Merry Christmas

Remember the real reason to celebrate. Merry CHRISTmas to you and your family!

Luke 2, The Birth of Jesus
1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

A tow truck and a cross

A few days ago, I was sitting at a stop light. In front of me was a tow truck. I was spacing off as the light seemed to take forever. When I really start thinking about things, driving is always good for me. I do focus on the road, but completely drown out the radio, phone, whatever, and most things are usually figured out while I'm driving. As I was spacing off, I focused my eyes on the truck in front of me. And I suddenly saw it, saw the cross. Now you might be thinking that maybe a cross was painted on the truck, but this is where I saw the cross.

Do you see the cross on the back of the truck, the part of the truck that the car goes on? No? How about now? I highlighted it in red. It's still kinda hard to see.

As the truck began to take off, my brain started racing about the tow truck and the cross and the correlation between the two. A tow truck helps our cars when they are broken. A tow truck comes and gets you in a dire time of need. A tow truck comes and picks up your car, when your car can no longer go on. A tow truck saves your car.

In the same respect, when we are broken, the cross helps us. And we are in a dire time of need, we turn to our faith in God, knowing He will pull us through our darkness. And when you think you can no longer go on, God is there, and the cross is there. The cross that He sent his only son to die on for our sins, which ultimately saved us all. While this was all going through my head, I wondered how did I go from a tow truck to comparing it to my belief in God? Sometimes I have to back track my train of thought to see exactly where it started. And it occurred to me that I'm in constant awe of where I have been and where I am now. There are so many things in my everyday life that reminds me of my life that God pulled me through. And before I was saw the truck, I was thinking about my friend, Heather, telling me how proud she was of the woman I had become.

And it's all because of God, all because of Jesus, all because of that cross.

"...by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to holy life - not because of anything we have done, but because of his own purpose and grace." 2 Timothy 1:8b-9a

One word, just one word

Well, Happy Saturday everyone! How are you doing? I'm doing fantastic, simply and utterly fantastic. I've just really been seeing so much clarity as to who I am, where I am going, and it's simply amazing! Have you ever had one of those moments where you actually see God at work? Today, I saw God's hands and it stopped me in my tracks, brought tears to my eyes, and chills through my entire body. Man, we serve an amazing God, don't we? I want to talk about it, but it will have to wait for a few weeks. It has to do with Tres Dias (retreat) and the person, I'm sending, Rachel. And even though Rachel hasn't been on Xanga in FOREVER, my luck would be that I blog about my experience today and she will log on. If you really want to know, just message me, I will tell you.

Anyways, a few days ago on television, somebody asked this question, "If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?" Hmmm...that's always an interesting question and I began to ponder on that. I came to the conclusion of what my answer would be, but let's get technical first.

Asking this question could force a person to just give a quick answer without really thinking or force them to really ponder on it as I have. In reality, no questions asked, I am a daughter, granddaughter, sister, friend, cousin, aunt, etc...you know, those are for sure things that I am, no personality involved.

But then, there is the generic answers. Let's say you're in a job interview, and they pose the same question. My response would be trustworthy or responsible. Because let's face it, you are trying to sell yourself the best you can. To me, trustworthy would encompass being responsible as well.

After I came to my own answer as to who I am, I posted a bulletin on Myspace to get responses from people as to who they think I am. Here are the responses: silly, considerate, loveable, trusting, caring, steady, honest, and insightful. Yes, I would describe me as those things, but there is one word I left out...SPITEFUL. Yes, someone told me yesterday, I was spiteful. Now, the person that told me this, I'm really close to and they know me pretty well. Now you might be thinking, "How rude!" or "You're not spiteful." Yes, I admit, I am a spiteful person, so I can't get offended. This person simply called me out on something I need to change. I decided to look up spiteful yesterday and it says some things like this: mean, malicious, harmful intent. I don't want to be known as a spiteful person, but in reality I'm the most spiteful person I know. I will do things (not go somewhere, not be a part of something, etc) because in my head I feel as though I'm hurting someone and I'm honestly saying " I want them to feel the pain they caused me." But in reality, the only person I'm hurting....is me, nobody else, just little ol' me. I know that's not a Christian quality, I'm working on trying to improve, but it's so hard after being like this so long. But being called out yesterday on it, once again has got me pondering.

So, all babbling aside, let's ask this question, "Brandy, if you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?"

I wanted to be different and not give a generic answer, so I began to think about my life, who I am as a person, what influences my thoughts and behaviors. So my answer to that would be..."Follower". Yep yep, I said follower. I am a follower of Jesus Christ and that is the total and complete explanation of who I am. Every day, I try to follow in God's footsteps, sometimes I find they are big shoes to fill. Sometimes, I choose not to follow Him and I start walking in my own path, expecting people to follow me, but I get so, so, lost doing that. But when I get lost, he takes hold of my hand and guides me back to his footsteps. I found this picture on photobucket, it reminds me of getting lost and taking God's hand. My hands are so small compared to his, I feel so safe, knowing he will guide me back to where I belong. So, that's it, I'm a follower, nothing more, nothing less trying to make sure I stay on track, walking in his footprints.

