Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

Every Day Love and the Dining Room Table

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John 15:12-13 “This is my commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this that one lay down his life for his friends.”

“Mother, don’t hate me! Love, NS.” 

This note greeted me at the kitchen door on Wednesday evening after work. “Hate you? Why would I ever hate my son?” I thought. 

I entered the kitchen and looked into the dining room. Suddenly, I understood the reason for his note.

For four months our house had been complete bedlam. Our unplanned kitchen remodel caused by a burst pipe overwhelmed the whole downstairs. Layers of dirt and dust coated the furniture for weeks and all the kitchen items had taken up residence in the living room, the downstairs bedroom, and on the dining room table. All winter our living space was sparse and we survived by clearing paths and creating a small eating space on the table.

Finally I Could Breathe Again!

But Memorial Day weekend proved to be the end of most things messy. I worked like crazy cleaning and finding homes for all my important kitchen items in the new cabinets. After discarding much unneeded stuff, things were finally in order. Finally I could breathe deeply again – until I got the note!

This is my expression of every day love! Love you, Nate!

This is my expression of every day love! Love you, Nate!

Monday night a tornado passed through our county. Our home survived the storm, but Nathan’s apartment sustained extensive damage. With very little notice he was forced to terminate his lease and move all his belongings out of the rental. He and his two roommates stayed up all night throwing possessions in boxes to empty the apartment as quickly as possible. Now the big things, like furniture, were tucked away in our barn, but everything else again littered the dining room table.

My mouth dropped and my eyes grew large as I surveyed the situation before me. “Not again!” I lamented. But then I thought of Nathan’s note. I certainly didn’t hate him. I loved him!

Jesus’ Command to Love Sacrificially

Jesus commanded his disciples in John 15 to love one another sacrificially. Maybe this was a small example of laying down one’s life for a friend. It isn’t often that one physically dies for another, but every day we encounter opportunities to give up the things we think we need to live – comfort, finances, rest, strength, belongings, and maybe even the dining room table.

Suddenly, a thought came to me. I grabbed my camera, took a picture of the clutter, and sent it to our family group message stating, “This is real love! Love you, Nate!”

I do love my son and I’m so glad he wasn’t hurt in the tornado! If need be I would give my life for him. But today I lay down my comfort and my organized home. Today, I give him the dining room table!!!

Love you, Nate!!

Love,

Mama

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My Shiny New Stove and Its Inner Workings

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1 Chronicles 28:9 “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him he will reject you forever.”

Dear Kids:

My heart dropped as I processed the bad news. After five months of living in a home disrupted by a January frozen pipe disaster, we were finally making headway on the kitchen remodel. The new appliances had arrived and I was excited for another step towards normalcy in our daily routine. But there was a problem! The bright, new, shiny stove fit snugly into its spot, but I couldn’t use it. Unbeknownst to me gas stoves fueled by propane need different parts than ones fueled by natural gas . . . and this stove had not been converted!

The Inner Workings of a Stove Matter

I immediately called the retailer where we had bought the stove to voice my frustration and was met with incredulity. “How could you not know you have propane? Don’t you have a tank in the back of your house?” the merchant scolded. Desperately, I tried to explain that I knew we employed propane fuel. But I had no idea there was any difference in a propane or natural gas stove.  If the outside looked good to me I just pushed a button, opened the door, and slid in the cake! The inner workings made no difference to me. But apparently now I knew they were crucial.

It’s not just the inner workings of gas stoves that are important. The inner character of individuals trumps all that we see on the outside.  Yet, we tend to judge people by the things we can observe without any real idea what is going on inside them. A shy, introverted individual may be judged as haughty or self-absorbed while they are really just timid and uncomfortable in their own skin. On the other hand, a charismatic and outgoing person may be estimated to be trustworthy while their sociable personality just masks a lack of integrity and ethics. It is dangerous to judge people only by their shiny exteriors.

