He is my strength....He is my strength....Me and you Lord!

I have so much to tell everyone. So much has happened over the week-end. My father had chest pains Saturday morning and I insisted we go to the hospital. They kept him overnight and checked on every possibility. He was released yesterday with precautions of things that must be done in order to minimize a heart attack. One of the precautions is to carry nitroglycerin with him at all times.

On Saturday night Ron was going up the stairs and because of his medication, he took another tumble. He is going to be even more cautious with the stairs.

I sat in the hospital on Sunday praying and thinking of all of you and how much I was learning about survival. I relied on the fact that God is truly my strength and I repeated the phrase..."Okay Lord. I know you love me and my family and I know you will take care of us. Whatever the reasons for all this - at one time - just know that it's me and you Lord! There's no separation. There's just me and you Lord."

Romans 8:38-39

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In 35 minutes we will leave for the hospital and Ron's surgery. Ron seems to be doing fine today, but I'm a little nervous. Only because he is my soul mate and my love of 34 years.

Please pray with me that God will guide the surgeon's hand and that all will go well. Pray that his recovery will be as easy as possible. Please pray with me that God will continue to lead me into the work he wants me to do.

I will be praying for all of you that this will be a wonderful year. I hope that we all will learn to trust our Savior more and be all He wants us to be.

God loves you,

Debbie

Miracles are just a stubborn nod away.

Most of you know that my Dad is a minister. Anyone whose been a preacher's kid understands how it feels to have some sermons memorized. First you hear the short version at home during dinner. Then you hear the polished version on Sunday morning. If it's a good one, over the course of a child's life, you may hear that sermon several times.

One of my favorite illustrations from a "popular" sermon was about a lady during the great depression. Along with many of her friends she lost all she had in the stock market. Her husband had passed away many years before and she was all alone. She had a beautiful house, but because her stocks were gone - she had no income. She was getting desperate and saw her food depleting. She wrote an aunt who had not lost her money and asked for help. When the return letter finally arrived, there was no check or cash included. Instead it was just a letter telling her to have faith and to give to those around her. "Real faith isn't when you desperately pray or ask for help. Real faith is reaching out to those around you and then expecting God to take care of you."

Those words stung her heart. She threw the letter down and cried. How could this aunt say those things to her when she didn't know where her next meal would come from? She went to bed hungry.

The next day she was just about to eat her last piece of bread and her last piece of cheese when the doorbell rang. One of her neighbors was standing outside. "Please, do you have anything we could eat? My wife is very sick and neither of us have eaten for three days. I've been out looking for work or even just a little food and I can't go home without anything again. Please won't you help me?"

She thought for a moment about telling him how desperate things were for her, but instead she went to the kitchen - said a prayer - then wrapped the bread and cheese in wax paper. She returned to the door and gave it away.

Again she went to bed hungry and sure that she would starve to death. Stubbornly she prayed, "God, I don't understand. I'm not sure how all this will work out or how you can provide for me, but please help me."

The next day a letter came for her. It was from a share of stock that she thought her husband had sold. The letter included a dividend of $50.00. She restocked her shelves and then visited her neighbor with a bag of food. For the rest of the depression, she "gave" her way to provision. The more she shared with others, the more God provided for her.

I love that story. Not as some kind of test for God. Not as a bargain - I'll give this and you give me that. I love the story because it is a lesson in TRUST. How long can you hang on to your faith and trust that God will provide for you?

We received a Christmas miracle today. I thought it was going to be a low budget depression style Christmas. We didn't spend more than $12 - $15 on all the presents we gave. Several of the presents were things we hadn't used and therefore could be given to someone else. I know the deductible bills for Ron's accident will be more than we can handle with Ron's pay cut so it was important to spend as little as possible. I also have one bill for $600 that we didn't have the money to pay and it's due December 31st.

The first of the month I prayed and begged God to send the money I needed. Little by little a few unexpected payments rolled in. Unfortunately I was far from meeting my obligations. I started to get upset....but decided instead to force my way through this problem with "stubborn faith".

One morning I looked through tears at the sunrise. "I CHOOSE to believe that you will be there. I know that you will not let me down. I am working as hard as I can to do what you have called me to do and I will NOT be discouraged. I am TRUSTING that you will meet our needs."

It was even harder to continue to TRUST God when Ron fell. As we listened to the grim forecast for his recovery, I felt a wave of insecurity and doubt roll over me. I found a few minutes to pray. I clinched my fist and stubbornly repeated, "I KNOW you will provide and I will NOT give in to doubt."

