IS IT CHRISTMAS YET? #78612242012

SURFING WITH JESUS

Pastor Gene A. Dasher, Sr.

Web Site: http://SurfingwithJesus.Blogspot.com

#78612242012

IS IT CHRISTMAS YET?

In Japan and other parts of the world; yes, it is Christmas Day. However in the good ole USA it is Christmas Eve. Some of you are opening your gifts and some of us have to wait a few hours until Christmas day.

Yesterday, our church celebrated Jesus and his birth as we worshiped and shared the story of Jesus. Each family was given a chance to share God’s goodness and what they experienced during the year.

I guess it will not amaze you that our focus was on the love of God. It is Jesus birthday and He is our family. Thank you God for sending your son and thank you Jesus for giving your life that we may have  eternal life by repenting of our sins putting them under the blood and receiving you as our Lord and Master and soon coming King.

It amazes me that man can still predict that the world was going to end on a given date like December 21, 2012. The answer is in the Bible no man knows, even Jesus awaits the Father to give the command to come and gather us together to be with him forever more.

Our church took time for Jesus and everyone brought a gift for his birthday. Why I saw new folding tables, paper towels, Kleenex, a hand duster, items for the bathroom and sanctuary to make it smell good, and bottled water. These things are such a blessing. Thank you everyone for your gift for Jesus. And, wow, one family gave my wife and me a beautiful new Bible and gave our daughter a gift too.

Of course, since Jesus is not physically here we let our young open His gifts for Him. It’s always a thrill for us to watch this event and see the smiles on the young and old as we see each gift.

My wife did a wonderful job leading us in worship and of course she had gifts for everyone. I love to see her smile and laughter as she keeps us on our toes not knowing what she might ask us to do. Thank you Lord for a special jewel you have blessed me with.

So, for my friends that are experiencing Christmas, what did you receive? Did you remember Jesus? For those who are waiting for Christmas, what did you get me?

With all the joy and fun we may have as we enjoy this Christmas day, remember Jesus is the reason of this season and we want Him to be remembered this Christmas day.

May I ask you in closing to lift up those who are having this Christmas for the first time without a child, a mother, a father, a brother, a sister, a grandparent or some special friend? Lord, we ask you to pour an extra cup of honey on them today; gather them in your arms and tell them it’s okay and that you will be with them today and every day.

Thank you for allowing me in your home this year, my sole desire as I write and share is to uplift Christ, fellow Christians, and share the love of Jesus with others.

REMEMBER 

“If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1John 1:9

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ONE OLE VETERAN'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE #78512232012

SURFING WITH JESUS

Pastor Gene A. Dasher, Sr.

Web Site: http://SurfingwithJesus.Blogspot.com

#78512232012

One Ole Veteran’s Christmas Message
Barry Rice

Barry is the State President for Vietnam Veterans in Tennessee, enjoy his writing.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. Whatever you call him, however you celebrate him, Santa Claus is the Spirit of Giving that lives in all of us. As a most proud Vietnam veteran, with our Founding Principle being “Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another”, Vietnam veterans all have much to give thanks for and much to give back.

Christmas! I sit here thinking and trying to remember Christmas' past. It surprises me that I remember, in an out-of-focus way, last Christmas. I don't remember the specifics, but I remember the joy of having our family and grandchildren here with Ann and I, and the joy of celebrating the real meaning of Christmas.

One of the best parts of Christmas is that it comes with the closeness and memory of people we love. And, this Christmas season is the ideal time to rededicate ourselves to the principals that will define us and our place in the hearts of our wives, husbands, children, grandchildren and fellow veterans . . . our Brothers and Sisters.

We are proud Vietnam veterans, spurred on by the common belief that we are here for one another, and our wonderful country, in the ongoing defense of freedom and our trust in the Almighty God. What a meaningful time in history to be a veteran in the United States of America, requiring our dedication and commitment of spirit as never before.

As we move through the twelve-days of Christmas, let us all take time to remember veterans at eternal rest in our private and National Cemeteries. We also should hasten to thank the 495,800 Tennessee Veterans we are blessed to have amongst us. Remembering those who fought for freedom is a windowpane into our own future because we, too, will be remembered for what we did for others in this life.

