Author: skydivingmemaw

MeMaw Thoughts
Number 414
February 19, 2019///

Changes! There are constant changes all around us. Some are good and some are to advance darkness in this world. But change is inevitable.

And then there are changes that irritate us because it shakes up the way things always work.

I spend a lot of time on my home office computer and the computer at church. My experience has been that updates in programs and replacing a computer is just a pain. No matter that you get the update done after some frustrating times or you finally get the vital things transferred to the new machine, you realize things are not the same or some features are not working correctly.

Now I am all for changes for the better, but in the computer world I find that I just want things to work like they always work. Why change something that is working great.

My home computer kept prompting me to allow some windows updates and I finally hit the ok button. Thus began a long series of updates with the screen telling me not to shut the computer down, etc.

After doing other things for a while, the window updates were finally finished. The first thing I noticed was that my screen background, which is a picture of my entire immediate family was gone. Then I noticed other things that were different or changed. I experienced a level of frustration that was not necessary as I made the statement:

I just hate updates to the computer!!

Before that, a week or so ago, we had to update the church computer program that we keep the church financials in and of course the update would not load, and we had to contact the support people and get the link, etc. We finally were updated and then began to discover problems (bugs) and changes that we did not like.

Again, frustration! But what I found in both cases is that there are some changes that are good and after talking to the programmer of the software we use at church found there was a shortcut around the most frustrating change, and they fixed the bugs.

Why am I telling you this? Two reasons! First, the devil knows what buttons to push to cause you to lose your peace and secondly the Heavenly Father can show you how the changes in your life are good and He can fix the bugs that come with the changes in your life.

Regarding the first reason the Word of the Living God tells us:

1 Peter 5:8 (KJV)
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

The enemy of your soul wants to destroy your peace and knows just what will cause you frustration. And as you lose your Peace, your frustration grows. So, we must guard our peace and begin to praise God instead of getting frustrated.

The second point is that when we keep our hearts and minds centered on the Lord Jesus, He has promised Peace will reign in our heart!

Colossians 3:15 (KJV)
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Philippians 4:7 (KJV)                                                                                                                                                                         And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

John 14:27 (KJV)
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

As we let the Peace of God reign in our lives we are changed to be more and more like Jesus.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (KJV)
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

We can walk in the assurance that the one thing that will never change is the Love of God!

Malachi 3:6a (KJV)
For I am the LORD, I change not;

What steals your Peace? Ask the Father God, the giver of Peace to keep you in perfect Peace when the peace stealer works to rob you of that Peace.

I have learned in all my computer changes that if I just keep praising the one who is my Rock and my Salvation, the frustration flees. Because you see, the only power that evil has over us is what we allow. Think on the good things and embrace Peace.
________________________
Father, thank you for your Peace. Thank you for your reminder that Praise brings Peace and causes frustration to flee. May we bask in your Love and the knowledge that you will never change, and you will never leave us. I ask this in the name that is above all names, the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Amen

Love, MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts
Number 413
February 12, 2019///

I am writing this later in the day because I had a test on my heart this morning. It came out fine indicating the symptoms I was experiencing were no cause for immediate concern.

Because I knew there would be periods of waiting, I had slipped a little Guidepost Magazine into my purse. During one of the waiting periods I was looking over some quotes in the Guidepost and one of them really set my mind to thinking.

It was a quote from Glennon Doyle.
“PEOPLE WHO NEED HELP SOMETIMES LOOK A LOT LIKE PEOPLE WHO DON’T NEED HELP.”

So, let’s digest that a moment. We all know people who are forever sharing all the problems and situations they are dealing with or do not know how to handle. They will let you know they need help or even if they just think they need help.

It is very evident the mother of three out of control children in Walmart who looks like she is about to scream and says to you “I’m going to run away”, needs help.

It is evident that the person burning up with a fever and cough needs help and it is evident the grief-stricken families at a funeral of a loved one need help.

If someone shares openly that they cannot pay their bills, you know they need help.