Today we had a lovely Christmas, in fact it was probably one of the best we've had. We cherished our time together and laughed hard. We ate well and watch fun movies. We opened hand made presents and laughed at funny ones. And then....in the middle of being content with less....it happened. Ron and I opened a card and there it was....just enough to pay the bill. I cried, Ron cried, we all thanked God together.

What a joy and privilege it is to trust my loving heavenly father. What a joy it is to be his child and know that he will provide.

On this wonderful Christmas Day, I am praying that all you...my friends....will know the sweet comfort of TRUSTING God to provide for all your needs - not your wants - but your needs.

God loves you,

Debbie

I guarantee you a Merry Christmas, if.....

Ron and I are experiencing a Christmas unlike any other. So many traditions and things we love have been cancelled. It is extremely hard for Ron to do any of the normal daily activities. He's in a lot of pain and not used to the crutches. He's unsteady and has to have help getting in the shower or even shaving.

I was holding the mirror this morning (He can't stand that long so has to sit by the sink), while he was trying to shave. I turned my head and heard him laugh. "Great view of the ceiling!" I turned back to see that I had relaxed my hand and the mirror was pointed toward the ceiling. We both had a great laugh.

As I helped him back to the bed he apologized for causing so much trouble. (He's such a wonderfully considerate man) I told him it was my privilege to take care of him and that I thought we were lucky. He caught the spirit and we had a good 15 minutes of "It's a wonderful life Christmas!"

Wow...tell me Debbie, what could you have said to get that feeling?

A lot of people don't sing the old hymns anymore. One of my favorites is Count your Blessings. The first verse goes like this.

When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings name them one by one
Count your blessings see what God has done.
Count your blessings, name them one by one.
Count your many blessings, see what God has done.

When I was very young at least once a month my Dad (a pastor) would have testimony services. We would sing songs and between the songs people would stand and give a "testimony" of faith. Sometimes it would be in the form of asking for prayer. But most of the time it would be an acknowledgement of how God helped them through or maybe how blessed they were in comparison to other folks.

I remember one time hearing a dear old saint express how lucky she was. She stood and smiled at the crowd. She only had two teeth. But with grace and faith in her creator she announced, "Isn't it wonderful that the two teeth I still have meet. That way I can chew my own food."

Ron and I sat on the bed and thanked God that only one foot was hurt. After all, it could have been both legs. "And thank God, you're strong enough to use the crutches. They always hurt my hands."

"I know Debbie, you're hands aren't very strong. Thank God I have my family around me to help me with this situation."

"Yes, and Thank God you have strong sons to help you get up and down the stairs."

"I'm so thankful your parents are here with us. They are doing all they can to help."

"I know. I'm also thankful that Mom is making my very favorite cake today."

"Me too!"

So all my wonderful friends....I know that no matter how bad things get, you can Count your blessings. If you do, I guarantee that you will find out you are blessed more than you thought. I also promise you will find that there is still good in this world and that you still have a Wonderful Life.

Merry Christmas! I'm so thankful that God's Son is still with us!

I love you all and I know God loves you too.

Debbie

Merry Christmas - I mean it!

Someone sent me the following e-mail. It's been around a lot, but with Christmas just 24 hours away I thought it might be nice to send it around again. There's a lot of truth in this e-mail and perhaps something we should ponder even while that turkey is baking away.

I love Christmas and all the wonderful smells and twinkling lights. But I also think we have a responsibility to preserve every wonderful freedom we have.

So... hold those babies close. Read them the Biblical Christmas story as well as The Night Before Christmas. Feed them Christmas cookies and light candles in the window. And tonight when you finally fall in bed, ask God to help you find a way to preserve the freedom that allows you to celebrate this wonderful season.

God loves you,

Debbie

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

My confession:

I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful, lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are, Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year.

It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period.

I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat. Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Hurricane Katrina). Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'

In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said okay.

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Are you laughing yet?

Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.

Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us. Pass it on if you think it has merit.

If not, then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.

My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully,

Ben Stein

Have you ever been bad?

Just three days until Christmas and I'm not sure Santa likes me. I may qualify for coal this Christmas.

I'm exaggerating but it feels that way. It's one thing to be hopeful when you accept a challenge. It's quite another thing to stay hopeful when life gets really hard.

Since we chose to make this a depression style Christmas, there's very few gifts under my tree. Pinching pennies on the budget means eating at home everyday. Besides, Ron's confined to the couch and we can't go out.

We aren't paying for anything that we can do ourselves. Mom and Dad are being a wonderful help but...there's a lot more people in our home. Jamie and Amie are spending nights here to help their Dad when I can't. So, it seems I cook one meal, clean up, do one thing in the house and it's time to cook again.

