For all of you who have lost someone to cancer, early death, tragedy, a broken heart,  a miscarriage, to an untimely event that took out a loved one by death—please take time to read the words below.

 A friend shared this card with us and we hope it touches your heart the way it did ours. Christmas is a time of year when people are not only joyful but it can also be a time of sadness—missing our loved ones.

Christmas can be a time when people are lonely and shut in with no one to celebrate the holidays with them. Make sure to look for those who perhaps don’t have family and invite them to spend time with you.

Don’t fall for the trap of disconnecting from people—for that is one of the enemy’s tactics to isolate you from the love of God. We are to be the hands, feet, and heart of Jesus to others.

Written by someone unknown on a card:

“I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below, with tiny lights like heaven’s stars, reflecting on the snow. The sight is so spectacular–please wipe away the tear, for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear many Christmas songs that people hold so dear, but the sounds of music can’t compare with the Christmas choir up here. I have no words to tell you the joy their voices bring, for it is beyond description to hear the Angels sing.

I know how much you miss me. I see the pain in your hearts. I am so far away, but we really aren’t apart. So be happy for me, dear ones, you know I hold you dear. And be glad I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift from my heavenly home above. I sent you each a special memory of my undying love. After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold. It was always most important in stories Jesus told. Please love and keep each other as my Father said to do. For I can’t count the blessings or love He has for each of you.

So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear. Remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

Merry Christmas!”

In honor of all those gone before us!

God bless you!

Deborah Starczewski

DEPRESSED, DISCOURAGED, OR DISAPPOINTED?

When you woke up this morning, did you feel excited to be alive, feel worried over a disagreement with your husband, wife, or someone that is important to you that you did not resolve before going to sleep last night? Did you feel a cloud of despair or a sense of impending doom that something was not quite right? Did you wake up feeling a little depressed and feeling like you were not healthy in your body? Did you wake up knowing that no matter what comes, God is there with you and loves you deeply?

Every person wakes up at some time in life and feels a mixture of life from the day before. Unresolved issues create stress and a heart that is uneasy. Living with any form of abuse does the same. Living with uncertainty in changing times also has a tendency to create stress—moving to a new city and state, change of position, to being concerned about all the new adjustments to make in life with that new road you will be traveling due to unforeseen circumstances and the change of plans.

What we each must remember is that we must stay connected at the heart level with God, first and foremost, and choose to believe God and His Word!  What word you might ask? 

One word from God has the power to change your entire life. Keep moving forward loving God and loving people. Choose to see the best in others and connect with people—don’t stand at a distance. When you choose to connect with God and others at the heart level, everything changes. Don’t allow anything or anyone to keep you from experiencing the heart of God! While technology is an awesome tool, it can also be a distraction to keep people from focusing on what really matters in life—people! 

No matter what you are facing—be it a change of career, another move again, or what seems to be something that tears at your heart; always remember—the most important part of life change is a change of heart. We have all felt the sting of failure in some area, followed by frustration and guilt—that is unless the heart is hardened and the conscience is totally seared. If you are reading this, chances are good you are not at that point. Be encouraged! Don’t allow the enemy to make you feel overwhelmed and condemned. Shake off the feelings and connect with a person who connects you to the heart of God. Reach out and be the hands and feet of Jesus to someone else—step out to encourage someone else. In doing so, you will find encouragement from God Himself. 

Be reminded that the Son of God prayed for His disciples and all those who would believe in Him. Jesus said, “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me because of their testimony. My prayer for all of them is that they will be one, just as you and I are one, Father—that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me” (John 17:20-21)

The pattern of Jesus’ prayer provides an outline for us today as well. He prayed for Himself, for those close to Him, and for those beyond His immediate sphere of influence who would be affected by the ministry of His friends. Yes, He called them friends. That is absolutely amazing that the God of the Universe calls us friends. That has to touch your heart as well! 

When Jesus prayed for all who would believe through the apostles’ testimony, He was also praying for every future believer. Realizing that Jesus was praying for you brings great comfort during times of discouragement and confidence as you work with God in advancing His Kingdom. Jesus had YOU in mind when He prepared for the Cross!