New Year's Prayer

During the New Year may you have:

- Enough happiness to keep you sweet
- Enough trials to keep you strong,
- Enough sorrow to keep you human
- Enough hope to keep you happy,
- Enough failure to keep you humble
- Enough success to keep you eager,
- Enough friends to give you comfort
- Enough wealth to meet your needs,
- Enough enthusiasm to make you

look forward to tomorrow,
& Enough determination to make

each day better than the day before.

Lord, please help us to use the 8,760 hours of 2013 the wisest way we can for you, & for your glory.

In Jesus Name, Amen!

If you would like special prayer...

 

Cindy McKinley

mckinleyclm@gmail.com 

Check out some of my other blogs:

* Shrek the Sheep http://cccenterhope.blogspot.com/2013/12/shrek-sheep.html 
* It's A New Year http://cccenterhope.blogspot.com/2013/01/2013-new-year.html

* It's All God's Fault http://cccenterhope.blogspot.com/2012/08/its-all-gods-fault_13.html

* How Did I Miss That  http://cccenterhope.blogspot.com/2012/10/how-did-i-miss-that.html

* Cranky Old Man http://cccenterhope.blogspot.com/2012/12/cranky-old-man.html

* I Am FREE  http://cccenterhope.blogspot.com/2012/07/i-am-free.html
* Transitions vs. Transformation  http://cccenterhope.blogspot.com/2012/04/transition-vs-transformation.html


I invite you to visit us at:

426 Laurelwood Road

Pottstown, PA 19465

610-323-0480

www.calvarychristian.info

Last Minute Quilting!

Just Take Me To The Stable!

This year, the days leading up to Christmas were a bit stressful for me. It's probable because a week and a half before the big day I decided I would make my grandson the red and black quilt he has asked for many times.

Hours went into this assuring this gift would be finished, wrapped, and under the tree by Christmas evening ... which was the time we would be with him. One day I worked from 4:30am till 6:30pm, with an half hour break for lunch. My husband was so patient with me as I put all my efforts into making sure this project was done on time.

My list of 'Must Do Now' was becoming a challenge as so many other things were demanding my attention. Things like: decorating and cleaning our home, planning and preparation for open house for family and friends, shopping, wrapping and church events, just to name a few. Needless to say I was starting to feel the pressure of it all. 

Four days before Christmas I was talking to God and I heard myself saying, "Father, Just take me to the stable. I don't want the tree with pretty light, the stockings and bows. I don't want the phone calls and shopping list. I just want to go to the stable, sit in the hay and spend time with Jesus!"

It's so easy to get caught up in all the hussle and bustle of Christmas and loose sight of what it's all about. Christmas is not the lighted trees, the stocking filled with special things, or the gifts under the tree. 

Christmas is celebrating the greatest gift ever given...Jesus Christ! It's about the Love of a Heavenly Father who gave His very best for man kind. It's about Family, Love and Forgiveness.

After these past two weeks I have been reminded that Christmas is all about taking time to just sit in the stable and spend time with the one we are celebrating ... Jesus!

Christmas ... Christ Has Redeemed all Infirmities So That Mankind is Assured of Salvation.

The quilt...I finished it on Christmas day and wrapped it two hours before it was given to my grandson. He Loved It!



You can view Part One of "Journey To the Stable" by going to:
http://cccenterhope.blogspot.com/2012/12/journey-to-stable-part-one.html  

426 Laurelwood Road

Pottstown, PA 19465

610-323-0480

www.calvarychristian.info 

Feel free to contact me

Cindy McKinley at:

Mckinleyclm@gmail.com 

   

Journey To The Stable ~ Part Two

Just Take Me To The Stable!

This year, the days leading up to Christmas were a bit stressful for me. It's probable because a week and a half before the big day I decided I would make my grandson the red and black quilt he has asked for many times.

Hours went into this assuring this gift would be finished, wrapped, and under the tree by Christmas evening ... which was the time we would be with him. One day I worked from 4:30am till 6:30pm, with an half hour break for lunch. My husband was so patient with me as I put all my efforts into making sure this project was done on time.

