Category: Life Inspiration

Posted in Grace, Life Inspiration

But Now… an awkward alliance turns awesome!

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broken chick

Joshua 9

12 This our bread we took hot for our provision out of our houses on the day we came forth to go unto you; but now, behold, it is dry, and it is mouldy:

These were the words spoken to Joshua and the children of Israel by the Gibeonites in order to deceive them into believing they were from a far country; yet instead they were neighbors to Israel for whom God had instructed Israel to make no treaty with. Joshua knew enough to talk to God before he went into battle, but what’s the harm in a peace treaty? God loves us to be buddies, right? Ummm… not always. It wasn’t long before Joshua had figured out that he’d been duped, but they had already sworn peace in the name of the Lord, and that’s serious business. So instead of killing the Gibeonites, the Gibeonites became Israel’s servants.

All sounds innocent enough, but Israel had still sinned in that they had failed to seek counsel of God. God may continue to use you, He may continue to bless you, but not to the degree that He would have if obedience had been factored in. But it’s the rest of the story that I love about the Israelites and the Gibeonites. They were not supposed to be mingled in with the children of God, and deceitfully got there. But God’s got a plan and as human as we are we can’t mess it up. God used the humility of Gibeon as a life lesson. They were humbly willing to be servants to the house of God if their life was spared and because of their willingness to serve Him He continued to use them.

After Joshua 9

  • The Gibeonites became servants at the tabernacle, just as Joshua had commanded.
  • Gibeon becomes a priestly city; the Ark of the Covenant stayed at Gibeon often in the days of David and Solomon (1 Chronicles 16:39-40 and 21:29).
  • At least one of David’s mighty men was a Gibeonite (1 Chronicles 12:4).
  • God spoke to Solomon at Gibeon (1 Kings 3:4).
  • Gibeonites were among those who rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem with Nehemiah (Nehemiah 3:7 and 7:25)

Isn’t it great what God can do with us when we come to Him in humility and love, willing to be used where ever it is that He sees fit. As Gentiles we were not God’s chosen people, but in His great mercy He allows us to be a part of the family of God, grafted in, adopted in as one of His own. It was an awkward alliance that Joshua made, but because of it Gibeon was saved. Stop kicking yourself because of your past mistakes and rather see if God can turn awkward into awesome!

Posted in Life Inspiration

Boho Vibes: Embracing Bohemian Style with Summer Dresses

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Summer is the perfect season to embrace the free-spirited, relaxed vibe of bohemian fashion and womens summer dresses canada. With its roots in the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 70s, boho style is all about self-expression, comfort, and a connection to nature. It’s a look that’s easy to love, especially when it comes to summer dresses. From flowy fabrics to earthy tones and intricate patterns, boho summer dresses capture the essence of laid-back elegance. Whether you’re heading to a music festival, a beachside picnic, or simply want to bring a touch of boho charm to your everyday wardrobe, here’s how to fully embrace the boho vibes this summer.
1. The Magic of Flowy Fabrics

One of the hallmarks of bohemian style is the use of flowy, lightweight fabrics that move with you. Think cotton, linen, and chiffon—materials that are breathable and perfect for hot summer days. These fabrics drape beautifully, creating an effortless, ethereal look that’s both comfortable and chic.

Why It’s Essential: Boho summer dresses often feature loose, relaxed silhouettes that allow for maximum comfort without sacrificing style. Whether it’s a billowy maxi dress or a breezy sundress, the flowy fabric is key to achieving that quintessential boho vibe.

Styling Tip: Look for dresses with tiered skirts, ruffles, or bell sleeves to add extra movement and texture. Pair with simple leather sandals or espadrilles for an easy, relaxed look.
2. Embracing Earthy Tones and Natural Hues

Bohemian fashion is deeply connected to nature, which is reflected in its color palette. Earthy tones like terracotta, olive green, mustard yellow, and warm browns are staples of boho style. These colors not only complement a sun-kissed summer glow but also evoke a sense of grounding and harmony with the natural world.

Why It’s Essential: Earthy tones are versatile and easy to mix and match, making them perfect for creating a cohesive, boho-inspired wardrobe. Whether you opt for a solid color dress or one with a subtle print, these hues will help you achieve that relaxed, bohemian look.

