For most of the world, January 1st has already come. For those of us in the US, January 1st is still on its way. It is amazing that a year has already passed. There have been soooooo many lessons in the last year. I know that many of these lessons have deeply changed how I perceive my world.
One of the lessons that I have learned during the last year is that there is nothing more valuable than the relationships that I have with my children and that these relationships can be taken in a matter of moments. I have learned to value our interactions. I consider every day how we as a family have interacted that day. I wonder and ponder how we can get better the next day and learn to love each other more. I spend much time praying for my children to become all that they are meant to be. Afterall, in a blink of an eye, they will be adults and having children of their own. Time is but a breath.
Another of the lessons I have learned is to give myself permission to rest. I am often driven to achieve even in the face of my own body telling me, sometimes very loudly, to rest. I don't know where I learned that rest was not ok, but it is something that I am learning to unseat in my life. I am learning that rest is the most essential part of my life. Without rest, my body cannot rejuvenate itself enough to tackle the most important parts of each day. So, I must make an effort to allow myself to rest when my body requires rest. Rest is OK!! It is a necessary part of cell growth and rejuvenation. Too often in the old days of the US (the early 1900's to the World War II days), people were driven by such a heavy work ethic that they did not always allow for rest. If you slept in on Saturdays, you were called lazy. Now, we are learning that the world that we live in is such a stress filled world that the body requires adequate rest in order to survive the pressures and stresses of this world. Each body is unique in its rest needs. My body seems to need more. But then again, I am a caregiver and I am always in the position of giving care to others, especially my special needs children, so I am constantly having to remind myself to take care of "me," so I can adequately take care of others.
As I look towards this new year, I am pressed to consider those relationships around me which are important to me. I am also pressed to keep my eyes focused on the goals that I have laid out in front of me to attain. But most of all, I am pressed to make Jesus Christ, more and more, my King. The more I spend time with Him and consider His voice in my life, the more everything else gets very clearly and cleanly laid out for me. I can get through anything as long as I am deeply connected to my King.
Who knows what 2007 will bring. I am hoping that it will teach me many new things. I am also hoping that it will be a productive year in the lives of my children as well as the lives of those around me. I hope that I can be an instrument of grace in the lives of those I am blessed to touch. That is my life's prayer... three hours to go and a new season is upon us. I hope we all draw closer together and learn to live together in kindness and love.
My best to you,
RamyB
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Monday, December 25, 2006
Merry Christmas!!! from Nashville, TN
Wow, it is CHRISTmas Day! Amazing... the gifts are unwrapped, the meals consumed and relatives across the world are gathering to celebrate one of the most important "holy days" (Rambo-McGuire, 2006) of the world. There are families gathering to celebrate together and individuals who are alone all over the world.
As I was logging on to read mail this afternoon, I noticed the headlines of world news. "Ethiopian jets bomb Somalian airport," (Associated Press, Yahoo News, 2006). As I read the news of the day, my heart was bothered by the fact that not all of the world was at peace today. I am so very well aware that there are those in our country and across the world, who do not have all of their needs met. There are those who are homeless, those who don't have anything to eat, or clothes to wear on their bodies. If only more cared to reach out to those who are less fortunate.
There are some people who believe that the poor have no right to blessing during Christmas, yet their attitude is one of essential scrooginess. The writer to the Hebrews in the first Gospel, Matthew, stated Christ's words, "the poor you will always have with you, but me you do not always have." (Matthew 26:11, NIV, used by permission). I am so keenly aware of how blessed I am, in comparison to many who have much less than I do. My children and I are so very blessed this Christmas. I pray for those who are on the streets who have need of blankets, food, clothes, and shelter from the cold. I ponder if there are enough angels to help these often forgotten members of our global community. I am also so keenly aware of Christ's presence today in my life.
Two-thousand, plus years ago, the divine Father made His second imprint on humanity. He overshadowed the Virgin, named Mary, to impregnate her with His seed, Jesus Christ, out of love so that the world might be reconciled to Himself. The first imprint was creating humankind in His own image, with all of the characteristics of the Godhead available to humanity. The second imprint was the gift of love that provided a way for humanity to find its way back to relationship with the divine.
