Category: inspirational

A Child is Born

baby, celebrate, eagerly awaitedA few days ago a good friend celebrated the birth of a new baby into their family. This child was eagerly awaited and loved long before he drew his first breath. He is loved unconditionally even though he can give nothing in return. He is loved for his very existence in this moment and not for what he may become in the future. His family is committed to provide for his needs and to guide him as he grows.

This is the way that God loves each one of us. I know that he loves me just as I am. He loves me even when I have nothing to give back. He is watching over me and is always there to nurture, support and guide me to reach my full potential. When I fall down he is there to lift me back up. All I need to do is to call out to him in prayer.

I can have this relationship with God because he sent his son Jesus to earth to demonstrate His great love for me. The birth of Jesus had been foretold and written about in the scriptures hundreds of years before that historic night in Bethlehem when he arrived as a helpless baby. The baby Jesus is the greatest gift known to mankind and is the reason I celebrate Christmas this week.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NIV

He Sees You

Christmas, Santa, Jesus, giftsAs we approach Christmas I overhear parents telling their children to be good so Santa will come and leave them presents. A well know Christmas song reinforces this. The words that have been imprinted on the minds of many generations are as follows:

He sees you when you’re sleeping
He knows when you’re awake
He knows if you’ve been bad or good
So be good, for goodness sake

When I hear these words I have a slightly different perspective. I think of Jesus. He sees us in all circumstances. He does know if we’ve been bad or good and still loves us unconditionally. The gifts that he brings are everlasting and always available. They are not just delivered on one night of the year, but are there for us every day.

My celebration at Christmas is not all about the man in the red suit. It is a celebration for the Son of God, who came to earth as a baby, born in a manger. I will rejoice as the shepherds did that night in Bethlehem when the angels sang glory to the newborn King.

And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. “For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. “And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying” “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:9-14

Plastic Cutlery

pressure, peace, JesusWhile attending a potluck dinner, we placed our meal on paper plates and picked up plastic cutlery to eat with. When my husband tried to cut his chicken the pressure he applied on the knife caused it to snap into 3 pieces.

I looked at him and said “I think there’s a story here.” Instead of getting him a new knife, I pulled out my phone and took a picture of the broken piece of plastic cutlery!

To me this knife was a reminder of what happens when too much pressure is applied in my life. I have been known to keep adding things to my to-do list until I have far too many commitments. Knowing that I can’t keep up adds so much pressure to my life that I am liable to snap. This is especially true during this time of the year. Life can be busy enough without adding extra shopping, baking, decorating and socializing to the mix. The added pressure takes away from the true meaning and joy of the Christmas Season.

Christmas is not about running myself ragged. Instead of being ready to snap from too much pressure I need to stop and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. It is the celebration of the birth of Jesus. God sending his son to earth was the greatest gift known to mankind. Nothing else can compare. The gift I can give back to God is that of my time and appreciation. It’s easy to do and fills me with peace, joy and love.

A child will be born for us. A son will be given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. He will be named: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 God’s Word Translation

Snow Drifts

snow drift, Holy Spirit, prayerWe woke up to blizzard conditions. The weather forecast had been telling us this was coming for the past few days but I refused to believe it until it was actually here. The snow was falling and the high winds accompanying it were creating immense snow drifts.

It was fascinating to see how the snow was being sculpted. The drifts on the driveway meant that I didn’t have to go anywhere and I looked forward to a quiet day to reflect and write.

Soon the house started to cool off and turning up the furnace didn’t help. It would come on and then seem to blow out again. The little bit of air that did come through was definitely not warm. My husband went outside to investigate and found a large snow drift up against the side of the house, completely blocking the furnace vent. When the fresh air couldn’t be accessed, the furnace wouldn’t work properly. Soon he had it cleared off and heat started to return to our home.

This was another reminder to me not to let things pile up in my life. When the wind blows, my pile of “stuff” causes a chill that makes everything and everyone around me uncomfortable. The warmth disappears and the only way to regain it is to clear away the drifts that caused the problem. Depending on the amount to be cleared, this can be a daunting task. I may not have the words or know how to pray for what is needed, but the Holy Spirit breathes fresh air and life into me. The Spirit interprets what is in my heart. God understands and by coming to him in prayer daily, I can keep those drifts from forming.

At the same time the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we don’t know how to pray for what we need. But the Spirit intercedes along with our groans that cannot be expressed in words. The one who searches our hearts knows what the spirit has in mind. The Spirit intercedes for Gods people the way God wants him to. Romans 8:26-27 God’s Word Translation.

Be inspired today!

Cold Water

Rec Centre, Pool, swim, aqua fit The pool that I do my exercise class in seems to have lowered the water temperature.  It feels shockingly cold to climb into and there are many complaints from members of the class.  The funny thing is, once I am wet and working hard, the water no longer feels cold to me.  I know that the temperature has not changed, but it starts to feel comfortable.

The instructor challenged the class to look at it differently.  She said it was mind over matter.  If we get in thinking it will be cold, we will slowly immerse ourselves, making the cold last longer.  “Just jump in and get the worst of it over with” she told us.

