Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming.

Matt. 3:3

For years I have missed the meaning of Christmas because I was not prepared

I did not think of saving in my now

so that I could give in my future

this season would come and I would be caught unprepared

like those who did not have oil in their lamps ( Matthew 25:6-12 )

Last year I was so disgusted by my inability to give

and how my desire to give did not match my preparing to give

I grew cynical and irritated

“ Seriously do they have to play Christmas music everywhere and before Thanksgiving day?”

cold …not ready for HIS COMING

ADVENT – Seeing HIS COMING afar off and following yonder star

That is when I realized I must do something different

no more complain and remain as if LIFE is the culprit

the more month than money was on me

I didn’t prepare well for a season I knew  very well was coming

This year I was able to give

I felt directed by God to gather up two specially prepared gifts for someone He would lead me to give too. I found her the other day ….her name Julie. She is checker at a store near our home. When I was filling out Christmas cards her face and kind smile came to mind. Then when I was preparing to seal the envelope I heard God say one of those gifts is for her.

We gave it to her the other day

stood in the check out line with nothing but a gift

the look on her face was enough

she felt special and loved

and that was the best sight to see and a blessing to give

Ann asks and will you join in answering

How do the performance bandits seem to target you, especially at the time of year?

Expectations can ride like highwaymen, ransacking joy, killing relationships. Performance bandits can chose mercilessly at the jugular, stealing the riches of His grace.

Ann Voskamp

When is the last time you rested like a child? Take a few moments of true rest today.

Look around you and name the sacred things among the ordinary.

Poem

Have it all together

Be ready for anything

this is the mark of a wife and a mother

but this time of year is my natural resting time

slowing down time…

reflecting time…

preparing for the coming year time…

When I get caught in the what ifs and should be’s

I run harder and miss HIS FACE time…

When I curl up in a cuddle with my children is when I feel most at rest

the sacred is all around

a blanket of ice outside

calling us to stay in and come close to Christ instead of running running

listen to the sound coming from the second floor

drums of praise

and songs of joy

sacred moments

bread rising like hands raising in praise

readying for the breaking of fellowship

sacred moments…everywhere

 

Starla