HAPPY NEW YEAR

The day has arrived.We ring out the old and in the new.Many of us are going to house parties where we can celebrate with our friends tonight.We all have our own thoughts and memories of the year that is leaving us.But I think it's healthy not to dwell on what is past,but look forward in a positive way to what is yet to come.What a blessing that we don't know what's around the corner as we start a new year,but even more so to know that if Jesus is our Shepherd then we have nothing to fear,as He will lead the way for us.I wish you a Happy New Year wherever you are this evening!



And just like the words of the old hymn- "Where He leads me I will follow".

CHANGE ONE THING

I just watched a programme which invited people to "Change one thing" in 2008.The comments were really worth listening to.Apart from the usual,"I'd like to lose a few pounds","I want to go greener"sort of thing,one person said"I'd like to see a lot less religion and a lot more of true Christianity going on".
That will happen if we all really care for one another and show compassion.
I urge you to think over the next few days about what you want to change.I know that I really want to be of use to God in 2008 and be totally prepared to not let anything else get in the way.That's a tall order,but as I said yesterday,we don't have to walk the road alone.This afternoon I attended the funeral of a friend's husband,who sadly died very suddenly.It made me think more than ever,that it's really only our relationship with God that matters.Everything falls into place if God has first place.

CARAMEL ADDICTION

I made this caramel sauce a couple of days ago,put it in the fridge in a little see-through jug and every day since,have sneaked in and poured a wee drop over a little ice-cream.Then I'd check to see how much was left before putting it back into a carefully constructed hiding place.I have to say it turned out exactly as the recipe said-"to die for".I did share it with my family,but a little reluctantly I suppose.You see there only was a small amount and that was steadily going down day by day.Son and I finished it tonight and I'm glad,because I was becoming addicted to it.It's well it's Christmas,that's my excuse,because I wouldn't happily condone this sort of carry on any other time of year.Seriously,I now realise how easy it is to become addicted to something.
We usually think at this time of year about giving something up,don't we?
I'm blessed tonight to know that we can't do anything in our own strength ,but with Jesus' help,it's possible.So be encouraged,you don't have to go it alone.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".Phillipians.4.13.

KEEP ME HUMBLE

A friend called round today.He always comes a couple of times a year,as he is on the go travelling around the world quite a lot,giving lectures on a sport close to his heart.He is just back home from China in time for Christmas and every time he calls I'm blown away by his humility.He never boasts about his all fares paid travel,or fancy hotels.In fact you have to ask him about his work and then he has you captivated with his passionate delivery.
He has met some wonderful people around the world and I felt so encouraged by the fact that he said one man just told him about the growing numbers of people following Jesus in China.
I can't help thinking that this much learned,much travelled,complete people's person could pass along the street unnoticed,as he simply wants to live as an ordinary man.
I learnt a lot today and I'm blessed when I look at The Manger Scene-Now there's humility at it's utmost!

THE LOST SOUL

Just a day or so ago I talked about a dream I had and low and behold,last night a knock came to the door at 11:15 pm.Anything at that time of night is a bit of a concern.He stood there looking so lost.It was a lad I had taught at school many years ago.He was now twenty.I hadn't seen him in ten years,but he knew where we lived and remembered us.He was hungry and afraid.We took him in,listened to him,fed him and contacted his aunt and mum immediately.He told us he had nowhere to go and that nobody cared.He didn't seem to fit in anywhere.Sadly his learning disability alienated him from his peers and it appeared he had few contacts.We made his mum promise to help him and we were left during the night with our sad memories of a boy trapped in a young man's body,all alone.
I was deeply upset by the late night event and really pray that he will find somewhere where he can learn a trade and feel the love and care of people who are trained to deal with his multiple needs.
I'm blessed today when I think of how God makes no difference between any of us.

"Jesus came to seek and to save those which are lost".

