"Don't do it yourself!"

There are countless numbers of DIY networks, blogs, and magazines circulating today. When it comes to just about anything, a Google search can teach you how to “do it yourself.”

From mixing a weight-loss smoothie to restoring a classic car, you can pretty much figure out how to save money and just “do it yourself” by using Google and other internet search engines. I have to admit, if I can avoid spending money unnecessarily, I will. If I can figure out how to do something myself or Google it, I usually do - especially if I can avoid driving all over town only to arrive at the store and either not find what I need or have to wait forever. Remember we are a “microwave society” so to speak, and I don’t think I’m the only one guilty of being impatient. Often times we choose to do things ourselves simply because we don’t want to wait for someone else to do it, even if waiting means we get it done better than we can “do it ourselves.”

However, there are some things we should not venture into doing ourselves. For example, I wouldn’t recommend trying to do surgery on oneself; that’s what doctors are for. Some things need to be left to the professionals.

In the same respect, some situations in our lives can only be handled and corrected by the ultimate problem-solving professional…Jesus Christ. No matter how knowledgeable we may be or how many degrees we may obtain, there are just some things that only God can handle. Psalms 121:1 says, “I will lift my eyes to the hills from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

Don’t you think someone who was intelligent enough to create heaven and earth is well equipped to handle your situations? Need more proof? Matthew 6:30 says, “Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, o you of little faith?” Just like we have faith in Google to have the answer to our most searing questions, we must trust God a thousand times more. After all He created us and no one knows us better than He does.

So the next time you are looking to solve your own problem, stop before “doing it yourself” makes it worse.

Don’t do it yourself; trust in The Expert.

Think about it.

"Do you see what I see?"

Said the night wind to the little lamb, “Do you see what I see?” Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy, “Do you hear what I hear?”

Today that is my question to anyone reading this post. Do you see what I see; and do you hear what I hear? I see Christmas trees decorated with lights and tinsel; I see children fogging up department store windows longing for the toys inside to be their own. I hear moms and dads planning surprises and special dinners for their families. This Christmas let us take time to stop, look, and listen.  What do you hear? What do you see? Are you surrounding yourself in the true spirit of Christmas?

The holiday season is packed with family plans, pictures, outings, vacations, shopping and other activities. Somewhere between putting up trees and wrapping presents, I wonder if the world is really stopping to realize the true meaning of Christmas. The miraculous birth of Jesus took place for the benefit of all mankind. The news of His birth should be spread like a computer virus posted on statuses and featured on TMZ! We must not allow the hustle and bustle of the holiday season to cause us to forget the true meaning of Christmas.  Matthew 1:21 says, “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

We should acknowledge our Savior’s arrival and purpose every day not just during the holidays. I believe the best way to show that acknowledgement is by living a Christian life so that not only Christ but also others can see that we do in fact know why He came.

We are unsure of so many things and so many things in the world today are unpredictable. However, there is one thing that will forever remain and that is God’s word. Matthew 24:35 says, “Heaven and earth will pass away but my words will by no means pass away.”

Gifts and dinners are wonderful. Every family should take time out on Christmas and every day to love each other and share special time. But let us not omit sharing the story of our savior and living according to His divine plan for us.

Think about it.

Jesus' Christmas List!

Tis the season of giving! However, in our “microwave” society sometimes it seems we just don’t have or don’t take the time to give. People often seem too caught up in “getting.” Some are trying so hard to get money or fame that they rarely take the time out to give. Also this time of year some are so are worried about getting the perfect gift for everyone that they become stressed and that dulls the joy of giving meant to be felt during the holidays. But as we wrap and ship gifts to distant relatives, or purchase the special toys our little ones have pointed out, is there something that we are forgetting to give?
Matthew 19:16-22 tells the story of a rich young ruler who desired eternal life; this is a gift not just anyone can give. He approached Jesus and asked, “What good thing must I do that I may have eternal life.” Jesus answered by giving him a list of commandments to follow. To which the young man replied in (so many words) “Been there done that.” So Jesus challenged him, by saying “If you want to be perfect, go sell what you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven, and come follow me.”
At that point the conversation was over. The young ruler didn’t even respond verbally. We all know that actions speak louder than words. I’m sure there were many thoughts that crossed that young rulers mind as he walked away one being, “Is this dude crazy?” The scripture says he simply turned and walked away from Jesus in sorrow for he had great possessions. Doesn’t this still happen today? Wealthy people and people in general are often sorrowful despite what they have, especially (in my opinion) when they don’t have Jesus. The old saying is true “Money cannot buy happiness,” no matter what time of the year it is.
Luke 10:27 says “You shall love the Lord you God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind.” If you have ever been in love before, you know it takes energy to love someone fully. And if you do love them fully, you also know that in order for them to know that you love them, you give them time, gifts, and words of expression among other things.
But this year, I implore you to forget about waiting to make a New Year’s resolution. Jesus was born and died to afford us a gift that no amount of money will ever be able to buy, eternal life. So why not give to a God who has done so much for you, already even though you have never even met, face to face. Why not give Him your heart, mind, soul and strength as well as your time, talents, prayers and faith? After all when you give to God it’s a guarantee that you will “get” much more in return. Don’t be like the rich young ruler; step up to the plate and be a true giver. Be like the wise men who followed a star into the unknown seeking a savoir and when they found Him they not only laid gifts but their hearts at his feet.
Give…Christ...you! That’s all He has on his list!
Think about it!

