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Join the movement - People of the Second Chance

I believe in the miracle of grace,

Breath in and drink

Last week a dear friend sent me a video she knew I would love. She was right. I was so moved by it because it  reminded me of how I view the world. For some reason, that day, I had forgotten and I needed a reminder. It was truly a gift she gave me and I've watched it several times since.

It's only a ten minute video and you won't regret watching it.


Happiness Revealed - Gratitude


May you be a blessing to those around you simply by your presence.

Preparing for Christmas - 12.19.2011

One of the more intriguing visuals, and maybe even the most difficult to imagine, is when the Wise Men visited Jesus, Mary and Joseph.  Can you imagine what the journal entry would have read like if Mary kept one as she counted each of Jesus' days?

"Day 672 - What an incredible day! Joseph was outside finishing a promised troth for a neighbor and I was inside cleaning up while Jesus was taking a nap. All of a sudden we could hear the entire neighborhood erupt in commotion because off in the distance could be seen a MASSIVE caravan.  Perhaps they were lost or passing through? Ummmm...nope. They were coming to see Jesus. JESUS?! HOW did they even know?  I thought perhaps Gabriel had paid them a visit too or maybe it was time like Hannah's son?  Wrong on both.

They were astrologers from the Orient and do not know our God, yet they arrived to worship. I've never seen such rich and luxurious clothing!  They brought gifts, knelt down as I held our little boy, and opened each one. Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. With each gift I became more frightened and confused. How can all this be? What now?  For now I am simply writing these thoughts down and will carry them in my heart. Joseph tells me Jesus is in great danger and since it is without question where these men came to visit, we must flee tonight. Immediately. I hope to write again soon. Praise the gracious God who always provides. These gifts, especially the gold will help us on the journey and get us settled in Egypt."

Although I can have fun and imagine what Mary's journal entry may have been, it's still difficult to wrap my mind around.  The closest thought I could come to was what my own would look like in today's present age.

"10.06.2007 - Matthew is getting so big! He turned two just last week. Unbelievable where the time goes. Now get this -- today while he napped, I started to fold some laundry. All of a sudden I could hear sirens, and more sirens, and they got louder and louder. I looked outside scared out of my mind and saw a large caravan of limousines and secret service pull in front of the house. Did we win Publisher Clearinghouse? A publicity shot for the President? Ummm...nope. Out of the limousine that carried a flag from Saudi Arabia, emerged a delegation of princes. Woah.  

At this point I had our son firmly in my grasp and the men came to our door and introduced themselves. From what they had been studying and been told, our son is the next great leader of the world and they brought gifts. WHAT?! I knew I had entered Matthew's picture in a good looking baby contest and was told he was adorable and had great potential for the boy's version of  Toddlers and Tiaras, but this?!!  They laid out their unbelievably expensive gifts (some of which were a little creepy) and wished me farewell.  Unfortunately the news media got wind of it and so did some shady lawyers and the IRS, so now we have to leave. But still. Wow. Gotta run. I'll write again soon. Going some place warm for a while."

I know that sounds a little far fetched, but honestly that could be close to what it may have been like. These Wise Men and these gifts. Really?

From David Jeremiah's book, Why the Nativity?

Day 19: Why Did the Wise Men Bring Gifts?

I've written for you what danced around in my mind while I read this chapter and I attempted to put it into perspective for me...for today...in the United States...as a Christian woman. Yet, the question remains and you find a little nugget of wisdom in the middle of today's chapter:

"The fact that they were non-Jews and even foreigners suggested that the Child was more than a Jewish Messiah. As Gabriel said, he is the Son of God; therefore he belongs to the world, as the world belongs to him.

The object of their entire rigorous quest was one of worship, and worship of a God probably not their own. This Child was for everyone, and the gifts would reflect both the givers and the recipient."

I'm sure you can do a google search of the gifts and their significance. However, the way Dr. Jeremiah takes you through the understanding was quite unique and certainly opened my mind to visualize all the glorious fanfare of that extravagant caravan.  It would do you good to read it for yourself.

For myself, as the chapter drew to it's conclusion I began to see more than just the gifts of the Magi. I saw another gift and found it to be more precious than the gold, frankincense or myrrh given to a humble little family so many years ago.

A gift for you perhaps?
Why the Nativity?

Preparing for Christmas - 12.16.2011

Ok, so now that we've caught up together there is no longer a need for a "version".  Yes, I like for things to be even and neat and organized but well, ya know. If I intend to keep it "perfect" then it will never get done.

