Christmas bracelets

Why a Christmas bracelet?

Each year we gather to celebrate Jesus birth, our family and another year of blessings. Each year brings changes and some sorrow as well. We keep our connections by gathering to spend time together. 

The bracelets are made of red and green paracord. Paracord is made up of 7 inner strands wrapped in a hollow sheath. The strands and the sheath give the cord it's strength.

                      And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”.   Ecclesiastes 4:12 KJV

The green cord in the bracelet reminds us of spring and the newness of life each year. The sun and warm rain turns our world green again. After a long winter of waiting we love the changes. As I write this on 12/26, the wind whips the trees and presses against our windows. Green reminds us of God's grace and power in our lives.

Red, the color of blood, reminds us of how Jesus came to be with us and gave his blood for each one. It reminds us of the suffering and tragedy in this world.

The knots in the bracelet, called Solomon knots, remind us that we are all connected to life, to God's love and to each other.

12/26/2016

How can I thank you, Lord

How can I thank you, Lord. For all your loving kindness,
that you have patiently Borne with me in my blindness!
When dead in many  sins and trespasses I lay,
I kindled, holy God, Your anger every day

it is your work alone that I am now converted;
O'er Satan's work in me You have your power asserted.
Your mercy and your grace That rise afresh each morn
Have turned my stony heart into a heart new born

Christian Worship 460  Verse 1, 2

Moments

“Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.”
Psalms 139:5 KJV

Each day brings along moments we accept with the expectation there will be more to come. Moments to walk, laugh with friends, marvel at the fall colors. Moments to worship and sing with joy. Moments to hug, moments to give to others and moments to speak of God's love.

A life of prayer and praise is possible no matter where or how we live.  Job is just one example of God's power alive.  Jesus healed many with his hands and his words. There were many more he chose not to heal. Paul asked for healing and the answer was 'my power is made perfect in weakness'.

Moments change lives as God's word and water combine in baptism. On Wednesday, I watched baby Isaiah join God's family by baptism. On Sunday, two adults confirmed their baptism. God's power in word and water.

Luther taught that our baptism is so rich and awesome that we have enough to study for an entire life. A baptism is simple and wonderful to see. Through that washing of water each of us is connected. Jesus himself was baptized in the Jordan River.

Mark gave us these words about baptism - Who ever believes and is baptized will be saved but who ever does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:16


Water, word, God's love and a moment changes every thing.

How wonderful that we can join together to praise God for all he has done and will do for his children!

— joey

Encouraging people

John Maxwell's book 'Be a People Person' is in my hands this week.  I found this list of qualities to be rewarded in chapter 7.  I'm posting here as a reminder to myself. What other qualities do I look for ?

- Positive attitude
- loyalty
- personal growth
- creativity
- risk taking
- applied creativity
- decisive action - act on what you learn
- work smarter not harder
- simplification
- quality work
- consistency
- creative teamwork

What words are helpful in communicating these to others?