God is Not Fooled By Polished Exteriors

King David gave some wise advise to his son, Solomon. “My Son, serve the Lord with your all your heart and mind, for the Lord knows if you are not genuine. He searches every heart and understands your thoughts and intentions. If you seek Him wholeheartedly you will find Him. But if you reject Him no amount of polished exterior will hide the truth and He will reject you.”

My new range appears quite sharp nestled between our rich cherry cabinets, but for all of its shiny exterior it will be useless until it is converted to be propane safe. I don’t believe I will make this mistake again.

I now know that the inner workings of stoves, like the inner traits of people, are what really matter. While I may not always fully understand the mechanics of either, nothing is hidden from God. He comprehends every thought and intention of the heart and outward trappings never take Him by surprise . . . not even the shiny exterior of a spanking brand new stove!

Love,
Mama

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An Important Equation and How to Find It

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Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

Psalm 119:18 “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law.”

There are just some things that are hard to understand . . . especially when it is late at night! Math is one of those! Sometimes you just need a good night’s sleep in order to comprehend what someone is trying to teach you!

A few weeks ago someone on Facebook asked the question, “How many of you remember late night math sessions with your father?” I was surprised by the heavy response. So, I guess I am not the only one!

How could I forget those torturous evenings of mind-numbing equations and drooping eyelids while Grandpa tried to explain the tedious mechanics of algebra and trigonometry? My brain shut down after nine o’clock and all I really wanted were the answers to finish my voluminous homework assignment so I could fall into bed and sleep. But nevertheless the explanations on the first of many problems droned on, and I struggled to comprehend how and why X could be something different in every problem.

What I really needed was a good night sleep to refresh my brain and allow my eyes to stay open. Then I would have had more ability to understand.

The writer of Psalm 119 apprehended the importance of God’s law. It guarded his decisions and by obeying it he would avert major mistakes in life. By storing it up in his heart he would be kept from sin and find great joy. So, he determined to meditate on God’s precepts and make them his delight.

But even the Psalmist recognized his inability to fully grasp the things of God on his own. Humanly speaking, no one can understand the deeper message without God’s help.

The Apostle Paul makes us aware that the god of this age, Satan, has blinded people to the light of the gospel. The things of this world lull them to sleep. Their eyelids grow heavy and their heads begin to nod, so they miss the significance of an important equation.

God’s Law + Obedience = Delight

But the Psalmist resolved in his heart to cling to God’s way no matter what. And he asked God to open his eyes and give him the ability to see the wondrous truths of the Scriptures. God did just that! Psalm 119 affirms that these testimonies became the writer’s delight and wise counselors.

How about you? Do you find reading the Bible as laborious and confusing as working on algebra late at night? Do you find your head nodding and your mind struggling against a strong desire to get quick answers so you can move forward doing things your own way? Then ask God to open your eyes! If you do, He will surely reveal the wondrous things written in His word. Then you, like the Psalmist, will finally understand and rejoice in the most significant equation of all:

God’s Word + Obedience = Delight

Love,
Mama

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Beware of Negative Consequences of Appeasing Crowds

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Luke 23:23 “But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed.”

Dear Kids:

Photo courtesy of Kenneth N. Taylor

So often it seems that the loudest voices get results. I have noticed it in personal venues, at work, and in the world at large. The people who raise their voices and persistently demand attention often get what they want, but at what cost?

Are You a Demander or an Acquiescer?

Years ago we were having some work done on the house and in the middle of the job the contractor left me in a muddle to do some work for someone else. When after a few days of patiently waiting I asked what the delay was, he told me that the other client had been pestering him about his job. He finally acquiesced and left my job to get the complainer off his back. “Really?” I responded, “So the person who is patient has to wait, while the one who is a jerk gets things done?” My opinion of both people lost some luster.

Unfortunately, many of us fall into this trap. We are either the demanders or the acquiescers. We either angrily force our opinions or demand our way, damaging our reputation. Or we give in when the pressure gets too strong and make a huge concession that we might later regret.

