny seed that blooms in Spring and Summer into a flower that only Gods hand could have created. The effort and love that we put into caring for that flower so that it might flourish. The sun rising and setting like clock work each and every day of our lives.

Let's not forget the waterfall that effortlessly flows from the top of a mountain to captivate us with it's power and majesty. Or the song of a bird in the tree of your own backyard. The catepillar that spins it's cacoon to emerge as a graceful butterfly that flutters among your flowers drinking their nector and repaying them by helping them to produce more beautiful flowers for you in coming years. Or the bee that, at times may anger you when he gives up his life to give you one heck of an annoying sting, yet if left alone will relish in your flowers nector, prolonging their lives and in return for that nector repays you with the sweet taste of his honey. Are these things not in their own right miracles?

It's important in our lives that we slow down at times and give our senses the opportunity to take in all the miracles that surround us. If everyone could do that, slow down, look around them, and look closely at even a flower and it's intricate petals, then they might see just how miraculous one single petal is. Grandma wasn't lying when she said "Take time to smell the roses."

Love in itself my friends, is a miracle. If you love then miracles abound in your life. If you are loved then there are so many miracles in your life that it would be impossible to say that you don't believe in miracles.

So the next time that you ask someone if they believe in miracles, remind them of what miracles are.

But more importantly remind them of the greatest miracle of them all.
And that miracle is Gods love for each and every one of us.

His unconditional, undying, ever present love that's there for us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. No matter what we do or what we say, he's always there for us, holding his arms out to us. In hope that we will come running to him, to be embraced in his never ending love forever.

We are that tiny seed that blooms like the flower with the nuturing and love of God!
And that my friends is truly the miracle of all miracles!