The Schooley Files: The Silly Flap over "Happy Holidays," and the battle over the two Christmases

Christmas seems to come earlier every year. As soon as Halloween is over it seems Christmas commercialism is thrust upon us. This is part of a blog I found which has some good points to consider I think.

The Schooley Files: The Silly Flap over "Happy Holidays,"
and the battle over the two Christmases: "Which Christmas?

I think that celebrating the entrance of the Son of God into the world is a good thing, and if it contains some of the trappings of Secular Christmas, I frankly don't mind, as long as the two Christmasses are kept in perspective. But over the last several years, I have noticed a virtual monopoly of Secular Christmas music, to the exclusion of Christian Christmas music, on the radio and in public places. It's easy to find snowmen and reindeer to put on your lawn; much more difficult to find nativity scenes. Rather than coexisting with Christian Christmas, Secular Christmas has been supplanting Christian Christmas for some time now. That, in turn, makes me a little uneasy when someone wishes me a 'Merry Christmas.' I'm beginning to wonder, 'Which Christmas do you mean?'

The reality is, you have to know Christ to appreciate the Real Meaning of Christian Christmas. Sentimental hogwash about the Birth of New Hope is just meaningless words if you don't believe in the hope that Jesus came to give. And the majority of people you meet don't believe, and so they don't know, and can't appreciate what Christmas means to those who do know Christ. I'm frankly not sure I want everyone and their dog wishing me a 'Merry Christmas.' I'm not sure I want to wish everyone else a Merry Christmas, if some of them are going to understand by that phrase getting drunk on eggnog and maxing out their credit cards. It's a communication thing. 'You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.'"

What are your thoughts about this?

Bee Yourself

God made you an original; don't die copy!

According to aeronautical science the bumblebee can't fly. It's body is too heavy and it's wings are too shallow.

However the bumblebee doesn't know it can't fly. So it flies around doing what God chose for it to do, pollinating plants. It does so without considering its limitations.

You ,too, have talent, skill, aptitude that are 'you-niquely-yours'. We can be the best of what and who we want to BEE - and only God knows what our limitatations are.

You might appear to be different - or even strange - to some people. But remember God made you in His image for His glory. Use your uniqueness to encourage others and glorify God.

Capitalize on the abilities god has given you. Don't expect other people to be like you or to always understand you. They're also busy being uniquely themselves.

Psalm 139 v 13

"For You created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

Surround By Favor

PSALM 5:12 NIV
12 For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

God's favor can change your life.

Someone who is favored is called a favor-ite.

The New Testament teaches that being righteous (in right standing with God), is a gift we receive when we receive Jesus-- not something we attain by our works.

So, the promise of Scripture is that God surrounds you with favor. What does that mean?

Favor is the blessing of God making people like you and treat you well.
Is it automatic?
We have access to God's grace only through faith (Romans 5:2).

So, you will never experience the fullness of God's favor without believing for it.

Faith is released through words. So every day thank the Lord for giving you favor with people, for surrounding you with>favor!

Don't say, "People don't like me." or "Everybody seems to be>against me." or "I never get a break."
Instead say, "Thank you Lord for giving me favor with people." Then watch God begin to move on your behalf!

SAY THIS: Thank you Lord for surrounding me with favor.

Looking for Me!

Anyone found me?

I'm looking for me!

I'm a little girl masquerading as a woman.

I got lost along the way, wanting to be all for everyone,

I didn't leave anything for me.

Anyone found me?

I'm looking for me, the real me!

I'm a mother, a sister, a lover, a friend, my different roles I play well.

An Oscar winner I could be.

But has anyone found me?

I'm looking for me!

I'm professional, I'm witty, charming as well,

But has anyone seen me?

I'm looking for me!

Like a pressure cooker I'll explode if I don't find me soon.

Has anyone found me? I'm looking for me...

GOD SPEAKS

Ssh my child,

Before you were born, I named you and ordained you.

Rest with Me a while, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

You're who I say you are.

When you search for Me with your whole heart you'll find the Me you're looking for.



Jacqueline Peart

Don't get weary!

The Thesaurus describes weary as, "tired, exhausted, drained, fatigued and disillusioned."

You see, it is so easy to get weary while waiting, even for the simple things in life like,
Waiting for a bus or for someone to return your call,
For the traffic lights to change when you're running late for work,
Waiting in a queue at the bank during lunchtime,
Or even for some of those more important things like,
A career change or opportunity that seems like it will never appear,
Or even waiting for your life partner as the weeks turn into months and the months turn into years...