I thought I was a busy person until I began to realize that all those little time savers I've gotten so used to....cost money that I don't have. With Christmas getting closer and all the things I wanted to "make" still not finished....I'm even more overwhelmed.

Today I was rushing around in the kitchen and giving orders for something Amie needed to do. Mom offered a comment and I rushed right past her. I had a list of things that needed to be done and poor Ron was in pain. I stopped to kiss him and rushed by mother again.

Then I saw it. Sadness had engulfed mother's face. It was the same look I had always tried to avoid when my children were young. I never wanted them to feel alone or left out. When I saw that look, I instantly tried to comfort them. Yet, mother was different - wasn't she? She's older and wiser and surely she should understand. Surely she will be forgiving and kind. She knows how much is on me right now.

I watched through the day hoping that she would lose that look. Unfortunately she just got quieter. Finally, I stopped what I was doing and found her in the living room. I told her I loved her and gave her a big hug. "I have to go to the store, want to go with me?" She smiled as if I had given her a huge gift.

Pain is everywhere. How many times do you go through your day without looking at those around you?

While at the store I decided to watch faces. I met several people who were scared. In fact, the check out lady at Sam's looked really sad. I asked if she was okay and she quickly wiped a tear from her eye. "I lost my main job yesterday. This one will pay a few bills, but for the rest....well, I just don't know what I'm going to do."

I told her I would pray for her. "I know it's going to be hard...really hard, but I'm sure you can do it. In fact, no matter how hard it becomes, I'm sure you can do it!"

She gave me a huge smile. "Thanks. I needed to know that. And you're right. I can do it. I know I can. It's just hard you know."

"I know."

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8

If you live everyday by that verse you will find answers that you never thought possible. You will find strength that you felt was depleted.

Ron was so tired today and his face was white from the pain. He is an extremely strong man, yet, when he tried to stand up he fell back on the chair. "Oh man." He wiped his beaded forehead. "I thought I was in control, but there's just nothing there." We prayed and then I began to beat the drum of encouragement.

"Come on Ron, you can do it honey. That's it. Just another step. You're doing good. That's it. Just a few more steps and you're home free." Ron made it up the steps and to the bed.

All the fears and pressures we face do not give us an excuse to be short tempered with those we love. Now is not the time to give in to those pressures and refuse to see the pain on our family's faces.

Now is the time to show the world and our families the very best we can be.

Now is the time to shine with His love.

Now is the time to show everyone around us that God's love can help us handle any problem we face.

God loves you - Merry Christmas!

Debbie

No Other Way.....

Once you have known the peace and love of God our Father and Jesus his son, there is no other way to live......

As you know, we have been hit by this financial crisis just like everyone else. It feels as though we gain one step and lose two. It can be extremely discouraging when the battle feels steep and long.

Yet, I've reminded you that God cares and that we are his children. I've reminded you that you can do this and that there is nothing to fear. I've also told you that I will be fighting along with you to preserve our character, our integrity, our faith and our ability to have fun as we continue to fight through this.

The question remains....can the Jansen's live what they preach?

Well....there's a new wrinkle to the Jansen saga. And yes!... We can weather this new storm with a renewed energy and a desire to make the best of it. Just today Ron kissed me and reminded me that we will get through this together. "What Satan may have meant for bad...God will turn into good. Besides, even more readers will be able to identify with us."

The hardest part of any struggle is when you feel like you are giving your very best and yet it feels like the onslaught of problems continues to grow.

So what happened Debbie?

Thursday morning, Ron came home from work and decided to do a good deed for our neighbor. He slipped on some ice and had a really bad fall. We rushed to the emergency room and found that he had two broken bones. As always, they referred him to an orthopedic surgeon for casting. Unfortunately, the surgeon said it was worse than we thought.

He will need surgery to repair the damage. Three bones were broken and all the ligaments and tendons were pulled away from the outside of his leg. The surgery will require a plate and four screws. He will be confined to the couch or bed until February 19th. It will be much later than that before he can walk around with crutches. He will need another surgery in four months to take the plate out.

I've tried to find silver linings to this problem. Things like - since he is stuck at home, we will have more time together and we will save money on gas. It's not as easy to find silver linings in other areas.....but they are there. Ron's trip home from the surgeon was extremely painful. Some very dear friends were there for every step, doing all they could to help. Our children have been over every night just to check and be sure we are doing okay. Many people have called or stopped by with prayers.

The body of Christ is an awesome thing to watch. They have renewed our hearts and helped us to continue to believe that everything - even this - is under his watchful eye and in his loving hand.

I hope you will continue to read this blog and see how God takes us through this. I am confident that it will be a fantastic journey. Thank you for your prayers,

God loves you,

Debbie

You have nothing to fear....

