Blessings | From the Inside Out

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Consider

Posted in Appreciation, Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, God's Goodness, God's Grace, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, tagged 1 Samuel 12:24, Garment of praise, God's Blessings, Grateful obedience to God, Gratitude to God, Isaiah 61:3, Obedience as a love-gift to God, Praise to God, Reflecting upon our blessings on February 15, 2016| 8 Comments »

“Consider what great things [God] has done for you,”

(from the farewell address of Samuel the prophet,

to the people of Israel–1 Samuel 12:24b, italics added).

I wonder if Samuel paused after those words, to give the Israelites a moment of reflection. God had blessed them in numerous ways by:

Miraculously bringing them out of slavery in Egypt.
Sustaining them during their wilderness journey to Canaan.
Providing laws and commands for them to assure an orderly, pleasant, and productive life.
Giving them victory over their enemies.
Sending prophets and judges to guide and encourage (vs. 6-15).

And what might have been the Israelites’ response as they remembered those blessings?

Were they whispering prayers of praise, because God had cared for them so attentively?

Did they resolve to reverence him more intentionally and serve him more faithfully, as Samuel suggested (12:24a)?

Surely both responses were called for.

I also wonder if we might similarly be impacted by considering daily the great things God has done for us.

My own pondering made me realize my life includes parallels to those of the Israelites (although in less striking ways). Perhaps you, too, have had similar experiences.

God has:

Brought me out of difficult situations. (One small example: When a teaching job opened up nearby, I no longer had to endure a stressful 50-minute commute.)
Sustained me with a heightened sense of his presence through the wilderness of hurt and emotional pain.
Provided his Word of wisdom for an orderly, pleasant, and productive life. (Not that I’ve always taken advantage of that wisdom.)
Given me the final victory over Satan, through his Son, Jesus. One day I will enjoy life in heaven with my Savior.
Sent spiritual teachers, pastors, and mentors to guide and encourage me.

But perhaps you feel excluded from God’s blessings. Any consideration of your circumstances makes you shake your head in disillusionment. After all, the evidence seems clear. While others are enjoying marriage and family, a satisfying career, good health and/or _______________ (fill in the blank), you’re not.

Perhaps another point of view would provide alternative evidence. Consider your circumstances and the blessings they do provide.

For example:

Not married? You benefit from greater freedom in your life.
No children? You can invest fresh energy and enthusiasm into children-not-your-own, providing the parents a much-needed break.
Struggling in a wilderness of emotional upset right now? Draw near to God and he will draw near to you in new, profound ways. Look for him in creation and in his Word. Listen for him in a song or in the encouragement of a mature friend. Be watchful, because he reveals himself in highly creative ways.
Is Jesus a part of your everyday life? Then you have a constant Friend who loves you, cares for you, withholds no good thing, and will never leave you.
Are there mentors and models in your life, showing you the way to a God-enhanced life? How splendid not to be struggling alone.

The bottom-line consideration is this:

Do I want to wear a shroud of despair or a garment of praise (Isaiah 61:3)?

Do I want to live selfishly or in grateful obedience to the One who has bestowed so much?

* * * * * * * * * *

Amazing God, words fail to express my gratitude as I consider your countless blessings. Nor can words sufficiently extol your grace that motivates such loving benevolence. I long to be continually grateful and consistently obedient, as a love-gift back to you. May thankfulness energize my obedience!

(Art & photo credits: www.wallpaper.knowing-jesus.com; http://www.lds.org; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.fullsupply.org; http://www.americakeswick.org; http://www.transitionsabroad.com; http://www.crosswalk.com.)

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God’s Glorious Theater

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, God, God's Goodness, God's Power, Praise, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Isaiah 40:26, Nehemiah 9:6, Praise for God's Creation, Psalm 8:3, Revelation 4:11 on February 11, 2016| 18 Comments »

(A personal psalm)

Oh, Lord God of creation,

I praise you for the glowing hues of your sunsets, the heavenly aroma of your lilacs, and the lyrical bird choruses you orchestrate in springtime.

I praise you for endowing us with physical senses to experience these splendors and countless more.

John Calvin once described the world of nature as your glorious theater. How appropriate. Night and day you present a dramatic performance!

