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How often do you go into a restaurant, enjoy a great meal, okay a decent meal, and then get the fortune cookie/bill. Everyone takes one of the cookies, cracks it open and reads the fortune to each other. Many times, we laugh at the fortune and leave it on the table. However, once-in-a-while we keep one of those fortunes because we think, “wow, that really applies to me,” or at least I hope it applies to me.

How often do we take verses we have heard from various preachers and teachers or read from portions of the Bible and treat them like we do fortune cookies? If they don’t fit what we believe, we simply turn the page. Or, at the very least, we put those verses aside for another more appropriate application.

Far Fetched? Not at all. Are you afraid that deep down maybe your Christian (PRAYER) life is like a fortune cookie?

Simply stated, don’t we do the same thing with scripture? The ones that bring us joy and warm fuzzies, we embrace. The psalms that sing of praise and thanks we love, we gladly recite. The Psalms of God’s love and protection, of course we remember.

However, what about the verses that talk about going into the pit and God forgetting us. Why do we act as if they do not exist? Why do we treat those like a bad fortune cookie? Maybe we need to embrace Psalm 30:8-10 and think about how we are like the psalmist who has almost given up hope. And, just think, if the psalmist can ask God “are you still there,” then maybe its okay for little ol’ us to do the same.

Too many times, we are petrified of admitting that sometimes life is too much. We think that admitting our fears shows a lack of faith. We feel we need to put on a happy face and keep the cliche’ going. Why? If David, the psalmist, is asking, “God, can you hear me? Are you there?” – why can’t we recognize that God also put those verses in the Bible, and with good reason.

Here is the truth: sometimes God says, “Look people, I love you but sometimes you are going to feel like all is lost. And that is okay because you are going to find out that no matter what you go through, I am still here. You will find out that I will not leave you no matter how you feel, or how things look. So take heart. Saints throughout history have felt and experienced the same things. And they and you are still precious saints.”

So, you will be glad to know that God never says: don’t ever doubt or you may lose your salvation. Unfortunately, that is what some of us think and therefore our Christian life is hardly something the world wants. If we crack open the wrong cookie and our life is a mess, we deny that we are in the valley.

Remember… living in denial isn’t something the world wants. They already know what that is and are doing it. They want to NOT live in denial, to have some honest answers. However, even more importantly, you want to have and know honest, real answers to your own questions.

“My God, my God why have you forsaken me?” Jesus Christ asked that on the cross. (Matthew 27:46) So if Jesus Christ asked that question, maybe it is permissible that there are days we have that same feeling and question, and you know what? Our question does not change whether God is there or not. He is. And that is the beauty of it.

Finally, we like to tell agnostics and atheists that God is there whether they believe it or not. Well, guess what? God IS there whether we believe it or not, whether we are in a valley or when we sometimes think we are just going through the motions of our faith. God is there.

There is one vitally important last and final point: God sent Jesus Christ not to make us super-humans dependent on how strong we are feeling, but to let us know He is God who is always there whether we choose the right fortune cookie or not.

David Jordan, graphic artist of PrayerQuakeTM, believes unequivocally in the power of prayer. “Watch God move Heaven and Earth with your eyes closed,” is his inspiration. If your life is calling for more than a fortune cookie approach, discover more prayer help at http://www.prayerquake.net

If you go to any Christian bookshop, or the Christian section in any bookstore, you will find books written by Christians, for Christians. While there is definitely value in that, it is not necessarily reaching out to those who are agnostic or may not be Christian. The question then becomes, what does it take to reach out to non-Christians and what can help to lead them to the Lord, Jesus Christ.

We see this same problem happen with most Christian websites. They are written with a Christian reader in mind. While some non-Christians will visit from time to time, they typically either leave, or leave a rude comment behind.

Most churches are no different. They are made for Christians, not for those who are not yet believers. Something needs to be done to appeal to non-Christians without bending to the principles of Christianity.
What it boils down to is relating. As Christians we need to reach out to non-Christians in a way that they can relate to and that is not going to be threatening or perceived as being too pushy.

One of the best ways to reach out to non-Christians is to live the life of a compassionate Christian. Caring for others and helping others will help to set you apart. You can often recognize a Christian by their loving behavior and others are drawn to this behavior.

Reading or carrying your Bible can also be a good way to attract others to the good word. On many occasions simply reading your Bible at break on work or at the local coffee shop can start a discussion about Jesus and Christianity.

