FOMO, JOMO, WWJD

FOMO, fear of missing out, is a current social media acronym. 

As a young person, I thought I should at least know as much as my friends did--about what was going on in our world, what was going on at school, what was going on with them. At seventy some years of age, I do not like to clutter my head with stuff I do not need to know. 

However, I do learn something new on most days. If you listen to the news occasionally, use any form of social media, or have a book handy at bedtime, the opportunities are limitless. I actually became aware of FOMO while reading a daily devotional; I also became aware of JOMO, joy of missing out, at the same time.

With political divisions, indecisiveness, criminal behaviors, etc., I have no fear of missing out on what is happening in our country. Fear of what is happening is more likely. Perhaps JOMO would make it possible for many of us to get a better night's sleep. If you have a tendency to be less social to begin with--you already understand this JOMO as you are out on your personal walk, gazing at the clouds, listening to the birds. 

Fear doubts the goodness of God's grace.

Walking around with your head in the clouds or buried in the sand is not the answer either.

Let's go back to a popular acronym with Christians several years ago. There were bracelets or sweatshirts with WWJD imprinted on them.

WWJD, what would Jesus do, is an encouragement to live the same way that Jesus would. Impossible? Yes, however, it is what God desires for us to strive for. 

WWJD, spelled backwards, could be "devil just won't win" .... And, basically, that's what it comes down to when you put your trust in Him.  FOMO? Fear of missing out on God's plan for your life? Pray. He'll guide you. JOMO? Every day will be blessed in some way when you walk with your Creator God--and put worldly concerns in His hands. Yes, there will be joy and an incredible peace that is not possible anywhere else. Anywhere.

2021 begins soon. 

WWJD

 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Doggo: Just One More Christmas Story

 Our grand daughter cuddled with her Dad one evening during Christmas week. An Advent Calendar, dollhouse, decorated tree just for her own room, a shelf with dozens of books filled this four-year old's bedroom--along with more than a dozen stuffed animals scattered about. Because she had a love for all creatures, every imaginable critter gathered here--in the corners, the closet, under the bed, behind the door. She especially had deep, sincere feelings for her soft and cuddly dog, Doggo--always knowing his whereabouts. 

She had diapered this plush creature, washed him with wet wipes as needed, kept him warm in blankets, made a bunkbed for him, fed him, potty-trained him. She was the Momma for Doggo. It was bedtime, and therefore, story time. And story time usually meant Doggo was present, too, predictably wrapped in her arms. 

Her father, thinking that this four-year old daughter of his, could benefit from the real meaning of Christmas, told her about Joseph and Mary, their journey to Bethlehem, and the birth of the baby, Jesus, in a manger--shepherds on the way. She listened intently, her eyes never leaving his face--realizing the seriousness of this revelation.

"And this is why we celebrate Christmas," Daddy finished. "Because it is Jesus' birthday." 

She looked at her dad with a look of wonder, took a deep breath, and said, "Daddy, it's Doggo's birthday, too!" And, smiled. 

When I heard this precious story, I thought, "So cute, but she kind of missed the point."

Just today, December 26th, I got the point!

Our grand daughter in her loving environment, with her loving parents--a daddy's story, a creature she adored in her arms--felt love. God is love. He sent his only Son to prove this love. 1 John 4:16 starts with God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him...."

And, of course, Let the little children come to me... for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these... from Matthew.

Happy Birthday Jesus.

And, Happy Birthday Doggo and to the rest of creation's critters.

Tell Your Story

 A little over 2000 years ago, a very pregnant Mary was riding a donkey on her way to Bethlehem--the city of David. Bethlehem was the place where God first's appointed earthly king, David, was born and raised as a shepherd boy 1000 years before Mary took her journey.

Because Mary and Joseph were both of the lineage of David, they made this trip to take part in a census as was the law during the time. 

We know the story: they ended up in a stable because there was no room in the inn. A stable with noisy and smelly animals. A stable where the Christ child was born. Can you imagine Mary's thoughts? Gabriel had told her she would give birth to a son, that his name would be Jesus. He would be called the Son of the Most High; his kingdom would never end.    

....Talk about over-whelming....

Listen to the song, "Mary Did You Know"... just google it. It will help you understand the magnitude of all this: Jesus' birth!

2000 years later, here we are. It's our story, too, because we are all of the family of Christ. 

Some stories are told. 

Some stories are left untold. 

Tell your story. 

Tell what it means to believe in Christmas. 

I Did It For You

 

I Did It For You

In a very short period of time , we celebrate Christmas.
Ever wonder WHY Jesus was born? 
Why did he come to a lowly manger on this earthly planet....

I discovered a site, UGG.org/The Good News, which gives seven reasons why Jesus was born--

1) Jesus had to be born because of mankind's sin.
2) Jesus had to be born because God wanted to reveal His own character to humanity.
3) Jesus had to be born to remove the sins of humankind through a perfect sacrifice.
4) Jesus had to be born for mankind to have a Mediator.
5) Jesus had to be born to provide the promised Seed of Abraham.
6) Jesus had to be born for God to make His Spirit available to all humankind.
7) Jesus had to be born for God to redeem mankind.

Each of the above is supported by scripture passages.
If you dwell on each one, you understand the significance of God's gift in the birth of His Son.

In spite of the immeasurable magnitude of each of these, 

we need only remember, in His words:

I did it for you.