Christian Devotionals and Scripture Applied to Everyday Life

Times of waiting are just a part of life. No matter who you are or what you are doing, there will always come a time when something in your life ends and you are forced to wait for something new to start. It is not always a comfortable process, but we would do well to master it. I wish I could be more like our German Shepherd, Cherokee. No, I don’t want to sleep in a cage or smell like she does when she’s been out in the rain. But I would love to have her ability to trust her master.

Recently, I have taken up a new hobby. It is not a hobby I necessarily wanted to adopt; nevertheless, it became necessary. Each autumn, when the temperature becomes colder, I notice evidence of tiny visitors throughout the house. I am not particularly fond of these pesky intruders, but old farmhouses regularly have their share of these pests. Unfortunately, this year there have been more visitors than usual - hence, my new hobby. I have become a trapper and I specialize in mice.

Deck the halls with boughs of holly! It’s that season again - the time when stores, houses, and streets are twinkling with lights, strewn with pine-scented garlands, and bursting with the energy of the Christmas season. That is why I visited Wickline’s Garden Center today. Since I am a little "decoration challenged," I needed some advice on sprucing up the entrance to our office and I was not disappointed. The helpful attendants gave me numerous suggestions and promised to supply all I would need to complete the task. The porch pots sitting by our door will look better than they ever have when I am finished.

The holidays are a time of gathering. Throughout the world families celebrate special events and days together. It can be a time of happiness and a time of sadness as loved ones reflect on the gifts God has given them and the difficulties they have been through. But for those whose eyes are fixed on Jesus Christ the holidays are a time to tighten our grasp on our sure hope of eternal life. Wow! What a week! We worked up until the last minute and waited with anticipation the arrival of family members who celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday with us. We ate. We laughed. We stayed up late watching movies. We talked. We held our newest family member, cousin Verity. We played games. We ice skated. We raked leaves. We enjoyed. Yet there was sadness too.

How much money is enough? For many citizens of the United States seeking to fulfill the American dream of success and prosperity, the answer is “just one more dollar.” But is this really a delicious dream or a nightmare? In a materialistic world filled with television commercials advertising the newest and best, there just never seems to be enough money to spend. So from a very young age Americans seek for ways to gain wealth. Even during the Thanksgiving season many are more focused on Black Friday shopping sprees and Christmas gifts than on being thankful for what they already have. Contentment has no place in our society.

Thanksgiving is a time to consider our blessings. This should be our attitude all year long, but since 1863 our country has celebrated this holiday in response to a proclamation made by President Abraham Lincoln. He declared a national holiday to be held on the last Thursday of November to "praise our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens." Every good and perfect gift we have received has come from the Father of lights. He gives us life. He gives us family and friends. He gives us homes, clothing, and food to eat. He provides for us physically and emotionally. And He has made a way for us to have a relationship with Him through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.