Christmas Letdown?

It started even before Christmas day....at the end of each celebration...when we had to say goodbye.  Her sweet question, "momma, when is Christmas over?"

At first I didn't understand her five year old thinking...but then it made sense.  To her Christmas was a time to be with family and friends and celebrate....much celebration-school parties, Awana parties and lots of family and friends.  She knows why we celebrate...and loves all of it!


He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love.   Song of Songs 2:4

When we read the Christmas story Christmas Eve night she asked again-Is Christmas over after tomorrow?

I woke up Christmas morning not feeling well.  Our whole family has had a cold for what seems like the past month (we ARE getting better, thank you Jesus!).  Despite the lack of sleep from our traditional late night wrapping, I woke up and thought 'this is going to be a good day!!!' I felt joyful all day...even when things didn't go my way...even when I had an overstimulated 2 year old!

When a frustration would arise that might normally steal my joy...I just thought about what the day meant-why we were celebrating.  We were blessed to host 4 different celebrations in our home over the last week...that meant 4 times cleaning and cooking.  I did it all with joy (unlike some days when it seems like that's all I do...over and over).  Why the joy?  Because my focus was on what we were celebrating. 

So if I choose to celebrate the Hope of Christmas...each day can be Christmas!  When I choose to look to Him and live like it's Christmas morning, it is!  His gifts never end!  His mercies are new each morning!  I can wake up expecting something good to happen to me each day! 

So, friend, Is Christmas over?

The answer my sweet Z needed to hear is the same for us...NO!! Christmas doesn't ever have to be over!  In celebrating Christmas we are celebrating Emmanuel, God with us.  And now that He has defeated the enemy and sits at the right hand of God and has sent His Holy Spirit to live in us...He is always with us...so every day can be Christmas!!!

Even though we will soon be packing away the decorations and storing them for next season-the celebration never needs to end.  We can stay in awe of the nativity-of Christ humbly coming to us. As I did last year, I will be leaving one nativity scene displayed...to remind me that each day I can have the joy of Christmas because Christ came!

Many times I have had a "Christmas Letdown"...when all that has been anticipated is over.  Gifts are all opened, carols all sung, family all back home, decorations put away, and life returns to "normal".  This year I will let God use a 5 year old's sweet question to remind me that His gift of Christmas is for each day. 

Although we won't have wrapped gifts under the tree to anticipate, we will still have the gift of His presence because of the tree and we can seek Him in anticipation each day!!!

Let's celebrate Christmas today with this precious hymn as a reminder to us and a praise to God!


Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside

Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is They faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulneses
Lord unto me!!!!

Gifts Worth Receiving

I wonder if any of you stood in long lines today to return or exchange a gift? Maybe it was a thoughtful gift, but just the wrong size....or maybe it was not even thoughtful and something you would never use?

Did anyone have the misfortune of hearing a child complain about a gift just given (hopefully an adult wouldn't say it out loud) ?  Or a child asking if there were more gifts, as if all they just opened weren't enough? 

Thankfully this year, none of the above fits me...but it has before, and very well may again:)

I was thinking...are we like this with the gifts God gives?  Trying to exchange it to "make it fit" or complaining that it's not what so and so has? 

Ouch, I know....

Hopefully instead of ungrateful kids, you got to see some joy and delight! My girls showed plenty of that this year even though we attempted to scale back on gift giving.  

She was sure excited about the book:)

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:11 see also Luke 11:13

I find myself still wanting more of God... more of His gifts, His grace, His love and His Holy Spirit. I guess that's not a bad thing- to long for more of Him...but I need to be satisfied with where I am today as I trust Him to mature me and give me His gifts in His timing...