Jesus Christ was born in a humble stable, not in palaces, or castles (McGuire, 2006). He came in a contrary way to what the religious establishment of the day desired. Isn't that so true of most of the religious world today? In many ways, religion seeks to box Christ in, to put parameters on who can and who cannot come into the Kingdom of God. Yet, Christ's work was complete. By becoming man and living a sinless life on earth and by enduring a humiliating experience on a wooden cross, He provided the perfect means by which humanity can come to the Creator of the Universe. Yet, even though He gave His life in such a free way, there are those who desire to put markers on humanity. There are those who wish to exclude individuals from the Kingdom. My question is this: Who has the audacity to raise themselves up to the position of judging humanity's eternal position? That place is reserved for God Himself and Himself alone. It amazes me how many people, in America, in foreign countries, in churches, make choices of hatred towards one another. Even in Christian families, there is often discord around the holidays; discord that often severs blood ties. This ought not be so.
Jesus Christ came that we might live an abundant life... this is often mis-interpreted to mean "abundant provisions." What I believe He really meant was that we would find abundance in His very real presence in our lives. That as we daily seek Him, we will find wisdom to walk out our daily lives and the ability to live in peace with all humanity. This Christmas would not be Christmas if it did not contain the word "Christ." The world would not be the same without this very special, Holy day! (Rambo-McGuire,2006). The name Christ, means "the anointed one," hence, Christmas literally means that this day is a Day of Anointing. It is totally possible to imagine that all who exist on earth could find themselves anointed for peace this day. Anointed for love, anointed for kindness, anointed for reconciliation, anointed for beauty, anointed for abundance, anointed for harmony, and anointed for the healing of their lives. It is also a day for anointing the lonely with companionship.
So this CHRISTmas Day, I challenge you to be aware of what you are being anointed with... is it reconciliation? is it peace? is it love? is it benevolence? I hope that today, you will find more than anything, peace and warmth for your soul.
Merry CHRISTmas!!
With love,
RamyB
Resource:
McGuire, D. (2006) Christmas Eve Sunday morning sermon: live comments. The River at Music City, Nashville, TN. www.theriveratmusiccity.com
Rambo-McGuire, R. (2006) Christmas Eve Sunday morning sermon: live comments. The River at Music City, Nashville, TN. www.theriveratmusiccity.com
Yahoo News (2006) Ethiopian jets bomb somalian airport. www.yahoo.com/news
As I was logging on to read mail this afternoon, I noticed the headlines of world news. "Ethiopian jets bomb Somalian airport," (Associated Press, Yahoo News, 2006). As I read the news of the day, my heart was bothered by the fact that not all of the world was at peace today. I am so very well aware that there are those in our country and across the world, who do not have all of their needs met. There are those who are homeless, those who don't have anything to eat, or clothes to wear on their bodies. If only more cared to reach out to those who are less fortunate.
There are some people who believe that the poor have no right to blessing during Christmas, yet their attitude is one of essential scrooginess. The writer to the Hebrews in the first Gospel, Matthew, stated Christ's words, "the poor you will always have with you, but me you do not always have." (Matthew 26:11, NIV, used by permission). I am so keenly aware of how blessed I am, in comparison to many who have much less than I do. My children and I are so very blessed this Christmas. I pray for those who are on the streets who have need of blankets, food, clothes, and shelter from the cold. I ponder if there are enough angels to help these often forgotten members of our global community. I am also so keenly aware of Christ's presence today in my life.
Two-thousand, plus years ago, the divine Father made His second imprint on humanity. He overshadowed the Virgin, named Mary, to impregnate her with His seed, Jesus Christ, out of love so that the world might be reconciled to Himself. The first imprint was creating humankind in His own image, with all of the characteristics of the Godhead available to humanity. The second imprint was the gift of love that provided a way for humanity to find its way back to relationship with the divine.
Jesus Christ was born in a humble stable, not in palaces, or castles (McGuire, 2006). He came in a contrary way to what the religious establishment of the day desired. Isn't that so true of most of the religious world today? In many ways, religion seeks to box Christ in, to put parameters on who can and who cannot come into the Kingdom of God. Yet, Christ's work was complete. By becoming man and living a sinless life on earth and by enduring a humiliating experience on a wooden cross, He provided the perfect means by which humanity can come to the Creator of the Universe. Yet, even though He gave His life in such a free way, there are those who desire to put markers on humanity. There are those who wish to exclude individuals from the Kingdom. My question is this: Who has the audacity to raise themselves up to the position of judging humanity's eternal position? That place is reserved for God Himself and Himself alone. It amazes me how many people, in America, in foreign countries, in churches, make choices of hatred towards one another. Even in Christian families, there is often discord around the holidays; discord that often severs blood ties. This ought not be so.
