James 4:14 (NIV)~~Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
If you had 30 days left to live, how would you spend your time? On the thirty-first day you know you will die, what legacy would you want to leave this world?
How Would You Live Your Last 30 Days?
This question was proposed recently in two different forums that I take part in online. I’ve been thinking a lot about this whole idea since then. How would I really live my last days? Honestly, my very first thought was “I don’t want to die as a single person. I would ask my ex-bf (and BFF) if he would marry me, so I wouldn’t have to die alone.” Not that my friends and family wouldn’t be there, I know they would; but it’s not the same as having your spouse hold your hand. My other thoughts went to “I want to see Italy”, “I need to find good homes for my pets”, and “I’d stop thinking and worrying about a falling out that happened years ago causing someone I love to hate me.”
Then, I read the responses that so many other people wrote. I think it shows just where people’s hearts are to read some of the answers. Some said they would write letters or make DVD’s to leave their family, or travel. Others said they would spend more time with their loved ones, at church, or reading the Word.
Since it was a Christian forum most said they would want to spread the gospel to more people. Of course, as a Christian that’s the right answer. But if this idea was a reality in our life, would we really do that? Or, would we be focused on something else like getting married and seeing Italy?
There are No Promises Made
The truth is, we are not told how long we have on this earth. We are not promised a certain amount of time. We should be living each and every day like it’s our last one. So many of us think we are already living a life where we share the Good News of Jesus as much as we can. But do we really? If these were the last days of your life would you / could you find more opportunities to share?
Every day of our lives should be spent telling God how much we love Him, and telling others how my He loves them. That’s not to say we shouldn’t focus on our family and friends, because indeed we should. Telling them how much we love them and, even more importantly, showing them; and praying for them are also important things.
We Need to Make Our Days Count
We need to act, every day, like it’s our last day because we do not know when our last day will be. We need to focus more on making each day count as much as it can be. So stop to think each morning when you wake up and plan what you can do today to make it matter. What would be the most important thing you could do? Would it be about Jesus and your family? Would you continue to care about some of the things you believe today are important? What can you do to make a difference today? What would you change? What would you do to impress Jesus and depress the enemy? The countdown starts now… make it count!
Let’s Pray
Dear God ~~ Wonderful, loving, ever-faithful Father; You have blessed us with life here on earth. We so often forget to thank You for that. Thank You for the Good News about Jesus. Please help me to live each and every day focused on Jesus, like I will get to meet Him face to face tomorrow. I pray in Jesus name, AMEN
Now It’s Your Turn
Thoughts? Questions? Want to share your story? Ask for prayer? Please sharein the comments section.
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Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV) - "Be anxious for nothing,
but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let
your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. __________________________
You know those times when you're so excited about something you can hardly think straight?! Maybe your Great Aunt Maggie is coming to visit for the first time in several years. Maybe you're sister is having a baby. Maybe you're just going out for ice cream on a hot summer's day. Your anxiety level is so high you feel like you're about to burst.
Oh No!
Then something happens. Aunt Maggie's flight is delayed. Your sister goes past her due date and still no baby. The car gets a flat tire on the way to the ice cream store. Your anxiety is increased, but not in a good way. You're on the edge of your seat, maybe literally, waiting for the big moment.
I'm there right now. I'm expecting a delivery that I'm excited about. It may come today, or maybe not until tomorrow. I don't know when, but I'm so excited my anxiety level is through the roof. I've even had the TV on all day (and I don't watch a lot of TV normally), watching the channel with the closed circuit channel that shows me the cameras around our apartment building. I've been watching the front door waiting to see a delivery guy walk in with a package under his arm.
I can't help but wonder why is it that we don't get so excited about Christ's return? Why do we focus so much on worldly things and not our Savior?
Jesus is Waiting for You I guarantee you that Jesus is waiting for us to come to Him. I'm even thinking that if it weren't for the fact that He already knows what's going to happen, He'd be anxious and wondering if He's going to get to spend eternity with me and you.
He loves us so much that He died for us. He doesn't want us feeling anything negative including anxiety. And, He wants our focus to be on Him always and in every situation.
Focus on Him
Philippians 4:6-7 says
"Be anxious for nothing,
but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let
your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
During those high anxiety times we need to focus on God, pray to Him, asking for His peace and understanding. He will guard your heart and mind trough Jesus. All things happen in His timing, not ours. So, focus on that wonderful day when Jesus will be coming back to takes us home... to the place where there will never again be a high-anxiety moment.
