My Connection to President Ford

I've never met a US president, but I've had two brushes with what could be described as "1 degree of separation." The first was in 1982 in Austin, Texas. Stephen Ford, son of former president Gerald Ford, was on a promotional tour for his role on The Young & The Restless (that's me, with Stephen-on the right, and Dennis Cole-on the left). I didn't watch the soap, but I did recognize him years later when he played the role of Joe, Sally's boyfriend in "When Harry Met Sally" (remember the guy she's kissing at the airport?).

I was young when Gerald Ford was president. I think it's always sad when a president dies. Something about the loss of a man who once held one of the most powerful positions in the world. I like the way his wife of more than 50 years remarked about him, "His life was filled with love of God, his family and his country." Life should be experienced with a heart of love.

(No comments about my hair...it was the '80s in Texas!)

In memory of a U.S. President...rest in peace

An Observation and a Reminder

Dave and I served as greeters/ushers during two services on Dec 23 and Dec 24. I observed a few interesting things. Mostly, the 'look' on each person's face. Some returned our greeting with a heartfelt one of their own. Some just smiled. Some avoided us altogether. Some came with members of their extended families and you could sense their excitement as they talked among themselves. Some walked in alone. Some single parents came with their children. Some seemed to be enjoying the spirit of the season. Others seem to carry a heavy burden. Some came early and chose a seat towards the back. Some appeared relaxed; others appeared harried.

I wondered aloud to Dave about what might be so heavy in one's life that they could not return a Christmas greeting as they entered a sanctuary. I prayed that they would be filled with peace and joy that life in Christ offers. And then God reminded me how very much we all need Jesus. Even in the Seasons of our life when things are going well and a smile comes easy to our face. And especially during the painful times we all experience at some time. Even though Christmas has passed, may we never forget how very much we need Jesus as our Lord and Savior!

Surrendered Dream

A little more than a year and a half ago, I attended a church retreat. For too long, I had been working too many hours and having no time for anything else in my life. I was new to my church and really didn't know anyone, so it gave me great alone time with God. One morning at sunrise, I sat outdoors reading the Bible, not really sure where to start except one scripture where I asked God to look at the depths of my heart and show me anything He found displeasing. He revealed to me that I had an unfulfilled desire that had caused bitterness to build up towards Him. Wow! I was not aware. I prayed asking His forgiveness and to help me to deal with it.

The next morning, as the retreat was coming to a close, we were given little pieces of colored paper and a nail with the instructions that if God had shown us anything that weekend that we needed to surrender, we could nail it to the Cross. I cried as I realized I had to let go of my dream, and that even though I did not understand, I could trust that God's plans were better for me. One by one, we nailed our 'surrender' to the cross. I felt a peace as I let go. And as I looked at the Cross, I realized that all of our surrendered dreams at the Cross were actually quite beautiful--kind of a pretty mosaic. And then I realized that while the enemy could not have our souls he was doing everything he could do to defeat us. My unfulfilled dream has caused me pain and resentment towards God; I had struggled to hold onto Hope.

I realized that day that there is so very much beauty in the Cross. The enemy tried the same strategy with Jesus. He meant for the cross to be a place of defeat, scorn, and shame for Christ. But our Lord defeated death and the enemy. This Christmas season, I am celebrating the birth of Jesus. He came to be the penalty for our sins, to free us from the pain of unfulfilled desires, to fill us with His hope, love, and joy. Because of the gift and power of the Holy Spirit, we can defeat the enemy too! What a beautiful Gift we have in Jesus!

The irony of all of this is that after I let go of my dream almost two years ago, and accepted God's will for me...He has begun to fulfill my dream. In a way more beautiful that I could have ever imagined! I think He delights in providing wonderful gifts for us, if we just trust Him.

Merry Christmas!

Maggie Joins In...

Maggie, the party animal that she is, wanted to be a part of the FUN too!

CLICK HERE TO SEE MAGGIE'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE!

Celebrate!

The Nativity (as told by a child)

A friend sent this link. It is a child telling the story of Christ's birth.

A fun thing to note: The big brother is a lefty and 'the artist.' The little brother and sister are the art fillers, they color in the drawings. It is a sweet rendition of The Nativity.

I'm an Elf!

Santa invited me to be one of his Elves this year. It's been a pretty good gig! Lots of cookies and eggnog, hanging out with the reindeers, and wrapping pretty packages for good little girls and boys. And spreading cheer to everyone far and near.
Join me in the Elf dance! Yes, that REALLY IS ME dancing!

