The Messenger

*This post was written a couple of years ago. I decided to share it again for two reasons. I love reading about a stressful time in my life that ended up turning out well- a great reinforcer that builds my faith- and also, hopefully, it will give encouragement to those who are in the middle of a stressful situation presently. As my Momma says, (and Jesus said it before her ) "...And this too, shall pass."

For the last few months, we have been experiencing financial problems. Probably not unlike the rest of Americans, and I'm certain we are better off than many throughout the world, but it has been a very difficult time for us. Beginning with a series of unfortunate events; the economy's effect on car sales (Big AL's income), and my job ending at the car lot,and Big Al's Motorcycle wreck that introduced more bills and a loss of work for a short time. Because I am not the one who handles our bills, it is much easier for me to bury my head in the sand and choose to remain oblivious about our situation....not as easy for my husband, on whom the financial burden lies.

It was getting really scary here lately and although I was beginning to fear what would be around the corner for us, God sent a messenger to us. Not to bring us money,or to help us meet any physical need we have, but to speak to our souls- calm our fears, and let us know that He is looking out for us and He will provide for our needs.

I hesitated to share this story here-but I think I need to.



The Messenger

I was home, beginning to worry a bit about Big Al, because he was about an hour late for supper. I had carefully planned a meal around the staples we had in the cabinets, trying to stretch a dollar while creating something warm and appetizing on a cold, rainy fall evening. The spaghetti dinner was still warming on the stove, when my neighbor arrived to show me a new outfit she had purchased to wear to a special occasion.

We talked about her recent weight loss and her daughter's Senior Night at the volleyball game and shared some laughs, but all the while, I was still wondering where my husband was and why he had not called me to tell me he would be late.

My front door flew open, and entering was one of my sons. He was looking for a bag of clothes I had washed for him (I know, I know- I still help them out when I can).
I yelled to him from the other room that I had already sent them home with his brother. (They both live about 1 block away.)

In the next moment, Big AL came in and non-chalantly says, "I need some clothes...we have a homeless guy out here and he's soaking wet."

My neighbor and I exchanged wide eyed glances as Big AL goes upstairs, grabs some clothes, hands them to my son , who leaves with the homeless man.

Now, just to insert here, I live in a very small community and homelessness is not common here. But there was also a double homicide committed in my hometown only days before, and the suspects were still at large, so I think I joined with others in my community feeling nervous to reach out to a stranger. especially one needing shelter. Now this stranger was leaving with my son.


After they left, Big AL sat down with a plate of spaghetti and explained:

"I was about ready to leave the car lot, and this guy comes up- in his twenties- soaking wet and looked scared to death. Says he's from California, been on a bus for three days (hasn't eaten in the same)and was supposed to meet a part of his family in Marion and he never found them. They live in West Frankfort, but he didn't meet up with them. He had their name but no address and the phone number was not a working number. He went to the Police Dept. and they said they do not give out addresses and could not help him. He walked from Marion to West Frankfort (about 15 miles) in the rain to try to find them, with no luck. He stopped to ask if our town has a homeless shelter (we do not) so he could spend the night and return tomorrow to Marion to meet up with his family.

Big AL said the young man looked scared to death , so he offered to get him some clean , dry clothes and he'd find him a place to stay. He said, "I just don't want anybody messing with me." Big AL assured him we were all harmless, but my son was a Cage Fighter- just to warn the guy- in case HE had bad intentions. He brought him to our home after stopping off at the local Dairy Queen to get him something to eat. He called my son who said he would give him some more clothes and he could spend the night with him, but he was on his way to a Bible Study, so the guy would have to come along.

The evening went off without incident, and the next day my son drove him around looking for the home the man couldn't find the day before. They had no luck so they went back to Marion to find more help there. My son left him in capable hands with people that could help him find his way to relatives.


Now, here's the part about THE MESSENGER and how God used this incident to calm our fears about things totally unrelated....or so we thought.

Hebrews 13:2 "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."

I've heard this scripture since I was a child. I have it memorized. But on this day, I saw a completely different meaning while I was studying the words.

Did you know that the word "Angels", in the original Greek translation used here, is the very same word used in other scriptures by many Christians when referring to themselves or other believers when God had sent them to deliver a message- as "Messengers of God." It was not necessarily referring to an angelic being, but someone who has been sent with a message from God.

