Happy 6th Day of Christmas

We are halfway into the Christmas season and the magi should, at this point, likewise be halfway to the Babe . . . that being said . . . if we take our custom of celebrating literally,  then Jesus and His earthly parents spent 12 days (at least) living in the stable/cave with animals and dung . . . and His life was going to grow much more difficult than this and ALL FOR EACH ONE OF US.

Mama

Dedicated to my dear Mother, Barbara Shaw,

who died just a few months ago

after many years of poor health and dementia.

Dedicated, as well, to caregivers everywhere.

They say the eyes are

Mirrors of the soul,

And I really do believe

That this is true.

.

For, when I look into yours,

Though sometimes conflict

And pain look back,

Jesus looks back at me as well.

.

I see Him holding you so close,

Loving you so much,

And I hope that my eyes

Reflect Him back to you.

.

By Martha L Shaw – Copyright 12-30-2014

You! You’re The One!

John . . . His focus on love is unique in that he refers to himself as the one Jesus loves and while this might appear as an exclusive statement, the focus of his writing says otherwise. We all need to be so aware and ready to share this important message of our Savior’s love. I am Martha L Shaw– the one whom Jesus loves.

Riches Redefined

My first car,

Though rusty and dented,

Was beautiful to me.

It cost little

And that was what I had.

It set me free!

No radio,

So I had to sing.

In summer

My open window refreshed me

As the aroma of cut grass reached me

Along with the sound

Of kids at play.

I’ve had other cars since then,

But was that one

the worst or best?

By Martha L Shaw – ©12-26-2014

Gift of a Broken Heart

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Truly loving is the only thing, I think, that can really break the human heart. Perhaps, though, THAT is a gift since the Lord, if we let Him. will take all those imperfect fragments and with a kiss will create a new heart within us – His own! – from Thoughts Over Morning Coffee by Martha L Shaw

She Said Yes!

Vengeance . . . what an ugly word. Look it up. It is so much worse than you may think. We sin. We come from a long line of sinners. We have no valid excuse and surely God has reached out in amazing ways in the thousands of years since the Garden of Eden yet here we are rushing about preparing for the great announcement of Mary giving birth to her firstborn Son. When you look into the eyes of a newborn babe, you surely do not think of God’s vengeance, yet whether she knew or not, that is what Mary saw. God’s ultimate vengeance and His ultimate love for us was wrapped in swaddling clothes and born in a dirty barn/cave . . . did the animals instinctively sense He came to die a violent death for us? The humans didn’t know. Mary did not understand any of this but her faith brought her to say “yes.” Would I have done the same?

He’s Almost Here!

Let us adore Him

Snow Angels

Impressions in the snow,

A warmth no chill can mask,

Reminder of glad tidings

Both now and yet to come!

By Martha L Shaw – © 12-9-2013

But Not Forgotten

Bits of sugar,

salt and flour

iced and setting on the tray.

Shared memories . . . making new!

By Martha L Shaw – © 12-16-2014

It’s Not Over!

The house was quiet

And the trappings put away.

I was tired,

Yet not ready to end the day

And sleep.

Listening,

The sounds of peace,

The sweet taste of refreshment,

The glow . . .

Of stars,

Of moon,

Of Spirit . . .

It’s only just begun!

By Martha L Shaw – © 12-25-2012