Advent 2020

It's December!

The holiday season is my most favorite season of the year. Christmas is my favorite holiday. I have two nativity sets that I love putting out on display. We did downsize this year, and instead of my standard tree and my super tall tree (both full of decorations), we opted juts for my standard tree. And with 3 kids and a new dog - what I have up is more than enough.

With December starting 2 things are forefront on my mind.

1. My daughter's 8th birthday (very soon)
2. Advent

I did not grow up doing Advent. But I do recall when I moved to the Houston area in 2008, I started doing it then. And now being mom to three children, I strive to be disciplined every year so my children will understand the true meaning of Christmas.

ad·vent

/ˈadˌvent/

noun

the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.

• the first season of the Christian church year, leading up to Christmas and including the four preceding Sundays.
• CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY - the coming or second coming of Christ. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Starting December 1st, I read a chapter of the Book of Luke to my children, so Christmas Eve night we finish and hopefully some of God's wisdom has been imparted on my munchkins. To make it an easier time, I have found some great Advent chocolate calendars, and each kid (minus the toddler who would destroy the entire thing) gets to get their piece of chocolate out to enjoy while I read. I strongly encourage this tradition to anyone with young children.

Adding to my Advent routine this year, I am reading a new book (published October 2020). My brother-in-love actually wrote it, and I am so excited to be reading it this Christmastime. Here is about the book:

Beneath Bethlehem Skies: 26 Advent Meditations Upon the Miracle and Meaning of Jesus's Birth (link)

Advent is a season of remembrance and celebration of Jesus coming to earth. But as Christmas comes, we often find it challenging to be mindful of its miracle and meaning. In this daily devotional, Brandon Anthony Shuman offers twenty-six meditations that will prepare your heart for Advent. Comprised of scriptural interludes, contemplations from saints, past and present, and fifteen original compositions seasoned over the course of twelve Decembers, Beneath Bethlehem Skies: 26 Advent Meditations Upon the Miracle and Meaning of Jesus's Birth is a modern liturgy that awakens the soul to wonderful reality of Christmas. Lyrical and liturgical; simple, yet profound; rooted in scripture and rich in thought, these devotions linger, like Advent itself. Each meditation uniquely explores a paradoxical theme of Advent (exile, silence, justice, love, etc.) while exalting biblical truth with beautiful language. They wait in the aching tension of "already, but not yet" hope of redemption in a broken world. They recall what God has done. They anticipate the fulfillment of His promises. And they provoke our hearts to celebrate what Jesus is doing. The devotions of Beneath Bethlehem Skies are introduced by inspiring words from great saints - both ancient and modern - of the Christian faith. Their wisdom foreshadows the themes, lamentations, and joys to follow. Each meditation is complimented by the texts of classic Hymns of the Christmas season, allowing the reader to appreciate the rich and beautiful poetry expressed in their familiar refrains. Beneath Bethlehem Skies is more than a series quick words and pretty pictures wrapped with Bible verses. It is an invitation to be renewed by the miracle of Christmas and receive the gift of Jesus. Rediscover the wonder of Advent this season, Beneath Bethlehem Skies.

I hope that as this Christmas Season starts that you are readying your heart for Jesus. As His first Advent has come and gone, we as believers can eagerly await His second coming, The 2nd Advent.

Swaddling Clothes

I saw this online yesterday and was blown away. How many times have I read Luke 2 and not caught on to the significance. Luke 2:12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” The baby wrapped in cloths is/was a sign.

Mary wrapped Jesus in at the time of his birth? Specifically, "WHERE" did she get the swaddling? Have you ever wondered about "swaddling clothes"? Thought this was interesting.....

Everyone knows that Jesus was born in a manger, and the 2nd chapter of the gospel of Luke says that he was wrapped in "swaddling clothes" and laid in a manger. Even today, hospitals use a cloth that they call a "swaddling" cloth. Unfortunately, it's a misnomer that will soon be over 2,000 years old, because "swaddling clothes" have nothing to do with a child being born!

In the Middle East, people traveling long distances were often met with many hardships and trials on their journeys. In the event of a death in travel, the body could not continue to be transported for many days. For that reason, travelers wrapped a thin, gauzelike cloth around their waist many times. If someone died on the journey, the others would use this cloth, referred to as "swaddling clothes" to wrap the body in before burying them.

When Jesus was born, there was no room in the Inn, and so Mary and Joseph used a nearby stable for Jesus' birth. With no other cloth to use, Jesus was wrapped in Joseph's "swaddling clothes" - the cloth normally reserved for a person's death.