Over the last few days I've met with many people who are afraid of the future. In fact they are so afraid that they yell at their children and often cause public displays of anger. Tempers are flaring and relationships are strained. There's even news stories about grandparents being so determined to continue their present lifestyles that they have resorted to stealing.

Once again let me encourage you ! Calm down....we can get through this together. Yes...it's terrible -- but there are solutions!

First of all, I haven't written as many blogs on this subject as I would like because I am committed to truth and honesty. I am not going to suggest something to you that I haven't tried. When I do suggest something, I want to be able to give you a guarantee. I know we can do this!

Ron and I do something special for several people at Christmastime. It's never been a big deal until we received the news that his pay would be cut. We prayed and decided we would not budge on this issue. We will cut down on everything else, but the generous love and support we provide to these people will not stop.

Today I was at the post office boxing those packages when a young lady stopped to put stamps on her Christmas Cards. Her precious daughter kept saying, "Merry Christmas to me, merry merry Christmas to me."

I smiled and commented, "She's a beautiful child." Mom and I talked for a moment. It didn't take long for me to find out that she lost her job several months ago and her husband would probably lose his in the next month or so. Even facing such a difficult time, her smile was wide and her face was glowing. She comforted me when she said, "We decided that we can handle anything life throws at us. What else are we going to do? Our family and our children are what really matters. We all love each other and we are going to keep loving each other - job or no job."

I told her that's exactly how I felt and she continued, "It's scary and yet it's not. I didn't realize how much I could get along without." She patted her daughter Kennedy on the head and smiled. "It's good for my children to know that they don't have to have everything they want. They can live a happy life without all their wants being met. Yes, I think this will work out to be a good thing in our life."

WOW! What a wonderful outlook! I gave her my card, but I wish I had her address. I would send her a batch of cookies and a medal for being so inspiring! I will be praying for her and her family.

During the great depression President Roosevelt gave the American people an unforgettable phrase in one of his fireside chats. "There is nothing to fear but fear itself."

Like those times, we are playing a mind game. I'll admit it....I am anxious and at times I have what seems like a wave of fear roll over my head. I fight it...and yes, so far I'm winning. But it's still scary! I understand other people who feel anxious about the "the mind" game.

But.... what we can't afford to do is have an attitude that gives up before the fight has even begun. Surely you've met someone like that in the last few weeks. You don't mind the person that holds your hand, cries and says pray for me. But, it's hard to take the one that sits in the chair depressed and talks about death and how we should all eat worms and die. They have a defeatist attitude that makes everyone around them look the other way hoping for a way out of the room. And when they do find a willing ear, those who listen fall deeper into their own depression trap.

I'm not a name it and claim it person. I don't believe we should be positive about everything. There are times we have to tell the truth and acknowledge the events around us even if they are depressing. BUT......I believe that we can survive much more than we think and with God's help we can survive more than the entire world thinks. I also believe that the strongest Christian isn't someone who preaches to a crowd or writes a best seller.

No...the strongest Christian is one who can't see God anywhere around and yet he looks Satan and all his demons in the face and says..."Get out."

The strongest Christian isn't one who believes that God will be his deliver when he has no wants or needs. Instead, I believe the strongest Christian is one who lives in a dark cold cell but looks to the sky and continues to believe that God will bring deliverance.

Satan is playing a huge mind game on America this Christmas.

1. Television and all forms of media are doing everything they can to convince us that we are doomed and that our generation will suffer for years to come. Christians are unpopular and deranged second class citizens. The stock market is doomed and may never recover. The environment is damaged beyond repair. All hopes for a beautiful life has just "gone with the wind."

2. We have been taught by television and marketing experts that we can't be happy without "things". We must have "things" in order to survive. We must be pampered. We must have lots of money. If we don't have all the latest gadgets - we are failures.

3. The media and many church giants teach that God does not care about your daily life. He's just a doddering old grandfather that tells you he loves you, but can't help you in any way.

4. Contemporary psychology tells you that your family will never treat you like they should. Most of the social and psychological needs you have - can't be solved. Just take a pill until you don't feel anything.

5. You have no responsibilities but that's okay because you also don't have any answers. Since everyone is like you, there can't be a solution.

So day by day, people believe the lies and fear the future. They stop working on their families and they dig deeper into financial and spiritual bankruptcy.

WHAT A HEAPING PILE OF LIES !!!! YOU ARE IN WAR WITH SATAN AND THE PRIZE IS YOUR MIND!!!

Don't believe the lies. None of those statements are true unless you have forgotten to call the biggest superhero of them all - God.

1. Yes, the world is worst than it was in 1949 ----But God is still the answer! He can solve all of our problems. Trust him to lead you through. You have no idea how much he wants to prosper you.