TIME TO REFLECT

I woke up this morning in reflective mood,made a few important phone calls to relatives and some felt relieved that Christmas Day has passed quietly,as it brought many painful memories with it.I began to think back over the year and all the different ways in which God had truly blessed me, of things which had happened,opportunities He'd given me to serve Him that I'd never imagined possible.Sometimes it's easy for us to dwell on negative things,but when we really reflect carefully,we can see God's hand on our lives,directing and guiding and it makes me feel quite excited.I hope that as you reflect too at this time of year,you'll be able to count your many blessings as well and look forward to a new year with all the new opportunities it will bring.

"Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds". Hebrews.10.v.24.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS

I always tell the children in school to begin Christmas Day by saying "Happy Birthday Jesus".We can all become diverted with opening presents and cooking food that we forget the person the whole day should revolve around.How would we like it if nobody remembered us on our birthday?I had such a real dream in the early hours of this morning.Loads and loads of people were arriving at our house for Christmas.I knew we didn't have enough food or bedrooms to cope with the influx.I began to panic and even burst into tears,telling Ian that we'd simply have to turn people away.Then I woke up to reality but the memory of the dream stayed with me all day.I felt guilty that I'd even contemplated sending folk away.I thought of the words of Jesus,

"Insomuch as you do this for the least of one of these my brethren,you do it unto Me".

I resolved there and then to try not to miss an opportunity in 2008 to help someone out,even when the circumstances seem impossible.

Happy Christmas to you today,wherever you are!

EMMANUEL,OUR GOD IS WITH US

Well, the night has finally arrived,it's Christmas Eve and I've been busying myself in the kitchen preparing food for tomorrow's meal since arriving home from a candle lit Carol Service.I've been thinking about all the little children everywhere,tucked up in bed early and not able to sleep,wondering if they can hear Santa's sleigh tinkle on arrival.What a truly wonderful time it is for kids.They jump out of bed in the early hours,unable to contain their excitement.What a blessing it would be(I remind myself tonight) if we could be as excited about "Jesus".
Tonight,we joined in worship in church,singing,

"We're singing Alleluia,We're singing Alleluia,
Emmanuel,Our God is with us!"

I got excited about Jesus,tonight and I hope it fires me up to serve Him more and more in 2008.

PREPARE FOR ATTACK

I woke up this morning with a slight sore throat.At Christmas being off school and having a rest,I wouldn't really mind,but today I do.This evening is a special time in church,as we are focusing strongly on Jesus, from The Manger to The Cross.Our family are helping with leading worship and I manage to get a sore throat.We have put a lot of planning into tonight with two other friends and would you believe,this week in particular has been fraught with things going wrong.A really close friend once said to me,
"Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could be in a position to thank God for the persecutions?Because it's then that we know we are really in the middle of serving God."
I never forgot that and it is so real to me today.We must prepare ourselves for the subtle attacks from Satan,as He manages to get us at our weakest points.
What a blessing to know that God has won the battle and defeated the enemy.He cannot harm us and we need to daily ask God to cover us with the precious Blood of Jesus.I believe I'll be fine for this evening,but I urge you to be on your guard over Christmas,because the enemy will do His best to try and wreck your happiness,by destroying relationships and making you feel discontented. Be ready for any attack!

ARE YOU READY?

We did a big grocery shop this morning for Christmas.We managed to get to the supermarket not long after it had opened and were leaving for home as some folk we knew were just arriving,after having driven round and round the car park looking for a space.What a busy time it is.When all the groceries were safely deposited into the fridge and freezer,I told Ian how happy I was now that I was finally all prepared for Christmas.I felt a sense of contentment inside.I immediately thought,in the next breath,of being ready and prepared for Jesus coming back again.I was thrilled to hear a man on television say today,that the most important thing in his life was following Jesus.What a blessing that was,as I was expecting him to say something else,as somehow nothing shocks us nowadays.I wonder this Christmas if you're prepared,not only for what happens in the next few days,but to meet The One who this season is really all about?