Many years ago a public figure gave in to an angry and persistent crowd. Little did he know that his decision would live in infamy for centuries to come. In the same way the demanders also had no idea what they were really asking for.

Pilate Gives in to the Crowds

The Jewish religious leaders seethed with anger over claims made by Who they thought to be the son of a carpenter. This man claimed to be Israel’s Messiah and the Son of God. Infuriated, the whole assembly of religious leaders dragged Jesus before Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, to voice their accusations. Pilate questioned Jesus, but could find no reason to charge him with a crime and he announced his plan to let him go. The crowds hissed and screamed, demanding their way.

Pilate, thinking he could appease the crowds and get out of this political mess, sent Jesus to Herod, the part-Jewish ruler of Galilee and Perea. But Herod only made a mockery of Jesus and sent him back to Pilate with the same verdict of “not guilty.”

Pilate desperately tried a few more times to convince the crowds of Jesus’ innocence, but the riots got even more out of control. The people screamed louder for Jesus to be crucified. Finally, despite his better judgment, Pilate caved under the pressure and agreed to grant the crowds their demand. Their insistent shouts finally prevailed.

The High Cost of Listening to the Loudest Voices

Did the religious rulers really understand the repercussions of what they were asking? Did Pilate comprehend the gravity of giving in to the crowds? I am not sure, but the loudest voices finally won! They crucified the Son of God on a Roman cross.

Every year, on Good Friday especially, we remember how the crowds of people and religious leaders loudly demanded that Jesus Christ be crucified. We also remember how an important public figure gave way to the loudest voices and went against his convictions.

Today we also have a choice to make. Will we listen to the people screaming all around us, and the media amplifying the views of the world? Or will we recognize Jesus as the Son of God and stand firm to our convictions? Who will prevail, the truth or the loudest voices?

Love,
Mama

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My Blue Jean Dilemma – Finding the Truth in a Deceptive World

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Acts 20:28-30 “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. ” 

Dear Kids:

Sometimes it’s very hard to decipher between right and wrong, good and bad, or true and false. Often circumstances are deceptive, and certain people master the art of deceiving others into thinking they are something they are not. They blend right in with those they imitate and can wreak havoc without anyone really knowing what happened. In fact, discerning who represents truth and who doesn’t is often as hard as recognizing the right blue jeans.

My Blue Jean Dilemma

“MOM, why are you wearing my jeans?” Abigail questioned me the other day.

“These are yours? How can you tell when they all look the same?”

“I just know.”

Ugh!! I have such a hard time telling the difference between all the blue jeans that go through our laundry. They are all the same shade of blue, around the same size, and made by the same manufacturer. A quick glance shows no difference to me – hence why I always put them in the wrong drawers.

The Apostle Paul’s Warning

The Apostle Paul counseled the elders at the church of Ephesus to be on their guard. He knew that look-alikes can often be confusing. He warned that when he departed perverse men would infiltrate the church. These fake leaders would look like leaders, use similar language as the others, and display an authority that would confuse some into believing lies. The results would be devastating and a triumph for Satan. So Paul warned the congregation to stay on the alert.

This same warning rings true for us today. There are many sitting in our churches who seem to fit right in. These parishioners say the right religious words, sing the same spiritual songs, raise their hands in all the right places, and maybe even where the same brand of blue jeans. But they are not who they say they are. When listening to their understanding of God’s plan of salvation they subscribe to a different idea than the Bible puts forth. Maybe they believe that good works will get you to heaven or that God’s love would never send someone to hell. These and other diversions from God’s truth simmer under the surface blending in unnoticed until they eventually find their way into a sympathetic ear and some are drawn away.

Finding the Truth in a Deceptive World

How do we make sure we are not confused?

