First Corinthians 13 Christmas

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls,

but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family. I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity,

but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata, but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, through harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost,

golf clubs will rust...but giving the gift of love will endure.

~Author Unknown~

God's Promises for Tough Times

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

"I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4

"The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him." Nahum 1:7

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy paths acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5,6

"But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want." Psalm 23:1

"Humble yourselves therefore unto the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." 1 Peter 5:6,7

"Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the Lord, to the mighty One of Israel." Isaiah 30:29

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

"Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee." IS 26:3

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee, yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness." Isaiah 41:10

"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee," Isaiah 43:2

"Be careful for nothing; but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6,7

"In God I have put my trust: I will not be afraid what men can do unto me." Psalm 56:11

"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." Psalm 27:14