Current Events

One evening I was wrapping presents. Maggie's curious nose generally has her right in the middle, checking things out. But that evening, she was missing. So I went in search of her. And found her sitting on the arm of a chair watching Nightline on TV. I always knew she was a very smart beagle, I just had no idea she was into current events!

Immanuel

"Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14 NIV)

"All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel"–which means God with Us." (Matthew 1:22-23 NIV)

The OT told of Christ's coming. The NT is prophesy fulfilled. Immanuel, God with us, confirms it in my life. This has been a special year for me as I have learned more about God. And myself. I've grown in intimacy with Him by inviting Him to be more a part of each day. Daily I seek His wisdom. I surrender my will and ask God for a blueprint for my day. God has always been with me. This year, I had an opportunity to enjoy Him more by inviting Him to be a have a more active part in my life. And I'm more aware. Of Him. His work. His guidance. His love. And His blessings! For this reason alone, even though 2006 was a year of loss for me in many ways, it has also been a special year because God is with me. And with you, too!

A Christmas Gift for Jesus

Has anyone ever forgotten your birthday? I was born on Thanksgiving Day. For those born on or near a holiday, it’s a common occurrence to have your special day lost in the shuffle of the busyness. Or maybe a loved one forgot an anniversary or cause for celebration that was important to you. Being forgotten, or remembered as ‘an after thought’ can make one sad. I wonder if it makes Jesus sad to see the ones He loves so much, scurrying about preoccupied with so many things other than fellowship with, and service to, Him.

Two scriptures speak of the magnitude of the gift God gave us in Jesus. “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God with us,” (Matthew 1:23). And, “For God so loved the world (you and me) that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have eternal life,” (John 3:16). Jesus, the gift God gave to us, His much loved children, came to be with us forever; and to be our Lord and our Savior. That is the single greatest gift we can ever receive. So, why is it, during the holidays, we need the reminder “remember Jesus is the reason for the Season.” We let ourselves get so busy and stressed out, we have little time to spend in fellowship, prayer, and praise with Christ? And sometimes we forget it’s His birthday.

When shopping during the holidays, many of us have that person on our list that is difficult to buy for. What do you give the Guy who not only has everything, but created everything?! Christmas is the celebration of Christ’s birth, but what can we possibly give Him that is ‘the perfect gift’?!

Jesus tells us Himself, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger, and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison, and you came to visit me. … I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me,” (Matthew 25:35-36, 40). We give to Christ when we give to others. So this Christmas season, and throughout the year, dedicate yourself to giving. Afterall, God blesses us continuously. There are so many opportunities to give to Jesus by serving others! Ask God to show you how you can better serve your family and friends. How can you impact your community for Jesus’ glory? Do you know a person or family struggling just to have the basics like food, electricity and shelter? Give them a card with a giftcard to lighten their load. Buy a few extra non-perishables on sale each week and donate to a local food pantry. Do you have limited financial resources? Clean out your closets donating items much needed by people with so much less. Spend time with someone who is lonely and possibly forgotten by others. Organize a blood drive in your community or at work. Ask God to fill your heart to overflow for His people, to let His grace and mercy flow through you to reach the lost and hurting in your community of influence.

“A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great,” (Proverbs 18:16). What will be your gift to Jesus?

Words

"Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never harm me."

That's a saying we learn as children to toughen us up to handle the taunts of other children. When we're young, words sting and hurt. When we're adults, words sting and hurt. Words are powerful, they can build us up with encouragement, or crush our spirit. I think Proverbs 12:18 sums it up best,

"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."

Meaning

"Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless."

Sounds like the ramblings of a despondent and hopeless person. Yet these are the words of one of the wisest men recorded in the Bible...Solomon, son of King David. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon says everything is meaningless, pleasure, wisdom, toil, and more. I thought of his words when I read a scripture in my daily devotional today: "You are just a vapor that appears for a little while then vanishes away." (James 4:14).

Although we may live 60 years or more in this lifetime, compared to eternity, our life is just a vapor. So, why do we worry so much about things that seem so important? And work so hard to achieve things like status and wealth that we leave behind when we die? Solomon's point is that sometimes our focus is on things that are really not all that important. The things that truly matter are the ones that have everlasting value. While a nice dinner out can be fantastic, does it have everlasting value if I do nothing for my neighbor who is hungry? I believe God gives us opportunities all around us to reach out and put meaning into our life. The Christmas season is an especially important time to think of others, but I think God would like us to reach out to others throughout the year as well. Solomon's message, "Everything-apart from God-is meaningless" is a timely reminder this Christmas season to remember to slow down and focus. Everything doesn't have to be perfect for it to be a special season. Enjoy the meaning of life, and celebrate the life of Jesus. Expressing faith through our love for others.

