Goodbye 2013

Posted on December 27, 2013 by KD Manes under Uncategorized

This marks my last post of 2013. Thank you for visiting my baby blog, which is now one-year old. I am grateful for you! I’ve been encouraged from reading many of your posts and by your likes, follows, and comments.

I hope you’re finding time to connect with family and friends this Christmas season, and have pondered God’s great love for us through the gift of His son, Jesus Christ.

Dad & Mom

I also thank and credit God for His provision, guidance and abundant blessings this past year. He has blessed me with a wonderful husband, kids, and extended family.

During a recent snow ridden trip to visit extended family, God protected my immediate family from a head-on collision when another driver passed too close into our lane. We also came across a car—loaded with people—that spun off the road. Their front tires clung to level ground while their back tires angled down an icy embankment. We were glad—as were they—to help transport them to a nearby phone.

During our whirlwind—but worthwhile—weekend family visit, we found ourselves in the hospital three times. In the face of cancer and a fractured hip from a fall, both Eric’s mom and grandma were visible testaments to God’s peace. We’re thankful for God’s healing hand as both Eric’s mom and grandma recover from surgery.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” –Isaiah 43:2

How has God provided and guided you this past year?

Blessings,

K.D.

The Supreme Gift

Posted on December 20, 2013 by KD Manes under Salvation

Why am I in a cleaning out frenzy lately? My husband attributes it to female nesting. Hmm . . . possibly . . . . Or maybe:

Anticipation of a new year?
Seeing the contrast between my home and Better Homes and Gardens January issue: Simply Organized?
Cluttered drawers; forgotten, broken stuff; tripping over my daughter’s toys and boys’ clothes?

Yep . . . all of the above.

Clutter drives me nuts. I feel great after organizing a drawer, but maintenance . . . now that’s an ongoing project! Papers crumple, paint peels, toys break, carpet stains. Eventually, everything material crumbles and fades.

I’m really not trying to downplay giving gifts. I really do love Christmas. Baking, decorating, giving and receiving gifts, watching the kids’ excitement (which begins on Thanksgiving), attending their basketball games and concerts, spending time with family, sending and receiving Christmas cards . . . . It’s all good!

But I have to say, all of the above dims in comparison to knowing Jesus Christ. And I have to ask myself: Is there room in my heart for Christ’s reign, or is it cluttered with other stuff?

A Babe in a Manger

I love that God came down to earth in a poor and lowly place, in the form of a little baby. Jesus–Immanuel–God with us came to bring salvation to everyone, even the poorest and lowliest. As God’s Son, He came to save us from our sins and give us new life. The One who fashioned the universe (Psalm 104:1, 5) also clothed Himself in humanity so we can relate to Him.

Although Christ traveled ancient paths (John 1:1), He’s in the business of restoration and abundant life. Although “the mountains melt like wax before the LORD” (Psalm 97:5), He transforms and renews the surrendered heart (2 Corinthians 5:17). He never fails, breaks down, fades, or changes. His love is bigger than the universe He created.

His Name:

(Created by K.D. Manes at tagxedo.com)

What’s on your Christmas list this year? Have you received the supreme gift of Jesus Christ–eternal life, adoption, forgiveness, restoration, healing, love, joy, peace, hope, purpose, friendship, abundant life? (For more on the supremacy of Christ, see Colossians 1:15-20.)

When Jesus was born, there was no room in the inn. Is there room in your heart for Him today?

Related articles

Christmas Focus: The Ultimate Gift Giver (storywritingstudio.wordpress.com)
The 12 days of Christmas, day 1…The greatests Christmas gift (pastormikesays.wordpress.com)
Giving Gifts (thechristiangazette.wordpress.com)
We Celebrate Christmas out of Gratitude (cafegospel.me)
Let the JOY Out! (shadeakinbiyi.wordpress.com)

Share the Gospel in Asia

Posted on December 13, 2013 by KD Manes under Service

I believe that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to transform lives, and that EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE, should have the opportunity to hear.

In countries hostile to the Gospel, the government bans radio stations from broadcasting any type of Christian content. They also block websites that produce Christian content, or the Internet in general is just not as accessible.

Christ has called us as the Church, and me individually as a follower, to do something about it.

That’s why I’m fundraising for FEBC (Far East Broadcasting Company), a global missions organization focused on getting the Gospel to these people so that they can hear. They’ve developed a method called the Gospel Chip.

It’s a MicroSD card that can go into most cell phones, computers, and MP3 players. The Gospel Chip contains audio messages of sermons & Scripture, all in the local language.

Using contacts with underground churches, FEBC can discreetly distribute the Gospel Chip to people without detection. 96% of people in these target countries own a cell phone. This means that almost every person in the country has the means to hear about the love of God through the Gospel Chip.

The amazing part is that it only costs $5 to develop and distribute a chip to someone who hasn’t heard the Gospel.

Stewardship is taken seriously at FEBC. Charity Navigator, EFCA, and BBC are among some of their accrediting agencies. You may view their past audit reports and annual 990 forms at: http://www.febc.org/about-us/financial-accountability.Will you help me raise $250 so that I can send 50 Gospel Chips for 50 people to hear the Gospel? You may safely contribute online at this link: http://donate.febc.org/fundraise?fcid=291542.

Thanks so much for your help!

K.D.

The Christmas Story

Posted on December 7, 2013 by KD Manes under Salvation

My family and I enjoyed visiting the Okanagan Valley and West Kootenay region of B.C. Thanksgiving week. Kootenay Lake, Slocan Lake, and Arrow Lake—nestled between giant mountain peaks—stretch on for miles. The pine blanketed forests and rugged wilderness reminds me of God’s great creativity and power.

Holiday Time

The holidays can bring both joy and stress. Amidst busy preparations and seasonal activities, I hope we’ll all find time to relax and delve a little deeper into God’s Christmas treasures.

Last Christmas I bought a short reading guide, The Christmas Story, published by Zondervan in 2010. It highlights Messiah prophecies to the miraculous birth of Jesus. This book also features questions and summaries to help individuals and families better understand corresponding Scripture passages. The following references may be adapted according to your schedule and/or family’s ages.