Happy New Year's Eve...

Fresh Start tomorrow....what will you do with it?

How about remembering the very first fresh start?

"In the beginning was The Word and The Word was with God,

and The Word was God" John 1:1

and then remember that no matter what changes...

God does not...and nether do His Promises.

Thank you God for all the blessings of this past year- both seen and unseen....understood and questioned...I am "standing" on what you said to Jeremiah- "For I know the plans I have for you, they are plans to prosper you and not to harm you. They are plans for a hope and a future." Amen

Grace and Peace,

DCC

Thank you....

I have been writing thank you notes for gifts I received- and realizing - there is no place to send a thank you note to God for the Greatest Gift of All-

Not just where do I send the note- but which stationary do I use- and what would I write?

I suppose I am to write it with the way I live my life-by the way I treat people...by not judging others...slowing down...patience with others...
Some of us call it a New Year's Resolution-

This year I am going to consider it a feeble attempt at a thank you note.


Grace and Peace,
DCC

Christmas Eve...

"So That At The Name Of Jesus Every Knee Will Bow." Phil 2:10
May you and I bow, at the very thought, of what God has done for us...


"Glory to God in the Highest Heaven and Peace on Earth to all whom God favors."

God, I am overwhelmed with love and gratitude....Come again Lord Jesus.

Merry Christmas everybody,

DCC

Shepherds...

Shepherds at time of Jesus' birth

One of the most surprising things I learned in Israel, was that Shepherds were and are kids. really....and the majority of the time they are little girls.
I saw it with my own eyes in several different areas.

Getting geared up to hit the fields....
(Apparently,pink and purple are in style, for some)

Shepherds 2008

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby,

keeping watch over their flocks at night"Luke 2:8"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;

He is Christ The Lord." Luke 2:11

"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born." Luke 2:6

"This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped on cloths lying in a manger." Luke 2:12Thank you God for sending your little Boy to know us, love us and walk among us. We love you so much!! Happy Early Birthday.

Grace and Peace,

DCC

Elise Naminad....

'Tis the season for the kids to perform....my favorite this year is a new song I keep hearing by my friend Mikey-

Here he is the playing it live, in concert...at the top of his lungs...with a full on guitar solo...ready for it.... "Elise Namidad." (Elise is apparently VERY happy about the Nativity.)

Whatever we hear- The song is the same...

Jesus came here!! to live among us!

Thank you God!!!

God, Thank you...for "Elise Namidad" no matter what the words are-it translates to one thing- YOU CAME HERE!

Grace and Peace,

DCC

To Know...

I was riding back from Beeville, Texas yesterday with three good friends. We laughed, chatted, contemplated, and debated over many things...one of which was where to eat lunch- I won....did I mention, I was behind the wheel?

At one point in our journey- I was changing channels...and came across "Feliz Navidad" playing on the radio. What made it extra special to hear, was the fact that the artist playing and singing it was sitting next to me in the front seat.

(Darrell Smith, "Ordinary Christmas," great new Christmas CD, by the way), but I digress....

Hearing him on the radio and knowing him, made me realize-

It is one thing to know the song- another thing to know the artist singing it.

It is one thing to appreciate a sunset- another thing to know Who created it.

It is one thing to stand in awe of a mountain- another thing to know Who built it.

It is one thing to look at the stars in wonder-another thing to know Who Hung them.

It is one thing to know about God- another thing to have a relationship with Him.

One week from today we will start the celebration of HIM coming HERE!

It is one thing to know it is someone's birthday -another thing entirely to Know The Birthday Boy.

God, thank you for coming here, to us...so we can truly Know You.

Grace and Peace,

DCC

Are you Ready?

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

It is closing in on us...the day we celebrate this gift. Most people are getting more frazzled and hurried. Several people really feel the need to know, "Are you ready?!"

Well, today, I want to know, are you ready? Not is your list checked off....wrapped and ready to go...but are you ready, am I ready, to realize what this gift means to us!?!?!

Thank you God, for covering all of our needs. For knowing what we need before we do. Your provision is astounding and overwhelming. Please, prepare our hearts to accept the indescribable gift of Your Son.

Grace and Peace,

DCC