There are people who have no problem sharing those things. But the opposite of that is also true. There are people we know who would never share their needs or problems. They just internalize the things they are dealing with and act like all is well with the world.

Their response to the question of how they are is “I’m great!”. Some of these people are far from great and need a helping hand or at least someone to show they care.

The people needing help may look like they have it all together. They may look like they have no problems at all!!

How would we know?? We need to ask the Holy Spirit to allow us to see past people’s demeanor and words and see into their soul. The Holy Spirit knows who needs help and what they need. The Holy Spirit can prompt us to say, “I don’t know what it is, but I feel like something is wrong”.

This may open a door for someone to share a broken heart or a deep need. The Spirit of the living God may even give you discernment about what a person is dealing with.

I know for myself I don’t share things nearly as freely as my daughter, Donna does. It is harder for some of us than for others, but we are to encourage and lift each other up and that is only possible if we know what people are dealing with.

Now, DO NOT MISUNDERSTAND!! I am not talking about having a pity party or doom, despair and agony on me. Needs can be shared in a way that gives glory to the God we know cares.

We can share a need along with a scripture we are standing on or if someone shares a need with us, we can encourage them with scripture. Because Jesus is the answer to every problem.

But we need to be aware that things are not always what they seem, and we need to be sensitive to the Spirit of God within us.

We need to really look at people in sincerity when we ask how they are and let them know we really care.

A card, a text, a call, a visit can all lift a person from despair and give them hope.

For myself a picture text to me of my grandchildren or great grandchildren, just makes me smile and fills me with joy.

A smile, a word of praise, encouragement, a word from the Lord. All these will show someone they are not alone and someone cares.

May we see through the mask and see those around us who are crying inside for help.

I ask you to join me in praying the following prayer daily, with sincerity!!
_________________________________________________

FATHER GOD, GIVE ME EYES THAT I MIGHT SEE, GOOD THAT CAN BE DONE BY ME.
GIVE ME EARS THAT I MIGHT HEAR, THE CRY OF THOSE WHO NEED ME NEAR.
GIVE ME LIPS THAT I MIGHT SPEAK, COMFORT AND PEACE TO ALL WHO SEEK.
AND FATHER GOD, ABOVE ALL ELSE, GIVE ME A HEART THAT I MIGHT LOVE!

May we all really see people!!
Love, MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts
Number 412
February 5, 2019///

Psalm 139:12 (KJV)
Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

Psalm 139:12 (MSG)
It’s a fact: darkness isn’t dark to you; night and day, darkness and light, they’re all the same to you.

I have no doubt that every person reading this will agree that the world as we know it is in a mess. Hate and deception and accusations are running rampant.

Evil abounds and laws of clear murder are being passed. Trouble seems to come from every side. We are living in times predicted in the Bible and darkness is trying to take over.

But I have good news. Take a look at the scripture at the beginning of this writing. To God darkness and light are alike. God sees everything clearly and is always light.

No darkness! Think about that. We know that a little light will pierce the darkness and the darker it is the greater the light shines no matter how small. A pen light, for example, can bring light to the darkest place.

But to God every place, every situation, every person and each person’s heart is seen clearly. No darkness, not even dusk. All things are clear in His light.

1 Corinthians 3:16 (KJV)
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

Paul tells us that God’s Spirit dwells in us as Christians. If the Spirit of God dwells in us and light and darkness are the same to us, we should be spreading light into every place we go.

Think about it! If we are walking in the light of the Spirit of the Living God that dwells in us, we should be piercing the darkness every step we take.

Working, shopping, entertainment, everywhere. Look at the following scripture!

John 8:12 (KJV)
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

John 8:12 (MSG)
Jesus once again addressed them: “I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.”

Simple truth: if we are walking by Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and allow Him to control our days, weeks, and life, we will always be invading the darkness.

Walking as a Christian, talking as a Christian, acting like a Christian is shining a light in darkness.

Another way we can pierce the darkness is to constantly pray that the Light and Glory of God will cover our Towns, States, Nation, Washington D.C. and the World.

