Saturday, December 26, 2015

It's All about People Top 5 Blogs

What a marvelous time of the year.  I can’t remember a more enjoyable Christmas season.

This week I’m kicking back and recharging my brain.  That gives you the chance to review some of my best and most popular posts. 

Enjoy.

See you on the other side of the new year.


P Michael Biggs









Monday, December 21, 2015

The Trip to Bethlehem

What actually happened between the time of the decree to go and register and Mary and Joseph finally arriving in Bethlehem is only speculation.  Perhaps it was like this.

Here is my version of this story.  Settle in, grab a hot java or warm eggnog, snuggle up with your favorite person and read this one out loud.

Galilee was buzzing with the news.  Every one – every person was required by law to go to their place of origin and register for the nationwide census. 

Plans were made.  Belongings were packed.  Food was properly cured, stored, wrapped and preserved for the trip, and perhaps lists were made of all of the caravans that would be coming through Galilee and on which days so that those who wanted could join up.

Joseph made their trip arrangements while Mary took care of their provisions.  He selected Zek’s caravan.  He knew him from the village and had made a few benches and trunks for Zek’s wagons.  At least they would be in the company of friends and trusted travelers for their eighty-mile trek. 

The average man could walk about 20 miles a day, so this journey was a journey of four days.

The day came and the journey began.  There was a lot of joviality and excited conversations as they began.  The countryside slowly eased past as they trudged along. 

Mary had to make a few more stops than the average woman, due to her condition, and after the first night Zek pulled Joseph aside and told him the unfortunate news. 

“Tomorrow, we’ve gonna have to go ahead.  You and Mary are holding us up.  I’m sorry.”

Mary tried to bear up bravely, but the journey, the donkey and her pregnancy was no match for the rapid pace the caravan took.

True to his word, on the second morning Zek moved on ahead leaving Mary and Joseph in the dust of their trail.

Now alone, Joseph looked worried.  How will we make it?  What will I do if some bad sorts of men come along?  Maybe we can join another caravan.  I think I see some dust stirring behind us.

Other caravans came and went, and they all left Mary and Joseph eating the dust of their tracks.

Mary, however, was not perplexed.  She had a promise.  She had hope.  The direct message from the angel was this:  “the power of the most high will overshadow you.” 

Yes, that message was for the miracle of the birth of her baby, and it was for the journey leading them to His birth. 

In other words, as God often has said to others, “Be not afraid nor dismayed, for I the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

They missed the fun around the campfires of the caravan.  They missed the shared meals; they missed Elisabeth’s special way with the standing rib roast, and the special sauté of onions, leeks, garlic, with roasted potatoes, and they missed the stories and laughter at night.

But they showed up in plenty of time and they were kept safe.

They had a rendezvous with destiny, and God got them there on time.



P Michael Biggs
Offering Hope
Encouragement Inspiration
One Word at a Time



Monday, December 14, 2015

The Gift of Presence

The great gift to give to those around you this season … the gift of presence.

Be present in conversations.  Look into the eyes of the one to whom you are speaking.  Nod acknowledgement without rehearsing what your next words may be.

Take your hands off the computer keyboard as you engage in conversation.  Let your family and friends know you are very present in that moment in time.

Put away the electronic devices when others are around.  Go through the meal time without glancing at or using your device.  What a gift that could be.

Most people simply want to be validated, to be recognized.  We do that best by being present in all of our interactions. 

Give the gift of eye contact.
Give the gift of a listening ear and an inviting conversation.
Give full attention.  That is a game-changing gift.

And wait for the response.

You’ll create a sense of being wanted, being listened to and being appreciated. 

And it will flow back to you in ripples and waves.

Merry Christmas.



P Michael Biggs
Offering Hope
Encouragement Inspiration
One Word at a Time


Monday, December 7, 2015

Give Love This Christmas

If you are running out of ideas for things to do this Christmas, consider this.

Last night we had four of our grand-kids over for dinner.  After feasting on Carolyn’s homemade meat loaf, we did a simple craft time of everyone water-coloring their own picture, and then moved in by the fireplace.  A nice blaze was warming the room.

I read a few Christmas stories and then went around the room and gave each one present a few words of esteem.  I brought out character traits I see, positive growth and maturity, beauty, kindness expressed toward others.  You get the idea.

For two or three minutes each person in the room was the focus of attention and received the gift of hearing what they are good at doing and a forecasting of what I hoped for each one.

It was a magical evening.  I left there with a warm glow in my heart for having shared in the lives of those special people.

Those around you need to hear that too, Mom and Dad.  Pause long enough occasionally to let those nearest and dearest know just how much they mean to you and what wonderful traits you see and sense in each one.

Merry Christmas.



P Michael Biggs
Offering Hope
Encouragement Inspiration
One Word at a Time