Another great way to spark a conversation on your faith is to wear a Christian t-shirt or Christian jewelry. Christian apparel is attractive and stylish while packing a powerful message. A cool Christian t-shirt is sure to start a conversation and can help to open the door for you to have a discussion on Christianity and what it means to you.

An important thing to remember when trying to evangelize with others is the importance of being a good listener. Remember to not get too preachy as this can close the mind of others. When having a discussion about faith with others remember to listen, be respectful, and you don’t have to apologize for what you believe in.

When someone is perceptive to what you have to say about Christianity, don’t be afraid to invite them with you to your next church service. You would be surprised at how a few kind words, being a good listener, and being a good friend can present the opportunity to bring others to the Lord.

The author is the owner of the Online Christian Shopper (http://www.onlinechristianshopper.com) Christian T-Shirt shop and the Christian Jewelry Online (http://www.christianjewelryonline.com) Christian jewelery store.

If individuals were to be polled regarding their most favorite time of the year, probably the most often mentioned holiday would be Christmas. If you asked these same individuals to elaborate on their answer as to why it is the most favorite time of the year you would get a variety of answers. For instance, some of these answers could include their belief system surrounding the holiday, a time of sharing gifts, gathering of family members together, eating of special food, etc.

Another reason why Christmas is a popular time of the year is because of the Christmas decorations that are pulled out from storage immediately following the Thanksgiving holiday. These Christmas decorations are used to not only decorate the inside of the home, but are used as an outdoor Christmas decoration as well.

There are several benefits associated with that of an outdoor Christmas decoration; some of these benefits include the fact that family traditions are started or perpetuated, the sheer enjoyment of decorating the outside of the home and contests.

Types of the Outdoor Christmas Decoration That are Available

There are many types of the outdoor Christmas decoration that can adorn the outside of the home. These outdoor Christmas decorations can range from simple lights which hang from the edge of the roof to thematic Christmas symbols, such as Santa Claus and his reindeer or the manger scene, or can be as elaborate as a multitude of lights that cover every aspect of the outside of the home.

The most beneficial type of outdoor Christmas decoration would be those decorations that provide the most enjoyment for you and your family and symbolize what the true meaning of Christmas is to you.

Family Tradition

Many of the Christmas traditions that are celebrated today began many years ago to symbolize what Christmas represents. Some of those traditions include the Christmas tree, caroling, wreaths, etc. In addition, important parts of celebrating are the individual family traditions that continue or new family traditions that are started.

Some of these traditions include the special ornaments placed upon the Christmas tree, the gathering of the family together to bake those special Christmas cookies, the watching of special holiday movies during this time, etc. Another family tradition is the placement of outdoor Christmas decorations.

Keeping family traditions alive is an integral part of the celebration process as the family unites together. Decorating the outside of the familys home with an outdoor Christmas decoration can truly be an important part of maintaining the family unity and keeping its roots strong in the present and for future generations.

Enjoyment

Another important attribute of outdoor Christmas decorations is the enjoyment that a festively decorated home provides to others. So often, prior to Christmas day, families come together in the automobile and travel around from neighborhood to neighborhood to enjoy the outdoor Christmas decorations. This simple measure allows others to share in the beauty and wonderment of the holiday season and adds to the excitement in the hearts of children of all ages.

In addition, many cities and towns signal the beginning of the Christmas season with the putting up of outdoor Christmas decorations. This simple act has a tendency to unite the citizens of that community and focus their attention off of their own personal challenges and hardships.

Good Natured Competitiveness

Another benefit derived from outdoor Christmas decorations is the opportunity to compete with your neighbors for the bragging rights of which Christmas display is the most outstanding. Often this competitiveness is good natured and ultimately stirs individual neighbors to immerse themselves in the spirit of the holiday. This full participation of others brings value and adds to the richness of the celebration in providing good will to all.

Rohit Chopra has written several useful articles on topics like Christmas Decoration, Outdoor Christmas Decoration, Christmas Tree Decoration, etc. Get more useful information on Christmas Decorations at http://www.wine-gift-basket-kit.com

Nothing is quite as comparable to the joy experienced by a family getting together to enjoy the Christmas holidays. Baking cookies together, watching that favorite traditional Christmas movie and, of course, trimming the tree.

For most families the Christmas tree decoration is retrieved from their yearly storage area and brought out immediately following Thanksgiving. The families that own an artificial tree generally display their tree right away while those opting for a live tree shop for that special tree as soon as possible.

As the tree decoration boxes are unpacked many memories are experienced as each decoration has a special meaning or even represented that of a special Christmas memory. Christmas decorations such as the babys first Christmas or that ornament that has the kindergarten picture of your child or that special adornment to the tree that represents the love between you and that special someone.