QUALITY TIME

Today has been a real cold and frosty one,just the kind you associate with Christmas.As I busied myself this evening with the usual household chores,I couldn't believe my ears when the man on an evening chat show announced that the average child in Great Britain gets 1,270 pounds spent on them at Christmas.What on earth has happened to people,do they not care about falling into debt?One man even went as far as to say "you shouldn't have children,if you're not prepared to spoil them."
How tragically far off the mark they are.Do they not realise that the best thing we can give our children is our time.
I hope we spend quality time with our children and those who mean a lot to us this Christmas.No amount of money can compare with that.I'm blessed tonight to know that God has all the time in the world for you and me,if we are open and receptive to His voice.

THE ACCIDENT

Sadly,on the way home from town tonight,we came upon a terrible road accident.Two fire-engines and an ambulance sped to the scene and we were diverted onto another road.I began to shiver at the thought of what might have happened and immediately texted our two lads who both drive,to tell them to be extra cautious when travelling home later from university for Christmas as the roads appeared to be slippy.When you witness something like this it suddenly makes you realise how precious life is and how easy it is for things to change in a split second.We live sometimes like we think we are going to be here forever,how wrong could we be.I was very conscious tonight of our human vulnerability and yet blessed to know that my times are in His hands.I urge you this Christmas to invite The Baby in the manger into your life,if you don't already know Him,as you don't know what's further along the road.

TEAM WORK

Today was party day at school.Many games involved you taking part largely on your own and if you were fortunate,getting a prize for your performance.But one game which proved hugely popular was where everyone was given a letter,put into two teams and as a word was called out you had to shuffle around in your team until you spelt that particular word and the team to produce the word correctly spelt first,won the points.This game required team work without a doubt and would have failed miserably without it.It reminds me tonight that we are all part of The Body of Christ and for us to make an impact in our place of worship and to grow deeper in our faith,we must all work as part of a fellowship team.I feel blessed to be part of a church where I feel comfortable and content.I know I have folk who care,without gossiping,who reach out to those in need and who aren't afraid to go the extra mile,no matter how late in the day it is.I hope that wherever you find yourself tonight,that you don't feel alone and that especially at Christmas time,you feel like a team player.

YOU BE LIFTED HIGH

As the term draws to a close,you begin to feel tired.I had an evening meeting in school tonight and so much of my day has been spent in there.It leaves you feeling drained and lacking in energy.But on returning home,Ian suggested we try out a new song as a family.So once we started to sing and play the heaviness suddenly lifted and I was able to relax and forget my worries.I love to sing and to worship God in this way.I find that meaningful lyrics and a memorable tune can remain with you for such a lengthy period of time that they can't help but touch your heart.I'm blessed to ponder the words of the following chorus,because for me it explains what true worship is all about.


The song says,
"You be lifted high,You be lifted high,
I fall on my knees,so it's you that they see not I,
Jesus,You be lifted high".

I pray that when I worship I will always be conscious of those words.

HAPPY FEET

At this time of year when there's only a few more days of term left,it's hard to keep the children in school amused.We tend to work in the mornings and lighten up the afternoons with a bit of Christmas fun.Ian found a website,which seemed to me to be based on a spin off from the film "Happy Feet". You could type any message you like and a cheeky little penguin would glide around in the snow until he had spelt out every word written in the message.Now how cool is that?The children really enjoyed taking turns at this activity.Most wished themselves a Happy Christmas,while some wrote deeper messages,such as "Jesus is born,Let's all worship Him".
I wonder if you had an opportunity to write a message in the snow,what would you write?You'd probably write what's in your mind and what occupies first place in your thoughts.
I pray that it's the Child in the manger for us all.

Remember,"He's the reason for the season".What a blessing!

THE FULL TROLLEY

I heard a young lad tell a story today about a woman doing her Christmas food shop in a supermarket with her toddler in the trolley.As she packed more and more articles into the trolley the child began to feel a bit crushed,so she had to take him out.He was left to trail behind his otherwise preoccupied mum.The lad then went on to make the comparison with how we treat Jesus.We pack more and more material things into our Christmas and Jesus is in danger of being left in the background.
I hope tonight, as we enter the week before Christmas,that we'll not be guilty of filling our trolleys too full.We don't want to miss the blessings He has for us.

