Devotional by Mary Manners: Christmas Lights

Christmas is over but I believe that you will enjoy this holiday devotional by our friend Mary Manners! She's sharing a story set at Christmastime that is near and dear to her heart. My hope is that you will be encouraged as you read Mary's devotional! 

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Christmas Lights
A devotional by Mary Manners

“You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light.”

~ 2 Samuel 22:29 (NIV) ~

When the subject of Christmas gifts comes up, most people think of packages wrapped in colorful paper and shimmery bows, sitting under the Christmas tree, just waiting to be opened.

When I think of Christmas gifts, I think of my dad, who passed away fourteen years ago this holiday season. He was a man of many gifts, including the joy he shared for the traditions of Christmas.

Dad loved light—especially the light that brightened a fresh-cut pine tree in honor of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Each December first, like clockwork, Dad piled his family—all seven of us—into our Chevy station wagon and drove us to the tree lot where, shivering in the Chicago-winter cold, we oohed and aahed over each and every tree until we found the perfect one.

Once home, with the tree safely arranged in a metal stand and watered, Dad climbed the ladder to our attic (a mysterious place, indeed) where the Christmas lights were stored. He’d lower the battered cardboard box (re-used, season after season) to the floor below and dust it off.

Then my brother and sisters—five of us—gathered 'round him in the living room and waited, eyes huge with wonder, as he carefully unraveled the strands of lights and tested each one. No matter how stubborn the bulbs, dad always managed to get them working.

Beautiful, vibrant colors turned the room to a kaleidoscope, dancing over walls and windows with the feel of winter magic. One by one, my siblings and I each took the place of honor beside Dad, helping him to adorn the tree with light. Pine sap clung to our tiny fingers, but we didn’t care. All the while, our hearts soared with happiness and child-like wonder.

Finally, Dad gently gathered the Christmas star from the box. Hushed with awe, we waited while Dad chose one of us to hoist to his shoulders for the greatest thrill—placing the treasured beacon of light—the Baby Jesus Star—atop the highest limb. Somehow, Dad always sensed who needed that extra touch of attention, and there was never any argument.

With the lights in place (just in time for nightfall—always) we circled the tree and held hands to sing "Silent Night." In the earliest years, the tune didn’t always carry and the words were sometimes off, but Dad didn’t mind. He knew we understood what the tree—and especially the lights—symbolized, the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. The most wonderful gift of all!

It’s sometimes easy to get lost in the tangle of this world—the troubles and stresses that everyday life presents. Sometimes we feel as if the darkness will consume us. During these most trying times, we must move toward the light, and the Father who loves and guides us. He will remove the darkness and fill us with His holy light.

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Author bio:

Mary Manners is an award-winning romance writer who lives in the beautiful foothills of East Tennessee with her husband Tim and the cherished cats they've rescued from local animal shelters, Lucky and Gus.

She loves swimming, running, flavored coffee and Smoky Mountain sunsets.

Mary believes everyone has a story to tell, and she loves to share hers. She writes inspirational romances of all lengths, from short stories to novels—something for everyone.

Falling in Love with Jesus: Love Casts Out Fear

Today's Falling in Love with Jesus story is written by Natalie Monk.

She's a multi-talented lady with a heart for Jesus Christ! She expresses her passion for Him in her daily living and His light radiates through her as she interacts with people. I know because I met Natalie in person earlier this year! She's pretty awesome! :)

Enjoy your visit with Natalie now as she shares her story about her first love encounter with Jesus Christ.

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Love Casts Out Fear
A Falling in Love with Jesus story written by Natalie Monk

My first love encounter with Jesus was a little scary.

Not what you expected to hear, right?

Eight years old, leaving a revival meeting service, I’d never had any dealings with the Supernatural, so when I grew overwhelmed with thoughts of God and where I stood with Him, fear swamped me. Nothing major had ever disturbed my “normal.”

My whole life I had heard the message of Christ, how He loved the people of the world so much He died on the cross for our sins and rose from the grave three days later. But things of God were never personal to me.

Why was I so troubled now?

Something was horribly wrong. With me. With my relationship to God.