If we truly believe that God is light and in Him is no darkness, if we truly believe that prayer works, then we will not only spread light by our lives but by our prayers.

We may not be physically able to go to the darkest places to spread light, but our prayers know no boundaries.

Are you letting the light of God shine through in all you do? Remember light and darkness are alike to our Father God. If we are His ambassadors, light and darkness will be alike to us and we will see through the deception of darkness and destroy it with the light of God’s Word.

Live right, pray hard with Faith, speak the Word, and darkness will be dispelled by the light!!

Father God, my Daddy God, I come in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth and thank you for your light that shines in and through your precious children. May the world witness a flood of the Light of your Word and your Power as your children walk in all that you desire for them. Bless each person who reads this, and may we determine to dispel the darkness everywhere we are. Fill each of us with your Love so that Love will propel your light from our lives. Amen

You are light in darkness!!
Love, MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts
Number 411
January 29, 2019///

This morning, I am not sure where each of you are in your emotions and beliefs, but I can assure you that the Lord God Almighty has the answer. Below are some of our thinking vs His promises. We must take hold of His promises and let our thinking bow to those promises. His promises are the truth.

“WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?”

“YOUR BELIEFS WILL CONTROL YOUR ACTIONS!”

OUR THINKING                      VS                  HIS PROMISES

IT’S IMPOSSIBLE                                    ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE
Luke 18:27 (KJV)
And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

I’M TOO TIRED                                         I WILL GIVE YOU REST
Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.

NOBODY REALLY LOVES ME                      I LOVE YOU
John 3:16 (KJV)
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

I CAN’T GO ON                                             MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT
2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

I CAN’T FIGURE THINGS OUT                      I WILL DIRECT YOUR STEPS
Proverbs 20:24 (KJV)
Man’s goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?

I CAN’T DO IT                                                YOU CAN DO ALL THINGS
Philippians 4:13 (KJV)
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

I’M NOT ABLE                                                  I AM ABLE
2 Corinthians 9:8 (KJV)
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

IT’S NOT WORTH IT                                       IT WILL BE WORTH IT
Romans 8:28 (KJV)
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

I CAN’T FORGIVE MYSELF                               I FORGIVE YOU
1 John 1:9 (KJV)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

I CAN’T MANAGE                                            I WILL SUPPLY ALL YOUR NEED
Philippians 4:19 (KJV)
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

I’M AFRAID                                                       I HAVE NOT GIVEN YOU A SPIRIT OF FEAR
2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

I’M ALWAYS WORRIED AND FRUSTRATED     CAST ALL YOUR CARE ON ME
1 Peter 5:7 (KJV)
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

I HAVEN’T ENOUGH FAITH                            I’VE GIVEN EVERYONE A MEASURE OF FAITH
Romans 12:3 (KJV)
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

I’M NOT SMART ENOUGH                            I GIVE YOU WISDOM
1 Corinthians 1:30 (KJV)
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

I FEEL SO ALONE                                              I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU OR FORSAKE YOU
Hebrews 13:5 (KJV)
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Father God, I ask that your promises will become more real to us than our natural thinking. Thank you for you word that is Truth and the Truth will set us free from our flawed thinking. I decree and declare that each of us are filled with the truth of your word. Your word will stand forever. I ask and decree this in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Amen

What do you believe? Love, MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts
Number 410
January 22, 2019///

I know all of you have heard of dating sites for those looking for love and companionship. There is even one for older people. The advertisements for these sites make it look like they are the answer to your search for the love of your life.

I have no idea if this works or not, but I do know that the search for Love, Companionship, and Meaning in life is a worldwide quest.

We are created with a deep need for love and a deep need to matter to someone.

When a human being loves you, whether it is a mom, dad, sibling, girlfriend, boyfriend, husband, wife, friend, etc., it gives a warm feeling of belonging.

However, since human love is fallible, we sometimes find ourselves unloved by the person you thought loved you the most. Marriages fall apart because people disappoint each other or think the ultimate love is found in someone else.