Styling Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix different earthy tones together—boho fashion is all about creative expression. Pair a terracotta dress with an olive green cardigan or layer a mustard yellow kimono over a white lace dress for a look that’s effortlessly cool.
3. Unique Patterns and Prints

Patterns are a key element of bohemian fashion, with designs often inspired by global cultures, nature, and vintage aesthetics. Paisley, floral, and geometric prints are all popular choices, adding a sense of individuality and artistic flair to your outfit.

Why It’s Essential: Boho prints are typically intricate and eye-catching, making them the perfect way to express your personal style. A printed boho dress is a statement piece that can stand on its own, or be layered with other elements for a more complex look.

Styling Tip: Balance bold patterns with neutral accessories to keep the focus on the dress. A wide-brimmed hat, a pair of oversized sunglasses, and a fringed bag are perfect boho accessories that won’t overpower your outfit.
4. Accessorizing the Boho Way

Accessories are where you can really let your creativity shine in boho fashion. From chunky jewelry to wide belts and floppy hats, the right accessories can take your boho summer dress to the next level. Natural materials like leather, wood, and stone are often used in boho accessories, adding an organic touch to your look.

Why It’s Essential: Boho style is all about layering and texture, and accessories play a big role in achieving that. Whether it’s a stack of bangles, a long pendant necklace, or a braided leather belt, these pieces help to create a rich, eclectic look that’s uniquely yours.

Styling Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix and match different accessories to create a layered, lived-in look. A statement belt can add shape to a flowy dress, while a pair of ankle boots or gladiator sandals can give your outfit a laid-back, festival-ready vibe.
5. Layering for the Perfect Boho Look

Layering is another key aspect of bohemian fashion, allowing you to create depth and dimension in your outfit. In the summer, light layers like crochet vests, kimono jackets, and lightweight scarves can add interest without weighing you down.

Why It’s Essential: Layering not only adds visual interest to your outfit but also gives you the flexibility to adapt your look to different settings and temperatures. A light, flowing kimono over a simple dress can transform your outfit from day to night, or from beach to bar.

Styling Tip: Opt for layers in complementary colors or textures to keep the look cohesive. A white lace kimono over a floral dress creates a soft, romantic vibe, while a denim jacket can add a touch of casual cool.
Conclusion

Bohemian fashion is more than just a style; it’s a way of life that celebrates freedom, creativity, and a connection to the earth. With the right summer dress, you can capture the essence of boho vibes and create outfits that are both beautiful and meaningful. Whether you’re drawn to flowy fabrics, earthy tones, unique patterns, or creative accessories, embracing bohemian style with your summer wardrobe will have you looking effortlessly chic and festival-ready all season long. So go ahead and let your inner free spirit shine through—boho vibes are just a dress away.

Posted in Christian Service, Grace, Leadership, Life Inspiration

Willingly or Dragged… it’s a choice

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Go Willingly

Genesis 37:28

Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.

It is said that Joseph’s journey into Egypt was a 30 day march for which he likely would have been bound by chains. While his brothers in all their “kindness” opted not to kill him, they certainly would have had his blood on their hands if something had happened to him. In their anger about Joseph’s arrogance (in that he bragged about one day being ruler over them) they sold him to be a slave with total disregard for his safety or the brokenness of their father’s heart. Along that thought line this morning I have to wonder how many times have I sold the Father’s Son out for a piece of the world and the privilege of not being governed.

Joseph who is an example of Christ, though far from Christ’s perfectness, must have done a lot of self-examination along that 30 day journey. Perhaps that is why, when he got to Potiphar’s house he was ready to be obedient to the will of God. Perhaps he had seen that his boasting had been his demise.

I can understand Joseph, though I’m not nearly as good a person as he. It’s easy to get into that mode when you’re a child of the living God and you know you’re right; but knowing you’re right doesn’t give you the right to sit in self-righteous judgment of other people. I’ve done some self-examination of my own lately.

Self-righteous of the sinner

I can be. It’s not usually my way but it’s not beyond the realm of possibility. I often forget who I was called to minister to in my frustrations with idiot behaviors.

Self-righteous of the self-righteous.

Oh yeah… that’s me. I can’t stand’em. It’s the one thing that will grate on my nerves like fingernails on a chalkboard. Those high horse Christian’s that are above reproach in their mind and will cut to the core a child of God who has fallen. Don’t get me started…

And then I realize that God didn’t make me their keeper either and my self-righteousness of their self-righteousness puts me in their league. And although I don’t play on their team, when we all stand before God and answer for what we’ve done for Him and against Him, that’s going to be one of those things that have people behind me in line wishing they’d packed a lunch, because we’re going to be there a while.