Jesus Christ came that we might live an abundant life... this is often mis-interpreted to mean "abundant provisions." What I believe He really meant was that we would find abundance in His very real presence in our lives. That as we daily seek Him, we will find wisdom to walk out our daily lives and the ability to live in peace with all humanity. This Christmas would not be Christmas if it did not contain the word "Christ." The world would not be the same without this very special, Holy day! (Rambo-McGuire,2006). The name Christ, means "the anointed one," hence, Christmas literally means that this day is a Day of Anointing. It is totally possible to imagine that all who exist on earth could find themselves anointed for peace this day. Anointed for love, anointed for kindness, anointed for reconciliation, anointed for beauty, anointed for abundance, anointed for harmony, and anointed for the healing of their lives. It is also a day for anointing the lonely with companionship.
So this CHRISTmas Day, I challenge you to be aware of what you are being anointed with... is it reconciliation? is it peace? is it love? is it benevolence? I hope that today, you will find more than anything, peace and warmth for your soul.
Merry CHRISTmas!!
With love,
RamyB
Resource:
McGuire, D. (2006) Christmas Eve Sunday morning sermon: live comments. The River at Music City, Nashville, TN. www.theriveratmusiccity.com
Rambo-McGuire, R. (2006) Christmas Eve Sunday morning sermon: live comments. The River at Music City, Nashville, TN. www.theriveratmusiccity.com
Yahoo News (2006) Ethiopian jets bomb somalian airport. www.yahoo.com/news
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Christmas Day is Approaching...
It is amazing that Christmas Day is already five days away. Each year, the commercial establishments start setting up for Christmas in America just before Halloween now. It used to be that they waited a little while before Thanksgiving.
It is my hope that as Christmas Day approaches that the real meaning of Christmas becomes evidently clear to those who believe and celebrate it's true meaning. I also recognize that Hannukah is being celebrated right now as well and today is day eight of that celebration. It is important to celebrate your faith, whatever that faith might be, but to celebrate it. Be diligent in pursuing God in your endeavors. I believe that these seasons bring us closer to Him if we allow Him to draw us near.
In this season of giving, I hope that people will take a moment to relax, to ponder, to realize where they are headed in the new year; take moments to ponder the meaning and value of life... that life in and of itself is sacred. It is worth salvaging, no matter the mess that you are in.
I am hoping you are all filled with hope this season. I know that it is difficult sometimes when loved ones have passed on into eternity because celebrations occur without them, but remember that these loved ones are celebrating with you, just on the other side of the spectrum of what we call life. If you are not filled with hope, call one someone who is and tell them that you need a little of what they have. Ask for hope to be instilled in your heart and it will come to you. For Father freely gives to those who ask of Him. It is His way of giving gifts.
To celebrate Christmas, is to remember that it is about Christ coming to earth to love and save the world... to reconcile humanity back to its creator... this is the real meaning of Christmas. It is the "Christ Mass." I hope in this Christmas season, all those reading here will find themselves at greater peace with themselves and with others because of what Christ did for them... in reconciling the world back to the Father of all mankind.
After all, it's not about commerialism, or who gets the best gifts, it's about loving one another and celebrating each other and knowing that we are together one big community, a big global community called to peace.
With love,
RamyB
It is my hope that as Christmas Day approaches that the real meaning of Christmas becomes evidently clear to those who believe and celebrate it's true meaning. I also recognize that Hannukah is being celebrated right now as well and today is day eight of that celebration. It is important to celebrate your faith, whatever that faith might be, but to celebrate it. Be diligent in pursuing God in your endeavors. I believe that these seasons bring us closer to Him if we allow Him to draw us near.
In this season of giving, I hope that people will take a moment to relax, to ponder, to realize where they are headed in the new year; take moments to ponder the meaning and value of life... that life in and of itself is sacred. It is worth salvaging, no matter the mess that you are in.