Parents and children lose that love connection because of disagreements and strife and friendships dissolve over pointless things.

Why, because we are imperfect humans looking to other imperfect humans to fill that love area of our heart that only the creator God can fill.

May I tell you that if you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior your quest for love and meaning will take you in and to all the wrong places.

The Creator breathed into us His very breath and is still giving us breath every day of our life. Why because He Loves each of us more than we can imagine.

He desires that you receive that Love from Him and let Him fill that Love hole in your heart and then you can love others and receive their love without expecting them to fill that place that only God can fill.

If you are breathing as you are reading this God has Blessed you with another day, and you are Loved and Cared for by Him even if you do not receive it.

If you are not walking in companionship with the Lord Jesus and if you do not feel His peace and the warmth of His Love within you, I would love to be able to just transport it from my heart to yours.

But each of us must receive this Love and Companionship for ourselves. We must each make the decision to receive the Perfect Love God has for us. It will never stop and never change, and He will never give up on you.

He Loves you even when you do not receive it, and He pursues you. But what a companionship when you make the choice to walk with the creator God!

What freedom is ours then to love others! There is a gospel song that has a couple of lines that say:

“I am Loved, I am Loved, I can risk loving you.
For the one who knows me best loves me most.”

Have you been hurt by a human love in the past? It could be a dad or mom that left and even died. It could be a spouse that left you or died or a friend that rejected your friendship or a child who decided they did not need you.

This hurt will sometimes fill us with fear of loving again. But may I tell you that the Love of Almighty God can fill us with His perfect Love and heal our hurts.

Then we are free to love others as we should. Not with a dependence on them that they cannot possible fulfill, but with a love that gives because we are full of love from the Lord Jesus Christ.

We all have seen people whom many would label as takers. They are always concerned with self and are always concerned with what they are getting or not getting out of something. They are in relationships where they are constantly taking.

Why? Because they are depending on humans to fill the place only God can fill.

May I invite you today to make Jesus your Savior. If He is your Savior, I invite you to make Him Lord! Let Him fill all of you with His Love!

Then go out and Love others as we only can when we are filled with His Love!

Ephesians 3:19 (KJV)
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

1 John 4:9 (KJV)
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

1 John 4:16 (KJV)
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

Father God, may we love with your love flowing through us. Help us to receive your love fully so that we can love others the way we were created to love. Thank you that you fill that Love Hole in our heart to overflowing when we just come to you. Bless each person who reads this with the desire to allow your Love in them. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

I Love you with the Love of Jesus!
MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts
Number 409
January 15, 2019///

Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV)
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

How many of you, like me, have past experiences with customer support calls that ended up with you hanging up the phone frustrated and feeling like you knew more than the person you talked to for help?

It was because of many of these type experiences that I put off calling customer support when I was trying to format my new book for the kindle, I was spending time on it then leaving it for a while before returning and working on it again. May I say frustration.

I figured making the support call was only going to result in more frustration.

I finally made the call, and surprise, the person I reached actually knew what he was doing, pointed me in the right direction and now my new book is available in the kindle version as well as the book version.

The truth is I could have saved myself a lot of time and frustration had I called the support number to begin with. Past experiences made me put off what ended up being the answer.

As the kindle version of my book was complete the Holy Spirit stirred up within me the realization of how this same thing happens in our daily walk in this world.

We have things we need to make decisions about, and we weigh the pros and cons, ask everyone else what they think and become frustrated trying to figure it out.

Or we try to solve a problem or help our families and we just keep depending on our own self.

CALL ON THE CREATOR GOD WHO LOVES YOU AND HE WILL GUIDE YOU AND SHOW YOU THE ANSWER!!! HE KNOWS!!!

2 Samuel 22:4 (KJV)
I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

Psalm 32:8 (KJV)
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

God is a loving Father who wants to help us in every part of our life and yet we wait until we are totally frustrated and discouraged to turn to Him and ask for help and the answer.

How utterly ridiculous that we feel that we can solve our problems without the help of almighty God.

