Deborah L. McCarragher's Blog, page 9

Happy 4th of July !!

This summer has been extremely busy.  I fully intend on resuming a regular posting schedule on my Blog soon.  In the meantime - please enjoy this rerun from last summer...

Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a celebrated federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. 
On July 2, 1776 legal separation of the American colonies from the kingdom of Great Britain occurred, declaring freedom from their tyrannical rule. Afterwards, the Second Continental Congress debated and revised the Declaration, finally approving it on July 4th. 
Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches, ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the United States of America’s history, government, and traditions.
Freedom isn't free - it cost Jesus everything... 

"Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." 
(II Corinthians 3:17)  We are free to be “re-made” – changed into a new creature in Christ.

"For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." (Romans 8:20-21).





Galatians 5:1 says this:

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (NIV)

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (KJV)

 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. (NAS)

Don't take your freedom for granted... 




Now for a little fun... 
Madagascar 3  featured Katy Perry singing Firework Here are some of the lyrics...
Firework
Do you ever feel like a plastic bag,drifting through the windwanting to start again?Do you ever feel, feel so paper thinlike a house of cards,one blow from caving in?
Do you ever feel already buried deep?6 feet under screams but no one seems to hear a thingDo you know that there's still a chance for you?'Cause there's a spark in you
You just gotta ignite, the light, and let it shineJust own the night like the 4th of July
'Cause baby you're a fireworkCome on, show 'em what you're worthMake 'em go "Oh, Oh, Oh"As you shoot across the Sky -y -y

Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go "Oh, Oh, Oh"
You're gonna leave 'em falling down -own - own ...






Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  
Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com


If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

A Tribute to My Dad on Father's Day

Me and my Dad - circa 1965It's Father's Day...the first Father's Day since my Dad passed away.

I miss his smile, his sense of humor, his reassuring words. I was his firstborn. He played ball with me, helped me built a tree house, and taught me how to ride a bike. He gave me driving lessons in our VW bus on the Navy base we were stationed at. He walked me down the aisle my first marriage and welcomed me home when it didn't work out four years later. He was happy for me when I remarried and learned to love my current husband like his own son.

Dad's have a way of making us feel secure. They are often the first to give their approval and help build our self esteem. They watch over us and often stand between us and a cruel world.

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a caring, loving Dad. I was blessed to have him in my life for many years. Dad was just shy of 84 years old when he died. My parents had just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in December.

Our Heavenly Father will be your Abba (daddy) when yours is not able to. He loves you with an everlasting love. He will never leave you or forsake you. (Joshua 1:5)

Here is a link to my last post about my journey with Dad during his illness  God's Amazing Love

Father's Day is an opportunity to thank our Dads, husbands, sons, and others in our lives that have played a fatherly role.  Below are four of my past Father's Day posts that you might enjoy reading...


Daddy's Little Girl


Father Knows Best


Military Dad - Far From Home




HAPPY FATHER'S DAY - Celebrate your Dad while you still can...






Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 
Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Memorial Day - A Time To Reflect

Memorial Day is a time of reflection.  We honor those who have given their lives in the service of their country.  We honor those who served during peacetime and conflict - both at home and abroad.

Since my Dad's death in March we have interred him in his final resting place - a Veteran's National Cemetery in our area  It was a moving and memorable experience. Dad was a US Naval officer and served over twenty years as a pilot.

This Memorial Day make it a point to reflect on the sacrifice of those who paid the ultimate price. Visit the grave site of a loved one who served in the armed forces. Tell your children and grandchildren about the heroes you know personally. Share the history and background of a few of the more memorable conflicts and wartime stories that might be of interest to them.




\Here are a couple of my past Memorial Day posts to enjoy -

May - Memorial Day & Military Appreciation

Are You A Female Serving in the US Military?







Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Calling All Mothers...

Image credit: 123RF Stock Photo Famous Quotes:
"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life." 
-Abraham Lincoln 


 "My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her." -George Washington 
 "The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother." 
-Author Unknown 
Suzanna Wesley had seventeen children, but is said to have given each of them one day of special attention and training per month. Both John and brother Charles Wesley viewed their mother as a vital source of inspiration and encouragement for their ministries. They are the founders of the Methodist church. Susanna prayed this powerful prayer on behalf of her family...




