Christmas Day the same as all the rest!

I had anticipated the 25th day of December for weeks. I wondered, "What will Christmas Day feel like now that I finally believe?"

On Christmas morning, my husband was the first to wake up. Perhaps it was because his job had recently scheduled him to start each work day at 4:30 in the morning and his body had become accustomed to waking up at an earlier time. Or maybe my husband was just as excited to open his gifts as our seven-year-old son. Somehow, he was awake and that meant I was too. 

I woke to his footsteps on the carpet, as my husband entered the living room where I had finally found some rest. And when  I peeled opened my eyes,  I found our new puppy curled up against my side. She must have followed me to the couch. I pulled that sweet little dog onto my chest and gave her the first morning kiss. Then my husband bent down, kiss us both and said, "Was I snoring too loud? When did you leave the bedroom?" I shook my head, smiled and replied, "Don't worry honey. It doesn't matter. Merry Christmas!"

As if I had beckoned him to come, our little son quickly responded to the sound of our voices and came out of his room. He walked up to the couch and said, "Merry Christmas Mommy."  Then he leaned over, kissed me and our puppy on the head and said, "Can I open my presents now?" Without even thinking before speaking, I replied, "Not before we read God's Word."

Then fast as lightening, our little child ran to his room to get a book called The Story of Christmas. I listened to the sweetness of his voice while he read the words of Luke, chapter two verses 1-16, while a calmness claimed my soul. Halfway through,  he started to stumble on the pronunciation of a few words. So, I asked to finish the story. Our son handed me the children's book and I began to read. At one point, I glanced over my shoulder and noticed my husband's face. I was surprised to find him listening so intently. Were we starting a new tradition in our home?

When I finished with the true story of Christmas, I peeled myself off the couch and went to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee. Immediately, I heard the sound of two doves cooing outside my kitchen window. I smiled and said, "Good morning God. Happy Birthday Jesus!"

Afterward, both my son and my husband began to open their presents. After a few presents, I excused myself and quietly crept off to spend my normal alone time with God. I opened my bible and listened carefully as God spoke to my heart.

Later, I returned to our living room where I found my husband and small child filled with joyful anticipation. They had stacked the few presents with my name on them in a pile on my writing station.  So, I sat down and began to open the first gift. Wide eyed, they watched as I tried hard to politely receive each carefully wrapped store bought item. It was difficult to smile graciously while remaining true to my heart. Perhaps it was because God had turned my eyes away from worthless things of this world. I wondered, "How could worldly possessions ever compare to the wondrous blessings God had provided over this past year?"

Disheartened, I opened the next gift. Amazing! The gift was a brand new bible. The bible was white as winter's snow. I smiled and thought of a song I had heard for the first time earlier in the week. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gy29mQfiavg.

Maybe some of the gifts under the tree were from God? Excited, I grabbed for the next gift. The fragile present was wrapped in black duck tape. It was tucked in the middle of a homemade card that read, "God loves us." I gentlely pulled the construction paper off and revealed a very small glace vial. My eyes became wet with tears. Then my son softly asked, "Do you remember what this is mommy?" I replied, "Yes son, it is your gold from when we went gold panning last year." Then he said the sweetest words. He said, "I wanted you to have the same gift as Jesus!" I started to cry.

Afterward, we got dressed up and went to church together. I was feeling a little sad that our 23  year-old son wasn't joining us, but God wouldn't allow my heart to ache for too long. Just after finding our seats, the worship team began to play. As God would have it, the first song they sang was that song that had captured my heart, Winter's Snow! I began to sing to God.

It was short church service. Yet, my soul felt its worth. I couldn't wait to share how much the Pastor's words had touched my heart. So when the service ended, I walked over to him. I was surprised yet again, when he shared that the song, "Winter's Snow" was a last minute addition to the service.  I thanked God for yet another precious gift.

Finally, after returning home and as I began to prepare our Christmas dinner, two doves flew upon the telephone poll outside our kitchen window.  I noticed them only long enough to thank God before they flew away. Perhaps through them, God was softly reminding me of His presence. But there was no need! I hadn't stopped thinking about Him all day!

Luke 2:1-16 (NKJV)

Christ Born of Mary

 ¹ And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ² This census first took place while Quirinius³ So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
⁴ Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, ⁵ to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife,^[a] who was with child. ⁶ So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. ⁷ And 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.

Glory in the Highest

 
⁸ Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And behold,^[b] an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. ¹⁰ Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹ For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
       ¹⁴ “ Glory to God in the highest,
      And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”<sup>[c]

15</sup> So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!