Maybe it is past experiences with unanswered prayers that make us hesitant to go to the Father. But we must remember that He sees the entire picture and when things are not answered according to our request or what we think should happen we must trust God’s nature of Love and know that He knows best.

Wherever we are and whatever we are facing as a child of God we are never alone, and God wants to help us and guide us. We are created with this thing called “free will”. Therefore, God will never intrude on our self-sufficient attitude and will.

When we realize that He is on our side and He truly has all the answers, we will call on Him and Trust Him to work all things for our good and His Glory.

You may ask how God guides. It is that thought and idea, dropped deep in your spirit (your innermost being, deep inside) that will guide you.

It is through His Word that is full of guidance. When we ask, He will show up and involve Himself in every part of our daily life.

God is not to be delegated to church on Sunday and maybe a quick prayer in the morning, He wants to be a consistent part of everything you do.

He wants to be your companion and a part of every decision and situation.

Don’t struggle until you give up and call on God! Call on Him at the start of everyday and in every problem and situation.

John 8:12 (KJV)
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

__________________________________
Father God forgive us when we try to do life without you as our guide and companion. Forgive us when we think we can handle our situations and problems and stir up within each of us the realization of how much you love us and how much you want to be included in every area of our life. We choose you, Lord God Almighty. We choose your will, your way and your direction. In Jesus Name, Amen

Call on Him.
Love MeMaw

Happy New Year 2019.  Hear us a reprint of January 1, 2013.   Enjoy!!!!

Me-Maw Thoughts
Number 103
January 1, 2013////

A new year. A new start. A Fresh sheet of paper to write the story of
our life. Regrets, embarrassments, confusions from last year are past
and as Paul tells us in Philippians 3:13-14:

13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Forget the things that are behind. The times we messed up. The times
we did not follow through. The times we allowed the enemy to defeat us.
This life is a journey of ups and downs and even though we want to,
we cannot have a DO OVER for 2012.

What we can do is learn from ours and others mistakes. Everything that
has happened to each of us in 2012 can be used to help us make better
decisions and Love people better in 2013.

Paul had much to regret. He had persecuted those who believed in Jesus
and did it with all that was within him. He could have sat around and
wallowed in regret, but he chose to serve the Lord Jesus Christ with his
entire being.

What do you regret about 2012. What would you change? Determine that
in 2013 you are not going to repeat the same mistakes. If it is a dream that
you have let die, determine the steps that you are going to take to see that
dream come to pass.

As this new year unfolds before us let us commit each day, each circumstance,
and each dream and desire to the one who knows us and Loves us better
than any other. The one who placed the dreams and desires within each of us
can guide us in our journey to our destiny and the Blessings we can be and
receive along the way.

The creator God is able and willing to take each problem and circumstance
that we encounter in 2013 and work it out. What a Peace to know that we
serve one who can make it happen.

Let us take off the regrets, hurts and smashed dreams of 2012 and walk
forward into 2013 with a greater determination to fulfill all that He has
placed us here on earth to do.

I urge you to take a piece of paper and write down on one side all the good
things of 2012 and on the other all the difficult or bad things and you will
see that your Blessings always outweigh you problems.

I urge you to write down the things you want to accomplish in 2013 and
commit them to the Lord Jesus in prayer. He Loves you more than you
can comprehend and wants to help you in every area of your life.

_________________________________________

Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. As I look back over 2012
I thank you for the incredible Blessings you bestowed on me. I thank
you for health and strength and family. I release to you every mistake,
hurts and messed up places of 2012 and determine that I will forget
those things and press toward the mark of being like Jesus. I
commit all who read this to your Lordship and ask you to be real to
them and let them know that you are on their side. Let them allow your
Love to fill them with Joy and Peace for this incredible year that is
ahead of us. You are on our side. How wonderful and exciting.
I ask buckets of Joy and Peace on my friends and family not just
today but for eternity. I LOVE YOU JESUS!!!! Amen

May 2013 be a year of truly understanding that you were created for a purpose.
Love,
Me-Maw

Me-Maw Thoughts
Number 408
December 25, 2018///

CHRISTMAS DAY!!

