Did you know that, no matter how good you have been, you still don't deserve any gifts this year?

It's true - and you know why? Because gifts can't be deserved. They can be given and received, but not because of anything you do. If you have to earn it, it's a reward - not a gift.

For God so loved the world that He gave...not, the world was so good that God gave...

Christ died for us while we were yet sinners, so we couldn't have earned the gift of God's Son through good actions. This is a concept that is very hard for some of us to accept, as we have never known unconditional love. Several key people in my life have told me that I didn't deserve anything because of my actions - I now realize that they were confusing gifts with rewards.

Tis' the season to learn how to give and receive in God's grace.

If you have something against someone, make it right with them. If you are upset with them because they have disappointed you with their actions, consider giving them the gift of acceptance for who they are. If you still be believe that you don't deserve a gift, trust in God's grace and accept whatever you are given graciously.

I pray that you and those close to you enjoy the holiday season, and experience a blessed New Year.

Penny Haynes, Encouraging Audiobooks

There is always hope where there is a chance for change.

This is something we often forget, and fall into hopelessness, just like an adolescent. Only 2 things don't change: death and taxes. There is no hope once you are dead, and if you get money, you must pay taxes.

But if you are alive, there is always hope. Better a live dog than a dead lion. When King David's son was ill, he mourned and prayed and did all he could, but when the son died, he gave up his mourning and went back to the business of life. Many people have given up hope when there is still chance of change.

In what way are we like adolescents?

Adolescents get tunnel vision and feel hopeless at the drop of a hat. It's the first time they have experienced whatever it is, and they believe it will last forever. Only age and experience teach us that nothing stays the same, and that everything changes.

But adults can fall into tunnel vision, and forget the lessons they have already learned - that change is inevitable, and that this too will pass. And chances are, that this will even happen again! We need to get a grip on the bigger picture, and realize that, good or bad, things will be different tomorrow.

In today's podcast, we discuss the factors in losing hope and gaining perspective.

We will see how the ripple effect of life means that everyone is affected by other people, events and situations. Nothing can possibly stay the same in this world. So therefore, there is always hope.

If you would like to share your story of how you regained your hope, please let me know here at the http://www.WordsForTheWeek.com or the http://www.YourVoice-Podcast.com site. I'd love to hear from you. And for more encouragement, check out the audio books at Encouraging Audiobooks.

Lastly, if you would like our free holiday music cd, you can go to http://www.digbizbooks.com/products.asp?cat=55#hmcd . You just pay $.99 for the shipping.

Thanks for being a part of Your Voice and Words for the Week!

Penny Haynes, eMediaTouch and 1st Podcast Publishing