Bamboozled

Was it Bambi’s mother

or maybe its father

that came in the dark of night.

Its way lit by new snow bright.

It must have been both of them

for hollow tracks follow them

across the road and back again

as they were tricked once again.

Bamboozled

yes, snowed,

from something under the snow

that stopped these bucks and does.

They headed straight for the azalea bush

but their tracks stopped. The bush remained untouched.

Did their noses twitch?

Did something make it itch?

Was there an electric fence effect

that perhaps their noses did detect?

It did give me a laugh

to see tracks stopped in their tracks.

Bamboozled

yes, snowed,

from something under the snow

that stopped these bucks and does.

You see the azalea bush had been sprayed

last week with a deer deterrent spray.

I’m thankful it did dismay

these creatures that came my way.

Say, was Bambi’s name derived

from bamboozle, as a disguise,

for gardeners yearly devise

ways to bamboozle these guys.

* * * * *

Have you ever been bamboozled

and now you’re in a heap of trouble?

Were you deceived and betrayed?

Did someone lead you astray?

Maybe someone’s slander

caused hurt and anger.

Perhaps you believed a lie.

Now something in you died.

Maybe you’re now unemployed

and life seems bleak with no joy.

Perhaps you’re in debt

which causes regret.

Many have been dwelt

the loss of their health.

Perhaps you suffer from depression

that keeps you in a prison.

Could it be your child

leaves you quite bewildered.

Could be a relationship’s broken

that leaves you heartsick and weakened.

Perhaps your family was torn apart

when someone you loved did depart.

Disappointments, setbacks, loss of dreams,

many will give up from lack of esteem.

Whatever it was that has bamboozled you

know that God is waiting to be there for you.

He longs to heal and comfort you.

He’ll cover you with His compassion too.

The Lord comforts His people

and will have compassion on His afflicted ones.

Isaiah 49:13

I will heal him;

I will guide him and restore comfort to him.

Isaiah 57:18

As a mother comforts her child,

so will I comfort you.

Isaiah 66:13

I will turn their mourning into gladness;

I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.

Jeremiah 31:13

God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us.

II Corinthians 7:1

Vol VI

to be published 2026.

NEW

 

NEW

A new year, a new page, a new resolve, a new plan -

a chance to begin again

we all tend

to yen.

One-by-one days add up to become a year

filled with memories – some sad and some dear.

The old year has passed, the New Year begun

at midnight when "Auld Lang Syne" has been sung.

Did you know "Auld Lang Syne" means the good old times?

The ones left behind - and the ones to be born in time.

Each day dawns like a new blank page,

surprises await at each new phase.

Some anticipated and some are not

for no one knows for certain their lot.

Each day new memories are being made

that you might record on a new blank page.

If you have made a resolution this New Year

you have made a resolve to change in the new year.

Every day we have a new choice -

to choose how we respond is our voice.

Choices bring about change if one is steadfast.

Determination keeps us doing the task.

A new plan to begin all over again

is written in God’s Word again and again.

Don't start the New Year without knowing

God the Creator – who's all knowing.

He knows what you struggle with each new day

and has a plan to come to your aid.

God is as close as a prayer away

so start your New Year in this new way.

Simply say, Dear Heavenly Father...

for with God it's never a bother,

to hear and answer our prayers in His time -

with pages of memories for "Auld Lang Syne."

Behold, I make all things new.

Revelation 21:5

Forget the former things;

do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up;

do you not perceive it?

I am making a way.

Isaiah 43:18-19

Happy New Year

from Life Is a Garden Party.

SUMMARY OF GOD'S GIFT TO US

 

GIVING

Joseph gave his obedience.

His obedience was expedient.

Only once did he question God's request.

From then on, obeying God was his quest.

Mary gave God reverence.

Her prayers were godly and precious.

Generations have called her blessed.

Giving reverence was giving her best.

The innkeeper gave, he was courteous.

There was no time to be more gracious.

Though seemingly his second best,

he gave shelter and rest to his guests.

The cattle also gave their assistance.

A feeding trough became a cradle in its substance.

Though humble, giving was expressed,

to this welcome surprise guest.

The angels gave praise surrounded by brightness

for they were adorned with God's holy radiance.

Praising God was expressed.

When we praise God, we are also blessed.

The shepherds gave testimonial with assurance

for they had seen God's heavenly hosts beingness.