A PRAYER OF SUSANNA WESLEY
You, O Lord, have called us to watch and pray.
Therefore, whatever may be the sin against which we pray,
make us careful to watch against it,
and so have reason to expect that our prayers will be answered.
In order to perform this duty aright,
grant us grace to preserve a sober, equal temper,
and sincerity to pray for your assistance. Amen.
How many Moms have worn out knees and prayer journals full of petitions on behalf of their kids?  How many of us have purchased books like The New Strong Willed Child by James Dobson, or  The Power of a Praying Parent  by Stormie Omartin?  Let’s face it – we all need help; one way or another!

One of my favorite examples in Scripture of motherhood is in I Samuel 1:1-28. We see Elkanah, an Ephraimite who had two wives.  Peninnah had given him children, but Hannah was barren. Peninnah ridiculed her every year when they journeyed to Shiloh to worship and offer their sacrifices to God. 

Hannah cried out to the Lord in anguish and prayed for a son to dedicate to His service. God heard her petitions and granted her wish. After the child was weaned, plans were made to take him to Shiloh to leave with Eli the priest. 

When Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord, it must have been difficult for her to hold him and gaze into his little face, knowing that she would leave him in Eli's care to serve the Lord in the temple. What mother could possibly make such a promise?  

We see from the text that Hannah referred to her son's lifelong commitment to God in this way: "Therefore I also have lent him to the LORD; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the LORD."  This same Samuel would one day anoint the future King of Israel. Throughout his life David would be consecrated, confronted and consoled by the godly prophet Samuel.

Today Mothers Day is celebrated in many countries including the United States, United Kingdom, India, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia, Mexico, Canada, China, Japan and Belgium. People take the day as an opportunity to pay tribute to their mothers and thank them for all their love and support. The day has become one of the busiest during the year according to the phone companies. There is also a tradition of giving flowers, cards and other gifts to mothers on the Mothers Day.  

You might also enjoy this past Mother's Day post:
 How Would You Rate Yourself As A Mom?

A Mother's Love 
There are times when only a Mother's love
Can understand our tears,
Can soothe our disappoints
And calm all of our fears. 
There are times when only a Mother's love
Can share the joy we feel
When something we've dreamed about
Quite suddenly is real. 
There are times when only a Mother's faith
Can help us on life's way
And inspire in us the confidence
We need from day to day. 
For a Mother's heart and a Mother's faith
And a Mother's steadfast love
Were fashioned by the Angels
And sent from God above. 
Author Unknown 


Happy Mothers Day! 
Enjoy your special day... Spend time with your Mom.  Enjoy your children and grandchildren. Leave a legacy that God can use for His glory!








Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com
If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

The Cross Is Passing By - Are You Ready?

Tiepolo - Christ Carrying the Cross"Now as they led Him away, they laid hold of a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, who was coming from the country, and on him they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus.  And a great multitude of the people followed Him, and women who also mourned and lamented Him." (Luke 23:26-27)

I have always imagined what the people thought as they watched Jesus being led from Pilate's courtyard through the city of Jerusalem up to the hillside of Calvary to be crucified.

Surely some of the crowd that witnessed the travesty of an innocent man condemned to death in the place of a hardened, habitual criminal would follow the procession.  Many of them recognized Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount, or perhaps from his teaching along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus had healed many men, women and children throughout Judea.  Can you imagine the sick feeling they had in the pit of their stomach as they saw him bloody and battered?  Don't you wonder how they felt as they watched the synagogue leaders and elders participate in his unlawful arrest and sentencing?

Imagine finding yourself on the very road that the Roman soldiers were clearing a path for Jesus and the two others with him. There would have been a loud commotion from the troops as shouts and commands echoed in the narrow streets. People were being shoved and prodded as their curiosity caused them to peer into the throng that surrounded the Man from Nazareth. 

At that time the cross portrayed death and destruction.  It reminded the people in Jerusalem of their Roman occupiers. It was a symbol of the heavy-handed punishment administered for insurrection and threats to Caesar's rule.

