Only 11 days!

Praise the Lord! Christmas is almost here! I must say, I over shopped this year, but it was soo much fun!
    Often though, in enjoying the festivities, shopping, wrapping gifts and sending money to charities, we forget the real meaning of Christmas! why do we celebrate it? Christ's birth of course!
     Often I dwell on the great commission, hungry children, and the idea of giving a gift to a poor needy child on Christmas. (now,I need to find a good way to do it!)
       Christ is a gift you know. he was a gift for poor needy children, not only financially poor, or physically hungry, But without Christ, we are about as poor as a poverty stricken family, only in spirit, not flesh.
 I accepted Christ's gift to me a long time ago, and He is my sanctification, provider, and strength.
   as you think of what to give others this season, remember one thing, the gift God Gave to you, it is then best gift anyone could get. if you haven't received him yourself, here is how:
        1. realize you are a sinner "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23)
        2. realize you need Jesus. His grace is sufficient, and we can not go to heaven by works. "For by  grace   are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.(Ephesians 2:8-10)
        3. Confess your sins to Jesus, pray and ask him to become Lord of your life. by doing this, you are telling him to take you, form you, and to use you for his perfect plan."That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved" (Romans 10:9)
        4. Realize that what you want to do and do do must change, because of your love for Jesus. "As he spake these words, many believed on him.Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."(John 8:30-32)
       Pray, ask God to forgive you, your sins will be forgiven, and your eternal home will be in heaven!
   What greater gift is there? If you received Jesus today, look for a good Bible (KJV is the best one) , Pray for fellowship with other believers, and search for a good church. read the Bible and pray everyday. don't be afraid to open up about trials or temptations, or for continual forgiveness, Because God cares for you, and will help you.
   Life as a christian isn't all bubbles, trials will come, and you will fail at times, But God will forgive you if you seek it with a repentant heart, and daily he will help you. He loves you!
      Why not share this wonderful gift with a friend? it is the most wonderful gift to share, (you can't give it. only God can do that!) or to receive!
      Merry Christmas! remember Him this year!
    - Delighted daughter



   

trusting with an open heart.

openness with our family is an important part of practicing for our future life as a wife. trust is an important factor in our relationships. do you trust your parents? some don't, some do. the key to trusting your parents is  first step for some: tell them everything. Don't be afraid to tell them your thoughts, feelings, interests,  time you were way, when you were surfing the web. everything.
      never lie to your parents. this will start a wall of separation from your parents. never keep secrets either. eventually as you "leave out" something or "tell a little lie" , you start to make it habit to keep your life a secret.
    this is a slippery slope ladies. God gave you your parents to be protectors and guides, best friends,leaders and confidants that are with you until you marry. starting to lie or leave out information now, will likely cause you to do the same in your future marriage. this secrecy will ruin the gift of marriage, and rob you of the blessings God had for you.
     How can I begin to communicate after i already lived this way? you have a tough situation. your parents may not trust you now, but you can earn their trust. begin now. when they ask you what you did on your lap top, tell them you read this article, and what you learned from it. tell them that you are sorry for the lies.  tell them you understand that you have to earn their trust again, and that , with God's help, you will try to be more open, and not keep secrets or lies anymore. they may not believe you, depending on how serious the situation. but most parents will likely be very happy and suprised at such a change. but one thing. make sure you change. make sure you change. without change you will have little effect and rob yourself of the joy God had in store for you.

          Remember, God sees everything,and he knows your "secrets".  ^{Numbers 32:23;}"But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out."