Chapel Letter

December 15, 2011

Dear Friends,

While getting ready to prepare this letter this morning, I noticed a post on facebook from one of my friends and wanted to share it with you.

Why Jesus is Better Than Santa Claus

Santa Claus lives at the North Pole… JESUS is everywhere.

Santa Claus rides in a sleigh… JESUS rides on the wind and walks

on water.

Santa Claus comes but once a year… JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa Claus fills your stockings with goodies… JESUS supplies all

your needs.

Santa Claus comes down your chimney uninvited… JESUS stands at

your door… and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.

You have to wait in line to see Santa Claus… JESUS is as close as the

mention of His name.

Santa Claus lets you sit on his lap… JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa Claus doesn’t know your name, all he can say is “Hi little boy

(or girl,) what’s your name?”… JESUS knew our name before we

did.  Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too.

He knows our history and future and He even knows how many

hairs are on our heads.

Santa Claus has a belly like a bowl full of jelly… JESUS has a heart

full of love.

All Santa Claus can offer is HO HO HO… JESUS offers health, help

and hope.

Santa Claus says “You better not cry”… JESUS says “Cast all your

cares on Me for I care for you.”

Santa’s little helpers make toys… JESUS makes new life, mends

wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa Claus is a “jolly old elf”… JESUS is the King of Kings.

Santa Claus may make you chuckle but… JESUS gives you joy that

is your strength.

While Santa Claus puts gifts under your tree… JESUS became our

gift and died on a tree….   The Cross

I think this says it all.  Santa Claus is what the world has to offer; Jesus is what God gives us.  All you have to do is open the door and invite Jesus in.

May you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and may your 2012 be filled with multiple blessings from God.

Merry Christmas!

Ms. Patty

Havasu Christian Preschool

Chapel Letter

December 15, 2011

Dear Friends,

While getting ready to prepare this letter this morning, I noticed a post on facebook from one of my friends and wanted to share it with you.

 Why Jesus is Better Than Santa Claus

               Santa Claus

                         JESUS is everywhere.

                         Santa Claus rides in a sleigh… JESUS rides on the wind and walks

                         on water.

                         Santa Claus comes but once a year… JESUS is an ever present help.

                         Santa Claus fills your stockings with goodies… JESUS supplies all

                         your needs.

                         Santa Claus comes down your chimney uninvited… JESUS stands at

                         your door… and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.

                         You have to wait in line to see Santa Claus… JESUS is as close as the

                         mention of His name.

                         Santa Claus lets you sit on his lap… JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

                         Santa Claus doesn’t know your name, all he can say is “Hi little boy

                         (or girl,) what’s your name?”… JESUS knew our name before we

                         did.  Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too.

                        He knows our history and future and He even knows how many

                         hairs are on our heads.

                         Santa Claus has a belly like a bowl full of jelly… JESUS has a heart

                         full of love.

                         All Santa Claus can offer is HO HO HO… JESUS offers health, help

                         and hope.

                         Santa Claus says “You better not cry”… JESUS says “Cast all your

                         cares on Me for I care for you.”

                         Santa’s little helpers make toys… JESUS makes new life, mends

                         wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

                         Santa Claus is a “jolly old elf”… JESUS is the King of Kings.

                        Santa Claus may make you chuckle but… JESUS gives you joy that

                        is your strength.

                       While Santa Claus puts gifts under your tree… JESUS became our

                       gift and died on a tree….   The Cross

I think this says it all.  Santa Claus is what the world has to offer; Jesus is what God gives us.  All you have to do is open the door and invite Jesus in.

May you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and may your 2012 be filled with multiple blessings from God.

Merry Christmas!

Ms. Patty

Chapel Letter

December 9, 2011

Dear Parents and Friends,

It is getting closer!  Christmas is just around the corner as my Mother use to say.  To which my little brother asked, “Which corner”?  He never lived that down even now that he is 57 years old.

As Christmas creeps closer and closer; many start to plan what they will eat, when presents will be opened and who will be invited to share this special day with us.  All the preparations will hopefully ensure a quality ‘family’ day.

