Letter from Jesus...

There are so many things I've wanted to write about but when I read this earlier today I knew it was a must to re-post on the blog and let it speak for itself :-) 

 

 

 Letter from Jesus about Christmas:

 

 "It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up... It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember"

I LOVE YOU,
JESUS

I'm back :-)

I apologize for not blogging in months!! Life has been great here in the Hastie household. We had a wonderful summer and fall filled with spending time with family, friends and creating memories that will last forever!

Sept came and was filled with some craziness. You know how that goes, orientations and open house for the pre-schooler, then getting the elementary school child back in the groove of homework, going to sleep early and getting ready on time. It is all fabulous but I feel like after September we could all use a vacation, lol. The end of October brought lots of excitement. My mom got married and it happened to occur on the only snow storm of the season so far! Definitely a wedding we will all never forget :-)

Here we are now, December and so excited for Christmas. My kids are having so much fun this year celebrating all aspects of this season. From decorating the tree, house, singing Christmas songs, playing with their Little People's Nativity set, and telling everyone about baby Jesus. My son was going around his room this morning looking for this one toy car that he just received for Christmas from family this past weekend. He said he wanted to give it to one of his friends at school. My reply was "Joshua, why are you doing that, you just got it." And shame on me b/c his response was "Mom this is what Christmas is all about. Giving to others and telling them about Jesus' birthday." His heart amazes me every single day. He might be one of the most energetic 6 year old's I know but his heart is so pure and his actions are so sweet. I think this time of year is amazing if we take the time to enjoy it and not run around all the time. Sometimes it takes a child to bring it all back into perspective for us. It is about loving others, spending time with people and celebrating the birth of Christ! I'm excited to bake a cake with my kids this weekend for Jesus' birthday. Every year when we wake up Christmas morning we come down to the kitchen, light the candles and sing Happy Birthday, Jesus! We have been doing it since Joshua was born and he looks forward to it every year. He gets that it's not about presents (although, don't get me wrong he loves receiving them) eating candy canes, or even Santa. Often we forget what it's really about. This past Sunday Joshua sang with some of the children in our church and every time I hear the words I get tears in my eyes. Here is part of it

"He made a way in a manger a way through the Son. Messiah the promised before time had begun. For God so loved this world, though He knew what love would cost. He made a way in a manger, to make a way to the cross.."

Such sacrifice and love! What a blessing that God made a way for you and me to the cross...I know I don't deserve the forgiveness and grace that I get every single day from Him. As I think about the hard times I have faced whether in the last year or in life in general nothing will ever compare to what Jesus went through on that cross for me!

So whatever you are doing or celebrating this season, take the time to look around you, enjoy the moment and if the one gift you wanted to buy hasn't been don't worry..time spent with the ones you love means more then any gift you could possibly buy in a store! If you don't think so just ask any 30 year old what they got for Christmas when they were 8...most likely won't remember but they will remember if Mommy or Daddy (or whoever was their guardian) was spending time with them while they were growing up!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!


Love and prayers,
Darea