This made me think of the many times in my life I have approached a challenge very hesitantly, certain it would be unpleasant.  A saying that comes to mind is ‘What I fear, I create.’  Once I change my mindset and immerse myself in the task at hand, the earlier trepidation fades.  Just like the water temperature, the situation doesn’t change, just my attitude toward it.  The best way that I have found to do this is to pray about the situation.  Once I know it is out of my control and in the hands of Jesus, the pressure is off and anything is possible.

I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.  Philippians 4:13 God’s Word Translation

Be inspired today.

Words

words-1 imageWords, whether written or spoken have great power. When used positively they can encourage, support, inspire and light a fire in someone’s heart. The negative use of words can deeply wound, cause loss of confidence and extinguish the passion in those same hearts.

I know that I have been on the receiving end of both types of words. Some of them have caused me to question my worth. Others have shown me that I have more value than I believed.

As much as I hate to admit it, I’m sure I have used words as weapons that have caused others pain. These days I consciously strive to make my words positive and uplifting.

It is no accident that God is referred to in the Bible as the Word. His words in this book of instruction, point me in the way I need to go. The more I listen to Him, the more I am able to reflect his love to those around me. His whispers into my heart light the passions and purpose that have been placed deep within me. It is only by listening to and following his words that I can live the life I was created for.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 NIV

Glow Sticks

glow stick pictureAccording to Wikipedia, a glow stick is a self-contained, short-term light-source. I also found more technical information but nothing that describes the enjoyment that they bring.

The children in my life love to get glow sticks. They have fun wearing them as bracelets or just waving them around in the dark. When first taken out of the package, a glow stick is nothing special to look at. The light does not appear until after you crack it. Then it changes and brightens up the area around it.

My daughter sent me a quote that said, “It’s okay to be a glow stick; sometimes we need to break before we shine.”

This made me think how much my life has been like a glow stick. I have found that I can live with no risk and be nondescript, like a glow stick fresh out of the package. When I step out of my comfort zone, there is the chance that I might get hurt, or broken. By taking that brokenness to Jesus, I allow him to turn it into a light that attracts others. Like a glow stick, that light is not only used for recreation, but can also be relied upon for many other things. The main difference, though, is that a glow stick can be used only once. After I allow Jesus to light up my life, I can be used continually to bring light into other lives.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 NIV

Be inspired today!

Breakfast Smoothie

unplugged blender picEven though a couple of the regular ingredients were missing, my breakfast of choice was a fruit smoothie. I put everything in the blender, pushed the blend button and nothing happened. A couple of other buttons were tried, but still nothing. It was then that I realized I had not plugged it in! Without the power source nothing could happen.

The parallel to my life hit me immediately. Unless I plug into my power source first thing in the morning, my day is not going to have the outcome that would otherwise be possible. My day needs to start with my connection to God, through prayer. The wonderful thing about this is that I don’t need a long extension cord to stay plugged in all day. God has sent the Holy Spirit to be with me constantly. This source of power is available whenever I choose to make the connection. With this source freely available, I would be foolish not to remain plugged in and fully charged.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Ephesians 1:19 NIV

You won’t [succeed] by might or by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Armies. Zechariah 4:6B GWT

Be inspired!

Remembrance Day

November 11th is known as Remembrance Day in Canada. In other countries it is called Armistice Day or Poppy Day. This date marks the anniversary of the official end of World War 1 on November 11, 1918. As a holiday, the day commemorates the sacrifices made in armed conflicts. Countless numbers have given their lives. Many more have suffered serious injuries and great emotional scars.

The sacrifice that so many have paid to ensure a better life for those who followed is overwhelming. That is why on this day and for weeks before, people can been seen wearing artificial poppies as a symbol of remembrance. There is also a period of silence at the eleventh hour to remember these sacrifices. Many areas have commemoration ceremonies and military parades. Those who made the sacrifices are remembered and appreciated. Among those I will be honoring will be my father and father-in-law, who both fought in World War 2.

While I am remembering those sacrifices, I also need to remember the greatest sacrifice of all. Jesus gave his life so that I may have the opportunity to spend eternity with him. He paid the penalty for my sins so that I may be forgiven. He knew what the outcome would be, but carried it through because of his great love. This is something I did not deserve. This gift is something to thank him for each and every day.

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 1 John 3:16 NIV

Wilted Flowers

wilted roses2The once beautiful bouquet of flowers had now wilted. Their heads drooped, petals fell and the leaves were crisp and dry. They had been like this for days before I finally disposed of them. My reasoning for keeping them was that even in this state, they reminded me of the beauty and fragrance that had been present in previous days.

As I removed the flowers from the vase, I was reminded that nothing lasts forever. The joys in my life need to be savored in the moment and stored as beautiful memories. Sometimes, like cut flowers, they will be gone far too quickly. Just as these flowers were an unexpected gift, so are many things that happen in my life.

I choose to view my life as the perennial flowers in my garden. They bloom for a season, one lovely blossom being replaced by the next. Then they have a season where they appear dormant. This time of rest prepares them for the next phase, when they will burst forth into renewed life as the seasons change once again.

As I think of my wilted flowers I choose not be sad that they are gone, but to be thankful that I had the opportunity to enjoy them in the first place. They brightened my life in the short time they were here. At some point I will again enjoy a bouquet of flowers. They will not be identical to the ones I had, but will each bring their own beauty into my life. I trust God to provide the fragrance of new beginnings and the season of rest, all in his perfect timing.

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” 1Peter 1 23-25 NIV

Be inspired this week.

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