To read the first written and published personal testimony 

please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

Lonely on Christmas!

Psalm 14 (NKJV)

The fool has said in his heart,
         “There is no God.”
         They are corrupt,
         They have done abominable works,
         There is none who does good. 
 

Recently, I started my day with a cup of coffee and Psalm 14.  I had prayed prior to opening my bible, "Please Lord, stir my heart so that I can reach others." Then, I started to read. Immediately, as David the psalmist began to describe the fool, the unwise, hardened heart who believes that there is no ruler overseeing the world, my heart cried out.

I paused and sat back for moment to reflect, when a simple and common phrase came to mind. "I don't believe there is a mystical force ruling this world!"  Over the past year, I had felt challenged in finding a response to this sentiment when strangers, atheists and even a few close family members claimed this to be their truth. Now, I was left feeling sad as I thought, "Unbelievers must feel lonely on Christmas."

Then, in perhaps an effort to humble me, my past behavior was called to mind. I remembered how I used to say that I believed in God, yet I hadn't repented and my life was all about me. For years, I wasn't ready to stop having "fun." But what I didn't realize at the time, was that deep down inside, I felt lonely.

During those past Christmas's,  I usually spent my days going through the motions. I put up Christmas trees, looked forward to presents under the tree and focused on everything except worshiping the Lord and the real reason for the celebration. Even worse, there were many years when I felt like the church service was moving too slow. I simply couldn't wait to be done with the service so that 'my Christmas could finally begin.'

Then, in October 2008, I hit an all time low in my life. I had nowhere else to turn. So, I reached out for God. http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/my-personal-testimony.html. I pleaded, "If you are real, please show me proof." When God immediately responded with mercy and love, I realized the fool I had been. There is a God! He is Real after all! And all those years I thought I was having fun just turned out to be the creation of my personal testimony! I know now the reason I felt lonely during those past Christmas days. I was missing faith in the Lord above.

To read how I repented, please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/2011/10/what-does-it-really-mean-to-repent.htm

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below! 

To read the first written and published personal testimony 

please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

What happens when you devote your Birthday to God?

          Psalm 5:11-12 (NKJV)

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You;
         Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them;
         Let those also who love Your name
         Be joyful in You.
 For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous;
         With favor You will surround him as with a shield.

On December 14, 2011, I turned 41-years-old. As a new believer, for my birthday, I decided to focus my attention on God rather than on me. First, I spent my usual time reading the bible. Next, I read the story of Christ's birth to my young son while he got ready for first grade.
        Throughout the day, I was careful not to create the fanfare of announcing my birthday to others. Instead, I remained faithful to my promise and kept God in every thought, praising Him in every sentence throughout the day. Still, family members and friends recognized and honored the occasion by calling to wish me a "Happy Birthday."  And UPS delivered bath salts my husband had purchased for the occasion.
       Later, when I checked the mail, I found a copy of a movie I had ordered. So, before bed, my youngest son and I curled up on the couch and together watched the touching movie called, "The Christmas Shoes." When the night closed, in my prayers, I thanked the Lord for the peace and enjoyment I had found.
         Perhaps my small attempt to put God first pleased Him, because the following day, God blessed me mightily. The first blessing came from two neighborhood mothers. As their children climbed into my car to receive their usual ride to school, the two women separately handed me gifts. Amazed, I first opened a small golden box and found a beautiful silver cross necklace. Next, I was handed a golden lapel pin. The pin was a guardian angel attached to a paper that read, " Wear an angel on your shoulder, to guide you thru the days and nights, and brighten your life." While thanking God in my thoughts, I praised Him out loud and humbly thanked the two mothers.
          Next, I drove to the local post office to mail out a package. The post office clerk, smiled and reached across the counter. In her hand, was a chocolate covered peanut butter candy. She said, "This is for you." How could she have known how much I love chocolate?
        Later, I would drive 40 miles north to choose a puppy for my husband as a Christmas gift and would receive the greatest blessing of all! http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/2011/12/we-adopted-puppy-for-christmas-and-god.html

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below! 

To read the first written and published personal testimony please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

Angels here on Earth

GOD WAS IN AN UNFORESEEN FRIEND

Psalm 127:3-4 “Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.  Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.” (NKJV)

A year after my father’s fall and news of my parents divorce, I entered the second grade. I was academically advanced, so I was placed in a combination second-third grade class. The third graders sat in the front of the class, taking up the first few rows while the second graders sat in the back. I immediately developed a crush on one particular third grade boy. He sat in the first row of the classroom, middle seat.

