The Biggest Miracle

Christmas Day has come and as we gather with loved ones, open gifts, and feast on goodies, let us pause to reflect on the greatest miracle of all - the miracle of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

The idea that God would come down from the heavens, take on the form of a human being in the shape of a baby, and then sacrifice himself on a cross naked and alone, is almost too much to believe. Or is it?

What do you believe in today? The sun coming up every day, the moon setting every night, your car starting in the morning, the chair you are sitting in to hold you? We believe in many things each day and we don't even give them a second thought.

At Christmas, take some time to think about what you believe in and why or why not? Ask yourself the question, "What is the probablility of this being true?" and then make a decision. Yes, it was truly the biggest miracle of all that Jesus was born in a manger so many years ago. But the reality is that we have a choice each day who and what to believe in. Make a decision today to truly believe in Jesus, and then watch the miracles start happening in your life!

Who is Really in Control?

The snow is falling fast and furious today. The weather forecast is for 2 feet of snow and the winds are gusting to 25 mph.

Funny, I thought as I watched the wintery storm, how God has a way of stepping in at the most inopportune times, interrupting our schedules and plans, isn't it? Stores closed, Christmas activities cancelled, and everyone home bound. It's like God is saying "See, I'm still in control here, not you." And He is, isn't he?

His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts, but God is still God Almighty and the greatest power in the universe regardless of what we may think or believe.

He is the great "I am", the Creator of the Universe, and Lord Most High. Who are we to question why He allows things to happen as they do?

When things are out of our control and we don't understand why things happen and our plans and our world seem to be falling apart at the seams, may our response be like Mary's when told she was going to have a baby out of wedlock so many centuries ago. "I am the Lord's servant. Let it be done to me as you have said." (Luke 1:38)

And then feel how the peace of God covers you like the snowflakes blanket the earth.

Peace and goodwill to all!

Are you Lonesome tonight?

At this time of year, many people are especially lonely. Perhaps you may have lost a loved one recently or maybe you are single and don't have a special someone to spend time with during the holidays or maybe you are going through some tough times in your relationship with your spouse or significant other.

Well, let me encourage you by saying you are never alone. Jesus is your friend and He is always with you. In fact we could never have a better friend than Jesus. He is always there to talk to, always understands us, loves us unconditionally and gives us peace. Scripture says He sticks by us closer than a brother. What more can you ask for in a friend?

I know what you're thinking. "Well, Jesus is not here in a real person." Wrong again. Jesus is a person. He is alive in each of us who have accepted him as our Lord and Savior.

So when you're feeling lonely this holiday season, remember that Jesus lives in you and be at peace. And then pick up the phone and call someone else who may be just as lonely and plan to get together. You will be blessed and bring a blessing into their life and isn't that what Christmas is all about?

Let me know your thoughts and comments and have a wonderful, joyful day!

Are you at Peace?

It is Advent season and as I light the second candle on my Advent wreath, I am reminded of the gift of peace and what that means to me.

Jesus is my peace. He promises me his peace, not peace as the world gives (John 14:27).

How can that be, you ask, when our lives are sometimes so chaotic and there is such turmoil?

Like the old hymn says "It is well with my soul." Having the peace of Christ means having trust that He is working all things out for my good - even when they may not seem to be good at all from a human perspective. The kingdom of heaven is righteousness, peace, and joy (Romans 14:7).

So today, when the chaos and strife of the world begin to close in on you, take a few moments to give thanks to our Lord, for what he did for us, so that we may have his peace. As another old hymn says, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus."

By keeping our eyes on Jesus, we can have peace eternal each and every day of this season. Shalom!

When You Need a Blessing, Be One

Having a rough time? Feeling down? Things not going well? Sometimes life is just too darned tough.

I've been having a rough time of it lately on several fronts. I always try to do the right thing, so why aren't things working, I ask myself. What am I doing wrong?

Well, before I get too down on myself, and as soon as I feel that old negative attitude creeping up on me, I say to myself, "Patricia, you have so much to be grateful for. Look at what God has brought you through. This is another season of growth." And then I ask God who I can bless.

Maybe I'll drop some soup off at a neighbor's. Perhaps I'll call a friend and see how they're doing. Maybe I'll send a note of encouragement to my coworkers. You never know who's having a rough day. So next time you're having one, shift your thoughts from yourself and be a blessing to someone else. Works every time!