Classic Christmas Cheer

Enjoy some classic Christmas cheer!

A Love Story

Mary and Joseph...

Sometimes relationships can be very hard. But there is a key component that can make even the most difficult of situations so much easier. And that is living life with the single focus of growing in relationship with Jesus. When we seek to live a life that honors God, and we ask for His wisdom and guidance in making our decisions, we tend to make right decisions, and our life reflects the fruit of our relationship with Him. The story of Mary and Joseph’s love and marriage reflects the integrity two individuals brought to a romantic relationship.

In Luke 1:28, an angel appears to Mary and tells her she has found favor with God. Whenever I read that God ‘found favor’ with someone in the Bible, I pause. What is it about a person that causes God to find favor? Surely it must be a surrendered heart willing to love, honor, and trust God in, and for, all things. When the angel appeared to Mary, she was engaged to marry Joseph. Instead of worrying about what her pregnancy might mean in her relationship with him, she eagerly accepted God’s call on her life. Mary said “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said,” (Luke 1:38). “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,” (Luke 1:46-47). That is uncompromising, selfless devotion to God; the kind of devotion that develops through a consistent, intimate relationship with God over time. And one that is so important to have when entering into a relationship.

When Mary tells Joseph the news of her pregnancy, she has returned from visiting her relative Elizabeth for about three months. It’s possible that Joseph thought Mary had been unfaithful to him; can you imagine the range of feelings he must have felt? Pain, betrayal, confusion? Customary for the time, breaking an engagement was similar to today’s divorce. It was a man’s right to put away his fiance, even with public disgrace and/or having her stoned to death. But Matthew 1:19 tells us Joseph was a righteous man who did not want to publicly disgrace Mary, so he planned to break the engagement quietly, and in doing so, offered her compassion, mercy, and grace. (Why is it when people break up today, they sometimes want to get revenge, hurt, and or humiliate the one they used to love?) An angel then appeared to Joseph in a dream and confirmed what Mary had told him. The angel told him not to fear taking Mary to be his wife. I like this reminder not to be afraid when God asks us to do something that may not make sense or may take us out of our comfort zone. There is peace in being in God’s perfect plan and will for our lives. Scripture also teaches that Joseph was not to have sexual relations with his wife until after the birth of Christ. I think that speaks to us that serving God sometimes requires sacrifice and discipline, but there is beauty in doing so. In Joseph’s obedience to God, he married Mary, giving her the love and protection of a husband, and for Jesus, the dignity of an earthly father. He cared for Mary tenderly as she gave birth to Jesus.

As singles, Mary found favor with God and Joseph lived as a righteous man. These two began a marriage relationship with the proper foundation; they both sought to live life in a way that honors God first. As a result, they were able to lovingly understand and support one another, even if it seemed difficult. This is the kind of relationship that God offers each of us. He wants intimate fellowship with, and devotion from, us. When our desire becomes Him, He places desires in our heart that He delights in fulfilling. His love, compassion, and grace can flow through us, if we allow, and may impact others in a significant way.

A Life to Enjoy

I received an email and it had this line in it:

"I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No. I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things."

Even though God asks us to surrender our lives and serve Him, I think He still smiles when we enjoy and appreciate the blessings He gives us. As long as we don't put our passions before Him, I believe He gives us love, beauty and joy in people, nature, and things to help us enjoy life.

When Pigs Smile

I've always loved animals! I think a pig would be a great addition to my family, they always seem so happy. But I'm not sure Maggie would like the idea. I look forward to seeing the movie Charlotte's Web. Some memories from childhood are universally classic!

Love Transforms Everything

I saw a Christmas sale promotion sign that reads "Love Transforms Everything." And it's true. Whether given from a friend, family member, or even our pets, love can change a dreary day to one of hope and joy so easily.

Love taken away also transforms things. I have a friend who was pursued and romanced with passion by a guy. He made many declarations of a future, commitment and authenticity. She believed in him and fell in love. But it seems his love was conditional. Now, she is left with only brokenness. A broken heart. And the emptiness that comes from the loss of someone believed to be a friend. Sadly, this is such a common story. I know I've experienced it several times in my life. People make heartfelt promises of love and commitment. But somewhere, there are unspoken conditions. I promise to love you forever (if)...