The children in our classroom had developed the habit of playing through recess without using the restroom. Then, we would all take turns, getting out of doing our work by going to the restroom during class. Within a few weeks, my teacher instituted a new rule, use the restroom at recess only!

One of my teacher’s favorite learning activities was to have each child stand before the class and read a paragraph from a book. I was a good reader, a faster reader but I was also a shy child and my home life was very difficult around this time. Most of the time, I felt broken and afraid. My mother had just filed for divorce from my biological father and I had witnessed his horrible accident the year prior. As a result, I felt out of place and friendless.

On the day it was my turn to read in front of the class, I played through recess. When I returned to class that day, I approached my teacher and asked for the hall pass. She politely reminded me that I was supposed to use the restroom during my break. Then she instructed me to head to the front of the room and begin to read. It was my turn!

I walked, nervously to the front of the room and stood approximately three feet facing the boy I had set my heart on.  I began to read.

I felt my face and chest beginning to get hot with heat rash, as they always did when I was nervous. Then I began to hear laughing and looked up to see the children pointing their fingers at me with smiles on their faces. I looked down to see a puddle below me. My white striped seventies hipster pants were now yellow and my socks were all wet. My teacher came to the front of the room and put her arm around my shoulder. She walked me outside and told me I could wait for my mother on the playground jungle gym structure.

Outside, I felt safe, embarrassed, but safe. I sat on the jungle gym and patiently waited for my mother to bring a change of clothes. I don’t remember my mother arriving, the clothes I changed into or if I even left school for the rest of the day, but I do remember the next two weeks of school and how God was there in my teacher and classmates. 

I would have figured the teasing would have continued, but it didn’t. My teacher was especially compassionate as though guilt overwhelmed her. Even the boy I liked seemed to smile at me more often. I couldn’t imagine why they were being so nice to me. Then, the Lord sent me an angel.

It was about two weeks after I had my accident in class that a new student entered our classroom. She was tall, at least a head above all of the boys and she had snow white hair. Even her eyebrows were white. I hadn’t seen white hair on a child before only blond, so I was captivated by her glow. On her first day, the new second grade girl wore a white dress, knee length with a frilly lace bottom. Her socks were folded over to reveal a frilly lace rim that matched her dress. Her shoes were also white, polished and shiny enough to reflect the light. I felt like I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. The teacher had positioned her directly in front of me in line and in the next row over in the class. She stood out so much that I remember her playing alone during the first recess.

I am sure why the teacher called the new child at the front of the class to read, before all of the students, on her very first day. The child’s face was red like mine was. She began to read and within seconds, had an accident.  My heart filled with mercy and compassion because while everyone else could only see what had happened, I could feel her pain inside. Then something amazing happened, my embarrassment from my own accident quickly disappeared.   The teacher asked me to wait with the girl as her parents arrived with a change of clothes.

During the time we spent alone, I discovered we had much in common. We became best friends that year. We playing during every recess together and we reminded each other to use the restroom during recess.

My new best-friend didn’t attend our school the following year. I wasn’t told what had happened and I would never see or speak to her again. Still, throughout my life, I would remember her friendship fondly.

Still, until God opened my eyes, I didn’t know the true purpose of that relationship. These days, I see second grade a little differently. I know now, God was by my side during a season of my life that offered many trials. He didn’t allow me to bare that embarrassment alone. Miraculously, a classroom of seven and eight-year-olds

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below! 

To read the first written and published personal testimony please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

Merry Christmas!

Mary and Baby Jesus

Merry Christmas From our Family to Yours! 

God's Word to A Soldier!

Dear Soldier,

Merry Christmas! I am writing to you today in response to a burden God has laid on my heart. One recent morning, while opening my bible, the pages landed on Isaiah, Chapter 52 . Although I had read this chapter many times before, this time the verses carried with them a new weight on my shoulders.

As I put my bible aside, God called to mind a documentary I had watched not so long ago. It aired on the Public Broadcast System (PBS). http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/badvoodoo/

In the documentary, United States Soldiers openly spoke of what it felt like to fight in a war zone. As their words echoed in my head, I felt my heart begin to ache. One Soldier spoke of his constant feeling of fear. He said,"You can't see the enemy firing at you. We're like sitting ducks out here!"

