Psalms 136:26

 

*I don't know why the background on this is so messed up today -- sorry!

Psalm 136:26“Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.” O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for His mercy endureth forever.

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Christmas is God’s gentle whisper that even in the darkest night, the Light of the world still shines for you."

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He is the Gift - New Christmas song by Shawna Belt Edwards

And He is the peace

That wise men still seek

A Savior born that we might live

He is the gift

…

He is the shepherd watching over us all

A Savior born that we might live

He is the gift.

Another song by Shawna Edwards which touches my Christian heart.

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Brent (a dear friend, a rough and tough cowboy with the tenderest heart you’ll ever know) shared this with me – a message of  hope and love

The Christmas after our daughter was born stands out in my memory as my best Christmas ever. My business closed and I found work in southern Arizona. We moved our trailer there, set it up and then immediately drove for 3 hours to Mesa to spend Christmas with my family. We had no money for gifts of any kind–none at all. Our gift to each other and to our family was to tell each member how we felt about them. The words we exchanged that night and the love we felt for each other will always be in my heart. ~~  Brent Blake

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Savory breadsticks

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 teaspoons dried minced garlic

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 tube (12 ounces) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits

2 tablespoons olive oil

Preheat oven to 400°. In a shallow bowl, mix cheese, garlic and pepper flakes. Roll each biscuit into a 6-in. rope. Brush lightly with oil; roll in cheese mixture. Place on a greased baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, 8-10 minutes.

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Another memory from the way back machine which I wanted to share along with with my message for today

“Today didn’t go quite the way I planned. I had a doctor’s appointment in a city 2 hours away and spent much of the day traveling. My friend Darlene and I went to several stores and while we were walking towards JoAnn’s, a man approached us and asked us for $1.37 so he could buy a hamburger at Artic Circle. He was hungry (or so he said). I handed him a dollar bill and Darlene gave him the change. He thanked us repeatedly, as if we’d done something special, then ran towards the nearby Artic Circle waving the dollar in the air. Did he really need it? I don’t know...Does $1.00 mean anything to me? No. Was it hard to give to him? No. Was it showing love to one of God’s children? I hope so, at least it meant that I saw him. Too many homeless people are invisible. This man wasn’t invisible to us today. I’ve thought about him all day. I went and bought several bags of food for the food bank at a local grocery store, knowing it would never reach him, but hoping it will help someone else. Tomorrow I will start again on my walk, hoping to do better at showing others that I care and that I am following the Good Shepherd. 

Christmas is one of the hardest times of the year for people experiencing homelessness.  While some are able to celebrate with family or friends, many others face isolation and hardships.  Help them find hope.  Marilee

Christmas Without a Hearth

Beneath the glow of streetlights, they walk.

Alone they trudge

Frost paints patterns on their worn shoes.

Hope is fragile, such an easy thing to lose.

Carols and laughter drift through the air

“Silver bells” chime.

Few see the paper cup or hear the gentle plea

For kindness, for empathy

They have no stockings hung, no tree to trim,

Just whispered prayers.

Still, they dream — of hands that care,

Of tables set, with room to share.

Christmas isn’t just the cheer,

It’s seeing those the world won’t hear,

And offering more than a coin or bread —
It’s love, unwrapped –  freely spread.