"Trey Tuesday" - December 27, 2016

Christmas Carols

"Wait, a minute," you say, "Christmas carols?  Christmas is over.  Let's get on with New Years."

Yes and no.  Yes, Christmas Day has passed, but no, the sentiments are faaaaaar from over!

Joy to the world

Peace on earth

Born that man no more may die

O come all ye faithful

A thrill of hope

Dashing through the snow

Laughing all the way (Sorry - just had to throw those in there!)  :)

God and sinners reconcile

Sleep in heavenly peace

Nice sentiments year round - don't you think?  Children, like Trey, enjoy the thoughts and dreams and hope of Christmas 12 months a year.  I think we could learn something from them...

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!”
Luke 2:14

"Trey Tuesday" - December 20, 2016

Controlling Christmas (or trying to!)

If you could hit the reset button on Christmas, starting over from scratch, what would it look like?  What would it sound like?  What would it feel like?

Well, today is December 20.  Yes the Christmas season is upon us, but it's not over yet.  It's not too late to make this "the Christmas" you have always wanted.  No, we can't change some commitments, and no, we can't change budgets, and no, we can't bring back loved ones who will not be with us this Christmas.  But...there is much we can control! 

Our perspectives

Our attitudes

Our mindsets

Our priorities

What if Santa were to bring you a set of rose colored glasses this Christmas so everything would look better from your perspective?  Nice, right?  More importantly though, what if God gave you the gift of a Filter that would protect you and guide you?

Good News!  The Gift has been given!  To you!  :)

Merry CHRISTmas!!
"For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6

"Trey Tuesday" - December 13, 2016

Traditions!

Wow!  What a rich time of year for traditions!  From Christmas trees, to silly elves, to routine habits like the precise place to hang stockings - Christmas time is surrounded by traditions.  Did you ever stop and question why/where your traditions originated?

One Christmas when our children were little, I started a tradition of not putting "Baby Jesus" in the Nativity scene until Christmas Eve.  (Somewhere in our hallways, Santa and Baby Jesus must have crossed paths!)  I was thinking that this visual would help the children (and us!) to understand the feelings of the people of the Old Testament longing for a Savior.  The prophets foretold this coming King, but they had to wait.  I wanted my children to long for the arrival of Baby Jesus!

The loss of a loved one carries its own traditions.  Laying your hands on a treasured ornament or a special stocking can send your head and heart spinning!  A silly song, Grandma's secret recipe, candlelight services - the list is endless!

Let's love and support each other this CHRISTmas!  What is a unique tradition you celebrate?  Give us a sneak peek in to your heart this holiday!

"The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."  John 1:14

"Trey Tuesday" - December 6, 2016

I Call You Out!

Remember that silly phrase from days gone by?  For those of you new on the scene, those words were an invitation to a fight!

So....do you want to fight?  "No," you say?!  "Fighting is bad!"  Well, God gives us many scenarios of fighting in the Bible.  Some are bad, but some are good!

Our dad is currently in the hospital (again) fighting one complication after another.  His 96 year old aunt confidently reminds us, "Your dad just needs to keep fighting."  Hmmm....no, not arguing, not bullying, not whining, and not belittling anyone.  But yes, he needs to fight infection, fear, blood pressure, oxygen levels, etc.

Trey was a fighter - but he never knew it!  He was the silliest, happiest, most carefree "sick" child you could ever meet!  Yet he fought.

God tells us to "fight the good fight." I Timothy 6:12  When life gets hard, or messy, or scary, or overwhelming....fight.  Whether the struggle comes from inside or outside...fight.  Fight the good fight of faith that declares that God's purpose, provision, and power are greater and longer lasting than anything this world can offer.