I shall leave you with this, I love this quote. It's scribbled in my Bible, in my medicine cabinet and in my room to help me remember who I am.

Quote of the day: "They say to be a leader, not a follower. I say being a follower of Jesus is the most notable position one could hold." ~Unknown

It's a beautiful day in the Phoenix valley, I'm going to hand wash my car and take a nice walk basking in the love of God.

Have a great weekend!

Love,

Bran

Would you eat at this restaurant?

Would you eat at this restaurant?

It looks like any other restaurant. So, you're probably saying, "Sure why not?" Okay let me show you another view of the restaurant, tell me if your answer changes.

How about now?

And one more...

My friend sent me these via email. And I didn't believe it, until I went to the website (www.dinnerinthesky.com). You can rent it and everything. Ummm...wow. That's all I have to say about it.

Anyways, I saw something on someone's Myspace page earlier that absolutely disgusted me. Which in turn is the reason for the blog. I don't claim to be perfect in any type of way, but I do try to go glorify Christ in my actions and ways. I fail at this quite frequently, we all do. Now, I know Myspace is the big thing right now. I get it. But there are so many young people on Myspace, so many. I myself have at least 6 or 7 teenagers as friends on my page. I either am related to these people, I know their parents, or know them from Central. If you were to go to my page, there is nothing on there that I'm ashamed of, no pictures that shouldn't be posted. I ensure that my comments are viewed by me before they are posted on my page. But just because my Myspace page glorifies Christ, it doesn't mean that I do in real life, I understand that. But...do you really think that if you have questionable pictures on your page or your friends leaving you comments that are completely offensive, that you are setting a good example of Christ when you claim to be a believer? Now, let's think about that for a second. The Bible says that we are to be Christlike. So, let's pretend that Jesus was alive today...what do you think his Myspace page would look like? Now, I'm not indicating that Jesus would even have a Myspace page, I am trying to make a point here. What would it look like? Would it have pictures of women hardly wearing any clothing? Or pictures of drugs or alcohol on it? No, it wouldn't because Jesus was all about making his dad proud. And if you don't care about glorifying Christ, think about what a teenager would think if they saw your page. What kind of example are you setting for them? Because I, as an adult, was offended, what would the young person get out of seeing your page?

I shall leave you with this scripture to ponder on:

"They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for doing anything good." Titus 1:16

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Although Christmas isn't until tomorrow, I have to post today. I stilll have no computer. I went to two Christmas services yesterday, both of the services I sat with people are very important in my life. Probably the two people closest to me. It was awesome and precious to share that time with them. Nothing to report on, right now. My life is insignificant compared to the celebration of Jesus' birthday. Don't forget the real meaning of CHRISTmas and why we celebrate it. Every year on my birthday, when I wake up, I sing Happy Birthday to myself. Yes, it's crazy. I know. But on Christmas, I wake up and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus before reading this section in Luke. I think when I become a mom, I'll be one of those who make Jesus a cake and sing Happy Birthday with the kids.

Every year the birth of Jesus becomes more important to me. I love it more every year. Merry Christmas everyone!

Luke 2:1-20

¹In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ²(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³And everyone went to his own town to register.

⁴So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

⁸And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ^[a] the Lord. ¹²This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

¹³Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
¹⁴"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

¹⁵When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

¹⁶So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

What would Jesus do?

Every once in awhile I get on a rampage. Now, if there is something going on...I will most of the time confront the issue. But, I also like to rant in a post for the entire world to see. I am posting this on Xanga and Myspace so interested parties can feel free to read it.

Quite a few years back, some marketing genius came up with "WWJD?" I was not a Christian at when this came out, but I completely understood the concept. When you're faced in a situation, not sure if it's right or wrong, you ask yourself.."Is this something Jesus would do?" If the answer is no or you have to really think about what the answer may be then it's something Jesus would not do. It doesn't even have to pertain to Jesus. If you're not a believer, you might question yourself by saying, "How are my actions making the world better?" Something to that effect. Even the LDS religion has something like WWJD: CTR, Choose the Right.

However if you say you're a believer in Jesus Christ, is the way you're living your life an example of how Christ lived his? Now, I'm far from perfect, but I am aware of the things in my life that aren't Christlike. I am making an honest effort to change those things, but it does not happen over night. In the realm of people that I know, there are so many who claim to honor Christ but in reality, they do completely the opposite. Think about this...EVERY thought, EVERY word, EVERY action should be a representation of Christ. You can't just have a few things here and there that are Christlike. We, as Christians, need to strive to be like Christ as much as we can. We, as Christians, need to always remember that we are usually the ones who give a bad impression of Jesus because of the way we act. There is always a lost soul in your life searching for meaning in God. A lot of people search through Christians and find the wrong meaning of a believer in God.