The History of the Christmas Tree Decoration

Early day Christmas decorations were food items that adorned the trees. Some of these items included little pastries, apples, and other sweets. The tradition was to eat these tree decorations following the celebration of Christmas. Items that could not be eaten were eventually added to the mix. Tradition states that Martin Luther was the first individual to attach non-edible items by placing candles upon his Christmas tree.

As families immigrated to America they brought their traditional type of Christmas tree decoration with them. However, added to the mix of European food items were popcorn, cranberries and festively colored decorations. Eventually, adding to the items that helped to trim the tree, were glass ornaments that were made and popularized in Germany and eventually exported to other countries.

With the discovery of electricity in the latter part of the 19th century, it was a natural progression that electrical lighting would be a part of the Christmas tree decoration.

Christmas Tree Decorations Today

Christmas decorations of today have changed considerably. The ornaments are wonderfully decorated and highlighted with glimmering colors. Often the decorations are non-edible, but may sometimes reflect the original use and idea of trimming the tree with fruit and candy. For example candy canes may hang from the branch of a tree. However, these candy canes are not real, but merely an artificial representation that is outlined with lights. These artificial candy canes add to the decorative mix.

The lights, as part of the decoration now twinkle as well as giving the appearance of moving or running around the tree.

Despite the fact that the decorations of today have changed in style and the materials used, the one simple fact remains. That fact is that Christmas tree decorations are still an integral part of the Christmas holiday that symbolizes and reflects the familys celebration of their faith.

Rohit Chopra has written several useful articles on topics like Christmas Decoration, Outdoor Christmas Decoration, Christmas Tree Decoration, etc. Get more useful information on Christmas Decorations at http://www.wine-gift-basket-kit.com

Christmas lights and decorations on the Christmas tree are an important part of the symbolism of this special season. Traditionally, the Christmas lights and decorations symbolize ones faith as they adorn the Christmas tree or other features of the home.

For example the Christmas lights, in the Christian faith, represent their founder Jesus Christ who proclaimed that he was the light of the world. In addition, the decorations symbolize the Christians faith such as stars, angels, representation from the manger scene, etc. In addition the decorations can represent the unity of a family as depicted through the use of school picture ornaments, school artwork, stringing of popcorn, paper chains, etc.

History

The history of Christmas lights and decorations dates back many centuries. Martin Luther is often attributed with providing the first illumination on the Christmas tree through the attachment of candles to the branches. Tradition shares with us that this action by Martin Luther was taken to teach his children about his savior being the light of the world.

In addition, there are many beliefs, from various belief systems, that attribute the decoration of the tree and other parts of the home to symbolize good luck and the warding off of evil spirits. For example the placing of holly and mistletoe over the doorway was a practice initiated by the Druids to ward off evil spirits.

Therefore, the history of Christmas lights and decorations is a combination of many religions and belief systems. The use of Christmas lights and decorations can represent a variety of different cultures, religions and individual expressions of ones own spirituality.

Different Types of Lights and Decorations

The Christmas lights and decorations, as it is with all things, evolved. With the advent of the light bulb, miniaturized versions, in various colored glass, soon found themselves attached to the tree limbs and served as decorations. Some of the first strings of lights had a screw in base and were roughly one and one-half inches length. These early style Christmas lights often tried the patience of those who trimmed their tree with this system. This was due to the fact that once one light went out all of the lights went out. This meant that in order to activate all the lights the individual bulb, that had malfunctioned, needed to be located.

Then, the silver aluminum tree appeared in homes. Often the Christmas lights and decorations that were used to trim this tree were simple in nature. That simplicity was captured through ornaments placed on the tree that were in one color and the lighting was focused on the tree from a flood lamp. The high intensity wattage of the flood lamp was radiated through a revolving multicolored plastic wheel.

Down through the years Christmas lights and decorations have continued to evolve. This evolutionary process has taken decorative lighting into fiber optics, running lights and twinkling lights. In addition, Christmas lights and decorations have been combined in that the ornament itself is constructed with miniature size bulbs which allows for the design of the ornament to light up. These ornamental designs take on the appearance of snowmen, candy canes and other holiday designs associated with the Christmas season.

Rohit Chopra has written several useful articles on topics like Christmas Decoration, Outdoor Christmas Decoration, Christmas Tree Decoration, etc. Get more useful information on Christmas Decorations at http://www.wine-gift-basket-kit.com