The King of Kings and Lord of Lords came into this world in a lowly manger and was wrapped with burial clothes - in truth, He was born to die. To die for the sins of all mankind.

When you celebrate Christ's birth this Christmas season, keep in mind that even in birth, He was preparing for death - his ultimate reason for coming to earth....

To save us from our sins.

Not Our Home

Sometimes, the big lessons God wants to teach us, He teaches us through children. And just because those lessons come from a child, does not mean they are to be discredited (the child or the lesson). Remember, 1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV), tells us, "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."

Tomorrow my oldest turns 5 years old. A whole hand old. I am trying to come to grips with this new reality. She is into Barbie, hair, makeup, drawing and coloring. Also, she likes to play at the park, swing as high as she can, look for rollie pollies, and tease her baby brother. With our schedule, and childcare arrangements for my son, her and I get at least 1 hour a day together, while driving. We have started turning off the music/news and we talk, or we sit in each others presence. It is a beautiful time together, and I am cherishing it. Many days she chatters on about nothing, or an event in her day. Most days she asks questions: when is such and such event, how many days until x, y, z, will you sing a song with me, etc.

I have thought, more than a handful of times, that she is semi prophetic. There have been times, in her few years, where she has matter of factly declared something, and is insulted if you question it. And a few times she has been right. Having worked with children for numerous years, I do recognize that children are way smarter than they are given credit for, and pick up more than we could want them to. The words that come from my children, are a mirror of my heart at times - and sometimes, that is not a pretty sight to see (hello road rage...I need to work on patience). More importantly, my relationship with both of my children, reminds me of my relationship with the LORD. Our heavenly Father is perfect, but I am far from it. But I do try to offer grace, mercy, love, and compassion to my children. And because I am a parent I also have to give discipline and correction when needed. Being a parent means being frustrated when one of my children continues to not grasp a concept of our life that they need to (bedtime, potty before bed and right after wake up, eating dinner when it is before you). In those moments, I can't help but think of how many times I have frustrated God with my continual disobedience, reluctance to follow the path He is outlining for me, talking to the person He has placed on my heart.

The LORD this week used my daughter to remind me of a few important facts. If you know me, or am around me for more than 5 minutes, you know that I am ready to be with Jesus. I long, an aching longing in my heart, for the LORD to return. Heaven is waiting, Jesus is there, no more pain, no more tears, no condemnation. And oh so much more!You also know that while I long for this, i.e. the rapture, the trumpet call, I do so understanding what it will mean on earth. And that always has me...accepting the tarrying of my LORD and Savior, because each day that we are on earth, is an opportunity for the lost to become saved, and to join the flock of the Great Shepard.

John 10:1-18 (ESV) I Am the Good Shepherd
10 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”

So I long for Jesus, but I accept the waiting, because God is not done with this generation yet. He is giving grace, time, so more hearts will accept Him.

Earlier this week my heart though was aching. The USA and North Korea look like they are leaping (no longer inching) towards war, children are being abducted, parents are killing their own children, people are stealing from each other, and so much more. I feel the brokenness of the world, I feel the sin looming over every part of life. And these thoughts were in my heart and on my mind while driving home, after having picked up my son, Abigail was in the car already. Our local Christian radio station was on, and at this time of year they play a mix of Christian music and Christmas tunes. I am able to listen more to them at this time of year due to the mix. Rest of the year I prefer news and sermons.

The song, Where I Belong, by Building 429 was on.

Sometimes it feels like I’m watching
From the outside
Sometimes it feels like I’m breathing
But am I alive
I won’t keep searching for answers
That aren’t here to find
All I know is I’m not home yet
This is not where I belong
Take this world and give me Jesus
This is not where I belong
So when the walls come falling
Down on me
And when I’m lost in the current
Of a raging sea
I have this Blessed Assurance
Holding me
When the Earth shakes I want to be found in You
When the lights fade I want to be found in You

As this song was playing, all of a sudden, my daughter cried out, "Mommy, why aren't we in Heaven?" I looked back at her, surprised by the question. Before I could answer (not sure what I was going to say), she continued, "I keep praying to God, but He isn't answering me. I am asking, why won't He answer me!"

I was caught off guard, but then came to, and replied, "Honey, it isn't time. When God is ready for us to be in Heaven, He will make it happen. Until then, keep praying. He will answer when the time is right." I reached behind me and held her foot for a while (a gesture I do when I am trying to connect with her, and reassure her. She smiled at me, then turned to look out the car window.

