My workout and activity yesterday may have taken more out of me than I realized. I took advantage of some times of rest today that have not been part of my schedule the past few days. David Hills and his dad Harlan came and helped with removing snow from our driveway and sidewalks. I was able to remove most of the ornaments from the Christmas tree as we “undecorate” for the season and get ready for the New Year.

For me the changes in the last year have been more pronounced than anytime I can remember in many years. As I have worked back from total paralysis and dependence for everything, being able to do what I am at this point is significant. I am looking forward to the progress in store for the coming year. The picture for today shows at least part of our family is ready for the New Year, but they will experience it two hours before we do here in Colorado.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  “…  the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones…. there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” So I answered, “O Lord God, You know.” Ezekiel 37:2-4

Often our dreams are like Ezekiel’s valley of dry bones; “many and dry”.  The situation would have looked gruesome and hopeless. And like Ezekiel of old, we aren’t sure if life is possible to come once again  to our future to our hopes.

So for life to come to dreams once again, we need to deal with doubt. As I was reading the final chapter of “The Book of God” it describes in a way that had not impacted me before about the doubt and confusion experienced by all the disciples. Thomas gets singled out because he was absent during Jesus initial appearance, but they were all “doubters” from the time they heard the initial reports until Jesus verified it with His presence.

Jesus does “give us the freedom to doubt.” He understands us, our pain and our fears. Joesph in the old testament and Joesph in the New Testament would have experienced doubt as the Lord fulfilled His plan for their life. Doubt is the not the absence of faith it is part of the process of strengthening our faith. Jesus confronted Thomas with a revelation of Himself and that is what in different ways today Jesus does for us. He then challenges us to “stop doubting and start believing…” Doubt is compatible with faith, but faith is the pathway to blessing. “Blessed is he who believes…” Jesus said.

New life for dreams comes when we begin to recognize God’s presence in our daily lives. It was the Spirit of God that moved over the valley of dry bones to bring them to life, and it is God’s presence moving in our life that brings new life to our dreams. As you move through your life can you “spy God at work?” Like the prophet Isaiah it may not be in the “wind and earthquake” experiences of life. It may be the “quiet whisper.”

Some are quick to dismiss “God sightings” as just coincidences. However I like the observation of person who said, “the more I pray and trust the Lord, the more those “coincidences” happen.” Look for God’s work and provision in your life and allow that to encourage you of His presence and care. Remember the simple encouragement of scripture, “…He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

To the doubting the presence of the living Lords says, “is there anything too hard for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27) In the coming year, your dreams can live again! I am ready, are you?

Cold Monday here in Fort Collins with some light snow. I was able to get out and get in a good workout at the fitness center. So after a few days of being off my normal schedule it was good to “get back at it.” I am trying to process my plans for the coming year and look forward to what the New Year holds. I trust that you will have a good “run up” to the end of this year and face the New Year with a sense of anticipation for the future.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3

I can proudly say that “I have not broken a New Year’s resolution in years!” Then again, I haven’t made a New Year’s resolution in years. For many dreams for the future, for a life are that way. You don’t have to worry about not achieving dreams that you don’t have. And dreams without a goal, can be just…..a good night’s sleep.

It is important for us to “empower our dreams through prayer.” We need to even back up a step and to say, “allow our dreams to be birthed in prayer.” That is what I believe we can see in the familiar verse from Jeremiah 33:3. We have the assurance from the Lord that if we call, He will answer, and He will show us great and might things, that are beyond our comprehension. What you will find is that God-birthed dreams, require God-sized faith and God-dependent trust.

So we find that prayer can give birth to our dreams and give us the confidence that what we dream for our life is in line with God’s will for our life. Then we need to understand how prayer empowers our dreams.

Paul said, “Do not be anxious about anything, but pray about everything….”  Philip. 4:6 (NLB) As we do that we find that prayer empowers our mission in life. Often we apply that to organizations but it is important for individuals to think through their life mission.

Prayer empowers our motives. When the resurrected Christ addressed the Church at Ephesus, He called them to “return to their first love…” If we don’t understand why we are doing what we are doing, or if we don’t understand why we have the dreams for our life that we do, it just might be copying someone else. It might be out of pride or even insecurity. Staying close to our source, helps us to make sure we are doing the right thing for the right reason.

Prayer empowers our means. “…God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philip. 4:19 How we do what we do is as important as why. Do we trust in our own wisdom, abilities or resourcefulness? God-size dreams, require God-given resources. That may come in wisdom, favor and other resources of finances and divine connections that provide the pathway for your dream to be fulfilled.