Mirror Image!

One of the first things people want to know when they hear a birth announcement is, “Who does the baby look like?” Parents often quarrel about whose eyes, nose, or smile the baby has.  Relatives and friends debate over their opinion on which parent the baby like the most.

When my youngest daughter was born everyone declared that they saw only her father and none of me in her. I begged to differ and searched for a picture of myself as a baby. Once I found one I was able to prove that in fact my baby girl looks a lot like me.

Recently a friend of mine posted a picture of himself as a child alongside a picture of his son at the same age.  (picture shown) It is almost shocking to me how much the little boy looks like his father at the same age. I found myself looking for differences in the pictures and having a hard time finding them.  They appear to practically be a mirror image of each other.

Looking at the pictures made me think about Genesis 1:26a.-27 which say, “Then God said, “Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.” “So God created man in His image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Would you look at yourself in the mirror and see something on your face like crumbs and just leave them there all day for everyone else to see? Or would you look into your child’s face and see a scratch or something on their face that didn’t need to be there and just leave it? Of course not!

Then when God looks at us He fully expects to see His image. What does this mean? Do you think God’s image is that of a murderer, liar or hater? Do you think God’s image is the same as one who hold grudges, curses others or sows discord among their peers? Again I say, of course not!

Just as we parents are proud to say of our children; “he looks just like me,” or “she got that from me,” God desires to see Himself in His children.

So the next time you look at yourself in your “spiritual mirror,” make sure you see the image of your heavenly Father looking a back at you!

Think about it!

A baby...changes everything!

It is no secret that a little bundle of joy brings a host of emotions in the lives of not only their parents but their entire family. From the moment the news of a new arrival is announced until the day of delivery the family prepares in anticipation.

Imagine finding out you are about to give birth, though you have no idea how you got pregnant or who the father is…that’s what happened to Mary. Now imagine you are preparing to marry your betrothed and you find out she’s pregnant but not by you…that’s what happened to Joseph! 

I recently heard Faith Hill’s song “A baby changes everything.” The song made me think of how true that statement is in more ways than one.

When a new baby is expected many changes are made in the home and in the lives of those expecting the precious one.  Preparations are made to safety proof the home and purchases are made to be sure that the baby’s needs are supplied upon arrival. 

Just like an expectant mother, the human soul lays in wait expecting of deliverance. It is our free moral right to give out soul what it is longing for and expecting, freedom and life in Christ! And don’t worry the preparations have already been made.

The song also made me think of Mary, Joseph and how this holiday season we must follow their examples. They were faced with an unexpected situation, yet instead of running or turning on each other they leaned on each other for support and faced their challenge head on.

When we find ourselves in dire uncontrollable situations, let us lean on Christ for strength and trust Him to make a way!

The other side of the statement; “a baby changes everything is this,” the Christ child was born with purpose; to live, shed blood, die and rise again with all power for the saving of our souls. Because He loves us, God took His Word and wrapped it in flesh just like a Christmas gift for all of mankind; this baby truly did change…EVERYTHING!  When we unwrap this gift, receiving it fully and taking care of it leads to eternal life!

(John 1:14 NKJV And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.) (John 3:16 NKJV For God so loved the world, that he gave His only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.)

This Christmas season let us remember the love of Christ, share His story and most importantly open our hearts to His love and salvation.

Think about!