God keeps giving Himself as long as we bring that into which He can pour Himself.  ~Alexander MacLaren

Once upon a time, a man named Joe inherited a house that sat alongside of a beautiful lake.  This house had a caretaker, who kept everything in top condition.  There was always a fire going in the fireplace, a cozy chair to sit by the fire, a stocked refrigerator, a super-comfortable, king-sized bed, made daily with fresh, soft linens.  It had everything he would need. 

Joe was a hard worker who spoke often of needing a break.  But he rarely took one.  He needed to get this done and that done before he could take a break.  If he took a break, his boss might think he wasn’t dedicated enough and then he might not get that promotion.

So Joe got more worn out and the house by the lake sat empty…
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"I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it's not the answer."
                                             ~Actor Jim Carrey

"Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content."                          ~Ecclesiastes 1:8

A fascinating study done by Professor Vicki Medvec reveals the relative importance of subjective attitudes over and above objective circumstances. 
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Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. ~Psalm 119:105

Over a decade ago, in the aftermath of John Kennedy Jr.'s death, we heard through the media about the difficulties involved with flying a plane by instruments alone - a necessary skill if you want to be able to fly at night or in fog.  One such article by an amateur pilot noted, "I flew the headings and turns as instructed, but even with 10 hours of instrument flying experience already in my logbook, I was amazed at how quickly the plane slid into a banking turn if I diverted my attention for just a few moments.  The first time it happened, a pang of panic shot through me, a momentary fear that made it even more difficult to comprehend what the plane was doing."  But when he heard his instructor next to him calmly say, "Watch your bank," he quickly leveled the plane.
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Friendships 01/30/2012
 
_Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. ~John 15:13

Two men camping in the forest were enjoying their morning coffee when, all of a sudden, they spotted a very large, hungry grizzly bear running toward them. One of the men quickly pulled on his running shoes. “Do you actually think you can outrun that grizzly bear?” his friend asked.

“I don’t need to,” he replied. “All I have to do is outrun you.”

We all have had friends like that, haven’t we? At the first threat of danger or hardship or difficulty, they desert us.
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_Why are you downcast, O my soul? ~Psalm 42:11

Chuck Swindoll writes, “I think many Christians are “dying on the vine” for lack of encouragement from other believers…The lack of encouragement is almost an epidemic.”
 
Stever Arterburn writes, “Discouragement will drain your energy, especially when you face trials.”
 
William Barclay writes, “It is easy to laugh at men’s ideals; it is easy to pour cold water on their enthusiasm; it is easy to discourage others.  The world is full of discouragers.”

The cure…
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In His Time 01/16/2012
 
_God will always give what is right to his people who cry to him night and day, and he will not be slow to answer them.  ~Luke 18:7

In his book, A Gentle Thunder, Max Lucado writes:

"Why does God wait until the money is gone?  Why does he wait until the sickness has lingered?  Why does he choose to wait until the other side of the grave to answer the prayers for healing?
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In His Hands 01/10/2012
 
_Have you ever noticed how ordinary items become extraordinary in the right hands?
  • A basketball in my hands is worth about $19.  In Kobe Bryant’s hands its worth over $136 million. 
  • A paintbrush in my hands is useless.  In Monet’s hands, a paintbrush produces masterpieces. 
  • Two fish and five loaves in my hands make a couple of fish sandwiches.  In Jesus’ hands, they feed thousands.
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_
During the Civil War, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow penned his now famous poem, Christmas Bells. 

Why Bells??

Bells announce the coming or arrival of an event, activity, or occasion.
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_Max Lucado writes:

Suppose you could give a gift to Christ, what would it be?  How could you possibly select a gift for the One who not only has everything, but who made everything?

The Wise Men did.  They can be an example to us.  In addition to the gold, frankincense, and myrrh, they gave the Savior some gifts we can give him today:  their hope, their time, and their worship.
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_This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. ~Psalm118:24

Our Lord might put it this way:

"This is the day that I have made!  As you rejoice in this day of life, it will yield up to you precious gifts and beneficial training.  Walk with Me along the high road of thanksgiving, and you will find all the delights I have made ready for you.
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