The True Reason for the Season

Every year the hype gets bigger and starts earlier.  In fact, some stores have even stocked their shelves with Valentine's Day things, even before Christmas has been celebrated.  What is the reason for this season?  It is not to rush, fill up "to do" lists, or to fill up our minds with gift giving/receiving.  It is all about what is below...the birth of Christ. Take a moment to really read through this familiar text and soak in the words...

Luke 2:1-20New International Version (NIV)

The Birth of Jesus

2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehemthe town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Saviorhas been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Be Blessed and Merry CHRISTmas!

Puzzle Pieces

2 Corinthians 9:15New Life Version (NLV)

15 Thank God for His great Gift.

Colossians 2:10New Life Version (NLV)

10 When you have Christ, you are complete. He is the head over all leaders and powers.

Romans 6:23New Life Version (NLV)

23 You get what is coming to you when you sin. It is death! But God’s free gift is life that lasts forever. It is given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:8New Life Version (NLV)

8 For by His loving-favor you have been saved from the punishment of sin through faith. It is not by anything you have done. It is a gift of God.

So many different things have been running through my mind this week.  How to weave them together may be a far stretch, but I will try.  Here are the headlines running through my head:

“Keep your eye on the prize.”

“He brings peace to our choas.”  

“Jesus is THE gift, and there is no other gift like Him.”

“In God We Trust”

Piecing the puzzle together…

This week Mackenzie, my daughter, has been home sick.  We watched Miracle on 34th Street, the 1994 version.  Towards the end of the movie, a dollar bill is presented, in trial, as a symbol that we believe and trust in God.  She handed me a dollar bill today with it circled.  

Do we truly trust God?  Do we let him take ultimate control of our chaos and take the backseat?  So often we are so focused on so many different things in life, some big goals/dreams, some simple, but mind consuming ideas/goals/dreams.  We need to keep our eyes on HIM.  He will provide peace to our chaos and give us the gift that we will never want to live without, grace through the death of Jesus on the cross.  

Don’t loose focus during this time of the year.  Make sure that you take the time to notice what HE is placing in front of you and praise Him for it.  For many of you, this season is harder than it has been in the past.  Give that hurt and grief to Him.  Receive His peace.  Some of us are rejoicing and enjoying life to the point we forget to praise Him for this season.  Regardless if you are coasting along or riding a bumpy road, let Him be the driver.  Trust His driving skills, because He already knows the road that is paved ahead for you.  

Enjoy Britt Nicole's "Have Your Way"

Be Blessed!  

Be the Encourager...

1 Kings 3:11-12New Life Version (NLV)

11 God said to him, “You have asked this, and have not asked for a long life for yourself. You have not asked for riches, or for the life of those who hate you. But you have asked for understanding to know what is right. Because you have asked this, 12 I have done what you said. See, I have given you a wise and understanding heart. No one has been like you before, and there will be no one like you in the future.

1 Thessalonians 5:11New Life Version (NLV)

11 So comfort each other and make each other strong as you are already doing.

Matthew 5:14-16The Message (MSG)

14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Be the encourager…

So many times in our day we have opportunities to be the encourager to others.  Why is it so hard at times?  When we are frustrated with a situation, upset with an outcome, tired, or just feeling discouraged ourselves, it can be hard.  The more that we let God mold our hearts, through reading the word and spending time with Him, he gives us understanding and help us become stronger to face such a dark world.  

I read a story once in a Max Lucado book titled God Came Near.  It was one that stays with me today.  He told of a time that he and his wife had no electricity due to a storm.  He goes into a closet that has all of the candles to retrieve them.  However, these candles are special, they talk.  As he grabs each one, they refuse to go out into the house and light up the darkness.  They each have an excuse listed below:

1st candle states he is not ready.  I need more preparation.  

2nd candle says that he is too busy meditating on the importance of being a light.

3rd says that he is not stable enough and is a “hot head”.

4th says that lighting the world is just not her gift.  Her gift is to sing to encourage the other candles to go out and be the light.   

The story ends with Max walking out with no candles to light up his dark house.  He then asks his wife where she purchased those candles.  She states that she bought them from a church that had closed across town.  Which makes sense, because those candles modeled what the members of the church were doing.  

So what are we doing to reflect His love and encourage others.  It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant.  It can be very simple.  So go out today and encourage others.  

Enjoy listening to 

Addison Road "This Little Light of Mine"

Be blessed!

Benefits

1 Corinthians 14:1New Life Version (NLV)

Speaking in Special Sounds Is Not the Greatest Gift

14 You should want to have this love. You should want the gifts of the Holy Spirit and most of all to be able to speak God’s Word.

