Saturday, December 19, 2015

A Letter from Heaven


Angels Remember Christmas


Dear Gay,       

            As I write this note, angels up here in The Heavenlies are recalling the night Jesus was born.  I wasn’t among those making an appearance two thousand years ago, but the heavens are abuzz with recollections from those who did. Watching the humans celebrate the most important birth ever known brings jubilation among us, and Jesus especially beams His approval.
 
             Angels had a lot to do with the natal miracle. Zacharias received a visit from one of us. So did Mary—and then one materialized also to Joseph in a dream.  The heavenly messengers delivered the news to these favored people that Jesus was coming to earth as a baby. This news must have been a shocker to all of them, especially Mary and Joseph, but my favorite part of the story is the shepherds.

            Anna, my friend, was among those who appeared to the sheep caretakers on the hillside. With her beautiful soprano voice, she can make the heavens resonate. As gifted as she is, Maestro Superior nonetheless rehearsed her and the angelic choir for a long time.  Now mind you, we really don’t have time pieces or calendars up here, so I can’t tell you how much they prepared, but it was regularly.  Their scheduled performance was one of utmost importance.

            Everyone residing in The Heavenlies knew Jesus was to leave His glory and be born human. And yet, He would remain God.  Amazing, isn’t it?  No one had ever done that before, and no one ever will again.

            Anna told me how terrified the shepherds were when the angelic host appeared.  One of our angel rules is that we don’t panic humans, but it was necessary that night. Right?  The angels had the divine appointment to announce the birth of the Messiah.  Wow!  Can you imagine?  Every angel up here wanted to be in that group, but the Father selected only a few.

            The shepherds reacted just as expected—they went to Bethlehem to see the miracle. How thoughtful of the Father! He gave the good news first to a labor force considered a lowly profession by others.   The Father is awesome when He does things such as that, and He does them often—for angels and humans.

            The guys who took care of sheep had nothing of monetary value to give the Christ Child. Wise men from the east brought expensive presents later. But as you know, the Father only wants the gift of love for His Son.  That’s the perfect gift, and it is one each of us—human or angel can give. The Shepherds gave the Christ Child their heart that night.

            One reason I enjoy the shepherd’s part so much is that they didn’t allow insecurity to interfere with their opportunity. They worried not about inferior clothing, lack of funds, absence of education and prominence. Ignoring human prejudice, they went to Bethlehem. I wish you could hear them right now talking about that glorious night—even though they have resided in The Heavenlies for many earth years, they never tire of telling the story. Do humans take the story for granted? I hope not.
         
            Well, Gay, I must go.  We have a huge birthday celebration planned, and I don’t want to miss it. Chef Andrew has prepared many treats. I'm having the coconut cake.

            All residents of The Heavenlies wish a blessed Christmas and Holy Days for each of you. I’ll return to your wonderful planet in the year numbered 2016. On my next assignment, I’m to help a young woman with a make-over. This should be exciting. You know how much I love to appear in disguises and wear beautiful clothes. Never mind if I cause havoc in the process, I still enjoy wearing colorful clothes and shoes.
       Do you think I can learn to walk in stilettos this trip? I enjoyed helping Mackenzie this past year choosing a prom dress. She looked gorgeous, but creating a romance for her mom turned out to be interesting.  I goofed up a lot, but then, what’s new in that department?

            Enjoy Christmas.  We are thinking of every one of you up here in The Heavenlies!
Love to all,
Sarah

Saturday, December 12, 2015

An Assignment he didn't ask for.


He Didn't Ask God for This One

Has God asked you to accept a task you hadn’t sought, imagined or coveted?

God requested Joseph to undertake one such as that.

Their families had engaged Joseph and Mary early in life. This occurred back in the day when couples were legally bound to each other but not yet living together as husband and wife.
 An Angel changed the situation.
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It wasn’t Sarah who visited Joseph, but God sent another angel in a dream to tell Joseph to take Mary as his wife.
 
Mother Mary Praying
 
The Holy Spirit had brought about this pregnancy to the innocent Mary, and the angel explained the situation to Joseph. According to the messenger, Joseph would raise and protect God’s only Son. The angel even named the child—Jesus. No need for ultrasound when God sends an angel.

Joseph knew the baby wasn’t biologically his, and he needed to live with the babe’s mom without intimacy until after the birth. Can you imagine couples residing together without becoming one in this century? Before the dream, Joseph was in a quandary.
Networking Diagram
Joseph had the right to legally divorce Mary—even stone her for adultery, but Joseph being an honorable man, wished to break his contract with Mary and her family without social media hearing about it.

Now remember, Scripture describes Joseph as righteous. This noble guy trusted God. God also counted on Joseph to carry out the monumental mission.  So….Joseph did as he was bidden.
Nativity Scene

God consigned His only son to a human man who would provide, protect, and train His child while Jesus lived among us. Oh sure, God watched over and provided for the little family from the throne, but Joseph carried out on earth the objectives for God Almighty, the true Father of Jesus.

Now that was a huge responsibility for Joseph.

Dumbbell

The assignment was given to Mary also, and I'll write about that tough commission for her later.

In my life today, I’ve been given an assignment I didn’t seek, dream of or want. The challenge carries a lot of heaviness for me. How about you? Do you have weights on your shoulders too?

If you don’t, you may have one, two or more at a future date.

May we be as Joseph and accept the responsibility joyfully—knowing God is control and has favored us with an extraordinary undertaking that only we can do. We are special! Accepting missions from God may not be easy, but they are rewarding and often make the world a better place—as God did with the birth of His Son.
Nativity Scene
 
 
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3.99 on Amazon
 
In Sarah: A Mission of Love, Sarah unites a little girl, Hope, with a stepdad. Her biological father was killed serving his country.
 
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In Sarah and a Dad for Mandy, Sarah finds a stepdad for Mandy. Her mother didn't know who'd fathered the little girl.
I admire the men and women who faithfully love, protect and provide for children they didn't give biologically produce. They chose these children. In so doing, they quite often accept what turns out to be a challenge.
 
 

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Mood Swings at Christmas

 
 
Expect various moods this time of year
 
Christmas Gift
 Happy.
 
Sad Man In The Shadows
Sad.
 

Bright lights, beautiful music, warm slippers, cozy fireplace, hot chocolate.
make us think Christmas, cheer, and goodwill...even temporarily.
 
 
 
 


Happy Family
 
Joyful times
 
 
Dog SadSad Child
Sad Dog
Sad Angel   SAD TIMES
 
 
Families together, small or large...no matter. Special times.
Those we miss live in our hearts and memories.
 
What's going on in your life this Christmas?
 
May God bless you with happy moments and comfort you in the unhappy ones.
 
Very few people escape the season without a bit of  sorrow, anger, or frustration.
But yes, we can experience delight too.
 
Relax!
You're normal!
 
Maybe even a bit like Sarah, the angel.
 
 
 
3.99 on Amazon
 
Sarah has her down days.
 
She loves the humans and wants to do well on earth, especially at Christmas, the blessed event from The Heavenlies.
But alas, that doesn't always happen.
 
Let Sarah cheer you with her antics.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

PBG Insider: Gay N. Lewis Introduces her "Sarah" series

Sarah at Christmas