And the winners are..... The Top posts of 2012

This year the postings on Reflect have been varied. Everything is a possible blog post in my mind.  I am continually amazed at the which ones garner the most page views.  

Here are the top ten most popular posts on Reflect for 2012.


I pray that you will be blessed, encouraged and challenged by what you read here. 


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Who is Jesus?



Had to Re-post this one.  


Who is Jesus to you?

I was 10 years old when I first began thinking about who Jesus was. Next to our apartment complex was a Catholic church. Often I would walk over to the church, open the doors and find a quiet spot to sit. The strangely comforting aroma of that holy place still fills my senses. Quietly resting in that space I chatted with God. In those moments,

Jesus was my confidant.
The summer of my freshman year, Dan Webster gave a message to hundreds of high school students. His message was simple and to the point. Jesus has come to save us and to give us the gift of coming into the wonderful relationship with the Father. His description of God as our ultimate Daddy resonated in my heart and confirmed my need for Jesus! In that moment, Jesus was my savior and reconciler.
Today after many years of following Jesus, 

He is my

Saviour and Lord
Redeemer
The Holy one
The Prince of Peace
Confidant
Hope
Soon and Coming King

The disciples were also asked this question

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets. Matthew 16:13-14

Many people when asked this question will say that Jesus was
a good mana propheta teacher

Peter was asked who he thought Jesus was as well
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, 

“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Matthew 16:15-16

C.S. Lewis urged, "You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come up with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to" (Mere Christianity)

The real question is who is Jesus to you?

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Les Miserables- A Grace Story

We ventured out to watch Les Miserables and were not disappointed. This was my first full understanding of this sweeping love story. What overwhelmed me was the grace story that was woven throughout. As Jean Valjean cried out in this song, the gospel was beautifully proclaimed.

What Have I Done?

Yet why did I allow that man
To touch my soul and teach me love?
He treated me like any other
He gave me his trust
He called me brother
My life he claims for God above
Can such things be?
For I had come to hate the world
This world that always hated me.

One word from him and I'd be back
Beneath the lash, upon the rack
Instead he offers me my freedom
I feel my shame inside me like a knife
He told me that I have a soul,
How does he know?
What spirit comes to move my life?
Is there another way to go?

Jean Valjean had found rest with the Bishop and yet stole from him, running into the night. In the next scene he is kneeling before the one that he has wronged, with the local authorities declaring his guilt.

Nothing that Jean could do or say could cleanse him of his guilt. Stepping to the front, the Bishop declares that the stolen silver was indeed a gift! As if that wasn't enough, he also reminds Valjean that he had forgotten the candlesticks, and lets him go, a free man.

What a beautiful representation of mercy and grace.
Mercy-canceling the debt of Jean Valjean
Grace- gifting him with the candlesticks

The Bishop so beautifully displayed the good news message of the gospel.
~We are all condemned and can not possibly pay our debt.
~Jesus has personally sacrificed and paid our debt for us gifting us with salvation, eternal life and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Grace is freely given, however, the effects of this gift will forever change you. The Bishop reminds Jean of this.

But remember this, my brother
See in this some higher plan
You must use this precious silver
To become an honest man
By the witness of the martyrs
By the Passion and the Blood
God has raised you out of darkness
I have bought your soul for God!.

Les Miserables is an intense contrasting story of those who have embraced mercy with those who are merciless. Embracing the mercy that has been shown to them has softened their hearts, while those who have closed the door on mercy only become harder. Receiving mercy for some changed them and gave them grace as well. This gift of grace was then freely shared with others. Rejecting the effects of mercy, showing no mercy to others resulted in the merciless ultimately rejecting the gift of grace with an end result of hardened hearts and broken lives.

Jesus offers this grace to us.

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.” (Psalm 145:8)

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23, NLT

“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you.” Isaiah 30:18

Have you embrace the mercy and grace that He offers you?
Who can you share this mercy and grace with?




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Reservation Guaranteed


Prepping for Christmas this year meant calling the Honey Baked Ham store and reserving our succulent selection for Christmas dinner. The woman on the phone gave us our reservation number and eagerly informed us that our meal would be ready on the day requested. All of my family loves the flavorful ham that they produce.

This morning we headed out to pick up our reserved items from the local Honey Baked Ham store. Upon entering the parking lot we were shocked at the number of people that were lined up around the store. "Is this for people who have just showed up or do they all have reservations?"

Grudgingly, I got out of the car, bundled up for it was only 27 degrees out and stood in line. Did I mention that it was really cold? An hour later I was inside the store preparing to meet with the girl behind the counter. " I have a reservation for the combo pack", I proudly shared with her. It seemed odd to me that she didn't ask me for the reservation number, but I was just glad to be out of the cold and close to the check out.

