Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Hope

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NIV)
Hope! When all else fails, that is what keeps us going. This has not been the easiest year for me. As I look back over my journal entries, the long days and nights flood my memory and I am so thankful we made it. At times, I wondered. When life was dark, the light of His Word brightened my day. When loneliness threatened to overwhelm, my phone rang with a cheery hello from a friend. When answers seemed impossible to find, professionals stepped up with solutions. And when I needed a pick-me-up, a call to the grandgirlies delighted my heart. In the end, when my world began to shake, God provided a level path to walk on and His promised peace filled my heart. He is so good! I have many piles of stones by the side of the road as reminders of God's faithfulness to me this past year. As a result, let's go for it in 2009.

Monday, December 29, 2008

10,000 Steps

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)
We enjoyed a "magical" Christmas at Walt Disney World last week. We loved sharing and watching as the grandgirlies experienced the thrill of the roller coaster rides, viewed the spectacular fireworks from a bench in Fantasyland and the top of the Contemporary Hotel, and rode on boat and bus shuttles to spend the day at one park after another. We joined the throngs to view several parades march down the middle of Main Street. The highlight for me was the Candlelight Procession in EPCOT. Steven Curtis Chapman, joined by massed choirs and orchestra, narrated that evening and we listened once again to the story of Jesus from Luke 2. The glorious music thrilled our hearts and we all left acknowledging the wonder of that miracle birth. However, did you know WDW is 400,000 acres? After the second day, I borrowed Mel's pedometer because I have a doctor who advocates walking 10,000 steps a day as a way to good health and was curious if I could do it. To my amazement, when I took the pedometer off that night, it showed that I had walked 12,388 steps. I figured I walked about 50 miles by the end of the week. I must add that as the week wore on, I slowed down and each step took a little more energy highlighting one of the many differences between Nanas and grandgirlies! Mel did an outstanding job of planning the week's activities—we just followed the leader. As I look back over this last year, plans filled my calendar each month…appointments, dates with Mark, trips, repair men, invitations…each one added with the time and any notes I needed. Yet, after all the planning, I scrapped many of those dates as God's plan for my life threw me several curve balls. Many months found me just hanging on to the hem of His garment. Yet, I know that during that time He ordered my steps for my good health. In the end, it became an unexpected blessing because it forced me to trust Him with all that I am and have. He gave me His strength, mercy, grace, and love each step of the way. It is about time to change to my new 2009 calendar. I don't normally make a big list of New Year's resolutions but this year I have a couple—one being to keep trying to walk 10,000 steps a day. But the other is to follow that plans of the Master. I missed the challenge and blessing of reading through the Bible this year so I have a new chronological version to use in '09. What better way to get my marching orders? Want to join me?

Thursday, December 18, 2008

So Exciting!

King of kings forever and ever
and lord of lords hallelujah hallelujah And he shall reign forever and ever. The Messiah, by George Friedrich Handel
Excitement fills our house and that of the grandgirlies in California. The bags are almost packed, the refrigerator is bare, and the mail is on hold. We all leave tomorrow for Disney World and anticipate a week of memories filled with fun, laughter, fatigue, and a fairyland of lights. The youngest grandgirlie was a baby the last time we visited so she sees all the festivities through the eyes of her two sisters. They know what is coming and can hardly wait. As we all get ready for the big trip, it reminds me of the meaning of Advent: "arrival" or "coming," particularly of something of great importance. We have been planning this trip for almost a year; getting plane reservations early so we could use frequent flyer miles, making dinner reservations for each night since we expect crowds, finding the best deal for park tickets. But Advent is not about anticipating Disney World, it is about waiting for the birth of the baby Jesus. Generation after generation looked for that promised King, little expecting that some shepherd boys would herald His birth. The long awaited miracle born that night changed the course of history. What have you done to prepare for His arrival this year? Have you asked Him into your heart and made him your King? Sometimes, we get so caught up in the "preparations" of baking, shopping, and entertaining that we forget that our hearts and minds need preparation, too. In the coming week, I encourage you to plan time to read the Christmas story with your family, visit a lonely person, or share a meal with a friend. Make time to spend alone with God and listen to Him speak to you. Remember...people are more important than things and they last longer, too. Yes, this season is full of joy and excitement. But when we fly home next week, the Christmas season will end as we put away the decorations, exchange the presents, and shop for sales. However, what is more important than keeping the love and joy that Christmas brings to your heart alive and available to share throughout the new year? Let Jesus, the King of Kings, make the difference. Maybe we should sing Joy to the World in July?

