Do Not Remember

Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old.  Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?  I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:18-19 NKJV)

What did the old year hold for you? Blessings? Regret? Sadness? New friends? Divorce? Death?
Whatever it was, God has new beginnings for each of us. I am not one to set new year resolutions. I find if I do I set myself up for failure.

What I do desire for this New Year is to walk closer to God. I want to lay my hurts and disappointments aside, and replace them with thankfulness and joyfulness. I want to dwell on God's goodness and not on my "I wants."

I am excited to see what God will do in 2012. Not only personally but also in the church, in the nations, and in you. Things may look like total devastation, yet God can bring beauty out of it. Even though, politically our world is falling apart, we need not despair. "Look up for your redemption draweth nigh."

Have a very good last day of 2011, and I will see you next year!
God bless you.

He Is

This morning I opened my Bible to Psalm 18, and was so blessed to be reminded what God was to David, but also is mine.
Verses 1-3 "I will love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised. So shall I be saved from my enemies."


Is there any situation in my life that God does not cover/provide: My rock, fortress, deliverer, God, strength, shield, Salvation, stronghold. These are great blessings to take into the new year, and cling to them as never before. God does promise to be my All. And these verses certainly would include "all." We have so much, yet we complain so much. Why is it easier to look into the battlefield, rather than to the Deliverer?

My greatest battle comes from within...my mind. My emotions, attitudes, expectations are a constant battle. But God is my Deliverer! "Lord, take my fortress away, and give me Your Fortress. Help me not to hide behind the fortress of fear, selfishness..."

God bless you.

If I'm to Succeed

 The following devotional thoughts were sent to me by Roy Coy. It really put in perspective how I want not only to finish this year, but my life. I just couldn't say it better, than it is said. I trust you will find this a blessing as I did.
God bless you.

Today, it is a snare to imagine that God wants to make us perfect specimens of what He can do; God's purpose is to make us one with Himself.

  I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14 NKJV)

 If we are to succeed in the Christian life and honor God by the lives we live, then we are going to have to run the race His way. We will have to run with our eyes upon Him. We will have to learn to turn a blind eye to the allurements of the world and a deaf ear to the siren song of compromise. If we will attain the prize of Christ likeness, then we will have to pay the price of dedication and struggle. It will be a hard fought victory, but in the end, when we see His face, it will be worth it all! (A. Carr)

The way to walk a tightrope is to keep one's sight on the goal, looking neither down to the ground nor over our shoulder at what is behind. The way to walk with Jesus is to keep our eye on the goal, his victory waiting for us when he returns, not on the ground (our failures) and not what is behind (our accomplishments). The goal of the Christian walk is to keep walking toward Jesus until we walk with him in heaven. (P. Ware)

Almost 2012

The day started out on a run and didn't stop until a few minutes ago. Have you ever had this? I mean, really, I thought I'd have quiet time, cup of coffee, then last minute things to help Patrick be ready to leave around 11:00. He left for Haiti today. None of the "planned" moments.

Last minute things for Patrick, then work started in the office. After working a while, Promise stood by the desk and said, "My grandma, you sure do have a lot of stuff on your desk!" That was an understatement! So it was that I passed the whole day at the desk, working, trying to put closure on 2011. Thankfully I have a couple more days.

I was rewarded a few minutes ago with a Skype call from Patrick. He arrived in Haiti safely.

I am excited to start a study on the Psalms on worship starting on NY's Day. I feel like I'm sharing small grains of my life today. That is truly what it was, small grains. Then I remember that if I have "faith as a mustard seed, I can move mountains." This is my prayer for tomorrow. I will move mountains of work in the office, so that I will have a fresh start in 2012.

I do not want to be so busy in the office the next few days,  and not take time to thank God for all the good He has provided in this year. In spite of hardships, God is still faithful and good to me. Maybe I should read through my blog for 2011, and be reminded of all that God has done.

God bless you

Post-Christmas

Now we are beyond Christmas, and approaching New Year.

