Christmas
and
Heavenly Gifts

Dearest Friends,

      Christmas is a special time to remember God’s gift of love to each of us. It is a time we can demonstrate our understanding of ‘giving and receiving’ as set by example of the birth, life and death of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. When gifting our loved ones and as we think on our earthly gifts, let us also thank God for his heavenly gifts as well.

      Before our birth, each of our missions were carefully reviewed by our Heavenly Father and assigned according to his will for us. We were given gifts of various talents and strengths that we would need for our mortal lives and we gladly accepted them according to his foreknowledge of our lives on earth. Acknowledgement, acceptance and appreciation are key to any heavenly gift. And one of his great blessings is that we can expand our gifts as we share them with others. We can pray for the best of ourselves to be used in service and then give without reservation, without ego, without unselfishness and have those blessing come back ten fold.

      What a blessing to give back in service what God gave us to give. Whatever we give is set to multiply and return to us to give again!! We can be lights unto the world, conduits of goodness, and when we do good works we empower others to do the same. Every day brings new opportunities to serve and to love one another! How blessed we are!

      Times like now when our economy is lean, make your “New Year Resolution” to give your excess to any in need. Whether that means your extra clothing, food, shelter or tithe—give! I promise you that the windows of heaven are blessed to open to your needs when you give!

Have a Very Merry Christmas!

All my love,
Betty

Site News

Our new store, Ojinjinkta Books, will open in January. We are so sorry for the delay. We look forward to offering new items in addition to our regular inventory.

Betty's homepage and website have been updated and you will receive another eNewsletter as soon as our store is open.

Many have asked about "Embraced By The Light the Movie" which has been delayed again. Thank you for your interest! Know that these efforts and many more continue "behind the scenes."

Something to Ponder

From Embraced By The Light: Prayers & Devotions for Daily Living, entry for Dec 22:

In Searching for God I Find Him in Me

The more difficult part of my search for God's presence was to find him in me, so that I would be ready to serve him on a moment's notice if need be.. The Awakening Heart – page 38

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me . . . He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
John 15:4

Father, thank you for blessing me with your incredible Spirit which lets me share in your wisdom, power and love. Its influence makes me desire to serve you in greater ways. And my heart is more willing to serve others through your divine direction. Make me always aware of your Spirit residing within me, of your nearness as my faithful loving Father. May I see all those whom I serve as your precious chlidren who are worthy of great sacrifice.

Affirmation: I acknowledge God in myself and in those I serve. We are His beloved children.

From the Acts of Kindness Archives

Thinking About a Friend  
—added by Suzanne 

When I was home for Christmas a few years ago, I found out my childhood friend had Lyme Disease. She wasn't doing well. I returned to my own home on the other side of the country, but I kept thinking of her. I had started working for a nutritional company, and had some extra, so I sent them to her. A month later I called her to see how she was doing. She told me when she opened the package she started to cry. She was feeling like no one cared about her. An older friend of hers, who had been bringing her food and encouragement had suddenly died and my friend felt alone. Now I call her whenever I can, send her a few things she can use, and make sure to visit her whenever I'm in her area.

Building Trust and Confidence for One Another —added by Anne 

I am a quiet gentle person, the type of woman that tries each day to treat others with gentleness and care. Today two people have shared confidences with me, and I feel very blessed that God has created me just as I am. Praise God!

Hello In There —added by Chad

I had the privlidge to perform my songs in a local nursing home on christmas eve! My girlfriend loaded up our puppy. Though low on income, I heard "The Little Drummer Boy." We had a great experience visiting with elderly. We let them know they were not forgotten. What a good feeling!

Sent to the Post Office —added by Christina

One day I was stopping off at the local post office to drop off some packages. I was moving hastily, and passed a elderly lady as I walked through the parking lot. In line, I was thinking about the book I had been reading- 'Embraced by the Light' and how inspirational it was. For some reason my mind wandered to the little lady too. Upon driving away I noticed the same little lady walking down the street. Spontaneously, I asked her if she needed a ride. She smiled and looked upward and said 'thank you angels'. That was so cool!

If you would like to read more or share your own act of kindness,
either for yourself or given to others, you may do so here.