The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:2 (ESV)

Possessive pronouns are important in communication. Not just in writing, but also in our thought processes. Possessive pronouns recognize ownership. What a difference in thinking, the Lord is strength and song, and He is salvation; this is God, and I will praise him….versus the Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him; my father’s God, and I will exalt Him. Exodus 15:2 (ESV) This is obviously owning our relationship with Him. Personally declaring He is My God. How wonderful that sounds. He is My strength and My song. Dear Ones, I don’t know what you are going through, but I encourage you to declare that He is your God, He is your strength, salvation and your song. It makes it so personal. Faith will arise in your soul and those things that seem so impossible will become doable. Try it! Or better yet, put your name where the “my”s and the “I’s” are! Personalizing helps release faith.

How wonderful to read in Matthew 11: 28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. We don’t have to settle for the burden and yokes of our own making, but we can exchange them for His. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me–just as the Father knows me. John 10:11 (ESV) My sheep listen to my voice; and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no-one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has give them to me, is greater than all; no-one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand, I and the Father are one. John 10:27 (NIV) When we recognize we have the Good Shepherd, who leads us by His voice we can walk in His peace. Of course, we have to let the Good Shepherd be the shepherd to us. We have to listen to His voice and walk in His ways.

Think about your use of pronouns. Do you identify with your church, as “my” church? Are the people “your brothers and sisters” or just people. It makes a difference. When we identify our church as “my” church it implies a relationship. It implies responsibilities–like supporting, serving, praying for and loving; not only the leaders, but also each other. It implies a commitment to work through difficulties and the willing use of forgiveness and mercy. We need each other. Listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd, I know He wants you to be in relationship with His other sheep. Instead of saying to yourself, ‘I have to go to church’, rephrase it to “I get to go to my church this week”, or I get to serve in this ministry this week. It will make a difference in your attitude, at least it does mine! We know scripture says, “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks”, so actually taking the time to think through those phrases will cause your heart to be softer towards your brothers and sisters.

I am grateful I have a Savior I can call mine. I am grateful that I am not His lone sheep, but I have brothers and sisters I can call mine also. I am in a family, and that is a good thing.

Father, I thank you that you say to us “my son” “my daughter”. You give us the privilege to say My God, My strength etc. Help me to walk with You, listening to Your voice, wearing Your Yoke and carrying Your burden, because they are the best for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, not as I will but as you will. Matthew 26:39 (ESV)

As hard as it is sometimes, there are some things that are not in our control. They just aren’t. My sister has Parkinson’s. It is not anything I would wish on anyone. It is not curable, but through medications, it can be somewhat managed. I don’t like that she has to deal with all the side effects, but she has come to terms with it. Jesus, praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, had to do the same thing. As I was reading through this passage this week, I thought about different times in my life when I had to admit, I can’t control it. It is in Your hands.

One such times, was when my husband passed. The loneliness, the grief, the struggle to accept widowhood was difficult. It was a cup I had to drink, but I did not like it. I longed for my “old” life. Reading Jesus’ struggle to accept His cup was comforting. I know His cup was much much more difficult than mine would/could ever be, but he left us a pattern to follow.

He fell on the ground. I fell on my bed!

He poured His heart out to His father. I poured out my heartache to Him.

He discovered His friends had fallen asleep, even after He asked them to pray. Although I knew people were praying for me, I often felt alone and forgotten. It was during these times of prayer that I realized there are some things we have to work out with the Father, alone. It is our cup. No one else can drink it, but ourselves. The amazing thing I learned was the Lord is right there, helping us drink every cup of difficulty we face. As I turned to Him, I understood the fellowship that happens through suffering. My relationship with Him deepened and grew. It took time and many sessions to work through my initial grief, but He is faithful. He did not grow tired and weary of my often coming to Him and He keeps on leading and guiding me through every aspect of grief.

