You've Gotta Face the Clouds, To Find the Silver Lining

I usually get inspired to write on my blog by things that are happening in my life, or things that I am passionate about.
Well, I guess you can say I am inspired. Right now, a big, dark cloud is hanging over our lives.
Wednesday, Dec. 9th, our lives changed forever. It's funny how you just go along living life and really don't think about it. Until something happens to stop you in your tracks.
Jason lost his job. First there is shock. I was speechless. I had no words to say. Many things were going through my mind. Are we going to have to move? We're going to have to take all our kids' Christmas presents back. Why is God doing this to us? Why at Christmas time? Why? Why? Why? Right now, I really don't have an answer to any of those questions....except the one about taking Christmas presents back. Friday morning, Jason and I dug out the presents, found receipts and headed to the stores where we had visited only the week before. What a humbling, horrific, sad day.

I remember last year standing in line at Wal-Mart to return something a week before Christmas and the lady in front of me was returning all the toys she had bought her kids and hearing her reply when the clerk asked her if anything was wrong with any of it, she said, "no, my husband just lost his job." My heart sank and I wanted to buy everything she returned and put it right back in her cart...for her to take home. Never in a million years did I think that lady would be me, this year.

Then there is anger. Anger at the company that hired Jason just 9 months earlier and then let him go...three weeks before Christmas. This was supposed to be a Christian company. They will be sitting by the fire on Christmas Eve opening lots of presents (oh, probably after they get in their private jet and fly to their vacation home in Aspen) with lots of food and laughter and not a thought of us, with our kids having no presents under the tree to open, and wondering if we should turn our furnace down one more degree because we won't be able to afford to pay it when the bill comes.

Then there is total, no-words-to-describe sadness that hits, more often than not. Just looking at my kids. Thinking of our amazing friends here that we could possibly be leaving in the near future, hearing Christmas music, watching the commercials that talk about buying gifts, hearing my customers say, "have a great day" or "Merry Christmas". Can I tell you, I've wanted to snap back at them and say, "Whatever!" or "yeah, right!"

There is panic. There is frustration. There is bitterness.

There is also small glimpses of hope. When I think about all the things that anger me, especially the whole "Christmas thing" I try to stop and remember that giving gifts is not what Christmas is about. It's about Jesus. Being born in a cave, surrounded by animals.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him John 3:17

This is the most amazing gift of all. Anyone who believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life! John 3:16b The gift of heaven, with Him!

I had turned on the music at work the other day, and for the first time, really listened to the words of the song by Steven Curtis Chapman called Christmas is all in the Heart.

No, it's not in the snow that may or may not fall,
And it's not in the gifts around the tree
It's in the love heaven gave, the night our Savior came,
And that same love can still be found wherever you are,
'Cause Christmas is all in the heart -


It hit me like a ton of bricks and right then I decided I needed to make this Christmas special for my kids, even if we don't have gifts under the tree. We have each other. We are all healthy. We have amazing friends that we get to celebrate Jesus' birth with.

I just finished baking sugar cookies. A Christmas tradition I've been doing since our oldest son was one year old.

Hope is also found in the words of Matthew 6:

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
I am still very sad, very angry, very tired, very frustrated by our circumstances, but I know that God is good, and still works miracles every day. I will continue to look toward Heaven and trust in Jesus no matter what we are going through.

If you are reading this, and don't have a personal relationship with Jesus and don't know for sure you are going to Heaven, please think about it. It's a free gift! All you have to do is trust in Jesus, give your life to Him. Follow Him. It's not about being "religious". It's about giving your life to Him, who gave everything for you, died for YOU, so that you can live for eternity, in Heaven.

THANK YOU, GOD, for the PERFECT gift of your son this Christmas!

Gifts from God

As Christmas approaches we think of bright lights decorating the trees, shoppers out getting their last minutes bargains, cookie exchanges, Christmas parties, and wonderfully wrapped gifts under the tree.

When we think of gifts, most of us think of brightly wrapped boxes with big bows on top. I have to admit, I enjoy getting the beautifully wrapped gift almost as much as I enjoy opening it and seeing what's inside.

Some gifts are not beautifully wrapped. In fact, some are disguised in ugly wrapping, or no wrapping at all. I received one of these gifts about two weeks ago. I won't go into a lot of detail, because this was MY gift from God. Let's just say, when I "received" this gift, I was really bummed, did not want this gift at all, and down right frustrated about it.