Before Christmas, I was hearing different approaches to the celebration—too much fuss, not enjoying family, families fight at dinners, loving Christmas, loving gifts, oh no I forgot to get her a gift and I just found out she got me one. The list could go on.

When I heard the remark, "Oh no, I forgot to get her a gift, and found out she got me a gift" it got me thinking. For you see that is not gift giving, it is exchanging a gift. Isn't gift giving doing that which cannot be returned? If we are remembering Jesus at Christmas, then a gift is that which isn't a return. He did for us what we cannot do for others or Him. The only thing we can do is give Him our life, but it doesn't compare with what He has done!

Lines are long to exchange gifts that weren't the right color, size, or just not wanted. I trust we are not exchanging the ultimate gift, Jesus, for something of less value!

I do hope you all had a Blessed Christmas.

God bless you

You're Beautiful

All day long the worship song, You're Beautiful, has been ringing in my heart. How often I have missed to see the beauty in the sunrise, the setting sun in the evening, and the host of stars in heaven at night. How all nature worships the Father. I do remember the heavens in Haiti, in the village, where there are no other lights to interfere with the brightness of the stars. Standing on the roof, looking into the sky, always seemed like I should be able to touch the stars. It was truly beautiful! An Amazing God we serve!

I am sure as Mary looked into the face of her baby, she was saying "You're beautiful." Now many generations since, we still look into the face of our Lord saying, "You're beautiful." How can we see His face? In the Word. The Bible gives us much to see in the face of our Lord.

At this time of the year, we see many lights every where we go. But none of these lights shine as bright as the glory of Jesus. Let's not miss the glory of Jesus in the midst of the holiday celebrations.

For those of you who do not know the song, you can listen to it on You tube  http://www.youtube.com/watch?

God bless you

Embraced by the Father

In the busyness around us during the holiday season, and Christmas almost here, it is easy to find ourselves in the hustle of things. This morning I'm tired. Then I found the following message by Blue Bible in my email, and felt it worth sharing. Maybe some of you are like me, in need of quiet and rest. We have it as God's child.

Blue Bible
"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom
shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be
afraid? (Psalms 27:1)

The Lord is ever with the child of His right hand. Mercy, protection,
grace, and love are ever the believer's company. By the precious blood
of Christ, we are made partakers of the heavenly promise. Hide yourself
in Christ, O believer, and embrace the true rest He so lovingly grants
His children! Rest and do good!"


I sense there are many tired, lonely people this season. There are many who don't like to face Christmas...incurable disease, sudden death of a loved one, a child not coming home, or aged and just lonely. Whatever the case may be, God is at our side. We can embrace ourselves in the arms of the Heavenly Father. Maybe there are those of you who have a husband who doesn't embrace you. God will. Jesus knew loneliness, rejection, and death. He knows our needs. Trust Him.


God bless you

The Wise Men

I have not yet mentioned the Wise Men. The 3 wise men are usually shown at the manger scene. In actuality, they really did not appear until a long time afterwards. The Bible calls Jesus a young child, and in a house. The number of wise men is probably not correct either. Caravans usually traveled across the deserts in more than a few people.

They were men of astrology. They also knew the scriptures about the coming Messiah. They saw a different star in the east, they followed until Jersusalem, then the star had disappeared.They went to King Herod to ask about the new king born in Bethlehem.The wise men came far to find Jesus. They didn't give up. When they left the palace, they saw the star again. They made their way to Bethlehem, and the star led them to the house where Jesus was.

As is common to take a gift for a new baby, they also brought giftsl. But it wasn't a new outfit, pampers, toy or a blanket. These gifts appear to be very strange indeed. Gold, frankincense and myrrh. What good would these gifts be to a child? These gifts were symbols of Jesus' life. Gold was for his royalty. Frankincense was used in incense or offerings. Myrrh was used to prepare the body in burial. How did they know to give these gifts?

The wise men not only saw the Christ child, but the King of Kings.