With that in mind, I questioned, "What message then did this man have for us?"

Instantly, this thought came to my mind.

"If He would watch over a man all the way from California- and bring him directly to the doorstep of my husband (out of all the other businesses he could have chosen to stop for help)and meet his need for food, clothing and shelter and even meet his spiritual need, I can rest assured that He is making a way for us- when there seems to be no way."

Yes, this was a messenger- his message was a reminder for us to trust- trust the one who created us- to also meet our needs regardless of what means or who He uses or how He chooses to bless us.

We are blessed. With peace. Peace that is priceless.

Thank you God for your messenger. Bless him.



I found this song that so beautifully illustrates His provision for us.

It was a GOOD Friday

Betrayal, violent beatings, blood shed, torture, endless mockery.

What could possibly be good about this Friday?

It is called Good Friday, because it was on this Friday, an innocent Man, humble and loving, gave up his life and stood in the gap for all mankind and offered his life as a ransom for our sins.

Christians around the globe today will be focusing on His unimaginable sacrifice.



His short time on earth while spent serving, and healing and aiding all those he came across, has sparked more controversy than any other religious leader even THOUSANDS of years after His death.

A Man who came spreading the gospel of PEACE , but to this very day is hated and mocked by so many.


My life has changed because of Him.

His words have become life-sustaining for me. Words from a Man I've never met. Words so powerful that my heart would suddenly find peace, when no peace could be found otherwise.

His words of wisdom guiding me when I had no idea where I was going.

His words showing me how to love, and help and heal.

His words of Peace, calming my troubled soul.

His words of encouragement causing Hope to rise up within me.

His sacrifice providing for me the opportunity to be freed from chains that bind me.

His love making it possible for me to stand before a Holy God, washed clean, covered by His blood.

This is my tribute to Him, on this VERY GOOD FRIDAY.




*If you have 4 minutes, you can be reminded of his sacrifice on this HOLIEST of ALL DAYS. Although this video does contain some disturbing scenes, it is a beautiful glimpse into his life and ultimately his death that changed the world forever.

Why Pray When You Can Worry?!

If you can identify with the title of this post,

Why Pray When You Can Worry?!

please continue reading.

I was only slightly surprised when I read recently that 1 in 4 people will meet the criteria for anxiety disorder. The makers of PROZAC couldn't be happier!

Depending on those who you are surrounded by on a daily basis, you may find the statistics even more troubling as the 1 may actually be a 2 or 3 in your circles.

A quick read-through on my news feed on facebook on any given day is filled with topics of concern for people that share about the things that are causing them stress, and fear and anxiety: wars and rumors of wars, sickness and disease, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, drug problems, our children, jobs (or the lack thereof), the ever-dwindling economy, and of course, democrats and republicans (the latter possibly causing more anxiety-inducing opportunities than any other!).

We are a nation glued to 24 hour news stations and YOUTUBE videos that constantly feed our fears and worst nightmares. We pride ourselves on our awareness, our political savvy and technological advancements, but at the same time, we have become a nation of worriers.

A few years ago, I made the conscious decision to stop watching the morning national news to begin my day. I noticed how it was affecting me physically (a racing heartbeat,rising blood pressure, etc.) and emotionally ( sadness and anxiety over things I can't control is no way to start a day!).

I have also made other decisions that don't feed the fear monster that tries to enter my door daily. I do not look up every symptom my body experiences on the Internet, which often was suggesting that my bra was causing breast cancer, and my sniffles could be cancer of the sinuses and my aching, aging body could actually be in the first stages of a debilitating disease, rather than just feeling the effects of living on this planet for nearly half a century! (Why did I choose to put it that way? Now I'm feelin' old!)

Worry, fear and anxiety is nothing new to man, however, and long before TV and IPhones and CNN and FOX NEWS were invented, stress over things out of our control were plaguing mankind.

Our ancestors actually were the inventors of DRAMA (making a mountain out of a mo hill), dating back even before Jesus' time on the earth, however, He dealt with topic often, and He knew how destructive it was to the heart of man, and addressed it accordingly. As a matter of fact, in the New Testament alone, there are over 25 mentions of anxiety/worry as things we should avoid.( The Bible addresses fear over 300 times!)