Maybe your cup isn’t grief. Maybe it is disappointment with your children’s life choices. Perhaps you or a family member have received unwanted health diagnosis as well. A child diagnosed with autism, a parent with Alzheimer’s, or maybe the realization that you can’t buy that home you were dreaming of. When we accept the cup of difficulty, we must do it in faith. It is a time to trust His character, wisdom, and grace. Satan is a thief. He does come to kill, steal and destroy because that is his job. I admit, I don’t always understand how that works, but I do know that what we must not let him steal is our trust and hope in who our God is. Surrendering to the Lord and His will gives Him the opportunity to give back what the enemy has stolen. I found myself praying that God would get every good thing He could out of my widowhood. When I surrendered and accepted my own cup of difficulty, my eyes began to turn outward. I realized God had brought many others through this same cup, and He knew how to lead me. Faith arose. Trust arose. Hope arose.

Father, no matter what cup of difficulty we face today, we declare “not our will, but Your will be done”. We choose to trust You, no matter what it looks like. We ask that Romans 8:28 come into play in a very evident way. And we know that God causes everything to work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. Jeremiah 17:7 (NIV)

When we don’t feel good, God is good. When we don’t feel great, God is great. When we don’t feel wonderful, God is wonderful. He is always who He is in all HIs ways. That is our confidence, even when we don’t feel confident. Darryl Rodman, Heart Treasure

Darryl, my husband, learned this truth by simply walking with the Lord. I’ve learned the truth of this quote through my own steady walking with the Lord and Darryl. I’ve learned my confidence in Him grows when I trust His character. It doesn’t change. Never, ever does God’s character change. We can have confidence in His love, His faithfulness, His grace, His mercy and His words of truth. They never change.

When my husband and I were married, I trusted his character. I never once doubted that he would be faithful to me. In the two years I knew him before we married, I watched his character. I learned how committed he was to the Lord and His ways. It gave me confidence (or firm trust) to say “yes” to him and the Lord on our wedding day. In the thirty-eight years we were married, I never worried about him being unfaithful to me. I never worried that he would stop loving me (even though I would ask Him why he did!) His love, rooted in the love of God, helped me overcome my own insecurities. Knowing he was by my side helped me step out and do new things, that my own insecurities prevented me from attempting. His love gave me courage. Darryl’s belief in me caused me to grow as a teacher, writer and servant of the Lord.

This wonderful marriage partnership helped us both grow in our confidence in God and His ways. When he passed, I drew on my trust in God’s character to lead me, guide me and help me stabilize in my new life. It was hard learning to live without Darryl, but such a blessing to know that I did not have to live without the Lord. During the almost ten years Darryl has been gone, I have grown in my confidence in God’s love for me. I don’t have Darryl’s daily encouragement to rely on, but I have God’s. God’s love, grace and character are dependable, no matter what the circumstance. I would ask you like the Hebrew writer implores: Do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise. Hebrews 10: 35-36 (NKJV)

When we genuinely love others with the love of the Lord, we help them grow in their confidence in the Lord. It is a gift we can give each other. Confidence in the Lord is a learning process. For many, it takes time to learn that His ways are indeed higher than our ways. It takes time to watch His Word be fulfilled, no matter what the circumstance. Struggles happen. Suffering happens. That’s a given in our sin filled world. But I want to remind us all today that blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. Jeremiah 17:7 (NIV)

Father, I am so grateful we can trust You. We can put our firm trust in You and Your ways. I thank You for being patient with us, when we fall back on our own confidence. Keep teaching us how to lean on You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. James 1:2 (ESV)

Trials, nobody wants them. Nobody seeks them out. But everybody has to deal with them. This week a friend shared she is fighting stage four breast cancer and has a very rare aggressive form of the disease. Her husband has lived through four brain tumor surgeries. These were all surgeries where he should not have survived, but through God’s grace, he did. His story helped me walk through Darryl’s struggles after his stroke. My heart hurt for them as they are facing this new twist to their story. I want to say, stop, this family has been through enough. Another friend, Jim, has multiple myeloma. He is scheduled to undergo a stem cell transplant procedure next week. Their daughter went through cancer treatment the year before. Isn’t that enough?