The rest of the drive my heart pondered what she said. Here are my take aways:

• My daughter talks to God, without my promptings for/in prayer. 
• She knows enough about Heaven to know that is where she wants to be.
• She understand that God doesn't always respond.

Folks, this earth, this world is not our home. Scripture makes that abundantly clear, and the longing in our hearts tell us there is something more. There will come a day when we will be in our eternal home. Hold onto that longing. Seek God's word, pray. Don't lose sight that how things are is not how they will always be. And each day, wake up, and use the day to the glory of the LORD. Invite people to church, share verses that speak to you. In this holiday season, remember who Jesus is: 

Matthew 1:22-23, "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us)."

God is with us. He is with us! We should rejoice, we should sing, we should dance! God is with us. In this broken world, in this time of despair, God is with us. So while this world is not our home, our Messiah came down from Heaven, dwelt among us, and still is with us. Take heart, one day soon we will be with God in Heaven, and things will be right. However long it takes it takes, each day we wake still on this earth means that souls are still be redeemed, and the wrath of God is not yet poured out on humanity. 

Christmas Blessings

Serving: Beside my husband I stand

Jessica (31), Brock (29), Abigail (4), & Stone (2)

Last night was a sweet night for my family. During our church's evening service, my husband along with six other gentlemen were ordained as deacons. And the scripture that comes to mind for most people, for when deacons were established in the church is Acts 6. Now, my Pastor explained that the word distribution, is similar to a word used I believe in 1 Timothy, where deacons were commissioned. Pastor also noted that as with the events in Acts 6, our church too "ordained" seven men to serve.

Acts 6 (NLT)

Seven Men Chosen to Serve

6 But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.

² So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. ³ And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. ⁴ Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”
⁵ Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). ⁶ These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.
⁷ So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.

 

 

It was an amazing experience last night. I have seen a few ordination services in the years I have lived here, but to be in the service is a different experience. To have the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Deacons, plus our Pastor and Assistant Pastor pray over each man was such a experience. I was able to see that every person prays differently. I heard the words of some, but I also saw how they laid hands. Even my Father-in-Love was able to pray over us as a couple, as he is a deacon in our church too. It was touching to have such personal prays prayed to/over us.

 

So what does it mean to be a deacon? I have been in some churches where the deacons run the church basically, due to smaller size of the congregation. Our church does not operate that way. We have our ministers, then we have committees to take care of the running of the church. All of which is brought forth to the congregation. The deacons are in place to serve.

 

• Lord's Supper
• Widows
• Procession of Banners at Christmas

Just to name a few ways.

 

As part of the training to be a deacon, my husband has assisted in the distribution for the Lord's Supper several times this past year. Now that he is officially a deacon, if there is a widow who signs up, we could be assigned a widow. I am most excited about this serving opportunity. If my husband is assigned widow, it will be an opportunity for my husband and I to show our children yet another way to serve the Lord. We can show them the scriptures then live it out in front of them. But from what I have heard, sometimes there are not enough widows signed up. I am not hoping for anyone to be made a widow, but I do hope my family is in consideration to serve if one does sign up.

 

The Christmas banners are such a beautiful part of our church's Christmas pageantry.  Every year our church puts on "The Singing Christmas Tree." On our church stage, a huge Christmas Tree is put up, and that is where the choir sings from, while below it a drama unfolds revealing the story of Christ. At the end, after an altar call is given, the deacons (not all) bring out banners, walking through the congregation and bringing them to the stage.

 

It is prayful event on who will carry which banners. A committee prays over which deacon will carry which banner The banners were made well over 20 years ago by women in the church. And each one is a name/characteristic of God. They are absolutely gorgeous!

 

The Singing Christmas Tree - 2015

 

Our Assistant Pastor lead the sermon last night. He spoke on Palm Sunday, and how as Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem, He wept.

 

Not silent tears, but "wept" here means wailing, or even sobbing. Heart wrenching tears. His Sermon hit the heart. And as you know, if you have read my blog for any time, I am in a Precept class on Revelation. Pastor Jon explained about how this world is corrupt (then and now), how the people are lost. He managed to bring his sermon together with the Rapture. When Jesus wept, Jerusalem had already had Solomon's temple destroyed, Zerubbable had rebuilt it (not as glorious as Solomon's), and Herod had expanded it. Jesus was dedicated in the temple build by Zerubbable and expanded by Herod. In the scriptures we reviewed last night, Luke 19:41-43, Jesus prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple that would take place about 35 years after his ascension to heaven.

