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Work Wonders

Work Wonders

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Work Wonders-- wooden Christmas ornament--Mary and baby Jesus in center--"For unto you a child is born cut out around the edges

This hand-crafted ornament came from a local school’s art fair. I watched the craftsman work wonders with simple pieces of wood.

To work wonders means to create an excellent outcome.

My dad also produced amazing woodwork. I have examples throughout our house. You can find one in my explanation of “Make Do.”

Although successful in his craft, Dad did not make money from it. Instead, he gave away almost everything he created. He defined success as helping others.

After a busy day, rest works wonders for minds and bodies.

Whatever work we do, we need time away from it. Other wonder-working aids include:

  • Proper nutrition
  • Regular exercise
  • Social interaction
  • Ongoing learning
  • Daily devotions

All help us be our best selves.

The greatest wonder of history came in the form of a baby.

  •  Jesus left the splendor of heaven to be born to a peasant family.
  • He left absolute safety for a life of danger.
  • God in flesh died so we might have life.
  • He arose from the grave and has prepared a home in heaven for all who follow Him.

That is what Christmas is all about. God who works wonders. Immanuel — God with us.

Merry Christmas!

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means ‘God with us’)” (Matthew 1:23 NIV).

Thanks to Tracy Crump for the suggestion.

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Bridge the Gap

Bridge the Gap

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Bridge the Gap--swinging bridge among trees and plants

On a mission trip several years ago, a subway recording told us to mind the gap. That warning to watch our step prevented accidents. More important than minding the gap, our team wanted to bridge the gap.

To bridge the gap means to serve as a bridge.

We connect two:

  • Points
  • People
  • Groups of people

We bridge the gap when we build physical bridges.

Many of us love old swinging bridges. However, most bridges today are stronger, safer, and not as scary. All bridges make it easier to get from one place to another.

We also build relationship bridges.

Two people or groups of people may disagree or misunderstand one another. To bridge the gap, we unite them. Gaps occur in:

  • Beliefs
  • Languages
  • Goals

To bridge the gap relieves a problem.

If we:

  • Need money, we request a loan.
  • Feel overwhelmed, we seek support.
  • Require help, we ask for assistance.

Jesus bridges the gap between God and people.

That was the message our mission team shared.

Our sins or wrongdoings separate us from the one and only holy God. Jesus came to earth to pay the price for our sins. He:

  • Lived a sinless life.
  • Died on a cross to pay the price for our sins.
  • Rose from the dead on the third day, defeating sin and death.

Jesus solved our sin problem. When we turn from our wrongs and give control of our lives to Jesus, we cross the bridge from death to eternal life.

As we celebrate Christmas, may we never forget the reason Jesus came.

“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24).

Thanks to Beckham Wilson for the suggestion.

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Not Have a Leg to Stand On

Not Have a Leg to Stand On

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Not Have a Leg to Stand On--deer with one leg missing
Deer Me – No Leg

My friend Sharon recently bought a small decorative deer that did not have a leg to stand on. Actually, it had three legs, but the fourth leg was missing.

Sharon was not sure when she could exchange the deer. Creative person that she is, she used her grandchildren’s play dough to make a new leg. She painted the leg, so it would not look like it wore a cast.

Not have a leg to stand on means we have no support for our thoughts, words, or actions.

Not Have a Leg to Stand On--Deer with play dough leg
Play Dough to the Rescue

No facts back up our position. We lack the evidence we need. This applies to:

  • Personal positions
  • Courtroom arguments
  • Scientific studies
  • Medical trials
  • Educational research
  • Political stands

With no leg to stand on, we have no possibility for success. Regardless of our efforts, we end up spinning our wheels. We waste our time.

When that happens, we need to correct the situation.

Like my friend, we alter our circumstances. We may:

  • Change our stand
  • Take a new stand

Whatever we do, we want to seek and follow the truth.

We don’t give up. Rather, we find a better way. As my friend did with her deer, we fix what’s broken.

When we don’t have a leg to stand on, remember to look to the one who created us.

