Brothers & Sisters In Christ

Brothers & Sisters In Christ

Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy New You

Happy New You

“Happy New Year!” “Clean slate.” “Start over.” “It’s a new day.” “Cast cares.”


In this precious moment, this new blessed morning, this awe inspiring day and new grace filled year live with a heart willing to receive the gifts of God’s joy and peace. Celebrate the “Happy New You” as you live in the presence of God.

Inspired by John 1:1-5

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Everyday Blessings

Everyday Blessings

"Yes! I've got my dream job! Thank You God!"  "We've been approved for the house.  The Lord was with us."  ". . . and then OMG I drove off with my new car. " "Two pulls and I hit the jackpot! The Lord knows I needed it."

The blessings are there always.  Fill yourself with the widsom of God so that you will see more than the icing on the cake.

Inspired by Luke 2:36-40

Luke 2:36-40


There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

The Power of Peace

The Power of Peace


“He says black, you say white.” “Why do you always have to have the last word?” “Don’t you ever see rainbows after the rain?”

Choose carefully battles worth fighting. Let go of the rest. The more you live in peace the less conflict will consume you. You have influence over everything that touches your life.

Inspired by Luke 2:25-32

Luke 2:25-32

Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, "Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Love Never Fails

Love Never Fails


“The signs were there.  I did not act on them.” “I know she needs help. But why me.” "I wish we were still friends. But he has to say he's sorry first."

Console the hurt, lift up the righteous, take care of the sick, and forgive without condition. Respond with love. Love never fails.

Inspired by Matthew 2:13-18

When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: "A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more."

Monday, December 27, 2010

What A Gift!

What A Gift!

“I’m so glad Christmas is over, I am so tired.” “I spent way too much money this year.”


Christmas is not a chore or a time to stress or get into debt. Christmas has just begun. Spend your life rejoicing and celebrating God’s glorious gift to you. The promise of everlasting life to those who believe.

Inspired by John 20:2-8.

John 20: 1a, 2-8

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, 'They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.' Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went towards the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Rock Steady

Rock Steady


“You may never talk to me again, but I say this with love . . . you’re wrong.”

Support what is right even if others desert you. The rock of your foundation, the steadiness beneath your feet, and the influence of your soul will be revealed. At the end of the day, take delight in who you’ve become, “God’s messenger of love.”

Inspired by Luke 1:57-66

Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. On the eight day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, “No; he is to be called John.” They said to her, “None of your relatives has this name.” Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came over all their neighbors, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, “What then will this child become?” For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Christmas Traditions

The shopping is done, the gifts are wrapped and the food is prepared. It’s time to gather with your family this Christmas and begin, renew or continue with traditions that will last for generations to come.


(Play two beautiful holiday songs. In a dim room have children slowly process into room with different pieces of nativity sets and unlit candles of all sizes from different families’ homes. Then when a beautiful scene has been created have someone light the candles and lead your family in prayer – while music is still playing.)



A Christmas Day/Eve Prayer

From All of Us

Our New Tradition

Dear God,

We are thankful that on this Day (Eve) of Christmas we, along with millions of people around the world, are celebrating together the miraculous birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ.

We are grateful for our family and friends who have safely traveled near and far to be together on Christmas. Our decorations and beautiful lights serve as gentle reminders of the star filled night of Your son’s birth.

The Christmas tree which represents eternal life is in the midst of our homes putting Christ at the center of our lives --and we pray --together --for His presence every day of the year.

Tonight (Today) we gather around the tree to share the gift of giving and honor Jesus on this glorious holy night (Day).

We thank you Lord for blessing us with food to eat, and acknowledge our gift of abundance while so many others have less or none. We pray that the less fortunate are not forgotten and have received blessings from others who are near them.

We pray that we become compassionate people that will serve one another and please you.

We offer this (new) tradition tonight as a reminder to ourselves and to our future heirs that we share and will keep alive the “true meaning of Christmas” for generations to come.

It is through Christ’s birth and resurrection that we have hope of reuniting with all those who have gone before us -- and who will go after us to their rest, especially . . .

[name all the departed - show slide show],

and all others who have gone to their rest in the hope of rising again.

Dear Jesus,

We pray that through God’s grace they are in Your midst celebrating the mystery of your birth, for everyday in Heaven is Christmas and that every person who passes from this earth will be in your presence.

On this Holy night we pray together for the world to be at peace and united in love and that the spirit of Christmas will live on in our daily lives.

Jesus, we ask this in your name, Amen!

Alone With My Thoughts

Alone With My Thoughts


Quiet, I can’t hear myself think!” “I’m busy, busy, busy!”

Too much ruckus and too little stillness will weaken your strengths and cover up your blemishes. Take a time-out often to refine “you.” What or who does your soul magnify?

Inspired by Luke 1:46-56

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” And Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her home.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Blessings in the Clouds

“I didn’t plan for this!” “This is not how my life was supposed to workout!”


It’s our choice to wither the storms and believe that God has sunny mornings in store. Blessings in the clouds. Rainbows in the sky. Do you see them?

Inspired by Luke 1:39-45

In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leapt for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Save Your Soul

Save Your Soul

"Save the planet. Save our resources. Save the whales."

Don’t stop caring about tomorrow, but be an active advocate for your personal eternity. Take care of what is precious, “Save your soul”.

Train yourself to speak with spirituality on your tongue faithfulness in your thoughts, and generiosity in your acts.

What will the world be like when the next generation grows up?  The future depends on what we do today.

Inspired by Matthew 11:11-15

Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John came; and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. Let anyone with ears listen!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Let it be! Let it be! Let it be!

Let it be! Let it be! Let it be!


If we willingly endure, accept and work through our trials, illnesses, challenging personalities, and boring work we will see, appreciate and reap the rewards, joy and love that come from God in the most trying and unexpected of times.

Mary bore the Son of God. “Here I am the servant of the Lord, let it be with me according to your word.”

Rather than scowl and bear it, beam and trust that God has got your back!

Let it be! Let it be! Let it be!

Inspired by Luke 1:26:38

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you." But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."

Saturday, December 4, 2010

A Diamond In The Rough

A Diamond In The Rough


"I know she's my blood, but what she's done is unforgivable." "Why do you pay so much attention to her all she does is try to hurt you?" "You said you gave me the money. Now your asking for it back? I don't have it to give." "How could you forgive him, after all he's done to you?" "I will not care for that man! Why should I stay with him just because he's sick. He was cruel to me."

Jesus asked His disciples to give without expecting back. No only that, He asked them to cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers and cast out demons. Too boot, He asked them to seek out only the lost sheep. Jesus saw that the people were harassed and helpless and He knew there was a lot of work to do. He could not do it alone.

Today is no exception there are so many people who are lost and need help. We still give conditionally, shun sinners, keep our distance from the mentally and physcially sick.

We too are disciples who are called to help Jesus spread love. Jesus showed us that by softening our hearts many can be healed, comforted and saved from demons in their lives.

Be a rare gem and respond with kindness and clarity when someone lashes out at you. Sparkle with forgiveness toward someone who has hurt you, Offer a smile to be treasured in the face of a frown. Take a gift to and compliment someone who rejects you. There are beautiful pearls in oysters that just happened to develop into different colors, shapes and sizes. Seek out the beauty within.

At times it may be extremely difficult and challenging to do what seems to be against the grain of society. But do not lose heart. The more you practice, the easier it will get and the more people will begin to accept your satchel of love.

You are not like everyone else. Thanks be to God he created a priceless gem in you. Enjoy being God's diamond in the rough.


Inspired by Matthew 9:35-10:1, 6-8

Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.'


Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, "The kingdom of heaven has come near." Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

On Solid Ground

On Solid Ground


“Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall . . .” “I guess he took his life because he thinks he didn’t matter. How could we have known . . .” “It’s not because of any illness that she can’t hold herself up anymore. It’s sheer laziness.”

We can’t take for granted that people will do what they need to do to stay mentally healthy and physically strong. Others can’t do the job for you either. However, we can help each other.

Read encouraging articles and be an optimistic leader. Surround yourself with positive thinkers. Choose a church, social group and/or books that will increase your spiritual well being. Walk the dog or walk your spouse! Do what ever it takes to get moving. A dance class can be fun or what the heck, dance in the kitchen! A great way to stay motivated is to join a gym so that you can make a habit of strengthen the body that will carry you through life.

Who wants to do it alone? No I! While you are on that self inspiring road, take someone by the hand to join you.

We can do it together one positive conversation, good deed, and prayer at a time. Go show the world that you are standing on solid ground!

Inspired by Matthew 7: 21, 24-27

Jesus said to the people "Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord", will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only one who does the will of my Father in heaven. "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!"