A man that was in line behind me started to request his order that had been reserved, when he was told that although he had reserved it, the order had not come in and so they were not able to guarantee his reservation. "We have a similar product that we could offer you", the counter person suggested to him.

Several thoughts began to run through my mind.


When we reserve something, doesn't it mean to set something aside?
  • A table that is reserved is for a specific time.
  • A hotel room is reserved with the number of beds, preferences and dates.
  • Liquid is reserved in a recipe to be used later.
  • A reservation is a guarantee.
Of course this reminded me that we have been given a guaranteed reservation

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13-14

Reservations are kept here

Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Revelation 21:27
Have you made your reservation?
















Game night

It's all fun and game until someone gets hurt! This phrase kept running through my head as our family embarked on our annual family game night. During the holidays we love to play games together. Tonight the games of choice were Farkle and UNO Spin.

C.J our niece, a game expert, took to the role of "rule umpire" like she was born to do it!
After reviewing the rules to Farkle, the war, I mean game, began! Farkle is a dice game where any role could mean the difference of being at the bottom or at the top of the scoreboard. Often it was said , "You are just one roll away from victory". Lissa had been lagging behind in points where in one roll she acquired enough points to jump to the top of the board and one the game!

Lesson #1
Don't give up, you are only one step, one choice, one decision, one blessing away from victory!

Remember that we have a victorious warrior in our midst, who is fighting, interceding for us!

"The Lord your God is in your midst,
a victorious warrior.
He will exult with joy over you,
he will renew you by his love;
he will dance with shouts of joy for you
as on a day of festival."

Zephaniah 3:16-18

The second game UNO Spin, is a variation of the traditional game. The cards are on a spinner where at any time a player is asked to spin the wheel. Spinning the wheel could result in discarding all of your cards except 2, switching cards with the player to your left or adding cards to your hand. This wheel of fortune or misfortune adds a slight amount of tension to the game. Just when you think that everything is working in your favor, Bam you are given someone else"s cards, who have like a billion! It feels as though your whole plan is dashed in a moment.

Let's just say that the writer of this blog had a slightly competitive mindset and didn't do so well with her attitude when things weren't going her way! Fortunately, my family knows how to handle this temperamental Momma!

Lesson #2
Don't get so attached to your plans that you miss the blessings that come with the changes that God wants in your life! I am also grateful that He knows handle us temperamental ones.

For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Praying that you are blessed by these lessons.





Dog Treats


When I leave our house, I typically give the dog a treat. We play this little game of me throwing it, her running to it, waiting for me to approach and then grabbing it and running away.  Today was no different with one exception. After our little game, I walked into the kitchen, filled my cup with coffee and noticed from the corner of my eye that Spunky had another treat. "How in the world did that happen? Did she have one from yesterday?" 5 minutes later, returning to the living room, she had another treat! 

In a flash, I had a thought, not a good one! I ran into the laundry room and right there in front of me was the explanation! The plastic container had tipped over, slowly releasing the doggie treats! Spunky had eaten her weekly allowance in one morning! 
One can not blame the dog, the gifts were plentiful and she was just enjoying them! What kind of dog would she be if she did not eat those treats?
I wonder how many of us are not receiving all of the gifts that are plentiful and available to us? Jesus offers us these amazing gifts.

Forgiveness- He is the only one who can do this. John 1:9
Eternal Life - I John 5:11-12
A changed heart- This changes our emotions, attitudes and values. II Cor. 5:17)
Peace- Luke 2:13,14, Philippians 4:7
Love- John 3:16

These gifts keep coming, one after another to all who put their trust in Him. I love that it is His birthday and yet He is giving the gifts!

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Lardner's Ring


I have fallen in love with the BBC series, The adventures of Robin Hood. Perhaps it is the mixture of humor, great acting, one liners, fight scenes and romance that gets me. In any case, I am addicted and grieving that there are only 3 seasons of it. Thank goodness for Netflix!            

Lardner's Ring was one of my favorites.  In this episode a messenger brings a note from the King and in His dying breath whispers, "Lardner's Ring". Robin is later told that this refers to a pigeon and the ring that can carry a message back to the King.  I was so intrigued by the conversation that ensued. The pigeon will always return back to it's mate, separate them and they will always find their way back to their love. These pigeons mate for life and take their relationship very seriously. 

Interesting facts about Homing pigeons.
  • Pigeons achieved a 98% success rate in the missions flown in WW II, despite enemy fire, and often with mortal injuries to themselves.
  • Pigeons are still used today by the French, Swiss, Israeli, Iraqi and Chinese Armies.
  • Noah's Dove was most likely a homing pigeon.
  • They were used by many for communication before the telegraph was invented.
  • In the late 1800 the most heroic recorded flight was from a pigeon that was released in Africa and took 55 days to get home in England. Traveling over 7,000 miles.
  • Unless separated, pigeons mate for life.
  • Can travel 700-1000 miles a day.
  • Homing pigeons have been used throughout the centuries to carry messages, since they can travel up to 1000 miles.  
After learning this information, I kept coming back to the phrase, it returns to it's mate. Beloved, who ultimately is the Christian's mate? We are the bride of Christ and to Him are we to return.
Just like the message that is attached to the pigeon, God's word has messages for us.

