Tag: Jesus
Day 7-The Least of These
Day 4 A Babe in The Womb
Day 3 of Birthday Wishes & Love Notes to Jesus
What Name Shall I Call You?
Holiday Season Decisions!
Christmas is just around the proverbial retail store corner, and they all want your business. Even I want your business for my other site One Retail Therapy. But before you rush out into the maddening crush of shoppers, stop…write down a budget…make a list of who you are shopping for…their interests and leave some for charity.
This will give you the opportunity to get online and research your gift list along with the best prices.
When it comes to Christmas shopping, we are so proud of our daughter and son-in-law for their holiday choices. (Our daughter probably made the decision for her own sanity, knowing the two sets of Grandparents.) At Christmas, each child receives three gifts from Santa. “Baby Jesus only got three gifts when He was born,” was her explanation to us. Of course, that did not limit us Grandparents. But when she goes and puts it in the context of Jesus…well she made this Noni think twice about my own holiday buying choices.
Something everyone should consider, I think.
Now, before we get all bound together in wrapping paper and ribbon, we should pause and remember the real reason for the season. Oh, I can tell you all about Jesus and His love, but I found an article called “Giving the Gift of Christmas,” by Joshua Becker. And I could not have written or said it any better. You need to check it out!
Since I believe in making informed holiday buying decisions; here are some sites to help you do the same thing.
- hottoysofChristmas.com
- hottoyguide.info
- trendtimes.com/christmas-toys.html
- fatbraintoys.com
- christianhelp.org/atchristmasserve.htm
And if you want to check out some great gifts, along with discount prices, and free shipping…
http://www.oneretailtherapy.com
That should be enough to get you started for now! Whew, cause it is enough for me!
Don’t forget to check out Joshua Becker’s article.
God Bless You!
God Bless America!
How Would You Handle It?
I recently read an article about a family having dinner in a local restaurant. Their ten-year old is a high functioning child with autism. And they have experienced meltdowns with him before when out in public.
This time, his older sister was teasing him and he went into meltdown mode. His mother got up, walked over to his chair, and knelt down. She rubbed his back and whispered reassuring words to him. His meltdown ceased.
After the incident the waitress came over to their table with a kind note about the mother and family. The note came from another restaurant customer who also paid for their meal. Most people who give from the heart, do not wait around for the “thank you.” This patron didn’t wait either.
Now the family, had received comments before, like asking them not to come back to the establishment. But never a comment with such a display of kindness and generosity before. The grandfather was sure the people were really angels sent by God, because human nature appears to render aggravation rather than compassion in these situations.
What would you do or what have you done, when in a similar situation?
I guess because my husband and I are grandparents, our response is more sympathy. And with me, I would love to go over to hold the child or help the family if I can. Sometimes if they are near us, we reassure the parents it is all part of growing up.
You see, some adults forget they were once children. And usually the ones who complain the most, were probably the more difficult child.
Now, I am not saying reward a child for bad behavior. Children can not learn how to act in public, if they are never given a chance. It is how the situation is handled which makes a difference.
Because there is nothing worse than, when a parent starts shouting at their child. Which usually causes things to escalate. And then you know who the child models their behavior from, the parent or parents.
Have we forgotten life is an imperfect dance and children especially need a little more consideration under stressful circumstances. Just like us, they get tired, hungry, and grumpy. Yes, and just like adults, kids act up too. Sometimes all that is needed is soothing words or a time out from the situation.
Parents and especially single parents, have a tough job these days. They compete with technology, media, school environments, and social environments. Not to mention the family dynamics. We the spectators, should be prepared to give a little kind consideration or maybe even some help. You can usually gauge a situation by observation and know whether to wait or to jump in and help.
Next time, think about Jesus and how He would handle the situation. Would Jesus walk over and ask them to leave? Or would He pay for their dinner and leave a kind note? Just saying.
God Bless You!
God Bless America!
Pokemon Chasing. Are People Crazy?
I have heard it all from the populace because every one appears to have an opinion on the new craze of chasing Pokemon. Some think it is a waste of time and ridiculous, and others think it is fun. At first I thought it was silly, but then I thought about some of the silly and stupid things we did for fun growing up.
So maybe, chasing Pokemon is not as bad as some people think.
Like any activity in our lives we do to relax our minds, for enjoyment, or to exercise our bodies; i.e. kayaking, running, dancing, Facebook, Twitter, etc, moderation is the key. Because too much of one thing, clouds our view of God and the world we are living. Focus and dedication are great attributes, unless they engulf every aspect of your life.
In the bible we are told…
“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” Philippians 4:5
“And every man who strives for the mastery is temperate in all things.” 1 Corinthians 9:25
Good words to remember.
I want to give you some statistics on “chasing Pokemon.”
- It was the highest grossing mobile app in the US, 13 hours after its release.
- 21,000,ooo average daily users of the app.
- The hashtag #GoPokemon was used 5,982,616,734 times the first week of its release.
- Businesses are finding ways to make those chasing Pokemon into new customers. Giving a discount for customers who find a Pokemon in their establishment, or being a PokeStop.
Pretty popular wouldn’t you say?
Now, I know there have been some circumstances where crime or violence has taken place during these chases. With all adventures, there has to be certain precautions, for example… be aware of your surroundings, go in a group, and once again moderation! Evil can turn anything into something bad. Do not give evil an opportunity.
As a matter of fact, I see an opportunity for Christians to turn the tables. Think of all the ways you can embrace this activity into a family fun adventure. Scavenger hunts can become Pokemon hunts with the losing team having to buy pizza for the winners. Bible study groups can use Pokemon when finding bible verses for the younger generations. (You will have to print your own Pokemon and hide them throughout your youth room.)
It is all about opening your mind and finding new ways to shine God’s light onto something evil might use for its advantage. And moderation! Do it once or twice for youth groups or family night, then move onto something else. Kids get bored so easily these days anyway.
Pokemon Chasing like all the other fads that have come and gone, will fade away one day. So, if they aren’t Satan worshipping, getting drunk, using drugs, and committing crimes; can Pokemon chasing be that bad?
Once again I come back to Jesus who says we are to love one another as He loves us. And loving is understanding we are all different and have our own interests as individuals.
Have you hugged your Pikachu today?
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