1 John 3:1New Life Version (NLV)

We Are God’s Children

3 See what great love the Father has for us that He would call us His children. And that is what we are. For this reason the people of the world do not know who we are because they did not know Him.

Psalm 103New Life Version (NLV)

As we begin to prepare ourselves for a New Year in 2017, we do many things.  One of those is checking off that we have signed up for benefits with our Insurance.  If you have ever taken a look at Psalm 103, you will see a list of benefits of loving the Lord wholeheartedly.  

Psalm 103

v2 - His acts of kindness are unending.

v3 - He forgives my sins.

v4 - He saves me from eternal death.

v5 - He fills my life with goodness.

v6 - He does what is right and fair.

v8 - He is full o loving pity and kindness; slow to anger and has endless loving kindness

v10 - Does not punish us for our wrong doings

v12 - Takes our sins away from us

v17 - His love is unending.

Praise Him and His AMAZING GRACE!!!  

Take time to read Psalms 103 and make sure you sign up for HIS BENEFITS!

Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) - Chris Tomlin (with lyrics)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbe7OruLk8I

Thankful Thursday

There is nothing more pure than the word alone.  I am not going to clutter this Thoughtful Thursday with my thoughts and findings for the week, but am going to leave you with this to soak in as you finish your day.

Psalm 138

A psalm of David.

1 I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart;
    I will sing your praises before the gods.
2 I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.
    I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness;
for your promises are backed
    by all the honor of your name.
3 As soon as I pray, you answer me;
    you encourage me by giving me strength.

4 Every king in all the earth will thank you, Lord,
    for all of them will hear your words.
5 Yes, they will sing about the Lord’s ways,
    for the glory of the Lord is very great.
6 Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble,
    but he keeps his distance from the proud.

7 Though I am surrounded by troubles,
    you will protect me from the anger of my enemies.
You reach out your hand,
    and the power of your right hand saves me.
8 The Lord will work out his plans for my life—
    for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
    Don’t abandon me, for you made me.

Be Blessed!

I have this under control...I think?!?!

Philippians 4:7-13New Life Version (NLV)

7 The peace of God is much greater than the human mind can understand. This peace will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Christian brothers, keep your minds thinking about whatever is true, whatever is respected, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever can be loved, and whatever is well thought of. If there is anything good and worth giving thanks for, think about these things. 9 Keep on doing all the things you learned and received and heard from me. Do the things you saw me do. Then the God Who gives peace will be with you.

10 The Lord gives me a reason to be full of joy. It is because you are able to care for me again. I know you wanted to before but you did not have a way to help me. 11 I am not saying I need anything. I have learned to be happy with whatever I have. 12 I know how to get along with little and how to live when I have much. I have learned the secret of being happy at all times. If I am full of food and have all I need, I am happy. If I am hungry and need more, I am happy. 13 I can do all things BECAUSE Christ gives me the strength.

“Trying to be in control and relinquishing control at the same time just doesn’t work; they can’t co-exist inside the same heart. When we let God drive our lives and trust that He knows best, we are able to rest and stop striving, which means that we will ultimately experience peace.”   Shana Schutte

I am one that likes control, as most of us do.  Recently I revisited a memory of skiing in Jackson Hole, WY.  Adam and I were still dating.  I had never skied before, and lets just say learning how to ski in Jackson Hole is not recommended.  The bunny slopes felt like I was sliding down Mt. Everest.  Adam was so persistent and patient in helping me learn.  However, my legs had a mind of their own.  I had no control over them and felt like I was on one big piece of ice heading south fast.  In fact, at one point, I looked up at him and stated, “If you can survive this with me, childbirth will be a breeze.”  I was struggling and not letting his guidance take that struggle away.  

Control is something most, if not all of us, want to have over all aspects of our life.  However, there is nothing we can completely control without letting God do the driving and instructing.  Very few times in life do I remember completely letting God take the wheel and sitting in the passenger side sipping on a cool beverage and enjoying a good book.  We want to continue to sit in the passenger seat and still be a back seat driver.  The times that I do remember completely letting God have the matter at hand are the times in which I felt complete peace.  Looking back at those seasons, I see God’s handprints all over those situations.  I know that He orchestrated every move and decision.  So why is it so hard for us to completely let Him have control when he promises He has this taken care of?  Simple reason…we are human and our minds can’t wrap around the supernatural powers of God.  He can give us utter peace, a peace that no one can explain.  

