Category Archives: Christian Holidays

The Power of Stillness

Posted on November 24, 2018 | Leave a comment

 

Stillness--the Peace of GodBe still, and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)

Does the world seem to be speeding up, keeping you in a whirlwind of activity? Even if you do take a break, is your mind constantly distracted? Our generation has embraced technology like no other generation, and while this can have a positive influence in our lives, it can also be very detrimental.

I’ve noticed that whenever I take a break, I often pick up my iPad to check my e-mail, catch up with friends on Facebook or even play a game of solitaire. My mind seems to need constant stimulation—a documented, scientific danger of our media-absorbed society. When I try to read the Word, my mind wanders. When I try to pray, my mind flits and flirts with a million thoughts. STILLNESS ELUDES ME! Continue reading →

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Posted in Christian Holidays, Meditation, Peace, Prayer, Thankfulness

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Asking God Those “How” Questions

Posted on December 21, 2017 | 2 comments
The Annunciation

The Angel’s visit to Mary.

While I wrote this post last Christmas, I wanted to share it again because the contrast between Mary’s question and Zachariah’s question always challenges my faith.

Have you every asked God “how”something He has said to you would ever come to pass? Two biblical characters, both of whom received angelic visitations before the birth of Christ, asked that same question. And God’s totally opposite response to both “how” questions may surprise you.  Continue reading →

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Posted in Christian Holidays, Jewish people, Trust

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Christmas Memories

Posted on December 16, 2017 | 1 comment
Thankfulness at Christmas time

Christmas traditions remind us to be thankful.

In the Old Testament, God commanded that certain festivals and celebrations be held annually as a reminder of what He had done for His people. These celebrations were a vehicle to bring together the entire family, community and nation to celebrate God’s great mercy and to remember to be thankful for all He had done for them.

While God does not instruct us in how to celebrate Christmas, we can use whatever traditions we’ve embraced to help us remember God’s great deliverances in our lives and to be thankful for all our blessings.

Each year when I open my box of Christmas ornaments to decorate the tree, I discover so many memories connected to each ornament. I have ornaments from my wedding shower (a December wedding), ornaments from many of the places I’ve visited in my travels, a few left over from my childhood days, special ornaments marking baby’s 1st, 2nd, 3rd Christmas, and even some homemade ornaments from my daughter that still grace the Christmas tree.  Continue reading →

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Posted in Christian Holidays, Thankfulness

Thanksgiving

Posted on November 13, 2017 | Leave a comment

It’s that time of year when we give thanks for all of our blessings—both as individuals and as a nation. Our thankfulness usually focuses on our material blessings—our daily provision of food, our jobs and homes, our family and friends and our freedom as a nation. While we should thank God for all of these blessings, how many of us ever give thanks for the trials and difficulties of the past year?

Why should we do this? Author and speaker, John Bevere says in his book, Killing Kryptonite, “Adversity locates the strength of our faith.” In other words, life’s difficulties are a kind spiritual thermometer that reveals whether we are trusting in our own ability to get through our trials or whether we are really putting our faith in God.  Continue reading →

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Posted in America, Christian Holidays, Living the Christian Life, Peace, Thankfulness

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The Best New Year’s Resolution

Posted on January 5, 2017 | Leave a comment

 Guaranteed Success!

Happy New Years!

Happy New Year!

As we look forward to a brand new year, there’s no lack of information focusing on what we should do to guarantee success in various areas of our lives. Newspaper articles, TV and social media ads, etc. promise everything from weight loss to financial success, happiness and prosperity if only we purchase their product, follow their advice, etc, etc. etc.

Many people make New Year’s Resolutions, hoping to change their lives for the better in the coming year. However, according to research, while as many as 45 percent of Americans make these resolutions, only 8 percent are successful in achieving their goals. The problem is that success or failure usually rests on self-will and self-discipline which tends not to get us very far.

New Year's Resolutions

New Year’s Resolutions

 

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Christian Holidays, Living the Christian Life

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