His Reward

Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him. Psalm 127:3

Today is my son Matthew's birthday. I am excited to celebrate whether he is able to come home or not. He was our first born son 32 years ago and he has been a joy and blessing. I am thankful for his life and his kind and honoring spirit. 

Children really are a blessing and gift from the Lord. The scripture goes on to say in Psalm 127:5 to "let your quiver be full of them" and I know of a few families with more than 7 children. Instead of gasping we should say what a thrill these families are choosing to raise up a family for the Lord. Children truly are a gift and should be treated as such. Not spoiled but trained in godliness. If later on they choose a different path you simply believe in faith God will restore them and bring them back to the truth of His word.

If you are blessed to have children make sure you see your responsibility to train them in godliness and pray for them daily. Take your responsibility of a Christian home seriously. Christian parents are raising warriors and leaders for the future. Keep that in mind stay home mom if you ever feel you are missing out by not being in the corporate world. Children are only with us a short time so if you are able to be a stay home mom be thankful. Mom and dad both have a vital impact in the life of the child. Pray for God to give you his strength in each stage of life of the blessing he has given you and learn when it is time to let go and let God. 

Happy Birthday Matthew!

PRAYER: I am so very thankful for the gift of motherhood. Mend the broken hearts of those moms grieving the loss of a child  by miscarriage or stillborn and restore hope to the hurting parent of the wayward child. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Birthdays Are Great!

Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures, yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow for they quickly pass and we fly away. Psalm 90:10

Why is it people complain about getting older? What is wrong with growing up and becoming mature? Today is my younger sons' big 3-0 birthday but it is really no big deal. Turning 30 signifies old age for many, but once you get older you see it is nothing. Thirty years ago today was indeed a special and joyous day for my husband and I and our older son, who was now gaining a playmate. 

God blesses us with years of life to do things to serve the kingdom of God and impact the world we are in.  It is hard to understand why some die so young and others live to be 100 but the thing is we need to be living life to the fullest and honoring God each day we do have. Tomorrow is never promised.

What are you doing today and on your birthday to live for Christ? 

PRAYER: I am thankful Lord or each birthday you bless me with. I am thankful for of life you add to give me opportunities to serve you. Help me use my time wisely. In Jesus' name. Amen.

THE DECEMBER BIRTHDAY GIRL OR BOY

Today my beautiful mother turns 89 years old!  Birthdays are something to celebrate no matter what your age. People often become upset getting older but it is a joy to know you are blessed to be a blessing to others and share the knowledge you have gained here on this Earth.

When you are born in December the natural reaction from friends might be, "That is horrible. I bet you do not get many presents being born in the same month as Christmas." Birthdays are not just about gifts although sharing gifts is a way to show  love to others. 

Birthdays, such as the one of the baby Jesus in a manger, are times to rejoice. Gifts are given. Parties are held. Often you go to dinner and get a cake. At least that is the custom here in the United States in our modern day.

Waiting for the arrival of a newborn is special and the years that individual has are a reason to give thanks each and every year.  The most special birthday ever was that of Jesus Christ. In Luke chapter 2 is recounted the birth of Jesus. Take time to sit and read it over even though you may be familiar with it. Verse 2 of this chapter says 'So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.' 

There was joy, the savior was born.  Do you feel like rejoicing? Many may be sad this time of year and rushed and not feel the joy of it all. Today stop what you are doing to thank God above for sending his son to save us from our sins. 

PRAYER: This is a great month. We anticipate celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Help me Lord to remain focused on this and not get caught up in the tinsel and holly and Santa Claus. I truly want to say "joy to the world the Lord has come." In Jesus name. Amen.

BLESSINGS OF GROWING OLDER

 So many people seem to dread birthdays. Those days that send you over 30, over 40, over 50, over 60 and so on. Each and every day is a gift from our creator.

Seems like the "growing younger" market is thriving. People striving to regain or recapture youth. I am not condemning this as I have done it too. There are commercials touting a miracle cream to take away spots and wrinkles modeled on television by a "twenty something" girl who will not see this occur for years. Why not embrace where God has you in life and look for ways to prosper and grow right where you are? Stop thinking you are too old for trying new things. You should want to keep working for the Lord and seeking to do things for his kingdom and making an impact in the world. It is good though to keep "God's temple", your body, in shape to be able to enjoy the years He gives you though.