Yesterday, I was talking with my granddaughter about Christmas.  She is anxiously waiting for it as most children are.  In our talk, she voiced her opinion about what she thought Christmas should be like for families.

Of course first on her list where presents being opened.  Then of course she mentioned the family dinner.  She said that Christmas should be spent enjoying the day with your family; your  whole family.  Let’s take a moment to see where she was coming from.

My granddaughter’s parents are no longer together. As a result, she has two immediate families which she loves with all her heart.  So her ideal Christmas would be for ALL her family to spend the day together.  Improbable, but in her mind this is the way it should be and what she hopes for.

To her, we should all come together in love and be a family.  If only things were that simple.  I hardly ever get to spend holidays with my family; however, this year is different.  My son and his wife spent Thanksgiving with us and will spend Christmas here also.  My granddaughter will share it with both her parents but in separate houses.  This is why she said what she did.  She doesn’t want to leave one parent to go to another.

When God sent His Son to earth as a baby; He had to have been sad.  God didn’t want to sacrifice His Son but He did it for ‘all’ of His children; us.   His love for us is more than we can understand.  He would do anything for us.  Christ would do anything for us; He did!  He gave His life for us.

Maybe we should learn from this and do things for our children out of love, even if it makes us uncomfortable.  Do we know what is truly important to our children?  Maybe we should ask them and really listen.  Children love; they don’t understand that sometimes we allow love to die.  Just maybe we should learn this love again.  We do have it in us; we once shared it.

God bless,

Ms. Patty

The days are counting down to Christmas.  This is such a busy season for all of us; Christmas parties, Christmas programs at schools, family gatherings, lots of cooking and don’t forget the endless shopping to find just the right gift.

I am finding that it is extremely hard to buy for anyone over the age of 9.  Little children love toys and books so you go to Wal-Mart, fill your cart with toys and books and you are done!  Most of my family require a lot of pondering on what to get them.  They have everything or at least most stuff that I can afford to buy them.  So the search continues, probably right up until Christmas Eve.

People don’t ususally wait to buy what they want.  It is so easy to get it now and pay for it later.  Unfortunately, later brings with it a new set of problems and financial burdens that we didn’t expect.  So we use more ‘plastic’ to pay for the charges on other ‘plastic cards’.

I remember when I was a child that cash was the preferred way to buy everything.  Discounts were given if you paid by cash.  My parents saved for whatever they wanted or needed and when they did get it; it was theirs and not the banks.  This not only kept them out of debt but it also taught me and my brother the value of saving.

I do have to admit that I rarely save before buying anymore.  Oh year, the ‘plactic cards’ fill my wallet.  So I, like many others, have way more ‘stuff’ than I need and struggle to pay for all of it.

We convince ourselves that we actually need all of our stuff.  We don’t want to go without it even for one more day.  So we charge.  I own a Kindle that my dear son and daughter-in-law got me for Christmas last year.  I search Amazon for those free books to download so I don’t have to buy too many.  I think I am being very frugal by doing this.

Of course, some of the books I download are ones that I wouldn’t read if I had the choice but most things that are free are like that.  We like to get freebies but we don’t love them most of the time or they don’t last.

There is a gift that is offered to each of us that a lot of people choose to ignore; the gift of Salvation offered to us through the blood of Jesus.  Why do you think that is?  I have a few ideas but I won’t elaborate on them at this time..

Most of the time we rush to get something that is free but there is one gift that is totally free which many ignore. This free gift (and I call it that because we don’t even have to drive to the store to get it nor do we have to work for it) is always available to us but still we hesitate.

Unfortunately, we don’t know how much time we will have to accept this gift.  Our offer may expire and like an out of date coupon, it cannot be redeemed.

As we approach this Christmas, I ask that if you haven’t accepted the gift of Jesus into your heart, that you would give it careful thought as to why you haven’t.  If you aren’t sure why you need this gift, find someone to talk with and seek answers to your questions.  This gift of Salvation is yours for the taking. You don’t even have to stand in line.  Just get on your knees and ask Jesus for it.  He will be happy to share it with you. After all, He died so that He could give you this gift. 