Who can separate us from the love of God? Romans 8:35
Nothing can keep us from His love, nothing!                                  
Return to me and I will return to you. Malachi 3:7.     
He waits for us to come to Him. What is stopping you?
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8
Are you feeling distant from Him? Go to Him.
Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” Revelation 19:7-9

We are the Bride of Christ and He is our one true love. Nothing can separate us from is love, He will be close to us when we return to Him and draw near to Him. 

I had to ask myself these questions after this.

Have I dedicated myself to being the Bride of Christ?
How am I drawing near to God?
Have I allowed anything to come before my relationship with Him?
What can I do to be ready for His return?


















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There is No Merry without Jesus

Recently the American Atheists posted a billboard in Times Square.
Their claim, stated below is that most Christians feel compelled to call themselves Christians in order to celebrate Christmas.
"We know that a large population of Christians are actually atheists who feel trapped in their family's religion," David Silverman, President of American Atheists, said of the billboard. "If you know God is a myth, you do not have to lie and call yourself Christian in order to have a festive holiday season. You can be merry without the myth, and indeed, you should.”
It seems as though this organization is desperately trying to get their message out.  My question is, why do they care? What is the end result that they are hoping for? If they don't believe- why are they so concerned about those of us who do?

In response to this I thought about listing all of the historical evidence supporting that there was a man named Jesus in History. I also looked up the prophecies and the calculations of one man fulfilling just 8 of them, that is an astounding number! 

I settled on simply declaring that Yes I believe in Jesus!

I believe that He was born in a manger with Mary and Joseph by his side.
I believe that he came with the sole purpose to reconcile this world with God.
I believe that He is the only way to be in relationship with God the Father.
I believe that He is the way the truth and the Life!
I believe that He was crucified on a cross and died.
I believe that three days later He was resurrected.
I believe that He forgives us of our sins.
I believe that he has prepared a way for us.
I believe that He will come again.
I believe that we will be with Him in heaven forever.

Yes I believe!

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Today I will choose Joy


Silent Night Holy Night, All is calm all is bright... The worship center is filled with young, excited dancers from Integrity Dance who were eager to perform the Christmas story. Two groups, although very different from each other, stole my heart.

The first group comprised of 3-4 year old dancers.  All wearing a pink leotards, tutus, and striped long socks. Calmly the director assisted them on stage, re-positioning them onto their assigned spots. In the distance one of their own had succumb to the pressure and melted onto the stairs crying. As the music began, "Silent Night, Holy Night" the older leader of this dance crew gestured with her finger to her mouth intimating (silent night) then slowly gracefully waving her arms. Some of these dancing wee ones followed her graceful moves.  
Yet in the midst of this solemn, sweetly choreographed number were those who had to express their joy in other ways. 
One decided that jumping up and down was best, and another flitted across the stage in her own dance routine smiling and dancing with utter joy. It really didn't matter what occurred on the stage, these little ones were having a blast and demonstrated pure joy!

Later in the performance a group of older girls joined the dancers. These performers meant business and had obviously spent many hours practicing their big number. Every movement was intentional as evidenced by the smiles on their faces. The performance brought these dancers great joy!  This teenage group of special needs brought an extra special grin on my face and put some joy into my heart!

As the ending number danced to Glory to God in the Highest, I was reminded that in all I do if I focus on Him and His kingdom, I too will have joy! Thank you dancers for reminding me that

Joy is a choice, 
Joy can be found in the simple movements of life
Joy is contagious
Joy comes from Jesus

Lord, remind us of your joy, the kind that never disappoints, but always overflows, spills over, multiplies and is so very contagious! We ask that you would fill us with this kind of joy, that we may know you more.




No substitute will do

One of our Christmas traditions it to make caramel apples. Lovingly creating the caramel, gently coating the apples with caramel, chocolates, and various toppings. Each apple is then placed into a festive bag and delivered to a friend.  Although I love making them they take time and apples this year are more expensive than usual. As I was scanning the delicious pictures on Pinterest, I saw what appeared to be an answer to my apple making season. It seemed so simple!


I washed and sliced the apples then began to love them up with the toppings. They look so pretty! I covered the apples and refrigerated them.  The next morning I took out the Christmas themed tray to take to work with me and I was sadly disappointed. The apples had turned rather soggy, not a good option for caramel apples!  I learned a lesson, faster-is not always better!

To read about making my caramel apples enjoy this post  

I went back to making whole apples and I am much more pleased with the results!