2. Things are worthless. Hold both hands out in front of you. Imagine your child sitting in one hand and your car sitting in the other. God looks down and says..."Which do you want? You must choose only one." You scream - "My child of course!" He smiles and instantly the car disappears and in it's place is your house. Again he asks, "Which do you want?" Again you scream, "My child!"

Apply this test to any "thing" you own and you will find out you can live without most everything as long as your family is safe.

3. #3 is the worst lie of all. If the world can make you believe that God really doesn't care, they have you trapped. Just remember this ---why would God send his only son to die for you if he didn't want to be involved in your life? Duh! You don't die for someone and then say..."I don't have time for you." Of course God cares! Trust Him!

4. The world doesn't want you to think. Thinking might lead to inspiration and inspiration will definitely lead to solutions to problems. There are answers! Don't believe the lie that we are out of options and solutions. We may have to work hard to get out of this mess...but there are always solutions.

5. Anytime a society stops thinking about what's good for their fellowman and thinks only of what's good for the individual - we lose the hope of a better future. You must take responsibility for the outcome of your life as well as those around you.

SO.....If answers are possible and we have all the tools and all the possibilities....plus we have our loved ones around us....what are we afraid of?

But Debbie, what if I lose my home?

Do your children love you? Yes.... Does your husband love you? Yes.... Close your eyes. Can you see yourself in tiny apartment kitchen cooking up a little supper for you and your family? Yes. Do you still love them? Yes.

So....what are you afraid of? Hum...

President Roosevelt was right. We have nothing to fear but fear itself.

You can do this. You can survive. Will it be hard? Of course. But believe me, you can do it.

How do I know? Because countless millions who lived through history have done it. And even today there are those who have such courage that just one look will make you say...if he can do it, so can I.

Take a look at the following clip. This is a child. A child who has more courage than I think I would. He's not playing with other handicapped children - he's playing on a fully physically fit team. This takes courage. This takes hard work. If this child can do this - you can survive a financial crisis. Watch this clip and then go hug your family!



God loves you,

Debbie

Is there a Christmas Spirit?

I've tried to work for the last two days, but haven't had much luck. Not only did I have a cold, but it's one of those times when only a soft pillow and my blankie would do!

My head was fuzzy, my nose was stuffy and my teeth felt hairy....(don't ask). I fixed a hot cup of tea and snuggled on my puffy soft couch. The open space in the corner of the living room is a reminder that I still haven't finished the Christian Christmas tree.

Since that tree is one of my favorites I wondered why I was having such a hard time getting it finished. I blew my nose again and inched lower into the blanket. My stuffy head could only imagine the wonderful aroma coming from the orange spiced tea as it's steam curled toward the ceiling .

Where is that bouncy Christmas spirit? I closed my eyes as if I could conjure the spirit up from some hiding place.

Nope....not here. My eyes were heavy and my feet were cold. I began to think of other Christmases and the joy I had felt. Plenty of children ran around my house. First my own and then years later all the kids I'd kept in my home daycare. We hired Santa's and made cookies. We took tons of pictures and made sure each child received a gift.

This year, the economy is bad and watching five minutes of news can send anyone into a panic attack. I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry when I heard that there's a bill in congress to tax farmers for the gas emissions from cows. It's called the Flat-ulence tax. I'm wondering what genius came up with that idea and how in the world they could keep track of which cows emit the most gas. Besides, as Mike Huckabee pointed out - "there's much more gas in congress than in the farmland."

This year gifts are very small. There are no children running around my house and my parents are stuck in Georgia. Ken is pastoring in Illinois while Jamie and Amie are busy with their own businesses. So....where is that Christmas spirit?

Is that wonderful joy at this time of year only there when other people are around? Is it only there when there's money to be spent or food to be cooked? Is the Christmas spirit only for children and people who can afford it?

No....I don't believe that at all. But if I believe Christmas is more than that, why do I feel so blah?!?

Having a cold always makes me feel that way, but...it's not the cold. I don't feel the Christmas Spirit. Ahh... This was now a quest. How can I possibly help "you" get through this if I'm stuck on the couch blowing my nose and fussing about the cow gas tax? After a quick nap, I put on some perky Christmas music and started the tree. No matter how hard I tried....the "spirit" didn't show up.

I finally gave up and went to bed. Jamie called this morning and wanted me to help him take his car to be repaired. We sat and talked while he worked on my computer. We laughed and hugged and I played with his new dog Romeo. He bought Romeo last week and he is already loved. He's a darling little Yorkshire terrier with a feisty attitude. Jamie named him Romeo because Jamie loves Shakespeare. We tossed around all kinds of names but decided it would be cool to stand at the back door and yell, "O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?"

