christian living, faith walk, grace, perseverance, restoration, spirituality
Imagine we were having a conversation and I said, “It’s a new year and it still feels like December.” I’m guessing you would say something like, “I get it. It’s okay if it doesn’t feel new yet. There’s no right or wrong way to feel about a new year.”
I might say, “My tree is still up and my house is a mess.” You would say, “Be kind to yourself, friend, it’s okay if it’s not all done yet. There isn’t a deadline you have to meet.”
I might say, “I’m overwhelmed at the thought of all this year might hold. It feels so out of my control.” You might say, “Oh friend, I understand. The unknown future can feel so uncertain.” You might also say, “I’m learning to trust the unknown to our known God.”
It’s easier to respond to a friend with gentleness than it is to ourselves. Include yourself in the kindness you offer to others.
Can I remind you:
- Be kind to yourself.
- Speak graciously to yourself.
- Let the truth of Christ settle on you like a warm blanket.
- Know that there is no condemnation for those that are in Christ.
May this year be the year that you lean into truth over condemnation.
Happy Dec-anuary, from a half decorated, holiday home loving, work-in-progress friend.
Advent, christian living, Christmas, faith walk, grace, humility, Prayer, resilience, restoration
Even with all the hustle and bustle, my heart longs to sit in the glow of the fire light, and think about the journey Mary took to bring the Light into this dark world.
In a situation most would crumble and cry, scripture tells us that Mary sang. She didn’t sing mournfully but triumphantly. Rejoicing and magnifying the Lord for what He was doing in and through her. She was a willing participant in God’s plan. Let me be like Mary!
Triumphantly, into this darkness His Light came. Revealing truth, pruning and making me grow. His light is essential for life. His Light changed and continues to change everything!
I, too, want to sing about the merciful, glorious Light of the World! Because of His Light I am forever changed – from the inside out! Lord, make me like Mary, singing triumphantly in the dark and uncertain days. May my hope always be in you alone. May your Light shine through me into dark places so that others will see Your great and glorious light.
The Magnificat
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate;
he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,
as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” Luke 1:46-55
christian living, faith walk, grace, humility, impatience, life experience, Prayer, relationships, resilience, restoration
Can I be honest? I found myself more than irritated with the “customer service” rep on the other end of the phone. I thought my request was simple enough, but I ended up with a bigger mess. Sadly, my irritation was obvious, and I was more direct than needed with the agent. Sad face.
My quick words with their edgy tone have been an uphill battle for me. How is it that my love of words is also a tripping hazard?
My sweet husband reminds me that all isn’t lost and I have made progress in this verbal arena. He says I’m slower to be reactive and harsh with my words. Yay! But I still ask myself what have I done to soften my tone and find gentler/kinder phrasing?
- I confess to the Lord, who is always there, ready to listen.
- I admit that I still struggle to soften my words and my tone.
- I ask forgiveness from the Forgiver of all.
As I am humbled again, by His grace,
- it occurs to me that the customer service rep also needs an apology from me.
Feel free to check on me and ask me how the apology went. I’ll appreciate the accountability.
If there is a lesson you are learning on repeat, would you please share it with me in an email? I’d love to pray for you as you graciously learn to repeat the lesson less often!
“A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4
“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” Proverbs 21:23
Advent, christian living, faith walk, God first, Prayer, restoration, spirituality
When was the last time you were out in a field in the middle of the night and the heavens opened with angels singing? Me either! It’s no coincidence that of all the characters included in the Christmas narrative, shepherds received a center stage moment. I don’t have to know much about a shepherd to realize the night watch requires a special person. One who remains alert, attentive and ready to protect the sheep from any enemy lurking in the shadows.
Tim Keller, in his book Hidden Christmas, points out that their inclusion isn’t just to set the pastoral scene, but they are there for us to learn from. The shepherds didn’t just “see” the star, they also experienced the angelic heavenly hosts. Luke tells us when the angels left, the shepherds wanted to “go and see”. They also “returned and worshiped”. Protectors, by vocation worshiping the Incarnate Creator of the Universe, Immanuel, God with us. I believe we are all hard wired to worship. The question is, what will be the object of our worship? The shepherds chose “… glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.” They saw, they believed, and they worshiped. What joy must have filled their hearts that night.
The Old Testament speaks of the good shepherd who is to come, and his purpose is seeking the lost sheep (John 10:10). He tells us Jesus is a good shepherd; He knows his sheep. He leads them to cool waters and green meadows for nourishment and rescues them when they are stuck. We sheep can’t get more stuck than being bound by stubbornness and independence, separated from God, wanting to control our own destiny and believing we can do it.
As sheep, we inevitably find ourselves stuck with no way forward or back. A situation only a Savior can fix. This Shepherd/Savior brings us to a fold of safety by declaring His righteousness over us – not because of our own doing. We can never “do” or “be” enough. It’s His sacrifice alone. He is the protective caregiver desiring that none should perish or stay separated from Him.
Jesus, is our Good Shepherd & Protector. May we choose to worship and adore him, knowing He is forever alert, attentive and gave Himself to protect us, His sheep.
Psalm 80:1-3 “Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth. Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh, stir up your might and come to save us! Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!”
Matthew 18: 10–14
John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
John 10:14 -15 “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
Sing: Savior like a Shepherd Lead Us & Hark the Herald Angels Sing