I need to walk away and find me a sinner and tell them about Jesus. That is where my rewards are and that is where my joy is so why am I wasting valuable time in frustration over judgmental saints.

2015 has me desiring to walk:

  • Walk Closer
  • Walk Confident
  • Walk Content
  • Walk Concerned
  • Walk Compassionate

I do not want to be on a 30 day trek of regret before I get to the part where I still must say, “It’s Your will and way Lord.” Because it is. I can go willingly or I can go in chains, but God’s still going to have His way in my life. Yours too. Let’s walk together, Okay? Please join with me by following this blog and sharing me with your friends. Not that I’m anybody, but that I might be used by God to stir souls for the service of God.

Posted in Life Inspiration

The First New Year’s “Eve”

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New year

It’s New Year’s Eve! Let’s get the party started…but before we do I have a thought that I need to follow through. Was the very first New Year’s Eve formed in regret? Perhaps I’m wrong, I’ve been so before; but when I began looking for a topic to blog on this morning I wanted to think on a biblical eve (as in the night before something happened) But where God took me was to the capital “E”  Eve and the thought that the very first New Year’s Eve celebration wasn’t really a celebration at all. But rather it was formed in regret… much the way many other modern day New Year’s Eve celebrations are formed when bad decisions effect a life time.

Genesis 3:1 ~ Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD GOD had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

Just one question got that New Year’s Eve party started and Eve living her first day in the very first year. Prior to that she and her main man would have lived out eternity in the perfect world, but that decision began the time when life was counted in years. That thought gave new meaning to the word “eve” for me. We are on the brink of a new year. And it’s always a bitter sweet time, I’m sad about those things that I did not get accomplished in the year prior and excited about the potential for the coming New Year; and one thing for sure I don’t want to form 2015 in regret.

With the exception of one year, I have begun every year since salvation in a church service. The one year I missed was one of the saddest I’ve ever experienced (of course that was my own fault for allowing Satan to convince me of it). But none the less I determined that every year to follow would be spent in Christian fellowship if there was any way possible at all. And God has provided! Tonight for the second year in a row I’ll bring in the New Year at a “Teen Up All Night” event (spending at least 4 of the 12 hours asking myself, why did I do this? And the other 8 praising God!) At last year’s event 11 young people came to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Now that is a New Year without regret!

There will be many who unfortunately will wake up (or not) in great regret tomorrow. They’ll not know the saving grace of Jesus Christ or they’ll have turned their back on Him. What is important to remember is that we are all just one eve away from a broken relationship with Christ if we’re not on guard. Eve didn’t go to the garden to fall but she did indeed fall and because of it we all now face the very real day to day decisions of regret.  Some are small, some are huge! 2015 is filled with potential! I pray yours and mine is filled with better health and a closer walk with Christ!

Posted in Christian Service, Church Unity, Leadership, Life Inspiration

The Spiritual and Historical Significance of Bed Canopies: A Connection to Jesus Christ

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Bed canopies, with their graceful drapes and ethereal presence, have adorned bedrooms for centuries. While today they are often seen as symbols of luxury or romanticism, their origins and significance are deeply rooted in history, spirituality, and religious symbolism. One intriguing aspect of bed canopies is their association with religious imagery, particularly in Christian traditions, where they have been connected to the figure of Jesus Christ.
The Historical Evolution of Bed Canopies

Bed canopies date back to ancient civilizations, where they were initially used for practical reasons. In the medieval period, they served as a means of privacy and protection from insects, drafts, and the prying eyes of servants. Over time, as society’s structures evolved, so did the function and design of these canopies. They became symbols of status and wealth, often found in the bedrooms of the nobility and the elite.

During the Renaissance, bed canopies took on a more decorative role, reflecting the artistic and cultural developments of the time. The intricate designs, luxurious fabrics, and elaborate drapery reflected the owner’s social standing and taste. But beyond their aesthetic and practical roles, bed canopies also held spiritual significance.
Bed Canopies in Religious Symbolism

In Christian iconography, the bed has often been used as a symbol of rest, peace, and the soul’s journey. The canopy, which hangs over the bed like a protective shroud, can be seen as a metaphor for divine protection and the grace of God. This symbolism is particularly potent when connected to Jesus Christ, who is often depicted as the shepherd and protector of his flock.