As the cross passed by - the people were indifferent. They were not ready for its impact.  They had no idea that it would come to represent freedom and liberty.  

The Apostle Paul wrote in I Corinthians 1:17-18 "For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

That "power" is the resurrection power that overcame the sting of the grave. Those who believe on Jesus Christ will never see spiritual death. The cross symbolizes an eternal truth: Christ's cross is life giving. Jesus is the Living Hope for all eternity.  (Isaiah 25:8; Hosea 13:14)

Easter is a season of new birth and renewal.  If you want to know more about how you can have a personal relationship with God, please visit the link below:

Billy Graham's - Steps to Peace With God


If you have enjoyed this post, you might also want to read these previous Easter posts:

Do You Hear It? The Rocks Are Crying Out!

Empty Tomb to Full Heart...

How Will You Spend Easter Sunday?



Easter is coming.  The cross is passing by.  What will you do with it?











Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

God's Amazing Love

123RF Stock PhotoThis is the last in my series  Elder Care – My Dad’s Journey.  If you missed my previous posts you can visit them here: 
Love Isn't Just for Valentine's DayMoving ForwardChristmas - Great Expectations?
Since my last post in February, my Dad passed away after a lengthy battle with colon cancer.  He died peacefully in early March on a Sunday night with his wife and two daughters by his side.
Dad’s funeral memorialized his service to his country and his community.  He was a retired US Naval officer (pilot) and a retired high school math teacher.  He volunteered with several local charities and encouraged many in his day to day activities.
I shared some personal memories during his service including the following:
I am the firstborn of two daughters. Dad made a great choice…we’re both excellent cooks!
Our Dad was the kind of guy who went out of his way to play with us, read to us, and just act“silly” with us. We watched Mighty Mouse together, marched around the living room to“Sing Along with Mitch”, and never missed an episode of Lassie on Sunday nights.
Dad taught us to throw a ball, ride a bike, make a fort and drive a car. His greatest gift to us was his time. He always DID things with us.
Later on when we were teenagers – he had immense patience. These were the days of hang-ten T-shirts, sun-in hair lightener, and camera flash-cubes. The “70’s” brought platform shoes, bell-bottoms, and mini-skirts, though I was not allowed to wear them. We enjoyed an adventurous life as kids of a naval officer, and learned to make friends easily.
Dad gave us great advice, though we didn’t always heed it. He always expressed his love for us and helped to foster our healthy sense of self-worth and self-esteem.
He was delighted to welcome into this world his only grandson and has always enjoyed their time together.  He was a “hands on” kind of Grandpa – often playing outside, or helping him with a project, reading a book together, or just goofing around.
Dad lived a full life and enjoyed traveling while in the Navy, helping his students at Orange Park High grasp otherwise difficult math concepts, and volunteered with various local organizations when retired.

Over the years our relationship went through a metamorphosis of sorts. I put a strain on our relationship when I left home in the early 1970’s to marry my first husband.  I was 17 years old and he was 21. It ended in divorce four years later.  Dad was never pleased with my decision, but he and my mother supported me nonetheless.  Later on he and I patched up the rift.  After my marriage to my current husband, things improved greatly between us. My husband and I recently celebrated 32 years of marriage this past January.  Dad always loved him and said he could not have chosen a better son-in-law himself.
A few years ago, while walking his two little dogs in their neighborhood, we began a conversation centered on his childhood and going to church.  His parents belonged to a certain denomination and had a falling-out with their church, which caused them to leave.  He never attended church again until he married my mom.  He was never a particularly religious person and was not involved in a local church.
Right then and there I shared my faith journey with him and told him, “Dad, it’s not about religion, or denomination, or even a one-time experience… it’s about a relationship with The Living God, your Creator, the lover of your soul.”
I related that story to the crowd at his funeral and asked those in attendance to let me know if they wanted to know more about have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I had given my life and heart to Jesus at the age of 33.  I wanted to honor God in that moment by extending an invitation to the many family and friends at his service.
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
Eleventh-hour conversions are not uncommon. You hear them on the battle field or perhaps after a horrific accident. In Luke 23:39-43 our Lord and two criminals had been nailed to their crosses. Jesus welcomed a repentant sinner into heaven right before he died. One of the thieves, recognizing that he was a sinner – rightly condemned for his crimes, rebuked the other thief and proclaimed Jesus’ innocence. When he asked to be remembered in His future kingdom, Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
The morning before my Dad died I had the honor and privilege of spending time alone with him. My mother and sister were unable to come until later that afternoon. I knew time was short.  His breathing had changed.- it was shallow and a bit labored.  His eyes were unresponsive.  I held his hand and told him I loved him.  I relayed to him that my sister and I would take good care of my Mom. I squeezed his hand several times and stroked his brow – but he did not respond. 
I had been watching the TV in his room and switched channels to the Sunday morning church program In Touch with Dr. Charles F Stanley. It is one of my favorite shows. Dad and I listed to his message (although he didn't acknowledge it) and at the end Dr. Stanley had a very poignant invitation to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  
My prayer is that my Dad did make peace with God in the quiet of his heart and the moments before he took his last breath on this earth.
I trust God has been pleased with my attitude, actions and words while I cared for my Dad. He spent many days in the hospital prior to his final stay at the adjacent nursing home facility.  I knew the nurses and attendants on both the morning and the evening shifts by name.  They were wonderful, compassionate caregivers, and they treated him with such dignity and love.