Paul encouraged the Ephesians to remember all his words and warnings, and exhorted them to seek God’s guidance trusting in His protection. And most importantly Paul insisted they commit to knowing God’s word, allowing it to build them up into all truth. This would be the standard to measure any teachings or words spoken by those around them.

My blue jean dilemma is not of much consequence in the whole scheme of life. If a pair or two of jeans end up in the wrong drawer, life will still go on. But being able to discern the difference between a God-appointed leader and one who is disseminating lies is crucial. It may be the difference between spiritual life and spiritual death for those who are caught unawares.

So make sure you stay alert and evaluate all the teachings you hear. Constantly pray for God’s wisdom and guidance. Set your mind to study the Scriptures intently so you can discern what is truth and what is not. In so doing you will be better able to decipher between right and wrong, good and bad, or true and false teachers . . . even if all of them are wearing the same brand of blue jeans.

Love,

Mama

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Beware of the Danger Caused by Small Breaches

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Psalm 119:1 “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.”

Dear Sons:

I found out the other day how small breaches could result in huge disasters.

It was a mundane Monday evening and Abigail suggested we go out to eat for dinner to cheer things up. I had a gift card to Olive Garden I had been carrying around in my purse for quite some time, so I suggested we put it to use. Abigail met us at the office after play practice, and she, Nathan, Dad, and I piled into the van and headed to Beavercreek.

Discovering a Huge Disaster

We had such a pleasant time lingering over Italian cuisine and good conversation that we hated to leave. After paying the bill the four of us drove back to the office where everyone got into his or her own car to head home. I arrived first and upon opening the door a huge shock met me. A fire hose-like spray of water pulsated from the kitchen ceiling onto the dining table where it splattered to all directions. The water spread throughout the whole room, leaving water everywhere.. There is no telling how long the flow had been gushing out of the burst pipe because when I ran to the basement to shut off the water valve I discovered that it, too, was filled with water.

This began a process over the next seventy-two hours of tearing down the ceiling, pulling up the linoleum, talking with contractors and insurance adjusters, and maneuvering around all the displaced furniture and pieces of our lives. The plumber showed me the tiny fissure in a copper pipe that had caused all the damage. Who would have thought that such a small breach would create such havoc and necessitate big time reconstruction of our kitchen?

Small Things Do Matter

We may be lulled into believing that we shouldn’t sweat the small stuff, but it is true that small things really do matter. Young men, in particular, may succumb to the temptation of a quick glance at some inappropriate images on the computer. But these seemingly small indiscretions have the potential of exploding into a full-blown addiction to pornography.

Others have had their marriages devastated by accepting what they considered harmless “friend requests” on social media. A random text here or there to someone other than your wife can lead to wrong emotional bonding, marital discord, and possibly even divorce. One too many drinks of alcohol, a slip of the tongue, a wandering eye . . . all of these have the potential for devastating results in your witness for Christ, your relationships, and your integrity.

God’s word gives wise advice. “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.” Those who follow God’s instructions and pay attention to even the small things are blessed. Obedience to God and immediate confession of any violation in your thoughts and actions can help you bypass a whole lot of mess and devastation.

The plumbers fixed our pipe, but the mess was already there. We have many weeks of reconstruction ahead, but we can fix the kitchen. The devastation caused by lapses in our thought life and behaviors are not always so easily remedied.

So, my sons, take great strides to keep your thought life and your actions pure. Let our kitchen be your reminder that even the smallest of breaches can cause big disasters. But those whose ways are blameless are blessed.

Love,

Mama

Scams and Other Damaging Deceptions

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Proverbs 4:23 “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.”

I don’t know of anyone who truly loves to be scammed. Even the smallest of deceptions can be annoying. But when it’s something big, real problems can set in.

Recently while preparing for a mother/daughter trip, I searched online for a hotel in which Emily and I could stay for two nights. I quickly located what I thought was the appropriate website, called the number, and proceeded to set up a reservation. Unfortunately, the next day I realized that I needed to change my reservation and called the number back to rearrange things. I was greeted by a voice with an unfamiliar accent and the disturbing news that my reservation was non-refundable.