The canopy can also be viewed as a representation of the heavens, with its drapes symbolizing the veil between the earthly and the divine. In this context, the bed beneath the canopy becomes an altar of sorts, a sacred space where the believer can connect with the divine. This connection to Jesus Christ is further emphasized in the imagery of the “marriage bed,” which in Christian tradition symbolizes the union between Christ and the Church.
The Canopy as a Symbol of the Holy Tabernacle

The design of bed canopies also draws parallels with the Holy Tabernacle described in the Old Testament. The Tabernacle was a portable sanctuary that housed the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God’s presence among the Israelites. The curtains and coverings of the Tabernacle were designed to create a sacred space, much like how a canopy creates a sanctuary within the bedroom.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is often portrayed as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies, including the symbolism of the Tabernacle. The bed canopy, with its protective and encompassing nature, can be seen as a modern-day reflection of this ancient symbol. It represents not just physical protection, but spiritual shelter, akin to the protection offered by Christ.
Modern Interpretations and Spiritual Reflections

Today, the bed canopy remains a popular design element in bedrooms around the world. While many may choose canopies for their aesthetic appeal, the underlying spiritual symbolism continues to resonate, whether consciously or subconsciously. For those who are spiritually inclined, a bed canopy can serve as a daily reminder of the presence of divine protection and grace, much like the protective embrace of Jesus Christ.

In conclusion, bed canopies are more than just decorative elements; they are steeped in history and spiritual significance. Their connection to Jesus Christ and Christian symbolism adds a layer of depth to their presence in the bedroom. As we rest beneath these canopies, we are invited to reflect on the divine protection and grace that surrounds us, much like the protective love of Christ that covers and shelters us in our spiritual journey.

Posted in Christmas, Life Inspiration

Christmas is not a Calendar date

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january Christmas

I spent the greater portion of Christmas day at the Charleston Area Medical Center in ICU with my husband’s family as they spent the day with their mother who’s battling the fight of her life after a heart attack.  It was there we celebrated Christmas in the waiting room and shared a meal better than most people of the world could imagine. My sister-in-love Judy prepared and hauled to the hospital Thirtyone ® bags and coolers filled with the Ham and all the trimmings, topped off with the best peanut butter candy I’ve ever eaten in my life! It was almost as sweet as the fellowship with family. It’s cliché to say we take life for granted, and for the most part empty; it’s hard to understand what we have until we’re on the brink of losing it. From the looks of the shoppers and Facebook posts America looked to fare pretty well this Christmas.

You don’t have to spend Christmas day in an Intensive Care Unit to realize how blessed we are, but it doesn’t hurt. Most of the other patients in the area had visitors loving on them, stroking their brow and speaking words of kindness, but many laid alone as the medical staff tended to their physical needs but there was no time to take care of the emotional. I returned home late last night to be greeted by Izidora the Chihuahua, who didn’t know it was Christmas, she just knew she missed her people. Just a simple act of love as she spun around in circles and jumped up and down at my feet. I have a lot to learn about love…

I scrolled past posts on Facebook this morning trying to catch up with friends and family to see how they spent their Christmas and looking back at me were two of the most beautiful brown eyes ever from a child in the Philippines. She held in her little hands a box of food given to her by a missionary and I thought… I just about missed Christmas again. It’s not December 25, it’s January 1 through December 31.

It was in the box of goodies delivered by my sister in love, it was in the stroked brows and whispered “I love you’s”, it was in bowls of rice in the Philippines and in Izidora’s funny dance. It was in compassion for the convict, mercy for the addict and a coffee cup from the Bogg’s family who love me and allow me to be a part of their family antics! It was in a hug from church kid Connor, who tells me I’m his favorite, and then tells 30 others the same thing… but he means it! Christmas didn’t end yesterday, only the commercialized part.

I hope today you find a hidden Christmas gift, or you deliver one yourself. I’m heading back to Charleston… with that though in mind.

Matthew 10:42

And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

 

 

Posted in Christmas, Life Inspiration

This Morning’s Gift

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DAYChristmas is almost always a bitter sweet time. It’s a time of reminiscing that evokes either fondness or failures from the recesses of your mind. Although I try, I cannot live in my Ozzie and Harriett world and pretend that all is well all the time. I must concede to the fact that life is very real, and not always very fun. But the one thing that cannot be taken from me and puts joy in my soul in the hardest of times is the Christmas verse.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

It’s why Jesus came as a Baby and died as a Lamb. The final sacrifice for us all. It’s the gift that I receive every morning when I awake and realize that God gave me the gift of another day. Who but God can do that?  Santa may have left you a gift worth thousands beneath your tree today, but he cannot give you the gift of another day. Somebody may have handmade you the sweetest gift, but it cannot compare with the gift of a new day that God gave you. That’s where I’m at this Christmas morning; standing in awe that God saw fit to do it again. Now… what am I going to do with it?