God bless you Dad… you will be greatly missed.
I implore you, don't leave earth without being certain of your salvation. If you are in doubt - please read my post It's Not About Religion - It's About Relationship

My chains are gone, I’ve been set freeMy God my Savior has ransomed me,And like a flood, His mercy reignsUnending love, amazing Grace
Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) - by Chris Tomlin 








Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com
If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Love isn't just for Valentine's Day...

Image credit: 123RF Stock Photo Love is a peculiar thing... it can often be a fleeting emotion or a stirring euphoria.   

Love is a verb - often encompassing the notion of cherishing or holding dear the object of your affection.

I Corinthians 13:4-8 is one of the most quoted Scripture passages in the Bible - especially during wedding ceremonies.

I began thinking about Paul's reminder to those in Corinth (and to us as well) to use our spiritual gifts in love.

In Gary Chapman's book  The 5 Love Languages  he lists number 4 as "acts of service". That brought me to a place of self-reflection with regards to my parents, their care, and my involvement as their primary care-giver.  Am I using my "acts of service" Love Language  to help them?  How are they viewing it?

Image credit: 123RF Stock PhotoIf you're not familiar with my current situation in caring for my aging parents, my previous posts  Christmas - Keeping It Real  and  Moving Forward  will give you some background material. There are many decisions to be made in the near future concerning my parents that must be bathed in prayer and Godly wisdom.

Honoring my mother and father is my duty as a follower of Christ. That includes how I act and react to their ever-changing circumstances.

Here is my personal application of I Corinthians 13 to my recent interactions with my parents...

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up (vs 4)

     ~  I am learning to have patience in the little things.  Elderly parents don't like to have their schedules, daily routines, or personal "ways of doing things" changed.  Be careful not to over-inflate your ego regarding your care-giving or how much time you are spending on their behalf.  Don't be so full of yourself that you overlook their true needs and desires.  Simple loving actions mean the world to those who have limited mobility or can no longer come and go as they please.

... does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; (vs 5)

     ~ Applying my Fruits of the Spirit are essential when ministering to my parents.  It is easy to get overwhelmed and lose your temper.  I often pray an SOS prayer for God to help me with my replies (words) and my body language (actions) so as not to offend them.  I have to take my thoughts captive (II Corinthians 10:5) and redirect my wayward mindset. 

... does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; (vs 6)

     ~  I continually ask God to forgive me when I knowingly sin. If I say I do not sin, I deceive myself (I John 1:8-9).  I rejoice in the truth that God's love prevails and that His Sovereign will reign. No matter what I face during this time of turmoil and difficulty - God's love conquers all.

... bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (vs 7)

     ~  There is nothing that I cannot do with God's help.  I may bear the brunt of yelling or others' frustrations, but I can treat them with respect and dignity.  I may be tired and discouraged, but I can extend grace and kindness. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)  

Love never fails (vs 8)

     ~  My love for my parents needs to be unconditional - as God's love is for us.  Agape love is Jesus living out through us in our actions and words.  We are an extension of Jesus' hands and feet.  "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 


 In the end, all I know is that my "acts of service" are just what my parents need right now.  I was out last week with their two little dogs, and I remember talking with the Lord while we walked.  I said, "Lord, thank you that I still have my parents and can minister to them through your strength."  "Thank you Lord that You are my loving motivator and You order my steps as I walk this path before me."

I encourage you to look deep within as you serve others and use God's gifts to bring Him glory...











Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com
If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Moving Forward...

123RF Stock PhotoTrust the past to God’s mercy, the present to God’s love, and the future to God’s Providence. ~Augustine 
Christmas was rough.   Things were different this year.  My Dad was in and out of the hospital during the holiday season.  My Mom and I spent hours in the ER and drove across town numerous times to visit him.  Our family had to adjust to different schedules and make sacrifices.  That’s what family does when someone is hurting and needs extended care.
I make plans loosely.  I don’t concern myself with, “what about tomorrow?”  I have learned to stay flexible when it comes to schedules and the unpredictable.
I say all this to say, “Do not fret about the future… it will fret enough for itself.”  (Matthew 6:34)
As we move into a new year, keep in mind that God often uses difficult times to draw us unto Himself.  My New Year’s resolution is to purpose to spend more time in His Word and in prayer.  Surely these past few weeks has laid a foundation for that practice.  I am more committed than ever to stay connected to Him in meaningful ways. 
I am determined to nurture the Mary half and squelch the Martha half in me as I move forward.  Each one has an important part in my spiritual well-being, but right now in this moment in time I need to sit at the Master’s feet.
2014 will be a year like no other.  Each year has trials and triumphs, tribulations and trouble.  No matter what – God will prevail.   I need only to defer to His leading and walk in the steps He has ordained for me.
I press forward – that I may grasp all that Christ Jesus has for me, knowing that He has first ordained that which He has given me.  (Philippians 3:12)
I get frustrated and impatient at times… we all do.  But one thing is sure:  people take precedence over plans .  God has ordained the family unit and we are to take care of each other in a manner that brings glory to Him.  It matters not that you receive no thanks or that the recipient of your actions don’t take notice.  It is a labor of love, not a drudgery of duty.
Let this New Year awaken a drowsy Spirit and a lackluster desire to be all that you can be for God.  Move forward in confidence.  
Don’t dwell on what is past.  Look for God’s signposts as you purpose to do His Will.  It will be different this year.  (Isaiah 43:18-19)
Enjoy these Blog posts from past New Years -
A Sure Foundation for the New Year
A New Year - Time For a Change
Happy New Year - A Fresh Start







Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Christmas: Great Expectations? Keep it real…

123RF Stock Photo It’s that time of year when expectations run high… but often don’t quite measure-up with reality. 
This Christmas has been a little different than most for our family.  My Dad has been facing a serious health issue since the fall, and that has put everything in a new perspective.  My Mom and I have spent days in and out of the hospital with him, and it has taken a toll on her health as well.  Caring for aging parents can be time consuming, emotionally draining, and physically challenging.
We all have unmet expectations when it comes to the holidays.  
Now might be a good time to reevaluate what is really important this Christmas.  Faith, family and charity are my favorite things to focus on during this time of year.  Here is my take on each one of them:
FAITH -   Jesus is certainly the Reason for the Season.  The babe in the manger born in Bethlehem came into this world to fulfill prophesy foretold long ago of a Savior – Christ the Lord.  He is our Prince of Peace during times of turmoil and uncertainty.  Jesus is the “indescribable gift” from the Father above.(II Corinthians 9:15).
FAMILY -   Now there is a “loaded” subject.  We all have them, but sometimes we don't like them very much.  Often during family gatherings tensions arise between siblings, parents and children, and spouses.  Every family has their danger zone when it comes to relationship pitfalls.  Placing unrealistic expectations on your family can cause depression, anxiety, and anger.  Be sure bathe your holidays in prayer.  Extend grace where needed and use self-control liberally.
CHARITY -  Nothing makes you feel better than meeting a need and helping someone less fortunate than yourself.  Giving emulates the character of Jesus.  This is the season for gift giving and donating your time, energy and finances to worthy causes.  Share with others what the Lord has blessed you with.   Remember, it is not the size of your gift – but the heart motive that matters.
Oftentimes family gatherings are a flashpoint for tensions.   
Norman Rockwell - Google ImagesIt might be stressful to deal with an ex-spouse or ex-in-laws.  Things don’t always go as planned, so be sure to stay flexible and non-confrontational if possible.  Don’t assume wrong motives.  Allow extra time for yourself in order to avoid a melt-down in the middle of cooking, cleaning and socializing with your extended family.  Ask others to help with food preparation, gift-wrapping, decorating and cleanup.
Give yourself permission to “let something go” that was on your to-do list without the guilt. Every year isn’t going to be a Norman Rockwell Christmas – and that is OKAY.  Recognize that not everyone is going to want to do what you want to do at Christmastime.  Give and take is essential with a large family as much as with a small one.  Feelings will get hurt and toes will get stepped on.  It’s OKAY.  Focus on the major things and don’t fret over the minor things.  Making memories that will last is honorable – but not at the expense of your sanity or your relationships.
Remember – JESUS is the Reason for the Season.  Everything else is filler...

