Nine Little Words

Just another day

2012-02-04T20:44:00.000-05:00

Today was a day. It was an ordinary day. A day just like yesterday. A day just like tomorrow.

Every day is just that. A day.

It has 24 hours.

It has 1,440 minutes.

It has 86,400 seconds.

And once it counts down to the last second...it's gone. Forever.

What make a day extraordinary or awesome or "the best"? Is it because the day has magically or mysteriously become longer or shorter to suit your needs? Is it because you tried out someone else's day? Is it because you relaxed and slept all day or was it because you ran a marathon and are exhausted?

Because after all, it's still just a day.

Today my day was filled with people remembering, people loving selflessly, people participating, cheering, praying, singing, laughing, hugs...lots of hugging. I watched a couple who were visiting from Iceland jump into frigid waters at Lake Anne to help raise money for people they didn't know or would ever meet. I received a check from a woman in Illinois to go to the same cause. I watched people up and down the East coast release balloons in memory of a little boy gone too soon. Another family on the other side of the globe remembered him too.

Today may have just been another day to many, but for me it was full. I stepped out of myself and into God's heart to love on others, to support them, to talk with them, to pray for them, to let them know they matter deeply not only to me but also to many others.

This is not to bring attention to myself. I am forever amazed at how I am the one blessed when I love on others even in the simplest act of being present to support someone during an event that took months to plan or releasing a balloon.

Me? Myself? I am the one blessed BEYOND measure simply because I looked outside of my selfish human nature? That is a miracle that can make ANY day an EXTRAORDINARY day.

And when the seconds count down and the day is gone forever, the moments my heart captured today will live on and remind me that there will be days I need to live outside of myself and step into God's heart to see the world through His eyes.

...

If you would like a glimpse of my day or would like to participate in any of it, feel free to scroll down and join in.

Birthday Balloon release:

Print out the tag and attach to a balloon celebrating Brody. Don't worry if his birthday passed. Do it anyway. The family will appreciate it. However, if you decide not to or can't please visit his Virtual Memorial and sign the guestbook:

Brody Teegan Rodriguez

Thank you.

Polar Plunge: Freezin' for a Reason to benefit Camp Sunshine

Camp Sunshine is an AMAZING organization. You can read more about it on the Plunge pledge page. Feel free to donate to today's jump and start planning to attend next year's. Do a little digging around and you'll find wonderful people who do great work. One of my best friends heads up the fundraiser and her family volunteers at the camp every year:

Freezin' for a Reason....brrrr!

Thank you.

Blessings for your day,

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T18:07:00.000-05:00

I love butterflies.

I don't mean in the little girl, pretty delicate pink and yellow polka dotted butterflies with sparkles. I mean the gorgeous beauties in nature that fight with every beat of their wings to survive. Most especially I love the Monarch.

I love everything about these beautiful creatures.

I will tell you why.

But not today.

Today I will tell you of one verse.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!" (2 Cor 5:17)

What a wonderful truth to remember as we ring in the New Year with all the grace He has given us! Celebrate it. Embrace it. Live it.

Blessings for your new year,

Opening the mind...and heart

2011-12-28T14:11:00.000-05:00

I certainly hope you enjoyed visiting with me while we read Why the Nativity? by David Jeremiah before Christmas. I did. I really, really did.

If you recall, what I loved most was reading his words that painted pictures in my mind and took me back to ancient Palestine. I believe those images opened my thought process and truly helped prepare my heart for the powerful message of the Nativity.

Now I'm at it again. This time with another author; however, this author is quoting several writings from 1st century Jews and other scholars and writers, while taking me on a trip to understand the culture and perception of the time surrounding Jesus and his contemporaries.

For me personally, it's really mind blowing and also enlightening. And I'm thoroughly enjoying it.

One of the quotes in this book says exactly what I have felt about studying the bible properly in order to truly understand what is being said. As a note, remember what I wrote about looking too close and not enjoying the forest because you're focused on examining bark and only bark. There is a time and place for everything.

But I digress.

Here it is:

"to grab a few lines of Jesus and drop them down on someone 2,000 years later without first entering into the world in which they appeared is lethal to the life and vitality and truth of the Bible."

Did you catch that? Lethal.

Lethal to the...truth.

Woah.

I'm already almost half way done with this book and the deeper I dig the more I'm discovering on my own. If I've peaked your interest and you want to know what I'm reading I'll tell you. Actually, if you don't care stop reading here because I'm going to tell you anyway...silly.