These three people have or are facing trials. But, it is not just about them. Their families and friends are also meeting these trials. What is our response when others go through trials? There were some people who backed off from Darryl and I when we went through his stroke event. They out and out told me this is too hard. I can’t see him that way. What they were trying to tell me was I don’t understand why God would allow him to go through this. Their understanding of God and His ways was being challenged by this trial. I get it. Many times, it is our faith also gets tested when others go through their trials. Do we take the time to really pray through our own doubts, fears and concerns? Or do we back off, put our head in the sand and emotionally distance ourselves from them? If so, it reveals our faith and trust are small. Or do we work through our own fears and become encouragers to help them endure the trial? I admit it; I have done both.

That is humbling, isn’t it? Tests reveal to ourselves and God just how truly we have learned to apply our faith to real life. If we need to grow some more, new opportunities will arise. When we really understand there is a purpose in each trial, it makes it easier to endure.

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. I Peter 1:6-7 (NLT) Wow, James exhorts us to count it all joy when we meet temptations, and here is Peter telling us to be truly glad! We can be glad because it gives Him an opportunity to show us off to the world.

Every trial we face is to help purify us to be more like Jesus. They are usually difficult and painful by their very nature. They, in themselves, are not enjoyable. Peter goes on to say: Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. 1 Peter 4:12-13 So now we not only have “many” trials, but he has added the descriptive word “fiery”! God uses the trials that we must endure to help purify us. To reveal and deal with the dross in our hearts. Have you ever met people who have that inner glow of the Holy Spirit? Then you hear their story and you are amazed at it? You would never know all they endured, because they allowed the trials of their faith to do the purification work.

We can embrace the trials that come our way, or we can allow them to make us bitter. We can become angry with God and back away from trusting Him. Hebrews 12 reminds us of how Jesus endured His trials. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Brothers and sisters, you are not the only ones who are enduring trials right now. They seem large and in charge, but God is with you. Allow Him to bring His beauty into your life as you go through the trials of life. He understands it is not easy. He understands it is perplexing. He understands how hard it is for you. But He also knows what He is doing in it and through it. Peter goes on in chapter 5 with his final encouragement. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To Him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

My friends, we need to stop being surprised at the trials of life that come our way. They are part of life, but so is the joy, gladness, and victory that can come through them. Let’s keep trusting. Please pray for my friends, as I pray for yours.

Father, I thank you for strengthening all those today who are going through difficult trials. I ask that You help all of us learn to count it all joy and receive them with gladness. I ask that You get every good thing out of every trial we face. Help us to respond to our trials with the expectation that we will become more like You and know that it is worth it. I thank you for restoring, confirming and strengthening each person who has endured difficult trials, for that is Your promise. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Oh taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusts in Him. Psalm 34:8 NKJV

I’ve not felt too well this week. I was exposed to COVID, and it may be I have a mild case of Omicron. It has changed my appetite. Fortunately, I still have my taste and smell, but only certain types of foods taste good to me right now. Last week at Grocery Outlet, I bought two cases of individual fruit cups. I have never bought them for myself before, but I do like them a lot. Turns out, they hit the spot! They soothe my throat and they are just enough to satisfy my smaller appetite. They taste especially good to me, during this season.

As I am starting to feel better, I know my appetite will expand again. I love God’s Word. I have a disciplined reading plan that I have done for years. It simply works for me. It includes a Psalm or Proverb, Old Testament reading and New Testament reading. The balance helps me get through some of the “blander” portions (dare I say that?) I know “all scripture is inspired by God!”, but some parts do seem a bit more poignant than others, right? We must remember it isn’t the Word of God that we are seeking, it is the God of the Word. Taking time to see Him in the midst of our reading is prime goal, isn’t it? That is where we really begin to “taste and see that He is good”. It is where we find out that those that trust in Him are truly blessed. Learning to apply the Word we read is where we really learn how awesome He is. When I simply read the Word, without looking for the God of the Word, I may get some head knowledge, but I miss the fullness of the fellowship I could behaving with Him. Praying before I even open the Bible helps remind me to see and seek Him during my reading. If you have skipped this step, trying adding it in to your routine.