God moves mountains because He created them.  Enjoy Lauren Dangle and let her words sweep over you today.  

Lauren Daigle - Trust In You 

Be Blessed!

Do not forget who truly is in charge!

Jeremiah 29:13New Life Version (NLV)

13 You will look for Me and find Me, when you look for Me with all your heart.

Genesis 28:15New Life Version (NLV)

15 See, I am with you. I will care for you everywhere you go. And I will bring you again to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done all the things I promised you.”

Philippians 4:8New Life Version (NLV)

8 Christian brothers, keep your minds thinking about whatever is true, whatever is respected, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever can be loved, and whatever is well thought of. If there is anything good and worth giving thanks for, think about these things.

2 Corinthians 4:18New Life Version (NLV)

18 We do not look at the things that can be seen. We look at the things that cannot be seen. The things that can be seen will come to an end. But the things that cannot be seen will last forever.

My heart has been saddened over the last 24 hours.  Saddened in the disheartening things that have been on my Facebook feed.  As I said last week…I’m not going political, I PROMISE.  What saddens me is not the outcome of the election, but the way that so many have reacted to the outcome of the election.  “Our true priority should be seeking Christ and His kingdom above all else because if we do, we will have all that we need (Matt 6:33).” (How To Know You Are A Christian: 10 Traits Of A True Christian, Jack Wellman)

Do you remember the old statement “What would Jesus do”  (WWDJ bracelets were owned by many of us)?  Well, here is what Jesus would do…LOVE.  

Matthew 5:43-48New Life Version (NLV)

Jesus Teaches about Loving Those Who Hate You

43 “You have heard that it has been said, ‘You must love your neighbor and hate those who hate you.’ 44 But I tell you, love those who hate you. (*Respect and give thanks for those who say bad things to you. Do good to those who hate you.) Pray for those who do bad things to you and who make it hard for you. 45 Then you may be the sons of your Father Who is in heaven. His sun shines on bad people and on good people. He sends rain on those who are right with God and on those who are not right with God. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward can you expect from that? Do not even the tax-gatherers do that? 47 If you say hello only to the people you like, are you doing any more than others? The people who do not know God do that much. 48 You must be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect.

NOTHING on this Earth will ever be perfect.  In fact, eventually the world will be in turmoil, beyond what we can imagine. 

Do I fully believe that the leaders of this country will lead the way I want them too?  NO!  However, I know for sure, without a doubt, that God will lead us the way we need to be lead.   NO HUMAN CAN DO THAT.  As you listen to Natalie Grant’s “King of the World” replace “I” with “WE”.  

Natalie Grant, King of this World

I have put more verses in this week’s Thoughtful Thursday because we need more of HIM in this World.  

My prayer:  God please forgive us.  Forgive us for putting so much faith in the “person” who is leading this country.  Forgive us for not fully trusting YOU.  Help us to see YOU in our everyday life and give you the glory YOU deserve.  Amen.

Be Blessed!

DO NOT FORGET WHO IS IN CHARGE!!!

Jeremiah 29:13New Life Version (NLV)

13 You will look for Me and find Me, when you look for Me with all your heart.

Genesis 28:15New Life Version (NLV)

15 See, I am with you. I will care for you everywhere you go. And I will bring you again to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done all the things I promised you.”

Philippians 4:8New Life Version (NLV)

8 Christian brothers, keep your minds thinking about whatever is true, whatever is respected, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever can be loved, and whatever is well thought of. If there is anything good and worth giving thanks for, think about these things.

2 Corinthians 4:18New Life Version (NLV)

18 We do not look at the things that can be seen. We look at the things that cannot be seen. The things that can be seen will come to an end. But the things that cannot be seen will last forever.

My heart has been saddened over the last 24 hours.  Saddened in the disheartening things that have been on my Facebook feed.  As I said last week…I’m not going political, I PROMISE.  What saddens me is not the outcome of the election, but the way that so many have reacted to the outcome of the election.  “Our true priority should be seeking Christ and His kingdom above all else because if we do, we will have all that we need (Matt 6:33).” (How To Know You Are A Christian: 10 Traits Of A True Christian, Jack Wellman)

Do you remember the old statement “What would Jesus do”  (WWDJ bracelets were owned by many of us)?  Well, here is what Jesus would do…LOVE.  