Just know one thing, I've been told all my life I'm a perpetual student and I get bored easily if I'm not challenged. So with that said, don't be surprised because I've traveled from Why the Nativity? by David Jeremiah to Erasing Hell by Francis Chan.

If that didn't give you whiplash, then you know me all too well.

Blessings for your day,

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T20:58:00.001-05:00

Blessings for your day,

Preparing for Christmas - 12.23.2011

2011-12-23T22:56:00.002-05:00

There is so much I could personally say about today's chapter from this power packed little book we are going through. As a matter of fact, it's really not the book that has me overwhelmed and overjoyed. It's how the deep corners of my heart are being filled with the blessing being poured out during this season.

It's something completely intangible.

It's something both skeptics and believers alike have difficulty understanding.

It's something so beyond my comprehension and my desire to be logical that it makes my brain hurt.

And yet, I can "feel" it.

It.

The unexplainable, inexplicable, unbelievable, what cannot be seen or heard.

It.

Or just maybe...Who?

I try to wrap my mind around the danger in asking the question and I'm simply blown away at how desperately my heart wants to hear the answers...again, and again, and again.

From David Jeremiah's book, Why the Nativity?

December 23: Why Did Jesus Come?

This is probably the longest chapter his book. Not because it is filled with convincing arguments or a well rehearsed speech that is carefully typed out for the reader to follow and understand "it". Dr. Jeremiah lays out verses of scripture and then describes ideas and thoughts and examples everyone of us can understand. He goes over them as if reciting the chef's specials at a five star restaurant. You can almost envision on the plate in front of you what your ears are hearing and you just KNOW it's going to be amazing...every single bite.

However, you still have to choose to be present and sit and listen.

"The news is so good, so outrageously wonderful, that the world finds it difficult to believe."

I'm not going to lay out what David Jeremiah wrote in his book. It's like the choosing and the tasting in the world's finest restaurant. I can tell you all I want at how good it is but until you sit down for yourself and savor it, you will never know how outrageously wonderful "it" is.

Get the book. Read and get curious. Ask the questions. Ask your own questions. Sit and chew on every morsel of discovery.

Don't delay. Your table awaits.
Why the Nativity?

Preparing for Christmas - 12.22.2011

2011-12-22T22:42:00.000-05:00

If you've been following along for the past few weeks, I'm sure you're beginning to see a trend...and pick up on a very important point. If you are new and haven't necessarily been following along, may I suggest you start reading from the first post: Christmas 2011 - Why the Nativity?

May I also suggest that if you haven't picked up your copy of the book, you do so now.

(great, here comes the gratuitous link)

Yup - here it is! Why the Nativity? by David Jeremiah

Today's chapter is a perfect example of how in depth actual historical records have been studied by skeptics and believers alike. There is so much history in the timeline surrounding the actual true event of Jesus' birth that it is no wonder you can take courses simply on that portion of history.

There are numerous Christian believers that believe simply on faith. I am one of them, however, I love to do research and dig deeper. When I find information that can paint a picture for me, even if contrary to what I was raised believing, I gobbled it like a famished being.

For example, I have a Jewish calender in my Bible. I also know the global position of Ancient Palestine compared to where I live -- eastern US. So when I'm reading through the Old Testament and an event is referenced solely by "the fifteenth day of the second month", I can look up the time frame on the Jewish calendar and get a sense of the weather they may have been experiencing or how long a trip took them, etc.

I love that!

So when it came to studying all I could discover about the birth of Jesus and how Christmas is celebrated AROUND the world, not just here in the US, I again devoured all I could. For some time now I've know there is a great possibility Jesus was born in the spring. Isn't it funny how many Nativity scenes have snow? Nevermind that most of the of the places where Christmas is celebrated there is never snow on December 25th. I mean, Hawaii...come on now. Snow? But that's ok. They celebrate it in a way that is customary to them.

Regardless, there was most probably no snow on the ground in Bethlehem either.

Recently I came across a post by another blogger that was written in a manner that was unloving in an attempt to mock and ridicule Christians for saying "Jesus is the Reason". What I thoroughly enjoyed about this writer's post is that the factual information was true. I love knowing why Christmas is celebrated when it is and I know many others who feel the same way. I also love knowing that information is readily available to anybody who truly wants to do a little digging.

May I offer a word of caution?

Be careful getting lost in studying the details of a single tree that you miss the beauty of the entire forest.

The author of the blog on the historical significance of Christmas did just that and missed the point.

From David Jeremiah's book, Why the Nativity?

