An Ounce of Prevention

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, it is said,  
To this purpose, we should be carefully led.

In every aspect of life, this truth does shine,
Whether physical or spiritual, in all paths we align.

A small step today, a mindful choice made,
Can keep future troubles from growing or stayed.

For health of the body, the mind, and the soul,
Prevention’s the key to keeping us whole.

So let us take heed, be watchful and pure,
For an ounce of prevention is the truest cure.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

Keep your eye on Jesus

Keep your eye on Jesus; that will keep the devil away
With the Love of God in your heart, no place for the devil to stay

God's love in your heart is the best devil deterrent 
Being prepared and thinking ahead will repel his shocking currents

Whatever you do, remember God is protecting you
However, in the end, it's all up to you

December 31, 2022
Mark Waldrop

BABY JESUS IS BORN

“A story for every Christmas”

“As seen through the eyes of Walter, The Little Christmas Donkey”

Joseph and Mary made a trip to Bethlehem to register with the government to pay their taxes. 

After a long day in line to register, they headed home. It was getting dark. Both Joseph and Mary were very tired. They started looking for a place to spend the night. Mary was riding on Walter the little donkey, holding to a rope attached to his neck. Joseph was walking ahead leading Walter. They were both so tired. Walter was the only one that didn’t look exhausted. 
He was trodding along with his head held high. 
He knew something exciting was about to happen. He just didn’t know what. 

They saw an Inn ahead. They were filled with excitement. They were sure they had found a place to spend the night. 
As they approached the Inn there were a lot of people bustling around. 
Joseph knocked on the Inn Keepers Door. 
The Inn Keeper opened the door and said in a gruff voice Go Away we’re full. We have no rooms. 
Joseph shrugged his shoulders and dropped his head and thought What are we going to do?

The Innkeeper peered around the door and saw Mary sitting on the Donkey. He saw she was with Child. It concerned him. 
He called to his wife. Come here. Is there someplace we can put this couple? They can’t continue on in the night. 
The Innkeeper said to his wife. What about the stable? We keep it clean. The animals will help keep them warm. Do you have extra sheets they could put on the hay? 
The innkeeper lit a candle. His wife found extra sheets. He gave them to Joseph and showed them the way. 
They prepared a safe place on the ground for the candle. So it would not catch the straw on fire. 

Joseph prepared Mary’s bed first. He bunched up the hay at one end so she could sit up and sleep. He prepared his bed next to her. 
Mary said, Joseph, this is the most comfortable bed I’ve ever had. 

Walter was In the corner munching on some hay. He was watching everything. He was so excited. He knew something good was about to happen, but didn’t know what. 

Mary and Joseph were so tired they went to sleep. 

Walter was watching and about to go to sleep.  He heard some rustling. Mary said to Joseph. It’s time the Baby is coming. 
As any husband would. Joseph ran out of the stable. He knocked loudly on the innkeeper's door. The Innkeeper was awaken from a deep sleep. He was not happy. Joseph yelled. The Baby Is coming !!!  The baby is coming!!!
The Innkeeper summoned his wife. The Baby is coming!!! He got another candle and she prepared a bowl of water and towels. 
She told them to calm down. I have delivered babies before. 
They arrived at the stable. She positioned the towels and bowl of water. 
The baby was born. He began to cry. Mary asked. Is He ok! The Innkeeper's wife replied. He is fine. He is a very healthy little Boy. She washed him and wrapped him in a  soft cloth. 
She said but there is something different. 
Mary shouted! What is it! Is he ok!
The Innkeeper's wife said. I’ve never seen anything like this. He is glowing! There was a soft glow coming from him. As she handed the Baby to Mary she saw that Mary’s face was glowing too. Their glow lit up the whole stable. 

They looked around. The donkey was on his knees. The cattle and sheep were also kneeling. All facing the glowing Baby Jesus. 

An Angel appeared to the Shepard Boys in the Mountains. They were very afraid. 
The Angel said Don’t be Afraid! I Bring you Great and Good News. Baby Jesus The Messiah has been born in a stable near here. 
Go see for yourself and Worship him. 
They were so excited. They left two of their brothers in the field to watch the sheep. They agreed some would return so they could see the baby later. 

Walter was so excited he was trembling. 
God told Walter, I have a job for you. Go to the edge of town and guide the Shepherd Boys here to the Stable. 
Walter was so excited. He ran as fast as he could. 
He met the Shepherds at the edge of town. On the way back he ran so fast they could barely keep up with him. 

As they came near to the Stable it was all aglow.  God had placed a Star above the Stable high in the sky.  It could only be seen by those that Loved Jesus and wanted to Worship Him. It would guide people from afar to come and Honor Him. 

An Angel told three Wise Men to follow the Star to Baby Jesus. They were wise because God had given them Wisdom. 
They found some of the most valuable gifts they could find. They took them to Him to Honor and Worship Him. 

After resting for a few days Joseph and Mary returned to their home in Nazareth. To take really good care of their son Baby Jesus