Rhubarb & Rubbish

Dear God,              I would like to take the time to thank you for another day you have blessed us with. I pray that we will get everything done that you have set out for us to do. I also pray that you would continue to help me to keep my faith on fire and let it shine. I praise you that even though things may not happen in my timing you provide what we need in your timing. In your loving name, we pray,           Amen Prayer can be long or short, simple or eloquent, but no matter how we pray God hears us. We do indeed need to engage in…

I want to be clear that this post is about Christian meditation and not meditation in general, as they are distinctly different things. At one point in time, I did not realize there was a difference and that the difference is profound. New age or Eastern ideas of meditation support the idea of emptying one’s mind, allowing whatever thoughts that surface to just float by, becoming non-reactive. Meditation from this perspective emphasizes personal ability and power to control our circumstances and life. On the other hand, Christian meditation focuses on filling or focusing our minds on God and His Truth. Christian meditation provides a way for the believer to engage…

What does that mean, to have faith on fire? Faith on fire to me means to be excited about your faith that it shows through in all areas of your life. Yes, we go to church but that’s not all. It is also about igniting that faith so it shows through in our actions, facial expressions, and how we react to each and every situation that comes our way. Faith on fire is about daily prayer and being in God’s word and knowing that he provides for us in His timing.  Take a moment to look around you at all the wonderful people and things God has blessed you with.…

I was initially going to write about the twelve days of Christmas and how they actually extend into January and begin on Christmas Eve. However as I have worked this week to stow away my holiday decor and dust everything off, I realized I truly need a moment of rest. Our upcoming articles this month will focus on Faith on Fire. The reality….my fire has a few sparks at the moment. The holidays bring anticipation, excitement, and joy. And then poof…it is gone in the blink of an eye! We have so much to celebrate during the holiday season–the anticipation of remembering the birth of Christ, anticipation of his return,…

For those of you who have followed the blog for a while, you might have caught on that none of us at Rhubarb and Rubbish are real big fans of New Year’s resolutions. Why, might you ask? Well, it has taken us a while, but I think I am okay to speak for all of us in saying that we feel resolutions are somewhat antithetical to the Christian faith. Let me explain a bit more. As a Christian, I have fully accepted that I am a sinner and powerless in and of myself to become sinless. I’m powerless to do better on my own. If I had the power, I…

Throughout this Advent season, as we waited in expectation, we have reflected on the reason for the season–the coming of Christ the King. Love, joy, and peace have been our focus. The true reason for the season I awoke early this morning, much earlier than usual–try 4 am! It is Christmas Eve. Unlike a young child waking full of anticipation and excitement for days filled with goodies, presents, and play, I awoke with a slew of uncertainties and worries in my heart. Our three adult children would be coming home, how would their significant others feel welcomed in our home? One of our children is struggling with a multitude of…

 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” ~Luke 2:14 The verse says we should praise God and give him the glory and we shall receive peace on earth. As we go about our day-to-day lives may we feel the calm and peace that God gives us. As we go about our business we need to stop and take the time to give ourselves some peace and spend some time with the Lord and our families. When we take a moment to stop and rest we feel rejuvenated and ready for the next tasks that we have to accomplish.  God will…

This time of year we are surrounded by many Christmas carols that have joy in the titles, verses, and more. One of my favorites is Joy to the World. This heartwarming song truly brings a smile to your face and heart. There is joy here on earth and in heaven that the Lord has come. Matthew 2:10-11 reads “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” During Advent season it is such a great…