Here is some scripture for you to brew on...

• "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5
  
• "Even a child is known by his actions; by whether his conduct is pure and right." Proverbs 20:11
  
• "This is what the Lord says: Look! I am preparing a diaster for you and devising a plan against you. So turn from your evil ways, each one of you, and reform your ways and actions." Jeremiah 18:11b
  
• This one is my favorite...."They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good." Titus 1:16

There are many more scriptures besides these.

The Bible says we are to be held accountable and we are to hold our brother's and sisters in Christ accountable as well. I hope by reading this, you have realized some of your actions. I won't call out names, but you know who you are.

Brandy

Commitment

So this past weekend in Children's Ministry, we talked about commitment and how Jesus' disciples were deeply committed to him. We talked about no matter how hard something may be to stick to it. And even though following Jesus may be hard at times, we need to stay committed. It was a really good lesson. For the activity we had two teams, blindfolded one from each time. Gave them an obstacle course and they had to make they way back to their team members. The obstacle course was hard, but the point was you needed to be committed to your team. After that was over we gave them something to color. We told them to bring them back colored this weekend. We told them that this pic was not hard to color, but would take time, commitment. I vowed with the kids if they colored theirs, I would color mine. Over all it probably took me about 2 hours to color this, but I wanted to be a good example for the kids:

Yes, folks. I colored that. I just barely finished it. I love coloring, it's very relaxing. I did that over a course of a few days, it was colored in marker and the smell is very strong. I alternated colors, and switched each one out. All the circles going up and down start with pink and all the circles going across start with blue. Purpose of the blog: Life has been so hard since I became a follower of Jesus, BUT life has been so great. I wouldn't change it for anything! Following Jesus is hard, especially when you live in the world we live in. But you have to be committed. I am a person who commits to things or people. You have to look at your commitment with relationships in your life and compare it to Jesus. Use the same standard that you do in other relationships. I'm committed to a friendship, I care for them, I love them, I give them everything I have. We all need to be the same way with Jesus. I do the same thing with my job. I love my job and care about my work and I give them everything I have. Just something for you to ponder on.

Anyways, gotta go. Have a great day!

Love, Bran :)

be-ere-a-ene-de-ye (Brandy spelled in Spanish)

Happy Tuesday everyone! How are you doing? I am doing good here. I'm in Spanish right now. It's a refresher for me as I have taken Spanish 101 before, but I want to go straight into the next level so I'm taking it again. Saturday we learned how to spell our names from the alphabet. Oooohhhh how exciting! Lol, not really, but she's a really good teacher and she's fun! She's making Spanish fun.

So, 9/11 was yesterday. That will always be one of those "Where were you moments". Funny little story, not actually funny but weird how things worked out. Hold on to your hats folks, you're about to get a little bit of how I came to Jesus story! I went to church in Show Low with a friend for the first time. It was a small church with about 40 people. I didn't know what was happening, but God began to tug on my heart in that little church. That was at the end of June. I came back to Mesa deciding that I was gonna "try" church, but procrastinated. By the way, I'm not normally a procrastinator. I finally decided to go to church and found Central (my church) in the phone book. I didn't know what I was doing with anything, but I figured I would need a Bible. I bought a $4 Bible from the resource center the first day I came to church. The first time I went to Central and bought my very first Bible was 9/9/2001, two days before 9/11. I was home sick the day 9/11 happened, I watched everything unfold before my eyes. I honestly had no clue what was going on and began to call family members to say "I love you". To me, I thought the world was ending, literally. As far as God, I had no clue who he was and sat my butt down on the floor and began to read....what? Revelation. Yeah, how is that for scaring someone? Never reading the Bible and digging right into the end of the book. I didn't accept Christ that day, but I started to really understand things and began to change my perspective on things.

I think, I shall also talk about my crazy family, people have been asking via e-mails and messages. But, that itself is a looooonnnnnggggg blog and I shall save it for another day. I don't normally let many people into that part of my life. I shall reveal some things, but....not everything. Sorry, that is the way it is, you really don't want to know how screwy my family is. It's funny people have been asking lately, but never seemed to care before.

Anyways, I'm off to Flagstaff for the next two days for work. I'm excited! Have a great day!

Love,

Bran :)

Quote of the day: "Nothing is ever too hard to do, if your faith is strong and your purpose is true." Helen Steiner Rice

Scripture of the day: When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God. ~~Ecclesiastes 5:4-7