I didn’t want to talk about it, but to reassure myself, I tugged on my mom’s sleeve and declared to her that I was “saved.” See, I remembered “asking Jesus to save me” when I was three, because that’s what good boys and girls are supposed to do. I said the words. I did the thing. I was okay, right?

Now I laugh at my desperate grasp at normalcy, suddenly blurting that I was okay. I actually believed myself (or I “would be okay, if everyone would just ignore this weirdness and let things be normal again”), but Momma was smarter than that. I’m sure she noticed my pale lips and fidgety hands. She told me we would talk as soon as she bid the church people goodbye.

My stomach churned while I waited. I’d blabbed, now I’d HAVE to talk.

When we climbed up in my Daddy’s farm truck to head home, I slid onto the front seat and between Momma and Daddy. I was hopeful that once I told them I’d done the “saved” thing when I was three, they’d leave me alone about it and things could go back to normal. Maybe we could get a hamburger or ice cream or something—except if I ate anything right then I’d lose it all over those red cloth seats.

Momma asked me to tell her about when I was “saved.” I didn’t have much to tell except that I’d said the “right” words.

Then Momma had to go and ask the hard questions: Was God working in my heart back then when I was three or did I just say the “saved” words because I thought it was something good to do? Did I realize I was born a sinner and needed a savior (the whole reason Jesus came to earth to save us from eternal death and separation from Him)?

That’s when my façade broke down and tears popped up. I told her I didn’t know those things before, but they sure were true now. I didn’t fully comprehend God working so sweetly in my heart, showing me how much I needed Him and how He loved me and wanted me to know Him. (I understand now this was the conviction of the Holy Spirit.)

Momma, being sensitive to the ways of children and knowing how easy it is to “make a decision” to please others, asked me if I thought I needed to pray right then and give my heart to Jesus or if I could wait.

I told her I could wait. Why, I’m not sure. Maybe I still held out hope that I could ignore all this and feel better soon.

Five minutes later I told her I couldn’t wait anymore. I was so bothered inside at not being right with God. I prayed sincerely and asked God to forgive my sins and come into my heart. I didn’t say perfect words at a fancy church altar. In fact, we’d pulled into a lumber company’s dirt driveway—nothing religious about that.

But God was there. He heard my heart. And the burden He lifted from me was so real, the peace and relief so sweet. He changed me then and has been working in me ever since, drawing, pursuing, and persuading me to be more like Him and love like Him. I’ve got a lot to learn, but I’m thankful He’ll always be my Loving Guide.

Do you know Him? 

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Author bio:

Natalie Monk writes historical romance stories of laughter, love, and redemption. A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, Natalie is currently seeking representation and plotting her third novel. 

Natalie is a homeschool graduate, a piano teacher, portrait photographer, devotional speaker and former post-hole digger. 

She loves sweet tea, book talk, porch swings, and watching musicals and action movies with her family. 

Connect with Natalie:

Website: www.nataliemonk.com 

Twitter: @NatalieDMonk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nataliemonkauthor
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/nataliedmonk

Introducing "25 Days of Christmas Stories" (holiday blog series)

Tomorrow (Tuesday, Dec. 1) marks the first day of Christmastime! What better way to celebrate than introducing a new blog series "25 Days of Christmas Stories"? 

This special holiday series is designed to share Christmas stories through the voices of authors who wrote and published Christmas stories in novel or novella form.

Every day from Dec. 1 through Dec. 25, you will meet a new author and learn about a fictional Christmas story they created. You may even have a few chances to win a copy of their featured book!

It's going to be a delightful 25 days filled with insight about these wonderful authors and their work via devotionals, interviews, personal essays and book reviews with excerpts from their Christmas stories! 

Most importantly, these holiday posts will remind us of the true reason of the season: Jesus Christ. Here's a photo from the cover of a book that is not featured in this series, but is a read I recommend, especially to those with young children:

I hope you are looking forward to this new series! A lot of wonderful opportunities to warm your heart and bring joy to your day are in store!

Merry Christmas!

Love,

Alexis

Devotional by Mary Manners: Finding Our Treasure…Thinking Outside of the Box

Everyone say "hi" to Mary Manners! She's become a familiar face here on the blog because of her monthly devotionals! I hope you are enjoying your visits with Mary every last Monday of every new month! :) 

Today, Mary draws on her experience as a first-grade teacher to share thoughts that will challenge us to think outside of the box and remember that our true treasure is found only in Heaven.