Celebrating the Birth of the Savior of the World!!

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

It means we are loosed from the curse of sin and of trying to keep a set of rules and regulations.

It means that because He Lives, we can have Eternal Life with Jesus and Abundant Life as we live on this earth!

John 3:16-17 (KJV)
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

It means that in the midst of chaos we can walk in Peace because we have received the Prince of Peace as our Savior and Lord!

John 14:27 (KJV)
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

It means that even though we may be alone on this the most celebrated of days, we never have to be lonely because Jesus promised to never leave us alone!

Matthew 28:20 B (KJV)
and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Hebrews 13:5 B (KJV)
for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

It means even though we do not know what will happen tomorrow we can Trust the one who knows everything to guide us and show us the way every single day!

Psalm 143:8 (KJV)
Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

Proverbs 3:5 (KJV)
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

It means though the world is filled with darkness, Jesus is the Light!!

John 1:4 (KJV)
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

It means Jesus is to us all that Isaiah proclaims:

Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

His birth, life and death, brought us Healing, Deliverance, Salvation, Wisdom, Discernment, guidance, peace, joy and love.

What a Savior, how can we not celebrate and spend the day praising Him even in the midst of preparations, family, confusion and anything else we may encounter.

Jesus is the reason! Jesus has the answer to each question! Jesus has the solution to every problem!

May we understand that LOVE for each of us sent Jesus to earth as a baby to teach us how to live and then die in our place and defeat death, hell and the grave so that we can walk in complete VICTORY!!!

TAKE TIME TO THANK HIM TODAY!!!

I pray each of you have an incredible day, week and year!!

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Father, on this the day set aside to honor the coming of Jesus Christ into this world, I want to honor you with Love and Adoration and give you thanks. Thank you that you provided a way that our relationship to you is restored! Thank you for all that relationship provides for us! Thank you that we do not have to do life alone! My heart is full of Praise and I ask you to pour out Favor and Blessings on all who read this. Be real to them as they ponder what this day stands for! Amen

May His Grace and Love fill you to overflowing! Love, MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts
Number 407
December 18, 2018///

Laugh, it will relieve the stress!!

Praise the Lord! Christmas is one week away!!

What reaction does that produce in you?

Dread, regret that you did not do some things sooner, Joy at being with family, weariness at the thought of all you must do, Gratefulness that Jesus came!!!!

May I remind you of some promises in the Bible, the Word of the Living God!

Nehemiah 8:10 B (KJV)
the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Proverbs 17:22 (KJV)
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
Proverbs 17:22 (MSG)
A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.

WEBMD.COM SAYS:
Feeling rundown? Try laughing more. Some researchers think laughter just might be the best medicine, helping you feel better and putting that spring back in your step.

HELPGUIDE.ORG SAYS:
Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hopes, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. It also helps you to release anger and be more forgiving.

HEALTHGUIDANCE.ORG SAYS:
These positive effects of laughter can be explained by the fact that it triggers the release of endorphins and serotonin which are the feel-good hormones that create feelings of euphoria, love and happiness. Laughter also works through a psychological phenomenon known as ‘facial feedback’ whereby pulling a certain expression can actually cause you to experience the corresponding emotion. Thereby the simple act of smiling from laughing can raise your mood. Finally, the fact that laughter is contagious means that you can almost ‘contaminate’ yourself, causing an endless cycle of laughter that eventually leaves you doubled over and struggling to catch your breath… As well as triggering endorphins however, laughter also suppresses stress hormones to further increase your good mood.

Just think about this: all the researchers and scientist think they have discovered something about laughter when our Father God inspired the prophets of old to write this fact in the Bible.

God knew from the beginning what a good thing Joy and Laughter bring to our Soul, Spirit, and Body!

He made us to be Joyful like children and understand that our heavenly Father desires that we walk in Joy and Peace.