TINSEL AND GLITZY BAUBLES

I can think of many friends as I sit and write tonight,who are suffering physically in one way or another.Sometimes we look around us and think,hey,everyone is having a better time than we are at Christmas,when in effect,many are struggling so much,that we ought to stop for a moment and thank God for our daily health and strength.I sat with a lady today,who told me that she just couldn't get her head round all the fuss of glitzy baubles etc,as she had major health thoughts to occupy her mind and there was no room in there for decorations, this year,which I found totally understandable.I pray that this December we will all see afresh what Christmas is really about and not be materially blinded by the bright tinsel,etc.

"Oh come let us adore Him!"

GIFTS

I wrapped some presents this evening and enjoyed tying each one up beautifully.I made my own gift tags this year to attach to the shiny packages and hoped that the receivers would appreciate the time and effort I had put into the presentation of the gifts.Then it dawned on me,that it matters little what the outside is like,the person I give my gift to is really only interested ultimately in what's in the inside.This truth hit home quite deeply.So it is with us.

"Man looks on the outward appearance,but God looks into our hearts".

What kind of package are we? I'm blessed tonight to realise that God doesn't care about all the outward blemishes that I see in myself and that He knows me better than anyone else.I hope and pray that He sees a sincere heart,striving each day to live for Him.

GUARD YOUR WORDS

I wrote my Christmas reports today.It's important to let parents know how their children are coping with the work,etc in my class.I chose my words carefully,as it's very easy to misinterpret what is said,especially when it is committed to print.There are ways to address minor problems and I've learnt,over the years how important it is to use your words wisely,as we can encourage or discourage so easily.I've met a few people in my time who could tell me to change something,etc and I wouldn't hesitate to do so immediately,because of their manner of delivery.How good it is to know tonight,that God disciplines us from time to time because He loves us and wants us to grow in our faith.So we need to remind ourselves tonight to be able to accept His correction whenever it comes and count it all a blessing.

"Let the wise listen and add to their learning,and let the discerning get guidance". Proverbs ch.1.v.5.

PROMISES PROMISES

I wrote my Christmas cards today.As we have lost three of our parents in recent times,we haven't sent cards for the last three years.It kinda feels strange writing to folk we haven't been in touch with for some considerable time.But then we all do that at Christmas anyway,don't we?We tend to tell ourselves off for not keeping in closer contact with some people,when we write things like-"will ring soon",or "must catch up for coffee" and so on.But do we really mean it at all?Another year goes by so quickly and we've made no real effort to follow up on some of our promises and worst of all we knew it would be like that when we last wrote the card.

I want to make sure that if I promise to keep in close daily contact with God,that I'll really work at it enough to discipline myself to make sure it happens.If the close fellowship slips for some reason,then the one-to-one communion fades and sadly God becomes just like the distant acquaintance who receives the annual token card.
Aren't we blessed tonight,to know that He promises never to leave or forsake us?

NO HIDING PLACE

This morning we walked over to the local church to practise for our Christmas carol service.It's difficult keeping 145 children quiet and focused,all exactly at the same time,especially as Christmas is drawing near and many are so excited that they are "beside themselves" with tiredness.Ian was able to project all the little faces onto the huge front wall of the church so that nobody's parents would go home on the night saying that they were unable to see their offspring.I told them that as they were all being videoed,their mums and dads would be able to note every move they made,good or bad,there was no hiding place.I immediately made the comparison with how God is able to see us in everything we do.It's like our lives are instantly projected onto that big church wall.I hope He approves of what He sees and what a blessing it would be if someday, He would say to me-"Well done,faithful servant".