Our Christmas season is a sign of timelessness, symbolizing hope and renewal. It’s a time to remember fellow veterans, renew our traditions and give thanks to God. As proud veterans, our traditions show us who we are and what we must do to maintain our watchfulness. We are all veterans, Brothers and Sisters, standing guard together and giving back until our Almighty Commander-in-Chief calls our assigned mission fulfilled. But, until then . . .

Merry Christmas and thanks be to God for my Brother and Sister veterans and my most sincere wishes that all enjoy a safe and joyful Christmas season!

REMEMBER 

“If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1John 1:9

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Send prayer request to: genedash@yahoo.com

CHRISTMAS 201212152012

SURFING WITH JESUS

Pastor Gene A. Dasher, Sr.

Web Site: http://SurfingwithJesus.Blogspot.com

#78412152012

CHRISTMAS 2012

Gary D. Bell

Its Christmastime, and once again

I'm sitting here with pen in hand;

Wondering just what I can say

To commemorate this special day.

Before I've written about the birth

Of God's dear Son, Who came to earth

To pay the ransomed price for me

And saved my soul for eternity.

Years ago I wrote in a lighter vein,

With a cute idea, to entertain;

T'was a true story that happened to me

And my Puerto Rican Christmas tree.

Sometimes my pen, a sharpened sword

Has attacked my foes with poetic word;

They change the  way we celebrate

Because our God is Who they hate.

Last year I wrote of Christmas here

And the way the folks share yuletide cheer;

Of the wonderful way in which we live,

As to each other our hearts we give.

But this year's different, what can I say?

For my Christmas angel has flown away;

Leaving Daisy and me to go alone            (my Boston terrier)

Until God's mercy calls me home.

I miss her more than I can say,

But I'll not grieve my heart away;

For many here need strength from me,

So I smile and treat them tenderly.

But behind the smile no one knows

Of the heartache and the pain that flows;

Some say that it's a passing thing,

But how long will it to me cling?

God is filling that empty space,

Comforting me with infinite grace;

So let us not be sad this day,

Let's carry on in a joyous way.

Christmas is no time for tears,

For God's been good throughout  the years;

Let's celebrate as church bells ring,

The glorious birthday of our Lord and King!

Gary is a fellow Vietnam Veteran friend of mine who lost his wife this year. They ministered together many years and were a blessing to all. God bless you Gary, thanks for sharing with us.

I know several of you have crossed this bridge this year too. Be encouraged by Gary, he has been several places for missions since this and continues to be strong in the Lord.

REMEMBER

“If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1John 1:9

Join Surfing with Jesus mailing list: genedash@yahoo.com.

Send prayer request to: genedash@yahoo.com

WINTER OF MY LIFE #78312142012

SURFING WITH JESUS

Pastor Gene A. Dasher, Sr.

Web Site: http://SurfingwithJesus.Blogspot.com

#78312142012

Winter of My Life

You know. . . Time has a way of moving quickly
And catching you unaware of the passing years.
It seems just yesterday that I was young,
Just married and embarking on my new life with my mate.
And yet in a way, it seems like eons ago,
And I wonder where all the years went.
I know that I lived them all...
And I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams...
But, here it is... The winter of my life and it catches me by surprise...
How did I get here so fast?
Where did the years go and where did my youth go?
I remember well...
Seeing older people through the years and thinking that those
Older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off
That I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like...
But, here it is...
My friends are retired and getting grey...
They move slower and I see an older person now.
Some are in better and some worse shape than me..
But, I see the great change...
Not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant...
But, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those
Older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd be.
Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day!
And taking a nap is not a treat anymore... it's mandatory!
'Cause if I don't on my own free will... I just fall asleep where I sit!
And so, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared
For all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability
To go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!!
Yes, I have regrets.
There are things I wish I hadn't done...
Things I should have done, but indeed,
There are many things I'm happy to have done
It's all in a lifetime...
So, if you're not in your winter yet...
Let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think.
Whatever you would like to accomplish in your life, please do it quickly!
Don't put things off too long!!

 

Thanks for sharing Karl, I relate to nearly everything in this writing, so thankful we have God and praise him for each breath I take and move I make. I praise the Lord I am able to be alive and well in this Christmas Season.

REMEMBER

“If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1John 1:9

Join Surfing with Jesus mailing list: genedash@yahoo.com.

Send prayer request to: genedash@yahoo.com