Let's Pray
Dear God ~~ You are so loving and merciful that You don't leave a detail that is not dealt with. Even our moments of anxiety concerns you. I admit that sometimes I don't focus on You when I should be. I often create my own anxiety where there need not be any. Thank You for Your attention to detail. Please help me bring everything to you in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Now It's Your Turn
Thoughts? Questions? Want to share your story? Ask for prayer? Please consider sharing in the comments section; even if
the link you clicked to get here was on another site. (If
you’re on the homepage, click on the post
headline, and scroll down to find the comments section.)
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~~ John 14:16 (KJV) ~~ And I will pray the Father, and he shall give
you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever
by Carley Cooper
Free Source Photo - No Copyrights Claimed
Winter is over
and the warm weather has kicked in.
Yipee! Yea! Double Woot!
Except I don’t always feel like celebrating. Half the time I still need a blanket with me because
I’m cold. However, that’s not in the
physical sense. My heart is the part
that’s feeling kinda frosty these days; on and off. I’m feeling left out in the storm by people that
I thought cared about me. They don’t
want to hear me; and I feel confused, lost, alone, insignificant, and
empty.
During those times when our hearts are heavy and we feel far from
Jesus, it can be a very ‘cold’ feeling. Being
away from God tends to leave us feeling rather ‘chilly’. It’s the same feeling of a cold, stormy winter
day. The last thing you want to do is venture
outside into the weather, but suddenly you find yourself smack in the middle of
it, like it or not! All you long for is
a big arm chair next to a fireplace; with a blanket, and a good book.
During one of these times when I was in a lot of pain and felt
very alone a few years ago, a friend from an online support group sent me a
list of scriptures to read that she felt might help me feel better. I thought of it as a little bit like a friend
bringing me some chicken soup when I’m sick. She called them her “Blanket Scriptures”. Her
description was this... “I ‘wrap’ them
around me when I am facing issues that I see no solution to and they help me
rest in the Lord.”
My blanket scriptures help me to feel relief from fear,
depression, loneliness, feeling far from God, when I need to forgive, when I
have sinned or I’m feeling hopelessly broken and rejected. I’ve learned that my blanket scriptures really
do keep me warm. I’m single and alone;
so most of my time I have no one to talk to or to confide in. My blanket scriptures is all I have to keep
me warm; but they’re all I really need.
Blanket scriptures can be one verse, a whole chapter, or a whole
book of the bible. A few of those that
help me are:
What are your issues? What
are your blanket scriptures? I suggest
writing them on a list and taping them to the inside cover of your bible so you
have it handy whenever you need that warmth. So next time you’re feeling a ‘chill’ curl up
in a big arm chair with your bible and wrap yourself in those blanket
scriptures.
See Worship Melodies Topic Index Page for more lists of what to read when you need comfort, have
specific needs, or if you’re feeling specific emotions
~~ Dear God ~~ When I close my heart to Your warmth, and
focus on the cold blown around me by the enemy, it can feel confusing and
freezing. Please do not ever let me feel
that chill ever again. Thank You for the
comfort that I can only get by wrapping myself in Your blanket of warmth. In Jesus name, AMEN.
~~ 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV84) ~~
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly
we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are
achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our
eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary,
but what is unseen is eternal.
by Carley Cooper
Carley's Traditional Holiday Cheesecake Photo by Carley. All copyrights reserved.
So, you’ve finally purchased that dream home;
but it’s huge and now you have to keep it clean, heated in the winter, cool in
the summer, and the lawn kept looking great. It’s practically a full time
job. However, your family is so happy living there! Or, maybe you
had a rich uncle that passed away and left you millions; but it didn’t last
long because your extended family and long lost friends that you didn’t know
you had asked for so many handouts. Nevertheless, you feel great about
helping others. Possibly you’ve finally let yourself have that cheesecake
on the dessert menu at your favorite restaurant; but now you have to work out
twice as long tomorrow to make up for it. On the other hand, it tasted
super yummy! Some things in life bring just as much heartache as they do
pleasures. Ever wonder if it’s worth it? Is the higher pay, benefit
package, and rubbing elbows with the brass in your promotion at work really
worth having to put up with a longer commute, road rage, and spending half the
time with your family as you used to?