God Bless,

Ms. Patty

Chapel Letter

November 18, 2011

My Dear Friends,

Next Thursday is Thanksgiving and I know that most of you are making preparations for the big day.  Some of you will be working and others will be in front of the TV watching the game.

How ever you spend your day, take time to think of all you have in your life to be thankful for.   Make a list if you want, but most of all, give thanks to God in prayer.   It is because of Him that you have been blessed.

Maybe you don’t think you have anything to be thankful for or that you have not been blessed but my friend that could not be further from the truth.

Your family adds quality and love to your life.  There are many who are alone in this world with no one to love them.  No one to give them a kind word or a hug.

Your home, no matter if you own or rent, provides comfort and security to you when there are so many others that sleep in the streets, in their cars or park benches.

You have a vehicle to get you where you need to go and places to go where you can purchase what you need to take care of your family.  Many in the world have to walk wherever they go and sometimes, there is nowhere to go to buy food for their families.

You have your health but if you do get sick, there are doctors that will help make you better.  There are places where the sick have no hope because there are no doctors to help. Even if there were doctors, there would be no money or or medicine.

Most of all, you have a God that loves you more than you can imagine.  A Savior that gave His life so that you may live.  A promise of better things to come.

Can we do anything less than get on our knees and give thanks to God for all we have?   Tell God you want Him to be in your life.  Spend your life appreciating the blessings you have received.   Let the love you receive from God shine through you to others.

I am grateful for my family and friends.  I am grateful that I have a home and a job.  I am grateful that I have people in my life that make my days brighter.  I am thankful that I have the opportunity to worship God with your little ones.  I am grateful that God loves me so much that He gave me Jesus to take the burden of my sins so that I may live with Him for eternity.  God is good and I am thankful that He is my Father.  I am blessed.

Thank you and God bless,

Patty Desper

Chapel Letter

November 10, 2011

Dear Parents and friends,

How many of you are on face book?  I am; a lot!  Probably way too much if I was totally honest. It gives me (and you) a chance to keep up with our friends and family.

I have noticed that since November 1, there are a lot of posts giving thanks for a variety of things.  Most of them are thankful for the people in their lives.  I too am thankful for all the wonderful loving people in my life.  Not only my family but also for my friends.  My life is full of people who I am thankful to God for.

Posting something loving to people on face book is really nice; however, what if the people you are thankful for do not log into face book to see how you feel about them?  Do they just go on thinking that you don’t appreciate them?

Our appreciation and love should be not only reflected in our words but also in our actions.  Appreciating and loving someone is something we do or at least we should be doing.  People should see that you love them without hearing it but it is also nice and important that they be told.

How often do you tell God that you are thankful not only for the people in your life but for all the He has done for you?  Do you realize that the most important thing that has ever been done for you is Jesus taking on your sin and conquering death?  Do you tell Jesus that you are so thankful that He loved you so very much that He gave His life for you?

There are so many scriptures about giving thanks in the Bible.  I did a little research on it and came up with this according to blueletterbible.org.

In the NIV (New International Version) the word ‘thanks’ appears 81 times in 79 verses.   In the NASB (New American Standard Bible) ’thanks’ appears 110 times in 108 verses.   In the NKJV (New King James Version) ’thanks’ appears 75 times in 72 verses.  I could go on listing different versions of the bible but I just want you to see that giving thanks is important for us to do.  God wants us to be thankful.  He not only wants us to say it but also live it.

How do we do that?  We show others how much we appreciate them in our lives by the way we treat them, talk to them, encourage them and listen to them.  This is something that we should do everyday.

We also should daily tell God how thankful to Him we are for our blessings.  We can show Him our thankfulness in the way that we live our lives and by how we treat others.   It is important to God that we live a life of thankfulness.  Everyone wants to know that they are appreciated and loved.  Even God. So each day start out by thanking God for your blessings.

I am thankful for the many blessings that God has showered me with over the years. I am also thankful for each of you for your encouragement in this ’little people’ ministry of mine.  Thank you for giving me the opportunity to tell the children about Jesus and His love or them.