I know this is something that I need as the New Year comes our way and believe there are many more in the same situation.

I finished addressing my last newsletter, when our guests for the day Spencer Swalm and Leon Brandli arrived. Spencer is a former House Member and Leon has been a friend for a number of years and serves as one of the House Sargents. These two have been a great support during my illness and rehab process. They were pleased to see my progress since the last time they visited back last summer. We headed to Old Town and had lunch at the Silver Grill, the oldest restaurant in Northern  Colorado. It was an enjoyable time and good food.

We returned home in time for the Bronco game and allow Spencer and Leon to get back to Denver. After a while Sue and Same cam to join us an evening meal. We anticipated Christian and Bridge and kids to come for a visit, but they had a change in plans. So it has been a good “holiday-type” of day. I am glad that I have had some of my energy and strength return that had been lacking for several days.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”  John 15:5

This week begins the culmination of the journey to the New Year. During the holidays the pace of life can begin to slow to a degree at least for many (Unless you are an accountant or bookkeeper).  Perhaps that helps as people evaluate the past year and make plans and set goals for the year ahead. During the course of the year it is all too easy to rush through life and to forget about the priorities and goals that were set at the beginning of the year.

I was reading a recent entry in “Jesus Calling” and read these words, “I am preparing you for what is on the road ahead, just around the bend. Take time to be still in My presence so that I can strengthen you…” What appropriate words for the end of a year!

As I read the words from the pen of Sarah Young and consider the words of John 15:5 I am reminded that whatever plans I make needed to be made prayerfully, seeking the Lord’s guidance. If the Lord is “preparing the way” we really do need to “abide in Him” so that where we go He is with us. I often think of walking my dog and we are getting to a turn in the road and I feel a pull on the leash, and I need to say, “no, this way!” As we learn to yield to the Master and abide in Him we find the way we take is far better than doing our “own thing.”

We need to remember that when it comes to the Lord He reminds us “…my plans are not like your plans, and my deeds are not like your deeds…” (Isa. 55:8 NET) The Lord may have far greater plans that we have for ourselves. If we walk with Him and allow Him to guide, we will have the purpose and direction that we need and confidence that through Him, “all things are possible.”

As you move through the days of this week ahead, take time to reflect and plan. But be sure to spend time in the Lord’s presence and allow Him to prepare you for the “road ahead.” Whether filled with trials or triumphs to whatever degree, it will be easier to navigate knowing that He is with you and empowering you to bear fruit in every circumstance.

Today was much like yesterday. Debbie was on call and I worked handwriting a note in each of our New Year’s Newsletters. I am just about to finish up, on the last 60 or so out of about 400. I am thankful for the Lord’s faithfulness through people. While we sent a follow up thank you note to those who donated to my medical relief fund, this year I was able to put a newsletter together and to respond with an update to those who responded with their concern and support during my time of crisis.

Yesterday I wrote from Luke 2 about Simeon. Today about Anna. My friend Wayne Newcomb had this picture, on his Facebook page, of Simeon meeting Joseph and Mary and the baby Jesus in the Temple and I wanted to share it today.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Anna, a prophetess…was a widow of about eighty-four years,who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem….”  Luke 2:36.38

As Jesus is being blessed and prophesied over by Simeon, we find another individual divinely chosen to bear witness of the Christ. This is a woman, Anna, a prophetess, who had been married just seven years when her husband had died and been a widow since that time. Now at 84 living beyond the life expectancy of the day, she saw the manifestation of her devotion, prayers and fasting.

As she joined this divine huddle, she gave thanks to the Lord and “spoke of Him to those who looked for the redemption in Jerusalem.” While we don’t know her words, we know of her actions. She expressed thanks to God, but in turn shared with others what had been revealed to her about this baby. Undoubtedly there were those who dismissed the words of the elderly prophetess. But perhaps there were those who took them to heart. Perhaps there were those who thirty years later recalled this event as Jesus began His ministry.

What I find of interest is the multiple witnesses of the birth of Christ. Shepherds, wise men, Simeon and Anna. It seemed that the words of Simeon were confirmed by the presence and witness of the prophetesses Anna. All of this in accordance with the words of the law. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” (Deu. 19:15)

As we view these few verses about Anna, we can observed the devotion and dedication of her life. As a widow she was fully committed to the spiritual ministry of prayer, fasting and speaking forth God’s Word. Her commitment was honored by the Lord who revealed to her the presence of  Christ in the Temple on this historic day.

