Oh, Christmas is near!

The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others’ burdens, easing other’s loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas.—W. C. Jones

A mother’s love for her baby boy

A sacrifice to bring others joy

A father’s care for one not his own

A message sent from a royal throne

A seeming wrong that was turned to right

An angel’s song in the dark of night

A prophet’s vision at last fulfilled

A miracle because God had willed

A gift of love from a caring heart

A bringing together what was apart

A reaching out to comprehend

How another felt by a sincere friend

A seeking soul that journeyed far

To find a dream, to follow a star

A bridegroom claiming a bride as his

All these things are what Christmas is.—Ian Bach

This is the message of Christmas: We are never alone.—Taylor Caldwell

Somehow not only for Christmas

But all the long year through,

The joy that you give others

Is the joy that comes back to you.

—John Greenleaf Whittier

Whatever else be lost among the years,

Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing;

Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears,

Let us hold close one day, remembering

Its poignant meaning for the hearts of men.

Let us get back our childlike faith again.—Grace Noll Crowell

My donut principle

At the end of an Italian exam, my teacher told me the following in his native tongue: "If you feel sad, a little sad, be positive! Think positively because God has given you much talent!" I was surprised at his words and thanked him. Those words couldn’t have come at a better moment.

How did my Italian teacher, whom I only see at the end of the week, know that I had been struggling these days with darkened thoughts and needing to be more positive?

I consider myself a generally positive person and lots of people tell me that is part of who they know me to be. But lately, oh that’s a different story. You know when you find something wrong with nearly everything and everyone around you, except a few blessed souls? When people become irritating beyond what you thought they could be? And even though they’re doing something insignificant it bothers you? Well it had happened a lot in school, and I had been critical for way too long and it was affecting my interactions with people, my mood and my performance. I was annoyed. I told Jesus to help me and I could see myself slowly progressing.

Then my Italian teacher, with his simple encouraging words, reminded me of the donut principle. And that when I focus on the donut and not on the hole…

1. My perspective shifts from the problems to the solutions and possibilities.

2. I find myself doing things with gusto, remembering what they’re for.

3. I’m happier.

4. I’m able to do more in less time or if not, I simply do a much better job!

6. I don’t shy away from difficulties knowing that I have a great God who can help me learn and rise above them!

7. I face challenges head on.

5. I can give my all, and isn’t that what I want? Life is life and it passes away!

And I’m sure there are countless benefits found from looking on the donut and not on the hole!

Jesus, thank you so much for your heavenly reminders and messengers that work as angels on this Earth. Thank you for my Italian teacher, thank you for knowing me so well and never failing to give me just what I need. Thank you so much for Windy, and how her faith-filled attitide while encountering difficulties encourages my faith! Thank you so much for Sandy, who with her set-on-being-positive-no-matter-what attitude inspires me to do the same! Bless her Jesus, she is such a sample to follow! Did you know she is taking charge of a big house, two sisters, her school work as well as countless details that show up? Yes and looking at the donut and not on the hole. It was great seeing you today, ma cherie!

Best friends have a way to shift your perspective from the ground to the dancing sunlight of Jesus’ strong, everlasting love. Thank you so much Jesus!

Happy Birthday dear Mr. Dieter!

June 2o1o

Jesse,
I'm so excited that you're turning 18! It seems just a few months ago that I met you while we were funky, happy thirteen year-olds.
I just want to tell you how special you are to me. You know I don't like keeping it to myself till your birthday arrives, but I can't miss the opportunity today to remind you why!

Your friendly smile has always had a way of comforting me. It's so accepting!
I really admire how faithful you are at doing things for others around the house, it shows your big heart and your disposition. You're also very determined to do what you must do and to give life your best shot! I love that about you!
I love it how you're that rare guy who picks up a drooping soul telling that girl something like "You look beautiful this morning!" and making her day. I love your witty way of saying things. I always loved and appreciated your hugs.
I miss how you'd look at me with your eyes squinted from way up above -we all know you're tall- and I'd give you my best evil look. Great times! I MISS YOU JESS!
Your girlfriend has really got the lucks for getting such an amazing guy as yourself!
I can't tell you that I wish you the best. I wish you the BEST of the BEST! And I pray that the best, purest, most wonderful kinds of joy fill your life! I pray that you have the best opportunitues! I pray that you never lose sight of the Man who has your dreams, aspirations and purpose in His hands. I pray that every day you live gets better and that you can sometimes stop, look at a pile of books, a horse or across the table and think "Goodness Jesus, You LOVE ME SO MUCH!"
He truly does!
I love you Jess!
Thanks for being you. You deserve the best Mr. Dieter!
Happy Birthday!!

