Only a Baby?

Only a baby? Who would have thought that one so small
Could matter to this world?
Who else would have planned the least detail;
The perfect answer to the dying human race?
Who would care so much and give and give?
Who would dare so much that we might live?
Who would, who would?

Only a baby? Who could bring wise men to their knees?
Who else could have offered sin's antidote;
The solution to the sin-sick soul?
Who would be willing to come in such humble state,
Endure the shame, the pain, the hate?

Who could bridge the chasm over yawning death,
Be the way, the vine, the Shepherd too?
Who was born a King, yet had no throne?
Who could be the broken bread, the offered Lamb?
Who could defeat the enemy by His blood alone?
Who could? Who could?

Long ago before the world was formed,
The Father asked His Son to go to earth
To become an infant, only a baby,
To enter flesh, to experience human birth,
And He did all of this because He wanted to!

Fulfilling prophecies of the suffering servant,
The baby grew up and was crucified.
But, don't forget the rest of the story,
More prophecies are yet to come true
He's coming again, this time in glory.
I am excited, how about you?
Maranatha! Doma 12/2009

Advent Awakening

People are decidedly testy this year. Other Christmases the spirit of generosity and kindness came out in the way folks behaved in long lines at the stores. Not so this year!
Short tempers, rudeness, and a general spirit of "Get this Christmas over already!" That is what I have sensed in the people around me.

Could it be that we are tired of buying gifts no one really needs. Or do we feel compelled to buy something expensive for people because they expect it? Or could it be we are stressed from spending too much on things that are the latest and greatest fad, but we know will just sit around after January and be unused? Are there too many people on the list and not enough money to buy things that will satisfy them? Or so we think.

I guess I am getting a little crabby too. I now recognize that the great grandkids are old enough to want a present under the tree too. There are seven of them, and twelve grandkids, three with spouses and of course there are three sons, three daughters-in law, and a husband who has everything and needs nothing. What do my people really want and need? I can start with giving them my thoughts and attention.

To give them my earnest attention, I have decided to change what I have been doing. I am praying about what I will be giving this year. It is going to be very simple, and not cheap, but of reasonable price. I am making things, thinking carefully and praying, as I said. I must remember this is the birthday of the King, Jesus Christ. I believe I will start with Him and how to honor His birthday and go from there. Does that help you? It does help me. I will bake a Jesus' birthday cake, give lots of hugs and kisses to the ones I love. I will also eat, laugh and pray.I am investing time and thought. No price can be put on that. Want to join me in this rebellion? Doma

Snowflake Message

Snowflakes swirl like mini-tornadoes,
Spin, grow dizzy, then fall down.
Wind whistles softly like a wanderer,
Then it wails as one longing to be found.
Layer upon layer, whitest white,
Snow drifts form, declaring winter’s might.
_____________________
Snug and warm I watch and wonder
About each flake and how it’s shaped
Each one different, yet containing
Six pointed figures delicate as lace
_______________________
If I grab one it will be gone;
A momentary work of art.
Why would God take time to make it?
It’s a gift straight from His heart.
Beauty tells of God’s great glory,
But the message may be lost.
Life that’s written in His writing,
Tells of beauty and great cost.
___________________
Snow is falling like a curtain,
Blurring all the things we see
God is calling in each snow flake
“You are precious, made for me.” Doma

The Timing of Answers to Prayer

In past posts, I have examined prayer. I try to stay close to scripture when it comes to knowing how to pray, but there are patterns of God's response I cannot deny. For example, I have found that God's answer comes when that answer will bless the most people.

For 18 years I prayed for a loved one to recover from an addiction. Daily struggles we experienced were like being in a deep, dark valley with no way out. During the intervening years between the prayers and the answer, I did not give up, even though I was challenged on the right and left to just walk away. Now, I know my Irish stubbornness was not the main reason I was able to persist. God gave His precious gift of faith and I studied the scriptures. I read how we are encouraged to persevere in prayer. I also listened to Bible teachers and one of them said, "As long as there is life, there's hope." How true that is!

On the day my prayer was answered, it took me by surprise. All those years! All those prayers! Here I was, open-mouthed in awe, totally surprised by God's amazing answer. The timing was perfect. My dear one was healed, our family was blessed, extended family and friends were touched. We felt like a showcase of God's grace because we were and still are.

So, I am saying to you to trust in God's timing to answer your prayers. I like the scripture from Hosea 2:15b that says, "...(I) will make the valley of 'trouble' a door of hope." That hope in times of trouble is Christ and trust in His love. Never stop believing He is able and willing to answer your prayers. Please remember with me that you and I bear a deep responsibility when we pray. We must be sure to check our motives, make sure we are being obedient to Him and are dealing with any sin in our lives.

You've maybe heard there are three possible answers to prayer: Yes, no, and wait awhile. Every answer is perfect for you and timed impeccably. God will do no less. Doma