I have family all around me that are going through some very rough times. I have to ask myself, “What can I do with this day to help them through?” I can share the last part of that Christmas verse… the gift that never ends. Everlasting life. Regardless of how many days we’re given down here, the fact of the matter is if we know Jesus we will never run out of days. That’s what He did when He wrote that Christmas verse in the scriptures; He gave us one more day. And when that one is through, we’ll have one more day.  And when life ends down here, we’ll have one more day.

I don’t know what’s going on in Heaven today, but I know that those for whom I love, who have gone on before me and knew my Lord and Savior, are enjoying Christmas day. One more day. Only theirs is without heartache, sorrow or pain. No family squabbles and no regrets! Oh glory what a Christmas morning.

What are you going to do with the gift you were given this morning?

Posted in Grace, Life Inspiration

Are you giving your best gift?

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best gift ever

As I read through a few chapters in Genesis this morning, I came across the lineage of Esau; and scattered among his sons was one by the name of Amalek; which triggered a memory of a sermon I once heard titled “Then came Amalek.”  That sermon was from the book of 1 Samuel, when Saul, who had been told to “utterly destroy” the Amalekites for what they had done to the children of Israel back in the book of Exodus. While traveling to the Promised Land, they had assumed they’d be safe traveling through Edom, because they too were the descendants of Abraham, but they soon discovered that family is not always a friend. I just covered a lot of Bible history in just a few sentences, and probably utterly confused you, but here in the book of Genesis we find the origin of those people as the grandchildren of Esau, battling twin brother of Jacob.

Esau married outside the chosen nation, (he married a Canaanite woman), several actually and disappointed his parents. His wives worshipped strange gods and raised his children up to do the same. They had no pride in their Israeli heritage, only disdain in the coming generations. But my point being, it all began with one son’s disobedience. But now we no longer concern ourselves with what tribe or nation a family may be from, but rather are you apart of the nation Heaven as a child of Jesus Christ? But family still matters…

I was blessed to be raised by Christian parents who molded me into the strange being that I am today through a few quirks of their own. My mother, a quite creative woman and my father who was musically talented both attributed to my talents but I also received of my father a lackadaisical attitude which gets me in trouble on a pretty regular basis, and of my mother I received the “I can do it by myself” gene, which is really funny because my Dad’s name was Gene! But the two of those combined makes my theme song “I can do it by myself, but I’ll do it later!”

Regardless of how you feel about your family, it still does not change the fact that you are a product of their making. But what you become productive in is still entirely up to you. Esau was a bitter boy because his brother had stolen his birthright and inheritance, but he did eventually forgive Jacob. However, his descendants picked up that bitter bone and carried it through generation after generation. Is that not crazy? What Esau forgave, the family didn’t forget.

It still happens today. It happens in my own family as I think about relatives who have hurt members of my family and I’ve shared those stories with my children who now don’t think very highly of those relatives either; and in the generations to come they probably won’t like the descendants of those aunts and uncles either but they really won’t know why.

Why do we do it? I’m sure if Esau had his life to live over again he’d have mended fences with Jacob before he left the first time. He likely wouldn’t have disobeyed his parents which caused generational conflicts that still affect us today. But Esau can’t undo the past. We however, who are still alive, still have the opportunity to change the future of our families by changing our attitudes toward the past and letting it go. Really letting it go. Not just letting it go until we’re frustrated again and feel the need to relive the anger.

Christmas is a good time to give the gift of restoration. Do you have someone in your family that you would just as soon forget… well remember them. Pray for them and encourage yourself in the story of the Amalekites. Which would have changed the world if someone had gotten it right earlier. You have generations to consider and why on earth would you want them to carry a bitter seed forward that will grow the same heartache you carry.

I don’t know who this message is for…certainly for myself, but maybe you too. I’d love to hear from you! Share your story with me and let’s start Christmas off with the gift worth giving – forgiveness!

Posted in Christmas, Life Inspiration

Have I got a story for you!

