A Finished Work Christmas
From before the foundation of the earth
Part of God’s plan was the virgin birth.
He had to become a man you see
To show what man was meant to be
The One that came forth from that manger bed,
Lived a perfect life in Adam’s stead.
He owed no debt for sin that was due
When He went to the cross, He went there as you.
What God couldn’t stand about you and me
He became that day, as He hung on the tree.
As your “old man”, He suffered and died
And descended to Hell til’ the Father cried;
“I’m satisfied; justice is done.”
Then up from the pit came the Pattern Son.
The First begotten of a brand new race
For all who believe and rest in His grace.
If as you, He suffered on the cross that day
And as you, in Hell the price did pay,
Then all your judgment is in the past.
In Christ “Praise God” you’re free at last.
In Him there is no condemnation.
You arose with Him as a New Creation
And now you’re seated in him on high
You’ve past through death, “You’ll never die.”
So, rejoice as we celebrate Christ’s birth,
As it is in Heaven, so it is on earth.
Bill Briggs - 2000
Every work of art began as a thought...MERRY CHRISTMAS!
20/20 Vision
20/20 Vision
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Every Good Gift
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Christmas time is often defined by the giving of gifts. There is a distinct feeling of anticipation and excitement in the air and there is an undeniable stirring inside that when left to evolve on its own burst out. Yes, that’s it. It’s that word called JOY. It is amazing how this one time each year we are focused on doing what ever is necessary to bring every thought into captivity that does not equate with Christmas. Preparations begin early, usually that crazy Friday following Thanksgiving. Planning for perfection is truly an art whether planning for that really special meal for our loved ones or the searching out of that one spectacular gift that will bring a smile to someone special.
I particularly am fond of the verse in James 1:17 -- it draws me away from the hurry, hurry, tick tock, one time a year concept of giving, to the Giver of “every good gift and every perfect gift.” I am drawn to this Giver who is constant and drawn to the way in which He gives – giving not just for one time a year but rather for every moment of everyday throughout the year. Consistent giving!
This journey that I am on, this fitness trail called “My Road,” I find pretty bumpy sometimes -- like one of those cobblestone streets. I start out the day knowing that this day has already been conquered only to find myself lying face down on the ground because I tripped over one of those cobblestones. If I keep lying there face down -- eventually an imprint of that cobblestone will place its mark on me. But, the Giver, who is constantly giving will not let me lay there – instead He says to me “look around, look side to side, look up my child but never look down but hold your head up– I have shed light all around your path and there is help all around. Partake of the everyday gifts I give and you will find the path will get easier.”
Jessica’s Journey is one of the daily gifts given to me on My Road. Jessica offers daily insights, shares her journey and other avenues that enhance my travels.
Then there is Jeff. Jeff is known to me as a Personal Fitness Trainer --I meet with him three times each week. He is my guide in this new world called fitness and it is the work he does that drew my attention to the term Fitness Trainer. I did an etymologic study of the word fitness only to discover some interesting facts. I find words are containers of power; they are the difference between communication and miscommunication, they imprison or they liberate but true understanding only comes through the true meaning of words. The word fitness: it is the quality and or the state of being fit. So, what about this term Fitness Trainer? I found that first of all a fitness trainer must be totally committed to their clients (that’s me). They help clients meet their goals and establish new goals. The fitness trainer provides an all encompassing plan that will lead to the desired finish. Fitness trainers are trained professionals with winning personalities! I can’t imagine the number of personalities that Jeff comes into contact with each day; mine is only one of those he encounters. Yet, he knows how to see through the outward facade and zero’s in on the real issue. That’s when the trainer becomes a coach. We all need coaching sometime. Notice that I didn’t say coaxing, although I’m pretty sure there are others like myself that need that as well. Coaching is different; coaching goes deep – it goes into the issues of the heart and flushes out everything that places limitations on your ability to be all that you were created to be. This is the role of a fitness trainer.
Then there is Bill; my loving husband, my encourager, my helpmeet, my partner and much, much more on this road to fitness. Bill is someone who knows me better than I know myself. He is always there and when I trip on one of those cobblestones – he simply picks me up, embraces me, and ever so gently reminds me that “God’s mercies are renewed daily” and I should most likely hold my head up, smile, and get ready to move on!