You might have heard Joyce say "I'm not where I need to be, but thank God, I'm not where I used to be. I'm okay and I'm on my way!" I will fix my eyes on Him and trust His promises to perfect my faith-Hebrews 12:2 And I will remember that His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3

I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. ⁵ For in him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge— ⁶ because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. ⁷ Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. ⁸ He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.  1 Corinthians 1:4-9

Doesn't that say that as we wait on Jesus to be revealed that we don't lack any spiritual gifts??  Wow!!! He gives each of His children gifts as He sees fit...we need to trust the Giver!    We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. Romans 12:6a

Like our children (who may always ask for more), we need to check our motives...When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. James 4:3

Like the prayer we prayed last time in Ephesians...I know this is a prayer that God will answer:
 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ,  filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.  Philippians 1:9-11

So there you go...maybe it is okay to ask for MORE of the gifts He so generously bestows on us...

Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.  John 16:24

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”  Matthew 21:22

I hope today you are able to enjoy the gifts that He has given us....trust the Giver...humbly accept what He generously gives!!

A Gift

I just played an ornery trick on my husband...and I wonder if he will even notice???  (Hey babe, if you are reading this...wait until after Christmas to finish!)

I'm not sure why I can't get the picture to upload right...but you get the idea:)

The floss that I'm putting in his stocking is the same floss that I put in his stocking last year.  (No worries my dental friends-he DOES floss, just uses my floss from my drawer!)

I found this floss when I was organizing a few weeks ago...it was never used.  A gift that hasn't been opened. I wonder if you have any of these?  God used this little package of floss to teach me something. 

 The verse that popped in my head the day I found the floss is Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.  He has given us the kingdom of God and wants us to receive it! 

I pray that you know Jesus and have 'opened' His free gift of salvation.  Some people don't even get that far--like the debtal floss, they know it's there -God SO LOVED the world that He gave His only Son-but haven't made it reality in their life.  Jesus is the best gift.  Have you received Him? 

What I want to talk about is all the other gifts we have because of Jesus-Righteousness, Peace and Joy!!

Righteousness....Know who you are in Christ!! When you receive Jesus-you are Righteous in Him
^{2 Corinthians 5:21} God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Peace-In Christ we have peace...in any situation!!!! It is His gift to us...are you receiving it?
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Joy-
He brought joy as an infant But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:10
He teaches us how to have joy:  I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete John 15:11 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. John 16:24
He is our Joy in any circumstance! Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9

So, friend....I wonder-do you have any unopened gifts?  I was thinking about other gifts that we don't use anymore, toys, etc that people have spent money to buy...Do you have any costly gifts that you don't use? 
He paid such a great price for us to have eternal life, righteousness, peace, and joy and many times we don't realize the gifts He provides.  I'm sure you have put some thought and time into purchasing gifts for your loved ones this Christmas.  How would you feel if they didn't even open the gift?

If you have young children-you know that wouldn't happen-you know how excited they are about opening gifts!  They don't hold back, not even a little...tear right into the packaging a freely receive what is given to them!!! Maybe we can learn a little from the children:
But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  Luke 18:16
And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3
I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”  Mark 10:15

When I read these verses (while searching for "kingdom of God" to find the reference for Romans 14:17) I realized that I need to be more child like in opening and receiving His gifts. There are so many gifts He gives-He is so good (all the time!) For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 1:20 

There are so many gifts in His Word-promises I have yet to uncover. I'm going to end this writing by praying this prayer of Paul for you, dear reader...would you pray if for me too? 
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. ¹⁸ I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹ and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:17-19(Go read vs 15-23 in your Bible...it's so good!)



How powerful for all God's children to KNOW Him more...What better gift to give to the ones you love than to pray this for them?  Merry Christmas!!!

Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving!  I woke up early this morning thinking of people that I am thankful for. I thought I would write a note to each person...but I kept thinking of so many more people who have been a part of my life...then I couldn't go back to sleep...so I 'm blogging...that's what I do when I can't sleep!  Thanksgiving is a time of reflection to me-and I have thought of many wonderful memories this morning. 

Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. Philippians 1:3 MSG

I am truly thankful for my wonderful husband.  He is God's gift to me and I know God has a plan for our lives together.  He is a great daddy to our precious girls.  I am thankful for my Z and A-and all that I have learned by being a parent. 

The next part of the list is random...in the jumbled order that everything piles around in my head...just need to get it out and say - I am thankful!!!