Like Anna of old, we should be encouraged in our steadfast devotion to the Lord while we wait for the second coming of Christ. Our timing is not the Lord’s. At Jesus ascension the question everyone’s mind was “when?”  Jesus words were, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.“ (Acts 1:7) We are called to commit ourselves to prayer, fasting, service, trusting the Lord knowing that He hears and honors our prayers.

This day after Christmas has been a nice “snow day.” Debbie returned to work and I have spent most of the day working on our New Year’s Newsletter. I’m glad that all of our supplies arrived in time for us to get it out before the New Year dawns. I am thankful that I have felt good today was well.

This Christmas we missed being with Stephanie and her family. We would have normally traveled to Atlanta this year, but Debbie’s work schedule did not allow that to happen. But we did visit by phone and “facetime” and received a picture of the Atlanta grand-kids by their tree.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ….he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:“Lord…my eyes have seen Your salvationWhich You have prepared before the face of all peoples,A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”  Luke 2:25,26, 28-32

Of all those who visited the baby Jesus, Simeon and Anna who greeted the child in Jerusalem seem to be overlooked. We recall, repeat and sing about the account of angels appearing to the shepherds and the star that lead the wise men to the new born baby. But it seems the encounter in Jerusalem at the Temple with Simeon and Anna is almost an afterthought.

However, when we stop and consider the events they are most remarkable. Simeon’s words are almost like an “infant dedication” that we would see in a church service today. He blessed the child and admonished the parents. Also of note is no Angel appeared to Simeon, not outward sign or manifestation directed Him. Simeon is referred to as “just and devout.” But there is no indication of any official role that he had, such as priest or Levite or scribe. What we are only told that Simeon walked closely with the Lord and was directed by the Holy Spirit. Just like John pointing to Jesus years later and saying, “behold the Lamb of God” somehow the Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon, “this is the One!” No angel, no dream, no star.

This event is an important aspect of the events around the birth of Christ. We see Him declared by angels to the shepherds, and revealed by the Holy Spirit to Simeon. In three verses the work of the Holy Spirit is mentioned three times in Simeon’s life. “The Holy Spirit was upon Him”  “It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit…”  “…he came by the Spirit into the Temple…”

I am challenged by the life of Simeon. I can’t think of anyone else, other than Jesus, that scripture notes, “the Holy Spirit was upon Him.” We see the disciples baptized in and ministering through the power of the Holy Spirit, but that was after Pentecost. When the Holy Spirit is upon an individual, God reveals Himself and “things” to them. For Simeon, it was that he would not die before He laid his eyes on the Messiah. The Holy Spirit directs our lives. The Holy Spirit provides insight. Of all those who encountered the Christ-child, Simeon’s word are the only ones recorded in scripture. The notable statement of Simeon’s is, “…..a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles..”

The Messiah was coming to restore the Kingdom of Israel. Jews weren’t concerned about the Gentiles, because they were outside of the covenant of God. As a matter of fact one of the great controversies in the Book of Acts took place when Gentiles placed their faith in Jesus. But the Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon what the angels declared to the shepherds, the birth of Christ would bring, “great joy to all people.”

Don’t just be awed at angels appearing to shepherds and a star guiding the wise men, but be amazed at how the Holy Spirit divinely directed and honored the life of a man named Simeon. And then be open to the work of the Holy Spirit in your life today.

Merry and Blessed Christmas to all! Debbie got up early and began preparing the traditional cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning. I go up not as early, but we go off to Lakewood shortly after 7 a.m. and made it right at an hour. Too bad holiday traffic isn’t everyday traffic. I picked up my mom and she joined us at Christian and Bridget’s home for Christmas dinner.

We did arrive in time to see the grand kids open some of their Christmas gifts. They were very patient with the process and grateful for what they received. We found out, with Riley anyway, that anything with Star Wars and Legos was a cause for excitement, even over his “Red Rider BB Gun.”

As grandparents, who tend to be hard to shop for, we received updated matted pictures of the grand kids. I think this falls into the category of what goes around comes around, as I recall that being a traditional Christmas present for my parents and Debbie’s over the years. So it seem appropriate to take a picture of the Lakewood grand kids with their pictures.

