REFLECTIONS

     The hours are slowly fading away as we bid farewell to yet another year.  Time is like the grains in an hour glass.  They flow through in a flash and are evaporated.

     Now, we are being ushered in to a new realm.  It is a beautiful new board ready for God to create his artistic genius upon and write his glory upon the pages of your heart.

     So, let's make this a creative and brilliant new journey.  Don't let anything be a challenge to growth and development.  Let's set aside the old ways, like fear, anxiety, worry, uncertainty, and yes, even resolutions.

     This year, instead of vowing to makes strides that we most often never keep, let us begin a new.  Let us rededicate our hearts and lives to the Lord.  Let us simply ask him to help us to write a beautiful new chapter.

     Let's ask him to rebuild us into the beautiful instruments of his glory that he wants us to be, both inside and out.  He will help us to make whatever strides that he feels we need to make.

     He will give us whatever tools and provisions that we will need, when we need them, like strength and courage.  But, we need to keep in mind two things on our own part.

     First, we must draw closer to him and develop a powerful and strong relationship and bond with him.  A lifetime contract cannot truly be beneficial unless it is committed to by both parties.

     Secondly, we must let faith be our compass and guiding star, and realize our inadequacies and admit to them.  We must be willing to ask for forgiveness, and humble enough to ask for help when we need it.

     So, the time is ticking.  There is a new dawn arising.  Be encouraged today!  Expect a new horizon filled with promise from the Lord.

HAVE A HAPPY, SAFE, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!  GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!

********************************************

**********************************************

ALL ABOARD!!  TICKETS NOW PLEASE!!  WE ARE PROCEEDING TO OUR NEXT PORT OF CALL.  STAY TUNED!!

Take a moment in silence so true
and bow your head with happiness
Reflect upon good things given to you
and how you are truly blessed.

Give special thanks to God above
and ask him in a special Christmas prayer
How you can show his amazing love
and give someone great attention and care.
How you can brighten a broken heart
or turn a frown into a smile again
help them to heal right from the start
and be a true, lifetime friend.
There are so many who need the beauty of promise in hand
So, pray you can be a gift for all time
and when you follow this awesome plan
It is the greatest gift you'll ever find.
For giving your heart to bless others always
It is one of the best Christmas gifts so true
Have a blessed celebration of the true meaning of Christmas today
Merry Christmas to all of you!

The Plentiful Ground

     Have you ever attempted to do a task, only to discover that you don't have the right tools that you need?  Suddenly, you become very concerned because you cannot properly get the job done and completed.

     You want to do things so perfectly.  But, alas, you can't because you are not perfect and never will be.  However, when you have the right tools that you need, you can become a more efficient person.

     We live in quite a fast paced, hectic society.  Sometimes, you might feel alone, scared or dismayed.  You need the proper tool to help you as you navigate your journey.

     When you pray, it is a beautiful lifeline that reaches for the Lord and his love and grace.  The Lord already knows all that you want or desire, even before you may ask.  How awesome is that in a Father?

     But, he delights greatly in our prayers.  It is a love relationship and a bond that draws us close to him.  It is also like a seed of hope planted firmly in the garden of God's amazing heart.

     If we seek a harvest with belief and trust, we will find much growth in plentiful ground.  But, we need to be dedicated, not fearful.  We need to try and set aside at least five or ten minutes a day to pray and come into his presence.

     Make a list of all the prayer needs, for yourself, family, friends, etc.  Be diligent in your approach.  After that, you will strongly and more efficiently navigate your path.  So, get the best tools today.  Make every moment a beautiful instrument for God's love and his awesome peace.

  *************************************************

Let's pray one for another.  If you would like to leave a small prayer need in the comments below, let's pray for each other!

**************************************************

God bless you all!

***************************************************

***************************************************

TICKETS PLEASE!!  TICKETS NOW!!  WE ARE PROCEEDING TO OUR NEXT PORT OF CALL!!  MYSTERIOUS WATERS ARE AHEAD!!  PREPARE YOUR HEARTS!!  BRACE YOUR SPIRIT FOR ADVENTURE!!  STAY TUNED!!

An Invitation Of Thankfulness

     At this busy time of the year, in addition to the truly hectic schedules we normally keep, it can be hard to find that quality time.  This is personal time.  It is time when we just take a moment to reflect, take a deep breathe, and truly smile, thinking how blessed we really are.

     Sometimes, it may not seem that way.  But, let's try the experiment.  Take just ten minutes out of your schedule.  We all can afford that.  Think of all the tremendous blessings that enrich your life.  Think of all of the people that make your world just a little bit brighter.

     Also, I would like you to recall the best Christmas that you have ever had and what made it so special.  Please leave your comments below ..... it could be about your favorite Christmas, your blessings, even a prayer of thanks to God for his goodness.

