Shaken

The rollercoaster at the Denmark amusement park was a little rickety. I heard a clattering sound as a single car climbed the big hill and rushed down the other side.

Excited screams floated on the wind. My family was sightseeing in Europe, and we were stopping at several of the famous theme parks during our trip.

It was almost our turn to ride. There were no ropes at the front of the line where I was standing, so I leaned over to look into the deep tunnel-like track where the roller coaster would stop. It sure was a long drop…

Suddenly, someone grabbed my waist and held me over the track! The rollercoaster was about to return to its station, and I certainly didn’t want to be on the path when it did. A moment later, my prankster returned my feet to the ground. I whirled to look at the person
who thought it was funny to scare the life out of me, and found the guilty culprit, a ride attendant, giggling hilariously at what he thought was a clever joke. Apparently he didn’t share the American fear of the word, “lawsuit.”

Have you ever had that feeling of being unsettled like that? Probably your experience is more serious than an ill-timed prank. The other day I stumbled on this amazing verse, Acts 2:25. It says, “For David says concerning him, ‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken.’” What struck me is that the same God who could not be held by death is the one who is at my right hand so “that I may not be shaken.” Isn’t that incredible? As we hold on to God, he will become the most important thing in our lives and we will never be shaken to the core. Focus on Jesus. By his power, you will never be shaken from his hands.

Do you feel like your parents’ divorce or another problem has been a roadblock in your life? Have you ever felt shaken by a disaster that you didn’t see coming? What have you learned through it?

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

- Aimee

The Entrance Says It All

Was it happenstance that the Inn was full and Mary had to deliver Jesus in a smelly stable? God can do anything so He could’ve made a place for His son to be born anywhere but He chose a manger for Mary to cradle our Savior’s head. Royalty was born like a commoner that day without armed guards, without fanfare, without parades. God presented His son to the world in a totally accessible way because Jesus’ purpose was to be open and available to all.

If the pain of your family situation is trying to seep through your holiday smile, take a moment and remember why Jesus was born in a manger.  Give all your hurts to Him and celebrate His birth by saying “Thank you Jesus,” every chance you get today.

Merry Christmas from Aimee, Kyara, Brooke, Megan, Kristen, and Sherry! Know, we’re praying for you.

Luke 2:7 “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”

Christmas Countdown

Things may have happened to you this year that seem to take the joy out of Christmas. Did your parents divorce since last Christmas? Or did a parent remarry? That can sometimes be worse.

Nehemiah 8:10 tells us that we can have joy and strength through hard times like this. It says, “…the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Spend time enjoying the Lord. He will be your strength through difficult times. Who knows? This might be your best Christmas yet!

Christmas Countdown

“How will this be”, Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” Luke 1:34 Mary’s reaction to the angel is the same reaction any of us would’ve had. It’s impossible for a virgin to get pregnant. Human common sense tells us this but God isn’t human and He can do the impossible. If you have holiday/family issues that seem impossible think about young Mary. Think about the new circumstances her life took because of her pregnancy.  Consider her response. “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered, May it be to me as you have said.” And the angel left her. Luke 1:38. She had full and complete trust in her Heavenly Father. Follow Mary’s lead and trust God to help you find joy this holiday season.

Christmas Countdown

Families are the power source for Christmas and when divorce changes our family photograph the dynamics of Christmas changes as well. God knew the propensity we have to mess up our families and He knew we would need help. The baby in the manger was sent for you.  The angels said it best, “…Do not be afraid I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people.” Luke 2: 10 Read the verse again and substitute your name for “all people.” Allow God to give you great joy throughout this holiday season.