Monday, December 30, 2013

2013 is Passing Away!

The start of a new year is always
a good time to think about what's important.
1 John 2:17 says,
"The world and its enticement,
it's pleasures, lusts, are passing away,
but whoever does the will of God remains forever."


With my mother sick and in distress
I think a lot about the passing of time
and how our body decays,
and what is really important.
Sometimes we think beauty, popularity,
intelligence, influence, happiness and money, 
are so important,
that we sell our souls for it,
or a little bit of our soul.

"My soul has been rescued
like a bird from the fowler's snare."
Psalm 124:7
We don't realize it but we are surrounded
by so much that can snare us.
Our enemy is very cunning,
and he can coat the bitter with the brightest candy
just to deceive us.

Thank you Lord, that You rescue us
from the deceptions of the evil one
who wants to enslave us with the
enticements of this world!

What would be the point of 
having the most beautiful home,
the most marvelous dresses, the best job in the world
where you travel to the most fabulous
destinations and meet the most exciting friends,
if you are not kind, compassionate,
patient, forgiving, humble....

Our joys would be in temporary things, 
things that rot and decay and pass away!
At the start of the year,
let's look at our life and see
where our heart is.

And if we see that there are 
things we need to change,
do not lose hope!

God is with us!
The Emmanuel!
He is our HOPE!

I wish you a new year
where your heart is 
filled with hope, joy and the peace
that defies understanding.
A blessed new year!




Friday, December 27, 2013

Paint Party Friday: Who Kidnapped Jesus?


 Paint Party Friday finds me with a pile of
backgrounds!
I had just about ran out!

This morning I read a story from the Bible
more associated with Easter.
John 20:2-8 is about how Mary Magdalene
went to the tomb on Easter morning
and saw that the stone had been rolled away.
"They have taken the Lord from the tomb,
and we don't know where they put Him!",
she frantically told Peter.

Who kidnapped Jesus?
Haven't we all, at one time or another?
I know I have.
When we make CHRISTmas not about Jesus,
but more about us,
we are the same as those in Jesus' time,
who wanted to draft Jesus,
make Him King,
but for THEIR OWN PURPOSES!

Just like Ethan who wrote this Christmas wish list,
I wish people would remember
the real meaning of Christmas!
I wish I would remember too!
All my life, my Christmases have been hectic-
I prepare for Christmas sales for our stores
starting in June or July.
No, make that January, when I prepare
our product and printing schedule.

 Lord, may I remember that Christmas
is about YOU, the WORD made flesh,
the Emmanuel, God with us.
Thank you for coming that we might live
forever with You, in Your Kingdom!

 St. Stephen, whose Feast Day we 
celebrated yesterday, 
was the first martyr of the Church.
He was stoned to death because 
he infuriated those who could not stand 
what he was saying. 
We may not be martyred today
because of what we say or do, 
but do our words and actions 
show that we are followers of Jesus?

Do we have the faith and courage to be
like Stephen, not to use Jesus
for our own purposes,
but allow ourselves to be used by the King?

Every week I choose one wonderful visitor
who leaves a comment
to receive an ATC from me.
I know it takes so much time and effort
to leave a comment
and I appreciate it soooo much!

This week,
Random.org chose
of Wholehearted Home.
Visit Judith for some 
heartfelt wisdom and ideas.



Linking with

Sometimes I put on my best pajamas and
join these wonderful blog parties!!!
So many WONDERFUL blogfriends to discover!

Thank you for dropping by!
You are appreciated!
Patsy