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Happy Saturday and Happy New Year!
Let me begin with these words…GO FROGS! WE WIN! Was that an awesome game or what?! WOW!
Bruce and I also celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary today. We took down the Christmas tree, watched the game and just spent the day together. It has been a wonderful day.
Ephesians 4: 26-29 “Be angry and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, do not give the devil a foothold. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that may impart grace to the hearers.”
Tonight I really needed to hear these words and meditate on them. This passage reminded me of some very wise words by a college friend, “Sometimes we are the only Bibles people ever read.” God looks on His children, believers in Christ and sees and hears how we speak and act. Sometimes Satan enters our thoughts and actions and changes the way we walk, talk and think. God wants us to speak only those words that are pleasing to Him and act in ways that are godly ways. God wants us to seek out those who have needs and help meet the needs of others.
Did you ever notice in scripture that God placed Jesus in the lives of people to meet their needs? Jesus met the woman at the well and met her need for forgiveness and in the same breath revealed Himself to her as the Messiah. God desires for us to walk in the ways of Christ and to be willing to be placed into situations where He can work through us. It is not always necessary that we know the need. We can be assured that God knows the need and will reveal to us how we can help.
So here are our marching orders for the new year. (You all know that I write what I need to hear, r/ight?) Our calling is to be willing to go where God sends us and to listen to His instructions. Let’s pray…
Almighty God, You are the One who has met our every need and our deepest needs. May we be the vessel through which You meet needs in the lives of those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Take joy in this amazing journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Let us continue to lift each other in prayer daily. Love you all, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy Friday and Happy New Year’s Eve!
I hope this writing finds you safe and with those you love. Saying good-bye to 2010 and greeting 2011. How long will it take to begin correctly writing 2011 on checks and other things…?
Thirty years ago right now Bruce and I were helping my parents host a New Year’s Eve Party that was also our rehearsal dinner the evening before our wedding. It was a great evening. We held a family dinner at Mom and Dad’s house. My grandmother and great grandmother were there along with just about everyone I loved. Members of Bruce’s family were there and were a bit shy around this large loving family that was loud, ate, hugged and had a great time just being together. All of the favorite family foods were there brought by my Mamo and all of my aunts. My uncles were playing dominoes, while others watched the football game and people were talking, eating and having a great time. Who knew then where the journey life would take us…
Psalm 148: 13 “Let them praise the name of the Lord: for His name alone is excellent; His glory is above the earth and heaven.”
This is the final writing from this particular book of meditations. The final date is December 31. I will begin a new devotional book tomorrow.
The name of the Lord is Jesus. Let us worship Him by praising and lifting His name. Jesus…is the One who shall save His people from their sins. If you cut to the chase that is what Jesus came to do. Jesus came to us so that He might be the connection to God that would allow us to be forgiven in His name. Scripture tells us that “No one comes to the Father except by Me.” We must go to God through Jesus, His Son, to receive forgiveness. God does not deny forgiveness when we go to Him when the name of Jesus goes before us.
Jesus goes before us to the Father as conqueror. In the name of Jesus we receive our forgiveness from doubt, fear, bad tempers, impatience, lack of love and a million other things big and small. The name Jesus lifts our souls out of the depths of sins and despair to the heights of the mountains, the peace in the valley and the straight path of the road before us.
Jesus is our deliverer. In Jesus’ name we can be delivered from cowardice, adverse circumstances, poverty, failures and weakness. There is no other name by which we can be delivered from our sins.
The New Year always brings a feeling of being able to start over… to begin again. The most amazing thing about the life of a believer in Christ is that each time we ask for forgiveness in Jesus’ name we are given a new beginning. We do not have to wait for a calendar date to begin again. All we have to do is claim the name of Jesus and the power it brings. We begin again immediately, forgiven and free.
My dear friends it is 11:55 pm on New Year’s Eve and I propose that as a final act of closing out the old year we claim the name of Jesus; giving thanks for the blessings of the past, asking for the forgiveness we need to receive and resting in the assurance that we can and should call on the name of Jesus often claiming the power of the risen Christ. Happy New Year!