Job 12:12 tells us 'Wisdom is with aged men and with long life is understanding.' I don't know about you but I kind of like having advanced wisdom. Older people can sort of get left behind and sadly made the butt of jokes but we are to love, honor,and respect them. You can indeed learn lots from those who have "gone before you".

2 Corinthians 4:16 is a superb verse of hope and cheer. It says 'Therefore we do not lose heart, for though our outer man is perishing, our inner man is being renewed day by day.'

Embrace where you are in life. Do not succumb to depression because you have another birthday but celebrate another day to live for Jesus and make an impact in this world.

PRAYER: I am so thankful Lord for each and every day of life you have given me. Forgive me if I start thinking I am washed up. I know at any age there is always hope. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Dedicated to our firstborn son Matthew Miller who celebrates his 31st birthday today.

THIS IS THE BIG ONE!!!

Birthdays are a blessing! Another year of life God has blessed you

with. Seems like there are birthdays people classify as "the big one".

Let's see would that be the 30th birthday? Turning 40? Surely it must

be the half century mark? No it is that stepping stone of 60? Of course

the big one has got to be 70? You see the point.

Humans put these milestones out there and card companies take advantage of getting

older. Friend, getting older is nothing to be ashamed of. For whatever

reason some people will not tell people their age. Maybe ashamed of

it. Not really sure. Something from a person's past which maybe made

them fear and dread being another year older. What is the alternative?

Dying right? A good thing for believers as then you are transported instantly to your heavenly home with Jesus! 

We do all we can to stay young. I even do. But there is a time to be proud of how many years you have under your belt and not hide it. What is going to happen anyway if people find out your true age? It will not matter. Your friends will still like you.

2 Corinthians 4:16(ESV) says 'Though we do not lose heart. Though our outer self  is wasting away our inner self is being renewed day by day.' 

Proverbs 20:29(ESV) says 'The glory of young men is their strength but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.'  I admire people who have gone gray and do not hide it. I have a few friends like this and they look absolutely beautiful and/or handsome.

Titus 2:2-4(NIV) says 'Teach the older men to be temperate,worthy of respect, self controlled, sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to slanderers or addicted to too much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children.'  See ladies we have a job to do! 

Psalm 92:12-14(ESV) says 'The righteous flourish like a palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord. They flourish in the courts of our God.They still bear fruit in old age. They are ever full of sap and green.' 

Today is another day God haas given you to work for Him before it is your time to enter His kingdom. Do not fear getting another year older. Be happy and content as you have much to contribute to those around you. I challenge you if you have not told someone your age due to whatever reason, let someone know and give God the glory. 

PRAYER: Lord God I thank you for each year of life you have blessed me with. I thank you for people of all ages that are in my life. Both young and old h ave things to contribute. W need not fear getting older but rejoice. In Jesus' name. Amen.  

BIRTHDAYS

We are coming upon the celebration of the birth of Christ. At this time of year thoughts turn to Jesus' birth. We all look forward to our birthdays, or at least you should. They are gifts from God. Today my beautiful mother is celebrating her 88th birthday! Birthdays are a reason to celebrate and for the birthday of the King of kings and Lord of lords, we should pull all the stops out.

Christmas is not about toys, gingerbread men, mistletoe, pretty light displays, holly, eggnog, and office parties often dubbed " holiday parties" but Christmas is for us to remember a baby born in a manger who came to save us from our sins. There is nothing wrong with making this a family time but Christ should stay in the center of your activities.

I am not sure why people have a hard time saying 'Merry Christmas' and instead opt for 'Happy Holidays". Maybe it is less threatening or less "religious" sounding. Perhaps you do not want to offend those who get uncomfortable with the name of Jesus. Funny but many who may say "holiday" in lieu of offending anyone with the word "Christmas" may be surprised that one of the definitions is "holy day". The word "Christmas" comes from the words "Christ's mass" or festival.