My list of 'Must Do Now' was becoming a challenge as so many other things were demanding my attention. Things like: decorating and cleaning our home, planning and preparation for open house for family and friends, shopping, wrapping and church events, just to name a few. Needless to say I was starting to feel the pressure of it all. 

Four days before Christmas I was talking to God and I heard myself saying, "Father, Just take me to the stable. I don't want the tree with pretty light, the stockings and bows. I don't want the phone calls and shopping list. I just want to go to the stable, sit in the hay and spend time with Jesus!"

It's so easy to get caught up in all the hussle and bustle of Christmas and loose sight of what it's all about. Christmas is not the lighted trees, the stocking filled with special things, or the gifts under the tree. 

Christmas is celebrating the greatest gift ever given...Jesus Christ! It's about the Love of a Heavenly Father who gave His very best for man kind. It's about Family, Love and Forgiveness.

After these past two weeks I have been reminded that Christmas is all about taking time to just sit in the stable and spend time with the one we are celebrating ... Jesus!

Christmas ... Christ Has Redeemed all Infirmities So That Mankind is Assured of Salvation.


 



The quilt...I finished it on Christmas day and wrapped it two hours before it was given to my grandson. He Loved It!







You can view Part One of "Journey To the Stable by going to:
http://cccenterhope.blogspot.com/2012/12/journey-to-stable-part-one.html  

426 Laurelwood Road

Pottstown, PA 19465

610-323-0480

www.calvarychristian.info 

Feel free to contact me

Cindy McKinley at:

Mckinleyclm@gmail.com 

   

The True Meaning of Christmas

CHRISTMAS stands for...

                             C - Christ
                             H - has
                             R - Redeemed all
                              I - Infirmities
                             S - So
                             T - That
                            M - Mankind is
                             A - Assured of
                             S - Salvation....

CHRISTMAS!!!

Isaiah 9:6    For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

John 3:16   “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Merry Christmas my from family to yours!

426 Laurelwood Road

Pottstown, PA 19465

610-323-0480

www.calvarychristian.info 

  Feel Free To Contact Me

Cindy McKinley At: 

www.Mckinleyclm@gmail.com 

Journey To The Stable ~ Part One

Just Take Me To The Stable

Part One

  
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ~ Luke 2:1-5

Not a year goes by that I don’t think of Mary and the journey she and Joseph had to make to Bethlehem. I can just see it now as Joseph begins the conversation; “Mary, Caesar Augustus has issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. We have to travel to Bethlehem as soon as possible.”

Now we don’t know for sure how Mary responded to this news. But I know how most women ... myself included ... would respond to something like this today.

"Modern" Mary’s would take one look at the condition of her body turn to Joseph and says, “You have got to be joking, right?”  Then a flood of questions would fill her mind as she thought about what could happen on this trip and what it meant for her and the child who would soon to born.

You see, it is 80 miles between Nazareth and Bethlehem, a trip that would be nothing if traveling by car.  But by donkey, with a woman only days away from giving birth, this journey was no easy task. It took them at least a week to make this trip.
 
Think about that...No car...No paved roads...No hotels...No restaurants not even a McDonalds...No comfortable rest stops along the way...No protection from the hot sun by day or the cool at nights...and riding on the back of a donkey, just days before giving birth. I don’t know about you but that is not a trip I would be looking forward to!

Do you know that nothing takes God by surprise? Often times in our lives we face challenging situations that we wonder who in the world are things going to work out. Situations flood our minds with questions, worries and even fear. Let's face it, the uncertainties of life can be stressful at times. 

God knew that Mary and Joseph would have to make the trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem. He also knew it would be challenging but He was going to be with them every step of the way. 

What are you facing today? Does the road ahead of you seem filled with impossibilities. Are you fearful of what lies ahead, with uncertainties of things to come? Know this, God is always here for you, waiting for you to ask Him for help.

It's easy to talk to Him. Talk to Him like you would your best friend. You can tell him anything!

I pray for you today.