I am hoping you are all filled with hope this season. I know that it is difficult sometimes when loved ones have passed on into eternity because celebrations occur without them, but remember that these loved ones are celebrating with you, just on the other side of the spectrum of what we call life. If you are not filled with hope, call one someone who is and tell them that you need a little of what they have. Ask for hope to be instilled in your heart and it will come to you. For Father freely gives to those who ask of Him. It is His way of giving gifts.
To celebrate Christmas, is to remember that it is about Christ coming to earth to love and save the world... to reconcile humanity back to its creator... this is the real meaning of Christmas. It is the "Christ Mass." I hope in this Christmas season, all those reading here will find themselves at greater peace with themselves and with others because of what Christ did for them... in reconciling the world back to the Father of all mankind.
After all, it's not about commerialism, or who gets the best gifts, it's about loving one another and celebrating each other and knowing that we are together one big community, a big global community called to peace.
With love,
RamyB
Friday, December 15, 2006
Sometimes you have to just stand...
There are times in life when you are hard pressed on every side. It seems like nothing goes right, and everything you do comes to nought. Those times and seasons seem to be the most unproductive times, yet in reality, they are productive. Yesterday, as I was helping my son clean an area of our home, I pondered how muscles gain strength when pushing against an immovable object. When pushing against the immovable object, the muscle comes up to the point of muscle failure which cause the muscle cells to rebuild new cells and increase its strength (Zickerman & Schley, 2006).
In these hard seasons of life, we are actually gaining strength physically, mentally, and emotionally by learning to get through the season. We learn how to get more frugal (McGuire, 2006). We learn how to be more sensitive to the needs of those around us, etc..
What we do not notice is that the hard season is preparation for the easy season when things are going well. In the hard season, we are forced to get all of our ducks in a row. We are forced to take notice of the little things that we've been overlooking. So there is purpose in these times that get hard in our lives. And sometimes when you've done everything that you know how to do, you just have to stand (Rambo-McGuire, 2006).
Standing teaches you to increase your stamina because standing means that your legs have to work. Standing means you're not under your bed hiding from the hard season. Standing means that you are ready to see the easy season coming. Standing means you've won the fight. Standing means that you're strong. Have you ever watched a knock-down drag out fist fight and the man keeps getting up to stand?? The fighter knows that if he can just get back up, he can get going again. If he can just get back to a standing position, he can fight back the opposition.
So perhaps today is a time when things seem especially hard for you and you are being forced to stand... so stand. Take care of everything you know how to do, and stand. The Father of the Universe is working in unseen ways for your benefit and He will bring about a victory that you could never have thought about. You're a fighter... you have it in you, so get back up again and get on your feet. There isn't anything you can't get through, cause we are here with you... and Father is with you too.
RamyB
Resource:
McGuire, D. (2006) Live Message on 23rd Psalm, December 13, 2006. The River at Music City, Nashville, TN.
Rambo-McGuire, R. (2006) Comments on Live Message on 23rd Psalm, December 13, 2006. The River at Music City, Nashville, TN.
Zickerman & Schley (2006) The Power of 10: The once-a-week slow motion fitness revolution. Retrieved December 15, 2006 from Google books.
In these hard seasons of life, we are actually gaining strength physically, mentally, and emotionally by learning to get through the season. We learn how to get more frugal (McGuire, 2006). We learn how to be more sensitive to the needs of those around us, etc..
What we do not notice is that the hard season is preparation for the easy season when things are going well. In the hard season, we are forced to get all of our ducks in a row. We are forced to take notice of the little things that we've been overlooking. So there is purpose in these times that get hard in our lives. And sometimes when you've done everything that you know how to do, you just have to stand (Rambo-McGuire, 2006).
Standing teaches you to increase your stamina because standing means that your legs have to work. Standing means you're not under your bed hiding from the hard season. Standing means that you are ready to see the easy season coming. Standing means you've won the fight. Standing means that you're strong. Have you ever watched a knock-down drag out fist fight and the man keeps getting up to stand?? The fighter knows that if he can just get back up, he can get going again. If he can just get back to a standing position, he can fight back the opposition.
So perhaps today is a time when things seem especially hard for you and you are being forced to stand... so stand. Take care of everything you know how to do, and stand. The Father of the Universe is working in unseen ways for your benefit and He will bring about a victory that you could never have thought about. You're a fighter... you have it in you, so get back up again and get on your feet. There isn't anything you can't get through, cause we are here with you... and Father is with you too.
