Trust the promises of God

 

"I will be glad and rejoice in Your unfailing love, for You have seen my troubles, and You care about the anguish of my soul."

Psalm 31:7

When troubles come my way, they can trip me up and send me down a difficult trail. Sometimes I feel like a chocolate soldier, one who melts under the stress of unbelief. When I am anxious my life becomes tossed and turned like a ship at sea. 

But the promises of God are everlasting. His unfailing love washes over my soul and gives me the strength to continue the battle. 

"He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ."

Phillipians 1:6

When we trust the promises of God, we sever the root of our anxiety.

"The omnipotence of God means eternal, unshakable refuge in the everlasting glory of God no matter what happens on this earth."

John Piper

Christmas prayer

 

CHRISTMAS PRAYER

Loving Father, help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the Song of the Angels, the Gladness of the Shepherds, and the Worship of the Wise Men.

Close the door of hate and open the door of Love all over the world.  Let Kindness come with every gift and Good Desires with every greeting.

Deliver us from evil by the Blessing which Christ brings, and Teach us to be merry with Clear Hearts.  

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy Children and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with Grateful Thoughts, Forgiving and Forgiven.

For Jesus' Sake........ Amen.

(Robert Louis Stevenson)

Christmas beauty

 

At Christmas, do you ever just sit by the tree and take in the beauty of the season?

After everyone has gone to bed, do you fill a plate with some sweet goodness, make a hot cup of tea and just enjoy the quietness of the evening?


Do you sometimes wonder what the Shepherds thought on that night, so many years ago, when the Angelic host proclaimed the birth of Jesus?

What an awe filled experience that must have been.

And for now, I will turn the lights down low, and pretend the twinkling of the Christmas tree are the stars of the Universe proclaiming the birth of our Savior, Christ the Lord.

Sweet memories

As I look back on this past year I am amazed at the talent, creativity and beauty that is shared via blogging. The internet has surely made it a very small world.

And of course as we enter yet another year, there is time for reflection. Remembering the years that have past. I'd like to share with you about a very special lady. One who filled a hole in our lives.

She was my teacher, friend, and soul mate in treasure hunting for over 30 years. I used to tag along with her to yard sales, antique shops and all kinds of second hand stores. She loved paper weights, and she also loved vases. She had quite a collection of both. I have several of her paper weights displayed in my home.

But more importantly, she loved my children and was a huge part of their growing up years.

My own mom passed away many years ago, before my children were born. She stepped in as an auntie, but more like a grandmother. Her generous and loving spirit filled us with her unconditional love.

Every Christmas my children and I would descend on her house and decorate for the season. It was a tradition we held until she no longer was able to live by herself. Our memories of her prick my heart, missing her laughter and gracious hospitality.

Very rarely does someone come into your life that has left such a deep imprint on your heart. I am most thankful to have known and loved her.

 

Before the year is out, take time to tell someone you love them. For some people, it can be a very lonely time of year.

Faith through pain

 

Is anyone among you suffering?  Then he must pray. James 5:13 NASU

Through the seasons of life, it is always difficult to walk through a painful time.  Spurgeon said " The God of prayer is the ear of God."  Attaining the ear of God can only be reached by patient and persistent waiting upon Him.  By pouring out our hearts and permitting God to speak to us, we come to know God better.  And as we know Him more, we will spend more time in His presence. 

During times of testing, God reflects His faithfulness. A few years ago I read this -

"Will you trust Me?  Will you trust the God you know?  If you will trust the God you know, you will be at peace."

 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.   What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who is against us?  He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?  Who will bring a charge against God's elect?  God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns?  Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.  Who will separate us from the love of Christ?  Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  Just as it is written,  "FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED."   But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Romans 8:29-39 NASU

The God who made the world

 

.......being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything."
Act 17:24-25

Can we look at the blazing of the sky and not see the wonders of the maker of this world?

"I will sing to the Lord.  Because He has dealt bountifully with me." Psalm 12:6

The Christmas Stranger

 

Richard Paul Evans always brings us the best Christmas stories. And this year is no different.

The Christmas Stranger is a heart filled hopeful story about Paul's adventure. And what an adventure it is. Paul Wanless decides that he wants to end his life after losing his wife and unborn child to a drunk driver. But when Gabriel shows up, he directs him to an adventure that Paul could never have imagined.

The story is full of compassion and mystery. Evans captures the healing power of forgiveness. His characters pull at your heartstrings. A wonderful Christmas story that you will remember throughout the season. A must read of family, loss and love.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own