Christian Paradigm Shifts

Next Sunday begins the season to remember that a Child is born to us and that a Son is given. A time to reflect on all that God has done for us by sending His Son to take on flesh and dwell among us. He is our Redeemer, Savior and Lord.     There are many ways to prepare for the season. One is to set up an Advent wreath like the one pictured. The candles have various significance as follows:   First Candle: Color: Purple Theme: Hope First Sunday in Advent   Second Candle" Color: Purple Theme: Love Second Sunday in Advent   Third Candle: Color:Pink Theme: Joy Third Sunday in Advent Fourth Candle: Color: Purple Theme: Peace Fourth Sunday in Advent Optional Center Candle: Color: White Theme: Christmas Christmas Day Other ways to prepare are reading devotionals to keep one's thoughts focused on Jesus the real reason for the season. Here are a few recommendations: This is a devotional by Paula Whidden. It   includes short reading...

Photo Credit I cam across this great idea from the blogger over at Walking in High Cotton . Fro everyday in November, I’ll be listing one thing that I’m grateful for over in the sidebar. I'll try to keep a running list for the whole month of November. If you are not a blogger than Tweet, Facebook, or Pin your blessings each day as well. What are you thankful for today?  

I have recently been having green tea. I use the tea pictured. I have it 2-3 times per day. Due to its antioxidant properties, it has been beneficial to me while getting over the symptoms of a viral ear infection. I highly recommend it for those feeling under the weather. Each day seems to be better. It is a slow and steady process. I am motivated and active to get better. I appreciate all the support from family and friends. The Lord is my strength. By Him I will overcome. I put my trust in Him and rely on Him to see me through. Have a blessed and wonderful day!

Greg Olsen The story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman has always fascinated me. It is one of my favorite Bible passages. It fascinates me for several reasons.   Jesus met this woman where she was. (John 4:6). He will meet us where we are, too. Jesus was a Jewish rabbi who was not supposed to speak with a Samaritan, let alone a woman (v.9). Jesus is a friend of sinners who will speak to us and call us to Himself. As women, we can trust that he wants us to know Him. He wants us to know theology.   Jesus met her need for salvation (v. 10-15). He will save us when we call upon Him.   Jesus knew "all about" this woman (v.17-18). He knows all about us as well. There is nothing hidden from his sight (Hebrews 4:13). If we have repented and put our trust in God this should not make us fear. It should comfort us. We serve a God who notices us and cares for us through all of life's joys and trials.   Jesus answered her questions about wo...

www.sdwsc.com Yesterday I attended a teaching seminar. One of the speakers was Elisa Morgan, former president of  MOPS and currently editor of the online magazine for women called Fulfill. The seminar was based on her book, "She Did What She Could" based on Mark 14:1-8 After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death . But they said , Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people. And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat , there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said , Why was this waste of the ointment made ?   For it might have been sold for more than three hundred p...

Dear Blog Readers, Many of you know that I have not been feeling well since August. I have only recently begun to get back into the swing of things. At the beginning of the month of August I had the feeling of a stuffed up ear and difficulty hearing. I went to my doctor's office twice within a week. I finally saw an ENT ten days after my problem began. Diagnosis - sudden hearing loss with vestibular neuritis. Some of my hearing has returned. My balance is getting better each day. Needless to say, the recovery for my condition has been long. Hopefully, I am coming to the end of the recovery time which is estimated to be three months. I covet your prayers as I continue to heal. Please pray for continued hearing restoration, balance improvement, and the tinnitus to go away. I look forward to blogging on a regular basis. I trust in the Lord and I do not lean on my own understanding. I acknowledge him and he will direct my paths. While this has not been a bowl o...