Christmas in Disorder

Christmas comes, no matter what's going on in the world.
That's part of what traditions and holidays bring - if people let it.

Isn't the miracle of Jesus that He is with everyone who calls on Him,

Caring about everyone and being present with us all, all at the same time?

Even when we are in vastly different circumstances?

The traditions my family carried this year were the same as last year,

Except that my sister and brother-in-law weren't here.

They bring such presence, as people tend to, that they were missed.

They always are on the years they aren't together with us.

It was an unsettled Christmas for me. 

He is greater than politics; greater than His individual people.

He weaves a pattern that includes people from all races,

All nationalities, all areas - united by knowing Him.

This world is struck by much chaos; He is our constant. 

Jesus is much more than Santa Clause ever could be.

The True Present

All the tinsel and light,
Make the presents so bright,
But there's nothing compared to You Lord,
There's nothing like Your Light.

A World of Difference

When I was in high school and a young adult, 

My mentor and pastor prayed,

And he prayed for all churches, all the denominations, 

From the most conservative to the most liberal.

God is not bound by any church,

Nor any creed. 

He is not bound by religion,

But turns to all who turn to Him.

The reason this person was my mentor is because

He loved me, and he showed me God.

And God is not bound by anyone. 

He can reach anyone.

People need to know how much they are loved by God.

If people truly knew how much they are loved 

By the One who created them,

It would change their lives,

And literally make a world of difference.

My (Eternal) Hope

My hope

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus' name

On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand

When darkness

When darkness veils His lovely face
I'll rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy day
My anchor holds within the veil

On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand

And His oath

His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood
When all around my soul gives way
He then is all my hope and stay

On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand

Let's just revisit and visualize it
Just think about what that is gonna look like
When we hear that trumpet sound

When He shall come

When He shall come with trumpet sound
Oh, may I then in Him be found
Dressed in His righteousness alone
Faultless to stand before the throne

On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Traditional / Terry Butler

On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand lyrics © Mercy/vineyard Publishing

A Fun in the Fall No Drama Trip

This past weekend I went on a trip with two friends,
Who I've never traveled with before. 

I was so nervous, not because of anything specific,

But just because it was such an unknown.

It was the first time I've traveled with people

Where none of us like to be the center of attention.

We were a we and not an I or we centering around someone.

Even though we are all very different women.

One of my friends - the one whose birthday trip it was - 

Even showed us the menus to make sure there was something we each liked,

The night she got a craving for German food.

Before we went - to see if we were also okay with going (we were).

It was her birthday trip, and it wasn't just about her.

They have a history I do not with them, and yet even when they referenced things,

I did not feel left out. 

Such is how I felt with them (I haven't with other friends).

When we went to the pumpkin patch, the birthday girl

Asked if we were okay going on the hayride 

(Which of course, yes!).

It was more fun in the fall than I've had in years.

I hope we all remain friends for life.

I will say, I would not have had space for 

The birthday girl if I was still friends with

The One Who Should Know Me Better.

It is something I am still reflecting on. 

The Strong Willed Kitty

My cat is a strong willed kitty,
Who is actually exceptionally good at communicating.
When she wants to, and especially for her species. 

This morning I left her in my bedroom 

To go downstairs and watch TV.

After awhile she appeared downstairs. 

She knows she is not allowed downstairs. 

She gave a meow - different than her usual one -

And that's how I actually knew she was there.

She led me back upstairs and wanted petted,

And I gave her some attention 

Before leaving her in my room. 

When I came back up,

I pet her where she was on the bed,

But noticed that it stunk and found her poop.

When it's an accident, she hurries to burry it 

And tries to hide from me.

This time she did not.

This time she stayed there, 

Right beside it, like she didn't care,

Even as I hurried to clean it.

This is the cat who, when I brought home a mat,

I had to literally show her twice to sharpen her claws on it

Before she stopped sharpening them on my carpet.

And I showed her the poop.

And I put her in the basement,

And she hid out in an area she hasn't in a long while.

An area which I used to find her in a lot,

And which I've previously fed her in.

And today where she curled up at the end.

After washing my bedding

And having time with my family,

I finally brought her up again.

So far she has been great.

The truth is I love her regardless of what she does,

But she also needs boundaries, as all beings do.

Is Anything Too Hard for God?

 Just ask the waves

If they are stilled at the mention of His name
They'll say my God is still the same
Ask the walls
If they still fall at the mighty sound of praise
They'll say my God is still the same

When did He break His promise?
When did His kindness fail?
Never has, never will
My God is still the same
When did He lose His power?
When did His mercy change?
Never has, never will
My God is still the same, yeah
My God is still the same

Just ask the words
You prayed in desperation if they're heard
They'll say my God is still the same
Ask the grave
If it's strong enough to keep hope in it's chains
It'll say, "God is still the same"
Yeah

When did He break His promise?
When did His kindness fail?
Never has, never will
My God is still the same
When did He lose His power?
When did His mercy change?
Never has, never will
My God is still the same, yeah

Not once did He ever stop moving
Not once has He ever let go
Not once did He ever stop proving
Our God is in control
Not once did He ever stop moving
Not once has He ever let go
Not once did He ever stop proving
Our God is in control

When did He break His promise?
When did His kindness fail?
Never has, never will
My God is still the same
When did He lose His power?
When did His mercy change?
Never has, never will
My God is still the same, yeah

Not once did He ever stop moving
Not once has He ever let go
Not once did He ever stop proving
Our God is in control
Not once did He ever stop moving
Not once has He ever let go
Never has, never will
My God is still the same
(My God is still the same)
My God is still the same

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Josh Bronleewe / Chris Rohman / Dustin Lolli

My God Is Still The Same lyrics © Josh Bronleewe Music, Curb Wordspring Music