You bring out the starry host one by one, and call them each by name (Isaiah 40:26).

Astronomers can only estimate their number – perhaps up to 3,000 million billion. That’s a three followed by sixteen zeroes! And you know them all by name?!

Oh, Lord, your creative ability knows no bounds of size or number.

Men get excited about creating multi-story skyscrapers, each one a bit taller than the last.

You create galaxies.

In addition to the heavens, you have made everything on the earth and in the seas – from minuscule microbes to mighty mountains, from single-cell protozoa to humpback whales. You give life to everything (Nehemiah 9:6).

And yet, your creative power, as well as your wisdom and engineering in preserving your work, are mere finger-play for you (Psalm 8:3a).

My heart swells with awe.

When I take note of your wonders, I realize that you love:

Variety – as seen in the myriad kinds of plants and animals around the globe

Organization – recognized in the sustainable food chains, predictable tides, and purposeful cycle of seasons

Pattern – revealed in the stripes of a zebra, the hexagons of a honeycomb, and the spiraled petals of a rose

Color – artistically displayed on butterflies, birds, and even in the galaxies

Beauty – exhibited in majestic trees, aquamarine waters, and snow-topped mountains

Intricacy – demonstrated with lacy frost, coral reefs, and the DNA double helix found in almost all organisms

But why, Lord? What is the purpose of all this craftsmanship, all the attention to detail, all the grandeur?

Surely you chose to display your glory outside of heaven so that we might come to revere you (Psalm 33:6-9).

And one day we will join with the throng of heaven and proclaim you worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because you created all things (Revelation 4:11).

But there’s really no need to wait, is there? Even if there is just one voice, you listen with parental joy and appreciation.

So I lift my one voice to praise you:

Lord of the universe, my mind cannot fathom that out of nothing you fashioned all the beauty, majesty, and complexity of the world.

With the mountains and hills I burst into song before you, with the trees of the field I clap my hands, because you are mighty in power, glorious in splendor, and loving toward all that you have made.

(Nehemiah 9:6; Isaiah 55:12; Psalm 147:5; Psalm 145:12, 17)

Photo credits: michiganradio.org; http://www.stylespinner.com; http://www.animalians.wikispaces.com; http://www.etsy.com, http://www.pinterest.com.

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The Good Old Days

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Uncategorized, tagged Deuteronomy 26:11, Isaiah 63:7, nostalgia, perspective, Psalm 105:5, reminiscing, rose-colored glasses, superiority of the past on February 8, 2016| 8 Comments »

(John and me in our second home, 1957)

If I close my eyes, I can still see the various rooms of my three childhood homes in northern Illinois, but especially the one we moved to when I was ten–the one in which my parents still lived when Steve and I were married.

With great fondness, I remember reading in the box elder tree behind the house, playing Hotbox with Dad and my brother, watching television with a big bowl of popcorn on my lap, and the four of us eating dinner in the cozy banquette Dad built in the kitchen.

In all kinds of weather John and I walked or rode our bikes to school. Before the bell rang each morning, one teacher supervised the entire student body of 400+ children as we arrived and played on the playground. We learned Christmas carols in school and no one complained.

When not in school, John and I were out and about in the neighborhood, playing with the other kids, building snowmen and snow forts, riding our bikes to friends’ homes, to the library, and (in the summertime) to the pool.

I have to admit: my thick, rose-colored glasses cast a utopian hue upon those days. A person reaches a certain age and suddenly the decades of one’s youth become “the good old days”—far superior to the present.

(1959)

After all, how many families today sit down together for dinner—with no television, ipads or phones interfering with conversation? What children can enjoy the freedom of riding their bikes clear across town without supervision? Where is there a public school that teaches children Christmas carols?

Times have changed.

To be honest, however, it’s doubtful those days of my youth were actually better.

It’s just my selective memory choosing the tranquil, happy moments. Overlooked are the arguments with my brother (and the teasing I did, for which I still feel deep regret!), those times Mom and Dad were being terribly strict or unfair (in my opinion), and the occasional upset at school or with friends.

I also have to remember: the Greatest Generation that raised us Baby Boomers thought their good old days were far superior.

