Jesus is More Than a Christmas Story

Jesus is more than a Christmas Story

Jesus is more than a Christmas Story.

He was and is the Savior, the Miracle Worker, the Answer to our Prayers.

Here are five actual accounts of the love of Jesus and the power of prayer!

“… I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

A young husband and father, hooked on meth, homeless and hungry, knocked on a church door in despair. His family was fed and housed in the tiny church building for weeks until an old, forsaken trailer was found for them to move into. He and his wife gave their hearts to Jesus, were baptized in a cold river, and began a new journey. He worked odd jobs and provided best he could. Now, one year later, he has a nice home and very good job. At least three of his extended family have come to know the love of his Savior.

Jesus is more than a Christmas story.

Last spring a vibrant 17yr old girl went on a mission trip with friends. December 1, this year, she was in ICU with a virus infection that had attacked her entire body. It was unlikely she would make it; if so, she would have damage to her brain and/or organs. Today, two weeks later, while still very ill, she is talking and making daily progress with no visible signs of permanent physical or mental damage.

Jesus is more than a Christmas story.

He’s a five year old foster child; we can’t imagine what he has been through in his short lifetime. At the very least, he is not with his biological family. A gift of a biblical activity/coloring book and someone to read it to him brought light into his world. In response to a question in the book about what he would like to do, he replied: “I would like to sing with Jesus.”

Jesus is more than a Christmas story.

He was in his 50s, very active on his parents’ farm and his own. Without warning, he breathed his last breath here on earth. At his memorial service, the large church filled to overflowing as family and friends shared testimonies of a life lived for Christ. They rejoiced through tears at the sure reunion in Heaven when all God’s children get home.

Jesus is more than a Christmas story.

His 44th birthday was two days away as he finished his work on a remodeled home. He laughed with his wife about the events of that warm August day, then suddenly collapsed onto the ground. Barely two weeks earlier, a business man had once again told him about Jesus. This time, with a hungry heart, he confessed his sins and asked Jesus to be his Savior and Lord.

Jesus is more than a Christmas story.

John 3:16 is still the best news ever told.

“For God so loved the world (you) that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Click here for the complete biblical account of Jesus’ birth and what it means to you.

Hugs,

Please drop me a note if you have questions about the Christmas story. God’s richest blessings on you and your family.

Timely Tips to Ease the Stress during Holidays

Timely Tips to Ease the Stress during Holidays

Timely tips to ease stress during holidays?

Bring them on! My to-do list is still in October mode, how about you? As we try to balance traditions, expectations of others, and our own desires, we become weary in well doing!

As we begin, think about one of my favorite scriptures on stress: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6   Click here for more great verses from God’s Word to encourage your heart.

For many, holidays can be a sad and stressful time.

Visions of happy holiday gatherings are replaced by the reality of those missing this year. Others caring for parents or family members are wearied by thoughts of added work. Perhaps you are among those considering skipping these preparations all together.

Relax and let me encourage you as we alleviate some of that stress.

This simple plan has often helped me to set the mood for less stress as holiday gatherings approach.  Grab your calendar and we’ll schedule some private time for an honest look at your role in upcoming holidays. (I am serious, get your calendar!) I cannot overstate how important this step is. Before adding more to our already stretched schedules, we must honestly face our personal needs and wants. Yes, I said, “consider your personal needs, too!”

Schedule an appointment with yourself in the next few days!

Seriously, you can find an hour for yourself … do it!  I do it every few months and it’s a game changer for me; however, you MUST keep the appointment.

On the day of your “appointment” with yourself, cozy up in a quiet place with a hot beverage, calendar, pen and paper. If possible quiet the phone for an hour.

1. First priority: Consider the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

What can you be thankful for? Your present surroundings? Those you love? Memories of better times? Make a list. If you have to, start your list with the obvious: fresh air to breathe, sight, a bed or chair for rest. Get the picture?