Another soldier spoke about feeling lonely. He said, "Since I have been out here, my girlfriend has broke up with me. I guess this was all too much for her to handle."  Still, one soldier expressed the reason he no longer believed in God. He sadly announced, "I used to believe in God. I prayed everyday. But after praying for safety one day, one of my best friends was killed. How can I still believe in God?"

While I remembered what these Soldiers had said, I allowed my thoughts to drift back to those painful memories from my own past. Then, while feelings of fear, loneliness and disbelief resurfaced, I began to pray, "Lord, if you want me to reach the hearts of these brave men and woman, Give me the words to speak."

Immediately, I had the desire to run to the computer and write the following letter to you. I pray that God will reach your heart this Christmas with His words of Comfort and Love. May He keep you safe and bring you back home soon!



My Child,


Let not your heart be troubled. John 14:1
I am your helper, so you need not fear. Besides, what can mere people do to you? Hebrews 13:5-6If you trust in Me, you will find new strength. You will soar high on wings like eagles. And you will run and not grow weary. You will walk and not grow faint. Isaiah 40:31.


Humble yourself under My mighty power, then at the right time, I will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to Me, for I care about you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to Me, for I have paid the price to set you free. Isaiah 44:22


I will turn your mourning into joy. I will comfort you and exchange your sorrow for rejoicing. Jeremiah 31:13.So work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for me rather than for people. Remember that I will give you inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. Colossians 3:23-24


Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell Me what you need. My peace will guard your heart and mind as you live in my Son, Jesus Christ. Philippians 4:6-7. I am your refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1. I am your shield, saving those whose hearts are true and right. Psalm 7:10


So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you. Deuteronomy 31:6

To obtain a free copy of a bible please visit: http://www.soldiersbibleministry.org 

  

Navy Retirement

Donna L. Young is the wife of a Retired Navy Seabee.

She has a Master's Degree in Theology from Liberty Baptist University 

and is the Author of the book Apologies From a Repentant Christian.

We adopted a puppy for Christmas and God blessed us!

        Last week, I heard my seven-year-old say, "I miss my friend_______." He was speaking about a teenage foster girl who used to live down the street from us.
       I knew about the teenage foster girl before I even met her. My neighboring foster parent, who also happens to be the base player at our church, approached me one day after the church service to request prayer support.
       As he considered fostering the young lady, he said, "I am not sure if we can handle a teenager." I simply replied, "Trust God! And, if you need help, call me." It didn't take long before I received that first call. "Can she come over and spend some time at your house?" I instantly responded, "Of course, send her right up."
       Immediately, the thirteen-year-old girl with a beautiful face walked up the street to our home. She brought with her all the excitement and squeal of any typical teenage girl. And within a few visits she felt right at home. She took a liking to our Wii gaming system when she discovered that she could watch a particular show using our subscription to the Netflix movie rental system. Soon, I began to stock the refrigerator with chocolate chip cookies and frozen food.
      After awhile, the young girl had even developed a routine. First, she asked permission to go into our refrigerator to grab a few of her favorite cookies. Then, she asked permission to turn on her favorite television teenage comedy.  She would watch the show and eat her cookies. And as the young teenager filled with laughter and joy, so did our home.
      At one point, I realized the young girl didn't own a bible. Therefore, I purchased one for her. I had the bible personalized by inscribing her name on the front. Later, she began attending our church. She bonded with a few of the other teenage girls who attended our church's youth group. We had bonded to her as well and she became part of our family.  So, when we suddenly heard one day that she would be moving to a new foster home, 40 miles from where we lived, my son and I took the news hard. I was given no contact information. So I simply kept the young girl in my prayers.
       Then out of the blue, this past week, my son said, "I miss ______."  Hearing her name, made me wonder how she had been doing in her new foster home. Yet, that thought only resonated a moment before the ring of our telephone stole my attention.
       I answered the telephone to hear my husband's voice. Exhausted, he shared his concern over the additional work hours he was putting in. He said, "I leave when it is dark and I return when it is dark. I have no time for Grace anymore." Grace, our small rescued Chihuahua is only one-year-old. For over one week, my husband's had been sharing his guilt for leaving her alone for long hours during the day. As a result, I began to think, "Maybe Grace could use a companion."
      I took the issue to the Lord in prayer. "Lord, if it is your will that we should have another dog, please show me the way."  That same night, my young son and I sat down to watch a Christmas special before bed. I flipped through the channels to find something airing on our local television. As God would have it, the "PEANUTS" Christmas special, "I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown!" was on.  I began to giggle.
      The next day, I decided to search on line to see if one of our local shelter dogs would capture my heart. Yet, after several hours of combing through dogs and cats up for adoption, the only thing that caught my attention was the $300.00+ adoption price tag.
      So, I prayed again. "Lord, if you want us to adopt another dog, please reveal Your will through this next attempt." Finally, I searched the Internets local Craigslist adds for small dogs. In my price range, there were two options. One small dog up for sale, lived only 15 miles away from our apartment. Because of the close distance and lower price, I called the owner and made an appointment to view the puppy for sale. Yet, after I made the call, I had an unsettling feeling about the appointment. As a result, I called the number again and cancelled the appointment. Next, I called the other listed option.
     When the second woman answered my call, I immediately felt at ease. She said, "We provide foster care to dogs. My husband and I work with a program called 'Heaven Help Us.' " Instantly, I remembered my prayer. She added, "You can come see the dogs we have up for adoption if you want. Our home is easily identifiable by the Nativity Scene on the front lawn. We're believers."  I briefly shared my testimony with her and made an appointment to choose a puppy.
      On the day of the appointment, the woman and I shared a few laughs and some tears. I told her my full testimony, and chose our new puppy. Still, I felt as though my visit was unfinished. I started to wonder, "What am I missing?"
      It wasn't until we stood by our car saying our "Goodbyes" that the woman revealed how her husband and her were also foster parents to children. She said,"We currently have one teenage foster child, but she will be leaving soon. She is returning home to live with her grandmother next week." In that moment I felt God's loving hand on my shoulder. I blurted out, "Is her name ____________?" Amazed, the woman asked, "How could you know that?" I told her, "God brought her to us awhile ago and we have been missing her. God orchestrates moments like this for me all the time now."
      As I slowly drove away from the home, promising to return a few days later to reconnect with the foster child and pick up the puppy we chose, I thanked God for His willingness to orchestrate such an event. What I had thought was a simply a Christmas gift for my husband, also turned out to be the sweetest Christmas gift from God, picked out especially for my young son and me!