Who do we see at Christmas? A baby in the manger? Or is He more than that to me and you? Or what gift do you bring for him? I trust we give our hearts and lives to Him. That is the greatest gift. That is why he came so that we have life eternal. He came wrapped in human flesh, no flashy gift wrap. Give Him your heart, if you have haven't already.

God bless you

Not So Silent Night

No jingle bells, santa, shoppers, a christmas tree, lights or even a manger scene. It was truly a night of Christmas, t as 700+ people raised their voices in worship. All the songs were worship to the King of Kings. A taste of Heaven, yet we know Heaven will be more than anything we can imagine.

I do not have words how beautiful this worship service was! This concert of "Not So Silent Night" was presented by the Oasis School of Worship. Thank you, thank you.

I'm blessed. 

God bless you

A Thankful Grinch

For several days now, we have considered Christmas through the eyes of Anna, Simeon, Mary and Joseph, shepherds. But now we need to think of another, me and you. How do we view Christmas? What is it for me? Am I so busy with the hustle-bustle of the activities that the real meaning of Christmas passes me by?

Am I so busy with my holiday things, comfortable in my house that I don't even know there is an orphan on the streets? A widow at the trash bin? A sick one in the hospital? Or a family who lost a loved one? Or even worse, I know but I turn my head because I don't want to be bothered?

Oh, for sure, holidays are fun, but let's not miss the real meaning of Christmas. This is a great time to be the candle in a dark world. Give the cashier a smile and a Christmas blessing. Give your family a smile. Look in the mirror, and give yourself a smile. Look in the mirror and see what your family sees. Is that a bit scary? Smile.

It is time for confession—I am not much of a holiday person. I don't like to decorate, bake, or shop. The many years in Haiti changed my holiday excitement. In all the 29 years, I don't think I had more than 5 christmases with family in the states. So, am I in denial, hoping the holidays go away? Or am I just content to let come what may? I love my family, but I love to be with them all year, not just at holiday time. Maybe I'm the modern day grinch or scrooge. A thankful Grinch that is.

I am thankful for Jesus. I'm thankful Mary accepted her role, knowing she would be misunderstood. I'm thankful that Joseph still took Mary as his bride. I'm thankful...we can still find Jesus in the "manger" among the dirty, the poor, the underdog, the rejected, the outcast. I'm thankful Jesus wasn't born in a palace. He was born in the barn for you and me! He loves you and me!

God bless you

The Shepherds

No one in Bethlehem knew the Messiah had been born. Everyone was busy, going their own way. This morning I was listening to "Labor of Love" by Jill Phillips. A beautiful song. It did make me wonder if no one heard the cries of pain from Mary. Did God purposely blind the eyes and deafen the ears of people?

But the angels appeared to the shepherds, out in the field watching their sheep. Can you imagine what it would have been like to see the night sky filled with a host of angels, singing out and announcing the birth of Jesus! But wait...if it was a host of angels singing in the sky, wouldn't earth vibrate with the song and celebration? Were the shepherds really the only ones that heard the song? We have no record of anyone else hearing it.

Jesus was born in a stable, slept in a manger, and now the first ones to receive the news of His birth was not to the grandparents, friends, or neighbors. Oh no, it was a few dirty shepherds that smelled like their sheep. Shepherds were not the royalty of mankind, but the low-down, dirty workers.

For me, there is only one reason for this, so that I, who also am low down can know that His birth is for me and all sinners. Jesus was born to be our Savior, Redeemer. He wasn't just for the wealthy, or kings, or pastors or priests. He is for the poor, wretched, broken, and hopeless.

The message rings out to us all...Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth good will toward man.
Amazing God we serve. Thank you Jesus for leaving Glory to come to earth in human skin to live among us, so that we may live eternally!!

God bless you

Through Anna's Eyes

We already learned how Simeon saw christmas, but let's learn a little about Anna. Anna was a prophet in the temple for over 60 years. (Luke 2:36-38). She was a widow, and had only been married for 7 years when she lost her husband. She spent the rest of her years in the temple seeking God, praying, fasting, and glorifying God. Praying fervently every day in the temple for over 60 years!! And we can't even get people to attend a one hour prayer meeting!! What is wrong with this picture?

