FOOTINGS Author Unknown

The beautifully decorated home was only two years old when we purchased it. It seemed ideal for us at this stage of our life that we bought it after the second viewing. As per standard procedure, we hired an inspector to assure all was well.

When we read the report , we were quite astonished. There was a problem with 2 of the footings. Footings are the support base, or ground work of a structure, and are extremely important in the support of the house. It seems construction code had been met, for cement pads had been poured every 8 feet and a support beam placed thereupon. The problem surfaced when we realized the beams did not line up with the main support beams for the first and second floor and also the roof. As time would elapse, the floor would sag and buckle, the walls would crack, and the weight of house would be too much to bear without proper support. Something would give. Those support beams in the crawl space of the house were just in the wrong place, even though they made code. We have hired someone to correct this situation, but it was an unforeseen expense and headache.

Just like those beams, our life can appear to be "in code" when we do good deeds, act charitable and go to church. But the truth is, we can be off center, just like those support beams were. If our footings of life are not grounded in God, the eventual weight of living in this world can cause us to crumble and fall.

Proper support starts with correct foundation. There is an old hymn that says " the church's one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord. She is his new creation by water and the word. From heaven he came and sought her to be his holy bride, with his own blood he bought her and for her life he died." We must allow Jesus to be the "footings" in our life. With him, we will celebrate the joys of life and we will be able to face the adversities which come our way.

Have you allowed Jesus to be the "footings" in your life? If you have never accepted Jesus as your Savior, King, Redeemer and Lord you can start the year right by doing so now. Or, if you have lost loved ones - commit to continue to pray for their salvation. Don't give up hope!

TRANSFORMATION IN AN ELEVATOR by Neil Verwey

In the days before self-operating elevators, there was a lady who was an elevator operator in a large university in Japan.

She could think of no more monotonous work than operating an elevator all day long. She was miserable and grumbled every time someone spoke to her.

One day it occurred to her that she could influence young students to a brighter way of seeing life. But to do that she will have to change her own attitude towards life!

The next day she started with a smile on her face. It was extremely difficult for her, but by sheer will power she was determined to cheer up whoever rode in her elevator.

As the years went by, people sought her advice more and more. Many were helped by her bright attitude and her optimistic view of life. She became a "Solver of Problems!".

When she finally died, a few thousand people attended her funeral. She gained her fame because she changed her attitude about life and desired the bright side to life for her and for those with whom she came in contact.

The Bible encourages us to change our mental and spiritual attitude because it dictates our lifestyle.

"See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all." 1 Thessalonians 5:15

My attitude determines my actions for good or for bad.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A TREE By Sally I. Kennedy

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

Although the calendar was barely registering December, my son-in-law got the train down from the attic. To the delight of their two young children, he assembled all the cars, the track, the motor parts. Now it would be ready to circle ‘round the Christmas tree once the tree was put up.

Mom and Dad were getting ready to go out that evening, and from the bedroom they heard a little voice, “But I want to watch the video......”“, followed by a quick comeback, “No; you can’t watch the video. You have to be the tree!”

When the adults rounded the corner, they could see Tommy. He was standing stock-still as the train churg-chugged and circled its way around him. His arms were raised straight overhead with palms touching, trying hard to be ‘a Christmas tree’, as he tried to turn his head to view the video playing.

Sometimes I feel like Tommy. The world tells me to do this, that, and the other thing; buy this, that, and the other thing; be this, that, and the other thing. Sometimes I even forget I have a choice!

The chorus and partial verse of a wonderful worship song, called Voice of Truth (Casting Crowns) goes like this: But the voice of truth tells me a different story The voice of truth says, "Do not be afraid!" The voice of truth says, "This is for My glory" Out of all the voices calling out to me I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth …..I will soar with the wings of eagles When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus Singing over me I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth.

Yes, I do have a choice. I can choose to listen to a higher authority. The world will squeeze us into its mold, if we let it. But the wonderful Holy Spirit, living inside all believers, will guide and instruct us day by day, and moment by moment, and all we have to do is listen and obey. Nope, we don’t have to “be a tree.”

That’s good news.

J.E.S.U.S. C.H.R.I.S.T. Author Unknown

J esus, Son of God Eternal
E verlasting Lord is He,
S avior of a world of sinners,
U niversal King to be,
S ought us, brought us victory.

C hrist is due all adoration,
H umbly born to save our race,
R uler of the whole creation
I ntercedes and gives us grace,
S aves us from sin's condemnation,
T ruly worthy of all praise!

THE BEAUTIFUL COLOUR OF LOVE Author Unknown

What colour is God,
Asked the child with skin so fair
Is he white like me,
Does he have light hair?

Is God dark like me,
Asked the child with skin of golden hue,
Has he hair that's dark and curly,
Are his eyes black or blue?

I think God is red like me,
The Indian boy is heard to say --
He wears a crown of feathers,
And turns our nights to day

Each one of us knows that God is there
In ALL the colours above
But be sure of this, the one colour he is,
Is the beautiful colour of love

So when your soul goes to Heaven,
When your life comes to its end --
He will be waiting, and his hand to you
Will he extend.

There will be no colours in Heaven,
Everyone will be the same.
You will only be judged by your earthly deeds,
Not your colour or your name

So when your time comes,
And you see God in his Heaven above,
Then you will see the only colour that counts,
The beautiful colour of LOVE.