This year, I have added a devotional to my study. It is Jesus Listens, by Sarah Young. The format of this book is a simple prayer that she writes to our Savior her thoughts and concerns, with applicable scriptures listed at the bottom. I make sure I take the time to read those scriptures. Slowing down and reading these inspiring verses out of my normal rhythm has been so enjoyable. It is like my individual peach serving; they whet my appetite for more. I have appreciated each one. Her writing has caused me to “taste and see” different aspects of our God. They help round out my spiritual diet for the day.

When I was thinking about the connection between natural eating and spiritual eating, I thought about things that make me keep eating when I know I have had enough. Comfort foods or sweets like fudge and chocolate cake–I just keep going back for more, because they taste so good! As our relationship with Jesus keeps growing, it is like that as well. He overwhelms us with His goodness and we desire Him more. We don’t have to worry about calories or cholesterol! We can simply enjoy His Presence, Peace and Purpose even in our weary world. If it’s been awhile since you have taken the time to taste and see His goodness, try it today! Tasting and finding God’s goodness, also helps curb our appetite for the not so healthy choices in our life, which is always a good thing.

Father, I ask You to help increase our appetite for You. I thank You that when we seek You, we will find You. I ask that you help us see You, not only in Your Word, but in those around us: in their stories, their experiences of You as well. Father, You are so good. Help those who are going through not so good things right now. Help them to see You in the midst of their trials and tests. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

I love this Psalm. I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. Psalm 62:1 NLT I am learning to wait quietly with Him. I’ve chosen to slow down my devotional time with Him, and it has brought a fresh peace and blessing to my spirit. Psalm 62:1-2 in The Passion Translation says: I stand silently to listen for the one I love, waiting as long as it takes for the Lord to rescue me. For God alone has become my Savior. He alone is my safe place. In our busy, scary world where is your safe place? Can I remind you today that we have one? We have a safe place we can escape to.

David wrote this psalm while he was in trouble. As we read on, we see he is very clear that he is being hunted by his enemies. What did he do? He encouraged himself in the Lord. Do you feel oppressed, depressed and discouraged today? Go to the Lord. As Louie Giglio has said, learn to linger longer in His presence. Let the Lord begin to speak to you of His help and hope. The Passion Translation goes on in verse 2: His wrap-around presence always protects me. For he is my champion defender; there’s no risk of failure with God. So why would I let worry paralyze me, even when troubles multiply around me? My question to you and to me, “why would I let worry paralyze me into inaction and fear?” We don’t have to. As we wait quietly for His assurance, He comes with hope and grace.

Verse 5-8, in the NLT says Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress, where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. Oh my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. I encourage you today to trust in Him. Take the time to pour out your heart to him, not just carry the worry and anxiety around with you. Write it down if you need to. When we take the time to really pray and unload our cares to Him, we find they are easier to carry. Cast them upon Him. He for He cares. Do not let the enemy lie to you and tell you it won’t make a difference. Release your faith and try it.

It worked for King David, and it will work for you. The New King James translation says it this way: Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:8. It’s all inclusive. No one is left out, including you. He hears you. He sees you. He longs to be that refuge for you. Ask Him to teach you how to find refuge in Him. He longs to show you. He is available right now to be your shelter in the time of any storm. Go to Him.

Father, I thank You that You are always listening to us. You are our safe place. Teach us to run to You sooner, rather than later. To linger longer with You so we can regain strength, hope and discover Your ways through any wilderness we may be facing. We choose to trust You today, knowing we are secure in Your Presence. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Our weather has been pretty cold and miserable here. Sunday morning I woke up, all snuggled warm in my bed, thinking I don’t really “feel” like going to church this morning. I am not serving anywhere. My friend, who I pick up most Sunday’s didn’t want to leave her house because of snow. I was listening to the service from Living Word Fellowship, in Voluntown, Ct. Their different elders were discussing the mindset of the privilege of coming/belonging to a church versus feeling like it is a duty. It was so encouraging, but I almost missed the point by focusing on my “feelings”!

I admit, my feelings almost won. But I encouraged myself in the Lord, made it to pre-service prayer, and was so grateful that I went. In God’s providence, I connected with a new lady who is now a part of our Life Group. As I reflected on this moment, I wondered, how often do our “feelings” direct our path, rather than the Lord.