Dec 22 : Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on December 25?

"It's as good a day as any. It's a 'together day' when we can feel all the world bowing as one before the King. But all the other days of the year are Christmas, too. That's the measure of his great gift to us."

Those are Dr. Jeremiah's thoughts after detailing several important truths from history and how the date came to be THE date. It was written in such a way that it encourages the reader to want to discover more and for me, it strengthens what I already know.

If you're curious, feel free to read the post written by the blogger I mentioned in the beginning. I must warn you, it's not written from a perspective of love. Regardless of the truth in the facts documented, like I said it was typed out in a form to mock those who truly may not know the actual "reason for the season". Unfortunately, the writer assumed ignorance on the part of many.

That's never a good place to start.

But you can read it here.

Sit back, enjoy the view of the forest, sip a latte, and eat a cupcake. Remember the point that it doesn't matter the date Jesus was born. What matters is that He did enter this world and we must celebrate that very fact so others also don't miss the point.

Jesus IS the reason for the season, cupcakes.

.

Preparing for Christmas - 12.21.2011

2011-12-21T22:21:00.000-05:00

The simplicity of today's chapter brought me to tears...in a Starbucks...with a Latte. No matter how much I fought them back, the tears flowed and a red face was all you could see. I wonder what people must have thought.

It was not pretty.

Honestly, like I've said before, reading this book alongside the accounts in scripture have brought the events surrounding the birth of Christ alive. I read a portion of the chapter and then go to my bible, then back to my book, then the bible, then book, bible, book...[sigh]

tears...

I was overwhelmed at the joy.

From David Jeremiah's book, Why the Nativity?

Question #21 - Why Do Anna and Simeon Challenge Us?

"The joyful message comes through channels no one expected -- not through the priests or crowded favorites but through two old, forgotten relics of good old-time religion.

It comes to them simply because they have been faithful. And one message resonates through this Nativity story that is filled with messages -- the moral being that God rewards the faithful. The Christ child is a gift to all, to those in the past as well as the future. But those who know him will tell you that some of the greatest joys of all are imparted to the wise, faithful servants that the rest of us overlook."

Overlook.

That word really got me. Overlook. Meaning ignore or excuse.

I sat at that Starbucks looking like a fool with my red face, runny nose and tears streaming. Although I tried to conceal it, I was overwhelmed at the joy I was feeling for Anna and Simeon. I couldn't stop. The people around me may have chosen to overlook, ignore or excuse my behavior. But what if one of them had come to me and asked what I was reading or what was going on?

What if people around Anna and Simeon had done the same in the Temple court? How many chose to overlook, ignore or excuse their behavior? Can you imagine?

Who am I overlooking, ignoring or excusing?

Get this book. Feel your heart and mind prepare.
Why the Nativity?

Preparing for Christmas - 12.20.2011

2011-12-21T00:44:00.001-05:00

One of the things that troubles my heart greatly is when the non-religious mock me...or others for our faith. It actually doesn't matter whether I'm a Christian, or Muslim, or Jewish. What matters to the mocker is that they find us, those who believe in God, utterly ridiculous and foolish.

What I completely understand is that general statements are unfair. Not all non-religious people mock others. Not all religious people are mocked, possibly because not all professed Christians, Muslims or Jews are firm in the faith they claim and simply walk under the umbrella of religion given to them by their parents.

I get it. I understand.

Who I'm talking about is the individual who judges a person of faith based on his or her need to prove their opinion correct and the other person's religion as ridiculous. All the while they preach tolerance and at the same time tolerance is the last thing in their heart.

Obviously, the person judging missed the point.

This also leads me to a recent review I read about the book we're reading together. The reader was disappointed and annoyed and wrote somewhat negative commentary. Of course it's a matter of opinion.

Yes, I get it. Yes, I understand.

The reader's disappointment was because she felt the author was supposed to teach "new" things and really give an in depth answer to all the questions. In reality this small, concise, easy to read book, is simply a tool. The author never really answers the questions for you. He invites you to dig, open your mind to possibilities, formulate your own questions...and seek answers.

Obviously, the person writing the review missed the point.

What I find myself understanding is that when an individual mocks your point of view or disagrees with the way you went about completely a project, it's because THEY would have done it differently or THEY can't see your point and THEY want you to think, feel, talk, walk and live the way THEY do.

Really?

From David Jeremiah's book, Why the Nativity?

Question #20 - Why Didn't Jesus Have a Royal Birth?

