For unto us, a child is given

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
(Luke 2:11-14)

"Jesus loves you" you hear it everywhere. You see it up close on the bumper sticker as a well-meaning Christian cuts you off. So, who exactly does Jesus love and who did he come to earth wrapped in our skin for? I will tell you. He came for the man who owns the adult bookstore, the women in the videos, the poor widow in India, the slobbering drunk on skid row, the starving child in Uganda, the Christian who cut you off and the "righteous" man/woman sitting in church who thinks they are too holy to give to the poor widow in India or the starving child in Uganda. Who, also, does not think to pray for them or the slobbering drunk, or their friends, family and missionaries. He was born and died and even better rose again for all of us. His love knows no bounds.

" And the first time that You opened Your eyes
Did you realize that You would be my Savior
And the first breath that left Your lips
Did you know that it would change this world forever"
-Relient K "I celebrate the day"

Joy

Tis the season they say. My best friend passed away a few years ago and I have seldom felt Joy since. Sure, I have felt happy or silly and have laughed at a good joke, but that is entirely different from true Joy. When I first became a Christian and freed myself to Christ's love was the first time I experienced Joy. The second time was when I made a commitment to live a cruelty-free lifestyle. I hadn't had the pleasure in quite some time until the Lord blessed me this week. One instance was when I was telling stories about animals to my baby nephew. The second was a few nights ago when I was driving home from work. I was singing gospel/worship songs and was elated by joy and overcome with peace.
So today and all season long I wish you and your family Joy and Peace.

Thanksgiving prayer

Abba Father,
Thank you first and for most for the gift of salvation and for the sacrifice on the cross. Thank you for blessing us with the bounty of food and the time spent with family. I pray we remember those less fortunate then us today. I lift up the troops overseas and pray that you will keep them safe. I pray you will heal and comfort the people suffering around the world.
In your blessed name,
Amen

Recipe

Roasted Fall vegetable medley
1/2 sweet potato
2 small onions (about the size of pearl onions)
3 baby carrots
1 small red potato
olive oil
dash salt
dried herbs (i.e. basil, oregano etc) to taste

In the bottom of a small ceramic dish drizzle olive oil (a few tablespoons should do it.) Dice veggies and any other veggies you like (i.e. zucchini, squash) and place in dish. Sprinkle herbs and salt on top. Roast/bake on 350 for about 20 minutes. Best served with a slice of multi-grain toast and a cup of steaming apple cider.

Excerpt from psalms

"How lovely are your dwelling places,
O Lord of hosts!
My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the Lord;
My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
The bird also has found a house,
And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young,
Even your altars, O Lord of hosts,
My king and my God.
How blessed are those who dwell in your house!
They are ever praising You."
Psalm 84:1-4 (NAS version)

Being a nature lover, I like the verses that speak of creation. The message version or verse four states "Birds find nooks and crannies in your house, sparrows and swallows make nests there. They lay their eggs and raise their young, singing their songs in the place where we worship."
It reminds me of how church is a small resting place for my soul from the weary of this world. How much more so will heaven be!!
"indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same "
-Indescribable by Chris Tomlin

Something is radically wrong with this world. It takes a radical kind of love to fix it. Sometimes I want to throw up my hands ,"Jesus, You must be CRAZY to love me this much." Behind all my imperfections lies the glory and grace of God. It matters not what we bring to the table. If you wait for yourself to be perfect to live for God or witness to others you will never do it! It is deceptively simple yet frighteningly freeing to realize this! As the ragamuffin gospel states: "Why are we do afraid to love?" ! and why are we so afraid of God's love?

Pray for America

Ok, this may sound strange but this is important. Please pray for American Celebrities like Lindsey Lohan and Paris Hilton. Lots of young girls look up to them and they are ruining their lives. Pray that they find peace and fulfillment in having a relationship with God rather than a temporary vain happiness found in drugs and partying. If even one of them found Christ that would be amazing for them and for all those who look to them as role models!

Mutually exclusive?

Many people act as if those working for better conditions for animals care nothing for humans. I find the opposite to be true if you really look. This may be the mindset of some folks, but it is unfair to make a blanket generalization. As Christians, this is particularly important as we are called to be compassionate as Christ was.

all-creatures.org says:
"
"And He said to them, "Go into the world and preach the gospel to all creation." (Mark 16:15)
The Greek word for creation, ktisis, relates to all creation! Taking The Great Commission in combination with several other passages relating to God’s concern for, and salvation of, His creation leads us to the Christian’s obligation to actively care about and for animals. Remember, all creation is known as "General" or "Natural" Revelation; that is, God’s visible proof of His act as Creator (Romans 1:20). Following The Great Commission by sharing the Gospel with all people as well as caring for animals can be uniquely done in a joint effort. "

National Day of Prayer

"But, Oh what a death is to strive and labour,
to be always in a hurry and yet do nothing!"
Sound familiar? I know I am constantly rushing around and yet what does this busying going to do in the long run? Not much in the grand scheme of things. This quote may sound like it was written by a busy college student of today, but it was penned many years ago by a Puritan. Take a moment from your busy day today and spend some time in prayer. Not just because it is national day of prayer, but because it is important to have a strong relationship with your creator.


(quote from the valley of vision)

Veganism and Spirituality

I visited my friends church today as her dad was speaking on simplicity. These are a few benefits of vegetarianism that I have seen in my life. 1. Vegans* live simply. Meat has always been a sign of wealth and extravagance. It still is viewed this way in many cultures around the world. 2. We have an appreciation of God's creation. Most Christian vegans that I know have an ability and insight to stand in awe of the beauty of nature and animals than other Christians. 3. When we extend compassion to even the smallest of life it seems easier to be kind to our human neighbors. I became a Christian around the same time that I became vegan so this is some observations I've made in my life and how God has grown me. God bless all! (*note I use vegan but this is true for vegetarians also)

Quotes

"The church is not a museum for saints but a hospital for sinners."
-Morton Kelsey

"We're free Narnians, Hwin and I, and I suppose, if you're running away to Narnia you want to be one too. In that case Hwin isn't your horse any longer. One might just as well say you're her human."
-Chronicles of Narnia

Psalms

"Blessed is he who has regard for the weak;
The Lord delivers him in times of trouble."
Psalm 41:1

"O Lord, you preserve both man and beast.
How priceless is your unfailing love!"
Psalm 36