How much more difficult is it for us when we are waiting on the
things of God to come to pass?

I know it can be tough it can be frustrating and even disappointing!
Some may even feel 'hoped out' and at worst just going through the motions oblivious to the fact that they have resigned from wanting more, desiring more and have long since been living by sight and not faith,
Some may even believe that God's promises were just a figment of their imagination,

I know you've prayed,
You've believed,
You've fasted,
You've given and you've positively confessed God's word,
Yet your heart's desires are on hold!

Don't' get weary!

The bible says in Galatians 6:9:
"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."

We don't get weary over night,
Weariness grows, one thing leads to another and before we know it unless we stay focused we are weary, murmuring and complaining!
Let this inspiration be a wake up call to you not to grow weary, because if you do not - you will reap all that you have believed God for according to His word!
Start remembering the promises He has given to you,
Start remembering and revisiting the prophecies that have been spoken over your life!

For they shall come to pass - however, there is a condition:

DO NOT GET WEARY!

Be encouraged!

Consider Wild Flowers

"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wild flowers - most of which are never seen - don't you think He'll attend to you, take pride in you, do His best for you?"


Taken from Matthew 6 'The Message'

"What's it All About?"

Sometimes life can seem so boring. For kids, it can be school and homework, piano practice or cleaning their rooms. For adults, it can be a meaningless job or worse yet, meaningless relationships, no joy at home or with the family. Things can get to be pretty hum-drum. And the possibilities of excitement seem so real with something else, someone else or some place else -- the grass does look greener on that other side!

God wants us to stop in our tracks -- immediately! Stop! Do not pass go! Do not collect $200! Jesus tells us the real purpose and significance of our lives. And it's not about us: our happiness, our jobs, our families, or even our potential! It's all about God! Jesus spells it out very clearly (John 6:27,29): "Do not work for food that spoils but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man with give you. On Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval. The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent."

In order to be joyful and not bored, we've got to shift perspectives. If it's not all about us, we've got to check out who this Jesus guy really is! We've got to make that our priority, not making a living or raising a family or even keeping ourselves from being bored! Jesus is the key to life, happiness, and the greener grass on that other side. Let's get to know Him on a first name basis, and let's see how wonderful life can really be!

"The Word Spreads"

When we share about what Jesus does for us, we don't need to do any fancy miracles. When we spread the good news that Jesus is the "main man" in our lives, we ourselves don't need to heal or cure or even preach. Jesus Himself does the healings! Jesus Himself is the main attraction. Not ourselves. Not what we do or say. It's all about Jesus.

"There he found a man named Aeneas, a paralytic who had been bedridden for 8 years. 'Aeneas,' Peter said to him, 'Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and take care of your mat.' Immediately Aeneas got up. All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord." Aeneas wasn't crippled his whole life, but 8 years is a long time to be bedridden! It's amazing how he was "found" by Peter in his condition. It's even more amazing that Peter tells him not just to get up, but to take care of his mat! Was it dirty or smelly? Why wasn't it his bed but a mat? But the coolest thing is that Aeneas just didn't get up. He must have walked around, not just in his hometown of Lydda but even in a neighboring town, Sharon! People saw him, probably heard his story, and turned to Jesus. How cool is that.

Sometimes Jesus may call upon us to heal in His name. Even if we are not Peter, we can do it, because Jesus does the healing, not us! And even if we are not called to heal or cure or do powerful deeds, we can always share how powerful Jesus is in our lives. That kind of sharing doesn't take a miracle! It only takes our focus on Jesus in our lives and how much Jesus means to us. It's like the grandma or grandpa who just loves to take out the photos of their adorable grandchild. It doesn't take much to share that joy and that sense of pride. It's a natural thing to share the joy in our lives! So let's spread the word, not just in our town but in whatever town we happen to be in -- Jesus is the main attraction in our lives now and forever!


Until next time, make it a blessed day,
Pastor Ellen

What If...

What if .......

What if you never achieve all your hopes and dreams?

Wouldn't God still be God?

What if all the plans, visions and prophecies don't come to pass in your day,

Isn't God still the God of all?

What if the finances you've been working on for that building or business, go to another cause or fails to materialise?

Is it not God Himself that gives you the ability to get wealth?

Does that mean He's failed?

What if in our times the wars fail to cease but to increase?

Children and adults continue to die meaningless deaths?

Does that mean we serve a compassionless God?