When I woke up, one of my former bosses was on my mind-so after praying for her I began to remember what I learned from her, and thank God for her.  I have lost contact with Francine, but a prayer book that she gave me when I graduated college still has a place on my nightstand.  I am so thankful that she cared enough about me to tell me the truth.  She loved me when I was unlovable and put up with me in my immaturity-never giving up on the young girl who thought she knew it all (but really didn't have a clue).  I thought when I went to work for Dr. A that it was to prepare me to be in the medical field-but God had a different purpose for my time there. 

Thinking of that time in my life made me think about a co-worker at the office, Joanna.  Though we worked together only briefly-she touched my heart and I am thankful for her.  She showed me what a happy person is like.  She smiled and laughed continually...and her joy was contagious!  She taught me a lesson in selfless giving.  I will never forget the Christmas present gave me-the bracelet she wore daily.  To her it was a reminder of a mission trip she had taken (I think???), but to me it was a reminder to be a giver. 

I am thankful for my best girl friends.  I have had 4 that have been really special over the years. 

• My first best friend was Jennifer (AKA refinnej:))-she was my bestie from the time we met in 4th grade and we were close throughout the rest of our school years.  I remember summer sleepovers and always being with each other.  Her mom was my first "other mom" and we even enjoyed each others' siblings!  So many memories-I need to contact her!
• My HS best friend was Crystal.  She was there for me during a time of chaos in my life-a new school, new living situation-new driver....We always had fun and I still think of all the "coincidences" and things that made us laugh.  We occasionally enjoy catching up at lunch (wish we could do it more!) and the best thing is, we can still laugh and enjoy ourselves even if we haven't talked in a year!!
• My long distance bestie Corina was there for me as we both learned to navigate the early years of being wives and mothers.  She was an answer to prayer (did you know that??) James and I were the 'young ones' at church and I really wanted someone who was on the 'same page' as me...and God provided.  I sometimes still get sad that she now lives over 12 hours away with her family...but then I rejoice as I see how God is navigating their lives! I am thankful for you, forever friend!
• My newest best friend will be my bestie for years to come! What started off as a 'business' relationship with some interesting discoveries (like that our husbands knew each other and that I am related by marriage to her husband) has turned into a wonderful friendship.  I was sad when the 'business' part of the relationship was over-because she took such good care of my girls-but now we are even closer.  I am thankful for someone to share hunting seasons with:)  I am thankful for her whole extended family being part of our lives.  I love knowing that I have someone praying for me-thank you friend!

I am thankful for my sweet cousins!  I have lots of them...but I have a special bond with a few precious cousins.  It is so great to have someone who knows all about your family and childhood (and still loves you, lol)!  If we were all still kids, then I would be seeing you today...I remember big thanksgivings together!! I think about and pray for them often, but I don't make contact enough.  I am thankful for their lives-for watching them grow and change (and some become mommies!!!!) and for being able to see God at work in their lives. 

I am thankful for my Aunts and Uncles.  When you don't have parents on earth, it is comforting to know that their brothers and sisters are here.  My family was amazing to me at my wedding-planning, providing and praying for that special day that I will never forget.  I appreciate their wisdom and guidance.  (And did I mention their kids:)!

I am thankful for my husband's family.  His parents accept and love me and I don't feel like an "in-law".  We have enjoyed riding motorcycles with a special Aunt and they have loved on our girls. 

I am so thankful for my 4 brothers and their families.  I love each one so much!  The memories of a sibling are not comparable to other relationships.  I think about my little brothers so often and enjoy the childhood memories.  I am thankful for the care and guidance of my older brothers.  I most enjoy being the shortest one in the clan and love a big family hug...I miss my bubbas!!!

I am thankful for my adoptive family.  I like to remember watching K as a toddler and having 'date night' with my then boyfriend James. Now I get date night with James and they watch our girls.  I am thankful for the mentoring that has occurred over the almost 15 years we've know them.  I am thankful that my girls are blessed with grandparents.  One of my favorite memories is spending time together while I was pregnant-so glad to have had the guidance and wisdom of someone who had 'been there, done that"!