But God's love is different. He doesn't love us less if we fail Him. He doesn't withdraw His love from us if He sees something in us He doesn't like. He simply loves us because He is love. His love for us is unquenchable, so great, He sent His Son to die that we might have eternal life. Galatians 5:6 tells us we express our faith when we love. As we learn to love others more, it transforms us. We become more patient with others, more caring, and willing to extend grace to others when they disappoint us. As we change, we become more like Jesus as we see the world through God's eyes.

Yes, God's unconditional love definitely transforms everything!

Christmas' Past

Maggie has always been willing to pose for photos. And she likes opening her own presents.

A Lost Chapter

Some of my friends commented upon reading yesterday's post that they had not heard the 'dog mirrors God' reference before, so I wanted to share what is called "A Lost Chapter in the Book of Genesis: Where Dogs Come From..."

I can't take credit for this story, but unfortunately, I can't give credit to the rightful owner, it's one of the great stories that has been in circulation for a while.

Adam was walking in the garden and cried out to God, "You used to walk with me every day. Now I do not see you anymore. I am lonely here, and it is difficult for me to remember how much you love me."

And God said, "I will create a companion for you that will be with you forever and who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that you will love me even when you cannot see me. Regardless of how selfish or childish or unlovable you may be, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do, in spite of yourself."

And God created a new animal to be a companion for Adam. And it was a good animal. And God was pleased. And the new animal was pleased to be with Adam and it wagged its tail. And Adam said, "Lord, I have already named all the animals in the kingdom and I cannot think of a name for this new animal."

And God said, "Because I have created this new animal to be a reflection of my love for you, his name will be a reflection of my own name, and you will call him DOG."

And DOG lived with Adam and was a companion to him and loved him. And Adam was comforted. And God was pleased. And DOG was content and wagged his tail.

After a while, it came to pass that Adam's guardian angel came to the Lord and said, "Lord, Adam has become filled with pride. He struts and preens like a peacock and he believes he is worthy of adoration. DOG has indeed taught him that he is loved, but perhaps too well."

And the Lord said, "I will create for him a companion who will be with him forever and who will see him as he is. The companion will remind him of his limitations, so he will know that he is not always worthy of adoration."

And God created CAT to be a companion to Adam. And Cat would not obey Adam. And when Adam gazed into Cat's eyes, he was reminded that he was not the supreme being. And Adam learned humility. And God was pleased. And Adam was greatly improved. And DOG was happy.

... And Cat didn't give a care one way or the other.

My Maggie Mae

My beagle turned 14 yesterday. We celebrated all day with extra loving hugs, kind words, and doggie treats. I've had her since she was a puppy, just a few weeks old. And we've had such a special bond since the first nite I got her.

I've learned a lot about unconditional love from her. Regardless of the late nights I worked and kept her waiting for dinner, she always greeted me enthusiastically with complete forgiveness. She finds joy in such simple pleasures. Going to the mailbox with me, on an errand in the car, or when company arrives. She lets everyone know how happy she is. When she hurts or becomes sick, she draws near to me for protection. She reminds me of my relationship with God. Whenever I hit a rough spot, I draw near Him for protection and care. I think it possible that God created dogs to teach us unconditional love, because it sure does not come naturally for us. It's been said their name 'dog' mirrors God, because He created them to mirror His love to us. She's taught me to be less selfish, which is a good thing. And I really love taking her for a walk and watching her interact with nature as she sniffs out new adventures.

Some times I'm glad she can't talk. She has experienced a lot with me and has a lot of great blackmail material! At sad times in my life, she has come to my side and lay quietly while I wept. Dogs are naturally man's best friend.

When she was 4.5 years old, she became epileptic. At 6 years, she had a ruptured disc in her back. Some people have thought me goofy because I took her to a vet that could help her heal. After her surgery, she kept me from stepping on a water moccasin. And then another. And another! They were all on our patio, just outside the door. I always felt like God let me save her, so she could save me!

I love my little dog very much and I count her among the many blessings in my life!

Radiant Hope

Yesterday the skies were gray and the windchill factor was 12 degrees. Today, the sun shines brightly and we aniticpate a high of 50 degrees. The radiant hope of God streams forth in the sunlight.

For this warm weather Southern girl, it feels like the rainbow after the flood!