Now and then it crosses my mind to
wonder about some things in my life. Such as my blog writing, getting
close to others, or writing a book about my life to share with the world.
Is it all truly worth it? I know that God led me to do this ministry that
I’ve called Worship Melodies (that story in a future post). It is a privilege and a
joy to show God’s glory, grace and mercy by sharing my stories. I get
told all the time that I am blessing people. You just have to go back
through my posts and read the comments by followers to know that’s true.
I am honestly humbled so often because of what my readers say to me. But,
much of the time, for me to write that well; to share a story that has such a
great lesson that it touches people so deeply, it usually means I have to go
through a dark period. I end up feeling depressed, alone, lonely,
rejected. That’s where my message come from. It’s what Worship Melodiesis all about; sharing the lessons I’ve learned along the way in
order to show God’s wonderful love. Then, there’s the fact that I’ve
always had a very hard time making and keeping friends, and holding on to
relationships. If you read my post called The Path of Least Resistance, you’ll know that difficulty keeping
relationships together is fairly standard for those of us with Bipolar Disorder.
I long to have close connections, to have a commitment from someone, to
feel like a friend loves me unconditionally and won’t snub or judge me no
matter what. We are made for relationship, but the truth is that people
do judge, reject, and put conditions or their own agenda on a
friendship. When that happens, it sends me into a tail spin that I often
can’t get out of alone without help from my doctors and medications.
Also, I’m in the midst of writing a book about my life; one that, again, I know
God led me to write. But, is sharing my life; the details of the bad
stuff along with the good things, with the world really a smart idea?
Such openness will leave me more vulnerable than I’ve ever been. Am I
strong enough to handle it?
Well, you don’t have to doubt any more
people. That’s because God assures us in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18that we are not to lose heart. Though on the
outside things look dark, the truth is that on the inside we are being
renewed. He says that all our troubles are actually just momentary
problems that will be all worth it when we gain eternal blessings as a result
of them. We are not to focus on the temporary things that we can
see. Instead we are to focus on the eternal things that we cannot
see. As a matter of fact, God tells us in James 1:2-4 (NKJV)that we are to “count it all joy when you fall into
various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking nothing.” He also tells us in 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NKJV) “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning
the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to
you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that
when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”
No matter how miserable we feel in our current situation, it is nothing
compared to the “glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18 (NIV84)). Jesus promises us in Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV84) that if we come to Him when we are carrying our burdens
that He will give us rest. I don’t need to wonder if I’m strong enough to
handle future events. Jesus is with me. God led me to this place,
and He will lead me through it as well.
Even when you’re sick and you have to wonder
if the ‘cure’ is worse than the disease; just know that the struggle will be so
worth it. Though we may not see it now, in a mixed blessing as long as
you focus on Jesus the disadvantages will never outweigh the blessings.
~~ Dear God ~~ Though sometimes it is difficult to see, I know
that the blessings far outweigh the negative things. I am being moulded
to be like Christ, to produce fruits of the spirit, and to glorify You. I
am also learning not to sin, to help others, and I am getting stronger in my
endurance and faith with each day that passes. I am being prepared to
walk into Your Kingdom. Thank You for this journey, Lord, that You are
leading me on and through. In Jesus name, AMEN.
~~ Mark 9:23 (ESV) ~~ And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.”
by Carley Cooper
There’s a song by country music singer, Joe Nichols, called The Impossible. It’s been going through my mind today. The lyrics remind me of how I’m feeling about some circumstances in my life right now.
Sometimes the things you think would never happen,
Happen just like that.
Unbendable steel bends.
If the fury of the wind is unstoppable,
I've learned to never underestimate,
The impossible
An' then there was my junior year,
Billy had a brand new car.
It was late, the road was wet,
I guess the curve was just too sharp.
I walked away without a scratch.
They brought the helicopter in.
Billy couldn't feel his legs.
They said he'd never walk again.
But Billy said he would an' his mom and daddy prayed,
An' the day we graduated, he stood up to say:
Unsinkable ships sink.
Unbreakable walls break.
Sometimes the things you think would never happen,
Happen just like that.
Unbendable steel bends.