Father God in heaven, I ask that You will be with those reading this blog today. Help them to know that You care about every area of their lives and that You are there to help them through any situation, all they need to do is ask. In Jesus name, Amen



You can read part two of Journey To The Stable by going to:
http://cccenterhope.blogspot.com/2012/12/journey-to-stable-part-two.html 

426 Laurelwood Road

Pottstown, PA 19465

610-323-0480

www.calvarychristian.info 

Feel free to contact me

Cindy McKinley at:

Mckinleyclm@gmail.com

Cranky Old Man

When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a nursing home in an Australian country town, it was believed that he had nothing left of any value.
Later, when the nurses were going through his meager possessions, They found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital.

One nurse took her copy to Melbourne. The old man's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas editions of magazines around the country and appearing in mags for Mental Health. A slide presentation has also been made based on his simple, but eloquent, poem.

And this old man, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the author of this 'anonymous' poem winging across the Internet.

Cranky Old Man

What do you see nurses? . . . . . .What do you see?
What are you thinking . . . when you're looking at me?
A cranky old man, . . . . . . not very wise,
Uncertain of habit .. . . . . . . . . with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food . . . . . . . . and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . . 'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice . . . the things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . . . . . A sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not . . . . . . lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding . . . .The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking?. . Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse . . . you're not looking at me.

I'll tell you who I am . . . . . . As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, . . . . . as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten . . . with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters . . . . . . . who love one another
A young boy of Sixteen . . . . . with wings on his feet
Dreaming that soon now . . . . . . a lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty . . . . . my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows . . . . . that I promised to keep.

At Twenty-Five, now . . . . . I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . . And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty . . . . . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other . . . . With ties that should last.
At Forty, my young sons . . . have grown and are gone,
But my woman is beside me . . . to see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, . . . . . Babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children . . . . My loved one and me.

Dark days are upon me . . . . My wife is now dead.
I look at the future . . . . . . . I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing . . . . young of their own.
And I think of the years . . . And the love that I've known.

I'm now an old man . . . . . . . . and nature is cruel.
It's jest to make old age . . . . . . . look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles . . . . . grace and vigour, depart.
There is now a stone . . . where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass . . . A young man still dwells,
And now and again . . . . . my battered heart swells
I remember the joys . . . . . . . I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living . . . . . . . life over again.

I think of the years, all too few . . . . gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people . . . . . . . . . open and see.
Not a cranky old man . . . .
Look closer . . . . see . . . . . . . . . . . . ME!!

Remember this poem when you next meet an older person who you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within. We will all, one day, be there, too! 





Posted on Face Book By: J.J. Cohen's photo.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/JJ-Cohen/105191282883231

Christmas Tree Give A Way Up-Date ~ 2012

On December 9th our church held it's annual

 'Coventry Christmas Celebration'

Over one-hundred and thirty families received a Christmas tree and filled stockings for their children. 

The rain did not hinder the Christmas spirit. Families found shelter in the sanctuary where they heard the Christmas story and watched Christmas shows on the big screen, all while enjoying hot food and drinks.

Maybe next year you and your family will be able to join us. 
 
Giving hope to others, that is exactly what Jesus did when He came to earth as a baby many years ago. Hope for all mankind, not just for life here on earth, but for eternity as well.


If you have questions or would like to know more about Calvary Christian Center please contact us at:

426 Laurelwood Road

Pottstown, PA 19465

610-323-0480

 www.calvarychristian.info

Or e-mail me
Cindy McKinley at:

Mckinleyclm@gmail.com

Peace of Mind

Peace is something that comes on the inside. It is not something that we can conger up ourselves, it comes only from God.

However, there are things we can do to open the way for peace to come.

Duke University did a study on Peace of mind. They found that the following factors contributed greatly to emotional and mental stability. They are:

1.  The absence of suspicion and resentment.
         * Nursing a grudge was a major factor in unhappiness.

2.  Not living in the past.
         * An unwholesome preoccupation with old mistakes and
            failures leads to depression.

3.  Not wasting time and energy fighting conditions you cannot
     change.
         * Cooperate with life, instead of trying to run away from it.

4.  Force yourself to stay involved with the living world.
         * Resist the temptation to withdraw and become reclusive 
            during periods of emotional stress.

5.  Refuse to indulge in self-pity when life hands you a raw deal.
         * Accept the fact that nobody gets through life without some 
            sorrow and misfortune.