Christmas time is defined by the giving of gifts. There is a distinct feeling of anticipation and excitement in the air and there is an undeniable stirring inside that evolves and burst into JOY. And what about that amazing focus that says we will do what ever is necessary to bring every thought into captivity that does not equate with Christmas? What about those preparations beginning early? What about the planning of that special meal for our loved ones or the searching out of that one spectacular gift that will bring a smile to someone special? Christmas is a special.
It‘s special for many reasons but I want to be a reflector this season – a reflector of the Great Giver to the truly important people in my life. I want to see reflection of who they are in my eyes and what He does through them to and for me!
Christmas time is often defined by the giving of gifts. There is a distinct feeling of anticipation and excitement in the air and there is an undeniable stirring inside that when left to evolve on its own burst out. Yes, that’s it. It’s that word called JOY. It is amazing how this one time each year we are focused on doing what ever is necessary to bring every thought into captivity that does not equate with Christmas. Preparations begin early, usually that crazy Friday following Thanksgiving. Planning for perfection is truly an art whether planning for that really special meal for our loved ones or the searching out of that one spectacular gift that will bring a smile to someone special.
I particularly am fond of the verse in James 1:17 -- it draws me away from the hurry, hurry, tick tock, one time a year concept of giving, to the Giver of “every good gift and every perfect gift.” I am drawn to this Giver who is constant and drawn to the way in which He gives – giving not just for one time a year but rather for every moment of everyday throughout the year. Consistent giving!
This journey that I am on, this fitness trail called “My Road,” I find pretty bumpy sometimes -- like one of those cobblestone streets. I start out the day knowing that this day has already been conquered only to find myself lying face down on the ground because I tripped over one of those cobblestones. If I keep lying there face down -- eventually an imprint of that cobblestone will place its mark on me. But, the Giver, who is constantly giving will not let me lay there – instead He says to me “look around, look side to side, look up my child but never look down but hold your head up– I have shed light all around your path and there is help all around. Partake of the everyday gifts I give and you will find the path will get easier.”
Jessica’s Journey is one of the daily gifts given to me on My Road. Jessica offers daily insights, shares her journey and other avenues that enhance my travels.
Then there is Jeff. Jeff is known to me as a Personal Fitness Trainer --I meet with him three times each week. He is my guide in this new world called fitness and it is the work he does that drew my attention to the term Fitness Trainer. I did an etymologic study of the word fitness only to discover some interesting facts. I find words are containers of power; they are the difference between communication and miscommunication, they imprison or they liberate but true understanding only comes through the true meaning of words. The word fitness: it is the quality and or the state of being fit. So, what about this term Fitness Trainer? I found that first of all a fitness trainer must be totally committed to their clients (that’s me). They help clients meet their goals and establish new goals. The fitness trainer provides an all encompassing plan that will lead to the desired finish. Fitness trainers are trained professionals with winning personalities! I can’t imagine the number of personalities that Jeff comes into contact with each day; mine is only one of those he encounters. Yet, he knows how to see through the outward facade and zero’s in on the real issue. That’s when the trainer becomes a coach. We all need coaching sometime. Notice that I didn’t say coaxing, although I’m pretty sure there are others like myself that need that as well. Coaching is different; coaching goes deep – it goes into the issues of the heart and flushes out everything that places limitations on your ability to be all that you were created to be. This is the role of a fitness trainer.
Then there is Bill; my loving husband, my encourager, my helpmeet, my partner and much, much more on this road to fitness. Bill is someone who knows me better than I know myself. He is always there and when I trip on one of those cobblestones – he simply picks me up, embraces me, and ever so gently reminds me that “God’s mercies are renewed daily” and I should most likely hold my head up, smile, and get ready to move on!
Christmas time is defined by the giving of gifts. There is a distinct feeling of anticipation and excitement in the air and there is an undeniable stirring inside that evolves and burst into JOY. And what about that amazing focus that says we will do what ever is necessary to bring every thought into captivity that does not equate with Christmas? What about those preparations beginning early? What about the planning of that special meal for our loved ones or the searching out of that one spectacular gift that will bring a smile to someone special? Christmas is a special.