I could quote many things but what I felt spoke to my heart best was this:

"...God's ways often run counter to our expectations. Jesus didn't arrive in the manner of a king for several reasons, the most important of which is simply that he came to turn the world and its values upside down. The conventional wisdom of our world is that kings rule the rest of us from ivory towers. They set up a hierarchy that ranges from the most powerful to the least. Jesus came to make a shocking statement: that true greatness is found not in ruling but in serving."

Jesus lived and breathed and walked this earth. Many peoples revere him or at the very least have an enormous respect for him. But what I also see is that many others mock Him, curse Him, laugh at His followers.

Why? Because they refuse to believe (like the Roman guards who laughed at Jesus) that the "greatest King of all was the one capable of stooping to the lowest level and lifting each of his children toward heaven."

How do we mock Jesus today? Maybe that is a question we all need to ask.

Try not to miss the point so you too can say,

"I get it. I understand."

Get the book. It won't give you all the answers but it will certainly lead you into discovering all your heart wants to hear.

Why the Nativity?

Preparing for Christmas - 12.19.2011

2011-12-19T22:06:00.003-05:00

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 - 12.18.2011

2011-12-18T23:04:00.000-05:00

Have you ever listened to an extremely bitter person? You know the one. The one who is never happy, never satisfied, always complaining, always assuming everyone is against them.

They are simply miserable human beings. It's so sad.

Fortunately for me, I've only really ever "known" one and that's because I worked with her. She complained about E V E R Y T H I N G. No matter what I did or how much "light" I tried to bring to her day...all I ever got was grumbling. I can't imagine how much I annoyed her. But then again, I wasn't the only one.

Today, every time I see a person who has that same air about them or that "look", I smile politely and move on. I've been on the receiving end of verbal abuse from individuals who don't like my demeanor so I tend to steer clear. There is one woman I know who works at a store I frequent whose name translates literally into "pains". One afternoon she let me know how little she appreciated my greeting and has no desire to have my "fantastic attitude". Mind you, she said it in the snarkiest voice as she rolled her eyes at me and scanned the items I was purchasing.

Yeah, it was bad.

Have you ever noticed how small children don't have bitterness? I'm not talking about the bad days when they miss a nap and have tantrums. Lord knows I've had plenty!

I'm talking about the pure innocence and joy of a child. For example -- when they see a loved one. They almost seem to love everyone without abandon. They run up, wrap their Cheerio laden hands around adult legs, wipe sticky faces on pants or skirts, and say "I wub woo!" You see all faces just light up.

Little ones don't decide they have to clean up first before they express themselves. It's immediate. A reaction of what they feel inside when they lay their eyes on their hearts' desire. Shrieks and shrills of delight. For me, as a mom, and a woman who loves young children, it causes me to smile from ear to ear. So much so that often times it makes my face hurt.

But as adults, what has caused us to lose our childlike wonder and joy? Yes, I know the list can be long. Mine has been longer than I care to share in certain seasons of my life. But to walk around with a dark cloud over head and make everyone I come in contact with miserable?

From David Jeremiah's book, "Why the Nativity?"

Day 18: Why Was King Herod So Angry?

After Dr. Jeremiah takes you through a historical timeline of events during the last six decades before Jesus' birth, you almost begin to see why a half Jewish King in ancient Palestine would lead a paranoid and lonely life.

He then writes:

"The miserable king was thinking about death at the very time when someone was coming to conquer it. He was making funeral arrangements, attempting suicide (unsuccessfully), and lying awake through the night, wondering who would come in the night to steal his crown."

King Herod was so miserable that he refused to see any good around him. He already had so much blood on his hands, he didn't care if there would be more to spill...including that of a baby boy. After all, he had easily taken the lives of his own sons.

Earlier, I posed today's question to our children. Surprisingly, they got it. Without any prompting at all, they understood that King Herod had no desire of being replaced and wanted to make sure the baby boy the Wise Men had come to worship was eliminated. Immediately after, they both exclaimed "Good thing they listened to the angel and didn't tell King Herod. Now, we have Jesus!"

Now we have Jesus.

There are some embittered adults who could care less about the birth of Jesus. There are also some adults who are perfectly content in their lives without Jesus. Not to mention there are some adults who "have" Jesus and live perfectly bitter lives.

So what's the point? What does it matter that we understand why King Herod was so angry?

It might be important to understand that Jesus came into this world for all of us. Do we react in bitterness and misery? Do we react in fear and anger? Do we react in pride and self assurance? Do we react by ignoring and avoiding?