Here are some of my Christmas posts from previous years -

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh
Twelve Days of Christmas Revisited
Mary Did you Know?






Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Giving Thanks Isn't Just for Turkeys

Image credit: 123RF Stock Photo
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His  courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”  
(Psalm 100:4)
The concept of thanksgiving is not new. Webster defines it this way:  the act of giving thanks; a prayer expressing gratitude; a public acknowledgment or celebration of divine goodness.
As Christians, we should acknowledge God’s goodness and provision in our expression of thanksgiving.  God’s Word implores us to give thanks unto Him. Both the Old and New Testament books of the Bible encourage us to have an attitude of gratitude. Psalm 50:14 tells us to, “Offer to God thanksgiving.”  Psalm 95:2 says, “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving…”  The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 4:6 declares, “…in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”  We are to develop and display a grateful heart.
Our expression of gratefulness to God is found in our praise of Who God IS.  He is  El Elyon  – The Most High.  He is the omnipotent God, the one who rules and reigns eternal.  He is also  Adonai  – Lord, Master, and Owner.  In Genesis 15, God told Abram he would be his shield and reward.  Abram said,  “O Lord [Adonai], GOD [Jehovah], what wilt Thou give me, since I am childless?” God was his Lord and Master of all things concerning him.  The most sacred name for God is Jehovah GOD (Yahweh). He is the all self-existent God who spoke everything into being. Moses knew God in an intimate way and beheld His Glory face to face.

Heartfelt thanksgiving for Who God IS blesses us and blesses Him.
We often don’t display thankfulness for those closest to us.  Family, friends and co-workers are often short-changed when it comes to giving thanks.  We all but forget their worthiness of our expressions of gratefulness.  I thank God for my husband who is generous, devoted, trustworthy, and responsible.  Thanking God for our children, though not perfect, keeps them at the center of our prayers and praises.  Find a friend and thank them for their encouragement or support during a difficult time.  Your co-worker may need thanking for the kind comment they shared at the office.  Thank a stranger for their service and dedication to their chosen profession.  Thank your pastor or lay-minister for a message or bible study they shared.  Thank your parents for their valuable love and wisdom afforded to you over the years.  

Express your thanksgiving in a tangible way.  Express it often – and always in love.

Finally, thank Jesus for your salvation.  If we had nothing else to be thankful for, that would be sufficient!  Oh, how we thank Him for rescuing us from certain destruction and eternal doom.  Paul declares in II Corinthians 9:15, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”  May we always be ready to tell others about our Savior and His gift.
For the Christian, thanksgiving is an action word – a  continual state of living as we outwardly express our love and devotion to Him.   Happy Thanksgiving – May Blessings Abound Always and in All Things!
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;  blessed is the man who trusts in Him. (Psalm 34:8)
 Listen to this wonderful worship song - Give Thanks








Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

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