2. Consider what you personally would like to do this holiday.

Is a big meal really important to you and your family? Perhaps, it’s done out of habit or, worse yet–obligation. What will benefit your family most, your personal time and attention or all the holiday fixings? Find alternatives like bringing a dinner from the market or having a meal catered. Discover creative ways to free up your time; treasure your family.

3. Will a family member or friend be missing this year?

Do you still need to deal with that loss before the holidays?  Is there something you could do to honor them in some way? If appropriate, display a photo or keepsake in a prominent place and have a time to share memories; to laugh and cry and express honest feelings.

If you know others who are recently lost loved ones, schedule a little time to contact them. A simple card or call will do wonders; I know, I have been there.

4. Do you think your home is not ready for company?

No time or energy to clean? Remember the silly old question: how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!  So, schedule one room a week to clean and sort.  Stick to the plan–just one room or even a section at a time. As the holiday approaches your home will shine and so will you.

If you are used to decorating every nook and cranny, change it this year. Add simple decorations as you go or choose one area to lavish holiday items on and leave the rest clean and fresh as is. If need be, go back to tip number 1 and remember to be thankful for a home to share.

5. Learn to communicate your feelings with others.

Do you need help to carry out your plan? Let others know that. Are you hesitant to make changes from old traditional habits? Talk to your family; explain the necessity of making changes this year. Express excitement and positive attitude about approaching holidays; make even the minimal preparations a celebration.

Philippians 4:4 commands us to rejoice in the Lord always.

Rejoice. Determine from this day forward to proceed with your plan. Keep your focus on your goal. You truly can have the best and most meaningful holiday ever as you train yourself to focus on the positive aspects of the holidays and clear out the negative.

Hugs,

Click here for more great articles; and have a blessed holiday season.

 

Daylight Saving Time can be a Life Changer

Daylight Saving Time can be a Life Changer Daylight Saving Time can be a Life Changer

Daylight saving time has always been a mystery to me.  I’ve never been able to recoup the time I’m “saving”!

Seriously, years ago, daylight saving time had a big impact on my life! Two years after my father died, my husband had a fatal heart attack (two days before his 44th birthday, two weeks after he accepted Jesus as his Savior).

Momma and I began looking for a church home and had visited several in the community when we decided to go to a church down the road from my house. For some great quotes on trusting God to lead, click here.

“Mother, I do not want to go to their Sunday School class, just worship. They advertise a Single Adult SS Class and I am totally not interested in getting into a class of singles! Mercy, no!”

“Not a problem, Honey. We’ll just visit the church services and see where God wants us.”

Momma always came over early for coffee and chit chat before our outings. However, this particular morning it seemed we didn’t have much time to waste. It was the last Sunday in October and I KNOW I changed the clocks back one hour. However, it was time to head out.

You know before I say it that we ended up smack dab in the middle of a huge Single Adult Sunday School class! And, the preacher was the teacher! I did not know nor did I care that he was widowed. I just wanted to get out of there and get to worship and go home!

Daylight Saving Time can be a Life Changer

I’ll cut to the chase; some years later here we are with our five grandchildren! Together we have four wonderful children, two adopted, two foster; each completely ours and loved unconditionally! We have been blessed with eight greats and still counting!

Mother stayed in that church for years and was able to minister in the single adult department and in LIFT Class, a ladies’ Bible study class that we began.

Now as Mrs. Preach, I went with hubby to pastor in Oklahoma, California, and back to Fair Play, MO., before he “retired” in 2000.  (He has been Director of Missions in Dallas County MO now for almost 20 years … I am not going with him if he “retires” again!)

Seriously, God can use daylight saving time or any other time to change our direction if we just stay open to His leadership. I am so very thankful to Him for all He has given me and my family through the years. This country gal is blessed beyond measure!

(Keep watching, I’m working on Our Story now. Working title is “I Never did Like Preachers” sub title, ’til I married one! Prayers seriously appreciated.)