JournEzine Inaugural Issue
December, 2007

Welcome!  It's been a few months since we've published an issue of JournEzine.  As you can see, we've done some reorganization and sprucing up the place!  We have Much to Celebrate when we think about all the Lord has done to get us to the place where we can resume our monthly publications (at least that's the plan).  
 
We're tremendously excited about this issue!  Joanne Sher submitted a story entitled, "Much To Celebrate" which took First Place in the Second Annual Christmas Story Contest.  Joanne's style is refreshing; she does such a wonderful job with fiction, drawing the reader in and touching the hearts of all.  We're also honored to include the Second Place winner since there was only one point separating First and Second Place.  Deborah ("Debbie") Ott is a precious young mother who is such an incredible example of commitment ... committed to Christ, committed to her husband and children, and committed to be an exemplary example of Christlikeness through her life in rural Ohio.

The articles below are brought to you in the hopes that you will be encouraged and inspired to keep Christ in Christmas this year.  Simply click on the story title to read each article.     

Joanne Sher’s story “Much to Celebrate” was awarded First Place in our Second Annual Christmas Story Contest … it’s no surprise, either!  Joanne is an accomplished author, having won top honors among her peers at FaithWriters, the web’s foremost home for Christian Writer’s.  But more than that, Joanne is a precious sister in the Lord with a powerful testimony.  We pray you’ll enjoy Joanne’s story.  We encourage you to contact Joanne with your thoughts and comments.

Debbie Ott’s story “Coming Home” is a heartwarming story of a mother with five children—her own!  Your heart will be filled with awe as she shares such vivid word-pictures of her life in rural Ohio as a young girl growing up and now as a young mother with children of her own.  Be forewarned—you may need a tissue for this one!

Valerie Chambers has got to be a special person, there’s no doubt!  She gave up her Christmas to work at the hospital.  But there’s more to this story than that.  You’ve got to read Valerie’s story, “Never Alone on Christmas Day”.

Rev. James  Snyder is a well-known syndicated author; his articles appear in newspapers and other periodicals.  But, that’s not what drove us to include this article—it’s the real-life, down-to-earth honesty with a message.  Laugh along with us as you read “Dad Had a Special Christmas Tradition” by James Snyder.

A single dad, three kids, and no money.  The perfect background for a miracle, and a miracle it was!  Irvin recounts his experiences the first Christmas as a single dad.  It could have been a bleak time for him, but God had other plans.  Sometimes the Lord takes the hard times in life to prove His faithfulness in strange ways.  You may wonder about God’s personal intervention in the life of ordinary men and women, but after reading Irvin’s story, you will be a believer.  God directs in strange ways so His glory can be more readily seen.  Enjoy “The Wonderful Christmas” by Irvin Rozier.

Eva Fry tells a story of going to a senior organization and learning they could no longer use the word Christmas Party but it was now a Holiday Party.  Christ had been “X’d” out of Christmas.  Don’t be afraid to get a little ruffled under the collar as you read her story … it’s not just the senior organization, but the rights of those who which to live a righteous life are being stripped away a little a time everywhere.  The only way to change the trend is to take a stand.  Her story challenges us to do just that - Don't X Out the Meaning of Christmas.

What would it be like of Jesus was born today?  How would the circumstances be different?  The nationally syndicated television show called A Baby Story airs daily on television and is the basis for this modern-day Christmas story.  Be careful to catch all the symbolism as you read this account of “A Baby Story” by Jan Ross.

Sherry Castelluccio wrote a beautiful description of that night that just has to be read.  Gazing into a crystal nativity causes a young father to cry out, “Thank You For This Child”.  His heart is further moved with deep compassion as his little girl embraces him and he once again finds himself overwhelmed with love and wonderment.

A description of the Nativity by Linda Wright.  No celebration of Christmas would be complete without our attention drawn to the night of miracles—holy night and far from silent.  An angel choir, a wondrous star, Shepherds from Bethlehem, Wise men traveling from afar, With gifts to honor Him.

A contemporary classic, “Mary, Did You Know?” by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene is the inspiration for this article.  Mary, What Did You Know?  Could she have perceived what the next 30-some years would hold?  Jan Ross poses several considerations about what Mary might have or have not known as she held the tiny Christ-child in her arms.

The Christmas Carols hold a rich Christian heritage that has somehow been forgotten through the years.  Jan Ross takes a candid look at “Joy To the World” in an attempt to revive some understanding of the words and the heart behind the words of one of the greatest Christmas Hymns ever written.

Colin Moffett's poetic expression in “One” is beautiful and you won’t want to overlook it.  You’d be amazed at how significant one little word is in light of the birth of Christ.  “You have nothing if you have not this One!”  Beautiful!

As always, Don Mehl helps us focus on the Truth.  “Where Is Jesus?” is a good article to use for meditation or personal study.  Don’s heart is so tender before the Lord and even while dealing with personal trials, he remains steadfast in his faith.  It is this steadfastness that always shines through his writing.  Don’t neglect to read “Where Is Jesus?”—you’re invited to print it out, share it with others, and use it as a tool for self-examination.  This Christmas and throughout the year, we should be asking ourselves, “Where Is Jesus?”

The very essence of Christmas … “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10 KJV)  Gospel for Asia (www.gfa.org) shares the story of Hirla Harish, a missionary in Rajasthan, India.  You’ll want to join the celestial choir with “Glory to God in the Highest” after you’ve read this true testimony of redemption made possible by the birth of the One we celebrate this season.

We try to incorporate some recipe or food article and Plum Pudding seemed to be appropriate although, I must admit, eating such a dish is less than desirable for me.  But, perhaps it would appeal to you!  In either case, it’s interesting to learn more about a traditional dish most hear about but never really know about.  Read Bernadette Dimitrov's explanation of this old-fashioned Christmas delight.

Jeanice McDade concludes our December 2007 issue of JournEzine with sincere, from-the-heart  Christmas Thoughts.  She draws our attention to the Christmas season as we think about traditions, making memories with our children, the meaning of the decorations, etc.  You’ll enjoy reading Christmas Thoughts from the heart of a mother of four, working hard to preserve the purity of Christmas in today’s world.

That concludes the December issue of JournEzine.  We pray you've enjoyed each article as your thoughts and heart have been stirred to the Real Reason for this Christmas season. 

With so much going on in our world, it's easy to see how having a true, vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ is an absolute necessity.  If you don't have an assurance of heaven, if you aren't sure whether or not you'd go to heaven if you died right now, please let us know.  We're here to pray with you and minister to you and love you to the Lord. 

We encourage you to share JournEzine with your friends and family.  If you have a story to share, please send it to us ... check out the submission guidelines using the menu at the top of the page.  We'd love to read your story and consider it for inclusion in a future issue of JournEzine.

Christmas blessings,

Jeanice McDade
Jan Ross
Heart of God International Ministries