Not Have a Leg to Stand On--repaired leg
Ready to Serve Again

We may be broken and disabled, but God can pick up the pieces of our brokenness and make us whole again.

“If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all” (Isaiah 7:9 NIV).

Thanks to Sharon Berry for the suggestion and photos.

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Outside the Box

Outside the Box

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Outside the Box--two wrapped giftsSometimes we find ourselves doing the same thing over and over again. We make no progress because we never change. When that happens, we need to think outside the box.

To think outside the box means to think beyond the usual limits.

We think, plan, and act:

  • In new ways
  • Outside the norm
  • In unusual directions
  • With imagination
  • Apart from tradition

We no longer box ourselves in with the same old patterns.

Routine no longer rules. We leave our fear of the unknown and move into new territory.

During Christmas, let’s also think outside the box.

Rather than focus on giving gifts in boxes or bags, let’s focus on gifts that last. We soon forget or throw away most of our wrapped presents. Yet, we remember for a lifetime such treasures as:

  • Kindness
  • Trustworthiness
  • Helping hands
  • Time together
  • Shared sorrow or joy
  • True friendship

Now is a great time to throw out the box. Let’s:

Merry Christmas!

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9 NIV).

Thanks to Brad Leverett for the suggestion.

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Putting on the Ritz

Putting on the Ritz

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Putting on the Ritz-gold stars on a fine gold wire backgroundDuring Christmas, we see examples of putting on the Ritz all around us.

  • Elaborate decorations
  • Rich food
  • Lavish gifts (and lots of them)
  • Lovely lights

Those of us who usually live simple lives go overboard in December.

Putting on the Ritz refers to the Ritz Hotels.

Those hotels offer a life of luxury. Only the wealthy can afford them. Occasionally, we may save enough money to enjoy that lifestyle for a few days. Sadly, some of us charge now and pay much more than the original cost later.

Fred Astaire made the Irving Berlin song, “Putting on the Ritz” popular.

When we put on the Ritz, we act rich and stylish.

We may not be able to afford to live high on the hog. Yet, we pretend we can. We like special treatment. An occasional splurge may lift our spirits.

However, let’s never forget those who need the basics.

Many in our world don’t have enough food, heat, shelter, or clothing. This Christmas and throughout the year, let’s brighten their lives by sharing with them.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20 NIV).

Thanks to Lindy Pierce for the suggestion. Image by Annette Meyer from Pixabay

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Under Wraps

Under Wraps

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Under Wraps--gifts under a Christmas treeDuring Christmas, we keep a lot of things under wraps. We hide gifts in closets and under beds. When no one is looking, we wrap our gifts with paper and bows. Once under the tree, everyone wants to know what those packages contain.

If we keep anything under wraps, we keep it a secret.

We don’t want others to know our information. Our secret usually lasts a short time. Examples, other than Christmas presents, include:

  • News reports
  • An engagement
  • Whether a baby will be a boy or girl

We don’t want others to know what is under wraps until the right time.

If people spill the beans, they ruin our plans. Therefore, we tell them to bite their tongues – to stay quiet.

Not everything we wrap is under wraps.

We want to share most good news.

The greatest gift came wrapped in strips of cloth.

When Jesus was born, angels announced His birth to shepherds. The shepherds found Jesus lying in a manger. Afterwards, they told others what they had heard and seen.

Let’s not keep the good news of Jesus under wraps.

Instead, let’s share with the world what the angels proclaimed.

“A Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:11-12 NIV).

Thanks to Joy S. Taylor for the suggestion.

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See the Light

See the Light

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See the Light -- light over nativity“I see it!” I see the light!” When my brother was little, he loved lights. That was especially true at Christmas.

I share that love. Nighttime drives to view Christmas lights remain a favorite activity. They fill me with peace and joy.

To see the light means to finally understand or accept something.

Its meaning becomes clear. Until then, we may:

  • Think or wonder about an issue
  • Feel confused by it
  • Doubt it
  • Reject it

When we see the light, we change.

Understanding or accepting a new idea or belief affects our feelings and actions. We turn away from our previous behavior. We realize we have found a better way.