I am thankful for our church family.  I am thankful for our Pastor and his wife-I have learned so much from him...beyond salvation.  He teaches practical application from the Bible and I am so thankful that it causes me to grow up in God.  I am thankful for the heart of a craftsmen ministry team...to see what they do!!!

I am thankful for Beth and Joyce...through their Bible studies these ladies (and others Connie, Priscilla...) have been used by God to shine His Word in my life and renew me.  I am beginning to see who I am in Christ and I want to shine with His glory!

I am thankful for the teachers at my girls' schools.  Amazing and caring teachers-we are so blessed!  I am thankful for all my students over the years-I learned so much from each of them (especially the difficult ones!).  I enjoy getting wedding invitations and seeing what they are doing these days.  I am thankful for all the wonderful people that I worked with at the school...espcially Annie who has been a wonderful friend.  I am thankful for my special teachers growing up, especially Mrs. Crosier!

I am thankful for good neighbors.  I am thankful for great vendors.  I am thankful for encouraging bloggers. I am thankful for blog readers.  I am thankful for mom friends in the community.  I am thankful for Nazia-our compassion child who reminds us to be thankful for what we have. 

I am most thankful for:
my Heavenly Father-who chose me before the creation of the world
my Savior and Friend, Jesus who paid a great price so that I could receive the promises of God
my Comforter and Counselor the Holy Spirit who guides me each day (better if I listen:))

There are (obviously) other things I am thankful for...but this is about people.  I am sure I didn't list each person I am thankful for...but I am thankful for each person that is in my life... for such a time as this....Well I didn't mean for this to be so long, but I guess I just have a lot to be thankful for!!

Passion

I can't sleep...always a good time to blog, right? Somehow while I was praying in bed, my mind raced off thinking about passions and trying to categorize people's passions.  So here I find myself at 2:20 in the morning trying to get these thoughts on this screen.  In about an hour my husband will wake up (too early) to pursue his passion of hunting (morea bout that passion another day:)). 

I was thinking of how creative God is in His design of people.  There are people who are passionate about things that I honestly care very little about...and I'm sure there are many people who care little about my passion as as well.  I guess that's why we have relationships...to balance out...to learn and grow.  As I was thinking about some of the various passions, God revealed to me that they really aren't all that different. 

My husband rediscovered one of his passions this summer as he worked with men of God to minister to boys by rebuilding a hot rod and a motorcycle in one week.  Talk about some passionate men!!! The wise men that have been involved in heart of a craftsman ministered to my husband by showing him that one of his passions can be used to bring glory to God. 

How?  I'm glad you asked! They take time to PREPARE a car and motorcycle to be redesigned...to be made "new".  This preparation takes MUCH time and effort.  Then they spend a week with boys and let the boys see the results of a week of hard work by revealing the new vehicle.  The boys, men, and vehicles are all transformed...and they bring glory to God!  These men use passionate preparation to praise the Lord.

Stay with me here...this might be strange at first...but it made sense in my mind on no sleep, so I'm hoping it will as I type it out here!  Last weekend we got to spend some time with my cousin and her family at the fair.  Her husband was PREPARING cattle to show at the fair.  I've not been around this, so it was new and fascinating to me! She explained much to me-during the conversation she said they felt like they had found something that their family could enjoy together by raising and showing cattle.  He was so passionate about it and mentioned it during one of his breaks from the strenuous work.  Even as they start this endeavor, they have already seen results...and their story of getting there is neat! She has changed careers to pursue her passions and it is opening doors in their lives!

I know many people who are passionate about teaching/coordinating for education.  This requires much preparation...and it is preparing students! My friends Ann and Jessica both work in supervisory roles preparing many people to impact many students....their jobs must be tough...they must have passion to be successful!! The teachers at my daughters' schools must be passionate to make a difference in preparing young people!!