If the fury of the wind is unstoppable,
I've learned to never underestimate,
The impossible
So don't tell me that it's over.
Don't give up on you and me.
'Cause there's no such thing as hopeless,
If you believe:
Unsinkable ships sink.
Unbreakable walls break.
Sometimes the things you think would never happen,
Happen just like that.
Unbendable steel bends.
If the fury of the wind is unstoppable,
I've learned to never underestimate,
The impossible
I’m tempted to ask you if you have ever felt like you’ve been in an impossible situation. However, I know I don’t have to ask you that. I know you have; because we all have at some point in our lives. Life seems to have a way of backing us into a corner leaving us to feel like there is no way out. There’s no solution possible to the problem.
Right now I’m feeling very hurt, angry and even betrayed by someone I love dearly. I don’t claim to be innocent in the situation. Just the opposite; I blame myself for everything. It’s left me completely disoriented, confused and grieving in the worst way. I see that a friendship that I knew for sure was completely solid and immovable, no longer is. It’s left me wondering if it ever was solid; was it ever real in the first place? Was I misleading myself this whole time? What else or who else in my life am I deceiving myself about? I opened myself up to this person and left myself in a completely vulnerable state trusting this person totally, and it backfired on me. I was rejected because of my brokenness. Then, to cloud the issue even more for me I found out that confidences were broken; and my most broken parts have been shared with someone who was not invited into the situation. Nothing looks clear to me anymore. I am not sure who or what I can trust. I knew with absolute certainty that this friendship was real and solid. I counted and depended on it. I was wrong. At the moment, I no longer trust my own judgment on anything. It’s left me feeling like I can’t trust that the sky is indeed blue or that the grass is in fact green; let alone who is telling me the truth. Of course all this, in itself, causes even more emotional turmoil through a truck load of guilt, because I keep thinking that others have problems so much worse than mine. I should just let it go and forget my feelings.
There was another situation once where I knew something was impossible. I knew with absolute certainty that God would never keep me separated from my dog, Casey. I knew that I would be able to bring Casey home to live with me where he belongs once my living situation was settled. I made very important life decisions based on the fact that Casey is definitely coming home. If I thought for one instant that he wasn’t I certainly would not have chosen the options I did. I was trusting God; keeping my faith in Him without any weakness in it. I wasn’t budging an inch in my faith! Except it didn’t happen. Even though I had medical support that I need him and my lawyer said that the law is on my side, Casey can’t come home now even if the circumstances changed; because it’s in his best interest to stay where he is. He’s blind now and his last sighted place is at my friends house; which was meant to be a temporary solution until I could put myself in a position to bring him home. Not only that but her dog, Snowy, has succumbed to her instincts to become Casey’s new eyes. Little Snowy guides Casey around the back yard, the house, and keeps him from wandering onto the road. Whether I like it or not now, Casey needs them more than me. Casey’s needs have to come before mine. He is staying where he is. I love him enough for that.
Another time when I underestimated the impossible was many years ago when I dated a guy, that I’ll call, Brian (not his real name). We dated for about six months. I was so head-over-heels in love with this guy. He felt the same about me. He treated me like a queen. One day we were downtown and stopped at a hotdog vendor where he bought a jumbo hotdog for us to share together. I mean, literally, together. He was eating from one end while I was eating from the other end. We giggled our way through it the way we giggled our way through everything we did together. When we got to the center we ended with a kiss.
A couple of girls walked by as we were eating and saw us. One said to the other “See, that’s what being in love is all about. That’s what I want.”
It made me feel good. Brian and I looked at each other smiling, but didn’t say anything. We didn’t have to. We knew what she meant, because we felt it. It wasn’t long after, that he ended the relationship. I was so in love with this man. It was so real to me; more than anyone else that I had been with. This was the same guy that took me on a grocery shopping date. Yes, you read that correctly. Grocery shopping date, and I could not have had more fun at anything if I tried. I had a blast! How could something that real, be fake? Yet it ended, so therefore I know it wasn’t real and never was.