As I think back on the past two weeks, my life has been very, very busy, but the deep dark valley that I was walking in seems to have some SON shine shining on it. This gift has been a blessing to me as I finally get a glimpse of what God intended with it.

As Thanksgiving has come and gone, have you stopped being thankful for the things (gifts) He has provided? Although we don't see the big picture, God does. He is in charge. "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9.
So, this Christmas, remember that not all gifts are beautifully wrapped. They may arrive as an unwanted "speed bump" in your life. But God has the whole picture planned out....so climb up into His lap and trust in Him.

Also, remember that our most precious gift of all, hung on a cross, bloody, beaten and battered for us! Celebrate His birth this Christmas, but also remember the gift of the cross!

MERRY CHRISTMAS to my wonderful friends! I love you all!

Is Your Vase Full?

So, I'm lying in bed tonight thinking and having a little chat with God, and got a strong urge to blog! So here I am typing away when I could be sleeping. But this is much more fun.

Time to get personal. Life just seems unfair at times. We all have our days, weeks, or months when things just seem unfair and gloomy. This past month has been my dark valley. I won't get into all the yucky details, but because of some things going on in my life, I've just been feeling down. BUT, don't feel too sorry for me! Yes, it's been tough to get out of bed some days and go through the motions, but it's also brought me to my knees before God. I have had some really great moments reflecting on God's Word and just being still, knowing that God is faithful. I grew up memorizing and saying the 23rd Psalm, but until this week, I didn't really fully grasp the entire, deep meaning to it. I love how the song puts it.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won’t turn back
I know You are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

Chorus:
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We’ll live to know You here on the earth

WOW! God NEVER lets us go. He's always walking with us. In every high, and every low.

It has really made me think. I really can't imagine going through life without His perfect love. I can't imagine the hopelessness that I would feel going through this dark time alone. Yes, my family and friends are amazing and I love each and every one dearly, but their love just isn't the same as God's perfect love. And to know that He knows what is coming next in my life and is in control, gives me peace. There is NO relationship here on earth that is like that. Not even your closest friend. God knows EVERYTHING and is in control of the whole earth, yet loves ME....and YOU!
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” 1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV.

That just overwhelms me when I try to wrap my tiny little human brain around that.

In our bible study this week we talked about being emptied, so God can fill us back up again. Think about it....when life seems perfect and things are going smoothly, do you find yourself kind of going through the motions and forgetting WHO is responsible for your wonderful life? I know I do. But when God has you go through tough times (when you are walking thru the valley of the shadow of death) it's comforting to know He is walking with you thru it. And we tend to turn to Him and really grow with Him in this time. Sometimes we get in His face and get angry with Him, but He can handle it!

So, when someone is hurting or going through a tough time, pray that they will turn to God and have Him fill the gaps.
Here's a picture: Think of a vase filled with rocks. The rocks represent "stuff" in your life. Job, friends, money, etc. Is the vase full? Some would say yes. What if we were to pour water in the vase. There are lots of empty spaces around the rocks for water. Let God be the water (the Living Water) and fill your empty spaces where the rocks can't fit. Let Him fill those empty spaces until it runs over the edge of your vase!

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Doesn't that verse just make you smile!

By the way, if you are reading this, and you are going through a dark valley, I am praying for you.

Christmas

When is the "correct" time to start listening to Christmas music? I don't mean Jingle Bells, Deck the Halls or Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer. I mean the music that is all about why we celebrate Christmas. That sings about the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

I LOVE Christmas! I love everything about it. I love the music, the smells, the shiny ornaments and decorations. I love the mall when the fireplaces are going and Christmas music is playing and the "halls are decked" in red and green decor. I love snuggling together with my kids on the couch watching the fun Christmas movies like Elf, The Santa Claus, The Nativity, etc. I love driving around looking at all the brightly decorated houses, and seeing the Christmas trees lit in peoples' windows. I love baking Christmas sugar cookies with my kids on snowy days. I love snuggling under a big blanket on the couch with the blinds open reading a book while watching it snow outside. I love going to church on Christmas eve and being with friends and family all together worshipping and celebrating the birth of Jesus. Okay, I could go on and on, but I will stop there.

When I think of my past and growing up, it makes me sad. We went to candle light service on Christmas eve, but really didn't talk much about it being Jesus' birthday. When we went to church, it gave "Santa" an opportunity to stop at our house and leave presents. When my two older kids were small, we continued this tradition, except the candle light service part. We didn't go to church. We didn't talk about it being Jesus' birthday. We talked about Santa and all the presents he would bring. I think a lot of the world does this exact same thing. I'm not saying doing the whole "Santa" thing is wrong. I still love this part of Christmas. But the main focus should be Jesus! And it's our job as parents to teach our kids the true meaning of Christmas.