RamyB
Resource:
McGuire, D. (2006) Live Message on 23rd Psalm, December 13, 2006. The River at Music City, Nashville, TN.
Rambo-McGuire, R. (2006) Comments on Live Message on 23rd Psalm, December 13, 2006. The River at Music City, Nashville, TN.
Zickerman & Schley (2006) The Power of 10: The once-a-week slow motion fitness revolution. Retrieved December 15, 2006 from Google books.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Sheltered in Love CD Benefitting Covenant House
One of my songs, "I Am Here Child" from the Broken To Be A Blessing project, RHR001, on the Ram's Horn Records label, www.ramshornrecords.com was featured on the compilation project just released by Ring of Unity Publishing out of Pennsylvania benefitting Covenant House in Philadelphia, PA. All proceeds benefit Covenant House. For more information, write to at ringofunityproductions@yahoo.com. The cost of the CD is $16.00. There are some great artists on this CD, including Barry Strutt "Mystic Merlin"... and many others. When you buy this compilation project, you are supporting children with every cent. You can also hear my song if you go to this myspace link. I am thankful to Kathy Bonito and Ring of Unity Publishing for the inclusion in this project and I am glad that I can lend my music to benefit some very needy children.
Take a listen,
RamyB
Take a listen,
RamyB
These Are The Love of My Life
Christmas 2006 - The Lysaker Children, Storm, Soren and Audrey ____________________________________These three beautiful children are my three. They are the love of my life. There is never a day that they do not amaze me, nor cease to teach me something new about myself as a parent. I am so thankful for them. They have their moments, as I am sure most children do, but these are my great and wonderful, artistic, dramatic, beautiful... gifts. The only gifts I need under the tree are these three. I don't need any other gift. I would love to take them one day to Disney World, or to Epcott Center... and watch their eyes bug out at all of the fun rides and things to do, but I've not been able to do that yet for them. As a single mom, I do all that I can just to make sure we keep a roof over our head. And in that department, I am learning more and more every day what it means to trust an unseen God.
I do all kinds of freelance work. I have to work out of my home as my three have to be schooled at home because of some of their special needs. Hence, I've taken up all kinds of things to do to bring in income. I have done paint jobs, faux paint jobs, performed concerts, taught seminars, teach voice and piano, fixed plumbing, put in lawns, done minor handywoman jobs such as putting knobs and fixtures on kitchen cabinets and walls for the elderly. I have even learned how to fix my car (yes, I can put in my own water pump). I am learning how to do all kinds of things. There are days when I am challenged in my body... those are the days when I get frustrated because I cannot earn like I want to earn. Yet, as my Pastor, Dony McGuire, says, there are times when "God makes you lie down in green pastures... to forces you to rest."
About three years ago, I suffered a severe headache in August 2004, out of the blue. I'd never had a migraine before, nor any other kind of severe headache that put me in the emergency room. But this headache was a kicker and caused me to get nauseated and my face began to contort, so I had to have a friend take me to the emergency room. Twelve hours later, a few pain shots, a lumbar puncture, a CT scan, and a lot of doctors not knowing what had happened, they sent me home. I have been seeing a neurologist for the past two years with them doing all kinds of blood tests, neurological tests, and other tests to determine what is happening to my body. I've had them think I had Multiple Schlerosis, Fibromyalgia, Psychiatric pain, IBS, and all kinds of other maladies. We still don't really know what the real deal is. I just have days when I cannot function at all and have severe headaches and severe body pain. As a singer, I have had difficulty with my throat narrowing (not a good thing)... so they've dilated my throat a couple of times.
Most of my medical issues, I keep from my kids. It is not easy on them because I am their constant. They get way upset when I am not well. Yet, I just keep believing that if I take better care of my body and keep holding on to my faith, I can get through all of this. They did determine that I have a form of narcolepsy which they help me with adding a medication to keep me awake during the daytime. That in and of itself was a lifesaver. I just couldn't figure out why I was falling asleep all the time... LOL... if only it was always that easy.
Tonight has been one of those evenings when I've not been able to do much. I worked hard all day getting a car ready to sell and I've been stripping a piano (yes, my son and I have started restoring pianos too). But tonight, I've had to settle for vegging. That means I have to work harder at trusting God to provide financially. Since I am someone who likes to get things done, I've had to adapt an attitude of grace into my life that accepts the fact that I am not going to get things done as quickly as other people get them done. When I find myself stressed, it is usually because I have found myself letting others pressure me to live by their schedule. I then remember that I have to maintain the schedule that my body and my children's bodies can do. Then the stress disappears.
