9 Characteristics of a Holy Spirit Filled Christmas!

“But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, self-control. “

Galatians 5:22-23 AMP

I was recently asked by a friend how I celebrated Christmas. The intent of the question was to get ideas on how to celebrate with less emphasis on presents and Santa and more on Jesus.

My immediate answer included practical advice like reading the story of Christ’s birth on Christmas Eve and attending church sponsored events with the family throughout the season. The truth is, I really hadn’t given it much thought in a long while.

Continue reading →

Lesson 6 with Bob Bender: Into the Unknown

It was my last day of bending therapy with Bob Bender. We spent three long weeks together, had a love/hate relationship, and learned many life lessons in the process. Parting although joyful and welcomed it also brought an unexplained fear.

My time ending with Bob gave way to freedom. I was able to drive again which was so wonderful. For someone who likes to come and go on their own accord, this freedom was sheer glory! I no longer needed a brace or crutches to walk. Physical therapy was going great, although the road ahead was long and daunting, everything was beaming bright. What was this fear about me?

Continue reading →

Lesson 5 with Bob Bender: Power in the Tongue

Refreshed from time with my friends, I came home, reclaimed my couch, and started my bending therapy. My knee stiff from the absence of bending while in Florida, I was not very happy with the degrees lost let alone the intense pressure and pain. Once the rhythm of bending was established and the knee relaxed and pain subsided, I picked up the Bible and began to read in Matthew 15. In verse 11, I read ,

“It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you, you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.”

Continue reading →