Know Apart

When one deal with twins or multiple birth, in order to know them apart one needs to study and observe them and familiarize oneself with them so as to recognize the differences. Then one is not deceived. That requires time, investment, attention.


God has no twin, but many pretenders.

"Be Ye not deceived."

"Be still and know that I am God".

Faith for your season

Our pastor in his message today, 'Faith for the Season', mentioned the movie 'The Nativity'. He reminded us the perspective the movie brings from Joseph's point of view - and the strength and cost that was involved in his stand. I too encourage anyone who hasn't seen it to view this movie this Christmas season and to see it again even. It would be especially wonderful to make it part of Christmas Eve activities.

I mention the Nativity in 'Pearlz from Shelz':

The Nativity Story - new Christmas family film night tradition

The Nativity Story

but I bring it up again because the sermon brought home what it takes to stand up in these days and times - the pastor reminded us that the circumstances Joseph accepted took a great leap of faith, faith that could only come from trusting God and humble obedience.

I don't know what your season of circumstances are or whether they are more profoundly absurd than Joseph's, but as the Pastor reminded us today, God still speaks to us, still loves us - His plan more than likely is not the easy way out, but it is the way!

If you get a chance make the Christmas story real in your memory, see 'The Nativity'.

Merry Christmas!

Don't Leave Home without It

As you go through your day, the Word should only be a heart away. You can feed your heart by constant study of the Good Book. Sterilize your sources that they are untainted and open it up to the Holy Spirit. It once was I always had a book of the Bible with me, whether purse-size or a larger in-depth study Bible. Now, while I have those still, I prefer electronic.

There is so much out there depending on one's preferred method of carrying it. One can always go online and find a wealth of Bible reading and studying opportunity. My preference is ever available on my phone. While I additionally always have it at my finger tips on computer, I can no longer remember not having it handy to hold. Of course where you go from there depends on your phone and choices of operating system among other things.

I have tried many of the phone application offerings - some on past OS used and some on my android environment. I prefer Cadre - highest reasons are additional means of more in-depth study such as dictionaries and commentaries and cost. It additionally works very well with a note application called Evernote that I use not only in my devotions all aspects of my life.

A very popular and well-recommended application also online is YouVersion's. It is extremely popular with Bible lovers and has features like reading plans. YouVersion has very generously put together a site that shows many off the offerings available regardless of and categorized by OS and other preferences. Check it out, if you are looking for where to begin to arm yourself with daily manna that will provide sustenance to your spiritual life.

The most important thing as your sojourn this life is, if Heaven is your home, you don't leave home without it!

being devoted in 2010 - Norman's Notes

You can see Norman's Notes in the left hand-column of the blog. If you would like to give your heart daily to scripture in 2010, this might fit your time of devotion perfectly. Whether to start or close you day, meditating on scripture, hiding His Word in your heart, is food for the soul! 'Norman's Notes' is a Facebook page that does not require membership to view; but should you like, do become a fan. Share with a friend in need of encouragement. May you be blessed by the verses in your daily life. Our hope for everyone in 2010, is that they will draw closer to the Lord. These are in difficult times; be reminded that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Light. May the Lord's prosperity (search the Word for it's true meaning) be with you in the New Year abounding in your life!

A year's end reflection to "Let Your Light Shine Before Men" in 2010

Came across this Christmas Tree reflection about the New Year ...

...I don't want to enter into 2010 with regrets. I want a clean start and renewed bulbs. My husband might not have wanted to go bulb by bulb over the top strands, searching for the culprit, but I want to go bulb by bulb through my life. One little sin can dim an entire tree. Have you investigated your light strands lately? Is there one little bulb keeping you drenched in shadows?

Next year, my sad tree will be boxed away and a new one will replace the saggy branches and tired bulbs. That's fine, that's what happens. Nothing on this earth can last forever.

But I don't want to be replaced as a Christian. I don't want God to stop giving me opportunities for His work because I was irresponsible with my last assignments. I know I have His full love regardless, but I want my lights burning at full capacity, not weak and fading in the night. I want others to see the glow within me and crave it for themselves, finding peace and forgiveness with Christ for their New Year. I want to burn for the Kingdom of God! And not just at the holidays - but all year long.

As wonderful as my tree has been these past five years, it's just a fact that a fully lit tree is more appealing to the eye than a half-lit attempt. And the same goes for us as Christians. If we're not walking with the Lord and glowing from His glory, then how will others see the path to follow?...

to read in it's entirety ... "Let Your Light Shine Before Men" in 2010 Betsy Ann St. Amant Crosswalk.com Change is a given and obviously circumstances will not always be the same, but the priority we give to what is important can be a constant if we keep it in perspective and act accordingly by the grace of God. Given your circumstance, commit to ever shine your brightest given your for Him!

Cross on Xmas?

A friend shared Why is X Used when it Replaces Christ in Christmas? by R.C. Sproul | Ligonier Ministries Blog and I'm glad she did; it's timely. Why Is the 'X' used in Xmas? Another common abreviation is Xtian. "There's a long and sacred history of the use of X to symbolize the name of Christ, and from its origin, it has meant no disrespect." Check it out! It is important to have true understanding so we can be right-minded as we keep Christ in Christmas and in our daily lives. As you consider it, think about how others see it when it is used. The 'X' always reminded me of the Cross. Maybe you can get Cross on Xmas! ;-) Whatever we do, we want people to see Christ.

Celebrating Christ

Thinking about keeping Christ in Christmas, it's important to understand what we do during the holidays, why we do them, and whether they are what we want to achieve in our celebration. Understanding where the traditions we develop stem from is helpful in this consideration. Some would say 'don't do this because' or 'do so because' and/or judge others for what they do/don't. But I am challenged to personally celebrate Christ however I might, and hoping that others will see Christ in me as I do so. As the saying goes, 'knowledge is power'; and wholeheartedness is what He desires of us. I found Crosswalk.com's Advent in Church and Cultural Tradition a basis of insight as to how Advent activities has evolved; arming me considerations for my own personal celebration in the big and even little pasttimes of the season. May you wholeheartedly be blessed this Christmastide!