inspirational romance

Make ’em or not?

/ Dora Hiers / 6 Comments

New Year’s Resolutions. 

We’ve all made them. 
Diet. Start exercising. Eat more healthy. Spend more time with the family. Work less. Work more. Read my Bible more. Start saving. Pay off some debt. 
The list could go on indefinitely. 

I’m not sure at what point I started asking myself “why?” 
If there’s something in my life that needs to change, why wait until the New Year? 
Why not now?

Nobody is guaranteed another sunrise. 
Or even another hour. 
Why wait to make changes in your life? 
Start today!

It’s not all about Santa…

/ Dora Hiers

it’s about Jesus, God’s love for us…
So 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. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and 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.

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

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on
whom his favor rests.” ~Luke 2:4-14 NIV

Do you think Mary, being a virgin, asked “why me?”  
And Joseph? 
Knowing Mary was pregnant ~ and the babe wasn’t his ~ suffered humiliation and scorn. Yet he obeyed God and took Mary as his wife. They offered their very lives in obedience to God.
The angels offered their praise.

What about you?
What will you offer God today?
God, I give You all that I am. Use me for Your glory. In Your precious Son’s name. Amen.


No strings attached…

/ Dora Hiers / 6 Comments

Don’t you just love this time of the year?
Kids bundling up to play in the snow, then racing inside with rosy cheeks, flushed with excitement. Christmas music playing softly on the radio. Pumpkin pies baking in the oven, the scents of ginger and cinnamon drifting through the house. Whispers and giggles as children point out colorfully wrapped presents under a gigantic pine tree loaded with pinecones and sentimental ornaments. Snuggling in front of the fireplace with hubby while you cheer for football teams or watch your favorite movie. Loading up the car for road trips to visit family members you haven’t seen in awhile. Squirting whipped cream on a tall mug of hot chocolate for a late afternoon yummy. Watching the glow of a thousand candles light up a sanctuary, and songs of praise reaching toward heaven.
Christmas is a highlight of my year. Sure, it’s crazy busy with buying and wrapping gifts, attending school and church programs, making the rounds at holiday parties, school exams, visiting relatives. But, during this hectic season, I make a conscious effort to slow down, to thank God for the “ultimate” gift given to me.
What’s the ultimate gift? A chance for a fresh start. A giant eraser to wipe away the grunge. Paint bright enough to cover black walls. Spring-cleaning from the ceiling to the floor and all those dusty blinds in between.   
It’s a gift given to you by a loving Father. No strings attached. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Eph 2:8-9, NIV)
Wow! Merry Christmas!
What about you? What’s your favorite time of the year and why?