The gift of life is an amazing thing! And time is so precious. The question is - what are we going to do with the time we're given? If I could encourage you with something today, it would be to live life everyday for God. In your workplace, your school, your home, acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.
Blessings!
d.

Lately, in concerts, I have been encouraging those in attendance to be careful what they listen to. And most times I get asked what the big deal is. I've been listening to a lot of different types of music, and really it makes me kind of sad. I've been hearing the lyrics to many of these so called "rock stars" and frankly, I just feel sorry for them. Think about it, from what I hear, among all their many problems, these guys don't know any nice girls. All they can sing about is either how horrible these girls are to them, or how trampy the girls can be. And the saddest part of all of this is that the people who are barraged with this on a daily basis often times will sing along with these very sad, and almost pathetic songs. Most times people will just say "I like the beat" or "the tune is catchy, but I don't listen to the words" yet they know every word by heart, and sing them. Once something is committed to memory, it is in your heart. The trouble with this is that young kids are subjected to these songs too. They're going to listen to them on the radio and hear people sing along with them and think that everything that is happening in these songs is normal. Boys are going to grow up thinking that all girls are going to be as they are portrayed in these songs, and girls will be because they want to be "cool and beautiful", like the songs are supposedly saying. All I'm getting at here is, be careful what you listen to. Why? Because the words in some of these songs affect you and those around you more than you know. Please be careful. What do you want in YOUR heart?
Blessings!
d.

For most of us, from time to time, we may feel as though our lives get a little repetative, a little boring, and seem to feel like they're in a little bit of a rut. Let me tell you that this is normal. But in these situations, let us remember that every day is a gift. Maybe tomorrow, when you wake up, take just a moment to recognize the Giver of each day. It doesn't have to be anything official or drawn out, all you have to say is, "God, thank you for today". And remember, the majority of the time your day-to-day life is only as exciting as you let it be. "Lord, you have my life Everyday"
Blessings!
d.

If I could encourage you with one thing this month, let it be this - don't give up! No matter what it may be, don't give up! Some people try out for the team, and don't make it, and get discouraged - don't give up! Some people try something new, like the guitar or piano but just can't seem to get the hang of it - don't give up! Some people have tests and quizzes that they study for, but just don't make the grade - don't give up! Probably the biggest one, some people are interested and want to know more about God, but there is so much negativity out there and it seems to bring people down - don't give up! Don't let what other people say keep you from learning and growing towards God. Let's not allow a busy lifestyle to get in the way either. Draw closer to Him, and don't give up!
Blessings!
d.

Chocolate eggs and clucking bunnies, delicious ham and fluffy mashed potatoes, searching for colourful eggs in cleverly hidden places - all great things, but what about Jesus? Between all the excitement, dinners, and egg hunts happening this weekend, please do one thing - Take the time to remember what Jesus did on the cross 2000 years ago. He died and arose from the grave for every one of us, so that we can be forgiven of the wrong things we do. All we have to do is accept it. It really is that simple.
Blessings!
d.

I want to quickly tell you about an experience we just had recently. We had just finished at a Sunday service, and drove out of the parking lot. We looked down at the gauge and noticed that we were almost out of gas. Knowing full well that we had no money at all, we pulled into a nearby parking lot. There we sat, not knowing what to do, almost out of gas, and needing to get home. So we prayed. A man came out of a nearby building, looked at us, nodded his head toward us and came over to the window of our car. As I rolled down the window he extended his arm, put some money in my hand and walked away. No name, no forwarding address, not even a word. Wow! We were in awe, but you know what? We really shouldn't be so surprised. God is awesome!
Blessings!
d.

The world is going crazy!  People's finances are up, then they're down.  People's morals are increasingly in decline.  What one person says is often the opposite of what they do.  In a world of uncertainty, we as followers of God need to be the consistancy that people can depend on. In other words, we need to constantly be praying and asking God to help us to be the shred of consistancy in this wavering world.  In order to salt and light unto this world, we have to remain constant.  I'm the first one to tell you that we can not do this on our own.  We need God.  Simple as that.  This world needs God.  In order for our testimonies to remain in an uncomprimising state, we need to have His unfaltering support.  Reach out.  Take His hand.  Allow Him to lead you and be your guide.  On our own we're all topsy-turvy - but He IS constant!  Grab hold.
Blessings!
d.

I heard on the radio that a woman in Florida was fired from her job for saying "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays".  What does that say about North America?  Jesus is getting pushed out of government, Jesus is getting pushed out of schools, and now Christ is getting jilted out of His own birthday celebration.  On a completely different note, getting fired for saying Merry Christmas seems a little extreme.  What's next?  They're going to fire Santa Claus because he flies around saying "Ho Ho Ho!  Merry Christmas!!" instead of "Ho Ho Ho! Happy Holidays!"... Come on.  This little rant has a purpose.  Christ IS Christmas.  Now that we are into 2009 we have an entire year to plan for the next holiday season.  Let's remember next time we get into December that you can't have a holiday season without Christmas and you can't have Christmas without Christ.  We can make the difference.
Blessings!
d.

In one week, when you are gathered with your families, friends, or whoever you celebrate with, I want you to think of something.  Take a present on your lap and think of who's birthday it is.  There's nothing wrong with the giving and receiving of gifts, but just remember that it is Jesus' day, and if anyone should be getting a gift, it's Him.  The best part is that you don't have to spend a pile of money, or take hours trying to wrap a box all nice, all you have to do is give Him your heart.  For Jesus, you love is the best birthday gift in the world.
Merry Christmas!
d.

I try not to get too political, but something must be said to tie into my later point. The way I see this issue with Canada's Prime Minister and the coalition is very simple. Let me paint a picture...
Someone asks you to pick a colour for the wall. And no matter what that decision is, it is YOUR decision. Once that decision is reached, the wall will stay this colour for the next four years. You decide on blue, because you really really like it, it's your favourite, and you don't think that wall should be any other colour. So, according to your decision, the wall is painted blue. A short time later, you see people at your wall with cans of paint saying that they are going to repaint the wall with red, and orange, and a different colour blue than your choice. Wouldn't you feel like asking the question, "why ask me in the first place what colour I wanted?" "Wasn't this decision mine?" "Why paint it all these different colours when this red and that orange really don't mix all that well, and this other blue is just going to try to run away from the wall altogether in a month!?!?" Bottom line is, Canada voted, it was our choice, we made it, suck it up.
It makes me very happy to know that God gives us the same free will to make our choices in life. However, if you haven't elected to make Jesus the Lord of your life today, your own personal President or Prime Minister, I would encourage you that there is no better time than right now. If we wait for that "perfect" time when we feel as though we are good enough, or clean enough for Jesus, it'll never happen. Ask Him into your heart, He'll take care of the rest.
Blessings!
d.