Take it away, Mary! :)

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Finding Our Treasure…Thinking Outside of the Box
A devotional written by Mary Manners

“Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.”

~ Micah 7:8, NIV ~

Fridays were always fun days when I taught first grade because, as each school week drew to a close, my students and I gathered around the story rug for a respite from academics to dive into the most sought-after and anticipated activity of all—searching for treasure. The Treasure Box was nothing fancy—simply a cardboard box decorated with stickers and cast-off costume jewelry. But, to a bunch of six-year-olds, it was the hottest item since crust-less bread. Oh, the power…the mystery…the joy and the tears!

Tears? Wait a minute—why tears? 

Well, the Treasure Box was part of a school-wide reward system implemented to encourage students to follow rules and complete assigned tasks in a timely and careful manner. It was a time when less certainly equaled more—less broken rules equaled a greater reward. Less distraction from the workload meant more production and a larger cut of the bounty. As the students, one by one, approached the Treasure Box and shared their behavior and assignment log, some of them received treats and others, well…had earned not so much. It was a time for anticipation, reflection, and discussion. Happiness did not always abound. Nonetheless, whatever the week’s outcome, each student knew that he or she would return on Monday with a totally clean slate to embark on that week’s adventure.

As Christians, we know that our treasure is found in Heaven. Sometimes we soar like eagles and sometimes we stumble—or even fall flat on our face. Thank goodness we don’t have to wait until Monday morning to gather a clean slate. The blood of Jesus washes us white and tells that, as believers, nothing here on earth can separate us from His love and grace.

So, enjoy a respite in the healing power of God’s glory. Through the blood of His Son, we are washed clean. The treasures of Heaven await those who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We are made new each and every day and there is no limit to the gift of God-given grace, because our treasure is found outside of the box.

Love is in the Air: The Many Dimensions of Spring

Today we have an author who likes for you to call her"Ellie," visiting my blog today! :)

Ellie is a wonderful writer who loves springtime. She says this season has "many dimensions" and has prepared a wonderful devotional for you on that very idea.

I hope you will enjoy your time with Ellie today! :)

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The Many Dimensions of Spring
A devotional written by Eleanor “Ellie” Gustafson

Years ago, I read a love fantasy that had me guessing until at least halfway through. The story started out depicting a grumpy old hag—totally unattractive to the male figure in the story. As time went on, however, she began to take care of herself and look even pleasant. To his surprise, she soon became sumptuous, well-endowed, alluring. But after this tantalizing period, even heavy, multi-colored makeup couldn’t mask her aging.

Have you figured it out? Think of winter, spring, summer, fall as a single character with multiple, evolving personas. A clever plot device.

I love spring. I’ve decided, though, that my favorite part comes before it actually happens. The anticipation of spring quickens me—so close but not yet here. I love summer, too, but with the sun beginning its southward run, can winter be far behind? I watch eagerly for those early, sparse signs of spring, but once spotted, the season quickly becomes an overwhelming flood that leaves me gasping. Not enough time to take all of it in!

I record the yearly dates of Important Spring Things: the first blackbirds, snowdrops, croaking frogs and peepers, forsythia, magnolias, daffodils. AND the first sprigs of asparagus in my garden. I can check previous years in my notebook to see if we’re early or late. Big-time late this year—not surprising, considering our horrendous New England winter.

Getting back to the love story, I see a parallel paradigm. I started my life as a grumpy, wrinkled bit of hardship for my parents. I grew to be reasonably intelligent and capable, became fruitful (three wonderful children) and productive (five published novels with another on the way), and now I’m again collecting wrinkles.

But there’s another level of spring that also has that period of anticipation. Here I am, a bit long in the tooth and nearing the end of the road. But like living in the sure expectation of the glories of spring (note the above), I am similarly anticipating the glories of heaven. I’m not there yet, but as new spring life invariably appears out of winter’s death, so heaven is guaranteed by Jesus’ death. Our Savior took the seed of life into the grave, and there it sprouted, bursting the bonds of Death.