It‘s special for many reasons but I want to be a reflector this season – a reflector of the Great Giver to the truly important people in my life. I want to see reflection of who they are in my eyes and what He does through them to and for me!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
I Can
Philippans 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
The sky is falling! The sky is falling! Oh, no that is what Chicken Little said but something is falling! Bill! Bill (that’s my husband)! What’s this all over my face? Something must be wrong!!! Being ever so kind and loving and being very careful to not let me see the smile on his face – hugged me and said “Honey its okay. That is what most folks call sweat.” Did I hear him correctly? Sweat, that’s something people do when they labor at construction sites or work really hard in the yard or… Oh, well, that’s what I did today – I worked really hard and I did SWEAT!
Jessica, I am really thankful for your BlogSpot. I was especially blessed by your victory day and the stats that you posted. Way 2 go girl!!! Encouragement seekers (like me) need that kind of stuff – it brightens the road I travel. I’m especially drawn to your title:” life according to us.” The inscription that follows, “little tidbits from our life to help us remember the small things that make our story” is so true.
Remember. That is a great word. Philippians says it like this “think on these things.” Those words “think on these things,” went through my head a hundred times this week. So to find why I was being drawn to these words -- I pulled up E-Sword (online Bible) and proceeded to read. God’s purpose for me this day was to simply REMEMBER. Remember what I had read on Jessica’s Journey. Remember what I was called to read in Philippians chapter four. Remember when challenges come -- to view this fitness road (my road) as a done deal. Remember that when Jeff pushes (no encourages) me to do things that I don’t think possible – to remember by thinking on these things: Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. When I “think on these things”, these attributes of Christ, then the strength that He has placed within me rises up and says YES! Yes, you can do this because I left you my promise. I promise to be your strength.
Thanks Lord for your promise. Thanks Lord for Jeff and Your gift of wisdom and patience he uses to guide me. Thanks Lord for Jessica and her insights. Thanks Lord for this new family bound for fitness. Thank you for Bill, my wonderful partner on this road. Thank you for the limitless possibilities!!!!
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
The sky is falling! The sky is falling! Oh, no that is what Chicken Little said but something is falling! Bill! Bill (that’s my husband)! What’s this all over my face? Something must be wrong!!! Being ever so kind and loving and being very careful to not let me see the smile on his face – hugged me and said “Honey its okay. That is what most folks call sweat.” Did I hear him correctly? Sweat, that’s something people do when they labor at construction sites or work really hard in the yard or… Oh, well, that’s what I did today – I worked really hard and I did SWEAT!
Jessica, I am really thankful for your BlogSpot. I was especially blessed by your victory day and the stats that you posted. Way 2 go girl!!! Encouragement seekers (like me) need that kind of stuff – it brightens the road I travel. I’m especially drawn to your title:” life according to us.” The inscription that follows, “little tidbits from our life to help us remember the small things that make our story” is so true.
Remember. That is a great word. Philippians says it like this “think on these things.” Those words “think on these things,” went through my head a hundred times this week. So to find why I was being drawn to these words -- I pulled up E-Sword (online Bible) and proceeded to read. God’s purpose for me this day was to simply REMEMBER. Remember what I had read on Jessica’s Journey. Remember what I was called to read in Philippians chapter four. Remember when challenges come -- to view this fitness road (my road) as a done deal. Remember that when Jeff pushes (no encourages) me to do things that I don’t think possible – to remember by thinking on these things: Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. When I “think on these things”, these attributes of Christ, then the strength that He has placed within me rises up and says YES! Yes, you can do this because I left you my promise. I promise to be your strength.
