Logan's Calf

A remarkable phone call from a 12-yr old boy to Houston radio station KSBJ FM 89.3. So profound, the station has it posted on their website. Click on the link below to listen to it. It's short . If you don't want to miss the meaning of Christmas, this is it. If the holiday's have increased your pain and you're asking God, "why." This is your answer. One mom shared that she and her husband are going to play it for their children before they open presents Christmas morning. May you be inspired, challenged, comforted, and reminded of the One who gave us all we'd ever need!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=zCdZwitrNoY

Merry Christmas!!

...And the Winner Is...

Congrats, Wendy, who decided to put her Christmas lights back into the attic! Sometimes a girl has to do what a girl has to do. We didn't put our outside lights out this year either. Only two small lit trees that sit on either side of the front door.
Thanks to everyone who posted and stopped by my blog. It's so nice to meet each of you! Mara asked if what else did I do to find joy again besides pray after losing my husband. Did I see a therapist?

Yes, I did see a Christian counselor and highly recommend it. Depression can be a very serious thing. I went through a time where I struggled with suicidal thoughts...I was torn between living for my infant son, or dying to be with my husband. All of that is natural after the loss of a loved one. I was only 21 and the new mother of a 4 month old son when the accident happen. I was plagued with nightmares at night and during the day I was convinced I'd see him driving down the road or something like that. I recall one time following a truck like his for miles before I realized what I was doing. Grief. It causes us to do strange things, and yet, it's important that you get through the entire process of grief and not get stuck in a certain area. This is why talking with a counselor, a pastor or godly mentor is a must.

Time doesn't heal a thing. It's God who is our Great Physician. Through His Word I learned that we don't live in the world God created. The world He made He said was good. But then, through Adam and Eve came sin. The result...we live in a fallen, broken, sin-sick world. Sickness, abuse, addition, war, and death were a part of God's orginal blue-print in creating earth. But because we live in a fallen world, not everthing that happens to us is going to be good. That's the bad news. The good news is God have made us a promise. "For God causes all things to work together for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28.

When your five year old gets cancer, when your husband loses his job, when your teenager's friend is killed in a car crash, when that person you knows suceeds at sucide, the Spirit of God, through this vers, is saying with a Father's heart, "Not everything that happens to you is going to be good, but because you love me and obey me your father in heaven will make it good." Isnt' that just like a loving father to take what is broken and make it whole again? He did if for me and He'll do it for you, too!

So, yes, there were times when depression, grief, fear, and anger came knocking on my hearts door and still do. But my God is bigger. I trust His love and His plan for me. So far it's been a good one. I have remarried a wonderful man and have two more beautiful children, a minstry, and a heart that believes my God is good in all things.

May each of us praise and worship Him this Christmas season for He alone is worthy of our praise!

Cool Christmas Give Away!

IT’S HERE!!! IT’S TIME TO POST A COMMENT AND ENTER YOURSELF IN THE COOL CHRISTMAS GIVE-AWAY!!!!!!!!

Last week I was given an awesome Christmas gift! I was invited to do a two day taping with Kay Arthur, my bible mentor and THE matriarch of women’s bible studies. It was such an honor to spend two days studying with Word of God with her. Well, she taught, I gleaned. I have pictures that I wanted to share with you. However, I left my camera case at my sister’s house which contains the necessary wires to transfer the photos to my computer. Sigh. But I promised to post them as soon as I can. In the meantime, here’s a picture of Kay.

If you’re not familiar with Precept Ministries and love studying the Word of God, I HIGHLY recommend you check it out. You won’t be sorry!

I’ve been a student of Precept Ministries for 18 years. I didn’t beginning studying the Word because I wanted to know God or anything spiritual like that. I wanted answers. My husband was badly burned in a house fire and died at Vanderbilt Hospital 8 days later. I had been a believer since I was 7 years old. I could hardly believe that God would allow my husband to die. I wanted to know why? Ever been there? I felt betrayed mostly. Betrayal is a normal emotion to have when God doesn’t behave like we think He should. The truth is God is faithful in all things. He never abandoned me. What I learned most was that He is enough in all things.

I also realized that all those years, I had a religion instead of a relationship. Bible study opened my eyes to see God has He truly was. Not who I made Him to be. True knowledge set me free. Before I knew it, I was head over heels in love with God and have been ever since. My greatest desire is to know God and then make Him known to others. I realize that there are lots of people sitting in church every Sunday who, like me, have a religion. They are in desperate need of a Savior. Through my years of study, God not only healed my broken heart but He prepared me for ministry.