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Chick Manger Scene

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:6-7 KJV

Barely a woman by today’s standards, Mary had just been given a harsh reality in life, and I’m not speaking of the birth, although that would certainly have been one too! But the lesson that I refer to this morning is “not everyone is your friend, and life’s not always fair.” For the past nine months she had been a willing vessel to carry the Redeemer of all mankind. And for that she had been rewarded with being on the cover of People Magazine and the Enquirer too had done a four page spread about the secret life she led prior to marrying Joseph. Okay… so that’s not true, but I’m sure the gossip train rolled just as ugly; shooting off steam and traveling just as far. But this night she lie in a make shift hospital room on the side of a hill. Forget sterile, her baby was wrapped in grave clothes, no anesthesia or drugs to dull the pain, and the Physician’s assistant was a donkey name Estelle. Again, I embellish! But the story is so ordinary… NOT!

It’s one of the thousands of story in the Bible that need not be embellished, it’s just as amazing to me every year and when I slow down to think about it; multiple celestial sightings, prophecy fulfilled, a Baby born to a virgin, welcomed by shepherds, honored by Wise Men and a price put on His little head by a pagan king who feared the power of a not so ordinary infant boy. And all that for me!

What an amazing God we serve that He would write such an awesome story to be placed in our lineage and shared with our children and grandchildren. I wonder if the original characters will gather around and tell us all the “real” version of the story when we get to Heaven. Family story night will take on a whole new meaning when we’re together up there! And those books…the ones that God writes in every day of the things we’ve done for Him; perhaps we could even leaf back through to the night of Jesus’ conception and read for ourselves what God wrote of Mary’s reaction to the news that she would carry our Lord. My mind is reeling at what might have been written in those books and what a trip to the library might be like. I’m so grateful for stories…

It’s Sunday! And today I get to be the storyteller to a group of teens in my class. I get to gather them around and share the Good News and the Glory of God. I’m excited, can you tell? I hope you’re excited to share that news today. You don’t have to be a Sunday School teacher; just tell somebody!

Posted in Christmas, Life Inspiration

A Christmas Tree in the Bible?

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Jesus Chick Christmas

In the dark hours before dawn my Christmas tree glows a bright red; adorned with baubles and ribbon, a few sentimental ornaments and candy canes, and Santa on top. Don’t judge me… I just think he’s cute and I love the spirited story of giving. The meaning of Christmas has nothing to do with my tree and everything to do with my heart, which on a regular basis is distracted by life. Surely, I’m not alone? It doesn’t help matters that I’m ADD-OSS at Christmas time. (Attention Deficit Disorder, Oh Something Shiny!) And Heaven knows there is plenty of shiny things to catch my eye. It’s hard enough for me to stay focused on regular days of the year. The closer that Christmas gets I revert to childlike tendencies and begin to wonder what’s going to be under my tree, and at my age I try to remember what I’ve put under the tree. I dream of the wonderful times I’ll have with friends and family and the specialness of having an excited new Pastor in our church this time of year. I have handmade grandbaby goodies all over my house. A Frostie the Snowman milk jug sits beside me that was forgotten by preschooler Nicolis yesterday and my heart overflows… and my mind does too with all the things that need to get done the next few days!

The Christmas Tree has long been a tradition but was by no means started in America. According to history the traditional Christmas tree began in Germany by devout Christians and is also believed that Martin Luther, the 16th-century Protestant reformer, first added lighted candles to a tree. Walking toward his home one winter evening, composing a sermon, he was awed by the brilliance of stars twinkling amidst evergreens. To recapture the scene for his family, he erected a tree in the main room and wired its branches with lighted candles.

But this morning I find a Christmas tree in the scriptures that has nothing to do with the Holidays but everything to do with the Holy Days that are before us.

Isaiah 60:13

13 The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious.

As I understand it, Isaiah speaks not only of the Sanctuary in Solomon’s day but the Sanctuary of Christ where He makes a place for His feet and in that place there will be a pine tree! I found that fascinating this morning. Let the naysayers say what they want about Pagan rituals but Jesus likes Christmas trees too. So much so that they’re going to be in His sanctuary. Whether or not His trees will be decorated is yet to be discovered, and in the presence of Jesus I doubt it will be necessary, He’ll shine enough on His own! But this morning that decorated tree took on a new meaning as think about the return of Christ when the sorrows of this world will be gone, Hallelujah! and only the sweetness of life will be known.

Today His feet are in Heaven and I have to wonder if there’s not a tree there too? Nothing is beyond a possibility when God is involved. I hadn’t noticed before that pine trees were even in the bible, but I am ever so thankful that God gave me that scripture today. I hope you’ll find a little extra blessing in an evergreen this Christmas too!