About four years ago, we decided we were doing "Christmas" all wrong. There would be no Christmas if it weren't for God sending His Son for us. Thus, the meaning behind the saying, "Jesus is the Reason for the Season!".

This year, money is tight for us. In years past, we would get an "extra" paycheck towards the end of the year that we used to pay for Christmas. This year, with Jason's new job, we didn't have this. I usually finished most of my Christmas shopping by October or November. This Christmas, I haven't really even started. We've had some extra bills, doctor bills and dentist bills that have made it hard to save any money and since our insurance changed and we pay out-of-pocket instead of a $15 co-pay, we don't have extra money for Christmas. I'm not saying this to complain. I'm saying that God has used this as an eye-opener to us. It's made us think about what is really important about Christmas, and life in general. It's not about giving tons of expensive gifts to everyone on our list. Although it makes me extremely sad that I am unable to get my kids their dream Christmas gift, I'm thankful that we have a warm house, food on the table (even if it is macaroni and cheese), and loving friends and family by our side. And it has made me realize how many of our friends and family are going through this same thing. Let's face it, the economy stinks right now! Many of our friends are out of jobs.

I have always wondered why people went into debt putting gifts they couldn't afford on credit cards (I can honestly say, I have always paid cash for our Christmas gifts), going to parties that they didn't want to go to, baking tons of goodies that they didn't want to eat because of the weight gain they would endure.

So, back to Christmas music. I start listening to it in early November. It gives me the warm, calming feeling that I need to get me through the hustle and bustle of Christmas. It makes me focus on the real reason we celebrate Christmas instead of the stresses that can go along with it. This Christmas, I pray that we, and all those that desire a calm and peaceful Christmas, will focus on the true meaning of Christmas and not give in to the world's way of celebrating. To celebrate the way Jesus would want us to. By loving the people He has placed in our lives. Enjoying the things we already have. And being thankful to God for sending His son.

I know....it's not even Thanksgiving yet, but this is the beginning of the "holiday" season. And it's difficult to NOT think of Christmas when the stores all have their Christmas "stuff" out, Christmas music is being played everywhere you go, and the commercials are talking about Christmas present ideas. And shouldn't we be celebrating Jesus all year long anyway?!

Don't forget the reason for the season!

Heaven!

I'll try to keep my excitement to a minimum, but this is exciting stuff!

This morning I was reading about God's Justice. Whew! That's a heavy, tough subject. I was taken to Revelation 20. I got so involved and excited while reading this that I just kept reading, and reading and before I knew it, I was dancing on the streets of gold, with JESUS!

Revelation 21:4 says, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Isn't that exciting? Well, for me it is, because I know for sure that I will be in heaven some day. If you died today, do you know that you are going to heaven? Do you look at people who follow Jesus Christ, who pray, who are involved in church, who do EVERYTHING for the glory of God and say, "those people are weird" or "they are just bible thumpers". Whatever you want to call me, go ahead. But I am on this earth to follow Jesus, my Creator.

I am so excited about one day being in Heaven (the New Jerusalem) with my Creator, and all the people who's names are in the Book of Life. But as I think of this, it makes me sad that people I love may not be there with me. They think as I did, before I became a believer. That they are Christian, because they believe in God, and they are good, most of the time. But they don't know true JOY in trusting, following, living for Jesus. When you turn to Jesus and decide that you are going to follow Him and Him alone, this is when your life will have true meaning...when you are born again.

3In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. 5Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. John 3:3 & 5

When you are following Jesus, it will motivate you to do good, for Him. Not because it will get you to heaven, but because you want to please your Father in Heaven.
Imagine that, some day, your struggles, pains, fears, aches, and evil temptations will some day be gone. Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life. Rev. 21:27

Isn't it exciting to live for Him? If He came today, would you be ready...and would you know that He is taking you up to Heaven to live with Him FOREVER!!!???? Hallelujah!

It is our duty, as a believer of Jesus Christ, to tell others of this wonderful news! To teach them to live for Him.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20

Scrapbooking as worship?

Another great evening spent with friends scrapbooking, quilting, embroidering, cross-stitching, beading, snacking, talking, listening to music and just being together.
I try to organize a "craft night" at church on a regular basis. Usually every couple of months. Everyone gathers their craft supplies and heads out to church for several hours of crafting. But it's not just working on your craft of choice, it's worship also.
God has really shown me how blessed I am this past week! I have some really amazing friends who are always there with an open ear and a hug, I have an amazing hubby and kids, I LOVE our church (they are like family to us) and we live in a beautiful place! Can't get a whole lot better than waking up to a beautiful sunrise on one side of the house and the majestic mountains on the other!