The temple was the hub of activity. There were always people there to bring and offer sacrifices. There were hundreds of people around the temple. And yet, we only have record of 2 people in the temple who recognized the Christ child, Simeon and Anna. Anna saw Mary, Joseph and the baby when they came to the temple. She came to them and immediately recognized Jesus as the redemption of Jerusalem. How did this happen? Matt 6:33 "Seek ye first the kingdom of God..."

But how is it that the birth of Jesus went unnoticed to every one but 2, not counting the shepherds? How can that be? Jews knew their scripture. They knew the Messiah was promised. Yet in their midst the promise was fulfilled, yet, no one knew. Of course, they didn't think He would be born in a barn.

And what about us? How many times have we passed a smelly, dirty person at a garbage heap, digging for his daily fare? How many times have we sent away a hungry person? How many times has Jesus passed us by, and we never saw Him? The other day Rachel and I went to the mall, not to shop, but as we went about our business I got sadder and sadder. I couldn't believe the crowd that was there! We are in an economic crunch? Really? I would never have guessed. I don't mean to crush the holiday spirit, but I do wonder if God is really pleased with the way we choose to celebrate. So many hours are spent trying to find that one gift to give to someone who already has everything, but we never find one minute to share the REAL gift!

We met 2 young Haitian ladies last night, on their way to Haiti today. They will spend Christmas in Haiti, not with family, but with those who do not know Jesus. They are on their way to share to true gift of Christmas!! Pray for Deb and Romy...they are on a mission! YEA!!

God bless you.

Joseph's Christmas

Joseph is another vital person in the account of Jesus' birth. No, he wasn't the father of Jesus, but he endured shame when he realized his betrothed was pregnant and he wasn't the father. Can you imagine? Again, how was he to believe Mary's "out-of-this-world's" story!!

He was so ashamed and embarrassed that he was going to hide her, put her away until the baby was born. That culture was so different from the "no-shame" culture of today. To be pregnant by another than your engaged man. But God had this in Hand. He sent another angel to Joseph to tell him all is well. He needn't be embarrassed, as God really did visit Mary with the news of her bearing the Christ child.

I believe Joseph was a humble man. He accepted his role in this situation. He was to be married to Mary. He would be the father to Jesus' other brothers, and I believe he also was a father figure in the home. After his visit to the temple and being lost in Jerusalem, we read no more of Joseph. Some believe he had died after that incidence. We don't know.

Just like Joseph, we often have plans for our life, but there turns and detours in the road. The important thing is that we accept God's detours in obedience, trusting Him for all things. His way is so much more than ours! We only see today, He sees eternity. He is eternity!!

God bless you

Wandering Thoughts

Malachi 3:16b "...So a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who meditate on His Name."

We never read anything about Mary's mother. The scriptures don't give a hint of who she was. We must assume Mary came from a religious family as she new about God, and worshipped Him when the angel told her all things. Mary was a young girl. Perhaps a teenager. We know Joseph wanted to hide Mary when he found out she was pregnant. What about her mother? Was this an embarrassment to her? Did she believe Mary when she was told what happened?

Jews would have known the Old Testament scriptures. So we can assume she had at least known about the prophecies of the coming Messiah. But even with that, I'm sure all this with Mary seemed very surreal. Unbelievable. We don't know if Mary was allowed to be home after that, or was she rejected. We don't know.

Sometimes my rambling thoughts become "funny" ideas. Well, I have one again...would there be a reason there is no mention of Mary's mother? For sure, she would not have been a part of the prophecy or Jesus' birth. And how about this...God has no grandchildren...we are all children. No grandchildren. So very possibly God wanted Jesus to be that example...Jesus didn't have a grandmother.

But I wonder if she had a book of remembrance written about her daughter, the birth of the Savior, and the life of Jesus.

So much for the wonderings, or should I call it wanderings of the mind...