Matthew 5:43-48New Life Version (NLV)

Jesus Teaches about Loving Those Who Hate You

43 “You have heard that it has been said, ‘You must love your neighbor and hate those who hate you.’ 44 But I tell you, love those who hate you. (*Respect and give thanks for those who say bad things to you. Do good to those who hate you.) Pray for those who do bad things to you and who make it hard for you. 45 Then you may be the sons of your Father Who is in heaven. His sun shines on bad people and on good people. He sends rain on those who are right with God and on those who are not right with God. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward can you expect from that? Do not even the tax-gatherers do that? 47 If you say hello only to the people you like, are you doing any more than others? The people who do not know God do that much. 48 You must be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect.

NOTHING on this Earth will ever be perfect.  In fact, eventually the world will be in turmoil, beyond what we can imagine. 

Do I fully believe that the leaders of this country will lead the way I want them too?  NO!  However, I know for sure, without a doubt, that God will lead us the way we need to be lead.   NO HUMAN CAN DO THAT.  As you listen to Natalie Grant’s “King of the World” replace “I” with “WE”.  

Natalie Grant, King of this World

I have put more verses in this week’s Thoughtful Thursday because we need more of HIM in this World.  

My prayer:  God please forgive us.  Forgive us for putting so much faith in the “person” who is leading this country.  Forgive us for not fully trusting YOU.  Help us to see YOU in our everyday life and give you the glory YOU deserve.  Amen.

Be Blessed!

Not Going Political...Promise

Genesis 15:6Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

6 And he [Abram] believed in (trusted in, relied on, remained steadfast to) the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness (right standing with God).

Psalm 33:4-6Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

4 For the word of the Lord is right; and all His work is done in faithfulness.

5 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the loving-kindness of the Lord.

6 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, and all their host by the breath of His mouth.

Jeremiah 17:5New Life Version (NLV)

5 The Lord says, “Cursed is the man who trusts in man, who trusts in the flesh for his strength, and whose heart turns away from the Lord.

It is something we have a hard time avoiding right now…political bantering and bashing.  No, I’m not going political.  I promise.  I’m always the first one out of the conversation when it comes to those discussions.  However, I know the stress of everyone and this election.  I see it on social media and all around me.  I hear it daily on the radio, TV, and through whispers.  However, in the midst of those discussions and whispers we are forgetting that God has got a plan.  

God brought his people out of Egypt and let them wander in the wilderness for 40 years.  Why did they wander in the wilderness that long?  Because of their lack of obedience and faith.  Abraham was asked to take his son Isaac up to the mountain to sacrifice him.  He didn’t hesitate, he was obedient.  

God sees the bigger picture and we don’t.  We may never understand, He is the King of this world.  We need to stay strong in our faith and be obedient.  Share the word to a torn world.  Yes, our future president does make a difference in today’s time, but does he/she make a difference in eternity?  I think not.  He is with us ALWAYS.

Enjoy!

He is With Us - Love & The Outcome

Be blessed!

Tune In

2 Timothy 3:16-17New Life Version (NLV)

16 All the Holy Writings are God-given and are made alive by Him. Man is helped when he is taught God’s Word. It shows what is wrong. It changes the way of a man’s life. It shows him how to be right with God. 17 It gives the man who belongs to God everything he needs to work well for Him.

Luke 8:8The Message (MSG)

…“Are you listening to this? Really listening?”

There is one thing that I dislike about the radio when traveling.  When you are in between cities, you have to search to find stations that have clear reception.  (I am putting XM radio on my wish list when we shop for a new car in the very FAR future.)  My husband sometimes will continue to listen to the static and unrecognizable tunes.  I immediately change the channels so that I can find a clearer station.  

God’s frequency is sometimes really clear and sometimes full of white noise or static.  How do we find a clear frequency?  It takes more than just scanning the stations.  It takes being tuned into Him.  

“The longer you grow in your relationship with the Lord, the easier it is to know when he’s talking to you. The key is learning how to tune in to him.”  Rick Warren

Sometimes it is a whisper through his natural creation around us.  Sometimes it is something He is saying through situations or people around us.  Sometimes it is a bold, noticeable shout that you can’t ignore.  

How do we clear up God’s frequency?  Are you being intentional in noticing the signs He puts on the side of the road during your daily travels?  Do you take time to hear that voice that is pulling you in a different direction?  When you notice those signs or voices, do you change the station or tune into that frequency?  The times that I hear the Lord shouting to me, I know, without a doubt, that it is coming from Him because it aligns with what He has been telling me through His word.  However, those times are few and far between for me.  Not because He wants to make life hard, but because He wants to make my heart desire to tune in and listen HARD.  

So, let his Love flood your heart radio.  Let Him overtake your speakers and enjoy His presence in your life.  

Enjoy

Holy Spirit by Francesca Battistelli

Be Blessed!