WORSHIP!
This is a word that gets thrown out there a lot.
The Webster’s defines it: 1) A prayer, church service, or other rite that shows reverence for a deity; 2) Intense love or admiration of any kind. As a verb transitive, the word can mean 1) to show religious reverence for; or 2) to have intense love or admiration for.
So when you really think about it, this is a HUGE topic. People worship idols such as money, popularity, material things, food, etc. We're all guilty.
God makes it clear in the Ten Commandments that we should not worship anything or anyone but Him.
“You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. Ex. 20:4-5 NLT
The topic of worship has been something I have really been studying lately and thinking on. We all know that we're guilty of worshipping something or someone other than God. That's between us and God and I pray that He will open our eyes to see those things, and show us how to enjoy the things we have, but not to worship them.
I want to concentrate on worshipping God! How do I do this? I can worship God in all that I do. I started this blog talking about our "craft night" and about how blessed I am with all that God has given me. For me, this is worshipping God. Remember that the definition is an intense love or admiration for. I have intense love for God for blessing me with all that I have; family, friends, His creation, etc. I also have an intense love and admiration for God, first of all, for allowing us to have nights like that at church. Close friends, good conversation, great food, etc. I am constantly amazed at the feeling I get when I am among others who love God. What a wonderful feeling! I also have an intense admiration for God for making me creative, and to see how He has made others creative also. Not just in the scrapbooking that I do, but the deep concentration and patience that it takes to hand-embroider or cross-stitch, or the way another puts fabric together to make a beautiful quilt, or the way one slowly adds one bead after another to create a piece of jewelry. When you put God in all things, the "things" become way more wonderful and amazing!
My mind is full as I think of the topic of Worship. But for now, I'll leave you to think about things you do or see, or people you have in your life that make you feeling that intense love and admiration for God. Add a comment, I'd love to hear the things that make you feel that intense love and admiration for God.
Until next time, I pray that you will put God in everything you do and see, and make them all the more amazing and beautiful!

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matt. 6:33-34

Convicted!

If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

WOW! If that doesn't make you think!

What is the definition of a Christian?

Is it just to be a good person while on earth and hope you get into heaven? I don't see that in the bible. Is it to choose which verses to follow in the bible and not obey the ones you don't like? I don't see that either. It's also not about having to live by some boring rules and not enjoy life! God wants you to be happy and live in joy! The bible is God's Word to you! When you use the bible as your Life Handbook, life is not boring or unenjoyable! It's amazing!

A Christian is someone who has decided to entrust his or her life to Jesus Christ. A Christian trusts Christ for forgiveness of sin, a right standing before God, and guidance in life.

John 3:3-7 Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?" Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. "Do not be amazed that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'

To be born again--born of the Spirit--a person must place his or her trust in Jesus Christ. The Spirit of Jesus Christ actually comes to dwell within the new Christian, giving newness of life--His life.
In sum, Christ makes a Christian a Christian. Going to church does not make a person a Christian. A special ceremony can't do it. And nobody can be a Christian by trying to be a good person. Only Jesus Christ can make a person a Christian:
John 1:12,13 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

I am sad to know that so many people in this world call themselves Christians, and truly believe that they will some day live in heaven, but do not follow Jesus. They live for themselves, doing as they please, saying, "I'm praying for you." Are you really praying? Did you bow your head and talk to God, or is it just something that sounds good to say? Do you celebrate Christmas as Jesus' birth, or are you celebrating Santa and lots of gifts? Do you celebrate Easter as the time Jesus spread his arms wide saying, I LOVE YOU THIS MUCH, and died to forgive you of your sins? If you answered no to any of those, then maybe you need to think about what it really means to be a Christian.
Tell God that you want Him to be in charge of your life from this point forward. Prayer= a simple conversation between you and your Creator, GOD!

For those of us that have already asked God for forgiveness and placed our faith in Jesus, what do our lives look like? We should be striving to look like Jesus. For people to say, "Hmmm, their lives seem different. They have peace! They have hope! I want what they have!"

When I say, "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

That saying is my life quote! I want to look like Jesus....and strive for it every day. But I can't do it without Him being in charge!

Thank you God that you are Good, Sovereign, Holy, Wise, the Ultimate Judge and you are LOVE!