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Unstable?

And He will be the stability of your times, a wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge. The fear of the Lord is his treasure. Isaiah 33:6
A favorite writer of mine is Mary DeMuth. I have never met this talented woman but have learned much about writing and life reading her blogs. In her latest ezine, Inside reNEWal, she reflects on the past election,
"You know what I fear? I don't fear government as much I as fear man's ability to treasure the wrong things. I fear those who place financial gain (treasure) above humanity's needs. But if I strip all that away and lay that well-placed fear at the feet of Jesus, I know fearing God is where I need to rest. It's then that I will truly, truly know that God is my stability, the stability of our times, and the only true provider of salvation, wisdom and knowledge."
She nailed it. As the year 2008 winds down, the nation is ambivalent about the future. The market is up, the market is down. Christmas sales are good on Black Friday and then they are down. Job statistics are terrible and the automakers are failing. Talk about instability! If we expect the new President and Congress to solve all of our problems next year, we will be sorely disappointed...so back to our verse for today. Our only hope of stability is in the Almighty God. He is changeless, trustworthy, honest and reliable, all knowing, and not surprised by anything. I would much rather put my hand in the Hand of the one who controls the universe rather than those who manipulate our country…some to their own ends. Take heart. There is hope and our future is secure for those who call on the name of Jesus.

Monday, December 8, 2008

JOY

They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. Isaiah 35:10 (NIV)
As I was getting dressed this morning, I heard an interview on Good Morning America about how to tell children that Santa was not going to be bringing as many presents this year. In case you missed it, the economy is in a bit of decline. I liked the answer the guest gave because she noted that young children don't really care about the cost of the item, particularly if it is given with joy. Years ago, I learned an acronym for JOYJesus first, Others second, and Yourself last. Christmas is the perfect time to teach young ones about real joy. Children are naturally self-centered and one of the greatest challenges and responsibilities of parents is to teach them to think beyond their own needs and to share. You won't have to sit very long in a room of young children before you hear a mother remind her child "to share." Years ago, we wanted to teach our children to think beyond their desires and Christmas list, so we decided to adopt a family in need. We spent our time and treasure choosing special gifts for each one and it ended up being a great time for all of us. This year is the perfect time for families to reassess what is really important and what is with just fluff or tradition. Are all those presents under the tree really excess and greed? I heard the story of one family that only allows three gifts for each child with the thought that if it was good enough for Jesus, it was good enough for them. It is something to think about. In those quiet moments of reflection about this special time of year, let's not forget that the greatest gift ever given was from a Father to His children…the baby Jesus. Even though it cost Him everything, it didn’t matter because He loved us so much. Our bank balance may give us pause this season, but when we accept that gift of life through His Son, then we, too, will enter Zion with joy and singing.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Traditions

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (21st Century King James Version)
The changeover began on Friday and the last vestiges of Thanksgiving gave way to my favorite seasonal decorations. I only unpacked a few boxes this year because we will spend Christmas with the grandgirlies and family at Disney World. But, I cannot imagine leaving the house bare of any Christmas whimsy for the month! A few of my favorite pieces placed strategically around the house, accented with red poinsettias on the tables, and scented candles throughout evoke memories of Christmas past and reassure me that Christmas IS coming. I found a Holiday Music XM channel and set the button on my car radio. This week, I will host a table set with my Spode Christmas ware at our church's Annual Advent Tea. Normally, I like new things but not at this time of year: I joyfully succumb to tradition. I looked up the definition of tradition to see if it would provide a clue to my routine behavior and it did…the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation. So true! Just ask any of my grandgirlies to describe the yuletide traditions of our family and watch her little face light up as she jabbers away. There is security in tradition that gives a peace, happiness, and confidence in an often-unstable world. The terrorist attack this weekend in India proves the point. The ancient prophet's words comfort us with the wonder and knowledge of the birth of a Baby. Traditions are wonderful and timely, but Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is timeless. In this countdown to the 25th, find a few moments each day to spend time with this Child born in Bethlehem and He will give you peace.