For example, in a book of Christmas literature we own, the editor wrote this intro for one selection: “This story is for those to whom the modern holiday season seems to get more glamorous and clamorous each year, but who still experience that old nostalgic feeling for the Christmas-time of a more quiet bygone era.” The year of publication? 1955.

Maybe we should put away our rose-colored glasses, unreliable as they are.

And yet, numerous scriptures encourage us to remember and rejoice in the good of the past—verses like these:

“…Rejoice in all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household” (Deuteronomy 26:11).

“Remember the wonderful works that He has done, His miracles…” (Psalm 105:5a).

“I will tell of the kindness of the Lord, the deeds for which He is to be praised, according to all He has done for us” (Isaiah 63:7).

So are flights of nostalgia right or wrong?

It depends.

Constant longing for the past creates dissatisfaction in the present. That’s obviously not healthy.

But remembering God’s blessings of the past strengthens our faith and creates a deep longing for more of him in the present. That’s obviously a good thing!

You know what else would be a good thing? To savor today’s blessings and not wait till a decade from now to enjoy them.

(Photo credits: Nancy Ruegg and http://www.pinterest.com.)

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Dew of Heaven

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Provision, Uncategorized, tagged Deuteronomy 33:12, Dew, Ephesians 2:4-10, God's Blessings, God's Grace, Hosea 14:5, Proverbs 19:12b on February 4, 2016| 14 Comments »

Gently, silently,

In quiet faithfulness

The Lord of heaven

Sends refreshing dew

On the mist of morning,

To all things rooted in the ground.

Miraculously,

Withered leaves uncurl,

Shriveled petals unfold,

Drooped stems and grass stand tall, and

Freshly washed hues

Gleam in sparkling splendor.

Gently, silently,

In quiet faithfulness

The Lord of heaven

Sends the refreshing dew

Of his grace and blessing

Upon all people rooted in his love.

Miraculously,

Withered souls blossom,

Shriveled hearts unfurl,

Drooped spirits revive, and

Freshly washed attitudes

Gleam with gratitude and praise.

“His favor is like the dew on the grass,”

His multi-faceted grace, a sparkling jewel,

Providing manifold blessing:

Enduring hope that renews our strength,

Overflowing joy that isn’t dependent on circumstances,

Deep peace that defies explanation,

A God-enhanced life

That gives rise to satisfaction and fulfillment,

Firm security that God will never fail us, and

The absolute truth of his Word that guides us rightly.

All this and more bestowed upon us like the dew—

Unearned and undeserved.

(Deuteronomy 33:12; Hosea 14:5; Ephesians 3:17; Proverbs 19:12b;

Psalm 62:5; Psalm 16:11; John 14:27; Psalm 128:1-2;

John 10:10; Lamentations 3:22; Psalm 119:137-138, Ephesians 2:4-10)

How has the dew of God’s grace refreshed your life this week?

* * * * *

Photo credits: www.pinterest.com; http://www.metoffice.gov.uk; http://www.pinterest.com (2).

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A Most Astounding Privilege

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Love, God's Presence, Intimacy with God, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged 2 Corinthains 6:18, 2 Corinthians 6:16, Friends with God, God abides with us, God draws near to us, God never gives up on us, God never lets us go, God's Love, God's Presence, John 14:6, Psalm 103:8, Zephaniah 3:17 on January 25, 2016| 22 Comments »

One custom of our church community includes the babies and toddlers. Toward the end of the worship service, many parents collect their little ones and bring them to the sanctuary for the closing praise songs.

When our two-year old granddaughter, Elena, arrives, she starts out in Mommy’s arms, then clambers to Daddy, then over to Papa (my husband, Steve), and finally to Nana—that’s me.

Last Sunday she was particularly affectionate—arms around my neck, head nestled on my shoulder. Every now and then she’d lift her head to give me a kiss on the cheek. I held her close and kissed her silken hair.

(Who could resist snuggling with this?!)

Please understand: Elena is a typical toddler. She knows what she wants and when she wants it (usually NOW!). Her expressive cries can be quite vociferous. But those traits of stubbornness and impatience—seen in most toddlers–don’t diminish my love for her. Not a bit.