     Let's see how many wonderful responses we can collect.  I can never thank God enough for all that he has done for me.  I count every single blessing right down to the sunrise each morning, and the cool, clean cup of water that I can drink.  It is a blessing to be called his child!

     Where would we be on the journey without him?  So, this Christmas let it be one filled with a heart of thankfulness.

Lord, thank you for each blessing

you give so much to me

and all of the love that your heart brings

It is a joy that fills me so perfectly!

So, leave your comment below.  

********************************

God bless you all!

********************************

ALL ABOARD!  TICKETS PLEASE!! MYSTERIOUS WATERS AHEAD!  STAY TUNED! 

The Secrets Of Stress

     Have you ever felt so stressed out and overwhelmed that you knew you couldn't bear another moment?  Sure, most of us can admit to that at one point or another.  It is understandable, considering the nature of our demanding society today.

     It can even be more understood at this hectic time of the year.  You are trying to get your shopping done.  The stores are unbelievably overcrowded.  You've got loads of family members ready to descend on your nice clean house and don't even have the meal planned yet.

     Yet, despite all that is going on around you, just step back for one moment and consider this important fact........the secrets of stress.  Stress decreases the happiness that the Lord wants you to carry in your heart every day.

     It chips away at the energetic life in your spirit that God provided to enjoy the gift of life.  It destroys your emotions and effects your physical being as well.  But, probably the worst of these is that it is a blocker that stands in the pathway of your closer walk with God.

     So, the question is what do you do to combat it all?  You cannot do it alone and be successful.  God will give you strength and help you if you ask him.  But, there are some other steps to take:

*****THINK AND SAY POSITIVE THINGS

*****PLAY CHRISTIAN MUSIC & SING

*****PRAY AND BELIEVE

*****SURROUND YOURSELF WITH LOVED ONES

*****SURROUND YOURSELF WITH CHURCH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

*****GO TO CHURCH REGULARLY

     Don't get stressed out.  Give yourself an RX prescription to let "Dr. Jesus" take control!

*******************************************

God bless you all!!

*******************************************

********************************************

ALL ABOARD!!  TICKETS NOW PLEASE!!  WE ARE PROCEEDING TO OUR NEXT PORT OF CALL!!  MYSTERIES ARE AHEAD!  STAY TUNED!!

God's love is the beautiful

SONRISE

that brightens 

every cloudy day

every darkened pathway

and 

shines a light of

hope

and 

guidance

that 

paves the way

to

a 

more beautiful

brighter

and

promise filled

tomorrow

and 

it all starts

with

just one phrase

Father, 

I need you.

Tell the Lord

how much he means

to you

TODAY.

******************************

GOD BLESS YOU!

Reflections*****

Have you ever had one of those days where when you get home you just want to put your face to a pillow and scream into it?  Well, it's better than letting the neighbors think that you've lost your peace so to speak.

But, surely each one of us can probably say we have had one or more of those type of days.  Let's face it walking the journey can be trying and aggravating at times.  But, how do we deal with the ups and the downs in a civilized and constructive manner?

Well, we cannot in our own manner.  Consider the concept of going fishing.  A fisherman casts his pole upon the water, right?  He then contemplates the good result..in exchange for his bait he will get a prize catch.

Now, think of the fishing pole on your own journey.  You take your concerns and cast them upon God's heavenly waters of peace.  It will then return with the comfort and strength you will need, and the blessings to enrich your soul.

So, when those days come up in your travels where you want to escape and hide...don't despair.  Call out the name of the Lord and for his glory and power.  He will see you through.  This may sound easier than it is.  But, just think of the wonderful and bountiful catch...the beautiful skies ahead that are waiting for you!

*****************************************

God bless you!

***************************************

TICKETS PLEASE!  NEXT PORT OF CALL!  STAY TUNED!

Thought For The Day*****

When you look at yourself.....

Don't look at:

the face of fear

the face of worry

the face of doubt

the face of anxiety

the face of uncertainty

These are all masks of turmoil

that hide the 

true person that God meant you to be

Instead

turn on the light of faith and love

set your care package before God's throne

no matter how heavy it is

he will carry it and empty it

and send special gifts and blessings 

back to enrich your life

and 

help you

to 

put on

the

face of happiness

face of love

face of joy

face of peace

face of delight

you will then see 

nothing

but 

the truth

a beautiful light of hope

the light of God's presence and love

every time

you look at yourself.

*************************************

God bless you!

The Wonder Of Christmas

     The stores are already stocking shelves and decorating even before thanksgiving arrives.  People are looking for those magical 'super sale' retail circulars where they can save mega dollars on something they really don't need.  As the sale approaches, they fight, argue and knock others down to get what they want.  What happened to real tradition and meaning in these passed years?