        Please share your thoughts in the comments section below! 

To read the first written and published personal testimony, 

please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

Thank You God for Answering my Prayers this Christmas!

          Exodus 20:12 (NKJV) “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you."

            For over one year my mother's name remained on my prayer board while I prayed, "Please Lord, won't you provide my mother with an opportunity to boldly profess her faith in You?" 

I started praying this particular prayer one morning after my mother had called. During that conversation, my mother shared a concern over losing her license to practice as a therapist. She said, "I want to talk about Jesus Christ with my clients but I am restricted by my license." I knew first hand the worry my mother felt. I too had felt God’s tug on my heart to share His message of hope with those who were hurting and in deep emotional pain. And like my mother, in the past, I faced worldly consequences for proselytizing. As a result, I knew just how to pray for her!

In each subsequent conversation, I graciously reminded my mother that God would protect her and watch over her as she spread the Word of Christ. Surprisingly one day, at the end of a phone call, my mother hesitantly asked me to add one of her client’s initials to my prayer board. She was careful to protect the hurting woman’s identity. Still, I assured my mother that God would know who the woman was, even if I only prayed using her initials.

Immediately, after saying our goodbyes, I went to my prayer board and wrote the client's first initial in the center of the board. Then, I instantly began to pray. "Please Lord, comfort this hurting and depressed woman."

            Next, I prayed for the remaining names on my prayer board. When I came to my mother's name, I prayed, "Please Lord, give her courage. Help her lead this hopeless woman to You even at the risk of losing her license. Father in Heaven, please help my mother boldly proclaim, 'I am a Christian therapist' so that others will know to come to her in order to find peace. In Your mighty name, Amen.”

            A few weeks later, I called my mother to catch up on the ins and outs of our daily lives. She listened patiently as I spoke about all the ways God had used me to reach out to others. Then, she said, "I was thinking about you yesterday. I don't know if I can tell you this story without crying." She continued, "This past week, when I met with my client, the client I had told you about, we prayed together." Speechless, I remained quiet.  Then my mother added, "This time, when my client started to weep over her sadness, I said to her, 'I want to share the hope I found in Jesus Christ.'” Amazing!

            My mother told me how her client simply listened as she spoke about the power my mother found through repentance.  Together, the two women prayed the sinner's prayer. I could hear my mother's joy resonate through the phone as she tearfully spoke about leading her client to Christ. Quietly, I praised God.

