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Friday, December 22, 2006

Something to think about....

A Letter From Jesus Christ, concerning His birthday celebration.

Dear children,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own.I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth just, GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Now, having said that let Me go on.

If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can & may remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if youwish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching explaining who I am inrelation to you &what each of our tasks were. If you have forgot that one,look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is mywish list. Choose something from it.

  1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday isbeing celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away fromhome. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
  2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know thempersonally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
  3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cardshis staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.
  4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't affordand they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth,and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms andremind them that I love them.
  5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
  6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their ownlife this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don'tknow who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile itcould make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the localHot-Line: they talk with people like that every day.
  7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls theholiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warmsmile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "MerryChristmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stopshopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.
  8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary, especially one who takes My love &Good News to those who have never heard My name. You may already know someone like that.
  9. Here's a good one. There are individuals & whole families in your townwho not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have anypresents to give or receive. If you don't know them (and I suspect you don't) buy some food &a few gifts & give them to the Marines, the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me &they will make the delivery for you.
  10. Finally if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

P.S. Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me &do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above &get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember,

I LOVE YOU

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

I'm baaaaaaaack!

Taking vacations really tends to screw you over once you return to real life. I got back from Florida very early Sunday morning and have been trying my best to recover from all that had occurred both on vacation and before.

Prior to vacation, my good friend, David, returned home from the Air Force. Admittedly I was nervous about seeing him again yet I remained excited. It was good to find out that even though he's cleaned himself up a bit, he's still the same old David we all know and love. True, he got on my nerves a bit and he even managed to create a bit of drama too (sans Jamie that is!) But it was nice to finally realize that we are okay actually great as friends and just friends. But I was a bit disappointed that he and I didn't get to spend much time together so I (relucantly) turned down another ride offer and asked David to take me into the airport. And you know? It was probably one of the best conversations we've ever had-- and we've had MANY conversations over the years! Anywho, while I was in Florida he caught several different flights out to Japan where he will be stationed for the next few years. We've already heard from him several times. He's getting settled and looking forward to receiving some of my infamous Double Chocolate Banana Cake.

Vacation itself started out fantastically. I spent a few days with my beloved Julianna. Even though she was trying to recover from her Thanksgiving vacation, she put up with me just fine. After that, I traveled back to Orlando (after going to Tampa first-- stupid highways!) to pick up my sister at her apartment then my parents at the airport. Thus beginnith our Diney vacation! We spent 9 days together as a family (and Jules even spent some time with us too!) and while it was constantly eventful and fun, we've officially decided that my sister and I aren't allowed to be together for more than 4 days. We're currently trying to develop a sort of shift schedule for all future family vacations. Long story short: Erin and I are complete and total opposites in every way-- physically, emotionally, etc. We are able to be civil and even loving for a maximum of 4 days after which all civility stops and bitchyness consumes. Other than that, vacation was wonderful. I really honestly truly LOVE spending time with my parents even if it is only 9 days a year.

So now I find myself back home (yes, Alaska is my home) trying my best to get back into the swing of things. During staff meeting yesterday I nearly had a heartattack when I realized Christmas is literally two weeks away. CRAZINESS!! So while I'd like to take my time recovering and easing back into it, I need to get on the ball. It's back to the schedules and the stresses and the disappointments of this ministry.

In case I don't get back soon enough-- I hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas!