LABARUM - revisited

As always, when Christmas time is in the air - I hear people discussing "keeping Christ in Christmas" and that it is "awful" to use XMAS - because that takes HIM out. SO NOT TRUE, dear ones!

On November 7, 2008 I posted a writing about the LABARUM .... a Greek symbol used to represent Christ for many, many years. If you go to the left of this page, find CHRISTMAS, click on it ... you will be taken to all the "Christmas writings" I have posted on this blog; then find November 7, 2008 to read the history of the labarum and what it means for us today!

I so want the world to keep Christ in Christmas. It is up to us - HIS followers - to make sure that happens by not getting caught up in the commercialism and materialism that the world sees as the reason for this holiday time! I LOVE this time of year! I LOVE to give gifts! I LOVE the Music and the Message! Let's focus on family and friends this year! Let's KEEP CHRIST as the "reason for the season" - as the saying goes!

Blessings on you, dear friends and loved ones!
Ruthie

Christmas

A Thankful Heart!

More notations in "One Thosand Gifts" -

130 . Providing coffee and sandwiches for the "staff" in the slaughterhouse.

131. Relaxing with friends.

132. Brewed coffee with cream - ummmmm.

133. "Bouncing" puppy in his first snowbank!

134. Energy, peace, joy

135. Spending time with hubby.

136. Discovery ......

137. "Christmas" - the love of God, come to earth - for me! Thank You, Lord!

138. Kids, grand-kids, family, friends

139. Snow-free roads - making for easy travel.

What a blessed and grateful woman I am!

May this ending of one year and the beginning of another find you reflecting

on the gifts HE has bestowed on you!

In Him, Ruthie

Merry Christmas - Blessings to you!

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve - Hubby's 3 children will arrive sometime mid-afternoon.
Then on Boxing day we will all go to my daughter's in Sackville ... a busy few days.

I'm praying for travel mercies all around! for wonderful family memories to be made;

for God's Presence to be so REAL to us all!

I will return to posting here before the New Year - but until then - I leave you with a wish for Peace, Joy and Love to fill your hearts and homes this Christmas Season!

In Him, Ruthie

Living With Intention!

Do you live with intention?
Or does your day "just happen"?

What does it mean to "live with intention"? It means to have a fixed direction, goal, purpose.
Does this mean that we can never have a "lazy" day with no specific plans involved? Do we always have to be so focused that there is no room for spontaneity? or unexpected events?

The bottom line for me is that as a Christian woman I must live intentionally - according to God's Word! My ultimate goals are to "be like Christ"; to show HIS love to others; to be in an attitude of prayer; to practice HIS Presence; to show His grace; to clothe myself with HIS attributes daily! I pray this is your intention as well!

This is such a "crazy, stress-filled" time of year for most people... my intention this year was to not get caught in the hustle and bustle. And I haven't!

I did go for groceries on Saturday - once in the parking lot I wondered why I was there... parking spaces were at a minimum; and once inside there were 3 carts left in the holding area! Every checkout was open, people were lined up at each one! "Oh NO", I thought to myself. I began to pray for peace, for a smile; to ask for grace; to ask for pleasent words... It was kind of fun, actually! Thank You, Lord!

YES! It is possible to live with intention....
I pray that will become your way over these next few days!

1 Peter 3:8-9
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing.

May your hearts and homes be filled with Peace and Joy and Love ...
Ruthie

Mary Praises God!

Spend some time today reflecting on Mary's hymn found in Luke 1:46-55...

46) My soul praises the Lord's greatness!

47) My spirit finds its joy in God, my Savior,

48) because he has looked favorably on me, his humble servant.

I say Hallelujah! May these words be my words today!

Lord, I give you praise!

May they be YOUR words today to your faithful Father and Friend!

Blessings sweet ones!

Merry CHRIST-mas!

Ruthie

Do You Believe?

We watched a movie the other night - "The Polar Express"...

about a young boy who doesn't believe in Santa anymore and has lost the "spirit of Christmas". In his dreams on Christmas Eve he takes a crazy train ride to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. He is given a gift of a sleigh bell but quickly loses it when it falls thru a hole in his pocket. However, under the tree on Christmas morning is a small gift for him - inside is the sleigh bell he had lost ... he hears it ring and believes! His parents don't hear the ring; over the years his sister loses the ability to hear the bell as well, but he continues to hear the bell ring and believes.

I couldn't help but think about the awesome gift we have been given - do we believe? Or do we "lose" the "spirit" over time? Does His gift continue to ring for us in such a way that we hang on tighter than ever? That we allow the gift to inspire our thoughts and actions daily?

God's gift is not a "sleigh bell". It is the gift of eternal life!

Will you accept it today?

Will you listen for the sound of His gift calling to you and respond by accepting Him into your life?

That is my prayer today for those who have not done this yet!

And for those who accepted the gift and have let the "bell" get rusty... take it out, shine it up and ring it every day! He will increase your faith as you journey along with Him!

Blessings on you today!

Ruthie

A Thankful Heart!

My physical body has been working against me these past few weeks it seems.... but my heart is steadfast in HIM! Thank You, Lord!

121. A rainbow stretched across the sky

122. PEACE - in the midst!

123. A "cuddly" puppy...

124. Four generations of family together for a celebration of life

125. Christmas music

126. FRIENDS!

The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26

Love and hugs!
Ruthie

A Cheerful Heart!

Doesn't this guy make you chuckle? I hope so!

Proverbs 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

There's an old saying - "laughter is good medicine" - or something like that. Have you recently had a good bout of laughter? It does do the soul good, doesn't it? Sometimes, though, life seems too complicated or troubled for there to be much room for laughter.
I don't know about you - but for me - lately - it's been tough to laugh! However, I am seeking His Word and trying to stay focused on the positive things in my life!
I had a friend say one time that even in the midst of all the troubles and tribulations she was going thru she never lost the joy in her heart.... I could see that in her life but I found it a little hard to understand! I KNOW it now!
Wow!

JOY in Him is in my heart - the flame is buring brighter than ever and I am so grateful for that! Even "in the midst"! Thank you, Jesus!
And that gives me JOY for this awesome season we are in ... celebrating His birth! Even more than that though - I am so thankful for HIS life on earth, doing as the Father willed - and - for His New Life to me!

Praise you, Lord.
May this Christmas time be a time of reflection for you - a time of renewal and refreshment - please don't let the world slip in and steal your joy and your peace. Stay focused on Him - and choose to have a cheerful heart!

Blessings on you today, dear ones!
Merry CHRIST-mas!
Ruthie

Jesus - Laughing!

Click on the picture to make it bigger - this was sent to me this morning via email [Thanks Myra!] ... I just had to share it with you all! What a sight to behold! The Christ of Christmas - lavishing love and joy on people! Praise God for this Christmas season. These were found in a seminary in Florida - the author remains anonymous.... they are signed "Jesus Painter" Blessing on you today!
Merry CHRIST-mas!
Ruthie

A Precious Gift!

It's Sunday Morning and I'm not in church - that is so NOT the norm for me but health issues have kept me away today. I went to the book of Isaiah this morning ... and found this picture that I have carried with me since this precious little child was 9 months old! (She is now 7 years old!) I just love how we are looking at each other... she is so precious to me - to our family

But there is a gift even more precious - and that is the gift of our Lord's Son.... He came as a child in a manger; born of a virgin. He came to go to the cross for my sins - for your sins - so we wouldn't have to make the judgment payment. My life is so full with HIM! I can not imagine it being any other way!

Dear ones - if you don't know Him, or you're holding back from a full relationship with Him - this is the day! All you have to do is speak to Him with a humble heart and He will hear, He will listen, He will accept! He already loves you ... so much more than the grandmother in the picture! We can't understand His love for us! I am so thankful for it! Give it all to Him today!

Isaiah 9:6 ...... For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Blessings and hugs! Ruthie

It’s Christmas Time!

Dear Lord,
It’s Christmas time –
A time to honor Your birth.
Born of a virgin;
in a manger;
coming to earth as both man and God!

As we delight in the lights and the gifts,
and family, and friends –
may we keep YOU in our hearts...
And remember -
You are the greatest gift of all!

We love You, Lord!
Thank you, Jesus!


Have a very Merry Christmas time!
Blessings of the Season to you!
With Love,
Ruthie

“A Baby Changes Everything”

These words were part of the chorus of a song that was sung as a special in church this morning...
(I am writing this on Sunday afternoon although
it won’t be posted for probably a week or so!)

A beautiful song, beautifully sung!
A baby changes everything! How true!

The baby Jesus – God – coming to earth as a babe in a manger!
To save the world!
To bring forgiveness, love, peace, hope, and joy to us!
How amazing!!!
I am so thankful for this truth!

As I reflected on this after lunch,
I remembered when my daughter told me she was pregnant;
how I knew her life would never be the same;
how that baby would change everything.
However, I truly didn’t know how much it would change my life!
Any grandmothers out there that can say “ditto” to that?
What an amazing journey we’ve been on for the past 6+ years!

I congratulated a young couple this morning on the news of their pregnancy...
I know the grandmother is waiting in anxious anticipation for the changes
this new baby will bring into her life – into this family’s life!

I have so many friends who are grandmothers!
Who would ever have thought it!
I guess I thought I’d stay 35 forever ... a mother!
But a grandmother?
Just goes to show yah that time does go on, and seasons of life come and go!

I feel led to share this poem with you today!
I wrote this immediately after Ang told me she and Paul were pregnant!
May this bring joy to your hearts!

To Our New Baby!

A Baby!
A Miracle from above!
A Baby!
We’ll shower you with love!

A New Life!
We don’t even know you yet!
A New Life!
We can’t wait ‘til we have met!

We’ll love you and guide you,
And teach you many things;
We’ll play with you, nurture you;
I know our hearts will sing!

We’ll cry with you, and hurt with you,
And kiss away the pain;
We’ll laugh, and love, and sing, and play
Thru sunshine and thru rain!

Know this for sure, my little one;
We love you from the start!
You’re wanted and you’re treasured,
You’ve captured all our hearts!

You’re a Blessing! And a Gift!
So Precious – from above!
A Wonder! And a Joy!
An expression of HIS Love!

May 12, 2002
Mother’s Day – from your Grammie!

On November 13 /02 – 6 weeks early – precious Madison Joy was born!
How true the words – a baby changes everything!
She had a rocky start; but I knew God was with her!
I have prayed for her from the moment I knew of her!
My heartfelt prayer being for her to know this other baby – Jesus –
Personally!

One day we had a conversation – she and I – and she was asking where Bampie was ...
“Bampie” was my dad who died when she was 3 - she doesn’t remember him but she recognizes him in pictures!
(I have a picture on my fridge of her, her mom,
and Bampie when she was quite little!)

I told her Bampie was in heaven –
Of course she wanted to know how he got to heaven.
Long story short, I told her that if we have Jesus living in our hearts –
if we’ve asked Him in – we’ll go to heaven when we die!
“I have Jesus in my heart”, said she!
And this grandmother broke into tears!

This Baby whose birth we celebrate this time of year WILL make a difference – WILL change everything – if we ask HIM into our hearts!

I pray for you all – that you know Him personally!
That you have allowed Him in – and allowed Him to change your life!
He WILL change everything!
Praise the Lord!

Blessings!
Merry Christmas!
Ruthie

Christ the Lord

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold,
I bring you good tidings of great joy which
will be to all people.
For there is born to you this day in the City of David a Savior,
who is Christ the Lord.
And this will be the sign to you:

You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:9

HE’S THE REASON !

He’s the reason I’ve been forgiven;
that I have peace;
that I walk in grace;
that I live!

He’s the reason I have a song I my heart;
that I am filled with joy;
that I am content;
that I live!

He’s the reason for rejoicing;
for trusting;
for growing!

He’s the reason for praying for the lost;
for the broken;
for the burdened!

He is the reason – the answer – to life eternal!
I am so thankful for the life He has given to me!
...so thankful for His coming to earth to save one such as I;
to save one such as you!

Dear friends,
Thank Him today for what He means to you!
For what He has done in your life!
And KNOW....
The best is yet to come!

Blessings on you!
Merry CHRIST-mas!
Ruthie

From the Cradle to the Cross

His love for us is so great
that He came to earth as a tiny babe,
with a manger for His bed.

He gave up the splendour of heaven for the corruption of earth,
to bring a message of love.

He lived as a man,
persecuted and ridiculed
because of the message he brought.

He was obedient to his Father’s will,
and sought to bring mankind to Himself.
He lived His love for us while He was here on earth.

His love for us is so great that he fulfilled His Father’s plan,
took our sins upon Himself and died on the cross for us...
For me!
For you!

His love for us is so great that He looks down from heaven
and desires for all to come to Him.

His love for us is so great that
it spans the gap from the cradle to the cross.

Father God,
I will never be able to fully express to You
the debt of gratitude I have for what you did for me!
Thank You, Lord!

Thank You, Lord, for coming to earth in a lowly manger
and then going to the cross for me!
Praise You Lord, for spanning the gap for me!


Dear Reader,
May these words reflect your thoughts today!
Express your love and gratitude to Him!

Christmas Blessings to you!
Ruthie

Immanuel

Just a note:
For the next 3 weeks I will only be posting 3 X per week...
“Thankful Tuesday” and "Truth-filled Thursday”
will return in 2009!!!
God Bless!


“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign:
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son
and shall call His name Immanuel.”
Isaiah 7:14

Immanuel means “God With Us”!
This conveys the idea that God came down to earth in fleshly form,
lived amongst us,
extended His love to humans in order to save and redeem us,
and give us eternal life with Him!
WOW!

He is with us!
Scriptures tell us that He will never leave us nor forsake us!
He’s always there!
How comforting that is to me!

When I think about “God with us”
I also think of the Holy Spirit indwelling us
and us being “in Christ”.
I hope that’s not confusing!

When we turn our lives over to Him...
He saves us;
And the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us!

1 John 4:4
“Greater is He that is in you than He that is in the world.”

We become new creations when we are “in Christ”...
when we become “born again”.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;
old things have passed away;
behold, all things have become new.”
2 Corinthians 5;17

This doesn’t mean we become like Him over night...
It is a process –
He dwells in us!
And He changes us!
I am so thankful for that!

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,
who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”
Romans 8:1

Those who are “in Christ” are not condemned!
We are no longer under the sentence of the law –
we are empowered by the Spirit to live for Christ!
Hallelujah!

I pray this Christmas Season will find you reflecting on
“God with us”;
“Christ in us”;
And “us in Christ”...
And what this means to you and your Life “With and In Him”!
Praise Him and Thank Him for these truths!

Blessings of the season!
Ruthie

BEHOLD!

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son,
and shall call His name JESUS.”

Luke 1:30-31

Jesus Before Pilate

Pilate was debating whether he had cause to execute Jesus.
He and Jesus had some discussion –
these words were spoken:

“You are a king, then!”said Pilate.
Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king.
In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.
Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
John 18:37

Then Pilate questioned “what is truth”...

Do you ever ask that question?
You can KNOW that God’s Word is TRUTH!
Christ came to earth – the reason we celebrate this season of year – to bring TRUTH to a needy world!

This season fills me with joy and peace and hope – He is the “reason for the season”...
May that be your focus as you prepare for Christmas!
Keep the truth – Jesus Christ – as your focus!

Blessings to you!
Merry CHRIST-mas!

Ruthie

The Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

This child came to earth, lived here among us;
His love for us was so great He went to Calvary.

My heart aches when I think of what He did for me –
for all people of the world.
My eyes fill with tears when I recall how unworthy I am.

My life –
A winding road of longing,
searching for fulfillment –
Only to be found in HIM;
Only to be found when I fully surrendered to HIM.

Such peace He gives!
The longing is gone!
The search is over!

I sense a fullness,
a completeness,
a peace I’ve never felt before.
I praise Him for His presence,
for the peace that only He can give.

People seek to fill their emptiness
with things and ‘busy-ness’...
The Prince of Peace is waiting to fill that hole!
He alone gives love, peace, Himself!
Praise His name!

I penned the above ‘poem’ [I use that term loosely] in
late fall of 1995-
I was facing another Christmas season – alone.
By “alone” I mean this was my 2nd Christmas since
I had been divorced.
But I certainly was not alone!
My beautiful daughter was coming home;
I had friends, and family times to prepare for and others to attend.

Most of all –
I had Jesus!
I KNEW He was there...
I KNEW He loved me...
I had His Peace! And I had His Grace!
I had asked Him to give me the Grace to accept my circumstances,

and His Peace and Presence to fill my heart!
He answered my prayer!
WHOO HOO!
And I was so thankful for that!
I just had to share that with Him from a grateful heart!

The Christmas season never approaches that I don’t recall this time in my life ...
He has blessed me so!
He has done marvellous things!
I stand in awe of Him!
And I am so thankful for Him and to Him!

I cannot reflect on Christmas without reflecting
on the CROSS!
For a few years we placed a lighted Cross on the barn roof;

people would tell us they could see it from a long distance away.
Some would ask why a cross at Christmas...
we then could tell them the “Reason for the Season”!

For the past couple years I have seen a Cross lit up
across Lake Milo! This just thrills my heart!
My heartfelt prayer at this time of year is for people who don’t know Him

to realize that He truly is the REASON for everything!

If you are reading this today and you do not Know Jesus
as your personal Savior,
please,

contact me or someone you know who can help you to find the answers

to your questions!

He is the Answer!
If you do Know Him, and have a personal relationship with Him,
I pray that this time of year will encourage you
and increase you faith.

Father God,
I pray today for those who are searching for love, peace, hope, and joy.
I commit them to Your tender care.
I know You love them; You can give them what they’re longing for.
May your Holy Spirit draw them to You this Christmas Season.
May they hear Your Word and come to know that You love them;
give their lives over to You;
and experience the love, peace, hope, and joy, that only comes from You!
In the Precious Name of Jesus I pray,
Amen.

Resting in HIM,
Ruthie