Love You To The Moon and Back

You may be one who finds yourself intrigued by the moon. It truly is quite beautiful and mesmerizing. What about the face you can see on it when it is full? Is that something or what? The man in the moon on a clear cloudless night seems to be right there just an arm's length away. The moon is really so much further away. The distance to it from earth is 238,900 miles. That is about 10 times the distance around the earth. That is a lot of miles!

There is an expression to demonstrate just how much someone loves another expressed as "I love you the moon and back." That means I love you almost half a million miles or I love you out of this world. Wow! Now that is a lot of love and such a sweet way to communicate the vastness of it.

Loving to the moon and back is not enough when it comes to Jesus. Jesus Christ loves you way more. He was there when the moon was created and knows all about its limits. He loves you without limits. His love is infinite and never ending. He loves you to infinity and beyond! You are His pride and joy. He wants nothing more than to have you know how much he cares for you. When you do, you can't help but love Him too - beyond measure. Yes, it is true. The love relationship with Jesus is the greatest of all.

Your unfailing love, O LORD, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Psalm 36:5

No Trespassing

The sign is up. It was posted some time ago but it is still in effect today. The perimeter has been appropriately fenced and the gate installed. The audible alarm is on and the door and window locks in place. Still, no matter what you do, and no matter how proactive you are, there are trespassers. Trespassers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They may be family, friends, neighbors and yes, even spouses. Trespassers come at all times of the year. No season is off limits. They may trespass during a holiday celebration or while you are on vacation.

Trespassers use various modes to accomplish their act. Some text, others call on the phone and many send their stinging message by way of a third party messenger or accomplice. Shock, disbelief, anger and hurt feelings typically follow the trespassers act. How could they? What were they thinking? It is hard to understand and even harder to forgive them. 

Forgiveness is a gift that you give yourself. It may seem that you are letting the trespasser off the hook but really when you forgive them you release their hold on you. Without forgiveness they hold you hostage. You are the one reeling in anger, re-thinking and re-telling the story and being stuck in their selfish and ignorant web of insensitivity.

Think about it. When you do, you may decide to change the no trespassing sign you carefully placed to one that reads "No Trespassing but if You do I Forgive You."

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? “Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18: 21-22

Is There Room?

Rise and shine! Time to start the day. Hurry and get ready. Just a few minutes to grab something to eat and time for making a lunch. Hit the road. Travel and then a full day. Back on the road heading home and a stop at the grocery store. Dinner is on and afterwards time for clean up. Time to address the family needs and get ready for bed. Lights out. Oops! Forgot something. 

Dear LORD,

Today was busy as usual. I totally lost track of the time. Forgive me but I almost forgot to thank you. That was not my intent and I feel really sorry. I saw you in the sunrise peeking over the horizon and you made me smile. I felt your hand upon me when I swerved past that car that ran the red light. I heard you in the voices of my family as they said their gentle "good nights". Thank you Jesus for always being there for me. It is my desire to love and honor you every day. I am committed to making room for you in my heart and life. Happy birthday to you Jesus. To you be the glory, praise and honor always and forever.

Amen

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

Reflections

Recently I transitioned to a new organization for work which is faith based. It has been a wonderful transition with new people and much to learn. One of the things I have been impressed with is the thoughtfulness and pace of the interactions. Rather than feeling rushed and starting ever meeting with "let's roll", this organization begins each meeting with a pause and reflection. Some reflections are prayer like, while others are stories or things to ponder and consider. The amazing part of this practice is that it "sets the table" so to speak for what will be served up in the discussion that follows.

As Christians we are called to be a reflection of Jesus. Imagine the way he would interact, share a story or listen if he were to meet you at your home or work place. He would be kind, thoughtful, intent on understanding the discussion and listening to the words and thoughts being shared. You as his followers are called to conduct yourself in the same manner. 

How are you doing in this regard? Are you a reflection of Jesus in the interactions and dealing you have with others? It is not always easy to be Christ-like. In fact, it is very difficult most of the time because life is so busy and complex. Still, those you interact with including your children, parents, colleagues, neighbors and strangers all need Jesus. You may be the only glimpse of Him they have the opportunity to see. That is something to think about and reflect on this Christmas season and all year through.

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:1-2

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

Every year it happens sooner and sooner. Perhaps it is what happens as you age. For some reason Christmas seems to arrive out of no where. Yes, you know it's coming. There is no way to not anticipate its arrival with the way Christmas is so commercialized. Right after summer the signs all begin to point to it. Once October is fully in swing the Christmas decorations start to pop up at every store. As the Thanksgiving parades passes through and then the calendar turns to December, you may start feeling as though you won't be ready for Christmas and will need more time. 

It is interesting really. We also know that Christ is coming. All the signs point to His return. It is getting closer and closer and still we may not be ready for Him. The Christmas season is a perfect time to reflect on Christ's imminent return. As you shop for the perfect gift and make all the preparations to celebrate Christ's birth, spend time preparing yourself and those you love for His return. If your loved ones don't know Christ, it is the perfect season to introduce them to Him. He's the best gift you can give your loved ones. The gift of knowing Christ as your Savior lasts forever and makes a big difference in daily life and in eternity.  Celebrate the birth of Christ, enjoy the season and keep looking up because before you know it the Reigning King will be returning. Hallelujah! 

"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18