What if you receive the grades you've been working for, get into the job or university you desired and it's not what it's cracked up to be?

Tell me whose fault would that be?

Is it Gods for not showing you your destiny more clearly, after all your steps have been ordered of the Lord?

God forbid that we blame Him for every mishap, every let down and every misdemeanour!

What if...

What if we walked by faith and not by sight?

How many mountains would you have removed with just a mustard seed of faith?

What if we prayed and interceded consistently and persistently for our countries, presidents and leaders?

How different this world would be.

What if we judged others by their intent and not just by their actions?

How loving and forgiving we would be.

What if we not only read the word, but believed the Word, the blessings and the curses?

What walking atmosphere, community and world changers we would be.


What if...

What if we not only met with the Living God but trusted His every Word,

And believed with all our hearts that Jesus Christ was born

to a virgin, lived a life that was pure and sinless,

What if we truly believed that He was the son of God,

Who came to give us life through His death,

What if we really believed that at Calvary every one of our sins were nailed to the cross and His blood cleanses us,

No more would we rehearse our pasts and ponder on our failures.

What if...

What if we really and truly believed that all things were possible?

That we are more than conquerors and over comers,

That our Father is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords,

That He knows the plans that He has for us,

Plans to give us a future and a hope!


Where would you have been?

Where will you be?


It's a new year so what if you......


Jacqueline Peart

What does Christmas mean to you?

Whoops someone's missing!


What does Christmas mean to you?

Mmh, Christmas?

As I pondered the answer to this question and thought about Christmas,

I began to think about the comments I've heard on the TV, radio, by friends and by others

As I realised there are so many interpretations, to what this season is all about

You see some think it's all about spending lots of money,

As credit card companies rub their hands, making up for the years losses

For others it's a time we can remember friends, colleagues and family members,

And send cards to those we said we'd call, but didn't get around to it


Some say it's just for children

As they prepare for Santa's call

Others say it's not for adults

It's the season of good will

One where we exchange gifts from one another

Or maybe it's the queen's speech, the old films and lots of game playing, you know, charades, monopoly and the likes,

Or is it about carol services, mince pies, Christmas trees and office parties

A time when bosses appreciate their staff with vouchers and bonuses


Mmh, what does Christmas mean to you?

For many it is all of the above

For others it's a combination

While for some, just the thought of Christmas brings pangs of loneliness; pain and sorrow as they remember lost loved ones,

Whether Christmas brings thoughts of sorrow or joy

There's one important aspect that if we don't grasp we've missed the whole intention of this precious season


For it's the time of year when we can formally celebrate our Saviours birthday, though we're thankful all the year round

It's a time when the world is open to hearing about a child that was born unto us

A son that was given

Whose shoulders the government is upon

Who is He? What's His name?

His name is Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace!

Christmas is a time when all heaven and earth declares that Jesus is Lord!

Yesterday, today and forevermore!

He is the Broken heart mender, the Lily of the valley, He is the bright and morning star, He is Comforter and Friend!

So what does Christmas mean to you?


Jacqueline has launched her latest book in the Deep Calleth Unto Deep series called "Inspirations for Women …A Journey to Wholeness". Be encouraged by one of the poems from the book, available online at http://www.deeppublishing.com/en-us/p_15.html

Everything I need to know

Noah's Ark Everything I need to know, I learned from Noah's Ark..

ONE: Don't miss the boat.

TWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat.

THREE: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.

FOUR: Stay fit. When you're 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.

FIVE: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.

SIX: Build your future on high ground.

SEVEN: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.

EIGHT: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
NINE: When you're stressed, float awhile.

TEN: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

ELEVEN: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.

Most people walk in and out of your life......but FRIENDS leave
footprints in your heart

Prayer With Expectation

By: Daniel Brown
We may have heard at some point in our lives that if we truly believe in something, having faith that it will happen, then it really will happen. Some people don't completely accept that, but the Bible is clear; what you believe is what you get. Jesus said, "Whatsoever things you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them and you shall have them" (Mark 11:24).

But, He didn't say we would see the manifestation of our prayers immediately. We need to give God time to work things out, continue in our faith, and not doubt, "For a man who wavers is like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed. Let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord" (James 1:6-7).

Expectation is the key to receiving from Him. What good does it do to pray without expecting God to answer? You might as well be talking to a tree. The Bible says, "Without faith, it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to Him must believe that He is God, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6).