Thanks Lord for your promise. Thanks Lord for Jeff and Your gift of wisdom and patience he uses to guide me. Thanks Lord for Jessica and her insights. Thanks Lord for this new family bound for fitness. Thank you for Bill, my wonderful partner on this road. Thank you for the limitless possibilities!!!!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
The truth will set you free
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Garbage can syndrome… Yep! That’s what I said. Garbage can syndrome. I can assure you that you do not want to experience this malady. Its very nature is insidious, striking with vengeance. No warning – gripping with symptoms that you don’t even want to share company with again. The really frustrating thing is that Garbage Can Syndrome strikes after you have made some really good decisions. I made Thanksgiving with no restraints and still walked away knowing I had made really good decisions. I made the Friday workout knowing I did not have too. So, why am I sharing the Garbage Can Syndrome with you today? Because it happens -- it happened to me Sunday evening. I treated this wonderful, God given vessel like it was a Garbage can. Everything I could possibly think of was consumed. The munchies invaded and I did not take time to think about what I was doing – a bag of popcorn, a cup of hot chocolate…
Garbage Can Syndrome came; Garbage Can Syndrome went “But” it went because I chose not to give any credence to what happened. I chose to look unto Jesus the author and finisher of my faith. I chose to seek out truth because it is truth which liberates. To be liberated is to be free forever from the weight is that so easily besets me. I have a framed print in my living room that has a curious picture: An eagle with wings unfurled and a strong Arabian stallion leaping off the ground but the Arabian is enmeshed in the wings of the eagle. The caption says, “Destiny is not a matter of chance it is a matter of choice!” I can make choice. I can make a wrong choice. “But” it is what I do with that choice that takes my destiny off a dead end road and places my destiny where it belongs on the road called Victory!
The address for “My Road” is finishedworkfitness.blogspot.com -- the term “finished work fitness” was chosen to reflect the choice that I have made for my personal journey. You see, I’m not just training to remember all these different exercises but training these eyes to see beyond confines of this present time -- to see beyond to the real truth, the real me standing at the end of this road ready and equipped to take the next journey. I am victorious now and anyone reading this post is also victorious now! Hey, you know that little space under your nose and just above your upper lip? One of my fifth grade Sunday School students placed her finger in that spot on my face and said, “teacher did you know that’s ‘you’re done’ mark?” She went on to say that, “my Mom says that when God made us He looked at us and was so happy that He smiled and put His finger on us and said ‘you’re done.” Wow, what a Mom to be able to teach a child so young that we are fearfully and wonderfully made!
Garbage can syndrome… Yep! That’s what I said. Garbage can syndrome. I can assure you that you do not want to experience this malady. Its very nature is insidious, striking with vengeance. No warning – gripping with symptoms that you don’t even want to share company with again. The really frustrating thing is that Garbage Can Syndrome strikes after you have made some really good decisions. I made Thanksgiving with no restraints and still walked away knowing I had made really good decisions. I made the Friday workout knowing I did not have too. So, why am I sharing the Garbage Can Syndrome with you today? Because it happens -- it happened to me Sunday evening. I treated this wonderful, God given vessel like it was a Garbage can. Everything I could possibly think of was consumed. The munchies invaded and I did not take time to think about what I was doing – a bag of popcorn, a cup of hot chocolate…
Garbage Can Syndrome came; Garbage Can Syndrome went “But” it went because I chose not to give any credence to what happened. I chose to look unto Jesus the author and finisher of my faith. I chose to seek out truth because it is truth which liberates. To be liberated is to be free forever from the weight is that so easily besets me. I have a framed print in my living room that has a curious picture: An eagle with wings unfurled and a strong Arabian stallion leaping off the ground but the Arabian is enmeshed in the wings of the eagle. The caption says, “Destiny is not a matter of chance it is a matter of choice!” I can make choice. I can make a wrong choice. “But” it is what I do with that choice that takes my destiny off a dead end road and places my destiny where it belongs on the road called Victory!
The address for “My Road” is finishedworkfitness.blogspot.com -- the term “finished work fitness” was chosen to reflect the choice that I have made for my personal journey. You see, I’m not just training to remember all these different exercises but training these eyes to see beyond confines of this present time -- to see beyond to the real truth, the real me standing at the end of this road ready and equipped to take the next journey. I am victorious now and anyone reading this post is also victorious now! Hey, you know that little space under your nose and just above your upper lip? One of my fifth grade Sunday School students placed her finger in that spot on my face and said, “teacher did you know that’s ‘you’re done’ mark?” She went on to say that, “my Mom says that when God made us He looked at us and was so happy that He smiled and put His finger on us and said ‘you’re done.” Wow, what a Mom to be able to teach a child so young that we are fearfully and wonderfully made!
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