 

In 70 A.D. Titus fulfilled the prophecy in Luke 19: 41-44 (NLT)

Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem

⁴¹ But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. ⁴² “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes. ⁴³ Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you from every side. ⁴⁴ They will crush you into the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you did not recognize it when God visited you.”

 

Pastor Jon went into how since 70 A.D., close to 200 years ago, Jews have not been able to offer up sacrifices. But, scripture does tell us that the temple will be rebuilt, and Jews will offer sacrifices again. But this will not happen until the Church age ends, and the dead and Christ and those alive as believers are raptured to heaven. After this, Israel will make a covenant with a man who will usher in a "peace" after a large portion of the earth's population disappears. They will be allowed to rebuild their temple.

 

Friends, the furniture has already been bought for the 3rd temple. There is a section in the Jewish quarter of Jerusalem that is housing all the furnishings for the long awaited new temple. My Pastor and Assistant Pastor both have seen it with their own eyes. Israel will make a covenant with this man, who will 3-1/2 years later will break the covenant, and desecrate the temple. That man is the Ant-Christ. I have so much more on this matter that I want to share, and I will as part of my summer writings. I want to finish my Precept studies before I start compiling my notes.

 

But I am convicted, and if you have truly delved into the Word of God, you will be convicted to action.

 

I heard a quote last night by William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army. It went along the lines of, "Every Pastor ought to be held over the fires of hell for 24 hours, so the will recognize the urgency of salvation." Friends, we must spread the Gospel. Jesus Christ is the good news, He is our peace, and we have a very large, lost world around us who will all go to hell if they do not turn from their evil ways, and accept Him as their Lord and Savior. Today is the day, for we are not promised tomorrow.

Time With Famiy

Did you hear?

I have the best job ever!

I am enjoying, since high school (12 1/2 years ago), two weeks off for Christmas! My new job has some great perks, let me tell you. A week off for Thanksgiving, 2 for Christmas/New Year, 1 week for Spring Break, and a handful of holidays. I work with a great group of individuals who all love the Lord, pray for each other, and enjoy simple fellowship. I feel so blessed.

This week so far I have: read 2 books and am on #3, hit up the gym early in the day, visited with my mom and little brother, and today as a family we all went to the zoo.

Oh the zoo! My kids had a blast. The weather was perfect, not exactly wintery, but hey, I am not complaining. I love cold weather, but the temperatures today insured we spent several hours outside enjoying life!

My wonderful husband with our kiddos 

My little man and I. He is my cuddler and sweet boy.

Proof that they can be sweet to each other.

 We had such a great time petting the goats, avoiding the chickens and seeing the animals moving around. Due to the great weather not many were inside the enclosures. They were lounging in the sun, pacing back and forth. And since many people were working there was hardly anyone there. In past trips we have continually bumped into people - not this trip.

After a few hours we came home. My husband had a few clients lined up for the evening so he wanted to rest. I packed the kids up and went to Chick-fil-A. They got ice cream (we are in Texas) and I got coffee. And let me tell you, the customer service was fantastic! At 3:00 they still had coffee and I wasn't expecting fresh brewed. Well the server gave me my cup and I thought that was that. A few minutes later a manager came over and said she was brewing a fresh batch and would bring me some out shortly. I told her she didn't have to, but thank you. And sure enough, no longer after she swapped my cup out. That was some good coffee! Once the munchkins gobbled up their cones I let them play in the play area. They giggled, made new friends, and went up and down too many times to count. And once we got home I unleashed them and the dog into the back yard. Swings, imagination, tossing the stick for our dog Lady, and lady bugs! My goodness, close to 10 lady bugs around our play-scape. They were lovely and the kids kept trying to grab them. Of all the bugs in the world, those are my favorite and I was tickled pink to see so many!

After a day of much activity neither child argued about dinner - left overs.

Do you know that leftovers are a blessing? Think about it. Leftovers imply so much:

• You have food and the means to prepare it.
• You have enough food to go around and then some.
• You have the means to save (refrigerate) your food.

This year has been tight for us financially, actually the past few years. But through it all I have seen God's hand. He has always allowed us to eat: through food we have prepared, donated meals, gift cards given as gifts, parents/family inviting us over for meals. God takes care of his people. And those of us in America, we have it good. And I feel we take it for granted. I know for one that we throw away many of our leftovers because we get tired of eating the same thing and the fridge needs cleaning. I saw a video yesterday about a lady in Los Angeles who went a month trash free. She only had a handful of scraps at the end, but it was impressive. It takes an effort and work to not waste. It has given me a few things to ponder.

