I know there are a lot of us running around like turkey's with our heads cut off today, and we aren't sure why. ( Actually, I am sitting here hoping to bless you, while my husband makes me a coconut merangue pie!)

  But back to YOU. 

 For some folks this is a depressing time of year for whatever reason.  And those reasons are valid, your feelings are your feelings and no-one can take them away from you.  BUT you can shift your focus and start thinking about something, or SOME "ONE" instead of those joy and peace stealing thoughts!

I always know that the Lord is trying to get my attention, when I read His word He means for me to take it to heart.  But, when He REALLY wants my attention, He sends me the same scripture verse from several directions at once, sort of a Holy bombardment, so to speak. 

 This week it was Isaiah 55: 1-3.  First, a postcard came from a local church here with the words on it:  "Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? " Isaiah 55:2.

And then, "I am come that you might have life and that more abundantly."  John 10:10b.  (That is the someone I was talking about, who has come, you know---the one who was in the manger.....)

Later that night, I found an old copy of "An Encouraging Word,"  from Wisdoms Gate.  It was a couple years old, (Issue #41) but there was this article that jumped right out at me called Godliness with Contentment, by Skeet Savage.  Right in the first column, there it was again;

  "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money, come ye, buy , and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.  Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not?  hearken diligently unto Me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.  Incline your ear, and come unto Me:  hear, and your soul shall live;  and I will make and everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David."  Isaiah 55: 1-3 

So I decided I had better listen.  We get caught up in the fun, the merriment, the buying of gifts----but there is always some remorse, couldn't we have spent it more wisely?  But it is fun, but what about so and so who really needs such and such......ok, so maybe I am the only waffle around here, but even though we do our best to "give" during this season, it comes at a price.

The Lord has so many ways of curbing our sorry behaviour.  And, no, I am not trying to make you feel guilty, the only person who can bring conviction is the Holy Spirit himself living in us.  But we have had two kids sick (haven't had any sickness since last April, and now the van isn't running.  Last night it was, today, we are stuck here.)  God is so clever!

My husband was listening to the radio (probably Rush or Hannity or someone like that, ) and there was a call in about Christmas traditions.  One lady said they take a family portrait every year and then put their fingerprints on the back---as a symbol of giving themselves, and their talents to Jesus---they wrap it and make sure it is the first thing opened on Christmas day.  What a neat thing!  So that is what we decided to do.  And even though it isn't necessary, it's fun, and it helps keep our focus on Him. 

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend, filled with joy and peace in your home.  And remember, if it isn't, you just need to re-focus, on the Son. 

 When He is looking down upon you lovingly,

and you are looking up at Him, longingly,

that, my friend, is when everything begins to FOCUS.

Blessings Abounding,

Nancy

p.s., here is a neat link to some Christmas Midi music----check it out!