The Christmas Tree

As you prepare for Christmas with shopping and baking and cleaning I'd like to remind you of Romans 13: 8. I like this verse. It says a lot in few words. "Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law."

Keep that in mind as Christmas is near. So what if Aunt Jo or Uncle Bob says a comment that doesn't agree with you. Will it really matter if Grandma Jones gives a nice gift to another family member and not to you. Smile if cousin Jim brags about how many presents he gave or received. Remember, you are a child of a Heavenly King if you celebrate His birth. And Jesus didn't have a great start or an easy time here on earth either. He understands like no one else can.

In a corner of the room

a lowly pine tree stands.

Like a tiny piece of forest

with uplifting hands.

As children gather round

they place on branches green

ornaments and sparkling lights.

The best you've ever seen.

Once squirrels and busy chipmunks

and birds with folded wing

had graced your fragrant branches

and listened to you sing.

Once snow and rain and dust

had glistened on each limb.

Now you stand beside a window

dressed as for a king.

Oh little tree don't be sad

and take no time to sigh.

You're chosen to remind each one

of a king that came from high.

Oh little tree let's celebrate

the birthday of a king.

Hold your branches high; be proud

while children dance and sing.

What is Christmas

Recently, my husband and I spent a week's vacation in Cuba celebrating our 25th anniversary. I found Cubans friendly and eager to please. They lead simple lives and are paid by the government for their work. If they want to make extra money there are rules they need to follow. Still, visitors can easily be taken advantage of. While going through customs the ticket agent offered us roomier seats on the plane for 30 peco's (almost 34.00). He must have seen from my passport that I didn't travel much. What he didn't know was that God had already planned where I was going to be seated. We refused his offer and he lost some easy money. (I'm sure we would have gotten the same seats if we accepted his offer). I on the other hand met and talked with people that God wanted me to meet. It was wonderful. A word of encouragement, don't let your fears ruin God's plan for you.

Christmas is music
And carol singing,
And chimes of the bells
ringing, ringing.

Christmas is bright lights
On evergreen trees,
And candles in windows
That say, “Come in please”.

Christmas is welcome
A wreath on the door.
And hearts over flowing
With love for the poor.

Christmas is laughter
That starts in your toes.
And bubbles till it reaches
The tip of your nose.

Christmas is fragrance
The spruce and the pine
And fruitcake and puddings
That, taste so divine.

Christmas is giving
Gifts made by hand
And all given with love
Whether small or grand.

Sleep

Today was a great day. I read my new book "The Angel's Message" to a group of children at the local library.What an honor that was. It was a great experience and the staff was wonderful, too. I feel very blessed. After supper I wrote this little poem. If you wonder why I chose to write about sleep I'll have to be honest and say I'm not sure why. It could be because I didn't sleep well night last night. Too excited about today. Anyways, here's a parting thought to think about. Proverbs 19:23 Fear of the Lord gives life, security, and protection from harm.

When I can’t sleep and it’s time for bed
I wait for stories to enter my head.
Stories that take me far and away,
To unusual lands to play all day.
And there I will dream with the wind in my hair.
And I’ll float on clouds without worry or care.
And if monsters try to steal a glad song,
I'll tell them a secret and they’ll soon run along.
And if a storm cloud enters my dream,
I’ll smile and offer a dish of ice cream.
And if I’m challenged to climb a high wall,
I’ll find a ladder that’s ten feet tall.
Then I'll open my eyes and give thanks for the day
And wish all a good blessing in the merriest way.