6.  Cultivate the old-fashioned virtues–
         * love, humor, compassion and loyalty.

7.  Do not expect too much of yourself.
         * When there is too wide a gap between self-expectation and 
             your ability to meet the goals you have set, feelings of 
             inadequacy are inevitable.

And the last one which I find most interesting is:

8.  Find something bigger than yourself to believe in.
         * Self-centered egotistical people score lowest in any test for 
            measuring happiness and peace.

I always love it when the scientific community proves what God has done for us for thousands of years.

King David said: “I go to bed and sleep in peace, because, Lord, only you keep me safe.”

Jesus said:  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” 
 
I pray for you today, asking the One and Only True God to help you on your journey. May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Amen.


Scriptures use here have been taken from the Holy Bible:
Psalm 4:8 (NCV), Philippians 4:7 (NIV); John 14:27 (NIV)

 426 Laurelwood Road

Pottstown, Pa 19465

610-323-0480

www.calvarychristian.info 

Feel free to e-mail me:
Cindy McKinley

mckinleyclm@gmail.com

A Christmas Prayer

Our family has received some wonderful Christmas Cards

and I wanted to share some with you.

The following poem was taken from 

"The Word of Christmas"

American Greetings

Cleveland, Ohio

www.americangreetings.com 

 

A Christmas Prayer

 

With our hands, Lord,

may we work for You.

With our hearts,

may we always be kind.

With our eyes,

may we search far

and wide

For the good

You would like us to

find.

With our mouths,

may we speak loving things.

With our ears,

may we hear what is true.

With our minds,

may we be wise enough

To live our whole lives for You.

426 Laurelwood Road

Pottstown, Pa 19465

610-323-0480

www.calvarychristian.com 

Feel free to e-mail me:

Cindy McKinley

Mckinleyclm@gmail.com  

Christmas Tree Give A Way ~ 2012

CHECK OUT THE UPDATE FOR THIS EVENT BY GOING TO:
http://cccenterhope.blogspot.com/2012/12/christmas-tree-give-way-up-date-2012.html 

You and your family are invited to join us at

Calvary Christian Center for a

'Coventry Christmas Celebration'

December 9 starting at 3pm

FREE GIVE-A-WAYS

 

50

Christmas Trees

 

300

Filled Stockings

(children must be present to receive a stocking.)

Food

(hot dogs, soup, drinks)

First come bases, while supplies last.

No proof of income is needed.

Giving hope to others, that is exactly what Jesus did when He came to earth as a baby many years ago. Hope for all mankind, not just for life here on earth, but for eternity as well.


If you have any questions please contact us at:

426 Laurelwood Road

Pottstown, PA 19465

610-323-0480

 www.calvarychristian.info

Or e-mail me at:

Mckinleyclm@gmail.com

A Coventry Christmas Celebration

You and your family are invited to join us at

Calvary Christian Center for a

'Coventry Christmas Celebration'

December 9 starting at 3pm

FREE GIVE-A-WAYS

 

50

Christmas Trees

 

300

Filled Stockings

(children must be present to receive a stocking.)

Food

(hot dogs, soup, drinks)

First come bases, while supplies last.

No proof of income is needed.

Giving hope to others, that is exactly what Jesus did when He came to earth as a baby many years ago. Hope for all mankind, not just for life here on earth, but for eternity as well.




If you have any questions please contact us at:

426 Laurelwood Road

Pottstown, PA 19465

610-323-0480

 www.calvarychristian.info

Or e-mail me at:

Mckinleyclm@gmail.com

So Much To Be Thankful For

Psalm 100 
New International Version

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

 Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Have you ever been so excited, so thankful for something that you let out a loud shout? Well that is exactly what the writer of this Psalm is telling us to do. To "Shout to the Lord" ... not shout at Him. There is a difference.

Even in the midst of difficult times there is always something to be thankful for if one looks hard enough.

I am so thankful for my Heavenly Father.  His love is unconditional and he has proven his faithfulness to me over and over throughout the years.