            After my mother finished her story, I told her I was proud of her. In response, my mother said those beautiful and sweet words I had been praying to hear her say. She said, "Well after all, I am a Christian Therapist!"

         Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!

And to read the first written and published Christian personal testimony 

please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

God used Santa to Answer a Prayer!

Perhaps my favorite gift from God came right before Christmas one year when I witnessed my young son’s faith grow.

It was late Sunday afternoon when my husband drove back to his job site located three hours away. After my husband’s temporary placement in Florida, his employer moved him back to California. Unfortunately, his new job site was still too far from home to commute each day. As a result, he only commuted home and stayed for the weekend.

After a few months of saying goodbye to his father every Sunday, the distance became too much. My young son had held in his feelings as long as he could. One Sunday, as he said “Goodbye” to his father, he began to cry. Because it was raining, my husband had decided to begin his long commute a little earlier than normal. My son had been invited to a birthday party which was scheduled soon after we said “Goodbye.” So, in my car, my son and I followed my husband’s truck towards the freeway.

As we followed my husband’s truck, my son continued to cry for his father. It broke my heart. I tried to make him laugh but my humor only distracted him for a minute or two before he resumed crying.I prayed out loud, “Dear Lord, your child needs you right now. Can you please let him know You are with him and will never leave him? Can You please let him feel Your arms around him? In Your precious name, Amen.” Through his tears, my six-year-old son said, “It’s not working, I can’t feel Him.” I told him sometimes God’s presence feels like goose bumps or a sweet feeling, or the warm touch of others. I told him to wait on the Lord. We had two more freeway exits before arriving at the mall. I was curious when my husband exited the freeway right in front of us. He drove to the mall and parked near our car. He walked over to my son and said, “I don’t care when I get to the hotel. You are more important than my job.” He then reached out his hand and pulled my son to his side to hug him.

My son looked at me and smiled. I knew what my son was thinking, “How did he know?” When we entered the party, my shy son felt intimidated by the new environment. The father of the child who was celebrating her birthday walked over to greet us. I knew that the child’s father suffered from intense back pain. Yet, he immediately got down on one knee, spread his hands wide and offered my son a hug. My husband was standing there to see the hug. By now, I couldn’t help but tell the girl’s father and my husband about the prayer I had just prayed in the car a few minutes earlier.

Eventually, it was time to leave the party. I asked my son if he needed to use the restroom before we drove back home. He said, “Yes.” The nearest boy’s bathroom was located in a large department store next to the party. As I walked my son to the restroom, we saw a man dressed as Santa Claus. I told my son I was going to say “Hi” to Santa. My son asked, “Why, isn’t he just a man?” I knew that my son no longer believed in Santa Claus. Still, I felt compelled to go over to him and greet him. I shook Santa’s hand and said, “Hi Santa.” My son followed me and reached out his hand to shake Santa’s hand. Santa, instead, knelt on the floor, on both knees and stretched his arms out wide. My son and I knew that God heard our simple prayer on the way to the party that day and that He was with us. In less than an hour and a half, God had wrapped His arms around my son three times.

This story can be found in the book,

Apologies From a Repentant Christian.

Where will God be this Christmas?

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the
believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
   1 Timothy 4:12

It was a new book with crisp pages and a red hard paper binding. I was around age ten when I first stumbled upon it. Back then, I picked the book up often.

Unlike many of the older books in our home, none of the pages of this book were dog-eared. Nor was there writing along the side columns. So, I was certain that I was the first to read it. Through the years, I often wondered how this little book found its way into our home. Still, what kept me most fascinated was the title of this particular book. It simply read, "HOLY BIBLE."

Even though our family attended church regularly, I had never seen a bible before. Our church didn't require that we bring one and no one I knew ever carried one with them. Nevertheless, one day I decided to first pick the little red cover bible up and try to read it. With all my might, I struggled to understand what I was reading. However, the foreign names of people and far off places along with historical references were simply too difficult for me to comprehend. As a result, I placed the bible back down on the counter as quickly as I had picked it up. I repeated this pattern for years, hoping that one day I would begin to feel close to God.

Unable to connect with God through reading the bible, I decided to search for Him in a church.  I was especially attracted to the church building during Christmastime when it had a warm and welcoming sense about it. Our family attended the last service on Sunday night, when it was already dark outside. Perhaps that is why the glowing lights from the large Christmas tree and flickering advent candles, always seemed to shine a little brighter.

