John 8:12 Then spake Jesus unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
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"Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see.” —The Polar Express
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A Soldier’s King
No one seem to notice the man beside the road
He was just a ragged soldier out there in the cold
But he seemed to have a purpose only known to him
As he walked along the streets
That night through the town of Bethlehem
In his head, he held a memory of all the wars he'd known
In his hand, he clutched a medal for the bravery he'd shown
And the weight of every battle he carried in his heart
But his eyes were clear and searching
For a manger in the dark
Some are born to greatness, some are born to fall
Some are bound to be forgotten like they never lived at all
But we're all born to know him and stand before his light
Like the soldier who found his king tonight
He had marched for politicians
Served under their command
And he fought for all the causes that he did not understand
But it was something deep inside him now
That led him on his way
With a single star to guide him to where the baby lay
Some are born to greatness, some are born to fall
Some are bound to be forgotten like they never lived at all
But we're all born to know him and stand before his light
Like the soldier who found his king tonight
He stood before the son of God, come to pay our debt
He smiled up at the soldier that the world would soon forget
So he held out his medal and said this for you I bring
There he swore allegiance to the newborn baby King
Some are born to greatness, some are born to fall
Some are bound to be forgotten like they never lived at all
But we're all born to know him and stand before his light
Like the soldier who found his king tonight
Like the soldier who found his king tonight
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I have a great deal of respect for those who serve in the defense of our country, and their families. My heart goes out to those Gold Star Families who’ve paid the ultimate price for peace. The Myanmar Civil War is currently being fought with over 13,000 casualties this year. African continental wars have totaled over 13,000 casualties this year. The Russia-Ukrainian War is also ongoing with casualties estimated at nearly 100,000. The war in Israel/Pakistan Conflict is ongoing with new numbers each day. It is so hard for our soldiers to be far from home at Christmas time.
Here is a quote from Remembering Our Military Members This Christmas - Christian News Journal ‘I get asked often by civilians what they can do to support our military that will really make an impact. You can pray— for hope, healing, and restoration to any areas where there’s been loss or hardship for military members and their families. You can also invest in organizations working to provide biblical resources and establish best-practices for faith-based trauma healing. As we enter this time of joyful celebration, let’s do it arm-in-arm with the wonderful men and women who protect our freedom to do so.”
Let us honor and pray for those serving in our military, and for their families at home also. May they find the light of Christ in their hearts ~~ Marilee
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Drop Donuts
From Darrell’s grandma
Mix:
1 ¾ c. flour
¾ c. sugar
1 T baking powdered1 t. salt
½ t. nutmeg
¾ c. milk
1 egg
Drop by teaspoonful into hot grease. Drain on paper towel. Coat with sugar and cinnamon or with glaze
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from Carole. Thank you.
There is a legend of an African boy called Emmanuel, who was always asking questions. One day he asked the question, “What language does God speak?” No one could answer him. He traveled all over his country to find the answer but did not get a satisfactory answer. Eventually he set out for distant lands to find the answer. For a long time he had no success. At last he came one night to a village called Bethlehem and as there was no room in the local inn, he went outside the village in search of a shelter for the night. He came to a cave and found that too was occupied by a couple and a child. He was about to turn away when the young mother spoke, ‘Welcome Emmanuel, we’ve been waiting for you.” The boy was amazed that the woman knew his name. He was even more amazed when she went on to say, “For a long time you have been searching the world over to find out what language God speaks. Well, now your journey is over. Tonight you can see with your own eyes what language God speaks. He speaks the language of love, that is expressed in sharing, understanding, mercy and total acceptance.”
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WE all need to speak the language of love. I'm sure that most of us have read the next story, but I added my own wonders of the world at the end.
"Seven Wonders of the World."
extracted from The Seven Wonders of the World (epistle.us)
A group of students were asked to list what they thought were the present "Seven Wonders of the World."
Though there were some disagreements, the following received the most votes:
1. Egypt's Great Pyramids
2. Taj Mahal
3. Grand Canyon
4. Panama Canal
5. Empire State Building
6. St. Peter's Basilica
7. China's Great Wall
While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one quiet student hadn't turned in her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list!
The girl replied, "Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many."
The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help."
The girl hesitated, then read, "I think the 'Seven Wonders of the World' are:
1. to see
2. to hear
3. to touch
4. to taste
5. to feel
6. to laugh
7. and to love."
The room was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. The things we overlook as simple, ordinary & take for granted are truly wondrous! A gentle reminder -- that the most precious things in life cannot be built by hand or bought by man.”
After reading this, I came up with my own “7 Wonders.”
1.God loved us enough to send his only begotten Son to this world
2. Jesus Christ loved us enough to live for us, that we might know how to live
3. He died for us, and atoned for our sins making eternal life a reality
4. He Knows us each as individuals, our weaknesses, our strengths and loves us anyway.
5. He hears our prayers.
6. He carries us when we cannot fight on by ourselves
7. We are His children
They are my “wonders.” What are yours? Marilee
