The Reason For The Season (by Carolyn Marshall)

“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. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD almighty will accomplish this.”

Isaiah 9:6-7



There are many scriptures throughout the Bible, in both the old and new testaments, that tell of the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ. No matter what the scripture, the message is always one of hope, joy, peace, love … salvation. But the message isn’t just about the birth of a baby in a manger. It begins there, but is hardly the whole story. For without the birth of the baby Jesus and His life here on earth, there would be no crucifixion and death on the cross. Without the crucifixion and death on the cross, there would be no burial and resurrection. Without the resurrection, there would be no redemption for us and no salvation. And without redemption and salvation, there would be no life everlasting with God and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

So, this December 25 (the day we have chosen to celebrate Christmas), remember the whole story of why this birth was (is) so special. And after that day has passed and all the trees, ornaments, and gifts have been put away, remember that the most important gift of all, the one from heaven above, can be enjoyed and celebrated 365 days a year. Don’t tuck it away in a box somewhere not to be pulled out again until next December comes around. Keep it open in view of all. It was meant to be shared with everyone.

God bless each and every one of you as you celebrate Jesus!

The Reason For The Season

Christmas is a season filled with laughter and good cheer,

A time to visit family and friends that we hold dear.

Trinkets dress our tree and pretty tinsel makes it bright.

An angel placed on top will keep us safe throughout the night.

The children are so happy that the day is almost here

To see what Santa brings them dressed in red and long white beard.

Excitement fills the air, and almost everywhere you go,

You’ll see the celebration with the houses all aglow.

But let us not forget on Christmas day so long ago

A child was born in Bethlehem and wrapped in swaddling clothes.

His bed was in a stable, just a manger made with hay.

And one bright star up in the East would help to lead the way.

Three wise men and some shepherds heard the news and left that night.

With gifts in hand they traveled far to see the Holy Light.

This baby boy was Jesus, sent to us from God above.

His only child, from virgin birth, would live with perfect love.

The reason for the season is the best gift God could give.

He loved the world so much He gave His son so we could live.

A gift of life eternal with the Father and the Son.

The reason for the season is the gift of God’s pure love.

Carolyn Marshall

© 12/16/04

Cuddle Up With Jesus (by Carolyn Marshall)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

(Matthew 11:28-30)



(Circulated via email - Photographer Unknown)

Have you ever wanted to just run away, to leave the world behind, to crawl up in the lap of Jesus and cuddle with Him? This picture is a beautiful reminder of how simple it is to do.  How wonderful it would be to sit there and lay our head on His shoulder. We wouldn’t need to say a word as Jesus wrapped His arms around us. We would feel His love in those intimate moments with Him. Without speaking, He would let us know just how much He loves us and that every tiny detail of our lives is under His control. How awesome is that!

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites all of us who are weary or burdened to come to Him and He will give us rest - body, mind and soul. We should all follow the example of this trusting dog and seek comfort in the lap of Jesus. Oh, and by the way … the breed of the dog is a German “Shepherd”!

Invitation To The Thirsty (by Margaret Duran)

“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. 'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the Lord. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and receive the purpose for which I sent it.'” (Isaiah 55:6-11)

© 2010 Carolyn Marshall, Living Life Photography

This scripture reminds us that God can bring forth beauty and grace where evil once flourished and turn sarcasm to gentle words. Where lust grew rampant and unrestrained, pure love can spring up. There is a thirst built within us that nothing in this world can satisfy. God did that purposely so that we would want to love and worship Him. He wants a relationship with us and, until that thirst for God has been satisfied, we can never be content or at peace with anything. It doesn’t matter what choices we make to satisfy that thirst, it cannot be until we turn our heart and mind over to God in worship and praise for who He is.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)

Prayer In Secret (by Margaret Duran)

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Matthew 6:5-8 (NIV)

© 2010 Carolyn Marshall, Living Life Photography

Years ago, as a very immature, disobedient child of God, I would pray for all the things I wanted (more than what I needed). But, as we mature, we learn to pray for others and their needs. It is such a joy when we see those prayers answered. I also learned that as I prayed for others I received the blessing as well. All my needs are met, and I am being abundantly blessed spiritually. This is the wonderful joy of intercession on behalf of your family, friends and those you come in contact with daily.

The Father does know all that we have need of, and when our hearts are turned to the needs of others, He truly blesses us even more. I feel very comfortable with simply talking to Jesus as I would talk to a very dear, close, intimate friend. He is truly all of these and more. Practice makes perfect. The more we pray, the more comfortable it becomes, until we can just pour out our soul to Him with all the love in our hearts. That's when answers come from the Father. "… The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16 (NIV)

TEACH ME HOW TO PRAY

Teach me how to pray, Lord,

For I want to know Your way.

Draw me closer to You,

Be my guide for each new day.

Show me who is needy

Of a kind and gentle hand.

