I have a dream

Ok, 'where do I go from here?' The way seems dim, the path, unclear. Yesterday was all mapped out; the future seemed bright. Then, life took a turn, and nothing remained the same. Absolutely nothing. Not only is everything different, it is horrible, dark and lonely.

Joseph went through times like that - Joseph, as in the coat of many colors. Jacob's favorite son. Jacob made him a special coat. God spoke to him in dreams about his brothers bowing down and serving him. Joseph had a bright future ahead of him.  And then it happened.

His brothers were jealous of him and wanted him dead.
They threw him in a pit and sold him into slavery, later leading their father to believe he was dead
He was bought by Ishmaelites who then sold him to Potipher
He was falsely accused of raping Potipher's wife - when she was the one who was after him
He was put in prison  for the crime he didn't commit
He spent years separated from his father, from his family

He  felt horrible, alone and in the dark. "God, You said all these wonderful things were going to happen to me. What is going on?" 

'Been there! Well, I haven't been in a literal prison. I haven't been accused of crimes. But, I have been in that place of darkness and loneliness. I have been falsely accused and misunderstood. I have felt separated from those I love. I have felt like the dreams I had, flitted away like feathers in the breeze. There have been times when I felt like I was in the bottom of the pit. Yet,in those hours, those dark and lonely hours, I knew who I belonged to.
I knew, and  I know that I know that I know. Those seeds planted in my heart, dreams put there by Almighty God, will happen. The  God who was with Joseph is my God.

After being in Egypt for 20 years, working with Pharaoh and storing food for a time of famine, Joseph witnessed his dreams. Joseph's brothers  came for assistance.They didn't recognize him, but Joseph knew them immediately.  They didn't know this man, equal to Pharaoh, who they were bowing down to, was their brother.

Joseph was in the right place, at the right time. He made a difference in Egypt. He made a difference in his family and was there to deliver them - it was the stuff his dreams were made of. It was the dreams his God had given him, many years before.

The story of Joseph....
 I think of it when things go awry in my life. When things don't go the way I think they should. I turn my eyes to my God. He is the keeper of my dreams.  I can continue in what I know to do, working and occupying; remaining focused on Him, until that day, that fine day, when dreams come true. And they will. 

New Year's Resolutions!!

New Year's resolutions. Yes,I will! No,I won't! This year I really will. I am so serious this time. Work out, eat less, spend less, work more, work less. Read more, play less, no smoke, no drink, lose weight, be nice, break up. I resolve. I WILL keep these resolutions. I AM DETERMINED AND I WILL NOT FAIL!

Intentions are good. Our minds are made up. We have never been more serious.
We are hyped and do well for a time. Then, our wagon hits a bump and we fall off.
"No big deal,I can do this. I'll just get back on, tomorrow." We may or may not get back on tomorrow, or the day after, or the day after that.

Oh well. It's human nature. We only live once. What's the big deal, anyway? I'll start again later. When our neighbor,(remember...the one we told about working out faithfully) asks, "How's it going?" We think she's being nosy and it's none of her business, anyway. Defenses go up as we huff into our house with a twelve pack of Cherry Pepsi and a box of Twinkies.

I am just as guilty as anyone. As I listened to others talk about resolutions, laughing about how long they would last, I wondered why it's so difficult to be faithful, longterm.

Resolution: a determination or resolve; to be determined to do something..firmness of purpose. There was a firmness in purpose. But, there was that determination every year.

How could this year be different?

I listened to a minister speak at a New Year's Eve service. The emphasis was committing to the things of God in 2010. 'Good idea..good resolution for the new year, I thought.

What about commitment? Commitment:loyalty, devotion,dedication.

I can make a resolution to change some aspect of my life for the New Year. I can do it. I can grit my teeth, pinch myself and make myself sick doing it. But,I can do it - for a time. Some have more tenacity than others and can stay miserable longer.
Commitment is deeper. Commitment takes a heart decision-remaining loyal. Loyalty is more binding than resolve.