I was a small child whose little frame was easily lost among the countless rows of pews. As a result, I often sat close to the front of the church. In the still of the night, I rested my chin on the back seat of the pew directly in front of me. I often watched the alter boys light the weekly advent candle. I love to gaze at the porcelain Nativity scene that only appeared at that time of year. I can still recall today the fragrance of incense floating among the gentle breeze that wafted through the church on those colder winter nights. Sitting in that peaceful church, listening to the bells that reminded me to throw my cares away, I couldn't help but feel closer to God.

But, somehow through the years, the ability to feel God's presence in that church, dissipated. Perhaps it was because my heart had become hardened from years of pain and faithlessness. For years, I had desperately needed someone of good character, morality and and faith to walk my heart back to the Lord. When that didn't happen, I shut down feelings of love and understanding and filled my hardened heart with judgment and anger. As a consequence,  my heart only allowed me to see the human mistakes of other churchgoers. After awhile, I became disenchanted with my beloved church, even at Christmastime.

Ironically, at first, I tried to win the approval of other Christians by involving myself in church activities. But I soon exhausted others with my arrogance. Next, I tried church hopping. The first few times in a new church, felt warm and welcoming. However, it didn't take long before I again noticed that hypocrisy I had focused all my attention on before. After that, I stopped going to church for awhile. Instead, I tried watching church on the television. But, even in the comfort of my own home I still felt out of place. 

Later, in 2006, our family moved to a new town.  I tried several new churches. Each time I couldn't capture that old feeling of closeness to God. I made the excuse that our entire family needed to fit in and then stopped attending the church. 

Then one day in late October 2008, I prayed for God to send me on a mission trip. Perhaps God was with those missionaries I saw on the television who had devoted their hearts and lives to serving Him. Four days later, I was taken to the most unlikely place, a jail holding cell. http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/my-personal-testimony.html

Confused and desperate, I cried out to the Lord. "Please God, if You really do exist, draw near to me!" God immediately appeared! Amazed, I realized, that all along, God had been patiently waiting right by my side to enter my heart. And finally, I welcomed Him in.

My Childhood bible

I plan to attend church this Christmas. Yet, I won't be going alone. I will be bringing God with me, in my heart and tucked under my arm in the form of a little red bible over 30 years old.  

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below! 
To read the first written and published personal testimony,
please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

Devoting my birthday to bringing others Close to God.

Matthew 25:23 "His Lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' (NKJV)

        The day was my 41st birthday. It was early in the morning when the phone began to ring. "Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you," my husband sang in his sweetest voice. Then, my loving parents called. "We wanted to wish you a happy birthday on your special day." What joy! Still, something felt different inside.
        For over three years, I had focused my attention each day on serving God. And in return, God made everyday special. Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and even regular ordinary days were special when I focused on serving the Lord. So, I decided that this day would not be different.
         On the way home from dropping my son off at school, I felt an urge to drive to the local coffee house. I decided to use the drive thru option. There was a long line of cars waiting to purchase coffee that day. Still, I was enjoying the song that played on the radio and content with waiting as I sang my praises to God.

I waited patiently for my turn to order. Suddenly, out of the blue, God spoke to my heart. "Pay for the person's order in the car behind you," God instructed. I only had enough cash to buy one cup of coffee. So, I scrambled to find a credit card that would afford both my order and his. When, I pulled up to the drive thru window, I explained to the clerk what I intended to do. The cashier seemed taken aback. In her silence, I handed her a little note and asked her to give the paper to the gentleman along with his cup of coffee. The cashier began to read the note to herself. "God placed it on my heart to buy your coffee today. Merry Christmas!" The teenager’s eyes became misty as she agreed to my request. She warmly thanked me for being so kindhearted. As I drove away, other vehicles filled in the gaps between our cars. Thus, I was left to wonder the man's reaction to God’s gesture. Still, I felt warmness in my heart. So, I prayerfully thanked God for counting me worthy to serve Him once again.

         A few blocks away, I took a sip of that expensive cup of coffee. I smiled and giggled when I realized I had spent $5.25 on a cup of coffee I could have made at home for less than a dollar. I had gone to that coffee house simply to share God’s love and bring that chosen man and cashier closer to God and that was the best birthday gift I could have received!

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below! 

To read the first written and published personal testimony please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

Why would I think buying Christmas presents brings Joy?

