No greater love

When I was growing up my parents watched a show called Hee Haw. The overall clad men would stand in the middle of a corn field with pitchforks and sing without expression.

I loathed this time we all were forced around the “boob tube” (I still think that is what it is today) and watch these hicks while my parents would roll in the floor with laughter. Then Tammy Wynette or Porter Wagner would come on with their rhinestone embellished suits and my parents were taken in. They told us to "hush up and be quite."

Today I was searching the web for particular sites and inspiration--don’t tell me you don’t do that, you know you do--when the song those men in overalls sang came to my mind. I don’t remember the name, but I do remember this line:

“I searched the world over and thought I found true love, you met another and poof you were gone.”

They would sink back down in the corn fields as the scene changed to Roy Clark who would be laughing and introducing the next guest.

Those days are long gone, and ironically I miss those time now--my parents have both passed on. Nonetheless, it got me to thinking about how we today are looking for true love. When we think we find it, poof, it’s gone. For some it could flee after 30 years, while others a much shorter time, and some have yet to find it.

There is no greater love than the love of the Father--Jesus Christ. He is all in all and everything we are searching for in one. On your search for love, why not take the time to introduce yourself to Jesus Christ; you will find He is waiting for you.

He will introduce Himself to you and you will experience the Love of God. His love is like no other, it is true love that will never fade away.

'Give it up and let Jesus take over'

Have you ever had a "near miss". Whether it is a car passing too close or a slip where you almost fall; a near miss can leave your heart pounding.

The circumstance determines the outcome of its effect on your life. This morning, I took inventory--I had a near miss of what I felt to be life or death.

Starting the day as usual, a stabbing pain suddenly hit me in the back and went to the front of my chest. It took my breath, brought me to tears and screaming for help.

My husband came to my immediate aid. We began to call on the Lord. With tears rolling down my face, not only did the pain grip my chest, but so did fear.

Suddenly, I felt unsure about leaving this earth and meeting my Saviour, Jesus. Crying out to Him, I was ashamed at my reluctance. Realizing that I wanted to see my children and grandchildren again.

Saddened by the thought that I might not be able to say I love you to all the people in my life again. My husaband on his knees praying for God's mercy and intervention through tears of his own. We both knew it was serious.

In a few minutes time the pain lessened, but I was left feeling weak, very, very weak. Wisdom would say I should have gone--and probably still should--go to the doctor, I decided to remain at home.

I wanted to take the time to "get it together" with the Lord and my life. Things I thought I had already done. I want to be ready at any moment to let this world go. To do that, I must seriously turn all my concerns, responsibilities and wordly goods to Jesus.

If you have not already, allow me to encourage you today; be ready. Ready to trust the Lord with our loved ones and our lives.

I'm working on making sure of something I already thought I knew. As one of my favorite songs reads: "give up and let Jesus take over", I realize I must apply the words to my heart.

God's Blessings my friends! I love you.

Enjoy your present

The holiday season is a unique time of the year. It sparks for many, emotions of joy, compassion, warmth and love. Yet for others, sadness, loneliness, and hopelessness are set ablaze in their hearts. At times, a mix of all these emotions wash over each of us during the season, and beyond.

With all the bells, boughs and twinkling things, we must take time to breathe deeply, taking in life. Capture our thoughts and refuse to allow our imaginations to run amuck. The adage "take time to smell the roses" is akin to King David's words in the Bible: "Lord teach me to number my days."

In David's wisdom, gleaned from living, he knew each day should be counted as if it could be the last. In numbering our days we begin to enjoy the goodness and beauty of each passing one--our present.

During this season, if there is no other present given to you by man, accept the present Jesus gave you today. Today is your present.

Jesus is ever mindful of you and your situation. He loves you, was born and died for you, so that you may have life, and that more abundantly. Let's talk, share our emotions and find the peace we seek in Jesus. I'm listening.

Photo: www.flickr.com/Southernpixel