In all my resolve, I fall short, feel guilty and give up.
When all my resolve caved in, is when I made a commitment to Jesus. All the resolve didn't change a thing. Committing my life to Jesus made all the difference! He came in and became what I needed.

Sometimes, I just don't have the ability in myself alone, but, with Jesus as my strength - all things are possible!

Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ, Who is my strength."

Number one commitment - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." (Proverbs 3:5)"Commit your way to the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass." (Psalm 37:5)

2010 - BEGIN AGAIN!

Adeui to you 2009

I'm packing it up and putting it away. That's it. I'll look one more time but that's it. 'Just once more.

As I look over my memories of 2009, there are those I will hold onto and wrap up, placing in a safe place in my memory. I know I will think about them and unwrap them from time to time... sweet, joyful memories.

There are other memories I glance at. I will wrap them up and put them away as quick as I can...never to be re-opened again. Anyway, I shouldn't re-open them again. Those are the 'somebody done somebody wrong' memories...they need to be let go.

2009 had it's share of difficulties..there were things I didn't think I could face, but had to. Those are the memories that become part of me. Those are the memories where I cried out to God and said, "I cannot do this...". He stepped in like He does, and filled me with His strength, His grace and unmerited favor; and because of His great love, I made it through. Those memories solidify in my heart and build my faith in My Lord. Those memories I wear and will carry with me into 2010.

As I am looking over these 2009 blasts to the past I find more tender memories than I can count. I will carefully wrap them and hold them close - family, friendships...all the times we spent together...priceless,timeless. They accumulate over the years and sweeten my life, year to year.

There was the now famous slogan, "Change" in 2009. Indeed, it was a year of change. Changes in our world, changes that brought challenges. 'Guess I can't wrap them up and put them away! 'Looks like they're here to stay. 'Not that change is a bad thing. 2009 was a time to remember/reset priorities - going back to what is important. That is a good thing.

I sigh as I realize this is it. But, it's ok. When I look at what I am packing up and taking into 2010, I see that 2009 has been a profitable year. This may be the end, but it's only the beginning. Let's see, 2010, what change can I bring to make our world a better place?

My prayer: My Heavenly Father - Thank You for the time You give us. Thank You for Your great love. Thank You for 2009. Thank You for Your blessings and victory. Thank You for Your love and mercy. In this new year, 2010, may we, Your people, be the change the world needs. Changed by Your Holy Spirit, by Your Word - changed to make a difference. In Jesus' name - Amen.

What wondrous love is this!!

It was to be a life of paradise! Living and loving every minute of life! In the beginning God spoke the living Word and created Man in His image. What great plans He had! "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth..." God blessed them - male and female (Genesis 1:26,27). They were to live in the Garden of Eden...and enjoy. Man and woman were created to have fellowship with their Creator, God, who loved them with an everlasting love.

But, when Adam and Eve listened to the lies of Satan, God had no choice but to banish His creation from the lovely Garden He created just for them. His original design was for Man to rule and enjoy...but Man gave his rule to Satan by listening to him and choosing his lies.

They chose their own fate by turning away from God. Oh, God still loved them, but because He is light and life, He couldn't look on the darkness and death they had chosen (Genesis 3).

From then on, Man tried to please God. He tried to reach his Creator. Man sacrificed animals and tried to do right. There were laws written by the hand of God and Man was unable to keep them. Man would try and fall short, over and over. He was weak, sick, poor, in trouble, dying and lost.

That is when I can imagine, God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit had a talk. I imagine it could've gone something like this:

Father: "Son, You know how I love these people we created."
Son: "Father, I know...I love them very, very much too."
Holy Spirit: "It grieves Me so, to watch them fail over and over."
Father: "We have seen the sacrifice of lambs...the blood that has been shed to cover and atone for their sins.
Son: "But, we know it is only temporary.
Holy Spirit: They have no power to do what is right."

