Have you ever felt like the odd girl out...the fifth wheel...the forgotten? It's a painfully lonely place to be, but priceless lessons lie deep beneath the surface of each rejection. No one wants to be left out, but it's just part of life.

Defined by the dash between the year of our birth and the year of our death, we have just a short time to live a life of purpose...to make a difference...to fulfill our calling. Our birth certificate may inadvertently come with a life expectancy, but it isn't guaranteed. Tomorrow may never come. So what should we be doing with the days the Lord has given us? Which dreams should we be pursuing? How then should we live?

I know it's a little early but with the presence of the upcoming holidays looming largely over our lives, my attention is focused on Christmas. I don't mean to skip right past the oh-so important day of Thanksgiving, but with the ever increasing attempts to rewrite our history and redefine our holidays, Christmas is on my mind.

Many people never achieve their God-given, God sized dreams because the goal seems unattainable. Like climbing a mountain...they can see the top, but it's so far away. They know where they want to go, they're just not sure of the steps they need to take in order to get there. They need to map out a step by step plan to reach the peak. Without it, fear and doubt become their excuse for a status quo life and their hearts are filled with frustration from what should have and could have been. Their dreams fade into regrets. I don't want to live like that. Do you?

Sometimes life leaves us frantically looking for answers, but we don't always run to right place. Jesus offers wisdom to all who will run to Him and seek His face. He is our Wonderful, Counselor.

Jesus! The mere mention of His name makes my heart melt with thankfulness and adoration. That's probably true for you, as well. When we become a Christian, we know know Him as our Savior and our Lord. But He is so much more. He is also our Advocate. Enjoy unearthing the treasure that is found in His title, Advocate. Our Savior has made Himself known to us in ways we have yet to discover. He is AMAZING!

I remember watching the Andy Griffith show when I was younger and with guitar in hand, Andy began singing a love song to Helen.  There was something intrinsically moving about that moment and as a little girl, I remember thinking, "Maybe one day, someone will sing a love song to me."

The years have come and gone, but instead of a singer, I married a drummer.  He did sweep me off my feet, but I don't think I'll be hearing him serenade me with a love song any time soon.  Somehow, it just wouldn't be the same coming from behind the beat of the drums...