Romeo started playing with my foot and sock. I decided to donate one sock for a toy. He pulled on it and threw it around. I giggled and laughed and tried to keep it from him. We had a great time. Later, we met Amie and Beth for lunch. Amie told me that Romeo likes to go in her room and steal her socks. He prances up to her room, grabs a sock and dashes out the door. He runs it downstairs to Jamie's room and drops it on the rug as if to announce his accomplishment. We all laughed and I felt "silly happy" that I had added to his collection.

Sitting at the table talking with Jamie, Amie and Beth - the solution grabbed me. It wasn't playing with Romeo or talking to the kids. Yes, that was wonderful and is a big part of who I am...but the missing part is the giving. I felt good giving my sock to Romeo. Such a little act of kindness, but so important.

I stopped at the dollar store on the way home. I purchased a couple of items that I knew would make someone happy. I came home and wrapped them. Tomorrow I will deliver them to a friend who is hurting. She just lost her husband and Christmas is very hard for her. I know she will like these little items....(just $3.18)...but more importantly she will appreciate the visit and sharing a cup of coffee.

Christmas isn't just about giving a gift. Christmas is about caring for someone else.

Christmas isn't really Christmas if it's all about me or what I want or how I feel or even what I need.

Christmas is about everyone else in the world - except me.

When I start caring about everyone else....I get blessed and happy and Christmas-y! The Christmas Spirit always shows up when we give "kindness". It can be in the form of a hug, a sock or a few trinkets that will bring a soft smile to someone we love.

Ahh....yes...there it is....The Christmas Spirit just showed up. Now I can finish the tree.

Merry Christmas

Debbie

Healing Hugs

It's official. Ron and all the employees at Roadway Yellow will receive a 10% pay cut.

I stood in my kitchen and listened to Ron recount all the details, the fear of other workers and the anger of some. I thought about all the bad news I've heard lately and wondered what's in our future. The pay cut will hurt us. It will mean a huge change in how we live our lives.

Ron put his arms around me and we prayed together. Then he smiled, "God loves us. We will be okay. God will help us through this."

In that moment I realized the healing power of a hug. The warmth it brings to the body. The strength you feel when two people join together in purpose. The comfort of knowing that God has just hugged you through the arms of another person. Hugs are healing!

There are two things we all must have in order to survive this economic and political crisis.

1. We need God. We need to stick close to Him. We need to run to Him and ask His will for our lives. There's not much any of us can do about the economic and political crisis. The people who could have helped didn't and now we have to ride it out. Our only hope is to ask God to help us. There were people who survived WWII Germany and the Great depression in this country. Even in the middle of terrible problems, God was there and he protected and provided for many people. If we stay close to Him, he will take care of us.

2. We need our family. No one will care for you like your own family. If you have lost all your relatives - find a church family. Protecting and creating a loving family unit is the best protection against the outside world. If you have concentrated on your job and if you have not promoted your family unit, you may feel alone and scared. It's time to take a deep breath and mend those issue. Christmas is a wonderful time to step back and take stock of your family relationships.

How can you repair a difficult relationship or begin a new one with a church family??? Start with a Hug. It might seem stiff at first, but just take a deep breath. This will relax your entire body. Stretch out your arms- be sure and have your palms up. That will signify that you are not upset. SMILE, as big and wide as you possibly can. And then....Hug!

There....now don't you feel better.

If you need help repairing a strained relationship - send me an e-mail. I'll help you. You can do this! Having a strong and loving family will help all members survive the coming storms.

Merry Christmas,

Debbie

A Heavenly Father is Born

When time was young I wonder if men looked up into the sky and contemplated if God was really real? Did they squint and cover their eyes trying to see past the clouds? Did they climb a mountain or sit in a tree hoping to catch even a little glimpse of something bigger than they are?

I'm sure they did.

The wonderful thing about Christmas and the birth of Jesus is that we have that peek into heavenly inhabitants. We read, sing and have plays about miracles, angels and the presence of God in the form of innocence and love. It's a smorgasbord of information, emotion and stirring consequences. But then....it seems to fade when we face the problems of today.

We sing Hark the Herald Angels Sing until we look at our checkbook and discover we don't have a dime to sing about. We clap at Christmas plays and laugh when 5 year old Johnny knocks over the girl with floppy ears playing the donkey at the manger. We start the holiday shopping by giving generously to the big red kettle and end it wondering if we will need the kettle when we can't pay our bills.

