A Tiny Child

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

 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 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" (Luke 2:1-8, NIV).

 With little E, I didn’t have the privilege of experiencing a Christmas pregnancy. There’s something marvelous about feeling those first flutters and movements right at Christmastime. It truly is my favorite time of year. Christmas is such a beautiful celebration of a tiny baby who came into this world and saved us all from our sins. Its so awesome to think that Mary carried Jesus, just like me. She felt Jesus kick and squirm in the womb. He came into this world so tiny and seemingly insignificant. But His mother knew better. The Gospel of Luke tells us that Mary "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" Luke 2:20, NIV. She considered, cherished, and loved life in the moment, because she knew that her child had a far greater purpose. She wouldn't be able to control His future, but she could definitely store up memories and enjoy the present. 

Mary knew from the beginning that her son was the chosen one, the one who would bridge the gap between life and death. In reality, He is anything but small and weak. But he came into the world as such. He knows what its like to be human and God. And that fact is extremely comforting. Our Lord had the full human experience. He really does understand my daily struggles. He understands, carries me through them, and gives me such beautiful blessings in the process, such as this child in my womb this Christmas. Can I feel anything but blessed?

Merry Christmas, my friends. May God's blessings be rich to you this Christmas day, even in the midst of trials. 

He Has Risen!

"On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, 'Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: "The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again."'  Then they remembered his words." (Luke 24: 1-8, NIV).

My dear friends, this world is filled with strife, violence, sickness, loneliness, separation, grief and death. But He has overcome. Lean on Him today and everyday. You won’t be disappointed. He Has Risen!

Merry Christmas

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

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

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

 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.'

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

(Luke 2:8-20, NIV)

Feelings or Faith

"He then told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not become discouraged: 'There was a judge in one town who didn't fear God or respect man. And a widow in that town kept coming to him, saying, "Give me justice against my adversary."

For a while he was unwilling, but later he said to himself, "Even though I don't fear God or respect man, yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice, so she doesn't wear me out by her persistent coming."'

Then the Lord said, 'Listen to what the unjust judge says. Will not God grant justice to His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay [to help] them? I tell you that He will swiftly grant them justice. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find that faith on earth?'"  (Luke 18: 1-8, HCSB).

I love my church. Every week our pastor speaks straight from scripture and straight into my heart. I spend the service scribbling notes down as fast as I can, attempting to take the words spoken to heart.

This Sunday was no different. Pastor Jim was speaking out of Luck 18. He reminded us that we are walking in a wilderness, much like the Israelites. As Christians, the life we face here on earth is anything but easy. Sadness, sickness, hardships, persecutions—life here on earth isn’t the slightest bit easy.

Because of this, it’s important to stay in communion with God. It’s important to pray and let Him take control of all of our worries and cares. Just like the woman in Luke 18, who prayed with perseverance, it’s important that we remain faithful and believe that God truly will come through on our behalf. Pastor Jim said, “God is calling you to exercise your faith (not feelings) and pray without ceasing.”

Ouch.

As an emotional female I tend to focus on my feelings.  I focus on how lonely this deployment will be. I focus on my feelings of hurt and frustration. I focus inward.

But God has called me to more than this. He has called me to persevere. He has called me to a life lived victoriously, free of worry and strife. In order to live a life such of this, I have to give up my own “feelings” and instead, live by faith, trusting that He will provide.

Will you live a life of feelings or faith today?

Happy Easter

“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they [the women who came with Jesus from Galilee] came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.

‘Why are you looking for the living among the dead?’ asked the men. ‘He is not here, but He has been resurrected” (Luke 24:1-6a, HCSB).

Dear friends, you may wonder how I live life with such peace. The reason is this: my Savior lives! He is the one that gives me the strength to make it through each day. He is the one who gives me a joy that even I cannot understand. It’s all because of Him. I hope that this blog reveals God’s ever-steadfast love to you. If you’ve ever felt lonely or unloved know that there is someone ready and willing to pick you up and carry you through this life. He will never disappoint. He will never let you go.

And so, on this Easter day, I once again thank Him for dying on the cross for my sins. And I once again thank Him for showing His glory by rising from the dead.

I am totally undeserving and totally blessed.

Happy Easter!

The Hidden Blessing of Solitude

I love having my husband at home. We talk, watch British Comedies, and play games together. We take walks, enjoy the outdoors, and dream about the future. I truly enjoy his company. Just the same, I always learn something when he’s gone. I always learn something when I’m alone, late at night in an empty house, with creaky walls and dark hallways. God always seems to teach me something in the quiet.

In my devotions today I was reminded that even Jesus sought out solitary spots from time to time (see John 6:15;Mark 1:35; Luke 4:42). They were places he went to pray and seek the face of God.

For me, solitary places are times when I learn to depend on God. They’re the times when I’m reminded that I am safe and sound in the arms of Jesus. They’re the times when I’m reminded that God is truly all I need to survive. I don’t need anyone or anything else. They’re the times when I move my focus away from earthly things and back to the face of God, where it belongs.

No, I don’t always enjoy be alone. Cooking for one can be tedious, and the bed can get really cold at night without someone beside me, just the same, I’m starting to learn that God is ready and willing to speak to me in these moments of solitude, if only I shut off my brain and open my heart.
What about you? What does God teach you in moments of solitude?

Lord, thank you for comforting me through the lonely times and for reminding me that you are my true refuge and strength (Psalm 46).

That Thing Called Fear

Luke 12:7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Right now I’m sitting on my porch, looking at my beautiful flowers, and enjoying this fine August afternoon. This past month has been a crazy one, but for once, I’m at peace with what lies ahead. Things are starting to come together. My husband’s “deployment check-list” is almost completed. Before I know it I will be saying goodbye. That day will be hard, I know. I’m sure some tears will follow, accompanied by a big bowl of feeling-sorry-for-myself ice cream and a lonely night in a big house. But for today I’m no longer fearful about what lies ahead.

What about you? Are you scared about anything? Or have you given that area of your life back to God. For me, giving fear back to God is something I do on a daily basis. Satan knows how to push buttons in my life. And one of those areas consists of fear.

What do I do then, what I start to become fearful?

I turn to God’s word.

Consider these versus. I hope one of them speaks to you personally today.

• “When I am afraid, I will trust in you” (Psalm 56:3).

• “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation” (Isaiah 12:2).

• “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:6).
•    "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Luke 12:4-7).
•    “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

If you’re fearful, remember that God is with you. He is ready and waiting to comfort you and help you through this rough time. But you have to reach out to him: “For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matthew 7:8).

Lord, give me some peace please?

When I heard my husband was going to be deployed, one of the things I struggled with the most was finding peace about the situation. I was worried about my husband’s safety while he was over seas. I was worried about living in a house by myself. I was worried about taking care of the household finances. I was worried about traveling to visit family on my own. I was worried about going to the store, at night without my personal bodyguard (aka husband) by my side. I was anxious about all of these things. Any sense of peace was far from me. In essence, I was a mess. I really needed to ask the Lord for help.
Luke 11:10 says,
“For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened” (NIV).
God was ready and waiting to give me peace, when I asked for it.
That peace made such a difference in how I looked at the impending deployment. Yes, I still had times when I worried, but beneath it all, I felt God’s comfort through it all.
Here are a few verses on peace that I hold close to my heart. Hopefully they’ll be a blessing to you as well:
•    “The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace” (Psalm 29:11 NIV).
•    You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3 NIV).
•    “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7 NIV).