You may not have thought about it, but you may be passionate about preparation as well!  Parenting is all about preparation- I have many passionate parent friends (too many to list, but Tiffany and Corina come to mind).  Preparing the next generation to know, love, and serve Jesus is at the top of my list!  I have a friend Jennifer who is passionate about helping people take care of their body...preparing them to serve the Lord by being healthy!  I want to prepare the bride of Christ for His return (more about this soon!)

As I thought about passionate preparation I realized each of the passionate people I thought of have similarities...

What do passionate people have in common? 

-HARD WORK

-PREPARING
-SHINE-bring out the best in what they are preparing (Whether vehicles, cows, or people)
Passion is given by God to reveal His purpose and glory.
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

What are you passionate about?  Are you pursuing it?   Other than Passionate Preparation, there is Passionate Purification (Ruin or Destruction), and Passionate Pursuit.  Please share your passions in the comments so I can see if how it fits in the patterns I'm seeing...and we may talk more about this soon!

Baby Blessings

My cheeks are still tear stained..I can't dry my eyes.  I saw a fb friend's status today about remembering her angel in heaven.  I saw another friend's status about praying for the family of a baby who just died.  I found these two stories (don't look at them if you don't want to cry)!   Mamie       Miller

My heart just hurts.  I can't even describe it.  I can't imagine the pain of giving birth to a stillborn or having a baby in heaven after only a few weeks here.  I know the pain of miscarriage, but not having carried a baby full term and loosing her.  I have a few friends who have been there.  Yet they have hope.  I guess that's the only way to keep going....to believe that God has a plan for it. 

So...even though I'm still crying this was good for me to consider.  I've had a rough week with my girls....but I have them!  They are with me, I can feel their sweet warm skin and smell their breath and stroke their hair and hear them giggle.  They may not always listen or do what I would like, but they are full of love and energy...and they are here!!! 

• I will remember how blessed I am to have such sweet girls the next time they are whining or screaming or not sleeping. 
• I will remember that God chose me to be their momma and He has a plan for their lives and mine. 
• I will remember that God will give me all I need to be their momma...so when I am short on patience I will go to Him. 

Thank you Jesus for this reminder today!  Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a momma.  Let me never take it for granted.  Remind me that it is your strength that will make me the momma I desire to be.  Let me always be thankful for the precious girls you have given me.  Lord, comfort those who have lost their babies-just hold them. You have a plan for their pain-you will heal their hurts...call them to you!  Thank you Lord for your goodness and mercy.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Desire versus Time

I desire to share what God is doing in my life in hopes that it may encourage just one person. I have struggled to find the time to blog and determine if it's really something I should do, if it has eternal significance. I believe it will be significant, that if God has given me the desire He will make it successful. I believe that as I trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding; in all my ways acknowledge him, and he will make my paths straight (Proverb3:5-6).
This morning after reading several blogs, I have been encouraged...so if God can use someone's blog to bring me encouragement-He will be able to use mine to encourage someone else!! A post from 'she will sing there' blog, Compelled by Love really captures how I feel about blogging.  Another one I read this morning from the 'passionate homemaking' blog What Kind of Shoes Do You Wear? encouraged me that blogging does use the gifts He has given me.  This is the confirmation I have been seeking as I've felt led to update my blog and spend some time writing the things He is teaching me.  So...in the next while, I will continue to 're-do' the blog and attempt to put some of the things in my mind on the screen!  I want to make the most of every opportunity (Colossians 4:5) and follow the Spirit as He guides me into balance in all areas of my life!

Lord, I commit to you whatever I do and believe that my plans will succeed (Prov 16:3) Teach me how to live to please you, because you're my God. Lead me by your blessed Spirit into cleared and level pastureland (Psalm 143:10) Help me to not just keep my priorities straight, but to continually straighten them out according to your will for my life.  Help me not to be foolish, but to understand what your will is (Ephesians 5:17).  Jesus, I know it is in YOU that I find out who I am and what I'm living for (Ephesians 1:11).  Guide me and my friends, family and readers in finding more of you and your love each day.    Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12) May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands (Psalm 90:17) AMEN!