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.

If we never had a Christmas

It's beginning to feel like Christmas and I'm beginning to feel excited. I've heard some Christians say that we don't need to celebrate Christ's birth because Jesus never told his followers to remember his birth, only his death. Well, I disagree. Christmas reminds us of the simplicity of God. He wanted Jesus to have a beginning on earth. Just like us. We all have to start life as a baby, defenseless and dependant on our parents. It's heartwarming to know that God came down from heaven's glory to share with us in the human experience. He wanted to feel what we feel, to feel hungry, sad, tired, and even lonely sometimes. Why? Because He loves us. What an amazing God.

If we never celebrated Christmas
What would earth be like today?
And if God’s Son had not been born,
Wouldn't heaven seem far away.
And what would people celebrate
If there was no Christmas story.
How could our hearts rejoice and sing
About the wonder of God’s glory.
Though some will try to banish Christ
From Christmas celebrations
The Holy Child’s simple birth
Defies all explanations.
Who can understand this mystery
And God's Christmas gift of love
It’s the answer to a better world
And unites us with the Lord above.

Let Us Pray

It's Remembrance Day. A day to remember the men and women that serve our country and risk their lives by going to war. I wonder what it's like to be faced with that kind of situation. Scary, I imagine. There is much I don't understand about life and war is one of them. What starts war, anyways. Hatred, pride, desire for control and greed. In 1 Peter 3, Peter wrote, "Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."
Do you want God's Blessings? I sure do. Have a blessed day. Lest we Forget!

Let us pray for our country each night and day
That no other wars will pass our way.
Let us pray for a world that longs for peace
And the cry for war will finally cease.
Let us pray that the pain that war bestows
And the grief that a mother’s heart well knows
Will finally come to fitting end
And nations will call each other friend.
Let us pray that our children will never dream of guns
But of home and friendships; not of battles won.
Let us pray and join forces with loved ones who care,
Of the ones who have died for the freedom we share.
Let us pray for hatred to vanish and be replaced with love
And for God's good blessings as he looks from above.

Heaven

Sometimes I like to imagine what heaven might look like. Ever since I can remember I was taught and still believe that heaven is a real place. Of course I want to go there someday. Although I don't know what it will look like, there's no harm in imagining what it might look like. One thing I do know (because the Bible tells us) is that God promises there will be no crying, sickness, unfairness, sadness or bad feelings in heaven. Just perfect joy and peace.

Someday I'll live in a palace
in heaven painted gold.
And I will play with lions
that never will grow old.

In heaven I'll build a barn
to keep animals of course.
Perhaps a friendly kangaroo
and a gentle riding horse.

In heaven I'll grow a garden
where bees can work and hum
and in the fall at harvest time
rejoice in God's kingdom.

In heaven I'll talk to Jesus

and He will be my friend.

And I will feel great happiness

that will never, ever end.

God Cares for the Birds

I've always loved birds. We can learn so much from their careful, yet carefree ways. Here's a poem I have written and rewritten many times. I think it's finally ready to be revealed. If you are a worrier, take note.

I’ve never noticed sparrows
Building barns for food to store.
They never fret or worry much
About the day before.

I’ve never noticed robins
Basking idle in the sun.
They do their work happily
Until the day is done.

I’ve never heard the cardinals
Gripe about their food.
They’re always singing merrily
And never something rude.

I’ve never noticed calling doves
Fuss if they should fall.
Each day they gather with their friends
And cheer each one and all.