I'm also thankful for my husband. His love for Jesus goes deep and that reflects on how he loves me. He is grounded in the Word of God and has been a wonderful role modal to our two sons and now our grandchildren. Many times he has kept me focused, which is not always an easy thing to do, on the task at hand; protecting me from overload. Truly I am blessed.

I am thankful for my family. There are times I miss the days when my sons were small. But I rejoice in the now! Even as they have faced challenging times in their lives, they too are strong men of God. I am so proud of them.

My daughter-in-law has brought me great joy as well. It's so nice to finally have another woman in the house!

My grandson, I could go on forever, but I won't, is the joy of my live. soon that joy will increase even more as in March we will welcome another grandson into our family.

I am also thankful for my church family. Calvary Christian Center has been our home for the past twenty years. Each person who walks through those doors has touched my heart in a personal way. Those who attend are not just acquaintances, they are family and I love each and everyone of them dearly.

I pray for you and your family during this holiday season. As you reflect back over this past year may you remember all you have to be thankful for.

Drop me an e-mail and let me know what you are thankful for.

 426 Laurelwood Road

Pottstown, PA 19465

610-323-0480

www.calvarychristian.info

Feel free to e-mail me at:

  Mckinleyclm@gmail.com

 

GO AWAY JESUS!

Matthew 8:28-34

NIV Translation

When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way.  “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?”

Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”

He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region. Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  This morning I sit quietly imagining myself arriving with Jesus and his disciples as they made land in the region of the Gadarenes.

As we stepped out of the boat I saw two wild men running from the tombs toward us. I must confess my heart began to beat a little faster as the disciples and I looked at each other wondering what in the world was going on. It didn’t take long to realize they were not running toward us with excitement, but with great violence, and with the look of hatred shooting from their entire countenance.

They came right to Jesus and with a tone I have never heard come from any human they shouted out to Jesus, “What do you want with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?”

Jesus knowing exactly what was going on, He spoke to the demons that had total control over these two men. Before we knew, Jesus had commanded them to leave and we all stood in amazement as the large herd of pigs ran like crazy down a steep bank right into the water, where they died. The sight was so amazing we all stood there in shocked and speechless.

Then we saw the men tending the pigs run away so fast we kinda laughed, thinking, “We’ll never see them again.”

We all sat down with Jesus and the two men. I hung on every word as Jesus talked of the Kingdom of God with our newly found brothers in Christ.  When all of a sudden we heard the voices of many people coming our direction. Jesus stood up, just as the large crowd crested the top of the hill. The entire town had come out to meet Jesus. It didn’t take long to realize they were not happy with the loss of their pigs.

They we heard something that sent daggers into my heart as all the towns people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. They wanted noting to do with him or his teaching. I could not believe my eyes and ears as I watched these grown men and women pleading and begging Jesus, the Son of the Living God, to leave them. With each plea they came closer and closer to us.  In total shock the disciples and I were the first to get back into the boat. Jesus boarded last.

In silence and with broken hearts, we pushed away from the bank and left the area.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  

There is a song that has been in my mind a lot over the past few weeks. The words says, "I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold. I'd rather have him than riches untold. I'd rather have Jesus than man's applause. I'd rather be faithful to his dear cause. I'd rather be true to his holy name. I’d rather have Jesus that anything this world affords today."

Another song that comes to mind..."Take this old world but give me Jesus. No turning back...no turning back!" 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Jesus, today I want you to know you mean more to me than anything this world has to offer. How thankful I am that you have come to me and I will never send you away!

Check out some of my other blogs and let me know what you think...
http://cccenterhope.blogspot.com/2012/10/how-did-i-miss-that.html
http://cccenterhope.blogspot.com/2012/08/its-all-gods-fault_13.html  
http://cccenterhope.blogspot.com/2012/09/gods-living-hope.html
http://cccenterhope.blogspot.com/2012/07/i-am-free.html
http://cccenterhope.blogspot.com/2012/04/transition-vs-transformation.html
http://cccenterhope.blogspot.com/2012/03/choose-your-battles_14.html
http://cccenterhope.blogspot.com/2012/08/easy-as-abc.html

426 Laurelwood Road

Pottstown, PA 19465

610-323-0480

 www.calvarychristian.info

Feel free to e-mail me at:

Mckinleyclm@gmail.com