I’ve read enough about near-death experiences to note commonalities: bright light, indescribable colors, vibrancy, overwhelming beauty, boundless energy—on and on. There are, of course, those who get a glimpse of hell and on recovery, quickly change their ways. But heaven is certain Reality for those who commit their lives to Christ.

The difference between our spring and God’s heaven is the problem of death. When spring first appears, it totally conquers winter’s death, but only for a brief moment. Death’s sword will soon leave its mark, first with snowdrops and daffodils, then forsythia. In heaven, though, Death has been totally defeated. We see Life as originally intended in the Garden of Eden.

My novel Dynamo addresses some of these spring-winter issues. Jeth Cavanaugh is searching for a new life along one of Pennsylvania's mountain ridges when he stumbles upon a stable of jumpers, as well as a volatile stallion named Dynamo. Jeth will do anything to work there. He’s hired to train and show the jumpers, but Dynamo becomes his primary passion. Everything changes when God enters his life—by means of a hard slap by his girlfriend. After that slap, their love relationship becomes wintery, at best. Any chance for them to experience spring? It comes, but in a shape neither of them expect.

Yes, enjoy each season of life here on earth, but keep your eyes fixed on the place where we can enjoy a whole, glorious eternity with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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Author bio: 

Ellie grew up in Branchville NJ in a county that had more cows than people. She loved horses and the annual County Farm and Horse Show. Ellie attended Wheaton College in Illinois as a music major. She is married to a pastor/college professor/tree farmer/organist and writer. Together, Ellie and her husband have 3 kids and 8 grandchildren. 

Music was Ellie’s first love until she “tried on the cloak of writing and found that it fit quite well.”

“God first touched me through a story, and he has molded and kneaded me all my life,” Ellie said. “I love Him passionately!”
A writer of huge influence on Ellie’s life is Eugene Peterson. She says Peterson’s books are “meaty and challenging.” Peterson endorsed Ellie’s novel The Stones (about King David) and since then, Ellie refers to Peterson as her “forever friend”.

Ellie hopes that her readers will enjoy all of her books and says, “The Stones may taste good to you too!”

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Buy Ellie’s books:
Dynamo - http://amzn.to/1HW4cHg
The Stones: A Novel of the Life of King David - http://amzn.to/1Pbpm4P

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Connect with Ellie:
Blog/website - www.eleanorgustafson.com
E-mail - egus@me.com

Testimony: Why Choose Jesus?

Live for today

Dear friends,

February 11, 2012 was a sad day for many professional music artists and fans as one of their best performers, Whitney Houston, died tragically at the age of 48. The death of recording artist/actress Whitney Houston sent shock waves around the world. People who never met her but adored her work and music, felt the deep pain of losing someone who they have always loved. One of those people is me. "Whitney Houston was one of my favorite artists," I found myself telling family and friends. "She's on my list of famous people who I wanted to meet. I hope I meet her in heaven."

It took a message on GodTube to open my eyes to a greater purpose. I'd like to share the video with you then explain what I mean after you've viewed it. Here's the video:


Alive (Natalie Grant) from worshiphousemedia on GodTube.

After viewing this video, I was reminded of the greatest person to ever have lived, walked, breathed and ministered on this Earth-- Jesus Christ is His Name. He's my Lord, Savior, Redeemer and Truest Friend. When life on Earth comes to an end, JESUS is the One I want to meet when He comes again in those great clouds of glory to usher His faithful followers into eternity.

I loved Whitney Houston for her God-given singing voice and artistic talent but I am reminded that it's not the created (Whitney or anyone else I have admired) that I need to be giving praise and adoration to-- it's JESUS Christ, the Creator of Life. At the end of the day, it's JESUS who gives us the peace of mind to sleep and the breath of life to awake each morning, rise up and go about our day. It's JESUS who died for us and was resurrected (on what most people in America like to call "Easter Sunday") in order to serve as our High Priest in Heaven. He is our Mediator between God and humankind. HE is my HERO. And of course, He's at the very top of my list of people I want to meet! :)

My prayer for you is that your hearts will be filled with the love of God through the gift of His Son Jesus Christ and if you haven't already, you will make things right with God. The Bible says "tomorrow is not promised" (Matthew 6:34), so let's make the most of today. :)

God bless you always, dear hearts!

Love,

Alexis