My husband & Son golfing together

As a Christmas gift to my husband this year, I wanted to buy him a round of golf. I thought, "It has been while since he has been able to spend time with our now 23-year-old son. Maybe they can resume that old tradition of playing golf together on Christmas morning."

However, a round of Golf is expensive, especially where we live. In fact, I figured I would have to spend around $100.00 on this gift. I wondered, "How am I going to generate this amount of money when I haven't worked since March 2011?" http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/unemployed-mother-turns-down-needed-to.html. I decided to sell some of my belongings to afford the gift. So, I listed items I knew would sell on Ebay.

Perhaps, I became too focused on buying Christmas presents this year. Because, this morning I found myself setting my closed bible aside to curiously inquire about my Ebay Seller account. I noticed right away the bids for the items I was selling had increased. This meant that I would be receiving more money. I would have thought this would make me feel happy. Yet, for reasons unknown to me at that moment, I was feeling a little let down.

As a result, I grabbed my bible and walked away from the computer desk. As usual, I allowed the pages to fall open and land as they may. As God would have it, they settled on 2 Kings Chapter 5. Right away, I wondered, "What does leprosy have to do with my day?" Still, I kept reading. It took me a little while to digest the story. I had to pause frequently. Then when my eyes finally caught verse 26 I knew what God was communicating to my heart!

2 Kings Chapter 5:26

"Then he said to him, "Did not my heart go with you when the man turned back from his chariot to meet you? Is it time to receive money and to receive clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male and female servants?" (NKJV)

My eyes welled with tears as I quietly whispered to my Lord, "It is time when You say it is time!" Then, the most loving and caring voice spoke to my heart, saying, "Don't you have everything you need?" I simply and humbly replied, "Yes Lord." Then, He said, "Then what is it you need money for?" I thought about how Christmas wasn't about buying presents for others. So, wiping the tears from my eyes, I replied, "Nothing Lord."

The Word of God-A love Story

After that, something happened that had never happened to me before! I heard the Lord say, "I love you, my sweet daughter." Sobbing, I replied, "I love you too Lord!"

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below! 

To read the first written and published personal testimony 

please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html

Christmas Everyday!

John 15:8-11 (NKJV)

By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

        Before December 2008, I experienced many Christmas' when I felt disheartened. All year long, I had waited in anticipation for that magical day. I had joyfully awaited the company of family and a smell of delicious turkey filling the air. I put all of my hopes in the events of that one calendar day. Yet, I never truly understood its meaning. Perhaps that is why December 25 often felt like just any other day. Then, on October 20, 2008 I accepted God's holy gift of His only Son, Jesus Christ. And, from that moment on, my life changed.
        Now, everyday feels as though it it's filled with Christmas joy.  For example, one day, while picking up my young son from kindergarten, I noticed two men who were struggling to retrieve their keys from their locked car. I could tell they had been laboring for quiet awhile because of the sweat on their brows and the weary look on their faces. Just as my son clicked his seat belt, I heard God's voice say, "Go tell them you are praying for them." So, I told my son, "I'll be right back. I need to tell these men something."

I left my car door ajar as I ran over to the two men. I repeated God's exact words. “I am praying for you.” Then, I returned to my car, clicked my seat belt and slowly began to drive away. Unexpectedly, the parking lot stoplight turned red and we came to a dead halt. Suddenly, the two men began to jump up and down. They began waving their arms up over their head and yelling at the top of their lungs. "Hey! It worked, It worked!"  Joy unspeakable! Then, one of the men sprinted to my car. I rolled down my window as fast as I could and extended my hand out to him. The man slapped the palm of my hand so hard that I could feel the sting all the way home. My eyes welled with tears, not from the pain in my hand, but the joy in my heart.

Minutes later, we returned home. I thanked God for using me in that precious moment to grow the faith of these two men. Then, I thanked Him for growing my own faith and my young son’s too!

Joy Unspeakable
Text: Barney E. Warren, 1900
Music: Barney E. Warren, 1900

I have found His grace is all complete,
He supplieth ev’ry need;
While I sit and learn at Jesus’ feet,
I am free, yes, free indeed.
I have found the pleasure I once craved,
It is joy and peace within;
What a wondrous blessing! I am saved
From the awful gulf of sin.
I have found that hope so bright and clear,
Living in the realm of grace;
Oh, the Savior’s presence is so near,
I can see His smiling face.
I have found the joy no tongue can tell,
How its waves of glory roll!
It is like a great o’er flowing well,
Springing up within my soul.

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below! 

To read the first written and published personal testimony,

please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html