I reveled in that moment of tenderness at church, while swaying to the music and singing of our love for God. In my mind’s eye, I saw myself as the child, held in the close embrace of my Father, who lovingly forgives my sins and casts them as far as the east is from the west.

What an astounding privilege he grants us—to participate in close, familial communion with him, the King of the Universe!

Day in and day out our glorious and powerful God draws near to us:

Through creation. Just this morning, he draped pink cloud-ribbons across a crystalline sky, turning our minds to him and his infinite genius. Almighty God orchestrates every intricate aspect of life on our planet, yet we can know him as our gracious and compassionate Father.

Through his Word. Just this week I had occasion to study the word, abide, found in John 14:6. “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever” (KJV). First I looked up the word in the dictionary, and discovered abide means much more than just being with someone. Abide also includes persevering under (!) and tolerating (!), in addition to remaining in one place, to continue or endure. I had to smile at the tongue-in-cheek humor. And I prayed, “Oh, Lord, thank you for loving me that much!

Through people. A young woman at our new church has been enthusiastically friendly. And though I’ve told her I appreciate her kindness, I doubt she can fully understand how her interest, hugs, and effervescence have ministered to me. God draws near with his joy each time we meet.

Through circumstances. Hugs and kisses from a toddler are just one precious example that makes me mindful of God’s love for me.

* * * * * * * * * *

Oh, Father, I shake my head in wonder to think

You long for us to be your familial friends.

I praise you for your abundant, gracious love,

Motivating you to reveal yourself

Through creation,

People, circumstances,

Your word, and more.

In fact, you are intimately involved

In every moment of our lives.

Thank you for blessing us

With your abiding presence,

Even though it requires of you

Great tolerance and perseverance!

We cling to you, our Source of

Strength, wisdom, and provision.

You are with us and in us,

Always drawing us closer to you.

Thank you for never giving up

And never letting go.

(2 Corinthians 6:16, 18; Psalm 103:8; Psalm 19:1-4;

Matthew 5:14, 16; Psalm 92:4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17;

Psalm 139:1-5; Zephaniah 3:17; James 1:17;

Isaiah 41:10; 1 Corinthians 3:16; James 4:8;

Philippians 1:6; John 10:28.)

(Photo credits: Nancy Ruegg, and http://www.wallpaperup.com.)

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Surely God Is in This Place

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, God's Presence, Uncategorized, tagged Bethel, Genesis 28:10-19, God is with us, God's Presence, Jacob, Psalm 89:15 on January 18, 2016| 14 Comments »

Jacob half-walked, half-jogged mile after mile toward Paddan Aram, to escape his furious brother, Esau. (You can read about the circumstances of Esau’s anger in Genesis 27-28.)

Finally, at sunset, Jacob had to stop and rest. In a grassy meadow surrounded by trees, he spotted a low, flat rock, perfect for a pillow. He folded his sash into a smooth bundle, to add a bit of softness under his head, then wrapped himself in his outer robe, and promptly fell asleep.

That may be the impression we’ve acquired from such art work as this:

The truth is, the area where Jacob rested that first night as a runaway, was far from pleasant. The landscape was scrubby, rocky, and desolate, which surely accentuated how very alone he was.

I doubt that Jacob rested comfortably or fell asleep quickly. For all he knew, Esau was in hot pursuit. And though Jacob was headed to the ancestral home of his mother, it’s doubtful he’d ever met any of those relatives. What would they be like? How would he be treated? Between the uncomfortable “bed,” and the worrying and wondering, who could rest?

But Jacob had covered many miles that day. Exhaustion finally took over, and he slept—soundly enough to dream.

You know the story. Jacob was witness to a glorious sight: angels of God, ascending and descending on a stairway that reached all the way to heaven.

At the top of the stairway stood God Almighty himself, proclaiming glorious promises to Jacob:

The land on which he lay would one day be his.
His descendants would be as numerous as the dust on the earth.
All the peoples of the earth would be blessed through Jacob and his offspring.
God would be with him to watch over him wherever he went.

Jacob awoke, astonished by his dream. Perhaps he was a bit disoriented by the darkness and desolation, when just a moment before he was surrounded by ethereal light, gazing at angels on a glowing staircase, and listening to the voice of God.

“The Lord is in this place!” he breathed.

