Roiling Water/Calm Water

The Sea of Galilee was roiling with storm.

"But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary" Matthew 14:16.

The men couldn't gain any headway, it was dark, and they were tired and wet. A form approaches through the storm. Understandably, they're scared. The lake has a total area of 166.7 km² (64.4 sq mi) at its fullest, and a maximum depth of approximately 43 m (141 feet). *  No man can walk across the waves of Galilee, let alone in a terrible storm! Impossible!
 
But, Peter, our brave sailor, who certainly knows no man can walk on water--seeing the miracle of Jesus walking on the waves, asks to walk to Him!


"So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus" Matthew 14:29.

With God's approval that they were in the storm in the middle of the lake, Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the water!

In another place, the disciples were on the Sea of Galilee in calm, shallow water, yet in opposition with God.

"After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias"cf John 21:1.

His previous instructions were "go to the other side", here Jesus tells the disciples to wait. (Matthew 28:10) They went fishing instead of watching, and Jesus arrived just as unexpectedly as He had in the storm. As soon as Jesus revealed Himself through a miracle catch of fish, Peter again gets out of the boat and goes to Jesus.

"Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment..., and plunged into the sea" cf John 21:7.

(The next verse explains they were only about 300 feet from shore.)

In the storm nothing was wrong. Jesus had told them to go out there. They're in God's will and yet in deep water. Peter got out of the boat to go to Jesus. When they're in calm, shallow water, yet out of God's will, Peter swims to shore, to Jesus.

Do you know what water you're in? How did you come to be there? By God's direction or your own initiative?

In a storm-tossed, deep sea, have you seen Jesus walking by you?

Or, have you gone fishing in the pretty lake contrary to Jesus' orders?

• Either way, do you know you can get out of the boat and go to Jesus?

•  Step from the first boat in the storm because you trust Jesus. 

• Step from the second boat for Jesus' loving restoration.

 * Ask.com

The Joy of Handmade Christmas Ornaments

There are millions of selections of decorations for your Christmas tree and surrounding décor but what about making your ornaments for next year. By simple internet search, you can find simple or elaborate patterns for many items with which to decorate. or go to a craft store for instruction books. Or just get creative and have fun! The possibilities are endless!

• Tinfoil stars twinkling in the light.

•   Shiny foil snowflakes gently turning sending myriads of sparklers around the room.
• Colorful paper or felt crafts dangling merrily from branches.
• Pipe cleaners, empty paper rolls, scraps of Christmas wrap and glitter all fashioned into Holiday Happiness by yours, and the hands of your children.
• Popcorn, Cranberries, Apple slices, twists of Holly leaves, and Beads, all strung into festive garlands to wrap around a tree hung with homemade Reindeer, Santas, Nutcrackers, Bulbs, Hats, Mittens, Sleighs, Globes, Animals, Doodads, Doohickeys and Thing-a-ma-jigs, Nativities, Magi, and Baby Jesus, all with love and care.

Among the reasons for homemade decor is the wealth of quality family strength, emotion and togetherness. The tree is usually the central focus of Christmas. It is where the most fun happens. The cameras come out to record the moments as paper flies in all directions. Faces light up and laughter peels throughout the house. Children of any age get involved with the joy of giving and receiving. It’s the best family gathering for anyone.

There is another Family involved in Christmas: God the Father sending His Son Jesus into the world as His gift. The first Family and the First Gift.

There is another Christmas Tree: the Cross. Jesus came for only that purpose. Jesus came only to that destiny.

        He did not come to be a Good Teacher. 

They Missed Christmas

They Missed Christmas

   The innkeeper missed Christmas. He turned away a woman heavy with child because she and her husband could not pay enough for him to bother to oust another paying guest.

   The guests of the inn missed Christmas. Not one of them took pity on the woman to give up their room for her comfort.

   The town of Bethlehem missed Christmas. When the shepherds came into the city seeking the wondrous thing proclaimed by the angels, no one ventured to search out why they were excited.

   Months later, the Priests and Scribes missed Christmas.

An entourage of men, Astrologers from another country, came because of a new star that had appeared. They knew the prophecy that this new star announced the birth of the King of the Jews. When questioned by Herod about what these travelers were talking about, the Priests and Scribes answered correctly that the King would be born in Bethlehem. Nevertheless, they never went to see for themselves.

   Herod missed Christmas. He believed the Travelers about the new King and out of jealousy, he tried to kill the baby to get rid of the threat to his reign.

   Many people on December 25 will miss Christmas. Millions will have parties; laugh and exchange gifts but they will miss the real gift of Christmas.

  

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulders. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son and whoever believes on Him will not die but have eternal life.

John 3:16

Let us not miss Christmas.

Early Detection for Breast Cancer is Desired

Mammography exams are not fun. But they are necessary and very helpful.

In 2004, I had my regularly scheduled exam which is recommended routine annually for woman over 40. I wasn't expecting anything new--who does. Then the hospital called and wanted me to come in for further testing.

Oh Oh.

So I went in the next day for further screening and yes, there was a lump. So from there it was dates with Doctors, new exams, stress test, blood tests, all the pre-surgery formats the Doctors and patients have to go through.

From the time I was diagnosed until the surgery was about one month. A small pebble-sized offense was removed with about two inches of the flesh of my left breast. Because it was near the center of my breast meant my scar was approximately six inches  Thankfully, the lump was benign and I needed no other treatment.

I had many friends interceding to God on my behalf. I do not know why God had me go through that, but I was able to trust Him as I traveled through it.

 "Your eyes saw my substance being yet unformed. And in Your book they were written, The days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them" Psalm 139:16

I am grateful for His kindness and the prayers of my church family.

Cancer is a bad disease. I know many men and women suffer with serious cancer. Maybe God wanted me to be able to commiserate with the cancer patients on my prayer list.

I recommend getting an annual mammogram. The technology has improved and early detection is desired. And maybe yours will also be benign as well. I do sincerely hope so.

# # # #

 The Breast Cancer Society is very helpful to people with cancer or undergoing treatments. Clicking the link will take you to their website.

(I do not have any affiliation with the Breast Cancer Society)

Handling Holiday Depression

This is an article from my files from when I wrote for the Somerset Times Weekly. (2008-2012) I feel it is still relevant.

  Emotions can either rise because of the Christmas season or close in on a person who feels unloved or put upon by others. Studies show that four to six percent of Americans suffer post-Christmas depression. Many of these people are isolated from family and friends, not necessarily by social distress but by choice. Many sufferers begin getting depressed before the holiday and slowly begin the isolation process, overwhelmed by the stress of shopping and resentment of pressure from what to give to who gets what. This makes the person close in on him or herself and seek to be alone, wanting the noise, and bustle to be over so their lives can get back to normal routine. Some people feel pressured by the Christmas Carols played extensively in stores and public PA systems. The songs meant for joy and festive ambiance heightening the emotional stress. These feelings can become dangerously extreme by the New Year.

  People who have lost loved ones during the year feel the loss more because they don’t have that person in their lives to enjoy the gift exchange, food, or parties. The void is sometimes impossible to fill even through many years. Facing the New Year can be tough for those living with such a loss.