Mary and Joseph were extravagantly blessed

when they heard of these events so boldly professed.

The star gave its brilliance

through its lone persistence.

Leading and guiding the wise men from west to east.

It was God leading the way through the long distance.

The wise men gave perseverance,

not stopping until they reached their pursuance,

then giving the Christ-child their best -

myrrh, frankincense, and gold in a chest.

* * * * *

Yes, Christmas is a joyous season of giving,

but our focus shouldn't be on gifts we're receiving.

Our focus should be on that first gift

given to the world in Bethlehem one night.

We celebrate the birth of God's Son, Jesus,

in December when we celebrate Christmas.

It's not about the tree, the toys, the parties, the presents.

The real, true Christmas is about God's gift.

God's gift to us: His Son.

What will you give Him, dear one?

He desires you give Him your heart.

He's only a prayer away, so start:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I believe in my heart that your Son, Jesus,

came to earth to die in my place, my sacrifice.

Jesus came to save me because I am a sinner

and I need a savior. I accept Jesus as my Savior.

Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

When Joseph woke up,

he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him

and took Mary home as his wife.

Matthew 1:24

And Mary said:

"My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior."

Luke 1:47

She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger,

because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:7

An angel of the Lord appeared to them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them.

Luke 2:9

The shepherds returned,

glorifying and praising God

for all the things they had heard and seen,

which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2:20

The star they had seen in the east

went ahead of them until it stopped

over the place where the child was.

Matthew 2:9

"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?

We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

Matthew 2:2

God's Gift to Us - Christmas

is available via Amazon.

GIFTS OF FAITH

 

GIFTS OF FAITH

Christmas, a time of giving to others,

to show our love for one another.

Christmas, though a time for giving and receiving presents,

is oftentimes forgetting to include Christ's presence.

Busyness with many festivities,

recapturing childhood memories,

yet the reason for the season is oft forgot,

though it's the reason we exchange gifts we brought.

So how about we make a conscious effort

this year to give Christ heartfelt, faith-filled gifts.

What would you give to Christ this Christmas?

What would you freely give if someone asked?

Let's start with the three gifts the wise men brought to Christ.

These gifts will also make a difference in our lives.

As you know, these gifts were gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Precious, meaningful gifts meant for a king, they were.

Gold is the symbol of royalty, a gift fit for Jesus Christ,

as the wise men acknowledged Jesus was King of the Jews.

When we acknowledge and confess Jesus as Lord of our life

we agree His way is best and give Him the right to rule.

So we faithfully follow God's commands

written in God's Word for His children.

We know that obedience shows God we love Him

so we endeavor to live our lives to please our King.

Frankincense is a symbol of Christ's purity, His sinless perfection,

being God's provision to guarantee our sins are forgiven.

To be pure is to be "set-apart" from the influences of this fallen world.

To live in this world as ambassadors being obedient to God's Word.

Striving to be pure in word, thought, and deed;

living a life of love instead of greed.

Having the Holy Spirit who enables us

to remain strong when sin attracts us.

Myrrh is a symbol of Christ's death and suffering

used at that time in burial preparations.

We imitate this by "dying to self," daily to aspire.

Seeking God's ways instead of our own selfish desires.

Dying to self is a daily battle,

one in which God will enable.

To say "no" to ungodliness,

as we acknowledge God's way is best.

* * * * *

Three gifts to give to Christ each day of the year:

l acknowledging Jesus is Lord keeps His presence near,

2 being pure or set apart from the world,

3 daily dying to self by saying "no."

These three gifts of abiding faith

we give to Christ who by His grace

was the very first Christmas present.

Don't forget to acknowledge His presence.

Lord, may I seek to please you

in all I say, think, or do

so that my life is a testimony

giving you praise, honor, and glory.

Then they opened their treasures and presented him

with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

Matthew 2:11

Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked,

"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?"

Matthew 2:1-2

Let us acknowledge the Lord;

let us press on to acknowledge him.

Hosea 6:3

And this is love:

that we walk in obedience to his commands.

2 John 1:6

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just

and will forgive us our sins

and purify us from all unrighteousness.

I John 1:9

Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable -

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.

It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions,

and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,

while we wait for the blessed hope -

the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness

and to purify for himself a people that are his very own,

eager to do what is good.