Everyday I shake my head. I don’t get it. I don’t know why such an awesome God would use this southern talkin’ braces wearin’ hometown girl to communicate His truths to others, but I’m having a blast just hangin’ out with Jesus and going wherever He leads! Besides, He does the work. I just stand there and marvel at Him.

Kay’s faithfulness to teach the Word of God has played a key role in my life and ministry. While meeting her was a great gift, the best gift I’ve been given is—Jesus. He never goes out of style. He never fades, breaks or wears out. He never needs returning. He’s one size fit’s all. And He just keeps giving more and more. If you would like to know my Jesus and receive the greatest Gift on earth, check out my Meet My Best Friend section.

And…to add a bit of Christmas sweetness, you can win a gift today, too! To win the cool Christmas give-away which consist of a signed copy of God’s Purpose for Every Woman Devotional book and a gift certificate to Body Works then be sure and leave a post on my blog or Lysa’s! Good luck! I’m pulling for you!!

Twelve Reasons for Christmas

1. "For this I was born and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth." (John 18:37)

2. "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil." (1 John 3:8; cf. Hebrews 2:14-15)

3. "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." (Mark 2:17)

4. "The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." (Luke 19:10)

5. "The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)

6. "God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons." (Galatians 4:5)

7. "For God so loved the world that whoever believes on him shall not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through him might be saved." (John 3:16).

8. "God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him." (1 John 4:9; cf. John 10:10).

9. "The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." (1 Timothy 1:15).

10. "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against . . . that the thoughts of many may be revealed" (Luke 2:34f).

11. "He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed." (Luke 4:18)

12. "Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy." (Romans 15:7-8; cf. John 12:27f).

Cool Christmas Give Away!

Don't miss this Cool Christmas GiveAway featured on Lysa Terkurst blog. On December 18th, I'll be featured on Lysa's blog and I'll be giving away a free Cool Christmas gift!!! We know that this can be a stressful time of the year when we women are doing all the planning, buying, wrapping, cooking, and decorating. So, we want to do something for you. Be sure and visit me on the 18th! By leaving a comment on my blog or Lysa's automatically puts you in the drawing for my free GiveAway! I'm so excited, I can't wait!

Also, in all the hustle and bustle of the holiday, I've decided to be intentional about focusing on the real meaning of the season...Jesus. I plan to sit in the darkness and gaze at the twinkle of my Christmas tree lights while drinking hot chocolate and eating cookies and fudge (because all sweets are legal during the holidays!) I plan to have my family join me as we talk about past Christmas memories until we reach the very first Christmas when Christ was born.

It's my sincere hope and desire that during this remembrance, our hearts will be filled with true thankfulness and joy. Being thankful and living a selfless life that serves others as Jesus did is the meaning of joy. "Greetings," said the angel, I bring you good tidings of great joy for all people!" Joy is ours because a Savior was born who takes away the sins of the World; who conquers the grave and provides heaven as our eternal home. Joy because our Savior provides us with hope...hope in my marriage, hope in my parenting, hope for today and tomorrow. There is hope for our future and hope even in our failures...because even when we fail, Jesus provides options. We have the option of being forgiven and restored or we can remain in our failure. But why forfeit the joy that comes when there is nothing between you and God?! Oh, what a Savior! Thank God for Christmas Day!

Remember to visit back for the GiveAway on the 18th. You can leave your comment here or on Lysa's blog http://www.lysaterkeurst.com/

SWEET Christmas blessings to all...

Christmas Mishaps

This week I spoke at two wonderful churches! I meet new sister's in Christ, had the privilege of introducing others to Jesus for the first time, and was reminded of God's faithfulness to show up in a big way.
Last night in Jackson, TN, the director played a game where the audience had to collect as many Christmas mishap stories as the could. This was a great ice-breaker so that the women of this new Church could get to know one another. Laughter filled the room as we heard everything from getting fake dog poop as a gag gift, to dumping sweet potato casserole on a guest.

I could only think of one Christmas where all didn't go as planned. It was Christmas Eve when my husband noticed a bad smell. No, it wasn't my cooking. It was coming from the back yard. Perhaps it was the neighbor's cooking? Just kidding. It was the septic tank. It had overflowed sending rank odors into the air for the neighborhood to enjoy on their Christmas Eve.