Cutting corners, trying substitutions and looking for other things or people to fulfill can have disastrous results for us as Christians as well. 

There are no substitutions for a relationship with Jesus! 
There is No person that will meet our needs.
There is No career that will satisfy our longing to belong.
There is No food that will fill us with joy.
There is No game that will provide us with peace.
There is No drug that will take away our pain.
There is No amount of money that will give us eternal life.

There is only One Savior, Jesus Christ.  We need no other!

John 14:6: Jesus said to him, "I AM the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

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Where is the window button?


While riding in my daughter's car I tried to get the window to come down. It was a beautiful sunny day in Rancho Cucamonga and I wanted to experience the fresh air. I turned to push the button that controls the window, imagine my surprise when there wasn't one!!  Snickering, my daughter Lissa informed me that she has old school windows! I honestly forgot that there were cars like this! It is so easy to get into the mindset that everyone has what I have. The truth is I have more than most of the world! 

A few statistics for you
If your family income is $10,000 a year, you are wealthier than 84 percent of the world. If it's $50,000 or more a year, you make more than 99 percent of the world.

If you have one of these things you have been blessed 

a car
a phone
an income
clean water
freedom to worship
 buttons that control things
more than 1 pair of shoes
a warm house
extra money
electricity
medicine
food

There is a web site the rich list where you can discover how rich you are compared to the rest of the world. A rather humbling experience it was for me! I am embarrassed to tell you where we ranked! 
Blessings come in many forms, wealth is one way but God blesses us with His precious Holy Spirit, Forgiveness, joy, peace and hope. We are wealthy my friends, wealthy indeed!
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.  For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. Ephesians 1:3-10


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I Lift My Eyes Up



I lift up my eyes to the mountains- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip- he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you the Lord is your shade at your right hand the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.The Lord will keep you from all harm he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121

This verse makes me think about Peter walking on the water. He was perfectly stable until he looked away from Jesus. The moment his eyes turned towards the waves he began to sink. Matthew 14:29 

A couple of interesting facts.
  • Waves and storms were not uncommon in this lake. The disciples would be intimately acquainted with storms and the power they hold.
  • The disciples also had seen miracle after miracle that Jesus performed and knew of his power yet still had difficulty trusting Him completely.
Frozen, staring at the waves Peter was beginning to sink. Panic filled his eyes with complete fear and desperation, the waves continued to roll in, then he cried out "Lord save me!" 

Jesus responds to his cry, "It is I". This phrase “It is I” is the Greek version of Exodus 3:14  “I AM.”  This is Jesus saying, “Don’t worry. It’s me. I’m not a ghost” and more importantly, “I am the Lord God of the universe. I created the wind and the waves and I sent the storm. Remember, I called you out of the boat!"

How often are we looking at the waves, helpless, beat down, afraid and alone?  Look up!

Can it be that simple? Looking at the author and perfecter of our faith, the one who created all things, does it make a difference? 

I believe it does. In the midst of the storms, looking up causes us to take a moment to regroup, take a breath, get perspective and remember that He is God.  That He is trustworthy and He has it under control. 

I lift my eyes up, where does my help come from?  It comes from the One who loves us!
Storms keep coming like waves rolling into our lives. Storms of;

Health
Finances
Employment
Relationships
Depression
Anger

Will you allow them to overpower and stop you, or will you Look up and allow Jesus to take you by the hand and walk you through? 





Pajama Day

Getting dressed this morning was rather easy. Slipped into my red monkey pajamas, add white fluffy slippers and off to school I went. Getting out of my car and walking across the parking lot felt weird, as parents and students entered into our elementary school. Once inside, my nerves were calmed as most of the teachers had also dressed in pajamas today. Still, this seemed so personal and too homey to be worn to school. "would the students take  me seriously?", I wondered.

The bell rang and in strutted the kinder's and first graders all decked out in Angry Birds, Sponge Bob, Hello Kitty, Spider man, Minnie Mouse, Cars and more. They seemed extra giggly and smiley this morning. Pajamas seem to break down a lot of barriers. They have a way of making us oh so comfortable.  It is as if we were going to snuggle up with a warm cup of cocoa and read a story.  I didn't read a story, but I did sing A tuttie ta!
Throughout the day, I was lulled into this comfort place as I sacheted down the hall in my really cute monkey P.J.'s. They felt so warm and well, comfortable.

It made me think about how often I have become too comfortable in life. Comfortable with the routine of knowing what comes next, kn owing that I can do it, relying on my own strength and abilities. It is as if I have been wearing pajamas every day, and lulled into a comfortable place.  

Today, is as good a day as any to take off the comfortable and enter into the stretching zone. The place where God is bigger, stronger and more amazing than we could have ever imagined. It makes me think of this quote,
“Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”
Father, show me, lead me into the uncomfortable that I may know you more fully.

And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, Colossians 1:10

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