Having special needs that are not always readily apparent to others is not always an easy to be... but it is the place where my children and I are, so we must exist here. I am learning to allow more joy into our lives and to stop allowing others to beat us up if we don't meet their deadlines. Life is just too short for the crapola. When we discover that each of us is here for a specific purpose, we will then realize that we are each gifted to do a specific thing in the world and in the middle of doing that thing... we will find the grace to do it all without stress and actually find joy in doing it.
The trips to Disney World... well, they will have to wait until I have the ability to take them. I will also have to have three college students to help my kids go on rides as I can't do it all by myself anymore... but that is ok cause I know when the time is right, it will come together. If I am faithful to love others as God puts them in my path, then God will take care of loving me.
I just want to get it right while I'm alive on this earth... that is all... and if I can't get it right with these three... the loves of my life, then I don't have a reason to live on this earth. These three lives are the most important lives of any other lives that I will ever touch, so it is tantamount that I place my focus first on them. The rest of it will all fall into place.
I guess I'm writing this tonight for someone, so just know that if you are facing some difficult challenge... you have it in you to get through it. I have been through so much in my short 45 years... and I am still alive and kicking. So... realize that you are worth it, you have the ability to make it through and then look for the light at the end of the tunnel... and I will be there holding the lantern cheering you on.
Merry Christmas.... from RamyB and my children, The Lysaker Children, Storm, Soren and Audrey
Saturday, December 09, 2006
14 Days until Christmas
How amazing that it is only 14 more days until Christmas Day 2006. I have not even set up one decoration yet in my house. Traditionally though, I have waited until the week before Christmas to set up the season of Christmas and then I tend to let it last all the way through the New Year.
In my Lutheran upbringing, Christmas began with the 1st Sunday of Advent. The calendar came out, the candles were lit, the devotionals read, and there was the constant reminder that Jesus, the Christ, had come to earth to save mankind from sin. It was God's free, loving gift to send His son to an unsuspecting world. Yet, the world, at that time could not make room for him. He was left to be born in a stable, pushed out into the cold, amongst the animals and the hay. I find it amazing the parallels between that day, 2000+ years ago, and now. Today, the world still wants to push this day, this Season out the door into the stable outside. I had a friend contact me the other day who works in Philadelphia in a retail mall. She said that people were complaining about the Christmas carols. Amazing... Christmas carols? complaining? America?? What is the problem with Christmas? Is it because it has the word "CHRIST" in the name?
Jesus Christ came out of love to the world... He came humbly. He came without pomp and circumstance. He came without demanding a limo, a top floor penthouse suite, without the best of the best, the finest dinnerware, the best of the wines, the richest of clothes... yet, the world tends to push Him out in the cold. Why?? What did He do? He simply gave His life in our place. He simply chose to give love instead of hatred. He simply chose to quietly endure a beating of a lifetime and be nailed to a cross... why?? so the world can continue to hate Him??
Christmas is about celebrating Jesus' birthday!! It is His birthday!! We celebrate it in so many ways... yet it is about the ultimate gift. The God of all Creation choosing to provide a way back unto Himself... by sending His Son, so we might all live in eternity with Him in total relationship. You don't have to earn it. You don't have to become something you're not. You don't even have to realize your dreams. You simply have to see Him for what He is... He is the most humblest, King of Kings! He is all about loving each other. He is all about restoring the broken hearted. He is all about the God of second chances. He is all about renewing hearts and reconciling a world unto His Father... so why all the hoopla about His birthday?? Is it so offensive that a man so great and so kind and so wonderful would do such a great thing for us? Is it so offensive that He would love every single man, woman and child? Is it so offensive that He is no respecter of persons?
I tell you what... I am playing the Christmas carols very loud in my house this year. I am setting up a wonderful display in celebration of my dear friend, Jesus Christ's, birthday! Yes, He is my friend... and He can be your friend too... that is if you want Him to be. Even if you don't want Him to be, He's still there for you. Why, because He loves you inspite of yourself.