Darkness into light

I’ve found a refuge from life’s cares in Jesus,

I’m hiding in His love divine;

He fully understands my soul’s deep longing,

And He whispers softly, “Thou art Mine.”

Only Jesus! Only Jesus!

Only He can satisfy;

Every burden becomes a blessing,

When I know my Lord is nigh.

I’ve found a precious joy in knowing Jesus,

Never dreamed of in this world of woe;

No clouds, however dark, can dim the radiance

Of the heavenly light He doth bestow.

I’ve found a blessed hope divine in Jesus,

’Tis a Day Star ever shining bright;

It fills my earthly way with heavenly glory,

And it turns life’s darkness into light.

Exactly what we need

"It's amazing how the Lord always give you exactly what you need and more, and sometimes we don't realize it but, even those problems and battles we go through are his way of telling us he loves us. Because he knows the bigger person we'll become because of them.

Isn't he the best?
He knows us and what we need better than we'll ever know!"

This is a little message that Sandy sent me tonight and the reason I share it with all of you is because maybe you're like me and need to know that the so-called bad is in fact good in disguise sent by a loving God who -and I will repeat- loves us.
We're not dressing up the bad with apparel that makes it look nice, we're not being blind optimists, we're looking at things as they really are. We're looking at a God who loves us, who created the world, charted our lives and knows the course. So the problems -ranging from the annoyance younger siblings cause when they get into your things, to big fears about the future, financial struggles, a loved one who is sick, to have to do something you really don't want to do- well, any problem in the end is Heaven-sent.
Yes, I know. I said it. -Takes a deep breath- Here I go again:

Problems are Heaven-sent.
-smiles-

Sandy is an angel. You can't imagine how much I admire her, you gotta meet her sometime.

She's such a fighter! I love the bold, determined look in her eye when she's set on doing something. I've seen it there when she's about to or is doing something hard that she knows is worth it.
I really love and greatly appreciate the way she says, in more than one way, how everything's alright and will get better all the time!
Her life is a living testimony of loving when you don't feel like it and taking on what life brings knowing that there's a Divine pitcher who's directing every single circumstance that comes into her life and she just has to bat them with all she's got. I'm so proud of her as she runs to base, and of the many homeruns she hits!
That girl is a victor because she doesn't give in to Mr. defeat that says "Oh yes, I want to be part of your life."
She's a victor because she continues to look to Jesus come what may, and you know what? Jesus has never failed her. Why should He fail her now?
I'm so proud of her.

"Be joyful always"

I was lying in bed, reading a great book by Stormie Omartian titled: “Praying God’s will for your life”.
In it, I read “Be joyful always” (Thessalonians 5:16). Those words danced in front of me. As I thought about them, I smiled and started thanking and praising Jesus for how He makes me smile and causes me to sing and puts light in my eyes even in the midst of very trying circumstances! Who else can do that?!
I then looked over to my colorful quote box, I put my hand in and you won’t imagine what I found! It said:

“Do you know that I see every tear, I feel every heartache, I understand every trial? I understand it all, and I have the antidote too. So please don’t hesitate to tell Me whenever you feel a bit down, okay? I will send whatever will fill the void, and relieve that little trial or ache or unpleasant feeling –for it is My desire that you are happy each and every day. –Jesus”

Wow! I know He loves me but He makes me stand and stare in awe every time He lets me know once more!
Not only is He with us through all of life’s trials, but He gives us peace in the middle of the storm. When my heart could break into a million pieces it’s only Him who holds it together and helps me to believe that everything is in His hands and that He will work things out for our greater good. On top of that He goes out of His way to make me happy throughout the day. He always does so, it’s just that many times I fail to notice.