I tried to explain that I was still going to stay at the hotel but needed to make some minor changes. Again, the voice insisted I could not and my money was forfeited. The conversation escalated and after suggesting my concern that the attendant was not legitimate, I heard a click on the other end of the phone, and my stomach dropped. I could hardly believe I had been foolish enough to be scammed. Conversations with the credit card company and the bank finally resolved things, and thankfully I got my money back. But it was a hard lesson to learn and one which will cause me to be much more careful when purchasing online.

Scams are a great danger in this day and age, but there are other kinds of deceptions that can sneak up on us unawares. When we are not careful we can trick ourselves into believing certain things are okay when they are not. How many times have we been watching a TV show or a movie that contained questionable content, but told ourselves that if we keep watching it will get better? Or rationalized that this particular movie isn’t as bad as some?

What about when someone is sharing a juicy piece of gossip and we convince ourselves that we want to help or maybe pray for the person? Illicit relationships with the opposite sex can be “opportunities” to share the Gospel some may say. Damaging bursts of anger may be considered self-defense in a difficult situation. Over time we become desensitized to these tricks of the mind and our heart becomes calloused to sinful behavior. We begin to believe that everything is okay when it isn’t.

This is the ultimate scam of our enemy, the devil, and why God’s word tells us to watch over our hearts with all diligence. Our whole life – physical, emotional, and spiritual – will be affected by the decisions we make for from our heart flows the wellspring of life.

So take a lesson from me! Everyone is at risk of being deceived! If you do not guard your heart carefully you will very likely face dire consequences . . . consequences that are even greater and more devestating than the ones you will face if deceived by a hotel scam.

Love,

Mama

An Auction Discovery – Bad News Or Good News?

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Numbers 32:23 “But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord, and you may be sure your sins will find you out.”

There are always two perspectives to consider and two sides to every coin, so listen carefully because I have some bad news and some good news.

The bad news is that more often than not our indiscretions are remembered longer than we expect. Yesterday we held an auction containing some interesting primitive antique items. After the sale was over I walked around the Event Center to lock all the doors. While making my rounds a small brown card lying on a chair caught my eye. I stooped to pick it up. It was a reprimand written to a local dairy farmer for failing to comply with dairy regulations. The card was a notice to the farmer that his license for selling milk was being revoked. The year was 1939.

I can only imagine the embarrassment and hardship this brief notice must have created in the life of this farm family. But life goes on, and over time the violation and all it entailed were probably forgotten . . . until last Wednesday! Yesterday the infraction resurfaced, though I am sure the offending farmer never dreamed this small card advertising his oversight would show up again so many years later.

We may be intrigued by this piece of local trivia, but how many of us would like our decisions and actions of today brought to light many years later? Young people often post immature and inappropriate rants and photos on social media, never realizing that those foolish comments may come back to haunt them later. Potential employers and prospective marriage partners (or parents of prospective marriage partners) may judge you based on these indiscreet posts. These things never go away and you can be sure that even those written thoughts you think you’ve hidden will eventually be found out.

But there is some good news. When a person chooses to make wise decisions and do things in an appropriate manner, these will also trickle down to posterity. A stellar example today may become the turning point in the life of someone from a future generation. An act of kindness will make an impression on someone who will be encouraged to follow you example. A wise decision may help establish your future success. People are watching your every move.

So think long and hard before making decisions or acting unwisely: how you handle yourself today may somehow show up at auction eight decades later. And whether that’s bad news or good news depends on you!

Love,

Mama

My Almost Ruined Day

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Ephesians 4:26-27 “Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.”

“Do not let the sun go down on your anger.”

At 9:01 AM he walked in the door and tension, like a biting wind, whooshed in behind him. My empty mug was ready for its morning cup of coffee. He was expecting his check, but I had been out of the office the day before and had not had time to listen to his telephone message. This was not a problem as I could quickly prepare the check, but he was not willing to wait for even a minute.