Thinking about the impossible being possible; at this time in the year, I can’t help but think about the impossible feat that Jesus accomplished for us at Easter. He willingly put Himself through punishment, humiliation, suffering, sacrifice, betrayal, and much more that we are not even capable of imagining. He died, fought death and came back to life again after three days. He went through all this because He loves each one of us that much. If I could go back in time, knowing what I know now I would not make the same decisions that I have made so far. I would choose very differently. I would not open up so much to someone that I thought was a friend. I would not let my living situation be such that Casey couldn’t come home; even if I knew about his future blindness. I would alter my course to avoid going through these pains. But Jesus is eternal. He’s outside of time. He knew what was going to happen. He already knew that we would sin against Him and we would need to be saved; yet He did went through all that pain and suffering for us anyway. He loves us that much.
All these events in my life leave me with the same questions; How could my judgement have been so off? If my judgment is that off on something that important, then how can I know that anything around me or anyone I interact with is real or trustworthy? Where does it end? Where do the boundaries start and stop with trust? I honestly don’t know. My vision has been clouded with much pain; and is made even more so through the filter of Bipolar Disorder and the medication cocktail that goes along with that. The only thing I know for sure that I can trust is Jesus. I will sit and wait for His direction; even then, I may have to ask Him to confirm and reconfirm His instructions to me. I will have to pay extra close attention to every detail for a while to make sure I know when He’s directing me; to make sure that it’s not the enemy taking advantage of my vulnerability to lead me astray. It is overwhelmingly difficult to concentrate and focus, but when nothing else looks clear; when I don’t know what is real and what isn’t around me, I know that I have to focus on Jesus. I know that He is real and as long as I focus on Him nothing is impossible.
Joe Nichols – The Impossible
~~ Dear God ~~ Thank You for the impossible feat that You accomplished through the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus on the cross for us. Thank You for never giving up on me, even in spite of my brokenness. Please help me to clearly see Your direction in my life; to clearly see the enemies attempts at misdirection, and open my heart to true forgiveness of those who have hurt me. Especially, help me to forgive myself as well, Lord, so that my heart is completely free to focus on You. ~In Jesus name, AMEN.
JOE NICHOLS lyrics are property and copyright of their owners. "The Impossible" lyrics provided for educational purposes and personal use only.
~~ 1 Chronicles 16:8-12(NIV1984)~~ Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,
Have you ever stopped long enough to look around and pay attention to how often you see it happening? People are doing it in books, in the movies, at parties, at the office, on blogs, in the newspaper, magazines, on Facebook, Twitter, on the bus. Some might even venture to say that you even see it on “reality TV”. Of course, that last one depends on one’s definition of “reality”, but that’s another topic for another blog. What am I talking about? I’m talking about people telling their own stories. They are true stories; talking about what happened at some point in the past in their lives.
Have you ever wondered why? That is, why do people want so much to talk about their own lives; to relive and share the past? It’s gone, over, done! The credits have rolled and you can’t go back and change any scenes. So, why talk about it so much? Wouldn’t just accepting it and moving on from here make more sense? Well, there are a list of reasons, and I’m sure this list is just a fraction of the complete list of reasons. First, some people just feel the need to express themselves; whether it be pain, happiness, or just the need to clobber someone. Others just like to talk about their favorite subject; ME! Eh, well, not me, Carley; you know; themselves. Others hope to gain something from sharing their story; fame, fortune, sex, material items, and the list goes on.
From a Christian perspective does the picture change? Does it become a different story? Is it a good thing for Christians to be telling our stories? After all; boasting, gossip and the like are sins. James 4:16 (NIV1984) tells us "As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil". We certainly don’t want to intentionally do that. We also know that once we truly surrender all to God and allow Him to shape us, mold our hearts to be like that of Jesus, and to help the fruit of the Holy Spirit become who we are; then some awesome things will start happening in our lives. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV1984) "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Once your heart truly belongs to Jesus you will start to see some supernatural things happening in your life; and at a rate that you could never hope to write them all down or share every incident. There will be just way too many. Sometimes Christians are afraid to share their stories because of fear of judgement from others. Other times, Christians are afraid to lay everything down at the foot of the cross. Thoughts of fear fill their minds about not having any input or control over their own lives if God is in the driver’s seat. I mean “what if He wants me to do stuff that I don’t want to do?”. Well Worshiper’s; guess what? That’s a given. Even though you may not be able to see it now, He will insist on you stepping out of your comfort zone. But, in the end you will be blessed and thankful for it.
