Publisher’s Corner – Winds of change blowing in many ‘firsts’ 

By Sandy Jones 

I think most of us would agree that September was an absolutely gorgeous extension of summer. October started off the same way, until around the 10th – then the wind blew in the real change of season. Fall had arrived. A sprinkle of rain in the valley and a dusting of snow in the hills. The trees in full fall regalia. 

I may be a warm-weather girl, but I absolutely love the warm colors of fall. Deep oranges, burgundy, yellows and gold. Crisp cold mornings and cool evenings. Aww – pour me a glass of freshly pressed apple juice! 

As we enter November, with the holidays just around the corner, I’m reflecting back on just how much I have to thank God for. I’m blessed to get to “do” Christian Living Ministries as my full-time gig. Hearing from you, our readers and radio listeners, about the impact we’ve had on your lives, and how much we encourage each of you, heartens our entire team. 

In May our oldest son and his wife blessed us with twincesses. It has been an absolute delight to watch these tiny bundles of joy grow and discover so many firsts – often things we take for granted. Who knew that rolling over could bring such squeals of delight? 

Our local grands have kept us hopping to cheer them on for swim team, track and our first season of volleyball. The littles’ firsts make our older not-so-littles’ firsts seem even more special. It’s like we caught a breath of fresh air, and with it a renewed appreciation for these special moments! 

We look forward to many “firsts” these next couple of months – all of them to be relished and enjoyed to the fullest. Things like the first time of sharing the Christmas Story with those precious babes, as we pray that the older kids catch some new revelation each year as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. 

One of my favorite Christmas songs is “Mary Did You Know?” From the initial time I heard those beautiful lyrics, I have found myself spellbound. I was a fairly young mother, and have to admit, I wholeheartedly loved my little baby boy, although I don’t think I had the maturity to appreciate the absolute miracle I was blessed with. Nothing is sweeter than inhaling that fresh baby scent as you cover their face and neck in kisses; I can’t even imagine how Mary must have felt knowing that when she kissed her precious baby, she was kissing the “face of God!” 

I realize scholars tell us that Jesus more than likely wasn’t born in December. I get it. I think more important than when we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior is that we do celebrate His birth, as well as His resurrection. The enemy would love nothing more than if we’d all get too distracted being busy, or debating whatever the latest shiny object topic is, to really give Jesus the praise and glory that He deserves. 

I was recently reflecting on some of the many names of God: Jehovah Jireh (my provider); The Great Physician; Most High God; God, the Father, the Almighty; Jehovah Rapha (the God Who heals); Majesty; Wonderful; Counselor; The Mighty God; The Everlasting Father; The Prince of Peace; Bright and Morning Star; Maker of all things seen and unseen; Yahweh; Yeshua, to name a few. The list goes on and on. 

I was recalling when my husband and I first got serious about learning what we’d claimed to believe for “all those years,” and I started hearing some of these names. At first I would race home from church, or whatever meeting we’d been at, to look them up. Fearful we’d found our way into a cult, I wanted to know who THAT god was, only to find out each time that our God has many beautiful, comforting, and inspiring names that describe Him. I also remind myself that another name He has is “Jealous.” That I should be quick to do inventory of my life to ensure that He is not competing with any false gods or idols for my time and attention; that I’m not swept away by winds of change that might distract me from God Almighty – my Lord and Savior – Who was, and is, and is to come. 

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. – Psalm 107:1 NIV 

I pray that you have a blessed Holy season with plenty of time to celebrate the day He came as Our Lord, as we anxiously await His return. 

Until next time… 

God Bless 

As we close out this year, I would be remiss if I didn’t take this opportunity to thank our advertisers, and our donors, without whom there would be no Christian Living Magazine, or radio show.  I would ask that you please frequent our advertisers as often as possible, and thank them for their support of this ministry.