THE PROJECT

Today we decided to make table centres for Christmas.I showed the class one I had made earlier,as ye do and after a bit of a chat,the seven and eight year olds got to work.I had carefully explained the instructions and so it was up to each child to interpret the task in their own way.I was delighted with the results.Everyone had eagerly cut out lots of holly and berries and the paper plate was transformed.So much so that we went on to design a vase of card for the middle,to be decorated with bits of old Christmas cards and filled eventually with tissue paper poinsettias.What started as one simple little lesson,had grown in potential because of the children's dedication and enthusiasm.
I can't help seeing the similarity tonight with trying to live a life pleasing to God.He guides us towards the right friendship groups and into various projects which we can do for Him,that we never would have thought possible.It's only when we reflect on times gone by that we see how blessed we really are and realise that with God we can tackle tasks with His help and instruction which we would have believed to be beyond our capabilities.Take this daily blog for instance.
If you ask God to show you a new work which you can do for Him,get ready,it'll definitely happen.

BEING OBEDIENT

I was reading today in a book of daily readings which Ian and I do and a small paragraph struck me so strongly,that I really want to share it with you tonight.

"God won't come shine a light in your eyes or mine.Instead,He'll wait for us to to climb off the throne of our lives and on to the altar of sacrifice.Then,when our lives are no longer like the world's way of living,we'll hear His voice.Then,He'll reveal what He wants us to do for His name." Dr.Philip Patterson.

I'm blessed tonight,to think that God is ever so patient with me.I believe He has something more for me to do for Him.I feel that I need to live in constant obedience as He prepares me for the task which He knows is waiting for me,in His time.

THE PERSONALITY CHANGE

Tonight,a visitor sat peering in through my kitchen window.I had to do a double take as it looked a bit like our cat who was curled up in its basket in the living room.This one was a bit smaller,yet with the same distinctive black and white markings.It looked quiet and gentle and stared longingly in through the window.When our cat went eventually to its dish at the back door,the action began.Its personality changed completely.The fur on his coat stood straight up and he wailed and cried,telling the intruder in no uncertain terms that this was his territory and his alone.I've never witnessed such a personality change before. It amazed hubby and I.It made me think about our own personalities and how I often have said in life that we cannot change the personality we are born with.But over time I've realised that God alone can change our old natures.When we decide to give our lives to Him,then suddenly the emphasis we used to put on certain things shifts and always for the better.He helps us lose our hangups,changes our wrong attitudes to people and starts the process of making us more like Him.We no longer feel that we have to mark out our own territory and the blessings start to flow.

DON'T COMPLICATE THINGS

I was making some Christmas cards tonight,while watching a News Report on how to save money at Christmas.Groceries were bought at very different prices and a meal was prepared for a group to sample.The different items had coloured marks to differentiate them.It was impossible to tell the difference in taste in most cases and a saving of 30% was to be made if folk would only be wise enough to avail of such grocery purchases this year.Cards were up next and even a designer preferred the cheaper cards to the most expensive ones.So,why is it that people flock to get the special brand names,no matter what the cost,when they miss the genuine,simplistic article before their eyes?They believe there must be a catch,that's why.It's the same with choosing to follow Jesus,many try to complicate things and miss the free gift right in front of them.What a blessing tonight to know that John ch.3.v.16 says it all and there's nothing complicated about it.

NO DISTRACTIONS

I've been in bed all day,as fore casted.Somehow,if someone coughs or sneezes near me,I'm sure to pick something up and yes,I've got the dreaded bug.Ah well, what I must realise is that it will come to pass.I thank God tonight for my usual good health and strength,because it's only when you're laid low and stopped in your tracks that the reality sinks in of just how much we take for granted.Sometimes your body sends out little signs that it's time to take a rest,especially near the end of a busy term.I just hope that we can be as tuned in to listening to what God wants to say to us,as much as we recognise when other things in our lives need adjusting.It's in the precious rest times,that I feel particularly blessed that all distractions have been blocked out for a little while and so the lines of communication are open and clear."So speak,Lord,I'm listening".