Jacob took the stone pillow and stood it up on end as a pillar-reminder of the momentous occasion. And he renamed the location, Bethel, which means house of God (Genesis 28:10-19).

We may not be runaways like Jacob, forced to sleep in a wilderness. But we’ve all faced rough, rock-strewn places in life when:

Marriage is more disappointment than delight
The growing pains of our children become our pain too
Friends prove unfriendly
Circumstances turn our lives upside down
The day-to-day routine is unpleasant and boring

Amidst the desolation and darkness we forget:

God. Is. With. Us.

And that is huge.

“God’s presence with us is his greatest present to us” (Joanie Yoder).

The problem is, we’re often unaware just as Jacob was.

But we do have numerous assurances of God’s presence with us throughout scripture, and indications of what a sublime treasure that is:

Hundreds of promises in the Bible. (Jacob received only five that night at Bethel!)
All of God’s incredible attributes at work in and around us: his power, wisdom, loving kindness, and much more
His guidance, provision, protection, and empowerment–whether we currently see the evidence or not
His blessings, even in the desolate places of life

May we awaken to full awareness and the full meaning of his presence, because:

bestofallgodiswithus-wesley1

(Art credits: www.keyway.ca; http://www.bibleencyclopedia.com; http://www.amazon.com; http://www.izquotes.com.)

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Mountain Metaphor

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Love, God's Power, God's Protection, God's Refuge, God's Strength, Uncategorized, tagged 2 Timothy 2:19, Deuteronomy 33:27, God Never Changes, God's Protection, God's Reliability, God's Strength, Psalm 125:2, Psalm 36:6, Psalm 61:2, Psalm 89:8 on January 11, 2016| 8 Comments »

From the backseat of my grandparents’ car, I strained to catch my first glimpse of the Smokey Mountains. The day before the three of us had left home in Aurora, Illinois and were on our way to Conyers, Georgia to visit friends of theirs.

(We traveled in style, in Grandpa’s 1950-something turquoise Studebaker.)

What an adventure for a six-year old. Up until that time, I’d only visited one other state, neighboring Indiana.

Grandma had told me that mountains were like hills, only much, much taller. And instead of being a single mound (like the rise we sledded on in the wintertime), they were lined up one after another.

My imagination could hardly conjure a picture of such a phenomenon.

That second day of our trip, as we rounded the top of yet another hill in Tennessee, my straining paid off. Far in the distance we caught sight of mountain tops. Each rise thereafter afforded another spectacular view, always a bit closer to the peaks, and even more mesmerizing than the last. My breaths came in startled gasps. Never had I seen such magnificence…

…until, at age fifteen, when I traveled to Colorado for a week at Young Life’s Frontier Ranch. The soaring, steep cliffs of the Rockies dwarfed the more rounded Smokies.

Ah, but then came the semester-long, short-term missionary adventure in Quito, Ecuador, a city nestled in the Andes Mountains at 10,000 feet. Thirty miles to the south, Cotopaxi towers over the city, at 19,000 feet above sea level. Again, my breath was taken away.

“Mountains are earth’s undying monuments,” said Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Indeed, they do stand tribute to their Maker, ancient testimonials to God’s awe-inspiring, creative power.

They also provide a meaningful metaphor, because certain adjectives we use to describe mountains, also describe Him:

High

(“Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” — Psalm 61:2)

Firm

“God’s solid foundation

stands firm.”

–2 Timothy 2:19a

Strong

(“O LORD God of Heaven’s Armies!

Where is there anyone as mighty as you, O LORD?

You are entirely faithful.” –Psalm 89:8, NLT)

Immoveable

“I the Lord do not change.”

–Malachi 3:6a

Eternal

(“The eternal God is your refuge.” — Deuteronomy 33:27a)

One of the psalmists, perhaps King Hezekiah, wrote:

“As the mountains surround Jerusalem,

so the Lord surrounds his people

both now and forevermore.”

–Psalm 125:2

(Emphasis added)

Imagine yourself surrounded by high, strong and secure mountains.

Are they likely to crumble? No. Neither will your Almighty God fall to pieces, succumbing to the pressure of insurmountable problems. It can’t happen!

Do mountains change with every passing breeze? No. Neither can your Lord be shaken.