They sat and watched a little longer as Man fumbled and stumbled. They knew what needed to be done.

Father: "Son, We know what We must do."
Son: "Father, I will go."
Holy Spirit: "I empower and will descend."
Father: "Then, it is settled."
Father,Son and Holy Spirit: "AMEN!"

God rejoiced over Man because of the victory He knew He had over Satan. He rejoiced for the victory Man could have again...what He had intended for Man to have from the beginning...victory that would be his again through His Son.

Jesus came to this world as a baby.

The Plan: To save a lost and dying world - to bring us into the knowledge of who He is - our Savior and Lord! He was God become man for us.(John 1:14)

For God so loved the world He sent His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

What a GIFT! He gives and gives...loves and loves. Why? So we can have life more abundantly (John 10:10). It is the life He originally intended us to have - victorious through Him... yes, through it all.

NO VACANCY

The innkeeper was a reputable man. He owned the 'Hilton' of Bethlehem,a popular resting place. Once he heard the census of the entire Roman world was to be taken, he added more rooms to his inn, preparing for the descendants of King David to arrive. They were returning to their roots.

He followed every move of his hired help with a keen eye, wanting everything to be perfect. If he 'played his cards right' he knew the influx of people would build his reputation as an innkeeper, 'and then one day, I will be a rich man, a very rich man', he told himself.

At the same time, in Nazareth, a young couple, Joseph and Mary were getting ready to make the 70 mile journey to Bethlehem. "Oh, Mary," Joseph touched her round stomach, "I am sorry we have to make this trip, now, so close to the time for the birth of our child." Mary smiled and nodded. "Joseph, it is ok. I know the Lord will take care of us." Then she laughed. "I am worried about the donkey! Will he be able to carry me in this condition!" They both thought about that and laughed.

On their journey, Mary pondered, as she did everyday, what the angel said to her. She knew this baby's name would be Jesus. 'He will be great', the angel said. 'He will be called the 'Son of the Highest'. 'He will be given the throne of David. He will be the Holy, Son of God and His kingdom will never end'. It was overwhelming just to think about, let alone understand.

It took six days to get to Bethlehem. Anyone who began the journey with Joseph and Mary had gone on ahead. "I'm sorry, it's taking so long, Joseph," Mary said as she tried to get comfortable on the back of the donkey.

"Mary, I know we have to stop and rest. It is fine. Don't worry." Joseph looked at Mary, his heart full of love. An angel had assured him,the woman he married was called of God to give birth to a son, Jesus, and He would save His people from their sins.

People traveling to Bethlehem either stayed with family, or at an inn. Of course, the 'Hilton' of inns filled up quickly. The innkeeper smiled to himself as he sat in his own room. 'I, the innkeeper, deserve the best room,' he thought to himself. He sat in a chair fit for royalty,covered in velvet, with a high back. He looked at the nice bed, made for him and his wife. He couldn't wait to sleep in it.

"Joseph, I see Bethlehem. I pray we make it to an inn, soon. I am so tired... and, I have begun having contractions."

Joseph was a calm man and prayed that God would help them find a resting place, soon. He didn't want a lot of people listening to Mary while she was in labor, but he saw no way they could find a quiet room in an inn. A woman in labor would draw attention to herself. Joseph didn't want that for Mary. "My Lord..You will make a way," Joseph said to himself as they entered Bethlehem.

Since the journey had taken them so long,every inn was filled-NO VACANCY.

"There is the inn of Azariah. Word had it in Nazareth that he added many rooms for the census. That is the last place in Bethlehem, Mary." Joseph was weary from the long trip and from walking from inn to inn only to be turned away.

"The Lord will provide, Joseph," Mary felt the tightness of her stomach again and took in a deep breath, holding it until the contraction stopped. She would not worry Joseph by telling him the contractions were closer.

Joseph knocked at the door of the inn. Azariah was preparing for bed. "Who could that be?" He grumbled to his wife, who was already in bed. "Orphah, you check and tell them to go away. We have no more room," he growled.