Feelings are fleeting. They come and go. They focus us on ourselves, and can make us so very short-sighted. Our culture has become a “what about me?” culture. As I pondered staying in bed and watching our church service online, it definitely was about me. If we are to become the salt and light God desires us to be, we must learn to submit our feelings to Him and His ways. I’m sure Paul didn’t “feel” like enduring the beatings, shipwrecks and imprisonments he writes about in 2 Corinthians 11:26, but he learned to endure them like a good soldier, and we still benefit from his writings.

If we are to become the influencers God desires us to be, we must learn self-control. Self-control is the ability to stop yourself from doing what you feel like doing, but it isn’t in your or others’ best interest. Self-control is actually growing up. Toddlers react to the feelings immediately, as adults, we should be able to control those feelings. We mustn’t act like little children, but we must mature in our thoughts and actions. In Matthew 5, we find Jesus teaching about anger, adultery and divorce. The beginning of each of these actions started with a feeling which triggered an emotion which resulted in an action. I wonder how many divisions, divorces, and destructive actions begin with feelings. Because feelings are not always based on fact, how much pain could or would be avoided if a person took the time to examine their feelings.

Feelings are God given. God has them, but He uses them correctly. We must learn to submit them to the Lord, and use them correctly as well. He wants to teach us how. The ESV versions of Proverbs 16:32 states: Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. Maybe anger isn’t your struggle when dealing with feelings, but learning to rule your spirit when dealing with any feelings is important. Comparing the works of the flesh found in Galatians 5: 19-21 sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies and things like these to the fruit of the spirit found in Galatians 5: 22-23, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, feelings are involved in both. When reading the works of the flesh list, I found it so destructive and something I, personally, do not want to encourage in my life.

Satan is looking for any foothold he can take in our lives. He isn’t above using our feelings for his purposes. Philippians 2:3-8 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: who, being in the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be used by his own advatange; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant. Dear friends, let us keep our feelings in their rightful place. Acknowledge them, examine their source, but do not let them rule your life. Your feelings, if allowed to run things, will lead you to a self-centered and eventually selfish life. Your flesh may be happy, but your spirit will suffer.

Father, help us in this area. We need to understand how to balance our feelings and your ways. I thank you for pouring out grace to us as we explore this area. Teach us that Your ways are the best ways, even if we do not “feel” like it. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Only take care

2021 is ending. How are you going to remember it? It really is up to each of us on how we will reflect on this year. What experience, circumstance, or event pops to mind when you think about 2021? My first thought is loss. Two of my special friends passed this year because of Covid. I still feel their loss in my life. But as I reflect on their significance to me, I can only say thank you, Lord. I will choose to pass their impact of generosity, curiosity and love for Jesus on to others. I choose to continue to pray for their families, as a gift back to them. But, I have also gained new friends this year. People who are like a fresh gift, that I keep opening; discovering who our God has made them to be.

As I reflect on 2021, I see the blessing of surrender and saying yes to God’s assignments. This weekly blog has yielded encouraging comments each week. Sitting alone in my home, seeking to write words of encouragement and value to others, is difficult. Can you reflect on areas of obedience that have yielded good fruit in your life this past year?

Psalm 77:11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord, yes, I will remember your wonders of old. What has He done for you, in you and through you this year? If you struggle to remember, maybe it’s time to keep a journal! Write those God stories, not only for you but also for your family and friends. We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. If we can’t remember them, then we lose out some encouragement!

I admit sometimes; I am afraid to take the time to reflect. To look deeply at myself and where I actually am as a daughter, mom, grandmother and as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Because I try to do it naked—without His grace and the understanding of HIs love. I see my short-comings and begin to doubt His calling and purpose in my life. I see my failures and it turns into depression and discouragement. No wonder I run away from it. However, when done in, and with, His love, it leads to life lessons and adjustments. Yes, reflection often leads to repentance. But repentance is not a bad thing. Humility places us in the place where we must admit we need Him, and that is always a good thing. We can’t do it without His perspective. How about you? Do you have the courage to consider where you are now, and where you want to be this time next year?