It's time for me to sit down and pray my way through our monthly bills. This year it's tighter than ever and I'm wondering if I've missed something God told me to do. This should be easier, but it isn't and I wish God was physically here so I could ask him what to do. Should I keep writing? Should I press on with my ministry? Ron may be asked to take a pay cut, what then? What if he loses his job?

The phone rings with a dear friend who wants to order a couple of my books. I smiled and thought - how wonderful! That will take care of this bill. But what about the rest? Then I smile and wonder if this phone was a confirmation from God that he's not only here, but he is able to provide for all my needs.

Doubt is a major flaw in most Christian thinking. We know that God is real and that he is the almighty. We know that he has power and can do anything. We teach and preach about his love for us and his desire to care for his children. But most of the time in our eyes he is the baby in the manger. A helpless little thing that may or may not be able to solve our problems.

We forget that he was only a baby for a time. He is no longer the baby of Christmas. We can trust him with our innocent love but he is much bigger than that. He is the almighty King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is all powerful and all knowing. He is everything we will ever need and could ever want.

The Christ of Christmas was only a baby for a moment of time in order to enter our world. The Christ of Christmas today is bigger than we can imagine. I pondered on His great power and thought about how small I am and how BIG He is.

I remember being little and being scared. I would run to my Dad - who seemed like he was 20 feet tall even though he was only 5'10" - and I'd grab his leg. I would hold on tight and squeeze my eyes shut. Whatever I was afraid of would seem to disappear. Not because of me....but because I knew I was safe by my Daddy's side. I knew that he would protect me and nothing could hurt me there.

I hope you will join me as I run to Christ's side and grab his leg. I'm going to hold on tight because I know I'll be safe there.

Merry Christmas,

Debbie

The Grinch Attitude

It's only 22 days until Christmas. A mere 3 1/2 weeks left to get the Christmas spirit. If you haven't lost your job and your 401K is secure, you may already be singing Christmas carols and laughing at fruit cake jokes.

But....if the future look bleak, you may feel like the Grinch. You may even be wishing that by some miracle Christmas could be cancelled this year. Not that you don't believe in Jesus or that you are a scrooge...it's just that life is tough right now and trying to be merry with a heavy heart isn't easy.

It's especially difficult if there are little cherub faces looking to you for some type of surprise on Christmas morning. How did our ancestors do it? How did they get through the great depression without going crazy?

It's all in the attitude. But how??? How can you take an overindulgent attitude and change it to one that's content with receiving a candy cane? If your Christmas pocketbook looks a little like this skinny Santa, how are you going to spread the Christmas spirit?

It is possible to have a very merry Christmas with lots of laughter and lots of love without spending lots of money.

It starts with believing. Yes, it's important to remember the reason for the season and that we are actually celebrating the birth of our savior and the arrival of freedom - but believing in Christmas goes even deeper.

How can you possibly believe that a God you can't see, sent his only son -also that you can't see - to save you from Satan - again that you can't see.....how can you do all that believing and not believe in the "Power" of God? How can you believe God did all that and still worry about the future?

If you really believe He is who He claims to be....then you have to believe in his power.

And guess what? If you believe in the power of God you will "act" on it.

I think it's awful that America has allowed political correctness to destroy the mission of the church. But when you think about it....Atheist have something we are losing. Did you see the current story about a guy in Washington State that has displayed a poster in the Capital building saying that God and all faiths do not exist? Atheist and many other activist have no problem speaking up. They "really" believe they are right and they don't think a thing about supporting their beliefs with action. The American Christian is appalled with gay rights, gay marriage, prostitution, sex education in schools, profanity in movies...etc... But the problem with all those things isn't that they are becoming more acceptable, the real problem is that Christians are becoming more timid.

Christians don't want to offend anyone and because of that belief, we stand for nothing and we hide in the corner when sin shows up.

If you believe in the power of God then teach your children that concept. How? Begin by having a wonderful Christmas without money. The power of God's love can give you creative ideas and help you to have an "exciting" Christmas without spending money. Your children will learn more about God if they see his power working through you.

In Matthew 6:16-19 Jesus tells us how to do this. He was talking about all the "holy" hypocrites who fast just to feel superior to others. They had a Grinch attitude.

"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Wow! What Jesus is saying there is that if we will accept his teachings and do what he says, "without the Grinch attitude" we will not only be rewarded here...but we are storing up treasures in heaven. What a wonderful concept to teach your children.

Moms, Dads, friends....I encourage you to let your faith in God show. Don't let this economic hardship destroy the loving spirit of Christmas. Wash your face, put on something red and dance around your house. Get creative and show your children that the love of God and the joy that only he can give, is present in the bad times as well as the good times.

Here's a few specifics to start. I will be doing this with you.

