Goals

      It's that time when we talk about developing resolutions for the new year.  I prefer goals over resolutions because my resolutions usually just go by the wayside.  Most would argue that a goal and a resolution are the same but, by definition, they are different.  I firmly believe in setting goals.  A goal gives me hope and something to work toward, and it may take me a number of years or even a lifetime.  Because I classify myself as a dreamer,  I am far less likely to give up on a goal.  In setting goals, I need to rely on what is important: 

     Proverbs 3:21 tell us about two goals.  "Have two goals: wisdom - that is, knowing and doing right - and common sense.  Don't let them slip away."  Then in 1 Corinthians 9:25 we find, "So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step.  I fight to win.  I'm not just shadow boxing or playing around." Then in 2 Corinthians 10:13, "...Our goal is to measure up to God's plan for us..."  

     With all this in mind, I haven't decided to add to the goals I have already set or just be more determined than ever to work harder on my existing ones.  Whatever the case, "Happy New Year" to all this coming 2022.  

     

      

Christmas -Who and Why

    The Christmas Season is one for making memories with family, but most importantly, it is a time for remembering Who made Christmas.  2 Corinthians 8:9 tells us that there was One who became poor to make us rich.  "You know how full of love and kindness our Lord Jesus was: though He was so very rich, yet to help you He became so very poor, so that by being poor He could make you rich."  Matthew 1 tells us why and renames who He was,  "And she shall bring forth a Son and thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins."  
    So, as we give our loved one gifts this season, let us remember the greatest gift of all.  Let us worship the One great Giver by the example of the wise men: "And when they were come unto the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts: gold, and frankincense, and myrrh."

    

Baby or Giant Steps

     Sometimes, when I start the day I really don't want to adult.  It takes baby steps to build into giant steps. It takes a few more cups of coffee and a lot longer to get out of my pajamas.    When I compare this to beginning the day with the Lord, I also often just want to take baby steps.  But that does not work for me.  When I start the day with the Lord, I take a leap of faith- I trust, I give Him my burdens, I acknowledge my weaknesses and my unforgiving heart.  That is a simple step but also a giant step.  When I talk to God, love flows, peace and joy comes.  That is GIANT, leading into a good day with the Lord.   

  

The Christmas Star

How do people describe the Star that shown brightly announcing the Savior's birth?  In Scripture, it brought wise men was afar.  They did not come to see a simple star; they came to see the Light-the King-the Son of the Master of the Universe-the Son who chose to leave His Heavenly throne to come and live among a wicked people so He could die for them in order to save their souls and provide eternal life.  My description is weak, at best.  

 The Christmas Star-The Light

The Christmas star, 

Shining through the night,

Brought people from afar. 

It shone to proclaim new birth upon the earth- 

A star, shining bright, announcing the Light. 

 

The Light of the World,

A soft glow, igniting the heart;

Brightly illuminating, never intimidating.

A blazing fire- 

A Light that will never expire. 

A flame of love which all desire.  

 

The Light of the World, 

Drawing, pulling, calling, healing; 

Shining around every corner, down every mile-

A delightful joy painting an outward smile. 

 

The Light-

He reigns causing the earth to rejoice;

Out of the brightness rings His voice.

Before Him the mountains tremble;

Darkness crumbles.

New sight is given- 

Eyes to gaze in measured ways.    

A new hope, restoration, life, preservation; 

The Light- leading toward Heaven’s destination. 

 

The Light of the World 

For all to see;

Perfect, righteous, glorious;

Always victorious!

 

Mary Crisp Jameson  12/2021 

 

“Fire goes forth before Him and burns up all His foes.  His lightning flashes out across the world.  The earth sees and trembles.  The heavens declare His perfect righteousness; every nation sees His glory.”  Psalm 97:3-4,6 NIV

 

 

Christmas in the Flesh

      Christmas is just around the corner.  Storefronts host signs of "I Believe".   Hopefully we will stop our busy pace and really think about what Jesus did for us and appreciate the life He gave and truly "Believe".   In our warm cozy homes with heat, air conditioning, soft beds and ease of transportation we have much to be thankful for, but Jesus "had no place to lay His head."  

Luke 8:58 "And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head."

     When Jesus left His own Father in Heaven with its streets of gold and became flesh He was laid in a manger for "there was no room for Him in the Inn."  I imagine that manger was, more than likely, a carved out stone, not even a wooden trough.  It was rough, cold, and hard.  There was no heat in the stable.  Life as a carpenter's son was probably not easy.  I imagine the carpenter did more carving of stone with a chisel than with hammer and nail.  I have been to Israel and seen the mountains and stones.  We would have much complaining to do should we have to travel those terrains on foot, and in roughly made sandals, at best.  However,  nowhere in Scripture have I read that Jesus complained over giving up His heavenly comforts.  Jesus became flesh for us.  He desired it.  He came to be sacrificed so we could live and so we could "Believe!"

Who

There are a lot of “who’s” in life.  One famous skit was Who’s On First with Abbott and Costello:

 

Abbott: Who’s on first, What’s on second, I Don’t Know is on third.

Costello: You know the fellows’ names?

Abbott:  Yes

Costello: Well, then who’s playing first?

Abbott: Who

Costello: I mean the fellow’s name on first base.

Abbott: Who

Costello: The fellow playing first base?

Abbott: Who

Costello: The guy on first base.

Abbott: Who is on first.

Costello: Well, what are you are asking me for?

Abbott: I’m not asking you – I’m telling you. Who is on first.

Costello: I’’m asking you – who’s on first?

Abbott: That’s the man’s name.

 

Actually, “Who” can get pretty confusing depending on Who you are talking about or in trying to figure out "who" someone really is.   

 

Who? 

 

Who am I?

An enemy of one or apple of another’s eye! 

Often sweet with a dash of conceit;

Sour as lemon juice for which some have no use!

Sensible, considerate, then cruel and acting a fool;

Obedient but with a rebellious ingredient. 

Happy then sad, living both good and bad!

Who?

Forgiving, but bitter-cold as winter! 

In the living, broken with wicked thoughts unspoken!

Sometimes caring, then in a moment gossip airing!  

Sin within this flesh renews each day afresh.

Absorbed in misery of self and ego, 

Who? 

Is what most wish to know.

Who could love one such as I?

Who will stop and not pass on by?

Who? 

One with a heart set on me;

One observing what no one else can see;

One full of mercy and grace

ready to love my ever-changing face;

One holding nothing back- 

On track, 

Ready to die.

That’s who will love one such as I.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 12/5/2021

 

“But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved).”  Ephesians 2:4-5