This year seemed to speed by. I had goals to accomplish, and some of them, by God’s grace, I could complete. Others are going to be rolled over into 2022. We experienced so many answers to prayer this year. Our God was faithful to His promises in so many ways. Healings, financial victories, growth in relationships with my grandchildren. I learned to lean into Him and on Him in new ways.

Reflecting on leading our Life Group Ladies brings many smiles and a sense of satisfaction. Not because of my part, but because of Him and His faithfulness. Hearing their God stories and watching us grow together as a community was such a blessing. Once again, reflection is a good thing. I expect even more good things will happen in 2022, as we build on His Word and His ways even more. Learning to cry together, as well as celebrate, is good.

Saying yes to helping my daughter home-school her children was a win. Teaching astronomy has opened my eyes once again to the amazing universe and its Creator. However, even more importantly, I have spent hours with three of my grandchildren because of this class, loving and getting to know them. Adding health class did the same for two others, but also reminded me of the sobering issues our culture faces.

Christmas day, my son-in-law Andrew Phillips,prayed, “Father, I ask that you give us sticky hands this year. Hands that will hold on to Your promises.” I love that prayer. In the natural, I hate sticky things, but I want those sticky hands. We need them when the enemy would taunt and torment us for believing for the impossible. We need the promises of God to get us through.

Balance is important. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands. Psalm 143:5 But we also find Paul instructing us in Philippians 3:13-14 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on one thing. Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. We take time to remember and reflect, but we also must forget the past and look toward the future. There are things to accomplish for His kingdom, assignments of obedience to fulfill and value to add to those that cross our paths. Let us press on, dear friends. Let us press on.

Father, I thank you for the things accomplished in 2021. I thank you that you have unknown plans for 2022, that you want to reveal. Thank you, that as we press forward we can trust You. You have good things, we know, in store for us. Let us build on the things You taught us in 2021. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

The other day I was driving with my grandchildren, and we were chatting about Christmas and what they like about it. They were discussing how they not only enjoy the blessing of receiving gifts, but they also really enjoy giving gifts. This touched my heart, but then one of them mentioned they like the anticipation of Christmas, but then the aftermath leaves them feeling down and empty. She mentioned it was going to be an entire year before Christmas came again, her favorite holiday. Putting the decorations away made her sad. Her thoughts resonated with mine as well. When I am alone in my home, looking at the remnants of the happy time we had together and dismantling the decorations, I often get sad. I just want more time together, but that isn’t realistic. Looking back, I realize this perspective can either motivate me to enjoy the time together, let that sadness steal the joy of the present. It is important to celebrate intentionally Jesus’ birth and our family and friends. I don’t mean to add any stress to an already stressful time, but to encourage us to release our faith, that God desires to use this time of celebration for His good.

Our present is always fleeting. As I’ve grown older, I recognize how quickly babies turn into toddlers, toddlers into pre-schoolers, etc. My oldest grandson is in college now. The time just flew by. So, my friends, please take the time to enjoy this present season. This past year, I have lost many friends. There are empty places at my friend’s table this year. I know they would say: love your family a little longer, don’t worry about the small stuff, say the words you need to say. Clear the air if possible of any struggles and choose to enjoy those you care about.

Be patient with yourself as well. None of our lives is a Hallmark movie set, nor scripted to have a happy ending. LIfe often is difficult, but that is when intentional celebration can be even more meaningful. Accept that fact (no perfection) and enjoy what you do have. God is with you, just as He was with Mary and Joseph. Look for opportunities to encourage those around you. Before our family opens presents, we give each other “word gifts”. It is a precious time to share words of genuine encouragement.

Holidays can be brutal emotionally for those who feel alone, or are in fact separated by miles or circumstances from family. I encourage you to reach out to others. The temptation for self-pity to come knocking at your door is strong. Fight it, my friends. Look at what you do have, rather than what you don’t. Reach out. Be pro active in your celebration of Jesus’ birth. Help someone else. Take time to write down the things you for which you are grateful. It is ok to be sad, but don’t dive deep into the quicksand of self pity. Often (from experience) you can’t recover as soon as you think.