1. Don't spend money on decorations. Most people have tons of decorations anyway. Sure we all like to replace certain items as they wear out or just don't "pizazz" us anymore. Resist the urge.

Every year one of our traditions is to pile in the car together and search the tree farm for that perfect Christmas tree. We take pictures and everyone takes a swipe as we cut down a fresh tree for all those homemade decorations. It gives a lovely scent to the den and it's a wonderful tradition that we all share. But, it's gotten more expensive. This year,- following my commitment to a depression style Christmas - I'm going to drag an old fake tree out of the basement. It's missing some branches and sits kind of crooked. I'm going to see if I can turn it into a beautiful tree anyway. You know how that goes, no matter how ugly the tree once you decorate it - the lights and the ornaments seem to make it stand straight with purpose.

2. Stay away from the stores and mute all commercials. You won't want what you don't drool over. If you don't know there's some new mechanical lawn ornament - you won't want it. If you don't check out the new electronics, you won't know that you need it. Standing at the window of a store and wishing you had something inside doesn't make you feel grateful for what you do have - it makes you feel deprived. Stop pressing your nose against the window.

3. Start a project of thankfulness. Look at the "stuff" you do have and make a point to tell 5 people everyday about something you are thankful for. Be thankful that your pen didn't leak today. Be thankful that you have a car. Be thankful that you have electricity or nice warm boots. Maybe those boots are a little scratched or torn, but they are warm and cozy in the snow.

4. Center on relationships. The day after Thanksgiving we replaced the tradition of cutting down a tree with playing games. We searched through the basement until we found some games. We played until everyone was exhausted from laughing.

5. If you don't tell your family that your cutting back....they probably won't notice. My children are older and I thought it was appropriate to tell them that we would be cutting out some $$$traditions this year. They all responded well and thought it was a good idea. I used the phrase, "Depression style Christmas" several times during the day. For two of them it didn't seem to be a problem, but by the end of the day I noticed that one child was irritable.

I hadn't realized it, but I had a "depressed" attitude in the tone of my voice and that adult child was responding to it. Once I changed my attitude and put a positive spin - and positive happy voice - to the day, that child's irritability vanished.

Your family will take their cue from you. If you search out ways to be happy and have a fantastic holiday - no matter what the circumstances - your family will follow suit. If you have a sad face, they will too.

Instead of saying, "We don't have the money to buy a tree", replace it with...."I'm so excited. I want to do something different this year. Let's....."

I promise if you get rid of your Grinch attitude, your children will only remember the love and smiles that surround your Christmas. How do I know? Of all the great depression survivors I've talked to and all the ones I've read about - none, zero, nada, no one, felt depressed because of what they "didn't" have during the holidays.

My mother-in-law Helen remembers the first Christmas Wayne was home from France.

"We just didn't have any money. We were working as hard as we could to get started as a couple. Ron was only 17 months and we were living in a tiny little apartment. We managed to save enough to buy Ron a metal red toy jeep, but that was it. I wanted so badly to get Wayne something for Christmas. I saved enough for a new pair of black pants to wear to church, but only had .25 cents left. With no money for a shirt, I had to think creative. I bought a package of black dye. I took his wool army shirt and dyed it black. It took a little work to make sure it was evenly dyed, but it looked very nice. He was so excited when he opened the package. He couldn't believe he would have an entire outfit for Sunday Church."

Christmas isn't about "what" you receive.....Real Christmas Joy is about the "giving" spirit. It's about the loving nature that wants to be thankful. It's about the excitement that wants to celebrate this time of year and the birth of our Savior.

I don't believe we should ever stop giving at Christmas. I think presents are a way of saying, "I love you so much....I took time out of my day to think about you.....I wanted to put action to my love and put something in your hand that you could hold to remind you that I love you."

A present isn't about money - it's about saying, "I love you and I thank you for your life." Isn't that what Jesus is all about. He's about love and showing it to the world. When God said, "I want to show this world how much I love them, He did a multitude of things. He put stars in the sky and gave us beautiful sunsets. He made flowers and gave us the resources to make all the luxuries we have today. All those gifts are there.

But what is the one we rejoice in the most? It's when he sent his only son to walk among us. It's knowing that Christ came and said, I'm here. Hold me, love me and trust me. And when he left....the word of God stayed, the Holy spirit came. As a country we celebrate the birth of Jesus because he came here and said, "Hold me....I'm real."

This year....when you give a gift to your loved one, make sure it's not out of duty - but out of love. Make sure it's not just an expression of money - but an expression of thankfulness for their lives. Write a letter, develop a picture, make a CD, share a part of you with a grateful heart and the receiver will have the best Christmas ever!

God loves you,

Debbie