While thinking about this, I remembered that talking to Kevin last night my mom came over and told him: “It’s so good to see you smiling and happy!” To which Kevin responded with another of his adoring huge smiles and said: “There isn’t a reason to not be happy!”
Now mind you, Kevin was coming out of a fever right then and his nose was clogged. He can’t walk for the time being and has just been able to use his arm again after wearing a cast for 2 months. He’s away from his friends, he’s cooped up in his room, he can’t go out to work or help around the house like he usually does; and being the helpful, outdoor, people person, go-getter that he is, this would make it especially difficult and would be reason enough to wear a frown. But instead, Kevin chooses to smile, to be joyful always. He chooses to look at the fact that he’s with his parents and younger brother, he has true friends and loved ones who love him loads and are praying for him, he’s making the most of his time by pressing in on school. And he’s garnering riches and treasures from the cave of this experience that he knows he probably wouldn’t gain any other way. He walks with a happy tune playing in his heart, which then comes out of his lips and encourages many. He encourages me tremendously!

“Be joyful always” yes, Jesus tells us to be so but He never asks us to do anything alone.
It’s amazing that He gives us every reason possible to be happy and grateful. Feel your heartbeat for a few seconds. It’s rhythmic and beautiful. I’m sure you can have many other things to be joyful about. Jesus says that He loves you and has a grand purpose for your life. He says He’ll help you fulfill your dreams. And He won’t leave you alone, when everyone else walks out He stays there, as He always has, and gives you the courage to start again.
He doesn't just give us strength through the joy of the Lord, but He gives us the strength to be joyful always.

"The joy of the Lord is your strength." -Nehemiah 8:10

Clay

Jesus, I'm your clay. Take me and make something beautiful out of me, whatever you wish and in whatever way you wish to do it. I trust you on that. I love you and thank you that I always have you to hold.

"Spirit of the living God,

Fall afresh on me!
Break me, melt me,
Mold me, use me,
Spirit of the loving God,
Fall afresh on me!"
-Daniel Iverson.

What He sees

"Nothing can be hidden from My love. It searches and reaches into the very depths of your being and sees all. But that doesn't change My love for you; it makes Me love you all the more in a way that you could never understand. You see your faults; I see your love for Me. You see your failings; I see the times you persevere and make it." -Jesus

Mind-blowing

Doesn't it seem illogical that a flower can sprout from a hard insignificant seed? Maybe not, because we've seen it happen hundreds of times.
But then why do we find it illogical that the good can come out of the bad? That with Jesus we can have joy intsead of mourining and beauty for ashes. Why is it so hard for our minds to comprehend that in the same way that the honey results from the squeezing, the perfume from the crushing and the dawn follows the night, so the good and greater things come as a result of the so called bad?
That's something I want to have a complete turn around in, a change and ajustment of my mentaility. I know it won't be overnight. Going back to the example of the seed, the flower will take the time it needs to grow. But doesn't it make you smile?
All kinds of trees, fruits, flowers, the shelter and nest they offer can result from the planting of a seed.
Let's allow Jesus to plant those dark, hard, cold seeds into our lives. Let's allow Him to prepare the ground in the soil of our hearts even if it hurts us, distabalizes us, messes up our plans and shakes what we had in mind. If God plants the seed, He has a greater plan in mind than the best one we could ever come up with in our best day. Not to mention that He sees past, present and future. My, I love Him!
I'm glad I'm not ruling my life. I'm so glad He takes control. I'm happy for the twists that life naturally makes, the storms, the heavy rain, the winds, the shaking and the pouring of tears. That doesn't just happen. Someone is orchestrating it all. And mind you, I'm exceedingly happy (even if I always have to make a conscious effort to remember) that the orchestrator is Jesus, Creater of the universe and My husband. Another mind-blower, He picked me! And He picked you!

Celebrating who you are

You're my sister, you're my friend, you're one who supports me with prayer, a soldier that fights by my side. You're this not just to me, but to everybody else.
You're smiles and you're love
You fight to give your best every single day
You're an encourager
You're a follower and you're a leader,
You take play and work seriously
You're a reflection of unfathomable wonders
You're a determined individual
You're gentle, yet you're firm
You make those around you have a laughing time!
You leave every single person who meets you a little better than before.
You make Jesus feel real because so much of Him is embodied in you.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WINDY!

I wish you an unforgettable, adventurous year in which you forge ahead undaunted by the waves, discovering the treasure chests of dreams come true and being in love with He who can be your ALL. I admire you Windy! Thank you for inspiring me. Thank you for all that you are! I'm really, really thankful for you.
I'm seeing you soon!