     Thanksgiving is not a time for mega shopping and eating till you burst.  It is a holiday for spending time with family and friends, counting your blessings, and being truly grateful for all that God provides for you and continues to do so.

     Christmas has become even more commercialized than thanksgiving.  Christmas is a time to celebrate the greatest gift of all the birth of our Savior.  It is a time to spend with family and friends and give thanks for all the blessings that enrich your life.

     So, at this point, only one word will do.....STOP!!!!!  Let's turn things around and realize the true meaning of Christmas and thanksgiving.  If you don't go to the mega sales, maybe the retailers will spend time with their families.  

     Do you want to give a perfect gift?  Give from the heart.  Try hand making your presents and placing a special note in each one about how much that person truly means to you and God.

     If you are not creative in that way, you could try pledging your time to each person.  Write a little handwritten note (a rare commodity these days) letting them know that you will always be there for them.

     Give someone a bible and the message of God's great love.  Try to help someone if you can in some way.  There are so many things that you can give that would be worth far more than anything that you buy in the store.  It wouldn't even cost you anything.

     So, please try that with at least one person on your list this year.  Maybe even try it with a stranger who is in need.  You will be greatly surprised because it is a gift that keeps on giving for both you and them.

     Let's all work hard and together to put the 'Christ' back in Christmas.  Remember it is not 'Happy Holidays'  but, 'Merry Christmas'.  Don't be afraid to stand up for what is right.  Let us work together to re-establish wonderful Christ-centered tradition!
****************************************
God bless you all!
******************************************
TICKETS PLEASE!  TICKETS NOW!!  WE ARE PROCEEDING TO OUR NEXT PORT OF CALL!  STAY TUNED!!!!!

The Christmas Lantern

A beautiful picture is being painted so true.....

with colors unique and spectacular to the sight

A scene is being set that is exciting and new

that will bring a new understanding and great delight.

****************************************************

There's a lantern in the middle of everything

Shining brightly with a Father's presence, perfectly

Illuminating the hearts that Christmas love will bring

some much needed promise to truly trust and believe.

***************************************************

Lives are being changed and new dreams are being fulfilled

There's happiness upon every heart and on each face

The true meaning of Christmas is to give God's hopeful will

Light the Christmas Lantern and let love be in your embrace.

******************************************************

******************************************************

God bless you all!

Perfect Hope

     Take a moment to consider the following scenario.  You step outside for a moment.  As you do, you realize the absolute frigid temperatures and that it has been snowing.  The door closes behind you.  You can't get back in because you don't have your key.  No one else is around.  But, the horror is you don't have a coat or sweater.

     What do you think would run through your mind at that moment?  Your first thought would probably be that your freezing.  But, you might feel scared and very frightened and alone.  You might be overcome with worry that you are going to freeze to death and perish.

     Consider this same type of scenario in a cold, unsaved and impersonal world without God.  He is everything that you will ever need.  But, sometimes in our own humanity, we think that we can stand alone.  This is not possible victoriously.

     He is the compliment that makes our lives complete and whole.  So, why wouldn't we want to be strong and well prepared for our journey?  Don't try to take things into your own hands or try to figure things out.  

     Continue to draw closer to him.  Let every step be paved by his love first.  Don't let yourself ever be unprepared.  Be a valiant traveler who is always strong and ready today.

     Be a lifetime member on the Lord's team.  

******************************************

God bless you!

**********************************************

TICKETS PLEASE!  TICKETS!  STAY TUNED!  NEW AND EXCITING THINGS ARE COMING!

Thought For The Day

Sometimes.....

one of the hardest things to do is

wait..

you don't understand

you can't comprehend

The prayer has been submitted

But, a prayer is not a thing 

to be received

it is a seed of promise.....

The answer is bestowed from God's heart and

planted

at just the right time and in

the right atmosphere

when the blossoming and

harvesting may truly begin.

The seed is cultivated

by

God's love and his perfect will

so, it may not be what human nature

would expect

but, the beautiful outcome

is beyond

what humanity can imagine

So, work on the skill of patience

and 

be ready

continue praying.....

for you never know the hour

when the harvest will be ready

if 

you truly believe!

*********************************

God bless you!

Thought For The Day

Sometimes .....

the most difficult thing to do

is

going beyond the limits

but

you will never realize

how far you can go

if

you don't step out

beyond the borders

take that extra step

go that extra mile

with confidence

with a bright smile

knowing

you can reach for the impossible dream

and 

accomplish anything

because

you believe

in yourself

and because

God is with you

So test the limits

and

make

awesome things happen!!

*********************************

God bless you!