I do not have enough time in this writing to delve into where the red and green came from and all the rest of the man made traditions, but the important thing to remember is to be sure to not cut Jesus out of His own birthday celebration.
Start some Christian Christ-centered activities especially if you have children. Do not make it all about reindeer's, Santa, elves,and the North Pole. One thing we used to do is have a Happy Birthday Jesus cake. When one of our son's was a small child riding along in the shopping cart in a local store when asked if he was ready for Santa to come he bravely and boldly replied 'It's not Santa's birthday, it is Jesus' birthday". From the mouth of a child, pure truth and innocence.

So are you ready for the big birthday or are you worn out shopping and doing things you think people expect of you? Might I suggest making time for alone time with God where nothing noisy is distracting you and perhaps decide that this Christmas things will be different. Less commercial and more peace filled perhaps?

Take time December 25th and help celebrate the birth of a King.

Isaiah 9:6(NIV) says 'For unto us a child is born, a Son is given,and the government will be upon His shoulders and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.'

PRAYER: Lord I want to have your peace only you can give this season of your birth. Help me not feel I have to fit into the world's mold of what is expected but do things to celebrate the Christ centered aspects of this special day all the while remaining peaceful. In Jesus' name.Amen.

Click link below to enjoy a familiar Christmas song:

http://youtu.be/GaxB0xEbO0c

BIRTHDAYS ARE SPECIAL!!

 Birthdays are special no matter how 'young' you are. They are not something to dread but milestones of life to look forward to. This week our family celebrates two. Today is my younger sons' birthday and tomorrow is his fiancees' birthday. (Their wedding is Friday). Lots going on here. But anyway a birthday is a special  event. A time to reflect on the past year and time to look to the future.


When you are twenty you dread hitting thirty. Get out the hair color and cover those gray hairs. Then the Big 4-0 is around the corner and out come the 'Over The Hill' jokes and gag gifts. Next is fifty years old. The half century mark. All of a sudden those people you thought were 'old' when you were a teen are no longer old. "Fifty is the new 40" people say. Then you hit 60! Oh my! Beauty counters sell spot remover cream, wrinkle cream and  then there is a booming business by plastic surgeons to help stretch the face and neck back to their youthful appearance. Time to get to the gym and get back some muscle tone. Next is 70. "Wait just a minute! I'm not a senior citizen. That is when you are eighty!"  If you are really blessed you move on to 80 years old and should be proud of it. Especially if still in good health that is tremendous. If you are active that is great! You do not need to stop living and sit in a rocking chair. Go do something fun and exciting. Keep your mind alive. Go get a job or volunteer. Who tells you that it is time to just sit around? Wow and to be 90 now that is superb! There are stories to be told from these blessed individuals. Respect them and learn from them. Finally there are more people living to 100. Now Willard Scott can read your name on the Today Show and you can get a Presidential Greeting if you want one.

Society, in America at least, seems to coddle to the young and sort of put the elders on a shelf of sorts. This is an atrocity. When you reach a certain age if you want a job, go get one!

Psalm 90:10 says "The length of our days is seventy years, or eighty, if we have the strength, yet their span is it trouble and sorrow yet they quickly pass and we fly away." When we are living it seems we live forever but as you start to get older you feel as if time is flying by. James 4:13-15 reminds us "Now listen you who say today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make money. Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for awhile and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say "if it is the Lord's will we will live and do this or that." Proverbs 16:31 says "Gray hair is a crown of wisdom. It is attained by a righteous life."

We have no clue how long we will live or how we will die. Live life to the fullest and  do not sit around pondering how or when you will die. Only God knows the day or the hour. Do not be angry with Him if a baby or young person dies. Praise Him for the life they did have. An infant may go to be with Jesus right when it is born and I have friends this has happened to and it takes some prayer and time to get over as there is no explanation. Don't blame God just rejoice in His perfect plan and for the promise of heaven to those who accept Him.

Be happy today and every day to be alive. Start this day by saying Psalm 118:24 which says "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!"

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I thank you for each year of life you have given me and the opportunities I have to contribute as well as learn from others. Help me always thank  you and not start putting myself down when I reach a certain age.help me always respect those who are in their  golden years.  Help me be an encouragement to those who are older who feel like life is over for them. Help me Lord stay motivated and active. Help me meet needs around me. Thank you for every birthday you have blessed me with. In Jesus name. Amen.