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain the heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 This includes times of celebration. Let’s make them count, but not in a stressful way. Release your faith that as you bring God into the mix, it will be good. The first Christmas without my husband, Darryl, I faced a quandary. What to do with his Christmas stocking. We ended up letting everyone who wanted to write a note about him, and putting in the stocking. These are precious memories, I still read. Make memories! Take pictures to preserve them. It’s important.

Father, I ask that you help us learn to celebrate Your birth with joy, with peace, and with less stress. I ask that You comfort all those who are missing someone this year. Help us to redeem that time with our loved ones. Lead us to encouraging conversations and fill our homes with Your grace, mercy and patience. Thank you for showing up in special ways for the lonely. Help us help them as we can. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Do you ever wonder? Wonder what it would be like to be Mary? A young woman who had contracted to be married to a good man, Joseph. Things were going as planned until they weren’t. The angel Gabriel interrupted Mary’s life one day. Reading through Luke 1, we find this amazing, but familiar story. God sent Gabriel sent to a specific place, Nazareth. To a specific person, Mary; to give a specific message: You will conceive and bear a son, a son who will be called the Son of the Most High.

This specific message to this specific young woman changed not only her life but also Joseph’s, of course and then the worlds. I wonder about the conversation Mary must have had with both her parents and, of course, Joseph. She had to tell them of this visitation. These were real people, with real emotions. We know Joseph had a bit of a struggle with the news, because he contemplated breaking the marriage agreement. Once again, God sent an angel, this time in a dream, to assure him that what Mary had said was genuine. As I read their story and put myself in their place, I am amazed at the faith and grace God gave them to walk their calling out. It was unique to them, as is our calling unique to us. No matter our calling, we have to walk it out with faith.

They still had to do some difficult things. Now the government interrupted their lives. During those days, the Roman emperor, Caesar Augustus, ordered that the first census be taken throughout his empire. (Quirinius was the governor of Syria at that time.) Everyone had to travel to his or her hometown to complete the mandatory census. So Joseph and his fiance, Mary, left Nazareth, a village in Galilee, and journeyed to their hometown in Judea, to the village of Bethlehem, King David’s ancient home. They were required to register there, since they were both direct descendants of David. Mary was pregnant and nearly ready to give birth. Luke 2:1-5 TPT I did some research, and it was about a ninety-mile trip. Many think it must have taken them about five days to make the journey. Not comfortable at nine months pregnant. No one knew their significant story at this point. They were just two travelers obeying the law of the land. No special recognition or special amenities given.

Taking time to think through the reality of their story helps me understand that just because you have a specific call on your life, it doesn’t mean that it will be easy. In fact, thinking about the different “stand outs” in scripture, like Esther, Nehemiah or the prophets, they all had it rough. They persevered. They simply accepted the difficulties as part of their purpose. I am trying to do the same with my life. Maturity means we accept the hard things without murmuring and complaining. Maturity means we keep going when we want to quit. Maturity means we count the purpose more important than the cost. In the letter to the church of Philadelphia, John writes: Because you have kept my command to persevere, I will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world to test those who dwell on the earth.Revelation 3:10. I am not sure what all this scripture refers to–but I hear God’s heart in wanting us to stay the course, no matter what. My friends, no matter what you are facing, you can do it. Do not let your flesh or Satan tell you it would be better to quit. Please keep going. If you need prayer, ask for it. If you need help, get it. But please do not draw back from following Him. There is a blessing coming. The fellowship of the suffering with Him, is always worth it. Do not wonder if it would be easier to step away from your calling, it won’t be. Because who else has the words of eternal life?

Let us take hope and heart from dear Mary and Joseph. They fulfilled their calling and purpose. Maybe you don’t feel you are as important as them. That your calling is small and insignificant. I would ask you to think through those thoughts. You are telling the King of Kings, the Lord and Maker of the Universe, that He made a mistake. Release your faith, my friends. Look up! It is always worth the cost of serving Him. He finished His call and purpose for us, we can do the same.

Father, I thank you for your grace to persevere. We know life has rough times, but you are always with us during them. You will show us a way through the wilderness. We have the promise of your Light that will light our path. I ask you strengthen my friends this day. Encourage those that are weary and tired, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.