I believe that Jesus laughed a lot when He was walking in human form on this earth. He was at a wedding and performed His first miracle there. He blessed the children and fellowshipped with His disciples. I truly think that even though Jesus knew the pain and suffering that were to come, He laughed a lot to demonstrate how we are to live life.

When we truly understand that the God of the Universe is watching over us and caring for us, we will drop our worried expressions and sadness of heart and we will rejoice in the God of our Salvation and all that means to us.

Christmas day is coming in one week no matter what. SO…. may we spend that week sharing Joy and Laughter as we make our list and check it twice!!

Don’t take yourself so seriously!!

Laugh!!! It is good for whatever ails you!!
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Father, I come in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. I thank you for life, strength, joy, peace and eternal life. I praise you that we can celebrate the Birth of Your Son into this world as our Savior and our example. Fill us we Joy as we choose to laugh! Fill us with Peace as we understand what amazing care you, our Father, have for us! May each of us release all our worries concerns and frustrations as we rejoice in the God who knows all, understands all, and Loves all. Amen

Laugh!!!
Love, MeMaw

Me-Maw Thoughts
Number 406
December 11, 2018///

Two weeks from today is Christmas Day!! The day set aside to honor the birth of the Savior of the world.

Jesus had to be born so that He could show us how to live and to take the punishment for mankind’s sin on the Cross and overcome it all as He came out of the tomb, victorious over death, hell and the grave.

May I ask you this morning, what will be your focus these next two weeks?

Christmas is a time of giving because God gave His only begotten son. Christmas is a time to spread the love of God to others and spend time with those closest to us.

But to often we get caught up in the planning, the gatherings, the pressure of choosing the right gift or the pressure of not being able to buy the gifts we want to give or to celebrate the way we would like.

Luke 2:4-7 (KJV)
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 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.

And we fail to remember the reason for the season. Oh! What a joy to remember the one we are supposed to celebrate. The miraculous conception, the timing of Jesus birth. To have Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem at the right time.

Notice the end of the seventh verse in the scripture above. It says there was no room. Do we crowd Jesus out of our lives with all the other things we are concerned about and all the other things that take our time and effort?

What will you be focused on the next two weeks, and let us enlarge that question to what is your focus the entire year?

Matthew 6:33 (KJV)
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

God sent His Angels and visons and dreams to cause it all to come together to fulfill His plan.

May I tell you that God is sending Angels, visions and dreams to bring each of us to the fulfillment of the plan He has for our lives. Trust that He knows where you are and who He must guide and what has to happen that your destiny comes to fruition.

Where is your focus? Think about your plans for the next two weeks. Do they included worshipping the Savior of the world in church services, special Christmas services and helping others through Salvation army. Angel tree, Senior Citizen homes or just someone you know who may be struggling.

Do you plan to read and ponder with thanksgiving the miracle of the true Christmas Story? Will you take time each day to thank God the creator that He did not give up on His creation but made a way that we are reconciled to Him?

Do we have room in our lives this busy season for the Love of God to be shed abroad in our hearts and therefore be spread to all of those around us?

May I encourage you not to be so focused on all the things you have to do that you forget to smile at all those you meet in the aisles of stores or the harried person checking you out.

May I encourage you to commit all you have to do to the Lord Jesus Christ and pray for all those around you as you shop and sit in traffic and stand in long lines.

What a concept. A Savior to reconcile the world to the creator God. What a privilege to have the example and teaching of Jesus to follow and to be able to receive all He bought for us at Calvary.

Will you join me in centering our focus on the Lord Jesus Christ and what Christmas really means.

As you celebrate with family and friends will you do it with a heart of gratefulness to the giver of Life!!

Father, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I come to you and thank you for the redemption plan. Thank you that you Love us enough to send the very best. Help each of us to have a truly grateful heart this season and understand the incredible Love and plan that caused the angels to exclaim to the shepherds on the hillside: “GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST AND ON EARTH, PEACH AND GOODWILL TO MEN!”. May we glorify you in all we do this Christmas season and all year long. Amen

Love, MeMaw