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Christmas Celebration

 

We watched the livestream of the Christmas Celebration performed by the multigenerational choir of First Baptist Church Plainview on Saturday. There is one more performance on Sunday, December 15, 2024.

 

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This is a TV screenshot of the group.

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A few things stood out to me that warmed my heart. Kids are kids, and the wiggles, yawns, scratching, not singing, and looking around are priceless. What fun it would be to know what they are thinking. There were lots of tidbit solos from the groups, and the kid's parts were precious. Kids singing about Jesus should create a warm fire in our souls. I could envision the angels on high celebrating these joyous sounds.

You know how teens are trying to make their way, fit in, be liked, etc. The most precious moment, for me, when they were performing was when a young lady leaned in to tell the soloist that she did a good job. That should warm our souls! 

We tend to move towards those that feel the words and it shows on their faces. All together, beautiful. Close your eyes and hear Heaven's sound. Open your eyes and be moved by the believers blessed with the sound of music.

Thank you to the musicians, vocalists, sound and light crew, volunteers, etc. The Heavens rejoiced.

 

The performance may be viewed on the church's website, Facebook, YouTube, and other platforms.


I Wonder

 

I wonder. We all think about there being no room for the birth of Jesus. He deserved a five-star, and he got a stable. The place was busy, with everyone traveling there to register. Herod, a religious leader, did not realize what was taking place. I'm guessing the town of Bethlehem didn't recognize what was about to happen, either.

Would acknowledging Mary and Joseph and asking a few questions change the story? It is hard for me to understand that no one gave up their room to bless the coming of the baby Jesus, any baby, but especially this baby, God.

I always see it when I am out and about in the community. People do not acknowledge others in their midst. Each one is precious and created by God, deserving to be seen. We have the power of the Holy Spirit to do mighty things in the Name of Jesus, and we walk on by. We can change the course of someone's day by touching their heart with a smile, a touch, a few words.

Romans 2:11, For God does not show favoritism.

Ephesians 4:32, Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Philippians 2:3-5, Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Proverbs 3:6, In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

John 3:16, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. This promise is for EVERYONE.

 

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I wonder if the Christmas Story played out as God's perfect plan. Humans were involved, so I'm gonna guess that they did not listen, search, or help create the change. That sounds like us today. Be close enough in Spirit to acknowledge God's children, those we think look in need, and those you will never know they need.

 


Feet

 

Power often leads to impious behavior. 

Acknowledging those God loves on every level is a foundational Christian responsibility.

The scripture says to Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31

Being a religious zealot is blinding oneself to the cause of Christ. A person can get so wrapped up in knowledge that they forget how to be instructed. 

Herod knew, but the Magi sought after.

 

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In Luke chapter 7, verses 36-50, we read about a sinful woman.

One of the Pharisees asked him over for a meal. He went to the Pharisee’s house and sat down at the dinner table. Just then a woman of the village, the town harlot, having learned that Jesus was a guest in the home of the Pharisee, came with a bottle of very expensive perfume and stood at his feet, weeping, raining tears on his feet. Letting down her hair, she dried his feet, kissed them, and anointed them with the perfume. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man was the prophet I thought he was, he would have known what kind of woman this is who is falling all over him.” Jesus said to him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Oh? Tell me.” “Two men were in debt to a banker. One owed five hundred silver pieces, the other fifty. Neither of them could pay up, and so the banker canceled both debts. Which of the two would be more grateful?” Simon answered, “I suppose the one who was forgiven the most.” “That’s right,” said Jesus. Then turning to the woman, but speaking to Simon, he said, “Do you see this woman? I came to your home; you provided no water for my feet, but she rained tears on my feet and dried them with her hair. You gave me no greeting, but from the time I arrived, she hasn’t quit kissing my feet. You provided nothing for freshening up, but she has soothed my feet with perfume. Impressive, isn’t it? She was forgiven many, many sins, and so she is very, very grateful. If the forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal.” Then he spoke to her: “I forgive your sins.” That set the dinner guests talking behind his back: “Who does he think he is, forgiving sins!” He ignored them and said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

Today, I told God, "Well, I blew that after someone I thought was trying to cut in line simply wanted to exit the line at a drive-thru." My thought was that I wasn't submissive and kind. I sin. I am not perfect. He gives me tests, and I often blow them. He forgives me, and we try again. He blesses me, too. Through life experiences, he has taught me to wash feet. I may not literally wash feet, but he calls me to see needs and meet them in many ways. 

I want to take the time to recognize those he places before me. I want to acknowledge each person because we are in this together. We are worthy through the grace of God.

This Christmas season leads us to a new year, and I pray that we all consider being the hands and feet of Jesus, even when it isn't easy, to be willing to wash someone's feet or do whatever God calls us to do.

 


A Festival of Carols

 

This evening, we enjoyed the Lubbock Chamber Orchestra and the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra's Festival of Carols at the Civic Center in Lubbock. Two of our granddaughters sang with the West Texas Children's Chorus, which was part of the program. The FUMC Chancel Choir performed, as did the joined orchestras. Several from Plainview were in the performances. It was a delightful evening.

 

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On the Fence

 

I'm on the fence about a lot of things. You know, when you can't decide where you should be...like a fork in the road, at some point, you have to decide one way or another.

Growing up, I was a pretty good fence walker. I mean, literally, I was good at walking along the tops of fences. That seemed so easy compared to now when I think about what I want to be when I grow up.

Through my wiring, I have never had goals or aspirations to be anything other than who I am and what my routine has been at that time in my life. I have always felt like my calling is connectivity and creating better moments for others, and that's what I did and still try to do.

As I get closer to this life's finish line, as I run the race (okay, walk, and more slowly than ever), I find myself evaluating the things I do and whether they actually fit into the ministry of connectivity and creating better moments for those God places in my day. I won't always be able to do what I do with great clarity (if God blessed me with a girl, I would name her Clarity Clovia). Yes, I digress!

I enjoy the things I do, and God encourages and affirms that blogging and Facebook are ministries that touch lives; I'm simply a vessel. Let the Holy Spirit move. Open my eyes to see.

Yet, I have those days where I don't fulfill the plan, and then I consider not writing blogs and sharing information to help others connect to faith, community, or whatever. Then, I think about all God teaches me through others and how he guides me, and I know that I need to continue on, for in blessing, we are blessed!

You bless my life. You are of great value.

Our viewing habits control the algorithm of rules, signals, and data that social media uses for connectivity. I seem to see what God wants me to see because I choose to see good. You are good!

I am not on the fence about one thing: my faith as a follower of Jesus Christ. My foundation is firm.

As I have written this, it has become clear that I am on the fence for a respite. God has me here. He won't let me fall. 

Extra thought...

Pray, always pray, that we see God lighting our way to those in need.

Today, as I was delivering Meals on Wheels (one of my favorite things to do), the sun was shining. It was cool but warm, too. There was no wind, no sounds; it was still, perfectly still. I thanked God for those to whom I get to deliver a meal. I thanked God that we live in a place where there are no rockets' red glare or bombs bursting in air, but a calm quiet.

But you'll know there are those who are experiencing life-shattering experiences among us. Be aware. Let the Holy Spirit open our eyes to ministry. Don't be on the fence about that. Being the hands and feet of Jesus is eternal. It is what Christmas is all about!

2022 Christmas art

 

 

 

 


The Snowflake

 

My theme this Christmas is the snowflake. We usually have a lighted peace sign because my prayer is always for the Peace that passes all understanding to heal our world.

This year, we have a soft blue snowflake as our outside decor.

The snowflake forms high in the clouds. Tiny specks of dust particles surrounded by water change into snowflakes as the freezing air hits them. As they fall, the wonder of seeing them reminds us that God himself gives each one its unique identity, just like he does for us. 

I heard it said that not one snowflake lands except where God intends. I do trust that every situation has a Godly purpose. We do have a choice. "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." Isaiah 1:18

I believe that my sins are forgiven through the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I don't need to understand everything. I simply trust this Hope I've found.

In Job 37:5-6, we read that God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,' and to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.'

The snowflake is delicate. So are we. Capture a snowflake in your mind's eye and share the pureness of the season with all whom God brings your way.

 

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