God bless you

Mary's Christmas

Luke 1-2
Mary is in the house, alone, doing her daily chores, when an unannounced visitor arrives. She was afraid when she saw the angel.  Mary was amazed that she was the chosen one to birth the Son of God. Although she didn't understand everything, she accepted God's plan for her life. Some of you may be thinking, "Wow, I would too, with a plan like that." Wait a minute. Think about it. She was chosen to enter  into God's plan which would be anything but politically correct. She was engaged to be married. In those days, engagement was not taken lightly. They didn't live together to see "if they were a good match." She was already committed to Joseph. Now to explain this to Joseph. How? And her mother? Oh my, I can hear it now, "Mom, I'm pregnant, but not by Joseph, but by God's spirit."

This is the mystery of Christmas. God had every detail in place long before the moment of Mary's conception and Jesus' birth. I love Mary's response, even in an unbelievable situation "Do to me as it pleases you."

Is this our attitude at God's bidding? So many times, I have heard people saying, "I feel like God is calling me to do..., but I just don't know how it is going to turn out. I don't know the details." Yes, you don't and I don't. Neither did Mary. She didn't know her Son was to be crucified. She didn't know what it would be like to raise the Son of God. She didn't know he would be so rejected. But she was obedient.

What was Mary's view of Christmas? "She pondered all these things in her heart." Mary was a fearful, amazed worshipper.

God bless you

King Herod

I don't know why Herod kept coming into my mind today. I was thinking of different people involved in the birth of Jesus and how it affected them. Herod was involved in the political side of the story. He wasn't in Bethlehem, but in Jerusalem. He was the power of the time.

So when the Wise-men came to Herod to ask him about the king that was born, he was troubled. So shall we say the birth of Jesus was a threat to him. By the time Herod heard about Jesus, Jesus would have been a young child and not a baby. Herod asked the wise-men exactly when they saw the star, I assume so he would know the age of the child. He was not about to give his throne to another king.

But what he didn't know, there was a higher power, a power that he could not control. Of course he ordered all boys 2 years old and under to be killed, but God had His plan in motion already. Jesus was spared an early death. Read the story in Matthew 2.

We see much of the same attitude today. People try to deny the birth of Jesus, thinking if they take Christ out of Christmas it will take Him away. Not being allowed to speak anything about Jesus in schools during the holiday season, will not discredit His birth. God already has a plan set in motion. One that political leaders cannot take away. Actually they are probably playing into the Hand of God...bringing the return of Jesus to earth.

Today people are still threatened by His birth, His life. They want to sit on their own selfish throne. They want to be the ruler of their own life. But the final call is that one day "every knee shall bow to the Name of Jesus." What a day that will be.

God bless you

The Inn Keeper

Luke 2:7 "...and laid Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn." We know the story—Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem to register as this was their hometown. While there Mary gave birth to Jesus, but He was born in a barn.

The inn keeper was so busy preparing for the hundreds of people coming into Bethlehem to register for the census. He knew people would need places to stay. People would need beds, food, places for their donkeys or camels. This would be a good opportunity to bring in some much needed cash. In all the town, everyone was making preparations for this big event. Rooms filled up quickly.

Then Mary and Joseph came, but the saddest answer, "There is no room." If only the inn keeper knew who he was turning away. Well, he didn't really put them out on the street, "hey, I do have room in the barn," snickering out his offer. They took it. And Jesus was born.

Why would he do that? Why do we, anyway? Why do we turn Him away? We are just too busy getting ready for the holidays. The tree needs to be decorated, stockings hung, shopping done, take the kids to see santa, and the list goes on. Is it in preparation for Jesus? Do we involve the poor, the widow, the orphan? Do they get the left-overs?

If only the inn keeper had known, I'm sure he would have found the perfect nursery for Mary and Joseph. But it passed him by. If we have no room for Jesus, He will find room in the heart of an orphan digging through the garbage pile. He isn't afraid of dirt, or the most dispicable situation. Or the barn.

Want to know how I know that? He came into my heart and life. Have you let Him in? Is there room?

