day after

It's the day after Christmas. Did you remember in all the presents and feasting that it was the rememberance of Jesus birth?

Make God laugh

Hey Folks, do you know how to make God laugh?


Tell him your plans.


Okay, it's not my joke. But it sure was timely. About two months ago Darren started talking about taking over my "office." Every time he started to talk about it something came up. Then last week he actually started to move his computer up here.

Well, he is now sharing the room with me. But it is not according to his plans. Instead it works out well for both of us. But that and the joke was a reminder that we can make plans all we want. But God's plans always work out.

first gift

Here it is Wednesday. Two week before we celebrate the birth of Jesus. And I am teaching in my bible studies about the symbols of Christmas. One of the things I discovered in my research that surprised me the most was the meaning of the word "Host."

I always thought that the "Heavenly Host," the "Angelic Host," or what-ever you call the vast amount of Angels who appeared to the shepherds was just a vast choir. The Angelic Singers. But they weren't. The word "host" in the orignal language means -an army, a band of soliders. That Angelic choir was dressed in full battle gear. They didn't just sing "Glory to God" and then return to the heavenlies.

When they disappeared from the view of the shepherds they began to battle. After learning the meaning of the word "Host" I now picture those Angels going before the shepherds on the way to Bethlehem protecting them. There was a great battle going on that night in the hills of Judea.

And there is a great battle going on today in the hills of Vacaville. Are we just singing a pretty little holiday tune, or are we ready to battle the enemy and show the Christ child to anyone who is willing to look for him?

Joy

“The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy.”
Psalm 126:3 Psalm 126 is one of the psalms of ascents. They were sung as the people as they ascended on the temple in Jerusalem. They are calls to worship. Remembrances of what the Lord has done, pleas for the Lord to again intercede.

As I read this verse today, I began to remember some of the great things the Lord has done for my family. He has given us a home. Everyone, but me, has employment. We have food available at meal time. We are healthy. We have clothes to wear. Our children all know the Lord and love him. A beautiful granddaughter, who truly is an Angel. And now a new baby on the way. Yes, God has done great things for us. The Hebrew word “joy” also means to be glad, to make merry, to be merry-hearted, and to rejoice.
You want joy in your world? Think on what the Lord has done for you.

Help me to make a list. Not of those who are naughty or nice. Not of those you must buy gifts for. But a list of great things the Lord has done for you. If you do, you will find that you are filled with joy.

You can message me back with what you would like to add to the list and see what others have added.

announcement

found out yesterday Angelynn is in need of one of those t-shirts that states "I'm the big sister." Her baby brother or sister is expected sometime next August.

last was first

I've never thought about it until to day, but the last prophet under the old testament was also the first prophet under the new testament. Zechariah, the father of John the baptister. His exit from the Inner court, silent of voice, spoke volumes. It was the first time in 400 years that anyone had heard from God.

Makes me stop and wonder, how much do I not hear God speaking to me because of the noise I am making? Today I am going to stop and be quiet and listen to God as he speaks to me.

Will you join me in a time of listening?

Wonderment

the tree is up. The girls put it up the other night. They very carefully made sure that the bottom of the tree is "Angel proof." They even put presents under the tree. But so far, all Angel has done looked at the tree with all it's pretties.

Made me begin to wonder--how often do I just look at the wonders God has set before me to afraid to touch? and what am I afraid of?

Advent

Friends, today is the first day of Advent, a time of preparation. This week as your family comes together remember the hope of the Prophets--"Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. "Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lords' hand double for all her sins. A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken." Isaiah 40: 1-5

This week, make way a for our God. Not just a reminder of his birth but for his second coming.

New idea

Hey friends, I am trying to open up a blog. That way you can interact with me. Did you remember to offer God your sacrifice of Thanks yesterday?