Hello....And lets talk about Holidays

Sorry I have not written anything this week....Internet has been fickle and well I have just been plain busy.

Anyway as usual I miss writing and as I see it when I write it is as much for me as for anyone who reads it.

Because of the time of year we are at The Holidays are at the front of every ones minds no matter if you celebrate them or not.

I know some believers who do not do The Holidays at all and some who embrace them. I get all kinds of emails telling me to push the Christmas thing...you know send cards to the ACLU or write Merry Christmas on bills or whatever. Anyway that is not my thing. And if it is yours that is not for me to tell you it is right or wrong. Do what you feel convicted to do. I am not writing this to tell anyone what they should believe or not believe.

Personally I really do see Christmas as a Christian Holiday, but I also see it as a Satanic Holiday, and a Holiday for just about anyone of any faith. All you have to do is incorporate whatever you believe in and make it your Holiday.
Now with saying all of that where does that leave me?

Well I am not much into the Christian thing anymore...OH MY!!! I do not do Easter and such. But how do I feel about Christmas?

I have to admit I like the colorful lights and the festive feeling all around. I woulde be lying if I said anything different. However, I also like it when I see people get outside of themselves for a few weeks and do nice things to make others happy. That is always a good thing in my book. I like it when I see people go out of their way to help others in need, even if it is just for this short season because that might be all it takes to encourage someone and give them hope for the rest of the year.

In my book giving is always a good thing if it is done in love and with good intent. While there are some who give for all the wrong reasons there are many who give for all the right ones. What I am writing about today is the people who do things with good intent and a loving heart.

At this time of year I see a lot of giving done in love. I believe the Father smiles down on that because He really does meet us where we are. Anytime He can see His creation doing something outside of themselves and helping another I think He is pleased. Maybe I am wrong.... but I don't think so.

Here is a link to a wonderful article about giving from a brother...I think it will bless you all as well.

http://peacebringer7.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/a-giving-challenge-a-response-to-black-friday/

If people would look past all of the tinsel and lights and riff raff, I think we can all find a way to encourage and bless others this season. While I am not into the Santa and Church rituals and such I see this time of year as a time to minister and bless others because people just seem to be more open and excepting then other times of year. It is like an open door to show love and special kindness towards people who would normally push you away or blow you off. This is a time of year where I can pray over people who would usually never consider it.

So no matter what you believe about The Holiday's always look for opportunities to show the Father's love,to help,to give and minister. Pray for open doors and open hearts and divine leading in passing on the blessings and miracles of the Father and the Savior. At least people are considering that there was a baby born for the remission of our sins and He just might be the way, truth and the life. If the Christmas season does not do anything else it at least gets people to thinking about Him, or considering that there might be a Him somewhere.

Another thing I need to say about this time of year is that like all survivors it is a very hard time to get through. The one thing that really helps me is giving and blessing others. It takes all the bad feelings about past pain and rituals and puts positive feelings and new memories in the place of the bad things.
When I say give I do not just mean presents and such... which can be nice especially if they are hand made...but I mean giving of ourselves to help others. Maybe prepare a meal for a lonely or handicapped person who can not get out. Or make cookies and deliver them with a note of encouragement. Maybe help out in a homeless shelter or whatever calls your heart. Whatever you do just do it in Love as unto the Lord and I promise the blessings you will feel in your heart will very much outweigh any pain you may carry in your heart. Giving heals....giving helps you to forgive....giving blesses.

Give and it shall be given unto you, pressed down, shaken together and running over...
That does not always mean monetary blessings, but it means healing of a broken heart and spirit. Give of yourself and feel the healing inside start to rise up and run over.

Just remember to always let His love shine through you and spill out to others....

May the Father richly bless you all this Holiday season and may you richly bless the Father....

Love and Prayers,
Judy

A Time of Rest

Hi All,

I made a boo-boo on my last post...I said scared when I ment scarred.... sorry about that.....

I will be posting my Thanks Giving blog in a day or so....

Until then Have a very blessed week!!!

Love & Prayers,

Judy


Now for a timely message from Gentle Shepherd....



Reading: Leviticus 25:4-5



A TIME OF REST



It is important to realize there is a time for everything. There is a time of sowing, pruning and reaping. In our Christian life we will experience the pruning of our lives so we can produce greater fruit, but also we will know what it means to come into a place of rest.

When you consider pruning, you realize that it involves the testing of our faith. When we are being pruned, it can prove to be a trying process that results in maturity. God is always trying to cut away the foolishness to channel our gifts, talents and strength in such a way that quality fruit will come forth from our lives.

During pruning, we must trust God with what He is doing. It can be painful because certain aspects of our life can prove to be important to us. When He brings the sword down between us and the very things we have considered important, it can be painful. We have to trust that His ways are perfect at such times.

Pruning can also expose the aspects of life that are hindering us in our spiritual growth. Such characteristics are often attached to worldliness or our pride, and need to be cut back to the point where there is a separation from such influences and attachments. Wherever there is a separation, it can become a point of discipline for the Spirit of God to bring into order.

Once a plant is pruned back, it will produce greater fruit. It will accomplish what it was designed to do, and it will complete its cycle. In these Scriptures God designates that even that which produces fruit must be allowed to rest.

As Christians, we must occupy, be pruned and produce fruit. But, we also need to learn to come to a place of rest in our relationship with God.



Prayer: Lord, we thank You for Your grace. You are faithful to show us love and grace by pruning us. Amen.



©2008 Rayola Kelley, Gentle Shepherd Ministries. Permission is granted for
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