Thank you all for journeying with me this past year.
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Let us continue to lift each other up in prayer as we journey daily together as members of the family of God and the body of Christ. Love you all, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
I hope this writing finds you safe and with those you love. Saying good-bye to 2010 and greeting 2011. How long will it take to begin correctly writing 2011 on checks and other things…?
Thirty years ago right now Bruce and I were helping my parents host a New Year’s Eve Party that was also our rehearsal dinner the evening before our wedding. It was a great evening. We held a family dinner at Mom and Dad’s house. My grandmother and great grandmother were there along with just about everyone I loved. Members of Bruce’s family were there and were a bit shy around this large loving family that was loud, ate, hugged and had a great time just being together. All of the favorite family foods were there brought by my Mamo and all of my aunts. My uncles were playing dominoes, while others watched the football game and people were talking, eating and having a great time. Who knew then where the journey life would take us…
Psalm 148: 13 “Let them praise the name of the Lord: for His name alone is excellent; His glory is above the earth and heaven.”
This is the final writing from this particular book of meditations. The final date is December 31. I will begin a new devotional book tomorrow.
The name of the Lord is Jesus. Let us worship Him by praising and lifting His name. Jesus…is the One who shall save His people from their sins. If you cut to the chase that is what Jesus came to do. Jesus came to us so that He might be the connection to God that would allow us to be forgiven in His name. Scripture tells us that “No one comes to the Father except by Me.” We must go to God through Jesus, His Son, to receive forgiveness. God does not deny forgiveness when we go to Him when the name of Jesus goes before us.
Jesus goes before us to the Father as conqueror. In the name of Jesus we receive our forgiveness from doubt, fear, bad tempers, impatience, lack of love and a million other things big and small. The name Jesus lifts our souls out of the depths of sins and despair to the heights of the mountains, the peace in the valley and the straight path of the road before us.
Jesus is our deliverer. In Jesus’ name we can be delivered from cowardice, adverse circumstances, poverty, failures and weakness. There is no other name by which we can be delivered from our sins.
The New Year always brings a feeling of being able to start over… to begin again. The most amazing thing about the life of a believer in Christ is that each time we ask for forgiveness in Jesus’ name we are given a new beginning. We do not have to wait for a calendar date to begin again. All we have to do is claim the name of Jesus and the power it brings. We begin again immediately, forgiven and free.
My dear friends it is 11:55 pm on New Year’s Eve and I propose that as a final act of closing out the old year we claim the name of Jesus; giving thanks for the blessings of the past, asking for the forgiveness we need to receive and resting in the assurance that we can and should call on the name of Jesus often claiming the power of the risen Christ. Happy New Year!
Thank you all for journeying with me this past year.
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Let us continue to lift each other up in prayer as we journey daily together as members of the family of God and the body of Christ. Love you all, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Happy Thursday/News Year’s Eve Eve!
We arrived home safely around 4:00 this afternoon. We left Memphis around 5:30 AM. Our early departure allowed us to still stop for breakfast and lunch and to miss all of the heavy traffic in the larger areas. It felt so great to cross over from Arkansas back into Texas. Arkansas roads are not fun!
John 4:35 “Say not you, there are yet four months, and then comes harvest? Behold, I say unto you lift up your eyes and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.”
I have known God all of my life and had a personal relationship with Christ since I was 15. I do not remember a time when God was not a part of my life. I cannot imagine living even a moment of my life without a daily walk with Christ. When I think there are those who do not have Christ in their lives my heart really aches for them. When Jesus looks at God’s human creation and sees those who do not know Him, I think the heart of Jesus aches for them too. They have no sustaining power. The most those who do not know Christ can hope to have is a temporary victory over life’s daily struggles. Those who do not know Christ do not come to Him so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.
It is our job as believers, servants of God and brothers/sisters to Christ is to tell as many people as we can about the amazing things God has done in our lives through the resurrected Christ. Our calling is to “preach Christ everyday using words if necessary.” (Bruce Chrystie), and especially to tell someone who does not know Christ . It is our job to plant the seeds of Christ-like love into the hearts, minds and practices of everyone who does not know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Once someone comes to know Jesus they will soon realize that even though tough times happen in our lives, Jesus becomes the source of happiness and peace.