Let me be Your water

On this dry and desert land.

Fill me with compassion

For the hurt and lonely heart.

Fan the flame inside me

So Your light can pierce the dark.

Bless me with Your Spirit,

When I don’t know what to say.

Guide me as I witness,

So the lost can find the Way.

(© 7/12/10 Carolyn L. Marshall)

May you truly be blessed and find peace as you talk with our Heavenly Father in your quiet time today and always.



I Love You -- God (By Carolyn Marshall)

What a wonderful assurance it is that we have in these words from our heavenly Father, “I love you!” It doesn’t matter what we’ve done, from where we come, or what we look like. He loves us just because … He does! That’s who He is. All He ever asks of us is our love.

If you know the Lord as your personal Savior, you live with His love in your heart and feel His presence. If you don’t know Him (or you aren’t sure), you can know today without a shadow of a doubt. God loves us so much that He made it very simple for us to have this peace beyond all understanding. Do you want to Know Jesus and how you can receive this wonderful, free gift? Follow the step-by-step, simple "Plan of Salvation" by clicking on the tab “Know Jesus?” above. God knew us before we were even born, and He made it easy for us to know Him. Just take God at His word, and He will help you live a victorious Christian life!

Whether you know Him, want to know Him or you just aren’t sure, please watch this video below, I Love You – God. Whatever the state of your heart, I know you will be blessed and encouraged by the message.

Israel - A Corrupt Generation (by Margaret Duran)

Moses is speaking about the Israelites in the following verses, but it applies to us today.

"Listen, O heavens, and I will speak; hear O earth, the words of my mouth. Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants. I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. They have acted corruptly toward him; to their shame they are no longer his children, but a warped and crooked generation. Is this the way you repay the Lord, O foolish and unwise people? Is he not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you?" Deuteronomy 32:1-6 (NIV)

© 2010 Carolyn Marshall, Living Life Photography

The meaning is very clear. We are guilty of the same sins as were the Israelites. We are absorbed with the things in this world with no conscience of any wrong doings. But we must wake up and face our sin and repent, for we want to be ready when Jesus comes for us.

We are truly a corrupt generation. We sin each day and fall short of what God would have us to be. Can we change ourselves? No. But, through the power of the Holy Spirit and our surrendered will, He can change us and keep us in the will of God. This doesn't mean that we will never sin again. But the Holy Spirit will be there to help us recognize the temptation and, through Him, we can resist it.

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

I was given a business card that said "Put God in the center and everything will come together." I have found that to be so very true.

The 7 "Ups" of Life (by Carolyn Marshall)

I know most of us find the tons of junk email we get everyday a little annoying. Many avoid it by having it immediately sent to trash mail "Never Neverland". I am one of the few who love to get it. It’s easy to tell pretty quickly what is real junk; but, occasionally, you find jewels among the garbage. Sometimes, you will find a poem, video, or inspirational message that makes your heart smile, and you just have to pass it on. Here’s one that has been around awhile, but is good advice for anyone to have a great day.

© 2010 Carolyn Marshall, Living Life Photography

 

The 7 "Ups" of Life

1.  Wake Up

Decide to have a good day.

"Today is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Psalm 118:24

2.  Dress Up

The best way to dress up is to put on a smile.

A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man

looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7

3.  Shut Up

Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one

mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking.

"He who guards his lips guards his life, but he

who speaks rashly will come to ruin." Proverbs 13:3

"Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise."

Proverbs 19:20

4.  Stand Up

… for what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap

a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..."

Galatians 6:9-10

5.  Look Up

… to the Lord.

 “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

6.  Reach Up

… for something higher. Always try to better yourself. Have FAITH.

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

7.  Lift Up

… your prayers.

"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.

Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done." Philippians 4:6

(AUTHOR UNKNOWN)

My prayer for all of you today is that you feel the power of change that these 7 "Ups" can make, and that God bless you with a new perspective in your life.

In The Center Of His Will (by Margaret Duran)

“If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth. There is nothing false about him.” John 7:17-18 (NIV)

© 2010 Carolyn Marshall, Living Life Photography

Now, I would say that doing God's will and being in the center of His will is most important if we want to be successful in our walk with Jesus. If we are not in the center of His will, we miss His plan for our lives completely. Many times, our will fights against His will because we are not totally surrendered. This takes time. As we grow in His grace, little by little, and as we place our dependence on Him, we relinquish our will over to Jesus. Then we experience freedom, joy and peace and the knowledge that whatever happens will definitely be for our good.

If you have made a mess of your life, as did I, you would be happy to give your will over to Him. As a matter of fact, I begged Him to take it from me. All authority is His, and I allow Him total control. Many have said, “Well, God gave you a brain to use, so use it.” Yes, thank God, He gave us a brain to know where all wisdom lies, but will we recognize that? I have found that when I am in the center of His will, I am the happiest.