In God’s love,

Ms. Patty

Havasu Christian Preschool

Chapel Letter

Oct. 13, 2011

Dear Parents and Friends,

Last night at Bible study, we had visitors; Stephen and Alisa Walton were there.  They are missionaries and are going to Ireland in November.  In Ireland, they will help start churches in areas where there are none.  They will be bringing the Word of God too many that have not heard it or have chosen to ignore it.  God is using them in such a big way.  They have been called by God to be in His service.

I am not totally sure but I can imagine that when Stephen was born, his parents (John and Robin Walton) were happy beyond anything they could have thought possible.  Stephen was their first-born and more than likely, they had dreams of him making a difference in this world.  Perhaps John visualized Stephen following in his footsteps as a minister just as John followed in his father’s footsteps.

I wonder if they had hoped that he would become a missionary.  Robin probably would have like it if they stayed close to her, after all mothers like to have their chicks under their protection no matter how old that little chick gets!

Sometimes, that is not in God’s plan for our little ones.  Eventually, we have to allow God to lead our children where He wants them to be.  Often God has a life planned for our children that is so much more than we could have imagined.

This reminds me of  a mother in the bible; the mother of Moses.  She protected Moses as a baby but this meant that at some point, in order to save his life, she had to give her son to another woman to nurture.  How heart breaking that must have been for her.

The story of Moses is a story of love, protection, rebellion and obedience to God.  It is a fascinating story that reminds us that God and only God is in control.  Being in service to God is the most important thing that you or your children could ever do; no matter how small or how large the task.

It wasn’t easy for Moses following God’s plan and it won’t be easy for Stephen and Alisa but God has them in His embrace and will help them with their struggles.  He also is there to help us in our struggles; even though we may not have such a great task as Stephen and Alisa.  Our tasks are just as important to God.

He has chosen you for service in His name.  Are you willing to follow His lead?  Take that step of faith and work in the service of our King.

Stephen and Alisa, we all will be praying for you daily.  Go in the love of Jesus and work hard for His Kingdom.  God will watch out for your Mom and Dad and dry their tears when needed.  Be strong and know that you both are loved.

God bless everyone,

Ms. Patty

September 29, 2011

Romans 8-28

And we know that God causes all things to work together

for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Dear Parents and Friends,

   This is one of my favorite verses.  It is quoted often by others as well.  Why do you think that is? I think it is because it is a verse that gives us hope.  I know it to be true.  God is always working to make a bad situation turn to good for believers.

   Many times in our lives, things happen to us or around us, that turn our lives upside down.  During those moments, life seems hopeless and unsecure. Some of us may want to hide so that trouble doesn’t find us, but we can’t avoid it.

   There are times when our troubles are our own doing, while other times, it is the decisions of others that affect us.  There is no hiding from it.  Life on earth is unpredictable and full of changes, emotions and sin. But it (life) can also be full of joy, hope and security in Christ.

   But my letter is not about calamity, it is about trusting God.  It is about having the certainty that God will work to make good out of a bad situation for His children.

   When something or someone upsets your peace, you have two options; you can become bitter or you can turn to God for strength and wisdom.  God is always right there with you sharing in your sorrow and pain.  He can turn your sorrow and pain into joy and peace and give you hope.  You just have to listen for His words and open your heart so that He can work in you.

   Joseph, son of Israel, found himself in a  situation that was executed in jealousy.  His own brothers were jealous of their father’s love for Joseph. They plotted to do away with Joseph so that their father wouldn’t have his favorite son any longer.  They didn’t consider the sorrow that this would cause their father; only that they thought life for them would be better without Joseph in it.

   The full story of Joseph can be found in Genesis 37.  It is a story that shows how God works all things for the good to those who are called His children.  We can trust that God will also do the same for us if we are faithful.

   Jealousy comes natural to us.  Our jealousy can hurt others and can cause us to sin.  How do we battle jealousy?  There is only one way to conquer it; with the help of God.  We cannot battle it alone.  God’s wisdom is needed to turn jealousy into gladness for others.