I had a lot fun with today's question because it is a question I myself ask over and over again every year. As a matter of fact when I began to read the chapter I asked the question, "How did THEY know? What made THEM so different? How come no one else figured it out? Why were THEY part of the story?"

From David Jeremiah's book, Why the Nativity?

December 16 : Why the Wise Men?

He opens with,

"There is something magical and mysterious about the age-old picture. From across a continent, over the desert sand, beneath the silent stars trudges a curious caravan. In distant lands, these men have read signs and portents in the evening sky, sensing an incredible truth that few other living souls were to recognize for many years."

Like a child I impatiently stammered as I read these words and thought to myself, "Yes! I'm tracking with you  Dr. Jeremiah but please tell me more!"

But he never really seemed to answer it. Now this may sound a little disappointing but it's not. What David Jeremiah actually did was extremely creative and very thought provoking. He invited you to read the account in scripture and as you did he also invited you in to somewhat "read" your own heart.

You begin to notice you are asking more and even deeper questions. Interestingly enough, Dr. Jeremiah brings you through those questions and allows you (the reader) to begin to "see" the answers.

For me, it expands my view of a Being who continues to cover all the details for any person who questions the significance of each and every aspect surrounding the birth of Jesus, the Christ Child.

Who were these Wise Men? How did they know? Why was their visit recorded? What was so significant and how does it apply to me and my family? Why does it matter?

What I find is something I explored alongside David Jeremiah.

"...shepherds and sheikhs alike are invited to come -- rich and poor, neighbor and new-comer. The magi followed the heavens and their hearts. [They] followed the light of a star, and God accommodated the limited wisdom of their time and place. The visitors brought the gifts...that might be presented to any emperor. Yet the shepherds brought only their delight and praise."

And on returning to their homeland:

"The magi went home by another way; so do we. In the presence of Christ, all roads become new to us; ..."

May I cease struggling to be "perfect". It simply will never be on this earth.  Instead, may I continue in glorious wonderment at the perfect gift of a newborn king.

Get the book. Give it to yourself as a gift.

Why the Nativity? - David Jeremiah

Blessings for your day,

When a writer doesn't

When words don't seem to flow just right, it's called "writer's block". For whatever reason, I am "blocked" right now. I still want to let you know I'm here and I'm composing...but nothing is finished.  So instead, I think I am going to share with you something I wrote just before Christmas for Restore Community Church. Interestingly enough, I wrote this right around the same time I had a nine little words encounter.

Hmmm...I wonder if they are linked? Is there something that I am forgetting to see about our tender Jesus? I wonder if this is a reason for the "block". Maybe.

Regardless, I love the following imagery of Jesus and the setting of summer is timely. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did writing the invitation.

...

“I am the gate” John 10:9 (NIV)

During the summer when my husband is outside grilling and invites his friends over to our house, you can hear him say on the phone, “The gate is open. Come on in!”

How easy is that?

When one thinks of a gate, most of us can imagine an entry way to a yard or garden. However, the image we are brought to in scripture is very different. While Jesus was speaking to religious leaders, He calls Himself the gate. This happens at the same time Jesus is using a figure of speech calling Himself the “Good Shepherd”. He was referring to something very familiar to the people of ancient Palestine.

What we know is that at the end of a long day, shepherds would call their sheep into a pen through an opening about six feet wide. There the shepherd would “close” the gate with his own body, a physical barrier between anything wanting to steal, kill or destroy – essentially laying down his life for the safety of his sheep.

The shepherd stays with his sheep. He never leaves them alone and in the early morning hours, he “opens” the gate to lead his sheep out for food and water. The role of the shepherd is to provide nourishment, protection and guidance. The “Good Shepherd” does this everyday.

Jesus says, “I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” (John 10:10 MSG bold added) We can experience freedom while confident of His watchful loving care. Without Him, we simply cannot distinguish the right path for our lives. Through Him, He calls us in and leads us out, laying down His very life, protecting His sheep at any cost.

This Christmas, let us remember He came to show us how to experience true joy and receive eternal life with Him. Jesus is the gift. Jesus is the gate - He lays down His life for each one of us.

He has called you. The gate is open. Come on in!

...

Isn't that the beauty of our Lord? He isn't just for Christmas. He is an anytime gift.

Blessings for your day,