It's Christmas! Are You Ready?

Well, it's been a few weeks since I posted anything, and it's just because it's been crazy.  The few weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are always like that.  It seems like we are always on the go.

A few weeks ago we took our annual pictures, I won't call them "Christmas pictures", because we aren't wearing our Christmas sweaters, and wearing our reds and greens (not that you would ever catch me in that anyway!).  They turned our really well, our friend Jessica took them for us and she did a great job.  It was freezing out, but was still fun.  If you would like some great pictures and are in the Weatherford area, let me know, and I'll put you in touch with her.

 I believe we are ready for Christmas to be here.  It's coming whether we are or not.  I am really excited about one of Dane's presents this year.  He is getting a guitar (shh, don't say anything!).  I was about his age when I started, and has been a passion of mine for many years.  I hope it will for him too!  Claire's big present is a Guinnea pig.  We had been keeping it at Papa's house for the last week, but unfortunately, while in his care, it died!  So, on Sunday Janna had to get a new one.  I guess that is the risk of buying "live" presents!

This year, we are doing Christmas a little different.  We are going to open our presents on Christmas Eve.  This is the way I always did it growing up, so it will be nice to do that again.  We are looking forward to having a quiet evening just us and the kids.

Here are a couple of verses to think about:  Isaiah prophesying about the birth of Jesus, and then His birth, fulfilling that prophesy!

Isaiah 9:6

 ⁶ 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.

  Luke 2:11-14

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”-

Please have a wonderful and blessed Christmas! Read Full...

The Warrior

Thanksgiving last week was great. It was good to see some of Janna's relatives and her 96 year old grandmother.  I didn't eat too much, and really took it easy on the desserts.  I just don't get into gorging myself anymore during the holidays.  We also got together with my side of the family on Saturday, and that was great too.  We had great conversations, collected firewood for my parents, and just had an outstanding time.

We started back with my men's small group last night and started a new series called "The Warrior".  It sort of has the Wild At Heart feel to it.  It's one of those "men need to be men and not be ashamed to be so" type of study.  This first discussion was about the spiritual battle we are in, and how sometimes we may not relate our non-spiritual, natural world issues as having a spiritual issue at it's core.  It could be that we are just unaware, or just choose not to acknowledge that it is.  I smiled as I read the discussion outline because the first verse mentioned was one I used in a previous posting:

¹²For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
                                                                                   Ephesians 6:12

I hope that the discussion encouraged the guys to not shy away from this fight, but to be on the front lines of the battlefield, and take on the challenges of life head on with Jesus on our side. Our encouragement came from this verses:

³ He shall say: "Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. ⁴ For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory."
                                                                                Deuteronomy 20:3-4

 "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes."                                                                                     

                                                                                          Nehemiah 4:14

What is your battle today?  What is your ongoing battle?  Find encouragement in these verses.  He has already won!

Communication with the Father at its most basic form is prayer.  Communication is one of the keys to any healthy relationship.  Take time to develop your relationship with Him and let Him know your hopes, dreams, fears, struggles, battles, and victories.  He wants to know. Read Full...