   Next time your life is touched by jealousy; be still and listen to God.  Wait to see how God will turn it around for good.  You will be amazed at how God works it out.  God is in the business of life.  He will work it all out if only we let Him.  Be joyful in this fact.

God Bless,

Ms. Patty

Chapel Letter

September 23, 2011

Dear Parents and Friends,

  Philippians 2:3-4

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interest of others.

Do you ever have emotions running through you that try to destroy your peace? Maybe someone has been unkind to you and the first reaction is to get revenge. Or maybe it is because you feel that you are not as important as others are and you mentally calculate how you can achieve greatness over them?

Life throws us curve balls all the time. Some of them really hit us hard and it seems as if you will never recover from the impact. No matter how hard you try to concentrate on Joy in the Lord, when you let down your guard, those old hurtful memories can come back and take your focus away from God.

You pray that God helps you in this situation and you know that He will; however, you continue to let the sadness or bitterness creep back in. Then you pray again and ask for more strength and it is given to you until the next time you give in to those old familiar feelings once again.

You know, Satan is always looking for opportunities to steal our Joy in the Lord. He never gives up trying to recruit one of God’s children. When you become a Christian; you also become a target for Satan.

God does not abandon you; He does give you strength, encouragement and love to overcome those little darts that Satan throws your way. The secret is to stay focused on what is righteous and pleasing to God.

A good example of letting a curve ball destroy your life is the incident between Cain and his brother Abel. Cain wallowed in his jealousy until it not only destroyed Cain‘s joy, it also destroyed his brother Abel. Cain let Satan win. Had he only celebrated his brother’s obedience to God instead of being selfish and wanting all the glory for himself, his life would have not taken the horrible turn that it did.

We all struggle with selfishness, jealousy and lack of humility. The secret is to take refuge in God. Let God’s Spirit fill your thoughts and your heart with goodness.

Refill your soul with Joy in the Lord. Do this as often as necessary to remain in that Joy. God will be there giving you encouragement: just be quiet and listen.

Find a Bible teaching Church and make it your Church home.

God bless,

Ms. Patty

Dear Parents and Friends,

As we approach the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I am reminded that life is not as God intended it to be. There is evil all around us and it takes on many different shapes; people intent on harming others, drugs and alcohol which also harms people and the love of earthly possessions that bring our focus away from what is important; God.

The list could go on and on and we could discuss evil from now until Jesus comes back and still not talk about it all.

God had a different plan for this earth and the life on it. His plan was perfect, without illness, pain, sorrow and death. God’s plan was for us to live peacefully not only with each other but with the other animal life. His plan included love, happiness, joy, peace, health, and eternal life.

We all know that we humans changed God’s, plan as we often do. People think that they know best. In the United States, we have really been blessed in the past. Oh yes, there is evil here just as there is around the world, but nothing compared to else where.

Here, we have the choice to avoid evil people and circumstances most of the time. We can choose our friends, choose where we will go and choose how we live our lives. But on September 11, 2001, evil chose us.

We didn’t want it, we didn’t ask for it; it just happened to us because of evil people. Now our lives have changed in a way that we never imagined they would. Now, we have more security than ever at the airports. Now we notice when something doesn’t look right. Now we worry about being attacked again.

In reality, we have always been vulnerable to evil. We fight it everyday of our lives and always have. We have just chosen to ignore it most of the time. Why do we do this? Maybe out of fear. Maybe because we lack the strength to fight it off.

Whatever the reason, we do not have to fear evil because our God gives us the strength to fight it. Of course evil will touch our lives but we don’t have to let it control our lives. God is right there waiting for you to ask Him to help. With His strength, nothing is impossible for us to fight. With God on our side, we will win.

The secret is knowing that God wants to help us and that all we need to do is believe in His son; Jesus, and ask Jesus to save us. It is a gift that God freely gives us. You don’t have to do a thing except accept Jesus, be baptized and follow Him.

Are you ready to put away your fears? You can. It is never too late to come to Jesus.

God Bless you and keep you safe,

Ms. Patty