CHRISTMAS IN AMERICA

I don't know about you, but here in the United States life is a bit difficult. Our (That's me, Jackie and one of my grand kids, Elijah) economy isn't good; many are unable to find jobs (I'm unemployed right now too); people are losing their homes because they can't pay for them; the homeless are standing on the corners in traffic trying to get money from those driving by and our leaders tell us we are doing better. Hmm...hard to believe. Right in the middle of all of this, Christmas comes along. We who are Christian are planning our parties and buying gifts for friends and family, spending money we don't have, so it all goes on the credit card. Sounds kind of depressing, doesn't it? Let's go back in time 2009 years ago. A young Jewish girl of about 16 is doing whatever 16-year-olds did in those days when suddenly an Angel crashes into her life, telling her she is going to have a baby. Can you imagine what a surprise that must have been? She said to that Angel, "That's not possible. (Here's my earthly angel, Jackie) I've never had relations with a man." The Angel replied, "Don't worry about that. God is going to miraculously allow you to have His Son and you are going to name Him Jesus." And that's how Christmas began. It began with a miracle that the Virgin Mary would give birth to God's own Son. That's why we give gifts to one another at Christmas: God gave us His Son to show us how we are to live and we now live for Him, giving not only store-bought gifts to each other but giving our lives back to God. So even if our economy is bad, even if we have no place to live, God loves us and it is more than enough to know Him. It is more satisfying, more fulfilling, to have a relationship with God than all the gifts from all the malls from all over the world. It is my faith in God that allows me when I am unemployed to not be worried. It is the faithfulness of God that has kept me safe and secure for the last 40 years of my life and who will one day bring me to heaven where I will live eternally. That makes the hard times today seem like nothing in comparison of the good that is coming. It is my prayer for all of you Thai friends that you too will know this love I found as a 20-year-old while meditating in an Eastern temple. So what is knew for you? I get to see and hear bits and pieces of what's going on in some of your lives on Facebook. I always enjoy seeing your photos. And it's so much fun to find your comments on my wall now and then. Of course when they are left in Thai it's a bit difficult for me to know what's going on. 55. I know some of you are also looking for jobs now and finding it difficult to find exactly what you want. One of my friends there killed herself because she could not face the reality of her own life. Never lose hope. God created you and within you is the ability to do so much. He created the entire universe and part of that creativity is part of you. Wow! When you don't know where to go or what to do, stop and pray. I will end by telling you how much I loved my years in Thailand and how important you were in my life. Even though we could hardly talk to each other you found your way into my heart. Thank you for your friendship and for sharing the things that go on in your lives with me. Much love to you all and MERRY CHRISTMAS!