I can't wait for Christmas this year... I can't wait to bake Him the biggest cake and sing Him Happy Birthday! I am so thankful He chose to love me that much. I am so thankful that He chose to come and endure being pushed out by the world, endure being beaten up and nailed to a cross... I am so glad that He chose to rise again to bring my life into a greater realm. I know that I know I am connected to my Creator in Christ.
It is why I feel so strongly about honoring the sacred places of your heart... why??? because HE DOES!!
Time to get out the decorations... time to get the house clean... time to write another verse to my new Christmas song... to my humble, King of Kings... who leads me ever closer to what real love means.
with love,
RamyB
In my Lutheran upbringing, Christmas began with the 1st Sunday of Advent. The calendar came out, the candles were lit, the devotionals read, and there was the constant reminder that Jesus, the Christ, had come to earth to save mankind from sin. It was God's free, loving gift to send His son to an unsuspecting world. Yet, the world, at that time could not make room for him. He was left to be born in a stable, pushed out into the cold, amongst the animals and the hay. I find it amazing the parallels between that day, 2000+ years ago, and now. Today, the world still wants to push this day, this Season out the door into the stable outside. I had a friend contact me the other day who works in Philadelphia in a retail mall. She said that people were complaining about the Christmas carols. Amazing... Christmas carols? complaining? America?? What is the problem with Christmas? Is it because it has the word "CHRIST" in the name?
Jesus Christ came out of love to the world... He came humbly. He came without pomp and circumstance. He came without demanding a limo, a top floor penthouse suite, without the best of the best, the finest dinnerware, the best of the wines, the richest of clothes... yet, the world tends to push Him out in the cold. Why?? What did He do? He simply gave His life in our place. He simply chose to give love instead of hatred. He simply chose to quietly endure a beating of a lifetime and be nailed to a cross... why?? so the world can continue to hate Him??
Christmas is about celebrating Jesus' birthday!! It is His birthday!! We celebrate it in so many ways... yet it is about the ultimate gift. The God of all Creation choosing to provide a way back unto Himself... by sending His Son, so we might all live in eternity with Him in total relationship. You don't have to earn it. You don't have to become something you're not. You don't even have to realize your dreams. You simply have to see Him for what He is... He is the most humblest, King of Kings! He is all about loving each other. He is all about restoring the broken hearted. He is all about the God of second chances. He is all about renewing hearts and reconciling a world unto His Father... so why all the hoopla about His birthday?? Is it so offensive that a man so great and so kind and so wonderful would do such a great thing for us? Is it so offensive that He would love every single man, woman and child? Is it so offensive that He is no respecter of persons?
I tell you what... I am playing the Christmas carols very loud in my house this year. I am setting up a wonderful display in celebration of my dear friend, Jesus Christ's, birthday! Yes, He is my friend... and He can be your friend too... that is if you want Him to be. Even if you don't want Him to be, He's still there for you. Why, because He loves you inspite of yourself.
I can't wait for Christmas this year... I can't wait to bake Him the biggest cake and sing Him Happy Birthday! I am so thankful He chose to love me that much. I am so thankful that He chose to come and endure being pushed out by the world, endure being beaten up and nailed to a cross... I am so glad that He chose to rise again to bring my life into a greater realm. I know that I know I am connected to my Creator in Christ.
It is why I feel so strongly about honoring the sacred places of your heart... why??? because HE DOES!!
Time to get out the decorations... time to get the house clean... time to write another verse to my new Christmas song... to my humble, King of Kings... who leads me ever closer to what real love means.
with love,
RamyB
Virginian&Ranchero
Virginian&Ranchero returns to Tim II's Phanton 309 December 29th and 30th, 2006
Make sure you get out to hear the great new sounds of Virginian & Ranchero. They will play from 8 pm to 12 a.m. at Tim II's Phanton 309, in Fairview, TN 37062, Exit 182 off of Interstate 40, both nights. They have a great sound and you will find them very comfortable in front of an audience. This team of experienced musicians brings both cover and original music that will set your ears on fire. Make sure you get a ticket on the train... it's track time!!
Make sure you get out to hear the great new sounds of Virginian & Ranchero. They will play from 8 pm to 12 a.m. at Tim II's Phanton 309, in Fairview, TN 37062, Exit 182 off of Interstate 40, both nights. They have a great sound and you will find them very comfortable in front of an audience. This team of experienced musicians brings both cover and original music that will set your ears on fire. Make sure you get a ticket on the train... it's track time!!
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