But tonight my kids who are not really picky didn't even blink at their plate of hodgepodge leftovers. And both pretty much cleaned their plates. Normally I get a negotiation about amounts or how many bites, but after a day full of activity dinner was quiet. Little man tuckered out right after 7. I checked on him a bit ago and sweet boy was about to fall out of his bed. Him not being a crib was a smoother transition then I expected.

Abigail and I had a wonderful evening of drawing and games - her homework. Yes, I have my 4 year old "do" homework. But honestly it is just fun. We color, we read, we play games, we create. Sheis learning and we are bonding.

Round 2 - she won the first round.

The memory game was a birthday gift that we finally opened. Abigail really impressed me and I am sure we will repeat this over the next two weeks. Still can't believe my 4 year old beat me.

This time with family has been refreshing. And we have so much more to do. Christmas itself, New Year's day, both of which have church services. There will be time with family, Brock and I will divide and conquer and have fun individually with each kid, and hopefully we will manage a date night sometime soon.

I am thankful for this new chapter in my life. God has given me an opportunity that I never imagined having.

Merry Christmas!

No Santa...and other parenting differences.

"Abigail, are you ready for Santa to bring you presents?" Mrs. G. asked my 4 year old. Who in turn replied, "Mommy and daddy work hard, we don't get gifts from Santa."

The look on my friends face was one of horror.

We. Don't. Do. Santa.

My husband and I made the decision to not do: Santa, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, or the Elf on the Shelf, before we ever conceived.

Now hear me out Christmas is my favorite holiday. My tree is up, I want a 2nd one even, I have wreaths up, Christmas oven mitts out, we bake Christmas cookies, and watch Christmas themed cartoons. I love the idea of Santa, even have a few ornaments on my tree of the jolly old guy. But, my husband and I do work hard, and if we give something to our children, we want them to know that it is because we worked for it.

Years ago I heard the story of Tim Tebow and his mom. She too did not do Santa, the Easter Bunny, etc. Her reason (and ours too): What happens when your child finds out the truth? Something inside them knows that you can lie to them, and to a 6 or 9 year old, being told Santa isn't real is earth shattering. That child will call into question what else have you lied about. And like Tim Tebow's mom, we don't want our kids to think that Jesus is a lie.

The look on my friends face is one I have seen before. I have had people look in me in the face and tell me I am mean, a Grinch, and that I have sucked all the joy out of the holiday's - just because my family has chosen to not do Santa.

Do I think my husband and I have taken all the joy out of the season? No. My children are excited, they have there 3 gifts from their parents under the tree. A box arrived from their great grandmother, and they cannot wait to open it. And just yesterday, our neighbor brought over a gift for each of the kids. The stash under the tree is growing. My kids are excited. And my four old will tell you, besides that we don't get presents from Santa, but that the reason we celebrate is Jesus.

This isn't just about the holidays, this is about different parenting styles. I have friends with grown children, grandchildren even, teenagers, elementary age, preschool age and even newborns. And not a single one of parents the same way. Some are fine with their 4 year old having a pacifier, others are mortified that their 1 year old still has one. Some are fine with their daughters having messages on their rear ends, not going to happen in my household. I have friends who have devoted their life to their children doing sports, all the sports you can imagine. They spend months with one team/one sport, then move onto the next. My daughter is 4 and will try t-ball in the Spring - after that, who knows. I have friends who on Sunday sleep in, eat a hot breakfast at home, and spend the day watching movies. My family is different. We wake, we dress then go to church for half the day essentially.

No matter the differences, there is one thing in common.

We are all doing the best we can, and believe we are doing what is best for our family, for our children. I might not understand why some of my friends do what they do, and I bet I confuse them at times with what we do. But at the heart of the matter, we do what we do because we love the little humans we have been blessed with.

So, when someone tells you "We don't do__________." Don't be mortified or feel you need to justify why you do "do ___________." Nod your head and say okay. And remember, life didn't come with a handbook (other than the Bible) and so for the most part, we are all winging life.

God bless!

Reflections going into the holiday's

Hello Sister Wife's,

I hope this post finds you doing well post Thanksgiving. The past few months have been a whirl wind and I am happy to say my Shuman's and I have begun to set into a routine finally.