Titus 2:11-14

You are worthy, our Lord and God,

to receive glory and honor and power,

for you created all things,

and by your will they were created

and have their being.

Revelation 4:11

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WORSHIP

 

WORSHIP

Worshiping God is simply praising Him.

Praising God is often expressed in a hymn.

When the angels announced Christ's birth to the shepherds

that night long ago as they watched over their herds,

the angels sang in worship:

"Glory to God in the highest!"

Those words have been composed into a hymn.

Next time you sing this hymn, you are worshiping.

"Angels we have heard on high

sweetly singing o'er the plains,

and the mountains in reply

echo back their joyous strains.

Gloria, in Excelsis Deo!

Gloria, in Excelsis Deo!"

Which means "Glory to God in the highest!"

Praising God in song is one way to worship.

The shepherds worshiped through their witness, telling

everyone all they had heard and seen that evening.

Shepherds were considered unclean in that day's society

as they prepared sacrificial lambs as directed by legality.

Yet God used the lowly, the humble, the rejected,

to proclaim His gift of salvation to the world.

The shepherds worshiped Jesus Christ the Lord

by telling everyone all they had seen and heard.

Their testimony to what they had witnessed

is in keeping with God's wonderful promise,

as the prophet's prophesied long before

to kings in their kingdoms and to the poor.

Joseph worshiped through his continual obedience.

Joseph's obedience was evidence of his reverence

to the God he served

and wholly adored.

He was ready, willing, and available

to do whatever God directed, though incredible.

Mary's prayer in Luke 1 records her worship.

Her prayer expresses her soul's and spirit's

total devotion

and compassion.

Her prayer even includes us when she refers to generations.

Her prayer reminds us of God's mercy and faithfulness in action.

Mary's prayer shows us she was acquainted with scriptures

so we can deduce she worshiped God by studying Scripture.

She spent time with Elizabeth and Zechariah,

who could be referred to as her spiritual mentors,

as they were upright in God's sight,

doing what God said was right.

Simeon, being righteous and devout, through waiting,

worshiped by being in tune to God's leading.

Simeon was waiting for God's promise.

He prayed praising God for keeping His promise,

for bringing God's promised gift of salvation:

to the Gentiles, a light of revelation;

to God's people, Israel, His glory -

revealing the fulfillment of God's story.

The prophetess, Anna, worshiped night and day,

fasting and praying, giving thanks always.

She loved God with all her heart,

all her soul, all her mind, and all her strength.

Not only did she believe God's promise of salvation,

she witnessed God's gift personally when she saw God's Son.

We read that the wise men worshiped the Christ-child

after traveling months and months, mile after mile,

following a bright, shining star

which guided them from afar,

when they presented to Him their treasures.

Treasures meant for a king, they were.

* * * * *

Worshiping God is expressing our love.

Several ways to worship are mentioned above.

Some ways we worship God might be through:

singing,

witnessing,

obeying,

trusting,

praying,

giving,

praising,

listening,

waiting,

meditating,

fasting,

thanking,

serving,

loving,

believing.

We also worship God through:

obedience,

reverence,

devotion,

compassion,

studying scriptures,

being a spiritual mentor.

These are just a few ways to worship

all leading to personal relationship

with the Creator

who became our Savior,

who loves you more than anyone,

who desires you believe and come

to Him through a simple prayer

from your heart and soul where

in confession

and declaration

you believe God's promise of forgiveness,

then eternity is yours to receive. You’ll be blessed.

Believe

and receive.

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel,

praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest."

Luke 2:13-14

When they had seen him,

they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,

and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

Luke 2:17-18

The shepherds returned,

glorifying and praising God

for all the things they had heard and seen,

which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2:20

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea,

during the time of King Herod,

Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked,

"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?

We saw his star in the east

and have come to worship him."

Matthew 2:1-2

After they had heard the king,

they went on their way,

and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them

until it stopped over the place where the child was.

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary,

and they bowed down and worshiped him.

Matthew 2:9-11

A priest named Zachariah..., his wife Elizabeth...

Both of them were upright in the sight of God,

observing all the Lord's commandments

and regulations blamelessly.

Luke 1:5-6

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you now dismiss your servant in peace.

For my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the sight of all people,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles

and for glory to your people Israel.”

Luke 2:28-32

There was also a prophetess, Anna...

She never left the temple but worshiped night and day,

fasting and praying.