In the book, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World~ Joanna Weaver,(which I strongly recommend),an illustration is given about our common worries.

WHAT WE WORRY ABOUT

40% are things that will never happen
30% are about the past-which can't be changed
12% are about criticism by others-mostly untrue
10% about health- which gets WORSE with stress
8% are real problems that CAN BE SOLVED!


Worry/fear/anxiety is a CURSE! Never a blessing. It is an ongoing burden we were never meant to carry, but many of us feel the need to pick up that heavy load as we open our eyes each morning and begin fearing the day and what it may hold, rather than anticipating the opportunities that lie ahead.

Even those of us who call ourselves Christians(followers of Christ and His teachings who claim to be "born-again")find ourselves offering mere lip-service to the heavens as an obligatory tradition we were taught to do. Then quickly, after the ten-second prayer, we worry, fret and wring our hands over the situations causing our anxiety for HOURS on end!

And let me ask you....how productive is worrying? Does FEARING that you or a lovedone has cancer and picturing the agonizing disease taking a horrible toll on the body and planning a funeral and/or imaging your life without them EVER make a lump go away?

Does worrying that your job may come to an end, and sitting for hours talking with co-workers about how hard it will be to ever find a job as good as the one you currently hold (you know, the one you've been complaining about every single day and declaring how much you hate going to work, and hate your boss and co-workers, etc.)and worrying how you will put gas in the car, or make your house payment or put your kids through college, or pay those medical bills...do those horrible imaginations of the dreadful things to come, EVER provide the answer to your problem?

Does worrying make it all go away? DO you feel better when you worry? Are you of the mentality: "Why pray when you can worry?"

If you are one who finds worrying much more comfortable than praying, and actually taking a PRO-active stance against those problems (real or perceived), then it's time to try a new way of handling these fears and phobias, and stressors.

Being driven by fears and anxiety is no way to live! And not only will it eventually cut our life short,we are being robbed of the abundant life promised to us.
Jesus said, "The thief [Satan] has come but to kill, and steal and destroy. But I have come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly." ~John 10:10Have you been robbed of peace, and calm and joy due constant worry and stress?
Has the fear of the future become a thick fog that hides the face of God in your circumstances?

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love". When God is on the scene, when His presence is invited into our situation, fear is dispelled- with all other darkness. As darkness and light cannot remain in the presence of the other. Light ALWAYS dispels darkenss. A heart full of fear has no room for faith. And the Bible says "without faith it is impossible to please God."

In Philippians 4:6-7, the Apostle Paul wrote, "Don't be anxious about anything, but in EVERYTHING, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding..." that is the peace that others can't understand because it has nothing to do with our present circumstances. Our peace, when it is from GOD Himself, does not rely on a perfect world, or president, or gas prices, or job security, or perfect children or health and wealth...it relies on the POWER and faithfulness of the CREATOR of the universe to continue providing for us, and preparing us for our eternal home- and making a way for us to overcome--not only in this life, but in the life to come.

Jesus said "In this world you will have tribulation, but take heart...I have overcome the world."!

Our mind is a battlefield, and much like a computer, in that all we allow to enter (through our eyes and ears) is stored, and begins coming out of us in ways that make us miserable. We must "reprogram, or reboot ". We must renew our minds, as the Bible instructs us. Be careful which negative messages you are chewing on and mulling over.

The bible tells us to
"cast down every vain imagination and every high thing which exalts itself against the knowledge of God."

Don't allow your fears to become greater than your God. Anything that is exalted above God is an idol. And yes, that includes fears, and worries.

We must learn the difference between CONCERN (a red flag, sign or symptom that draws us TOWARD God for an answer- and causes us to seek the solution) and WORRY which separates from God and begins a slippery-slope of anxiety that has a snow-ball effect on negative thoughts, one leading to another never going in the direction of a solution or peace.

So which is it going to be?

WHY PRAY WHEN YOU CAN WORRY?
OR
Why worry when you can pray?

Let's practice what Paul instructed us to do:

1. Don't be anxious about anything.
2. By prayer-make your requests known to God
3. Be thankful

And the peace of God WILL guard our hearts and minds.

I have included a list of scriptures on peace CLICK HERE FOR THE LIST- to aid in the renewing of your mind...this is crucial to a new way of looking at things- and after going to Him with your requests, this will help keep your mind (the battlefield)in a state of peace. It's time to surrender...to HIM!

