December 31, 2006 by His Kingdom Herald.

I’m afraid my family has lost all interest in the fine art of dining.

I can spend over an hour preparing a nice sit-down dinner; and in less than 5 minutes they have inhaled their food and abandoned the dinner table for parts unknown. As I sit alone in the midst of the rubble left behind from the feeding frenzy, my mind begins to wander.

I think my Heavenly Daddy understands just how I feel. He’s prepared a delicious home-cooked meal for His kids as well, and many of us eat and run too.

If I counted right, there are 66 books in my bible. That’s one huge potluck just waiting to be sampled! And yet, I know how busy I’ve been lately. . . I’ve just grabbed a handful of spiritual food as I’ve dashed by His table, some times without even pausing long enough to say thank you for such an abundant feast.

As I rush through my day I hardly even have time to notice the big knot in my stomach that resulted from not blocking out enough time to eat properly. Is it any wonder that my body has had such a hard time fighting any germ that attacks it?

Oh Daddy, teach me how to DINE on your word; to savor the flavor in each choice morsel and meditate on its deeper meanings. Show me how to recline at your table and enjoy that delightful dinner table conversation; even after I’ve eaten my fill.

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December 25, 2006 by His Kingdom Herald.

The Community Christmas Dinner is our last big event of the holiday season. We invite anyone in the community to join us for a Christmas feast, complete with live music.

After all of the kitchen clean-up is done; we dim the lights, put on some soft music, and stretch out on the pews in the chapel.

As we bask in our heavenly Daddy’s Presence, we take time to remember some of the amazing things He has done for us during this holiday season:

The ABUNDANCE of food, clothing, toys and finances that flooded through our doors; in a year where the needs in the community were so great.

Daddy’s attention to detail; as workers in our toy and clothing warehouse shared stories of how time and again the PERFECT match for a request was found on our shelves - right down to the color and size!

How he gave us the grace we needed to keep everything going even when most of us were battling sicknesses.

Let me encourage you to put on some soft instrumental music, prop your feet up and ask the Holy Spirit to help you recognize Daddy’s Christmas PRESENCE in your life.

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December 22, 2006 by His Kingdom Herald.

It’s 2 am and sleep has been alluding me for over an hour! I’m afraid the only cure for this kind of insomnia is a good blog.

You see, I have once again come face to face with a harsh reality that frustrates me to no end. . . I AM NOT PERFECT!

Oh how I hate admitting that I have imperfections and limitations!

And yet once I’m able to admit that reality to myself AND my Heavenly Daddy, something wonderful begins to happen between the two of us.

By humbling my pride-filled self and accepting responsibility for my actions (or lack of them) I’m reminded once again of why I so desperately need my Savior.

As this flood of gratefulness washes across the dark and dusty recesses in my soul; I’m able to recognize and confess still other areas in my life where I have been “missing the mark”.

As I seek and receive His forgiveness, I experience a closeness and intimacy with God that almost defies description.

And NOW I am able to rest in peace. . .

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December 15, 2006 by His Kingdom Herald.

Yesterday I received a Christmas card from some friends of mine. Tucked inside was a book mark with this poem printed on it. Hope it’s as timely for you as it was for me.

PRAYER FOR THE NEW YEAR

Grant me the strength from day to day

to bear what burdens come my way.

Grant me throughout this bright New Year

more to endure and less to fear.

Help me live that I may be

from spite and petty malice free.

Let me not bitterly complain

when cherished hopes of mine prove vain, Read the rest of this entry »

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December 9, 2006 by His Kingdom Herald.

Yes, this is a true story.

Always believe in MIRACLES!!

Three years ago, a little boy and his grandmother came to see Santa at Mayfair Mall in Wisconsin. The child climbed up on his lap, holding a picture of a little girl.

“Who is this?” asked Santa, smiling. “Your friend? Your sister?”

“Yes, Santa,” he replied. “My sister, Sarah, who is very sick,” he said sadly.

Santa glanced over at the grandmother who was waiting nearby, and saw her dabbing her eyes with a tissue.

“She wanted to come with me to see you, oh, so very much, Santa!”
the child exclaimed. “She misses you,” he added softly.

Santa tried to be cheerful and encouraged a smile to the boy’s face, asking him what he wanted Santa to bring him for Christmas.

When they finished their visit, the Grandmother came over to help the child off his lap, and started to say something to Santa, but halted.

“What is it?” Santa asked warmly.

“Well, I know it’s really too much to ask you, Santa, but .” the old woman began, shooing her grandson over to one of Santa’s elves to collect the little gift which Santa gave all his young visitors. “The girl in the photograph… my granddaughter well, you see … she has leukemia and isn’t expected to make it even through the holidays,” she said through tear-filled eyes. “Is there any way, Santa . any possible way that you could come see Sarah? That’s all she’s asked for, for Christmas, is to see Santa.” Read the rest of this entry »