Unexpected Rewards!

As we open our hearts at Christmas to the anticipation of celebrating the birth of our Savior, the familiar rituals and traditions of the season bring us comfort.  Through these remembrances we once again discover the joyful music, the special recipes, the fragrant smells, and the excitement of giving! But all too often we fill the moments with so much that we don't leave room for the Savior.


Panera Bread Company has a new slogan to go with its MyPanera card: Rewarding You In Unexpected Ways!  Each time I see it I am reminded of Christmas and the unexpected ways that God reached out to a broken, dark world.  God sent Holy Light into our darkness, just as He had promised; yet, no one really expected that Jesus would come as a baby.  The shepherds in the field the night of Jesus' birth found themselves surprised by the unexpected angels and their announcement.  In time, even His own disciples thought Jesus would become an earthly ruler.  They did not expect Him to be crucified and were equally awed by His resurrection.  It was in God's unexpected ways that salvation entered the world bringing Light and Hope.  


God's unexpected ways continue today.  Scripture reminds that God's ways are not our ways.  How often we plan and decide, order and prepare ~ expect God to intervene in a particular way!  How often are we surprised by the actual outcomes?  How often are we perplexed by the unexpected ways of God?  The one thing that is always sure ~ the Holy One will always respond and provide for all our needs. 


Oswald Chambers writes: Always be in a state of expectancy, and see that you leave room for God to come in as He likes.  In this season that celebrates the unexpected ways of God, let us be open to His ways.  Prepare Him room to come into your moments as He likes.  
Merry Christmas and Happy Unexpected God-Ways in 2011!  ~ dho

Casting Crowns - I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day Live

Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!

With Gratitude!

Many places of business have lighted message signs in front advertising products or offering seasonal greetings.  Just the other day I passed one.  In the time that I approached and passed it, I only had time to read 2 consecutive thoughts of several.  The ones I read: Do you know the symptoms?   Happy Thanksgiving!.

My thoughts wander to the "symtoms" of a "Happy Thanksgiving". How do you know if you are having a "Happy Thanksgiving"?  There are at least three symptoms that came to mind: gathering - abundance - gratitude.  Often we find ourselves making arrangements to gather together to share time during Thanksgiving.  It is a holiday shared by all Americans and not specific to religion.  Families gather, sometimes traveling great distances to spend time with each other.  Food is gathered and prepared, and special meals are shared.  In this I find abundance ~ of provision and of time shared to reflect upon the blessings of life. While focusing on our blessings, it is easier to be thankful.  But are these really the symptoms of a Happy Thanksgiving?

Our plans often get in the way, often draw our attention away from God. Gathering together with God, spending time being nourished by His carefully prepared Word feeds the soul. In these times, we find the abundance of God's goodness and grace; we find blessings beyond need.  Surrounded by such provision, the heart must acknowledge Our Sustainer, and with gratitude - whisper and shout - Baruch Hashem Adonai! Blessed be the Name of the Lord!


In our gathering, let's be sure to set a place for the Holy One.  In our abundance, let's focus on The Source of all goodness and blessings.  In our gratitude, let's remember The Giver of all good things and respond with gratitude.  Baruch Hashem Adonai! Blessed be the Name of the Lord.  Are these your symptoms of a Happy Thanksgiving?  If so, then every day will be a day to celebrate Thanksgiving. ~dho

Hallelujah! Give Thanks to GOD

                           Psalm 111
Hallelujah! I give thanks to GOD with everything I've got--
Wherever good people gather, and in the congregation.

GOD's works are so great, worth
A lifetime of study--endless enjoyment!

Splendor and beauty mark his craft;
His generosity never gives out.

His miracles are his memorial--
This GOD of Grace, this GOD of Love.

He gave food to those who fear him,
He remembered to keep his ancient promise.

He proved to his people that he could do what he said:
Hand them the nations on a platter--a gift!


He manufactures truth and justice;
All his products are guaranteed to last--

Never out--of-date, never obsolete, rust-proof.
All that he makes and does is honest and true:


He paid the ransom for his people,
He ordered his Covenant kept forever.
He's so personal and holy, worthy of our respect.


The good life begins in the fear of GOD-
Do that and you'll know the blessing of GOD.
His Hallelujah lasts forever!

The Message

In The Desert

[God] found him out in the wilderness in an empty, windswept wasteland.  He threw His arms around him, lavished attention on him, guarding him as the apple of His eye."
Deuteronomy 32:10 The Message

God always knows where His children are, where we rest, where we run.  God knows when we strive, when we struggle.  He hears us when we sing and when we shout.  On the mountain or in the valley, in the forest or in the desert, God knows where we are and what we need.  He is both Protector and Provider.

Holy Lord of all,
Let me feel Your loving arms around me; help me know Your Unfailing Love.  Amen. ~dho