God bless you

Through Simeon's Eyes

I need to share this morning's teaching. It was so good and inspired. He helped us see Christmas through the eyes of Simeon, the priest at the Temple in Jerusalem when Mary and Joseph took Jesus there for his dedication.

Luke 2:29-32  Simeon saw a promise fulfilled. He was waiting for the birth of Jesus, the redemption and salvation of all peoples. Simeon knew he would not die until he had seen Jesus. How did he know it was Jesus when he held in his arms?

Christmas is: a Promise fulfilled, a Path illuminated, and a Person revealed.

What are you expecting this Christmas? Does it go beyond the stockings on the mantel? The gifts under the tree? The manger scene? What do you expect to see? Are you expecting redemption or is Jesus still in the manger?

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift." 2 Corinthians 9:15...Truly the best Gift wrapped in humanity for my redemption!

God bless you.

Silent Night

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth "

Read the words...does it make you wonder why it was written? I was searching to find its history, but only that the author wrote it as a poem then asked it to be put to music. It is one of the most sung christmas carols. I love Christmas music...Patrick asks why we only listen to christmas music at Christmas?  Easter songs we sing all year, why not christmas songs?

If this carol was written to describe the night Jesus was born, then I'd say the first stanza is not a good description. Can you imagine a town that was so full of people that there was no room for Mary and Joseph? That many people are not silent, well unless they were different than Americans and Haitians. Smile. I'm not even sure it would be calm, not in the barn where Mary was in labor. Having the stench of animals while she is birthing a baby? This was not the clean barn and manger that our manger scenes depict today. It was dirty, smelly and animals around. 

But it was the "dawn of redeeming grace." The world didn't know. This night passed them by unaware, and things haven't changed. Jesus is still present today in so many situations, but it passes us by, we don't even realize. Sad. We are so busy with our life, that we miss His presence. 

There was only the dirty shepherds that heard the announcement...but that's a blog for another day...

God bless you

Unto Us a Child is Born

Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."


Yesterday was the first day of December, and the start of Christmas celebrations. All through the Old Testament there are prophesies of Jesus' birth. In this verse, not only is His birth is announced, but also His Names. We can see who He is. I do not say who He will be, as He already was (is).


 Have you ever wondered what "traditions" were celebrated in Mary and Joseph's home after Jesus was born? Did they celebrate His birth in the following years? Was His birthday remembered? Was his birthday more special in the home than his brothers and sisters? 


We do know that Christmas was a pagan holiday. The Catholic church brought the religious effect to Christmas. Then Christians began to celebrate it, as well. Every year we celebrate without even a question of the origin of Christmas. With this thought, may I challenge each of us to be careful how we celebrate Jesus' birth. Jesus is not a santa claus. 


Jesus is the Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Celebrate life!


God bless you.


P.S. No news from Haiti today.

Cholera Outbreak Again

This has been quite a day. It started with a phone call from Patrick who is in Haiti, asking me to change his ticket. There is a cholera outbreak in the villages. Yesterday 2 people died, although he said that they could not confirm that cholera was the cause of one of the deaths.

People are so afraid, so discouraged with this new twist in their lives. Patrick knew he needed to stay and help in any way he could. He was scheduled to return home tomorrow. He said he was so busy yesterday he hardly had time to eat or shower.

This afternoon he called again, and there is a cholera camp being set up to care for the sick. A medical staff is coming from Jacmel to work in the camp. Our clinic in Mayette is not able to handle all the sick ones.

Rachel gave me a wheelchair for Christmas, and today was a mother/daughter day. Rachel who is a lover of sales, took me to many places. It was fun, and the first time that I actually went to several places to shop (window shop, that is) without being in pain. So yes, the wheelchair is a blessing. I thought for sure by now, I would be able to walk as much as I want and be ok. But that hasn't happened, so I had a choice—stay home or go on a "ride." And fun it was! Thanks Rachel.

Pray for the villages that have cholera. Pray for the medical staff who are caring for them. Pray for safety for those who have not contract the disease. Pray for Patrick that he will stay healthy, and God gives him the strength to do the task given him.

Thank you and God bless you