Tell someone today of our Lord and Savior and wish them a Happy New Year! What an awesome way to begin the New Year than with a new relationship in Jesus Christ our Lord!
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say tour prayers. Thank you for all of your prayers for travel mercy and a safe journey home. Let us continue to lift one another up in prayer each day. Love you all, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
We arrived home safely around 4:00 this afternoon. We left Memphis around 5:30 AM. Our early departure allowed us to still stop for breakfast and lunch and to miss all of the heavy traffic in the larger areas. It felt so great to cross over from Arkansas back into Texas. Arkansas roads are not fun!
John 4:35 “Say not you, there are yet four months, and then comes harvest? Behold, I say unto you lift up your eyes and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.”
I have known God all of my life and had a personal relationship with Christ since I was 15. I do not remember a time when God was not a part of my life. I cannot imagine living even a moment of my life without a daily walk with Christ. When I think there are those who do not have Christ in their lives my heart really aches for them. When Jesus looks at God’s human creation and sees those who do not know Him, I think the heart of Jesus aches for them too. They have no sustaining power. The most those who do not know Christ can hope to have is a temporary victory over life’s daily struggles. Those who do not know Christ do not come to Him so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.
It is our job as believers, servants of God and brothers/sisters to Christ is to tell as many people as we can about the amazing things God has done in our lives through the resurrected Christ. Our calling is to “preach Christ everyday using words if necessary.” (Bruce Chrystie), and especially to tell someone who does not know Christ . It is our job to plant the seeds of Christ-like love into the hearts, minds and practices of everyone who does not know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Once someone comes to know Jesus they will soon realize that even though tough times happen in our lives, Jesus becomes the source of happiness and peace.
Tell someone today of our Lord and Savior and wish them a Happy New Year! What an awesome way to begin the New Year than with a new relationship in Jesus Christ our Lord!
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say tour prayers. Thank you for all of your prayers for travel mercy and a safe journey home. Let us continue to lift one another up in prayer each day. Love you all, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
Greetings from Collierville, Tennessee (somewhere near Memphis).
Happy Wednesday! We made it to the area around Graceland today. I was given time to prowl some of the shops just across the street from Graceland and soak in a little Elvis. It was wonderful fun and brought back memories of growing up hearing his music and attending two of his concerts. I even called my aunt who is an Elvis fan too and talked with her as I walked through a store called “Everything Elvis.” We then walked across the street and Dale took our picture in front of the music gates. It was great fun.
Next we went to this totally “beatnik” coffee shop in Mid-Town Memphis. The atmosphere was cool with mismatched tables and chairs purchased from second hand shops, very rustic in its decor with odd couches and chairs. There were people with books to read, computers, conversations and families eating pastries and drinking coffee and hot chocolate. The coffee was quite good and it may become a traditional stop in future visits to the Memphis area.
Our day ended with a dinner at Joe’s Crab Shack to celebrate Dale and Gayle’s 31st anniversary. What a great day! Families are forever!
Philippians 2:13 “For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”
God works in each of us through prayer. Believing in the power of prayer and believing in the One to whom we prayer is claiming the assurance that God is working for us, with us and in us. Because we believe, we can continue to walk in faith unafraid for God is with us. With men, tasks are impossible, but with God all things are possible. I love the word all. God’s Word does not say the best 2 out of 3 or every other one or most. It says ALL things are possible! Trust in the Lord with all your heart, your entire mind and all your strength and lean not on you own understanding. Let God be God and let us pay attention!
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Love you all and please pray as we travel home tomorrow. We are leaving early in the morning. Let us continue to lift one another up in prayer each day. Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
Prayer alert: Ron McNutt, one of my team members at school, lost his mother-in-law today. He will be traveling with his wife, Anne, to Ohio for services. I ask your prayers for travel mercy and comfort in their time of grief and loss. gc
Happy Wednesday! We made it to the area around Graceland today. I was given time to prowl some of the shops just across the street from Graceland and soak in a little Elvis. It was wonderful fun and brought back memories of growing up hearing his music and attending two of his concerts. I even called my aunt who is an Elvis fan too and talked with her as I walked through a store called “Everything Elvis.” We then walked across the street and Dale took our picture in front of the music gates. It was great fun.