The Wise Men in the Christmas story searched for the light.

When they finally saw the star in the east, they followed it until they found Jesus.

To see the light often means to believe – to have a religious experience.

Such faith makes all the difference. The song, “I Have Seen the Light,” offers a beautiful description of that event.

Have you seen the light? If not, search for it today. If you have seen it, don’t leave others in the dark. Share the light of God’s love with them.

Merry Christmas!

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy” (Matthew 2:10 KJV).

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Image courtesy of  Pixabay

In a Jam

In a Jam

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In a Jam-young woman making jamEating jam is fun. Getting in a jam is not.

Amy, a former Campbellsville University student, learned how to make jam during one of her visits to our home. We enjoyed an afternoon of fun.

Eating jam cake made by my husband’s mother and other relatives became a family tradition. We had fun as we talked and ate.

One of my favorite Christmas gifts from my mother was homemade raspberry jam and jelly. What fun my sister and I had when we opened that special gift.

If we get in a jam, we get in a difficult situation.

We have a problem and cannot find an answer. As a result, we feel like we are beating our heads against a wall.

Some jams are not our fault. However, we often end up in trouble because of our poor choices, such as:

  • Doing what we should not do
  • Going where we should not go
  • Wanting what we do not need

In a Jam--jam cakeDuring Christmas or other holidays, we can easily get in a jam. We plan too much to do with too little time to do it. We forget to have fun.

Slow down. Cut back on activities. Focus on what really matters. Take time to remember the reason for this joyful season.

Merry Christmas! May all your jams be edible.

 “A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences” (Proverbs 22:3 TLB).

Thanks to Shanon Camille O’Banion and Cakes by Camille for the jam cake photo.

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Deck the Halls

Deck the Halls

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Deck the Halls, Christmas villageDeck the Halls is a traditional Christmas and New Year’s song.

As sung in this video, the original version was Deck the Hall (not Halls).

However we sing it, the message remains the same: Tis the season of joy.  Therefore, we decorate with signs of the season. We also celebrate with:

  • Music
  • Gifts
  • Church services
  • Visits with family and friends
  • Parties
  • Food
  • Santa Claus
  • Elves and reindeer
  • Helping people in need

We deck the halls, but so much more.

 Trees, lights, and other Christmas symbols decorate our:

  • Houses
  • Businesses
  • Parks
  • Churches
  • Bridges
  • Everywhere we look for weeks before and after Christmas

Why Bother?

What’s the big deal about Christmas anyway?

We get so busy decking halls, we sometimes forget the reason why. And it is a big deal.

Jesus came, God to earth, in the form of a baby.

Jesus came as our Savior, to die for our sins. His gift to all who accept Him: a personal relationship with God and a home in heaven.

We can deck the halls and more, if we wish. We can keep our decorations simple, if we wish. However we celebrate this special time of year, may we always remember why.

Merry Christmas!

“A child shall be born to a virgin! And she shall call him Immanuel (meaning, “God is with us”)” (Isaiah 7:14 TLB).

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Give Birth to Something

Give Birth to Something

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Give Birth to Something-Mary, Joseph, Jesus

Some people complain about problems. Others give birth to solutions.

They:

  • Try to make life better
  • Explore changes
  • Work to make those changes happen

Kate Thomas, a writing friend, gave birth to the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference in 1996. She knew Kentucky writers needed training and encouragement. Her conference offers help to writers every year.

To give birth to something means to begin something new.

People give birth to new:

  • Ideas
  • Ways to work
  • Inventions
  • Schools

When God sent Jesus to earth, Mary gave birth to more than a baby.

Jesus came as:

  • Son of God
  • Prince of peace
  • The way of salvation
  • Hope for a hopeless world
  • Love for all people
  • Joy for the joyless

Jesus gave the gift of Himself.

Anyone who accepts Jesus as personal Savior receives a new birth.

God gives that person new life — eternal life. That is why Jesus came. That is what Christmas is all about.

Merry Christmas!

[Mary] “gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger” (Luke 2:7 NIV).

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