We quickly searched the phone book for a repair man. He arrived alone. Since it was Christmas Eve, all his helpers were already home celebrating. The man worked for several hours and finally the smell began to lighten.

My husband was shocked when the man handed him the bill. It was double the amount listed in the phone book. When my husband questioned the man, he reminded him it was Christmas Eve hoping the man would lessen the charge. Instead, the worker replied, "Well, I think it's worth double the money. When you think about it. It's a pretty "crappy" thing to have to do on Christmas Eve." Who could argue with that? We paid the man his money.

This story fit perfectly with my talk. Mary, the mother of Jesus, learned that her plans are not always God's plans. While she was planning a wedding, God was planning the arrival of a Savior! And yet, in beautiful submission she traded her plans for God's. What was the result? We are a redeemed people!

During the holidays, our plans may not go as we wish either. But, if we're willing to trade our plans for God's, it's going to be worth it. His plans for us are always good. They are never to bring us harm...but to prosper us and give us a hope. What better hope than to know Jesus, the Savior, who takes away the sins of the world!

I'd love to hear about your Christmas mishaps, too. Or, perhaps you have a story like Mary's where things didn't go as you planned, but you discovered God's were much better.

A Christmas Miracle

If you don't subscribe to P31 Woman, I highly recommend it! You can subscribe at www.proverbs31.org

This month's issue includes a story written by me entitled, A Christmas Miracle.

Here is a condensed version of it.

Christmas can mean many things to many people. But for those who beleive, Christimas briths a new chance to foucs ont he the most famous birth in history and what that means to a lost and hurting world full of people who need Jesus.

Christmas has always been a time for celebration and joy. This year, it would be different. We were consumed in grief over our nephew; a troubled kid. Our sadness robbed the sacred holiday of its awe and wonder that we had experienced in years past. So, I began to pray. “Please, God, don’t let us miss Christmas.”

Tradition in our home is for family and friends join us for Christmas dinner. This year was no different. The house was full of those who had come to celebrate.

The house glittered with lights and tinsel both inside and out. The presents were sorted into piles according to the nametags that were located a top each gift and tucked slightly under the bow. Aromas of holiday foods cooking in the kitchen made our mouths water with anticipation. Outwardly, all seemed right, yet for my family, no celebration or sweet treat could comfort our hearts. Again, I prayed. “Lord, please don’t let us miss Christmas.”

As the evening drew to a close Cody put on his coat. “Merry Christmas,” he said, waving bye with his hand high in the air.

Cody, a friend of our son, had joined the Marines and was due to report after graduation.

He fiddled with his jacket as if he was hesitating. “Are you excited about the Marines?” I asked.

“I wish I had never joined. I’m told the only way to get out of it is not to graduate. So I’m not going to finish school,” Cody said as he shuffled his feet back and forth.

I sighed and began sharing with Cody what I needed to hear myself. ”Peace comes in impossible situations when we rely on God and trust Him with our future, whatever that may be.”

Stunned, Cody asked. “In order to trust and rely on God, don’t I first have to …what’s the word, ah…get saved?”

“You’ve never trusted Christ as you personal Lord and Savior?” I asked?

“No, ma'ma, I haven’t.” Cody said, shaking his head back and forth.
“Well, we can fix that right now if you like.”

My niece and I escorted Cody into a quite room where we explained about the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Cody accepted the peace of God and his countenance changed right in front of our face.

With excitement, Cody announced to our guest, “Guess what everybody? I just gave my heart and life to Jesus!” Cheers filled the house and the true celebration of Christmas had finally begun! It was a Christmas miracle I’ll never forget.

God had heard my prayer. He hadn’t let us miss Christmas at all. In fact, as we looked to Christ for Cody’s sake, He was birthed anew in all our hearts.

Isn’t that why we celebrate Christmas each year? To refocus on the One who offers hope in this fallen world and fills us with lasting peace. Hope for the hurting, sick, and the lost. Christmas reminds us to rejoice in the truth that no matter what we face on earth, Jesus has overcome the world!

In the meantime, we don’t have to wait till heaven to experience peace and joy. We can have inner peace all year long no matter what our circumstance may be. We simply stop looking at our troubles and look to our Savior; not just at Christmas but all year long. Gazing on Christ helps us to see, if you have Jesus, you have everything you need.