Heart Choices: 2012-11-25 -->

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The Blessings of the Christmas Season


It was the first Sunday of Advent.  As we gathered together to worship at my home church, the first candle was lit; the candle of prophesy.  Pastor Dan read from the Bible.

Isaiah 9:6

21st Century King James Version (KJ21)
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.

How amazing is that?  The Messiah, the Promised One would be born.  And He was born.  We celebrate that day each year.

"It is nearly unbelievable -- the wonder of the Advent of the Promised One, longed for through generations, now arriving in the context of human history.  This Christmas season, be sure not to lose the wonder of the Wonderful by getting mired in the mundane."  ~ Pursuing the Christ, Prayers for Christmastime by Jennifer Kennedy Dean

I purchased this small Kindle book by Jennifer Kennedy Dean for $.99.  It's a great deal and the short chapters help to keep me focused on the true meaning of this Christmas season.

And the little ones ...

This time of year is a wonderful time to be working in a school environment.  The children are so excited.  We decorated our classroom.  A small Christmas tree sits in the corner and the little three year olds get to decorate it again each morning.  It's not a Christian school but I have to admit that I pray for each one of these precious little ones. :)

We had a special visitor to our classroom this week.  Firefighter Mike gave a talk to the children.  He wanted them to see firefighters as their friend so they wouldn't be afraid.  The kids got to try on the mask and hat and even his boots.  They loved it!


Firefighter Mike was actually Heidi's dad.  He is so good with the kids.


They giggled as they tried on the pieces of equipment.  I was amazed how well they sat and listened intently.

My three year old personal trainer Sam is keeping me on track with my exercise.  He is too funny!  As I was leaving school on Friday, he called out to me.  "Miss Debbie, did you do your exercise?"

I laughed because I can't disappoint him and I have to be honest. So instead of going on the bike that stays still, I hop on my treadmill.  I told him it's a machine that let's me run but I go no place.  I think he understood.  And he added "Miss Debbie, I love you."  My heart melted and I smiled.  Thank you Lord for these little ones.

#612 Celebrating the first Advent Sunday
#613 Getting into the Christmas spirit
#614 Spending time in the Word each morning
#615 Coming home each day to the sound of Christmas music, candles lit and tree lights on
#616 A husband who tries to make our home extra special this time of year
#617 Celebrating my mother-in-law's 88th birthday
#618 Co-workers who are such fun
#619 Seeing the delight in the children's eyes as they listened to firefighter Mike
#620 Decorations for the Christmas season
#621 Peppermint mocha at Starbucks
#622 Beautiful weather in Phoenix
#623 Looking forward to a visit with my friends from San Antonio
#624 Watching Kirk Cameron in "Monumental"; a must see documentary

Keep on counting those every day blessings.  I can guarantee it will change your perspective.




Blessings and love,


QuickEdit

Remembering Zig Ziglar


Zig Ziglar was one of the people who has inspired me most in my life.  He died on Wednesday at the age of 86.  He was the best salesperson but more importantly he was a Christian who ...walked his talk.

Many years ago, I began reading his books and listening to his tapes. I had a thirty minute drive to work as a nurse.  It was the perfect amount of time to soak in some wisdom from Zig.  He helped me motivate many heart patients to make healthier lifestyle choices.  It got to the point where I could quote him word for word.

I can hear him even now in that southern husky familiar voice saying:

You will get all you want in life, if you help enough other people get what they want.

I purchased his performance planner and dutifully wrote out my goals for that year.  I had two pages for each goal, including what I needed to do and what obstacles I needed to overcome to accomplish each one.  As I look back at those goals, I see that I accomplished every single one of them.  There is something to be said for writing them out like this.

A goal properly set is halfway reached.




I've seen Zig Ziglar speak several times.  One year, my husband and I purchased tickets to attend a luncheon where Zig was speaking. We had a table right up front.  I didn't want to miss a thing!

Zig spoke about the importance of fathers.  He said that the majority of men who are in prison either had no father figure in their life or a troubled relationship with their father.  He encouraged all of the men in the audience to be an active part of their children's lives.

At the end of the talk Zig left the podium and I quickly got up so I could speak with him before he left the room.  He graciously signed one of his books for me and then he smiled at me and asked me if I knew what Ephesians 2:8-9 said.  Thankfully I did.  Those verses speak about the grace of God and how we cannot earn our salvation. Although this luncheon wasn't a Christian conference talk, Zig so kindly shared his faith in Jesus. What a beautiful example for me!

I was able to email his son Tom Ziglar in more recent years to share how much his dad influenced me.  He wrote back to me and told me he read my note to his father.  I was thrilled!

This morning I listened to his memorial service.  It was held in a Baptist church in Dallas, Texas but I heard it live on Zig Ziglar Radio. What a blessing!  Zig even planned his own funeral down to the message and songs.  The first song they sang was "Because He Lives" and of course, I began to tear up.

I believe Zig Ziglar is in heaven and he will be meeting up with his daughter.  But best of all, he will see Jesus.

I leave you with this video so you can hear Zig Ziglar for yourself.



Blessings and love,

QuickEdit
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