A Star or a Stable?

Unable to attend my regular church, I turned on the TV and heard this lesson of the wisemen looking for a star and finding a stable. Jentezen Franklin's message on TV was clear and will stick with me for many Christmas seasons in the future. Here it is:

Many times, we think following Christ will bring us all the wonderful things we're seeking. Then we loose our job, kids rebel, spouse's have affairs and friends die. Whew, what's with all this? I thought I was doing good and all these bad things happened.

We were, like the wisemen, looking for a star, but finding a stable (just an analogy since we know they actually found him in a house a couple years later as a young child).  Here's what to do when we're trying to stay faithful during difficult times:

1. Keep Following - Don't turn back, keep on keeping on with God
2. Give Our Best - the wisemen gave their precious gifts anyway
3. Accept the Change - the wisemen went out a different way. Things make us bitter or better.
Choose to end up better. Someone once said that happens when we get our eyes off ourselves (the "i")

So if you are in a slump this Christmas, I pray you realize wise men (and women) worship and serve God in spite of whether they feel like it, everyday, not only at Christmas. And when they do, the darkness becomes brightness, God's presence strengthens and infuses us with hope.

I write this to all of you as a reminder to myself. Right after hearing that message I almost set the kitchen on fire and asked, "Could I accept that my carelessness caused a loss?" Well, thank God this time He kept it from happening. Another time, I may have to "practice what I preach" and praise God in the stable. Have a blessed Christmas enjoying God's presence.

Lifeline: Do what you have to and later you'll feel like it

                                    - Pastor Bob Taylor                            

Gratitude

Someone once said, "An attitude of gratitude is the antidote for discouragement."

We are reminded to be thankful at this time of year, but everyday we can find something to be grateful for if we look around. Can we see? Are we able to hear the sounds of nature or laughter?
Do we have a safe place to sleep, health to travel, people to talk to who care about us? Probably these and much more. But if not, we have a Saviour who came to earth to save us.



The kitchen at
George Washington's House
Valley Forge, Pa.



Many of us will sit with friends or family at a feast on Thanksgiving day. Here's something to be thankful for: all that we have gained here in America since that first Thanksgiving. And the picture here reminds us all of those who fought to give us freedom and who are still fighting to keep us safe. I'm especially glad one of our relatives returned safely this week from a 7 month overseas tour. Thank God for all in our armed forces.

And for those of you who are cooking, be especially appreciative of your kitchen facilities. Check these out that are on display at Geoge Washington's house in Valley Forge. We've got it easy. Enjoy.

Lifeline: An attitude of gratitude helps us weather the storms of life.



Safe Harbor

The two rows of rocks in front of the Brandywine Shoal Lighthouse (see previous article and picture) form a harbor where ships can get out of stormy weather. I think it's great to be out on the water, but not during a storm.

On a recent lighthouse tour of the Delaware Bay lighthouses we were told that some lighthouse keepers went to bed wearing a life jacket! They didn't feel safe without a life jacket because often the lighthouse would get rammed by a ship. Some lightkeepers drowned.

I was reminded that Safety is of the Lord when the tour guide told us this story.

Lifeline: God's harbor of refuge is the only true place of safety

Life Comes At Us Fast

Brandywine Shoal Lighthouse -
One of the Harbor of  Refuge Lights of the Delaware Bay



Has life ever come at you fast?

I went from a funeral for a friend, to admitting my mom to the hospital, and my son's wedding all within 48 hours!

Anything ever happen to you suddenly, then another thing and another? Good news - God is NEVER surprised. And He has everything under control.

Life can come at us fast, but God's presence lasts. He promises to be with us, to strengthen  and carry us along when we don't feel strong. I pray you know Him. If not ask and He'll be there for you before, during, and after the storms of life.    

God is the Captain

Pride of Baltimore II ship's wheel at Tall Ships Erie 2010 celebration
where I was able to board the ship

Do you ever feel like others, family or church members, don't understand you? Maybe they give the impression you aren't good enough or not meeting their expectations. Here's great news:  God knows where you are and accepts you "as is."



"Captain" of Lynx at Tall Ships Erie



God totally understands our spiritual struggles and our victories. At times we might feel like "damaged goods." But God doesn't see His children that way. There's a "no return policy" for members of God's family. Aren't you thankful for that? I am.

God not only knows us completely, but He also guides us carefully. He's interested in His children becoming more like Him. So He watches and waits, teaches and tethers, as He draws us closer to Him.

He's the Captain. Let's make sure He's the one steering our lives.

Lifeline :  God knows where you are on your spiritual voyage and he knows how to steer you closer to His charted position for you.











Welcome to my new blog...

Hi everyone. Glad you visited me today via my new blog - Anchor Lighthouse...