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Resolution One: I will live for God. Resolution Two: If no one else does, I still will.
From Romans 6:10-11: “The death He died, He died to sin, once for all; bu the life He lives, He lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.”
Here is a humorous poem filled with amazing, and quite forgettable Christmas gift ideas. I am not sure if I see one for me, but perhaps you will find something unique for yourself. The poem was published in December, 2018, and it has been updated.
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Imagining a zany list of gift ideas for another year
Let’s make Christmas cool again, as it comes near
Sitting here tonight in Ohio’s Buckeye land
Not too certain about Santa’s helping hand
Hoping that special gifts will await under the tree
Thinking that “some” might be pleasing for thee
A self-stirring coffee mug looks quite neat
Stirring my cup o’ Joe will be an easy feat
Christmas tea bags offer a fresh twist
Leaving my cup filled with a tasty mist
Is that Darth Vader defending the door?
Inflating him brings fear and much more
I’m not really into checking Twitter most of the time
Looking at a set of framed tweets, could be just fine
My stocking might be filled with a hockey stick snow brush
Cheering for my beloved Blue Jackets on the ice is a must
Someone spies a cassette tape collection of familiar songs
Wondering where to find a cassette player that is long gone
Golf ball finder glasses will most likely do the trick
Searching for each wayward shot in rough so thick
My daughter tempts me with chocolate Brussel sprouts
Wishing for “just” the sweet chocolate, leaves no doubt
A senior moment’s memory workout DVD should be slick
Keeping my brain’s recall functioning, makes a great gift
Coffee drinking in the morning, wine sipping late at night
Using a “Flip Over” glass, makes switching work just right
Last of all, needing to conceal every doughnut so sweet
Receiving a doughnut mug may hide it—isn’t this neat!
Warming myself in front of a blazing fire this cold night
Hoping that another lump of coal, will never be in sight
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We are faced with a series of great opportunities, brilliantly disguised as unsolvable problems. Unsolvable without God’s wisdom, that is.
From Psalm 34:19: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord rescues them from them all.”
From Mark 10:13-16: “People were bringing little children to Him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly, I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’ And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.”
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Through Holy Spirit’s presence
A virgin gives birth to a child
The Messiah, Jesus our Lord
His life, anything but mild
Images of baby Jesus abound
Lying in a manger, a feed trough
All babies, even Jesus, need love
From God’s Word, many thoughts
God holds Israel dear as a His child
With Holy divinity, Jesus is the One
Mary and Joseph, parents to Jesus
From Egypt, He will beckon His Son
All of us, born children of God
Led by His Spirit, from above
Receiving Him . . . Believing in Him
We cry out . . . Abba! With love
Standing as heirs, with Jesus Christ
Suffering with Him, glorifying Him
Guided by His faith, hope, and love
Jesus at the Cross, paying for sins
Through God’s Word and instructions
Parents, loving and caring for a child
Conveying blessed discipline and love
Raising to adulthood, no longer a child
Bringing God’s Holy blessings to a child
Jesus holding a child, close to His heart
Loving a child as much as one loves God
From birth, giving a child a great start
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From South African missionary from Scotland, Andrew Murray: “Let us look upon our children; let us love them and train them as children of the covenant and children of the promise. These are the children of God.”
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You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.
If you want to conquer fear, don’t sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.
From Lamentations 3:22-23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
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Waking on an early morn
Winter’s darkness invites
Kitchen wood stove warms
Hot coffee always delights
Opening the family Bible
Reading God’s Holy Word
Feeling ever close to Him
God’s peace, gladly heard
Morning light, brings a smile
Caressing sunshine’s charm
Anxiously awaiting the day
Jesus protects all from harm
Sun disappears behind clouds
Transmitting a wintry scene
No need to go anywhere today
Playing for retirement’s team
Days are short, nights long
Thoughts of spring, far away
Feeling at peace, but alone
Who visits on this snowy day?
Peeking out the window again
In the distance, twin headlights
Daughter’s family, safely arrives
Making this day, absolute delight
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Gratitude is an offering precious in the sight of God, and it is one that the poorest of us can make and be not poorer but richer for having made it.
From Psalm 50:23: “Those who bring thanksgiving as their sacrifice honor Me; to those who go the right way I will show the Salvation of God.”
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There was once a leader in a far-off land in the “Make Believe” world of a toy box. This leader was made of wood, and featured the well-crafted workmanship of his Creator.
Despite appearances, there were flaws in the leader’s character. He was dishonest and bullied everyone around him. His actions as leader led to friction and decisiveness in the toy box. The leader continued to govern with a misguided mind and agenda. His heart seemed hardened to the point that other toys really wondered if he even possessed a heart.
One day, the boy who played with the toy box every day asked the leader, “Why is your character so bad?”
The leader ignored the question, and the boy played with his other toys. Perhaps being made out of wood had made him inflexible with a hardness of attitude. Everything the other toys did or said seemed to go against his grain.
Meanwhile, more and more heat came from some of the fiery citizens in the toy box. Their patience was wearing thinner with each passing day. A few toys even threatened the leader with more than just words. The leader was paranoid about being literally “put on fire” from some of the other toys’ actions. After all, he was made out of solid wood.
After observing the crippling turmoil in his toy box, the boy told the other toys, “I will ask the Creator to help us with this mess.”
The boy prayed a special prayer to the Creator:
Dear Creator, the toys and I ask for your help. Our leader needs to change his bad ways so that all of the toys will enjoy a better life here in this toy box. We look to you for aid and support. Amen.
The Creator heard the boy’s prayer-filled words. Overnight, he came into the toy box and removed the leader, who was sleeping soundly. He remolded the leader into a better person with a benevolent and caring heart, which had been missing all along.
The leader was returned to the toy box with a heart no longer as hard as wood. He was transformed into a Gospel-led leader.
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There is one thing sadder to lose than life, it is the reason to live, sadder than using your possessions, it is to lose your hope.
We must not seek happiness in peace, but in conflict.
From John 15:11: “I have said these things to you so that my joy may in you, and that your joy may be complete.”
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Blessed sun rises, starting a new day
A precious day, under Lord’s watchful eyes
Celebrate this day, riding in love’s sleigh
Nothing ever holding back, watching doves fly
Singing of praises, blessing this fresh start
Jesus walking with us, our daily bread
Sharing this day, between loving sweethearts
Together, God’s Word keeps us full and fed
Our love sparks an endless celebration
God’s love filling hearts, fulfilling our fate
Singing songs, with love and adoration
Celebrate this day, love’s delightful taste
Jesus shares His joy, smiling from above
Making our joy complete, filling with love
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Big Sky Buckeye 