He shot belittling words my way, and I felt my frame stiffen. “How could I have possibly known he was coming when I had just walked in the door myself?” Bitter words rose to my lips, but I was able to catch them before they escaped. I took a deep breath.

Ignoring the increasing strain I offered him a cup of coffee while he waited and I set about my task. Finally, he stormed out through the door, check in hand. But the tension stayed. My whole day was on the verge of ruin practically before it got started!

Anger is a natural human response to an injustice. Throughout the Bible we read of times when God becomes angry. We are made in the image of God, so it stands to reason that we would experience the emotion of anger also. The difference is that God is always righteous and just. We are not. In our sinful state we often allow this emotional response to go beyond what it should.

In Ephesians 4:26-27 God warns us about the danger of holding onto anger. The Holy Spirit, through the pen of the Apostle Paul, guides us to release our anger before the sun goes down. This may mean having a conversation with someone who has offended us. We may bring our concerns before the Lord in prayer and wrestle for freedom from our indignation and its affects. Not dealing properly with anger provides the devil an opportunity to do us great damage.

My irate client did me an injustice by taking out his frustration on me when it was neither warranted nor necessary. His inconsiderate behavior affected my whole being, both physically and emotionally. But I had a choice to make. By holding onto my anger I would allow him to control the rest of my day. Wild replays of the whole scenario and imagining  smart and sassy retorts would only escalate my emotions and lead to wrong behavior. So I took a deep breath and said a little prayer as I waited for my pulse to slow. “Lord, help me to forgive and move forward with your blessing!”

Suddenly the air lightened. I glanced at the empty coffee mug and a bit of sadness for this impatient man who almost ruined my day replaced my angst. I had a right to be angry, but the sun was still shining and I was called to forgive. Waking from my reverie I calmly turned back to my  tasks at hand, but not before I whispered, “Sorry, Devil! There will be no opportunity for you to win today!”

Love,

Mama

A Post-Christmas Inventory

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Hebrews 13:5 “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.’” 

The Christmas season is over until next year. How are you doing?

Now that we have come through the holiday of giving and getting, it is time to take inventory . . . not of the gifts we received, but of our attitude towards those gifts.

It is always so much fun to think and plan out our surprises for loved ones. Some creative people make their gifts, while others brave the shopping malls or frequent online stores to find the perfect something. Each giver hopes that the receiver will be happy with their gift, but sadly that is not always the case. Soon after the big day is over the stores open again announcing the newest specials, and many make the trip back to return, exchange, or take advantage of the big sales.

While I have no problem with cashing in on a good price, I wonder when enough is enough. Often having more is not better; it’s just more to keep track of. In the book of Hebrews God reminds us to be content with what we have. When we are constantly thinking about the next thing, we can be assured there is a problem in our hearts. The searching and longing for that final thing to satisfy our deepest desires will never be found in a shopping mall or online store.

According to psychologist and author Dr. Henry Cloud, only ten percent of a person’s happiness comes from external things such as Christmas gifts, a bigger salary, or other material things. And even when those things bring us great excitement, it is usually only momentary. The joy they produce will start to fade over time – our new clothes shrink, the expensive toy breaks, and the new technology becomes outdated.

The things that are the most satisfying are good relationships. And God reminds us that we can live in perfect contentment because, despite our circumstances, He will never leave us nor forsake us. His presence will fill us with joy throughout the year and His wisdom, power, and love will meet our deepest needs.

So how are you doing? Has the excitement you had last week when you gave and opened Christmas gifts started to fade? Are you thinking about what else you might want to have? Instead, why don’t you consider the greatest gift you could ever receive: God’s presence. Keep your character free of the love of money and be content with what you have! After all, when the money runs out and all the gadgets have been put into a drawer and forgotten, God will still be there. He will never leave you nor forsake you!

Love,
Mama