Or do we react with childlike wonder bringing light to those we love by being amazed, and digging deeper, and not caring about dirty hands or sticky faces all the while asking questions until we can't ask anymore.

Can we?

With childlike wonder and excitement, we have Jesus and there is much to celebrate.

Write your "Dear Santa" letter and put this book at the top of your list.
Why the Nativity?

Before I leave you, can I ask you to pray for "Pains"? I don't know what troubles her heart but it certainly makes me sad for her. Thank you.

Preparing for Christmas - 12.17.2011

2011-12-18T00:15:00.001-05:00

The beautiful message of Christmas is that it is for everyone, even those and maybe even most especially those who don't believe in the Christ Child as the promised Messiah. This is in part why I love reading the book we are going through together. It's not just "a story" or a message. It is like a carefully laid out canvas and each question you are brought to adds a dimension of texture and color as if the painting is unfolding in front of your very eyes.

Today's chapter was a sumptuous mix of science and faith. I love how research has been done to attempt to pinpoint the birth of Jesus by laying out different astrological events 2000 years ago. Halley's Comet, the constellation Aries, Saturn and Jupiter are just a few possibilities. My mind was lead through endless thoughts and theories as to how to answer the question posed. Then just as I began to wrap my heart around what the birth of that precious little baby boy would mean to the world, the author helps you draw a glorious conclusion.

From David Jeremiah's book, Why the Nativity?

Day 17: Why the Star of Bethlehem?

"We love the star of Bethlehem because it shines bright enough that people of other faiths and other lands might join us at the manger. It shone for Jews, Greeks, Romans, Arabians, and anyone else who might look to Bethlehem. It dominated the night sky, reminding us that our faith is great enough for the world to enjoy."

Even though I was fascinated by all the scientific possibilities, I realized one thing. It really didn't matter what the event was. A star is just a star.

What seems to matter more is the mystery of the timing. There were astrologers from the East who read those gorgeous night skies, compared them to ancient writings of another people, and headed west. They had their science and by faith they traveled, believing they would find someone great enough to be King.

Somehow for me, I hope to recognize that the stars my family and I sleep under tonight are the very same stars you and your family sleep under. In doing so, I also hope to remember that the brilliant star which made it's appearance over two thousand years ago was meant for not just you and me...but the whole entire world.

I hope your desire is to continue to watch this canvas unfold in front of your eyes.

Get the book.

Order it today.
Why the Nativity?

Preparing for Christmas - 12.16.2011

2011-12-16T22:16:00.000-05:00

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,

Preparing for Christmas - Version 12.15.2011

2011-12-15T13:05:00.000-05:00

Don't be afraid!

What a very appropriate statement for today's reading. I'm only teasing because I've caught up to where I left off last year and now these posts will be new. So here goes nothing...being strong and courageous...attacking today's topic. Ok, maybe not attacking but certainly diving in and enjoying it.

Without further delay, take my hand and 3...2...1...

I believe when we think of angels, we would tend to describe them as ethereal, mystical, magical, aloof, mysterious, beautiful, majestic, luminous, imaginary beings. When in fact, the bible describes them as being very real.

And apparently scary...or at least to see them can be very frightening.

So why then place these celestial beings in the greatest story ever told?

From the book by David Jeremiah, Why the Nativity?

Question 15

"Why the Angels?"

After citing several occasions when angels have appeared and prefaced their messages of careful instruction with "Do not be afraid...", Dr. Jeremiah answers:

"Because we are not likely to ignore the advice of such spectacular guests."

He also continues to paint a picture of a God who is loving and full of surprises by taking you through verbal imagery of that night...the very night Jesus Christ was born. God chose, of all people, society's least appreciated workers to view as he describes:

"No holiday fireworks could possibly measure up to this spectacle. And nothing could have been more unexpected....In this moment, when lowly shepherds were invited to the presence of God's Son, what other response could there be but joy and praise among the servants of God?"

Can you imagine what that must have been like? We are told that every time an angel appeared, there first had to be a soothing of fear as was the case with the shepherds. Then they get a special invitation, yes the shepherds and ONLY the shepherds receive this "written, signed and sealed in gold" invitation to see the promised Messiah.

What?

What must have those shepherds been thinking? Them? You mean not even the temple priests?

Then to top that off, the angels break out in song and dance.

Woah.

The angels had a job to do and they did it well. Their accounts are written and recorded and we are encouraged to follow their lead. David Jeremiah poses some interesting questions at the end of this short chapter. If you have Why the Nativity? already, you know what they are. If not, I strongly suggest you get it for yourself and read along. In the meantime, look HERE to see how many times "angel" appears in scripture.

