There is no greater love… that man has ever known… than the love that says, ” I will lay my life down for you”. In each case the the brave one who says this has made a choice of his/her life… that defines even eternity inside of the spirit… in each man involved. To all of our soldiers here in America and abroad who took a stand so that others may live: I want to say THANK YOU!!!!!! You are loved, respected , valued and very much appreciated! Be proud this Memorial Day that you made a great choice….to stand for FREEDOM!!!!

This is a song that I love by Jason Upton. I had listened so many times that the song rings it’s own melody in my head. Will man make himself ready to receive the child who gave it all for him? Is there room for that child in a man’s life? Does man make room in his busy schedule, his family and the many other things that preoccupy his days? I do think that the way in which Mary and Joseph were received was a foreshadowing of how the greatest gift to man has been received-with reluctance,and rejection. Those who choose not to reject Him, have made the best decision that they will ever make for eternity.

This is a familiar question to many of us:what are your dreams, your goals…what do you aspire to do? In our youth, we dream without restraint. Early developmental injuries, trauma or afflictions change what our perceived limits will be and we need to take time to heal. Paul urges in I Thess. 5:14 “encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone,” that includes ourselves!!! If things have happened to you that serve to destroy or discourage your dreams, it is important to not blame yourself. Choose to set a plan in action- to choose a different way to live. Seek to heal from those wounds of the past. Challenge any destructive, unproductive thought patterns and choose to think only things that will bring you life!!!!! People who choose not to heal , choose not to grow up in those afflicted areas. It may be unrecognized what holds you back…but ask yourself what do I want to be….?