Next we went to this totally “beatnik” coffee shop in Mid-Town Memphis. The atmosphere was cool with mismatched tables and chairs purchased from second hand shops, very rustic in its decor with odd couches and chairs. There were people with books to read, computers, conversations and families eating pastries and drinking coffee and hot chocolate. The coffee was quite good and it may become a traditional stop in future visits to the Memphis area.
Our day ended with a dinner at Joe’s Crab Shack to celebrate Dale and Gayle’s 31st anniversary. What a great day! Families are forever!
Philippians 2:13 “For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”
God works in each of us through prayer. Believing in the power of prayer and believing in the One to whom we prayer is claiming the assurance that God is working for us, with us and in us. Because we believe, we can continue to walk in faith unafraid for God is with us. With men, tasks are impossible, but with God all things are possible. I love the word all. God’s Word does not say the best 2 out of 3 or every other one or most. It says ALL things are possible! Trust in the Lord with all your heart, your entire mind and all your strength and lean not on you own understanding. Let God be God and let us pay attention!
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Love you all and please pray as we travel home tomorrow. We are leaving early in the morning. Let us continue to lift one another up in prayer each day. Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
Prayer alert: Ron McNutt, one of my team members at school, lost his mother-in-law today. He will be traveling with his wife, Anne, to Ohio for services. I ask your prayers for travel mercy and comfort in their time of grief and loss. gc
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Greetings from near Memphis.
Happy Tuesday! Today was spent visiting and watching some television. We were going to try and do some sight seeing, but found out the attractions we wanted to visit do not open up until April when it is warmer!
Psalm 119: 151 “You are near, O Lord; and all Your commandments are truth. “
Have you begun to pack away your Christmas decorations? The radio stations are no longer playing holiday songs. The company has gone home (except for us) and life is returning to normal. Is your house is quiet once again? The house is quiet, but Christmas is still present. The time between Christmas and Epiphany is a quiet time. It is a time to recoup from the holiday with some cinnamon tea and to ponder the new year.
Does ever seem that God is silent? Do you ever have times when you don’t feel God’s presence? I think we all have those times. What we need to remember is that God promised us that He would never leave us or forsake us. God always keeps His promises. God is always with us even if we don’t feel His presence or He is silent.
Jonah was in the whale for three days and during that time God was silent, but God was very present and at work. Jesus was in the tomb for three days and God was silent. God may have been silent, but He was still very present and still at work. It does not matter if you feel God’s presence. What does matter is that God is! God was, is and ever shall be - A Risen Savior.
When the silences seems overwhelming, claim the presence of God and remember how much He loves you and is looking out for you. Remember God is always at work even if we cannot feel His presence. If you can’t see His hands and heart His voice then trust His heart.
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes and extra socks because it is cold outside. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Let us continue to lift one another up in prayer each day. Love you all, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
Happy Tuesday! Today was spent visiting and watching some television. We were going to try and do some sight seeing, but found out the attractions we wanted to visit do not open up until April when it is warmer!
Psalm 119: 151 “You are near, O Lord; and all Your commandments are truth. “
Have you begun to pack away your Christmas decorations? The radio stations are no longer playing holiday songs. The company has gone home (except for us) and life is returning to normal. Is your house is quiet once again? The house is quiet, but Christmas is still present. The time between Christmas and Epiphany is a quiet time. It is a time to recoup from the holiday with some cinnamon tea and to ponder the new year.
Does ever seem that God is silent? Do you ever have times when you don’t feel God’s presence? I think we all have those times. What we need to remember is that God promised us that He would never leave us or forsake us. God always keeps His promises. God is always with us even if we don’t feel His presence or He is silent.
Jonah was in the whale for three days and during that time God was silent, but God was very present and at work. Jesus was in the tomb for three days and God was silent. God may have been silent, but He was still very present and still at work. It does not matter if you feel God’s presence. What does matter is that God is! God was, is and ever shall be - A Risen Savior.