Read. Get curious. Seek answers. Maybe you too will break out in song and dance.

Don't be afraid!

Blessings for your day,

Preparing for Christmas - Version 12.14.2011

2011-12-14T20:12:00.000-05:00

Are you enjoying this just as much as I am? I am certainly remembering more than just why I decided to repost these from last year. I am remembering what moved me, my heart, my emotions, my soul, my longing.

God...continually hearing and continually blessing...even those we think are undeserving.

Preparing for Christmas - Version 12.13.2011

2011-12-13T21:55:00.002-05:00

What a special privilege I have to go through this with you again.

One word: Wow.

Preparing for Christmas - Version 12.12.2011

2011-12-12T11:21:00.001-05:00

Oh how I needed this today. Maybe you do too? Maybe you also need to be reminded of what the word all means? Not just one thing, or this thing, or that thing, or bits and pieces or almost all -- but all.

A-L-L

All.

Not the adjective. The noun...all.

all (n) - one's whole interest, energy or property; the entire universe

I remember how ill I was last year at this time. It makes me a little sad, but at the same time I am grateful. I am reminded again that all things are possible with God. When my world is shaking, heaven stands.

I never leave His hands and He reminds me of all.

For you and me today -- click here.

Preparing for Christmas - Version 12.11.2011

2011-12-11T19:49:00.001-05:00

Oh my. Sweet Jesus, I keep feeling my heart grow.

Read: Here

Preparing for Christmas - Version 12.10.2011

2011-12-10T21:06:00.001-05:00

Remembering how ill I was last year is what is making this year all the sweeter.

Sit with me in your pjs and read where I was last year while opening our book and reflecting on today's chapter.

Comfy? Cozy? Good. Let's look. Shall we? Here

Preparing for Christmas - Version 12.09.2011

2011-12-09T20:06:00.001-05:00

Have I mentioned how much I love going through this book?

No?

Let me tell you now. I really love going through this book!
Take a walk with me. No reservation required where we're going...here.

Preparing for Christmas - Version 12.08.2011

2011-12-08T20:50:00.001-05:00

I got up this morning remembering how special this date is to me. Why? I was baptized on the 8th day of December. I was symbolically "born again" in the waters of baptism.

So when I read through my commentary from last year on the Chapter written for the eighth day, I smiled. Then I proudly boasted, "FINDERS! KEEPERS!"

Want to know why? Follow along here: O Little Town of Bethlehem...

Preparing for Christmas - Version 12.07.2011

2011-12-07T21:05:00.001-05:00

There. Now the title post has a different version to make it just a tiny bit easier if you are following along. Remember this: the version may be different but the story is the same and has been for a couple thousand years.

You know. Just sayin'.

I read through last year's post that covers today's chapter and I thought to myself, wow. The way this book has been used to prepare me for Christmas has been a pretty powerful tool. I'm loving it just as much this year...again.

Walking along? Click here: Preparing for Christmas and asking lots of questions.

Preparing for Christmas - Version 2.0

2011-12-06T20:31:00.001-05:00

Maybe from now on, to help in the history of these posts, I'll also put the date. Speaking of history, the chapter for today's reading has much to do with a very important timeline.

Care to take a peak? Follow the link: Why? What is so important about this topic?

Preparing for Christmas - Version 2.0

2011-12-05T19:31:00.001-05:00

Beautiful. This is one of my favorites. Brought me to tears again this morning.

Follow the link and get the book! Preparing for Christmas - Why the Nativity?

Preparing for Christmas - Version 2.0

2011-12-04T14:03:00.001-05:00

For those of you who don't know or may be wondering why the "Version 2.0", it's because last year I became extremely ill and had so many issues with pain that I simply could not sit and type out a few sentences. I ended up having to stop posting, even though I was still reading and longing to walk you through the book I was encouraging you to read on your own. So here we are again. Together.

Let's browse and linger and read and enjoy.

Follow this link: Preparing for Christmas

Preparing for Christmas - Version 2.0

2011-12-03T09:13:00.001-05:00

I find myself giggling with excitement over the statement I posted last year when I suggested getting the book I was currently taking you through,

"You may use it every year."

I had been using it every year since I purchased it and here we are again, preparing for Christmas and going through the book. Please get it for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

Don't know what I'm talking about?

Here. Follow this link and let's walk together: Preparing for Christmas - Why the Nativity?