Coming up to them at that very moment,

she gave thanks to God

and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward

to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Luke 2:36-38

Love the Lord your God with all your heart,

and with all your soul,

and with all your mind,

and with all your strength.

Mark 12:30

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A NEW WAY

 

A NEW WAY

Miles and miles of dry, sandy terrain behind them

with miles and miles to go under the hot sun

the wise men had come a long, long way from afar

being led along a NEW WAY by a bright star, His star.

No map to guide them along the way.

Just a star in heaven making a pathway.

Their goal was to worship the newborn King of the Jews.

Not something they questioned. A fact they just knew.

So by looking up they plodded along

through many days and starry nights long.

Stopping for direction in Jerusalem along the way

they asked the priests and teachers of the law if they knew the way.

The wise men learned Bethlehem had been prophesied,

so off they went on this NEW WAY, despite being tired.

Day after day, night after night, not giving up

their only direction came from looking up.

This special star led them

to a house in Bethlehem

where they bowed down and worshiped this child-King

who came to earth with a NEW WAY of life to bring.

Worshiping by adoring Jesus Christ the Lord.

Worshiping through praising and glorifying in word,

just as the shepherds had earlier done,

when announcing a "NEW WAY" had come.

This NEW WAY of life for mankind brought needed salvation

and as Simeon spoke of, "a light for revelation."

This NEW WAY of life now assures us

that Immanuel or God is with us.

After weeks of searching for, then finding the Christ-child,

the wise men were ready to return to report to King Herod,

except they were warned in a dream not to,

to return home by a NEW WAY hereto.

A NEW WAY, the opposite direction, both figuratively and literally.

This NEW WAY is also available to each one of us personally.

So off these truly wise men (and humbled shepherds) went

though never again the same

for a NEW WAY of life was available to them, and to us also,

as God's Word claims.

* * * * *

Do you need to make a U-turn?

It's never too late to return -

to seek God's way, His plan and purpose for us

by living a life of believing faith and trust.

As the Bible is written for our example

the Old Testament records many samples

of Israel turning to the Lord in times of trouble

after finding out going their own way became a hassle.

Where did they turn to when they repeatedly got themselves into trouble?

It was always the Lord they depended on to get them out of their struggles.

God is always ready, willing, and available to help us in our times of trouble.

Do you need to return by going the opposite direction? God is abundantly able.

If you truly know the Christ of Christmas

you'll find it will make a difference

as His presence will go with you

as you travel a way that's NEW.

And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod,

they returned to their country by another route.

Matthew 2:12

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

"For my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the sight of all people,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles

and for glory to your people Israel."

Luke 2:28, 30-32

“Come, let us return to the Lord...

Let us acknowledge the Lord;

let us press on to acknowledge him.

As surely as the sun rises, he will appear;

he will come to us like the winter rains,

like the spring rains that water the earth.”

Hosea 6:1, 3

"Even now," declares the Lord,

"return to me with all your heart..."

Return to the Lord your God,

for he is gracious and compassionate,

slow to anger and abounding in love,

and he relents from sending calamity.

Who knows? He may turn and have pity

and leave behind a blessing.

Joel 2:12-14

"Return to me," declares the Lord Almighty,

"and I will return to you."

Zechariah 1:3

“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me,

and I will listen to you.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

I will be found by you,” declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 29:11-14

Here's some verses to contemplate as you go your NEW WAY.

Teach me your WAYS so I may know you.

Exodus 33:13

What does the Lord your God ask of you but to

fear the Lord your God,

to walk in all his WAYS,

to love him,

to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul,

and to observe the Lord's commands and decrees

that I am giving you today for your own good.

Deuteronomy 10:12

Show me your WAYS, O Lord,

teach me your paths;

guide me in your truth and teach me,

for you are God my Savior,

and my hope is in you all day long.

Psalm 25:4-5

I will instruct you and teach you in the WAY you should go;

I will counsel you and watch over you.

Psalm 32:8

Your WAYS, O God, are holy.

What god is so great as our God?

You are the God who performs miracles;

you display your power among the peoples.

Psalm 77:13-14

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your WAYS acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Whether you turn to the right or to the left,

your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying,

"This is the WAY, walk in it."

Isaiah 30:21

I am the Lord your God,

who teaches you what is best for you,

who directs you in the WAY you should go.

Isaiah 48:17

I am the WAY and the truth and the life.