Orphah pulled back the small door on the window and saw a very young couple. The girl was very pregnant and looked like she was in pain. Her heart went out to the couple.
"We are looking for a room. I know it is late, and I have a feeling our child will be born soon. Could you find room for us anywhere in your inn?"

Orphah wanted to say yes, but knew she had to talk to Azariah. "Stay, there. I will return shortly,' she said and went to the spacious room where Azariah was getting into bed.

"We can give them our bed, Azariah," Orphah begged her husband. "The young woman is so big with child. They need a bed and privacy. They will have both, here."

"No, woman. It will not be. I shall not give up my bed for these two strangers. I have worked hard. I am sleeping here. Now, go. Tell them to be on their way." When he saw that Orphah was in tears, he flung back his covers and stomped to the door himself.

"There is no room, here. None. Now be gone," he growled to the young man at the door.

"Sir, we are near time to having a baby."

"What is that to me?" Azariah spat at the young man. He had no use for the lineage of David and they didn't look like they could offer him due payment for his spacious room.

"Sir, it is very late. We don't need much - just a place to lay our heads. A place where my wife can give birth to our child." Joseph tried to reason with Azariah.

"Oh, be gone. Oh, go, then. I have a stable near the inn. Stay there for all I care. I am tired and in need of sleep. Sleep there." Azariah slammed the door on the window.

Joseph and Mary were elated at the privacy of the stable. It was warm and quiet...just what they needed.

In the meantime, Azariah lay down his head on his royal bed, thinking himself fit to be a king.

If only Azariah knew...the King of all Kings was born in a manger in his stable.

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This is a very quiet morning - unusually quiet for our windy little town. Somehow I get the feeling there are angels on assignment here. I'm sure of it.

They are everywhere this morning. They are beside beds, standing beside breakfast tables. They are standing in hallways and livingrooms. As magnificent as they are, they are unseen. But, they are present.

Angels... in the power of silence, are ministering comfort and strength. They go forth with compassion and whisper words of hope as they lean over and catch the tears, fears, questions falling from hearts, worn with the shortcomings of this world.

Angels, on mission from heaven, sent to breathe unspeakable peace and love to the lost and hurting with invisible embraces that can be felt yet not touched.

Angels, God's messengers of His Word of Love to a world, so needy, so loved.

There is a hush of gentle encouragement in our midst today, touching brokeness in understanding.

In the quietness of our souls, our hurts and sorrows lay bare, God cares. He knows.

They are here. Most definitely. These angels on assignment.

No need for a picture here.

No, there is no need for a picture here. None. There are hardly words to convey the feelings being shared at this very moment.

My young friends... Hug each other tight. Cry and talk. Cry and talk some more...go ahead and laugh. It's ok to be mad, to be sad, to feel confused.

My parent friends. The numbness and extreme sadness is shared by all. We are only older children, with the same feelings as our children. Maybe we understand how to cope a little better...maybe not. But, it's ok, too.

Many of us saw each other today. All we had to do was look at each other and we knew. It's the bond of the broken. We've been here before. Some of us, too many times. Whether this was the first time, or the tenth, it doesn't matter. The pain sucks our hearts out of our chests and we gasp for air. A young life snuffed out is heart-wrenching.

A community as small as ours knows suffering and loss all too well. The blessing in the dark is knowing there is a hand reaching out and an arm extended. Understanding and compassion become cushioning, in a sense.

We embrace each other and whisper, "I care". The words don't have to be verbalized, but they are there. We've watched each other's children grow up. We've been involved in each other's lives, simply because it's part of living in a small community.

We can't be anything but real right now. We can't do anything to take the pain away, but....
Mitchek family, we love you. We are so sorry. We are here for you, to support you, to hug you and pray.

My friends, we will pull together like we do. We will lend a shoulder and share this sorrow, like we do. We will love this family, like we do. We will do what we can do. Most of all we will just be there for them, for each other. Because we care, we do.