Jesus Said...that's all that matters

Recently I had a conversation with an acquaintance that took me aback. In our discussion religion came up. She said "I'm so sick of religion, it's man-made you know". I 'll give her that. I proceeded to say that Jesus wants relationship over religion anyway. She then added " And whose to say this religion is right and this one is wrong? Why can't we just all get along. It's a matter of interpretation anyway." Gulp. I'm making this a really short story....but my next comment is that "JESUS SAID...." I am the way, the truth and the life, NO MAN comes to the Father but by ME (JESUS)." She shook her head and said " It's a matter of interpretation. We agreed to disagree. I went away glad to have shared and sad she was so confused and doesn't know she is. She stated that women need to empower themselves, think positive, etc. I'm so glad that when I received him as my saviour that I was more than empowered..he came to live in me and promised to never leave me or forsake. What a better way to is their to function than with the Holy Spirit right there with you each step of the way.

I read an article I wish I could take credit for. It's by Franklin Graham. I'll share it below:

Our One and Only Savior Savior is a term many people throw around casually. Recently we’ve heard it used frequently by the media as they discuss political campaigns and economic bailout packages.
by Franklin Graham

When people are looking for dramatic change, it’s human nature for them to seek some sort of savior—someone who is powerful and compassionate enough to rescue them from their sins.As long as they are blinded by sin, though, people seek salvation in the wrong places. They desperately need someone to lead them to the one and only Savior. “There is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me. Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other” (Isaiah 45:21–22).Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of our Savior on the pages of history. When the baby Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem, the Word became flesh. As the angel announced more than 2,000 years ago: “Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Jesus Christ showed us the Way, died for our sins, rose from the grave and poured out the Holy Spirit to establish His church.He taught us plainly that the only way we can be saved is by repenting of our sins and trusting in Him as our Savior. “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).That’s the message my father and I have always preached. Despite what the world may say or wish, there is no other way to be saved. There are many ways to share the Gospel—just look at all the different ministries of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association—but they all bring people to Jesus Christ, our one and only Savior.Americans have just been through a presidential election. Both parties made extravagant promises that won’t be easily kept, but the promise of eternal life is always kept by the Savior for those who come to Him for forgiveness.Our hope is never placed in men or governments, but in God alone. We will pray for guidance for our leaders as the Bible commands, while knowing that the Lord works through worldly rulers to accomplish His greater, sovereign purpose. The king’s heart is like channels of water in God’s hands, the Bible says, and “He directs it … wherever He pleases” (Proverbs 21:1). As you celebrate the birth of the Savior in the next few days, rejoice that God “the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him, and he in God” (1 John 4:14–15).Thanks be to God for our glorious Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ!

We head out to NC on Christmas Eve. My mother is the baby of 8 children and she's 73. Only one, and uncle, is deceased. Tomorrow they are having a potluck. The last few years I felt convicted to go. On Christmas day we go to my dad's sisters for lunch and take my mother. My brother and his girls ( who are 34 and 32) gather before I get to town to have Christmas. Last year it worked out for me to go to that gathering and see them all at the same time because the 23rd ( when they meet) fell on a Sunday so we could travel down. This year Christmas falls on Thursday and with David's work the best we can do is the 24th. It's OK really, but I'll admit disappointment. I have to run to about 4 different houses to see everyone...but I still get to see everyone...it's just not like sitting down to a meal with them all at the same time. I'm thankful to see them all. My boys are such good sports. When they were little we had a quick Christmas on Christmas morn and then headed out to my aunts on Christmas day and took their toys with them. The past few years we've had "Christmas" early...this year it will probably be tonight. I save a present for them to open at my mom's so they have something from mommy and daddy. They really don't seem to mind. I'm glad for their flexibility.

Merry Christmas from our house to yours.