When the silences seems overwhelming, claim the presence of God and remember how much He loves you and is looking out for you. Remember God is always at work even if we cannot feel His presence. If you can’t see His hands and heart His voice then trust His heart.
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes and extra socks because it is cold outside. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Let us continue to lift one another up in prayer each day. Love you all, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Greetings from near Memphis, Tennessee
Happy Monday! Our day began early with a 4:00 am wake-up call and a 5:30 am departure. After a brief trip to Starbucks we were on our way to visit Bruce’s brother and his family. We arrived around 4:00 safe and sound. We have celebrated Gayle’s birthday with a delicious trip to the Texas Roadhouse. After the staff caught her off guard and announced her birthday to the restaurant, the recognition ended with a rousing Y-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e- Haw-w-w-w-w-w, Gayle declared that we gave her the best ye-haw she heard in the restaurant that night! I told her of course it was because she had the only table with authentic Texans!
Proverbs11:4 “Riches profit not in the day of wrath; but righteousness delivers one from death.”
The old saying goes “You can’t take it with you.” (Even though I have a uncle who thinks he can.)
This Christmas my prayer has been for “enough.” God has blessed us with “enough” during this season. He has blessed us with enough money for food, gas, a gift or two, and some left over to share. But more than that God has blessed us with wonderful family and wonderful friends with which to share this season. As I have gotten older I have discovered that material things are not near as important as the gift of time spent with family and friends. We do not live a life of opulence or affluence. We live a life of well-being. We live a life blessed with gifts of love and faith that have been laid like stones. The rock of our faith is our Master and Savior Jesus Christ.
When we rely on the plan Jesus has for us and we try our best to walk the path of obedience then God grants us fulfillment or well-being. We are all called to a glorious work by God. We may not have all been called to preach, but we have all been called to serve.
As I begin my last semester as a public school teacher there are things I must put aside, but I must never put aside the calling to serve. The path of transition is not easy but through the gifts of love, laughter and trust I know victory in Jesus name will become a reality. Through trust and prayer riches are not given in physical appearances of money or things, but in the smiles and laughter of friends, the love of family and the assurance of the presence of God through Jesus Christ.
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say our prayers. Love you all and pray for our niece and nephew as they travel to visit friends for the remainder of the week. Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
Happy Monday! Our day began early with a 4:00 am wake-up call and a 5:30 am departure. After a brief trip to Starbucks we were on our way to visit Bruce’s brother and his family. We arrived around 4:00 safe and sound. We have celebrated Gayle’s birthday with a delicious trip to the Texas Roadhouse. After the staff caught her off guard and announced her birthday to the restaurant, the recognition ended with a rousing Y-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e- Haw-w-w-w-w-w, Gayle declared that we gave her the best ye-haw she heard in the restaurant that night! I told her of course it was because she had the only table with authentic Texans!
Proverbs11:4 “Riches profit not in the day of wrath; but righteousness delivers one from death.”
The old saying goes “You can’t take it with you.” (Even though I have a uncle who thinks he can.)
This Christmas my prayer has been for “enough.” God has blessed us with “enough” during this season. He has blessed us with enough money for food, gas, a gift or two, and some left over to share. But more than that God has blessed us with wonderful family and wonderful friends with which to share this season. As I have gotten older I have discovered that material things are not near as important as the gift of time spent with family and friends. We do not live a life of opulence or affluence. We live a life of well-being. We live a life blessed with gifts of love and faith that have been laid like stones. The rock of our faith is our Master and Savior Jesus Christ.
When we rely on the plan Jesus has for us and we try our best to walk the path of obedience then God grants us fulfillment or well-being. We are all called to a glorious work by God. We may not have all been called to preach, but we have all been called to serve.
As I begin my last semester as a public school teacher there are things I must put aside, but I must never put aside the calling to serve. The path of transition is not easy but through the gifts of love, laughter and trust I know victory in Jesus name will become a reality. Through trust and prayer riches are not given in physical appearances of money or things, but in the smiles and laughter of friends, the love of family and the assurance of the presence of God through Jesus Christ.