Have you noticed that most people do not expect for things to work out? In fact, most people have been taught to believe in negative outcomes. The reasoning is; "If things don't work out, I won't be disappointed." There's no logic in that! Even though one may.......Read more

Spiritual Growth RSS Feed: "http://articlesbeyondbetter.com/rss/Spiritual-Growth/94"

YOU'RE MY REFUGE

You're my refuge

You are Jehovah!



You are King and you are Lord

Who else could pick me up and turn me around?

Who else could put my feet on solid ground?

Who else could accept me as I am?

And perceive me as I will be?



Who else Lord?

But you my refuge, my Jehovah!



Who else can I turn to in times of trouble?

Who won't judge me or 'dis' me?

Saying why didn't I do this or I should have done that!

Who else can I look to for shelter in the hard times?

Who else?

Who else would lay down His life for me?

But you Lord, My refuge and my Peace!



You see He's my shelter in times of trouble

My refuge when things become difficult

He knows all about me

Even the number of hairs on my head

He loves me in spite of myself

He covers me at all times, my steps He's neatly ordered!



Who else can cover you even when you don't know you need covering?

Who else protects you from the wiles of the evil one?

Who else with a single word can calm a raging storm?

Who else but my shelter, my strong-tower,

My Lord God Jehovah!



His name is refuge

It's Banner, Sanctifier, Saviour, Forgiver, Master, Yahweh, Jehovah,

Redeemer, Rock, Shield, Instructor, Protector, Director...

His name is JESUS, MY REFUGE, in the midst of the storm

THAT'S WHO HE IS!



Jacqueline Peart

"Trading Spaces"

There is this TV show, which takes two households and remodels one room of each home for under $1,000! There are interior designers and carpenters, and the homeowners trade spaces for two days as they remodel each other's homes! Most of the time the new space is responded to with much joy and delight! Then there are times when that remodeled space is met with disappointment and chagrin. (With Jesus, the former always happens!).

"Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off -- for all whom the Lord our God will call.'" (Acts 2:38-39). Repenting is another word for re-thinking or in our framework, remodeling! Instead of interior designers coming to take the old room and transforming it with new ideas and new designs, Jesus comes into our hearts and does a make-over in us! Just like a re-model, many times our insides have to be gutted and replaced with new things. In other cases, our old furniture is re-upholstered and gives the room a new look!

Jesus is calling us today to examine our hearts. Have we given ourselves to His remodeling offer? It only takes one decision, and the rest is history! If we have said yes, then the next steps are laid out for us -- we are to be baptized into His family, and we will be forgiven our sins, and best of all, we get the gift of the Holy Spirit! The Spirit is the One who continues to work in us in interior design. You see, Jesus is the One who traded spaces with us, with His sacrifice for us on the cross. Our sin is nailed up there on that cross! And it is Jesus who sends us the Holy Spirit to keep our space transforming and growing closer to Him, for us, our children, and even if we are far away! What a blessing to be a part of Trading Spaces, with the best interior designer of all time!

Until next time, make it a blessed day,
Pastor Ellen

Brought to you by God's Church and Frank Sasaki. Have your friends receive their own free copy of the Godled Daily Devotional by subscribing at www.godled.net

Why would God want me?

I'm not perfect.
I have all kinds of problems.
I have no ability. I have no gifts.
I'm just not worthy.

Why would God want me? Well, did you know that....

Moses stuttered.
David's armor didn't fit.
John Mark deserted Paul.
Timothy had ulcers.
Hosea's wife was a prostitute.
Amos' only training was in the school of fig-tree pruning.
Jacob was a liar.
David had an affair.
Solomon was too rich.
Jesus was too poor.
Abraham was too old.
David was too young.
Peter was afraid of death.
Lazarus was dead.
John was self-righteous.
Naomi was a widow.
Paul was a persecutor of the church.
Moses was a murderer.
Jonah ran from God's will.
Miriam was a gossip.
Gideon and Thomas both doubted.
Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal.
Elijah was burned out.
John the Baptist was a loudmouth.
Martha was a worry-wart.
Noah got drunk.
Did I mention that Moses had a short fuse?
So did Peter, Paul - well, lots of folks did.

But God doesn't require a job interview for salvation.
He's our Heavenly Father.
He doesn't look at financial gain or loss.
He's not prejudiced or partial,
not judging, grudging, sassy, or brassy,
not deaf to our cry,
not blind to our need.

He knows who we are and what we are and loves us in spite of ourselves

SATAN SAYS, "YOU'RE NOT WORTHY."

