THINK+++

I really enjoy the visual perfectness of Christmas. Here in Manitoba we can have the softly floating snowflakes amidst the houses with Christmas lights, the sparkling snow, the evergreen trees laden with snow, the cheery fires, the prettily wrapped gifts, the frosty puffs of breath, and so on. It can be Christmas card perfect. I could sit for hours and enjoy the beauty.

Christ took on Himself no pretentions or pride but came in a lowly way to this earth. He came to heal the lonely, the broken, the down. He came for those in need of a saviour. I am so glad He stooped low enough so that He could enter my heart and be part of my life, despite my constant failings.

We often hear Christmas songs during this season and they are beautiful. The Bible says the angels sang to the shepherds long ago in the hills of Judea. I wonder how that would compare to the singing we hear. I wonder if in heaven they sing Christmas songs in this season? I can hardly imagine they would ignore Christmas there. I want to someday hear those songs sung by angels.

I am thankful that Christmas is about giving, not receiving. I tend to forget that and think about myself but I have made a commitment to give and be cheerful about it this Christmas. I believe this is part of the path to happiness.

There are many things to be thankful for at Christmas and I would like to focus on them over the next few days. One of the big things is family. I am thankful for my family, my wife, my children, my siblings, my parents, cousins, grandparents, nieces, nephews, etc. I am also thankful that Christmas brings families together and they can have a meal together. I would like to quote a part of a poem I have heard. When you and I, and all of us; smile, shake hands, say peace; then the world becomes a better place. May you and I follow this positive path this Christmas.

Have you ever been astonished at God? Has He ever surprised you and you had to think “God loves me that much that He would do this for me”? Maybe it’s a song or verse that suddenly pops into your mind when you are feeling blue and totally changes your emotions. Does God have a sense of humor? May you remember to thank the Lord for His care for you.

Sometimes we get frustrated with our children. Sometimes it is even beyond frustration. I am glad, though, that I am hurt as are they when I am impatient. I am happy to say that love for them is not hard, it comes bubbling up after I deal with my problems. Many times I focus on how I have failed again but today I want to be thankful for that love that is there and especially that it is a constant. If you are tempted to blame your children for not being who you want them to be may you beg God for more love.

Why are our eyes drawn to fire? What is it about flames that causes us to watch? I am not sure I understand but I believe it has an emotional response inside of us and to watch a fire can bring us cheer.

Our daughter broke a small gadget while we were visiting at a friend’s house. As parents, we found out just as we were to leave. My wife then took our daughter back in to apologize. I am not wanting to flaunt our child training skills (we are just as terrible at it as you) but I want to bring out two positive things. First of all, our daughter was relieved and could rest with an easy conscience. Secondly, our friends respected the apology and respected what we were trying to teach our daughter which made it a very positive experience for her. May you try your best at whatever you are doing (child-training) and spend some time each day focusing on your good accomplishments instead of your failures. I also hope the people around you are understanding and supportive.

I love reading the stories of Jesus and the miracles He performed. I also love to hear the simple stories of children’s prayers being answered. Have you heard these stories or experienced them? God specializes in the impossible and He loves to perform miracles. It is said that there are three answers to prayer: yes, no, and wait. I want to thank God for being a God who is more powerful than impossible. 

How do thoughts of good break through the dark thoughts? Do you fight with depression, fears, doubts, stress? Is it close to despair? Please find someone who cares and tell them your thoughts. It is said that darkness or blackness is the absence of light, so can we dispel the gloomy thoughts by having one good thought, which then shines and lights up the dark? And for the light to keep shining do we not just need to have one positive thought after another? It sounds simpler then it is but before you get discouraged and say “It won’t work”, give it an honest effort!!

We are having a storm today, blowing snow and windy. It is nice to have a warm house with lights, safety, and food to shelter in. I want to be thankful for the gifts in life I have been given. It can be so much the same when we face emotional or spiritual storms; God wants to be our shelter and refuge. If today I can visualize the safety of a  warm house maybe when I face an inner storm I can also visualize God protecting me.

Do you notice the desire in your life for God? A wanting more of Him? When was the last time you noticed this hunger? I am so thankful that today I can say I desire more of God in my life and I am also thankful that I took notice of the desire because it helps me think positive.

Sometimes doors are closed to us such as a jobs lost, spouse dies, vacation plans do not work out, etc. I am not sure about you but I spend a lot of time thinking about the closed doors in my life. I want that to change, I want to think positively. What has happened to you lately that is positive? Can you remember to be thankful about that?

I am currently working at going to visit an old acquaintance who is currently serving a prison sentence. I am thankful I am free and not living in a cell. This does not mean I am better or that I have made better choices, it is of the Lord’s mercies that I am not living my friend’s life. However, anyone can be free as in a having a free spirit and sometimes it is a simple as choosing to think the right thoughts and not thoughts of darkness.