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say our prayers. Love you all and pray for our niece and nephew as they travel to visit friends for the remainder of the week. Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Merry Christmas!
At this writing I am sipping some hot cinnamon tea and snuggled under my TCU Horned Frog blanket. The children are nestled all snug in their beds while visions of Starbucks dance in their heads. (Geni and Travis both work tomorrow and will travel to Howe between shifts to share Christmas with Mom, Dad and other family members.) I am a bit weary, but very happy.
We had the most wonderful day today with Carme and Dave. We all began our day with Christmas Day worship at Advent. Bruce and I provided special music. We moved the party to the house where we all ate too much, laughed and talked constantly and had a splendid day. It occurred to me that at the age of 55 and nearly 30 years of marriage, this is my first time to prepare a dinner on Christmas Day as always before, my mom has always prepared dinner and I have brought something to add to the table.
Psalm 138: 6 “Though the Lord is high, yet He has respect unto the lowly: but the proud He knows far off.”
Isn’t it amazing that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords came for the lowly, the outcast, the marginalized and the poor. Jesus born of a woman and the power of the Holy Spirit was born in a stable to an unmarried woman and lived a life of poverty. And yet this baby was heralded into the earth by angel’s song and sought by kings. These kings brought costly gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. These gifts seem odd to bring to a child and his family. But these gifts had a far reaching meaning for their future and ours. Tonight my meditation offers these words: The Gold, money, Frankincense, the adoration of a consecrated life and Myrrh, your sharing in His sorrows and those of the world. Myrrh was a burial spice with a peculiarly pungent odor used in the linen wrappings of those who died.
We may not have these three same gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to offer to the Christ child, but we can offer our lives over to the One who came to save us. We can offer our money for the furthering of the ministries or to help others. We can offer our lives consecrated and set apart for His purpose. We can be a balm of comfort to those who mourn and share God’s love with those who are in need of a Savior.
Share the gifts God has given to you with someone who is in need. These gifts do not come wrapped in paper, bows and tags. These gifts come from your heart; a heart that has been gifted by the Savior.
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Love you all, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
At this writing I am sipping some hot cinnamon tea and snuggled under my TCU Horned Frog blanket. The children are nestled all snug in their beds while visions of Starbucks dance in their heads. (Geni and Travis both work tomorrow and will travel to Howe between shifts to share Christmas with Mom, Dad and other family members.) I am a bit weary, but very happy.
We had the most wonderful day today with Carme and Dave. We all began our day with Christmas Day worship at Advent. Bruce and I provided special music. We moved the party to the house where we all ate too much, laughed and talked constantly and had a splendid day. It occurred to me that at the age of 55 and nearly 30 years of marriage, this is my first time to prepare a dinner on Christmas Day as always before, my mom has always prepared dinner and I have brought something to add to the table.
Psalm 138: 6 “Though the Lord is high, yet He has respect unto the lowly: but the proud He knows far off.”
Isn’t it amazing that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords came for the lowly, the outcast, the marginalized and the poor. Jesus born of a woman and the power of the Holy Spirit was born in a stable to an unmarried woman and lived a life of poverty. And yet this baby was heralded into the earth by angel’s song and sought by kings. These kings brought costly gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. These gifts seem odd to bring to a child and his family. But these gifts had a far reaching meaning for their future and ours. Tonight my meditation offers these words: The Gold, money, Frankincense, the adoration of a consecrated life and Myrrh, your sharing in His sorrows and those of the world. Myrrh was a burial spice with a peculiarly pungent odor used in the linen wrappings of those who died.
We may not have these three same gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to offer to the Christ child, but we can offer our lives over to the One who came to save us. We can offer our money for the furthering of the ministries or to help others. We can offer our lives consecrated and set apart for His purpose. We can be a balm of comfort to those who mourn and share God’s love with those who are in need of a Savior.
Share the gifts God has given to you with someone who is in need. These gifts do not come wrapped in paper, bows and tags. These gifts come from your heart; a heart that has been gifted by the Savior.
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Love you all, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
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