We left Lakewood early because of weather reports and returned to Fort Collins just in time for the falling snow to make this an official “white Christmas!” We will enjoy a relaxed evening and work on our New Year’s Newsletter.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16  “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God…” Galatians 2:8

Christmas is about giving and receiving gifts. I’m not sure about the whole shopping challenge, but I do like gifts wrapped and displayed under the tree. Gift giving is an interesting dynamic. It forms a connection between the giver and the receiver. Of course there is no greater joy than to see children open gifts and exclaim with excitement, “this is just what I wanted.!” That kind of response not only brings joy to the receiver, but the giver of the gift as well.

As you get older it seems there isn’t much that you really, “need” and that can make Christmas shopping a challenge for people like that. But as many observe the older you get the more you value gifts that can’t be bought with money.

All of this has significance for Christmas and Christ coming to earth as God’s gift to the world. We see our great God, motivated by the greatest cause (love) gave the greatest gift (His Son) in order to extend the greatest invitation (whoever believes) to rescue people from the greatest peril, to have the greatest future (eternal life).

While we refer to God as the great gift giver, the true gift is eternal life through the forgiveness of our sin (salvation). It is a gift that we can’t earn, money can’t buy and that we don’t deserve. Often we don’t value what we have unless, we understand what we have been kept from.

I was watching a TV program where an individual was kept from a “trip of a lifetime” by his boss. The individual found this out many years later and was going to exact revenge on the boss only to find out that the van he was scheduled to take to the airport, was involved in a crash and everyone on board died. The boss in his actions, that were not understood, and were viewed as undermining the man’s plans and enjoyment, actually saved his life.

Some may view God’s gift of eternal life as something that would interfere with their “plans and enjoyment.” They view a walk with God as rules, regulations and difficulties. Instead is is hope, light, life and peace. What people tend to seek the most has already been provided through the baby born in Bethlehem’s manger. That is the gift that we all need and that we can all have. No “black Friday sales” on “limited quantities” no “one time offers.” It is even easier than ordering on line and there is no waiting in order to receive the benefits of the gift. It is a gift that simply needs to be received….through faith in Christ. Receive that gift. Value that gift! I’m sure you will find, “this is just what I wanted!”

Christmas Eve 2014 is far different than ones we have experienced in the past. Last year our home was filled with the entire family and all the excitement, play, puzzles and cooking that characterizes our family times together. This year it is just me and Debbie (and the dog). Debbie is cooking preparing for our trip tomorrow to be with Christian and Bridget and children.

After feeling a little sub-par this morning, I began to feel better and wrapped some Christmas presents. Debbie was able to get off work a little early so we went out for Chinese food. We were all by ourselves as the Christmas music played. (Brought to mind a scene from a Christmas movie) We then attended a Christmas Even Service at Timberline Church.

We trust you have had an enjoyable day whether with family, last minute Christmas shopping (usually my tradition)  or whether you find yourself experiencing a different setting this time of the year.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “…she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”  Luke 2:7

I don’t like crowds. When Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem it was crowded. Crowded villages and streets were common in Jesus day. Especially during special times of the years such as feasts and festivals and….a mandatory registration.

No one likes to be shut out. To be told that last seat has just been taken, the last ticket was just sold, the last room was just rented. When we arrived at church this afternoon for the 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service we were running just a little later than planned. By the time I got in the building the ushers were directing people to one of the auxiliary auditoriums. By the time Debbie parked the car and got in that one was full and they were directing people to another overflow auditorium. When I saw one of the staff pastors that I have known for a number of years, I wanted to say, “can’t you find two seats in the main auditorium for a friend?!”

Mary’s situation was far more desperate and should have caused more sympathy than the normal request for a room, any room. Yet all that was available was shelter in a stable; but thank God for the shelter! The “no room in the Inn” is one of the dramatic turns to the story. But what we see is how God provides, even when it is not what we want or expect or feel we need. The ability to improvise and to make adjustments is essential in our life and our walk with the Lord.

There are no guarantees and sometimes the Lord provides for us a “back up plan” to our plan, but it may be His plan from the beginning. Those situations test our trust and obedience and willingness to see God’s plan come to pass even if it means His son being born in a stable instead of the comforts of the Inn.

So tonight Debbie and I took my friends advice and waited until the next service and had plenty of time to get in, be settled and to relax and enjoy the Christmas Eve Service.

Perhaps our take away from the “no room in the Inn” is not so much of the challenge to make sure our hearts are open to the Lord, as much as our hearts being open to God’s provision and God’s way to fulfill His plan, especially when it frustrates or own plan. I know that is a lesson that I continue to learn.