My Christmas List

Dear Santa,


I am writing you early in hopes that you will receive my letter in plenty of time before your trip.
You may not remember me, the little German girl in a knitted shawl and cap, blonde hair and a couple of missing teeth. I wrote in crooked letters back then, learning my alphabet. That was about 50 years ago.
I wanted a doll, some chocolate candy, and some new mittens to keep my hands warm during the cold winters in Germany. I remember the oranges that I received, wrapped in delicate tissue paper. Oranges were rare in winter and we only had them at Christmastime.


Before I make out my list I want to thank you for the presents I received last year. The robe keeps me warm and cozy and fits perfectly. I love my fuzzy slippers! I loved my gift card to the book store. The kitchen gadgets come in handy. I truly appreciated all the pretty and thoughtful gifts I received.


I'm keeping my Christmas list simple this year. Christmas is about the kids, so don't run yourself ragged over a middle-aged woman who has everything she needs. Please, no new kitchen appliances to clutter up my already crowded cabinets. Come to think of it, I don't really need a new waffle iron. And, please, no more lotions, bath oils, or spray colognes. I am highly sensitive and besides, I already have enough lotions to satisfy the moisturizing needs of an entire nursing home!


Christmas is about the children. Please fill their stockings with a home full of love. Bring them lots of smiles and presents of overflowing joy. Give them hugs and kisses and stories to read. Bring them lots of goodies, too. And of course, honor their little lists of toys and games and dolls, but also teach them that it is good to give, as well as receive.


What I really want for Christmas is for children and adults to believe. Believe in good things, believe in the impossible, believe in hope and love. There are gifts we can give to one another that don't have to be wrapped and tied with pretty ribbons. The gift of love. The gift of forgiveness. The gift of understanding. The gift of hope. The gift of encouragement. The gift of friendship. Practical gifts wear out and break down, but the gifts of the heart are eternal. And most of all, the gift of the baby Jesus should not be forgotten amidst the tinsel and strings of lights.

Sincerely,
Anita

Letter From God

(I wrote this a few years ago for my 5th Grade Sunday School class at the time.)


Dear Beloved,

Do you know how much I love you? I have loved you since before you were born. I loved you when I formed you in the womb of your mother.

I love you so much that I will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, my child, for I am always with you. My love for you endures forever.

Do not lose heart if I rebuke you, because I love you as my child and what father does not discipline the son he loves?

Remember, I am love. And if you live in love you will live in me and I in you. You do not need to be fearful, because perfect love will take away your fear.

So love one another, my child, just as I love you. Love your neighbor as yourself. And if you love me, also love your brother.

And because I love you so much I sent my one and only Son, that if you believe in me, you will not perish, but have eternal life.

Love, God

Thought for the Day

A friend shared this with me and I just had to post it on my blog.

 I am not perfect

but Jesus

thinks I am

to die for

Blessings,

"This Much"

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV)
My daughter plays a game with her little girl. “How much do you love Mommy?” Carrie asks her little daughter.  My grandchild will spread her arms out wide and reply, “This much.” “How much do you love Daddy?” my daughter asks, continuing the game. “This much,” is the enthusiastic answer from Erika.

This little game reminds me of how much God also loved us “this much.” He loved us so much “that he gave us his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.’

Somebody

Once there was a man called Nobody. He had been a Nobody all his life. By the time he grew to be a young man he felt that there was little purpose in his life because he was a Nobody. He could not find happiness in relationships because Nobody would make a lasting commitment. He drifted from job to job because Nobody ever felt satisfied with anything he started. Frankly, he was sick and tired of being a Nobody.

Then one day he met Somebody. Somebody who just wanted to be his friend, Somebody who promised to change his life. Nobody was skeptical at first. After all, he had experienced his share of broken promises and failed friendships. Besides, he was a Nobody. What would Somebody want with him? But Somebody persisted. When Nobody was home, Somebody came by to check on him. When he was at work, he could feel Somebody's presence. Gradually Nobody became convinced that Somebody was different. Here was Somebody who cared. Soon, Somebody talked him into going to church. And Somebody was always there, waiting on Nobody. Somebody loved him just as he was. Somebody was right. His life did change the day he met Somebody.

Do you know Somebody?

Blessings:)

(c) Anita M. Ashworth 2000

The Lord is My Shepherd

I've been thinking of starting a blog for some time and I had the title picked out almost immediately. My faith has been continuously tested this past year, and it was only when I rested in God's Word, that I felt a calming and peaceful feeling.

"Beside the still waters",

from the 23rd Psalm has been my refuge.



I believe that we are all on a spiritual journey, but we ignore the 'caution' signs along the way. We take the forbidden detours and then crawl back to God, dragging our broken spirits/bodies/dreams behind us, begging for forgiveness and a second chance.

But God will wipe away our tears and listen to our heartaches. And he'll want us to learn from our mistakes and not repeat them.



Wishing you a safe journey.