Matthew 11:28-30
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."~Jesus

The Great Rescue

>"This is what the Lord says...'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you, when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze'." Isaiah43:1-2.

Nearly 30 years ago, I first discovered this passage of scripture, and it spoke loudly and clearly to my fearful heart. I was afraid of many things and my fears were robbing my peace, and anyone robbed of peace becomes miserable. A miserable existence is no way to live, especially when we have been PROMISED so much more!

If we look closely at these words, we can see that in this life, we are not promised that we will not face difficulties and challenges (passing through rivers and waters-walking through fire-obviously not easy paths to get to our destination), but I love two things I see here:

1. The obvious promises given to us WHEN we face these difficulties.

"I will be with you."
"[The rivers] Will not overflow you."

"You will not be burned," by those fires and the flames and they "will not set you ablaze" (or destroy you).


2. Notice the words
"PASS through the waters",
"WALK through the fire",
"PASS through the rivers",

it is when we MOVE THROUGH these obstacles,that we are finally able to be released from their grip. We are not meant to JUST STAND THERE! If HE says, we can move out of them, then WE CAN WALK AND PASS THROUGH any obstacle thrown in our path! Will it be difficult? Yes. Will it destroy us? No. We will be destroyed only when we stand in a fire- while flames consume our bodies, or stand in the raging, rising waters. If we remain stuck in the middle of it all will be eventually be destroyed.

How do we escape the raging waters and fires? He says He will be with us--just like a firefighter in the midst of the fire--reach out to Him--he will clear a path for us- He will make a way where there seems to be no way.

TOP 10 lines to use when you're in trouble with your better half

Many years ago I owned a gift shop. I sold all sorts of cool things, but I specialized in designing themed gift baskets for every occasion. I had many customers who would just walk in the door and say "fix me up something really nice", or they would call in their order saying the same over the phone and they would state the price range, pay for it, I would deliver it and always was welcomed with a smiling face of those on the receiving end.

You may have guessed already, but I'll state the obvious anyway...those customers that were clueless on gifts and allowed me to choose the gifts and arrange them however I desired, were usually MEN.

Now I'm not bashing men, I LOVE men! You all know how I feel about my main squeeze, and together we reared 3 men of our own. I'm just stating a fact. Most men that shopped in my store were pretty clueless when it came to gift-giving...or knowing just what to say on special occasions....or in certain circumstances, and I was more than happy to help them in this department...just a little extra customer service I provided.

I cared about my customers and came up with a way to help them dig themselves out of a bad situtaion...and I didn't even charge for this service. Nope--free advice was given, and one day I finally typed out the tips, and shared them with all my male customers upon purchase. (Yes, I made them buy something first- I couldn't give it to them for absolutely nothing! I was a businesswoman, you know.)

While cleaning out a drawer looking for yet another misplaced item (my third today), I stumbled upon the TOP TEN list I had created for my special customers.

Since I'm no longer in business, and really, was NOT that great of a businesswoman afterall (WAAYYYY too many "freebies"), I thought I would share it here, for free.

SO MEN...take note. Print this out. Put it in your pocket--leave it discreetly by your phone because this is one of those "WHEN, not IF you need it most" lessons that will get you out of more hot water than a stink bomb in a bathtub!

Are you ready?

Please read the fine print before proceeding:

This list has been scientifically proven to be successful however, it may require the use of all ten at one time to guarantee results. Sherri Murphy is not responsible for any failed relationships due to the improper use of these statements.

TOP TEN LINES TO USE WHEN YOU"RE IN TROUBLE WITH YOUR BETTER HALF

1. "Have you lost weight?"

2. "Here, have some cash!"

3. "You're absolutely right."

4. "I'd rather just hold you."

5. "I never was attracted to skinny women."

6. "Let's go shopping!"

7. "Turn off the TV and let's just talk."

8. "I think you need more shoes!"

9. "Which room would you like me to clean first?"

10. "Here, have some chocolate."


I think my former male customers miss me. :)

Ladies, feel free to add your own!

You're welcome.

A girl can dream...and I just happen to have a few (a repost)

(Jordan Murphy Photo)

I have a dream that one day every child, in every nation will lie down in a comfortable warm bed, with a full belly and surrounded by the love of their family.