This kind of supernatural activity can only happen because of the sacrifice that Jesus made when He willingly died for us on the cross. Once you let Him in to your heart and life, you are allowing Him to do His best miracles that He has in store for you. Until then, you won’t see the miracles, blessings, or supernatural events. The Word won’t be as clear in your mind. 2 Corinthians 3:16 (AMP) tells us “But whenever a person turns [in repentance] to the Lord, the veil is stripped off and taken away”.
This event of Jesus dying for us is the single most amazing and wondrous thing that has ever happened in history; or ever will happen. Nothing else even comes close. For that matter, everything else combined still doesn’t come close. The story of Jesus deserves to be told to every single person on earth. God wants us to tell our stories because it is evidence of His amazing love for us, and what He has done for us. He wants our stories to be told and remembered. Psalm 111:4 (ESV) says “He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and merciful.”. It is our responsibility to tell our stories to others.
So, is it scary sometimes? Absolutely! As a matter of fact we are even warned about who we share with. Matthew 7:6 (NIV1984) “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces". I think “dogs” is a adjective to describe not only non-Christian’s, but also Christian’s who do not have a true relationship with Christ. Those that don’t stop to pay attention, or have some fear of preventing them from allowing or believing in God’s miracles in our daily lives. The best course of action, when in doubt, is to use your common sense and to listen very closely for God’s voice in your heart leading you. We are meant to plant a seed. If there can be any growing inside, it’s up to Jesus to do the watering. We are not meant to stick around and put ourselves in a situation that could cause temptation, risk our salvation or our safety.
I have started writing a book about my life. To be completely honest, it is very unnerving for me to be that open to the world; so that all is exposed. Will I get judgement from others? Absolutely. I fully expect it. It is also possible that there will be people that I love that will walk out of my life. However, I know that He will be with me every step of the way. Psalm23:4 (NIV84) says “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” My story shows how much God loves me. He loves me enough to go through a lot of trouble to shape me and teach me. He loves me enough to send His Son to die for me! My story is just one small example that displays how awesome God can be for each one of us. So I will tell it, and I won’t be ashamed. Psalm119:46 (NIV1984) says “I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame”.
Next time you hear someone telling their story, stop and listen... really listen for the true message. There are as many different ways for you to tell your story as there are people that have stories to tell. You could write book, a blog or a poem; make a video or go on TV, chat on social networking, make a photo journal, stand on the roof of the tallest building in town and shout, or simply alone with a friend who really needs to hear the lesson you have to teach. How are you going to tell your story? You really do have a story worth telling, and there are people waiting to hear it.
~~ Dear God ~~ Thank you the journey you have taken me on, and for giving me a story that shows Your awesome love and mercy. Please help me tell my story in a way that will touch people’s hearts. Open their eyes, ears and heart so that they will see Your peace within me, say “I want what she has”. Please protect me from the “dogs”, and surround me with people that will love me no matter what my story has to say. In Jesus name, AMEN.
~~ John 14:27 (NIV84)~~ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
by Carley Cooper
Carley - Christmas 2011 Photo by M. Cooper
The new year is here Worshipers. Have you made any resolutions? Are you sticking to them? Have you cheated on that diet, skipped a workout, or watched just one more episode of that TV show for old times’ sake? I’ve been sticking to mine so far, but I’m pretty stubborn most of the time. When I really set my mind to something I tend to hold on to it like a dog with a bone. The fact that I made any resolutions is probably a step forward. The only resolution I ever made before was that I would never make any resolutions! I try to think of it more as ‘Goals’ instead of ‘Resolutions’. It seems a little more solid somehow.
Don’t you just hate it when you try so hard to hold on to something, only to get so weak because of the fight that you have no choice but to let go; only to come to the realization “Wow, I really wish I didn’t hold on so long!” Sometimes it’s even hard to remember why you were holding on so long in the first place. It feels a little like someone told you that you’re wrong, or having to admit you were wrong. Just based on that alone, I feel like I should hold on longer. Now that Christmas is over that’s how I’ve been thinking... wishing that I hadn’t held on for so long. If you read my last blog “Sliding on the Ice”, you’ll know that holidays are always very difficult for me; with Christmas being the worst. It’s been almost two decades since I had a truly happy Christmas. That is, until this year. I was telling my doctor about this the other day. He said “so what was different about this Christmas”. Honestly, I had to say, “nothing”. It was the same Christmas that my family has had every year since... well, always.
