Greetings from Africa! It is hard to believe that it has been almost 2 months since we said goodbye to you all. We have seen many changes and many blessings, as well as some discouragements. But over-all, we can see the hand of God working in so many ways. It is always exciting to serve the Lord and watch Him work!
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Overwhelmed?
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! I must say, that I still find myself laughing when I hear Frosty the Snowman playing in the stores when it is 100 degrees outside. It is very amusing to me. There are Christmas decorations everywhere, music playing, and watermelons for sale! I am ready to do something festive around the house. I reminded my husband that Thanksgiving IS over, so we can start playing Christmas music. To which he replied, “I’m going to write a book – Lies Women Believe.” Ha!
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Determination
Have you ever found yourself staring at your messy bedroom and thinking, “I am NEVER going to get this place cleaned up!” Or have you faced a math problem that frustrated you so badly that you began to think, “This is IMPOSSIBLE to figure out!” Well then here is a character quality that you might need to learn. It’s called Determination and it’s very important to Christians!
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Let it Show, Let it Show, Let it Show!
It’s December and you know what that means – Christmas! It’s a time of food, gifts, fun music, snow days (hopefully) and time with family.
If you’re like me, seasons and holidays cause reflection and even a bit of goal-setting. Like Thanksgiving… “From now on, I’m going to be thankful everyday!” Good thought, it’s just hard to do. Although we’re human and prone to not keep our own commitments, that doesn’t mean it’s pointless to take these situations and learn more about ourselves – and even challenge ourselves.
Do You Want Salt with Your Lemons?
A few weeks ago, I was reflecting on situations I have been facing. And in truth, I was upset that things weren’t going as I had planned. I continued to have my selfish attitude as I drove to work. My selfish attitude blamed God for not doing things the way I wanted. Oh, how my gentle Savior works to sweetly yet firmly rebuke me for my folly. The Holy Spirit began to stir up this verse in my heart. Matthew 5:13-14 “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”
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The Anti-Gimme Edition
Awhile back, someone asked me to write about how to avoid greediness and cultivate a giving spirit in our children at Christmas time. While I by no means think we have mastered this topic in our household, I thought I would share a few tips we have learned from others along the way and hope they are a blessing to you.
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Magnify the Lord
Do you have a favorite verse that depicts the Christmas season? I have one verse that has been coming to mind as we’ve been preparing for this December. It’s not very typically quoted as a Christmas verse, but it was the one that the Lord has been bringing back to my mind. Perhaps a deeper study would be in order!
Whom Seek Ye?
Whom seek ye? Jesus of Nazareth? The power found in that name alone knocked the soldiers off their feet that night. Whom do you seek? Do you seek this same Jesus? What is your intention once you find Him? Are you going to bind Him with chains and crucify Him yet again? Or are you going to usher Him forth to His rightful throne cleft within your heart? Will you allow Him the title and reign of Lord, or will you have Him waiting near only to call upon in times of need? Does the power of His name still take your breath away and cause you to press your face to the dirt?
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I Can. You Can Too!
Have you ever felt like you wanted to serve the Lord in a greater way, but it seemed that there was so much lacking in your life and circumstances, that you decided it was hopeless? That is exactly how Mamie McCullough felt as she looked at her life.
Christmas Rocks
Everyone has their favorite when it comes to Christmas cookies. I’d like to share mine. About 25 years ago, a lady that I worked for gave me this recipe. It is a very simple and easy to make recipe, with a few basic ingredients, and no leavening, other than eggs. The cookies are not overly sweet and are sure to satisfy a nut lover.
An Easy Way to a Healthy Holiday
The holidays are upon us! Thanksgiving is over and the rush of Christmas begins, followed close behind by New Years! Whether the holiday season brings joy or sadness, family gatherings or solitude, stress or excitement, one thing is to be sure; there will be food. Probably lots of it! Whether you are hosting a gathering or contributing to one, you want the food to be tasty and delicious. The easiest way to accomplish this is by using real ingredients. But what exactly does that mean?
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The Truth and Some Mercy
The words “mercy” and “truth” are often thrown around in our household, and I couldn’t help but relate them to finances and Christmas. I know, know, money’s not a fun thing to talk about during Christmas, but no other time of year is more geared to get you to spend often, quickly, and without putting much thought to your purchases. It’s sooo hard to be purposeful with your spending this time of year!