I have a dream that the intelligent minds of the world would grasp the importance of listening to the cries from the hearts and souls of those in need.

I have a dream that every adult would realize the importance and power of their words when landing on little ears.

I have a dream that one day the importance of teaching self-sacrifice and reaching out to others will top the lists of parental lessons passed down to their young.

I have a dream that one day we will not wait and rely on governments and leaders to begin the aid to the elderly, the poor and those who are sick, but we will first start the giving, assistance and healing and let them follow our lead.

I have a dream that one day our leaders will lead from their hearts, and not political agendas, and poll ratings and labels and fears.

I have a dream that one day every human will feel the love of their Creator and know their worth as a Divine creation of the Master's hand.

I have a dream that one day we will all decide that we will not be ready to leave this earth until we have made a difference...a change... a positive impact, a lasting impression that will forever benefit someone other than ourselves or our own.

"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does." ~William James

Every word we say today, every action or reaction will make some sort of difference (be it good or bad) in our lives and the lives of those we come across. Our words and actions will either encourage and build someone up, or they will tear them down... choose carefully.

AND DREAM BIG!

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

*I have posted this again today-something I wrote awhile back. I'm still dreaming these same dreams.

It's Ok...look back--just don't drive in reverse!

If your are reading this, you have survived 2011, making it into yet another new year here on planet earth. Go ahead and look back- it's OK. It's even OK to take some souvenirs from 2011 and carry them with you into 2012. Not the heavy things like bitterness, fear and unforgiveness, but those lighter things like joyful moments and even hard moments where lessons were learned. Those lessons fit nicely into your backpack, never weigh you down, and remain there for easy retrieval- trust me---you're gonna need them sometime during the upcoming year.

2011 mistakes can miraculously turn into great wisdom in 2012, so don't throw it all out the window. Go ahead, start packing your bags for the 2012 journey- just be very selective about which items you bring along. Fill your backpack with lessons learned, wonderful memories and moments--leave the bitterness and forgiveness on the floor. Better yet, take it away- far away from your soul--lay it down-at the feet of Jesus. He will properly dispose of it--and no toxic waste will destroy you.

Here's an easy way to begin the year--look back over 2011 and decide what things to lay down- of which things do you need to let go? Which memories and lessons should you take with you into 2012?

You can do this thing! Go ahead and check that review mirror when you are about to make a turn--just for safety's sake-- but never drive in reverse. It takes takes twice as much energy and you'll get nowhere fast!

Welcome 2012. Here I am with my bags packed full of blessings, and hard lessons learned and wonderful memories. I'll be getting into this bag from time to time because it is full of things I will need,but I will try to keep it as light as possible, and refuse to allow those heavy ugly things inside so I will not be weighed down --I've got mountains to climb and I hear the view from the top is spectacular!

Looking forward to the view.

Does it matter?

I just returned from a visit to my brother's ministry, THE PROMISE, a hands-on ministry to many families who are living in one room at a motel nearby--some live in campers behind the motel. Obviously, not the American dream that most of us share.

I watched as two little guys with guitars in hand that someone had donated,laughed and talked with my brother (who they call "Pastor Dave")and I saw their faces light up when my brother told them that his son-in-law was going to give them guitar lessons- for free!

Sometimes we can do things that seemingly are insignificant, but they MATTER. I looked on my brother's wall in the office there, and he had framed a quote that my Dad once said:

"I'M TIRED OF BEING GOOD AT THINGS THAT DON'T MATTER."

I love that thought--a great one to carry in 2012 as we plan to make all sorts of changes.

God help me be good at things that MATTER, and lay aside those insignificant changes that are not worth my time, energy or money.

My resolution for 2012: To spend my time, energy, money and thoughts on things that matter.

Two days before New Year's Day (better known as the LAME DUCK SESSION)

Here I am, two days before the New year and counting-- planning my resolutions for the year ahead,but I dare not begin a single one of them as I am experiencing what I like to call the "Lame Duck Session"-- that week after Christmas and before New Year's day where I would gladly begin a healthier diet if it weren't for all the leftover sweets and creamy food I prepared.

I don't want to begin a daily devotional on Dec. 28th that is set to start on Jan.1st and risk getting the days all jumbled up...might throw off my Mojo.