Tigger Christmas-Tree (The topper was accidentally cut off
in the shot... it was an angel Tigger)
Photo by Carley
We carted all our Christmas gifts and stockings to my brothers house. After we piled them all around their Tigger Christmas-Tree, we practically filled up his living room. Yea... the tree. Well, my nephew, who’s 26 now (the baby of the family) has collected Tigger’s his whole life, so they decided to do a whole tree dedicated to Tigger and put all his little stuffed Tigger’s on the tree as the ornaments. Well, except for a 6 foot inflatable one wearing a Santa hat, which had to sit outside the front door. It’s a very happy tree actually. I mean, have you ever seen a sad Tigger? Anyway, I’m getting side tracked. We have Christmas at my brother’s house because he has the biggest place. His home can actually fit us all, along with all the stuff. Well, I went to church on Christmas morning and had a wonderful time with my Church Family. Then, I went to spend the rest of the day with my ‘other’ family at my brothers house. By the time we got around to starting our gift-opening it was noon. It’s a good thing we don’t have any little kids anymore... ‘cause it took us four hours to get them all open! My first thought after it was done was “Wow, we really are in a society with way too much stuff”. Anyway, we finally got around to eating my Mom’s Christmas Quiche for breakfast in the middle of the afternoon. It was really yummy! Then we finished off the feast with an awesome turkey dinner, a glass of wine, and way too many treats. Also, really yummy! I gained 10 lbs through December because of Christmas baking and Christmas eating (refer back to the resolutions section!) The family spent the day laughing together, loving the family-time, listening to Christmas music, and watching a fake fireplace burning on my brothers big screen TV (which sits on top of the real fireplace). Oh, yea, I almost forgot. We also spent some time watching the 3 doggies learn to use their new little staircase that my dad built so they could get up on the bed by themselves! Some Chihuahua’s are fast learners; others, not so much. Anyway, I was on top of the world all day, and I couldn’t stop thinking about the fact that we were celebrating Jesus’ birthday. I had a truly happy Christmas.
So why was this year so different, when the past 18 years were so overwhelmingly painful? Well, in a “nut shell”, the difference was that this year I let God join me for Christmas. The very slightly longer version is this... I prayed for God’s peace to be with me for Christmas; then, there was a very timely sermon about God’s peace by Pastor Jenn, and I topped it off with a talk with Pastor Henry about it. All this helped me learn to be open to the idea of having a good Christmas. I allowed my heart to be open to let the Holy Spirit do His work within me. Boy, that was a long time to learn that lesson!
But wait, my lesson wasn’t over yet! In the lobby of my apartment building there is an awesome Nativity set as part of the seasonal decorations. I have one of my own that I sit on top of my fireplace and it’s very charming, but I love looking at the one in the lobby because it really is an incredible scene. It makes me feel good when I look at it and think about the awesome gift that God gave us in Jesus. Sometime during Christmas week, following Christmas Day, some Grinch stole the baby Jesus figurine from our lobby Nativity set. Since then, I’ve thought about that fact many times. I think, it’s obvious that someone wanted to show some sort of symbolization that Jesus doesn’t belong to Christmas. The only thing that I can get out of my brain about the idea of this Grinch attempting to steal Christmas is “sad”. That is, it’s just so very sad that someone could steal the baby Jesus. Over and over this kept running through my mind.
Then, it hit me. That’s exactly what I did to my own Christmas’ for such a long time. I wouldn’t let go of the misery that I needed in order to keep the focus on myself instead of Jesus. I stole my own happiness, and refused to let God give me His peace. So who’s the bigger Grinch? Now, I just have to think “Wow, I really wish I didn’t hold on so long!”
~~ Dear God ~~ Thank You for the awesome Christmas celebration of Jesus’ birthday. Thank You, also; for the gifts, family time, fun, food and laughter. Mostly Thank You for the most incredible gift of all when You gave us Your Son so that we may be saved from ourselves. Please don’t ever let me hold on to any more pain that will steal Your peace from my heart on any holiday; or any day of the year. Father, please let the person who stole the baby Jesus figuring also be open to seeing and receiving Your peace. Please make them an awesome servant for Jesus. Oh, and Lord; Thank You also for Tiggers and Chihuahuas. In Jesus name, AMEN.