I absolutely love my new job and responsibilities at the private school. God always knows what He is doing and He placed me in the right place. I was heading toward burn out, through no fault but my own. My personality and my last position could only couple for so long. The kids are still in the preschool and learning so much. Little man, his vocabulary is blossoming every day, or as much as it can for a 2 year old. Little miss is so bright and sassy, she has her best friend and her favorite teachers. Drop off has gradually gotten easier with time - I must confess, that has been the hardest thing for me. Not being with them all day. I now know what most parent's who utilize childcare have experienced.

But at the same time I have discovered a better sense of my self. Eventually both kids will join me at the Academy. But they rarely, if ever will see me, so I will still have anonymity while being with them. The morning commute to work and the afternoon commute to get them are cherished moments I have needed. In the afternoon's I have discovered a pastor out of Beaumont who preaches the word, teaches so Hebrew grammar and always has a message that hits the heart. Hearing that after a successful day at work is a great refresher before an evening at home with my littles.

Along with the change in career, my spiritual life has been transformed. At the beginning of August or so of this year our pastor challenged people to join what the pastoral staff called, The Joshua Team. It stems from Exodus 33:11

¹¹ So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And he would return to the camp, but his servant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart from the tabernacle.

Our Pastor challenged those who wanted to join to commit to 30 minutes of prayer a day, with daily Bible Reading. It was a 40 day initiative. To start, there were 8 verses one was to read though to focus the mind. One was to read a Proverb (the date of the month) and a Psalm (day number of the initiative) and to work through 1 John (would read through it 8 times during the 40 days). The hope was that after the individual would have developed a lifelong habit. Our Pastor mentioned it through September and encouraged people to develop a plan for after and to come up with life verses to commit to memory. About 2 weeks in, over 500 people had signed up to participate.

Today was day 104 for me. I began my 40 days on my first day of my new job. I read Revelation twice after the first 40 days, which took me through day 84, and now I am 20 days into my 3rd 40 day set. I am working my way through the Gospel (will get me through most of the Spring semester). I have developed my 8 life verses I read every day.

And on top of that, starting in October I added scripture writing - which is amazing. So I read my 8 life verses, read my Proverb, Psalm and currently Gospel chapter (I am in Matthew), and then I work on writing scriptures. It being November, I found a thanksgiving writing plan. I will settle on my December one by Tuesday of this next week. It allows me to read a portion of verses (usually around 5), write them and think on them. The act of writing the verses makes them more real to me, I have to pay attention to the words.

On top of all this I am reading for pleasure. And trying to write more. I do want to be published by 33 and have several book ideas in my head, with one started on paper.

During this time....an election occurred. To say it was interesting would be an understatement. I have never been more excited for an election to be complete. It will be interesting to see how 2016 is recorded in the history books 30, 50, 75 years from now. So much hostility, friction, division, and animosity. People are still hurting, and probably will be for some time. There is denial and resentment, and smugness even from some. My thoughts on the whole thing are this:

• We as a country are divided. And we have done it to ourselves.
• We have put our hope in our politicians and elected leaders.
• We have stayed silent and sat back because it was easier.
• We have what we have because we deserve it.

Those are some hard truths to swallow. But we have given up our liberties for the illusion of security. And therefore we really have neither.

As a believer, this is what I hold true:

• This world is not my home.
• No man on earth can save me.
• My hope must rest in Jesus and His kingdom to come.
• As a believer, my life is to show fruits, and my actions show and grow those fruits.

Sister's (and any Brother's reading) we have to stop sitting back. We need to be harvesters in the field. We need to work. The Christian life is not meant to be a cushy position. It takes work, it takes sweat, it takes loss, and sacrifice. We are to be an example of Christ in this broken world. He came to serve not be served. Therefore, how are you serving? How are you helping? Give your time and talents. If you are tired of believers in the faith being persecuted stand up. If you are tired of being dismissed by the media, put your voice out there. If you are not being heard, it is because you are being silent. It might cost you, more than likely it will, but it is better to pay the price then be denied by Christ before the Father.

As we go into the holidays, with Christmas, New Year, and colder weather, lets focus on brotherly love. Let us help each other. Look for ways to lend a hand, give some cookies, or donate a blanket. Most churches have programs going, as do food banks and homeless shelters. We can all do something. And if you have little one's at home, take them with you. It will be hard, but they learn to live the Christian life by seeing you live it out.

We gathered with Thanksgiving in our hearts.