Getting organized a few days early may prove to be overwhelming, so rather than risk failing at every resolution I have made (on paper) before the New Year arrives in all its glory, I've decided to begin my planning during my otherwise Lame Duck session.

I'm strategically planning for several of my resolutions--all of which end in the same goal
-"To be the best me- closest to what I was created to be."

There is NO WAY I can attain the goal of fulfilling what I was created to be without first seeking my Creator.(It would just seem silly to not be consulting Him, don'tcha think?) So part of my planning of course includes prayer time and reading His words- approaching Him for wisdom and strength to achieve the plans HE has for me.

I have a ONE YEAR BIBLE, which is a regular Bible, but it is divided into a daily reading plan (a chapter from Old Testament Beginning in Genesis, a chapter from New testament-beginning in Matthew, One Psalm and Proverb each day). At year's end, you will have read the entire Bible (cover to cover)if you follow the prescribed reading plan. You can also set up an online daily reading program from the same Bible I'm using.

Click here for the online version.

This is a discipline- and won't really be included in my regular individual Bible study (I don't want to be all rigid with my readings- I'm more of a "random" sort of girl.) It takes about 10-15 of your day depending on how quickly you read and if you are a ponderer (a very good thing to be), then it may take a bit longer.

The idea is to get these words inside of you. Get acquainted with the wisdom of your Creator--learn about history-enjoy the poetry and there's even a love story in there--the book of the Song of Solomon is pretty racy! You may find while reading it, that you would like to get to know your Creator better...and as you continue to read, and seek His face, you will! If you diligently seek Him, He will be found-- and by believing in His son, Jesus, and asking His forgiveness, and opening yourself up to HIS spirit, you will also find the power to actually put into practice the things you find within the pages....and then the peace-that passes all understanding enters into your life.

Wisdom comes when knowledge and faith are intertwined. Wisdom will save you from many sorrows. Wisdom will also help you deal with sorrows that have come and will come your way. My life has been full of pretty much everything everyone else battles, but I can say I have HOPE. I am a peaceful women-- and although I still haven't got it all down perfectly, and I continue to slip up, I do feel that I am on the right track. I have a clear goal, and I am daily striving toward it. His words and the power of His spirit is what will get me there. I hope others will join me in this journey.

SO as you make your list of things you would like to change about yourself-- or plans to have, places to go, people to see, things to conquer....remember these words:

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness...and all these things will be added unto you."~Matthew 6:33Put Him at the TOP of your list.

Enjoy the best year yet...here's to growing--spiritually, physically, emotionally in 2012.

A time to celebrate? Seriously?

My emotions are all over the place as I savor the time with my sons and daughter-in-law Sol, while wishing my other son, who is now living in California, could be with us to enjoy it. (My first time experiencing Christmas without one of my children-- and I realize many of you have done this for years- especially those who have a family member who has passed on.)

My friend Gail's son is in the hospital on oxygen, a local soldier is recovering from major injuries from a roadside bombing (losing a limb, sight in one eye and burns on his face-but is doing better thank GOD!) and other friends have children/spouses serving in the military who can't come home- many right smack dab in the middle of a war as we celebrate the season back home. Friends who have lost lovedones this month, some at the bedside now of those getting ready to cross over-- and then those whose children are fighting cancer....it's almost too much to think about. My heart aches for all of them.

But, I still celebrate. I celebrate the fact that I have a refuge--a place to go with this heavy heart, that I'm not alone and have not been asked to carry these heavy loads on my own. Some may think it's a myth or silly to believe in a Savior, but I have proven Him, over and over in my own life as He has BLANKETED me with His peace when I came before Him- belly down on the floor pouring my heart out to Him.

When words from no other could comfort me-- His words soothed my soul and made sense of things of which I had no previous understanding-- He is as real to me as my family members I can see, feel and hear. And without Him, I would be full of fear and unrest.

I celebrate His coming to earth and the change His presense made in our world. Thousands of years ago, and He is STILL touching lives. Giving hope and peace and wisdom and forgiveness to anyone who diligently seeks Him. For this reason, I celebrate the Christmas season, while lifting up in prayer, those who are facing hard days and nights.

He came to us. And now He says, "Come to me all you who are weary and heavy burdened. I will give you rest." Celebrate the Peace He has to offer. With all the fanfare it deserves!