John 14:6

I worship the God of our fathers

as a follower of the WAY.

Acts 24:14

And we pray this in order that

you may live a life worthy of the Lord

and may please him in every WAY

bearing fruit in every good work,

growing in the knowledge of God,

being strengthened with all power

according to his glorious might

so that you may have great endurance and patience,

and joyfully giving thanks to the Father,

who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints

in the kingdom of light.

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness

and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,

in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Colossians 1:10-14

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LEADERS

 

LEADERS

The first Christmas story mentions the leaders of that day,

though our focus is on the angel's message, the baby,

the shepherds, the manger, Mary, Joseph,

a bright star and wise men bearing gifts.

There were political leaders

and unnamed religious leaders.

The political leaders were Caesar Augustus

and the governor of Syria named Quirinius.

Another leader was King Herod, a malicious fellow,

who issued an edict for the wise men to follow.

The wise men were very astute, quite true to their name, it seems,

as they heeded an opposite instruction from a dream.

There were also religious leaders well versed in Old Testament law.

These were the chief priests, or Sadducees, and other teachers of the law.

These priests ensured that the order of worship was adhered to,

obeying the law, but in their hearts they didn't have a clue.

Even the teachers of the law practiced a legalistic religion,

one lacking relationship, following rules vs. heart application.

Gaining head knowledge, obeying the law which is right,

but lacking heart knowledge leading them to the Light.

When Herod inquired of them where Christ was to be born

they knew the answer based on scripture – in Bethlehem.

Old Testament prophesy was being fulfilled right then, in their lifetime,

but these leaders seemed to be too preoccupied to take time to seek and find.

So all these leaders learned that the king of the Jews, as prophesied, was born.

Did any of them jump on their chariots or horses creating a dust storm?

It seemed to be just another day in the neighborhood.

Perhaps if they had heart knowledge they would have understood.

Were they too busy to even set an hour apart?

Or maybe not interested because of calloused hearts?

No one interrupted their schedules from their daily duties

to go see a newborn baby whom everyone thinks is a cutey.

Not just any baby adored.

He was the Savior, Christ the Lord,

of whom the heavenly hosts did joyfully sing

and of whom the wise men called a newborn king

Quite the opposite from the shepherds and the wise men who

sought the promised Christ-child until He was at last found.

The shepherds hurried off to see if the announcement was true.

The wise men persevered for months following the star eastward bound.

The shepherds through their witness and testimony gave glory to God

telling everyone everything while glorifying and praising God.

Matthew records that when the wise men saw the child they worshiped him

recognizing that the Christ-child was God's promised one, the King of Kings.

Two totally different responses. The political and religious leaders were indifferent.

The shepherds and wise men testified of this One who was born to make a difference.

The shepherds and wise men wholeheartedly made time

while the leaders had no interest on their mind.

* * * * *

Who are we most like?

Do we search and find the Light?

Do we make the time for Bible study

or do we find we are too busy?

Do we make the time to make a difference

imitating Christlikeness

or do we often find ourselves indifferent

to our neighbor's trials and stress?

Be like the shepherds or wise men.

Do not be like these leaders, those men,

who were too busy, too preoccupied, too indifferent.

Study God's Word, imitate Christ. You'll see in yourself a difference.

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea,

during the time of King Herod,

Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked,

"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?

We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed,

and all of Jerusalem with him.

When he had called together all the people's chief priests

and teachers of the law,

he asked them where the Christ was to be born.

In Bethlehem in Judea, they replied,

"for this is what the prophet has written."

Matthew 2:1-5

"Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened,

which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby,

who was lying in the manger.

When they had seen him,

they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.

Luke 2:15-17

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary,

and they bowed down and worshiped him.

Matthew 2:11

I am the light of the world.

Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness,

but will have the light of life.

John 8:12

I have hidden your word in my heart

that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:11

Pharisees and Sadducees (from NIV):

The Pharisees were a legalistic and separatist group who strictly, but often hypocritically, kept the law of Moses and the unwritten "tradition of the elders."

The Sadducees were more worldly and politically minded, and were theologically unorthodox – among other things denying the resurrection, angels, and spirits.

Chief priests - Sadducees who were in charge of worship at the temple.

Teachers of the law – The Jewish scholars of the day, professionally trained in the development, teaching and application of OT law.

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