THE BUG

There's a "bug" going round school with a vengeance.I'm watching children being sick before my eyes.Sorry, that was a bit too much detail there,however, it seems to have taken hold and is knocking whole family groups off their feet.Hubby is at home sick,a rare occurrence and I know it's only a matter of hours before I go down too.I'm panicking a bit,as our school Carol Service is early next week and with so many children off,it's hard to practise.However,I'm not gonna worry tonight about what I can't change,as I've just read my Bible notes for the day,which clearly said,"Stop worrying,God will provide what you need in ways that will amaze you".I'm blessed already.

SMALL THINGS MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

I took my little school choir to sing today for the visitors who frequent a local Day Centre.We put together a selection of modern Christmas songs,which took us all the way through The Christmas Story and this was our first performance for an audience.I must say,I felt a wee bit uneasy entering the building,as I used to be there quite often with Dad.It's funny how you can be instantly taken back in time to some difficult memories.However,when you are in charge of twenty-six primary children your mind soon jolts to the task in hand,that of helping them to assemble themselves in an orderly manner,ready to perform.We gave a lot of pleasure today to the lovely gathering of dear folk,all with minds becoming clouded with forgetfulness.They smiled, clapped and joined in with "Away in a manger" and as the little ones mingled and shook their hands,it was such a blessing to realise there and then,that "small things make a big difference".It worked both ways,as my kids knew also what it felt like to be appreciated.I saw true joy on the faces of the audience and it underlined for me how important and to be valued people are,no matter what stage of life they're at or how incapacitated.

A TIMELY WORD

In Proverbs 15v23,we read that "A timely word ", is such a precious thing.That book of Proverbs makes wonderful reading,I need to dip into it more often and cherish the jewels of wisdom in there.I can't help thinking tonight,of two instances over the weekend when friends took time out of their busy schedule to ask after my well-being.I'm humbled when I think of how a Saturday night phone call got me asking,"What can I do for you?"When it came out of concern for me.Also,today a fax came to school,from someone who took time late last night to sit down and write words of hope and personal encouragement.In both instances,I really felt God draw near and am blessed beyond words,that He should choose to speak in such a direct way,through two of my dear Godly friends.Sometimes,we think we're strong and in control and in effect, we are vulnerable.Satan usually chooses his attacks when we are least expecting them and often when we are busy being involved in church work.I won't ever forget "The timely words" which I've just got and trust that I will be discerning enough in the future to know when I need to pass them on to someone else.

STRANGER IN TOWN

We had an opportunity as a family to sing and play together today at a local service.It doesn't happen too often nowadays,as everyone is busy with different church/worship engagements.However when it does happen,I count it such a blessing to worship God together in song in this way.We sang a piece written by Ian twenty odd years ago,yet still so relevant today.It talked about how to many at Christmas,Jesus is merely a stranger in town.He means nothing more than that.The words have lingered with me all day and as I watch people rushing around on a busy Saturday in The shopping centre,I wonder if they are afraid that someone will buy the gift they want before they get to it.What does Jesus make of it all as He watches folk spend like there's no tomorrow?There's such a difference between a stranger who you quickly pass in the street and is instantly forgettable and a personal friend,who knows all about you and will always be there for you,no matter what.Think tonight about the dearest friend you have in the whole world,well Jesus wants to be more precious than that,in a way that is beyond measuring.I hope we are drawn right into The Stable this Christmas,in a new and vibrant way.

TURN THE POWER ON

I put the Christmas decorations up today.I began to feel in the mood for Christmas,as we put a lovely worship cd on and lit a few candles.It's amazing,though,how dull the tree and garlands look until the power is switched on.What a difference it makes.Suddenly everything dazzles and the whole room lights up.I suppose that's a bit like us really,when we allow God to take full control of our lives.The Holy Spirit is able to dwell within us and turn the power on.It's then and only then that we can be of use as "bright lights" shining in an ever darkening world.I pray tonight that those of us who trust God as Saviour and Lord, may be empowered to reach out this Christmas to those who feel they just want this month to be over.What a blessing it would be to share the best message of all with someone who really just gets it for the first time.

"Let your light so shine before men".Matthew.5.v.16