JESUS SAYS, "SO WHAT? I AM."

SATAN LOOKS BACK AND SEES OUR MISTAKES.

GOD LOOKS BACK AND SEES THE CROSS.

He doesn't calculate how you failed last year. It's not even on the record.

Sure, there are lots of reasons why God shouldn't call us. But if we are in love with Him, if we hunger for Him,
He'll use us in spite of who we are, where we've been, what we have done,
or the fact that we are not perfect!

As seen on Heart to Heart

"Well, We've Always Done It That Way!"

Breaking with tradition is not an easy thing to do. Change in general causes anxiety and stress. And the catch phrase in most churches is, "Well, we've always done it that way." God is not necessarily against tradition. But the Lord doesn't want us to get stuck in what we do and say just because it's church! God wants us to follow His lead, not maintain the status quo.

"They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus and with His brothers." (Acts 1:11). Now the disciples and Jesus' family were used to worshipping in a traditional setting, where men and women had separate areas. The Upper Room, where all this was taking place, wasn't like that, and so they were creating new space and new ways of gathering together, breaking with tradition!

We often get set in our ways, whether it's church or work or home or even how we go on vacation! And I suppose there is nothing wrong with that. We tend to be creatures of habit. Sometimes we eat the same thing on the menu, just because it's safe. We are missing out on other possibilities of life! Sometimes the things we choose will be worse than what we are used to. That's all right! It's good to know that some choices are better than others! But for goodness sakes, let's not keep ourselves contained and safe in only things that are familiar and tested out. Let's be bold and take a risk for God! Even if we mess up, the Lord will come alongside and help us get back on track, today and forever!

Until next time, make it a blessed day,

Pastor Ellen

Bloom Where You are Planted

Sometimes it feels like we are in a very hard place in our life. Living is hard, our circumstances are challenging and some relationships difficult or painful. None of us will escape seasons of life that are hard. It is so easy to wish we were somewhere else.......anywhere but here God!

Although we may not see a reason or a purpose while we go through those times of pain and hardship, God remains at our side. He has not abandoned us. He has a higher purpose, a different perspective, and the resources to get us through. He has the ability to create beauty from ugliness, life out of death, joy from the ashes of mourning. He looks at our life from the perspective of eternity, He sees our beginning from the end. He alone can turn our impossiblities into possibilities, and He does so in ways beyond our imagination.

So hang in there, turn your face to the Son and bloom where He has planted you. In time you will see the seeds of your life that have appeared to have died, grow shoots of new life and the promise of coming spring.

"The Real You"

We often put up different faces for different situations. We have a "church" face; a "work" face; maybe even a "daddy" face or a "mommy" face; and a "happy" face (even when we aren't!). We hide our true feelings from others. Sometimes our cover-up leaks out a truth about our real selves, and it can scare us and those we love!

"'How do you know me?' Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, 'I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.' Then Nathanael declared, 'Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.'" (John 1:48-49). Jesus, of course, can see through all our different faces. Just like Adam and Eve, who had to cover up with fig leaves, Nathanael was "discovered" under the fig tree by Jesus with his true self revealed. And just like Adam and Eve, whom God gently clothed with animal skins after the Fall, Nathanael was promised even more than Jesus knowing his true identity. "Jesus said, 'You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that. I tell you the truth, you shall see heave open and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.'" (John 1:49-50).

We are no different from Adam and Eve or Nathanael. We, too, have our fig leaves to hide behind! But the Lord knows the real "us," and He loves us anyway! He assures us and promises us amazing miracles to come. All we need to do is declare Jesus our Lord and Savior, and the rest will be His to reveal to us today and forever!

God Opens Doors

'The Holy, The True, David's key in His hand, opening doors no one can lock, locking doors no one can open, speaks:

"I see what you've done, now see what I've done! I've opened a door before you that no one can slam shut. You don't have much strength, I know that; you used what you had to keep My word. You didn't deny me when times were rough" '

Revelation 3 verses 7+8
The Message

God Spilled The Paint

The east side of the Carrizo plain, in the Temblor Range, about 50 miles due west of
Bakersfield, California.

What a beautiful example of God's creativity!

I wonder how many individual flowers there are in this valley? When I saw this picture I was reminded of this verse:

"If God gives so much attention to the appearance of wild flowers - most of which are never seen - don't you thinkHe'll attend to you, take pride in you, do His best for you?

Matthew 6 verse 28 The Message

Barbara