Some Thoughts On Christmas Day

Today marks my 62nd Christmas on the planet.  I don't pretend to know it all.  In fact, in the vast scheme of things, I know very little.  However, in the six decades of my existence I have learned a few things.  Some of them come to mind this Christmas morning (but they are not all about Christmas).

• The best Christmas memories I have involve family, rather than gifts.
• Some acquaintances may let you down, but real friends are for life.
• The framers of our Constitution never envisioned "career politicians".
• Some folks (sadly even some family members) are motivated by greed.  They are to be pitied
• Christmas brings out the best in most folks.
• It would be nice if the Christmas spirit would last all year long.
• Human life is precious - from the unborn to the very old - and everything in between.
• It is the height of hypocrisy to morn for 26 innocent children who were senselessly killed in their school room, and yet ignore the tragedy of the 4,000 who are senselessly killed each day in their mother's womb.
• All Children are precious. (Jesus said we should be more like them)
• One's own children are the best.
• Grandchildren are even better!
• Snow makes Christmas seem more "christmasy" - but it is not necessary for one to have a blessed holiday.
• Jesus wasn't born on December 25th, but the Good News is that one day He WAS born - the initial step toward God's plan of redemption. 
• I feel sorry for boys who never knew their grandfathers.
• I only wish I had known mine longer.
• Football is a great game.
• Basketball is even better.
• I believe Baseball is divinely inspired. I hope they have it in Heaven.
• I have come to support the idea of term limits for all politicians - especially at the congressional level.
• I have received the love and support of a good woman for 43 years.
• Linda Bowling, Patsy Adkins, and Mary Stidham are the finest human beings I have ever known.
• The blessings of my life are far better than I deserve.
• Some people have the gift of giving. How many of them do you know?
• Following Christ is the most fulfilling way one can live his, or her life.
• The guy we call Santa Claus, really lived, and once punched out a heretic!
• Mom and Dad have lived in the same house on Gallaher Street for 60 years. Only one neighbor there has been there longer than them.
• Girls are rare in our family.  My twin nieces, Kate and Alex are very special. 
• College football doesn't get any better than the Southeastern Conference variety.
• Our neighbors on 49th Street are wonderful folks.
• My time in the U.S. Air Force was a fulfilling experience. I believe military service is beneficial to every young American. It is an honor to serve.
• There is nothing like the delight of a child opening gifts at Christmas.
• The piles of discarded boxes and wrapping paper on Christmas day is mute testimony to how materially blessed we are.
• I like the way the lights of a Christmas tree reflect in the eyes of my grandsons.
• Bruce, Carl and I were blessed to be born to Patsy and Caudle Adkins.
• It IS more blessed to give than to receive.
• New Year's Day gives us a new canvas on which to begin the painting of the rest of our days.
• The greatest gift that one can possess is a true personal relationship with God.
• Linda's Christmas Dinner is one of the highlights of the year.
• My thoughts and rambling could go on and on,m but there is a time to quit blogging, and sit down to Linda's turkey, dressing and all the fixin's.  That time has come.

Linda joins me in wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and fruitful new year in 2013!

A Christmas Letter To My Grandsons

Well, it looks like Christmas is finally just about here!  I remember how, when I was your age, it seemed like Christmas would never come.  But now it's here, and I wanted to write you a little message that I think is very important for you to read and remember.

Mamaw and I are giving you the best gifts that we can afford to give.  We hope that you will enjoy them and be grateful for whatever you receive this Christmas.

The greatest gift we can give you, however, is a gift that money cannot buy.  It is the gift of love and a Godly heritage.  We love Jesus and we received Him as our Savior many years ago.  Your parents also know and love Jesus, and they are actively involved in serving Him and following Him as one of His learners.

They have also taught each of you the Gospel message from the time you were babies.  Four of you have also trusted Jesus as your Savior.  We are so thankful for your faith in Christ and we pray that little Nathan will do the same as soon as he reaches an age that God begins to speak to his heart.

I hope you will always be faithful to God and His Word.  Make it the principal focus of your lives and you will never go wrong. 

You will grow up in a world that is very different from the one your Mamaw and I grew up in.  There is much evil and there are many temptations you will face that will be a great challenge to your faith. Take some wise words of advice from your old Papaw.  Never compromise the truth, even if all your friends say it is OK to do so.  Just trust God and follow the teachings of Jesus.  It won't always be easy to do that, but His Spirit will help you!

Mamaw and I pray that the spirit of Christmas will abide in you every day of your lives, and not only in the month of December.

We hope you will have a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2013.  Obey your parents.  Do your very best in school and in your extracurricular activities.  Love your brothers and be kind to them. They are your first and very best friends for life.

We are more proud of you than you can imagine.

Love,
Mamaw and Papaw

Wow! Every Christian Should Read This

I don't know who wrote this, but I heard it read in Chapel by Roc Collins at NOBTS yesterday.  Got back to my room and found it on a Google search and had to share it. Oh, that I, and all other Christ followers would live with such resolve!

I Am A Soldier

(author unknown)

I am a soldier in the army of my God. The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commanding Officer. The Holy Scripture is my code of conduct. Faith, prayer and the Word are my weapons of warfare. I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity and tested by fire.

I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity. I will not get out, sell out, be talked out or pushed out. I am faithful, reliable, capable and dependable. If my God needs me, I am there. 

I am a soldier. I am not a baby. I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed up, pumped up, picked up, or pepped up. 

I am a soldier. No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me or lure me. 

I am a soldier. I am not a wimp. I am in place, saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His name and building His kingdom! No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards or candy, or give me handouts. I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for or catered to. I am committed. I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around. I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside. I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit.

When Jesus called me into this army, I had nothing. If I end up with nothing, I will still come out ahead. I will win. My God has and will continue to supply all of my need. I am more than a conqueror. I will always triumph. I can do all things through Christ. 

The devil cannot defeat me. People cannot disillusion me. Weather cannot weary me. Sickness cannot stop me. Battles cannot beat me. Money cannot buy me. Governments cannot silence me, and hell cannot handle me. 

I am a soldier. Even death cannot destroy me. For when my Commander calls me from His battlefield, He will promote me to captain and then allow me to rule with Him. I am a soldier in the army, and I’m marching claiming victory. I will not give up. I will not turn around.

I am a soldier, marching heaven-bound. Here I Stand! Will you stand with me?