Monthly Archives: December 2006

A Net of Joy

When I was a young Christian, I worked in the same medical office with Jody. She and I had alot in common, we were close in age and both Christian. Jody was more mature in her faith and because we lost touch, will never know what an indelible mark she left on my life. During the couple of years I worked along side her, I was in awe of her caring ways and giving spirit. When it was time to go on a lunch run, she was always first to offer to drive. During my first pregnancy, she was the one who put together my baby shower.

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He is the reason…

Faith Lifts would like to wish you and yours a very blessed Christmas. We pray that your holiday is surrounded by family and friends, and that you take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, Christ’s birth.

-Luke 2:8 –
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

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The Gift of Joy in Salvation

People in the Christian community often quote their favorite verse from the Bible. The verse I love most is found in 1 Peter 1:8 (NIV):

“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy”.

Men and women of faith who followed Jesus during New Testament times, laid the ground that my feet walk on. I admire these disciples of Christ and wish I could have experienced knowing Jesus in person. To have been the woman who washed his feet with her tears and dried them with her hair, would be indescribable.

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Not If, But When

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverance.” ~ James 1:2 (NIV)

Sarah paced the cold kitchen floor as she toted her feverish two year old daughter on her hip. Her eyes were worn and tired from lack of sleep. As if dealing with a chronically ill child wasn’t enough, she was drowning in worry over mounting medical bills that insurance would not cover. Just out of college, her Husband Adam was doing his best to provide, but his entry level job would never be enough to meet their financial needs.

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He Brought Joy!

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”
-Luke 2:10

I’m grinning from ear to ear, as I stand before a room of wiggly little three year old preschoolers merrily singing, “He brought joy, joy, joy to the world, He brought joy, joy, joy to the world. A little bitty baby in Bethlehem, brought joy, joy, joy, to the world”. Their tiny faces are filled with wonder and excitement, as they sing about the birth of our Lord. Even though I’m smiling, I’m hurting on the inside.

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Don’t Let the Grinch Steal Your Christmas Joy

Written with Laurie Copeland (www.lauriecopeland.com)

What does hearing the word “Christmas” bring to mind? Caroling and joyful family reunions—or last-minute gift searches and fights with your kids?

As a recovering perfectionist, I’ve had many celebrations that fell short of my expectations. That led to disappointment, discontent, and sometimes depression. (Not a great way to start the New Year!) But now I realize that perfectionism is a dangerous hobby—a Grinch who can only steal my joy if I let him.

Here are the top six expectations the Grinch brings, followed by the more-likely-to-happen realities:

  • 6. Your grandkids will help decorate the house while listening to Bing Crosby.

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