Are you easily accessible when surrounded by mountains? No. You are protected. Mountains can even act as barriers against stormy weather. Similarly God shelters you from the full brunt of the storms of life.

And what is your view from this protected valley? Your eyes are drawn upward toward peaks and sky, indicative of the appropriate response when we’re facing difficulty:

Look up to the Maker of mountains

and Provider of refuge.

His righteousness is like the mighty mountains.

He surrounds us with his favor and loving kindness,

encircles us in his everlasting arms of love,

and guards us by his providence on all sides.

Hallelujah!

(Psalm 36:6; Psalm 32:10; Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 32:7).

(Art & photo credits: www.youtube.com; http://www.tripadvisor.com; http://www.gatlinburg.com; http://www.mountainlake.com; http://www.cotopaxinoticias.com; http://www.pinterest.com (3), http://www.wikipedia.org.)

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Turn the Page — Revisited

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Dreams, Encouragement, Hope, Uncategorized, tagged hope for a new year, Isaiah 43:18, Isaiah 43:19, New Year, optimism, Philippians 3:13, Psalm 51:10, Psalm 51:12 on December 31, 2015| 15 Comments »

(Reblogged from 12-30-13)

A new year requires a new calendar. Don’t you just love the crisp, uncurled pages–the empty spaces for each day, filled with nothing but optimistic possibilities?

Perhaps you’re starting the new year with a fresh journal. Again, the pristine pages are filled with nothing but hope and expectation.

We might also desire to start the new year with:

New eyes—to see the glory of God around us.
New ears—to hear his still, small voice.
New resolve—to follow God’s direction.
New courage—to speak his truth boldly.
New faith—to live with confident trust in our Heavenly Father.

These abilities cannot be bought at Barnes & Nobles, like a calendar or journal. They are procured through prayer and discipline.

A good place to begin? David’s prayer in Psalm 51: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me…Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me” (Psalm 51:10, 12).

Allow me to personalize it a bit.

Create in me a pure heart, O God (just as you created a perfect universe from chaos).

And renew a steadfast spirit within me (that my greatest desire might be to please you).

Restore to me the joy of your salvation (just as we experience in the euphoria of Christmas Eve)!

Grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me (throughout 2016).

The typical new year’s resolution is made, broken, and forgotten. Rarely does someone make a once-a-year promise and keep it faithfully for the next 364 days.

Perhaps we’d be wise to see each new day as a fresh opportunity for beginning anew. To repent of yesterday’s failures and forget them. To strain toward what is ahead—with enthusiasm, expectation, and hope (Philippians 3:13).

And gradually those new abilities we aspire after will begin to flourish.

God says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing” (Isaiah 43:18-19a)!

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Father, for your mercy to forgive the past, and your grace to provide for the future. Thank you that each morning is a fresh start, and each new day holds hidden opportunities. With great anticipation I turn the page!

(photo credit: www.news.health.com.)

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Christmas Afterglow–Revisited

Posted in Blessings, Christmas, God's Goodness, Uncategorized, tagged Christmas memories, Matthew 6:28-33, Psalm 145:7 on December 28, 2015| 3 Comments »

(Reblogged from December 27, 2012)

The main events are over: the decorating, the programs, the gift-giving. Yes, there may be a few more get-togethers to enjoy. You may still have family camped out in the living room (we do), and there’s still New Year’s Eve to look forward to.

But most of us are now experiencing the afterglow of Christmas—an agreeable feeling following a pleasant experience. (Thank you, Mr. Webster.)

In an effort to extend the euphoria, I skimmed through my blessings journal to remember special moments of Christmases past. I was surprised by the number of them and the fact I had forgotten many.

Example #1:

One year my husband’s parents were going to fly the five of us from South Florida to their home in Ohio for Christmas. Our kids could hardly wait, excited by the prospect of a new phenomenon—snow.

I was teaching school at the time, and a colleague, Ginny, asked me early in December, “Do you have warm clothes to take with you?”

“We have a few things,” I responded. “But I’m going to check the thrift stores over the weekend, and we can layer up.”

“Well, we have a bunch of stuff. Our family usually heads north for Christmas, but we’re not going this year. Let me loan you our gear.”

Ginny gave me sweaters, hats, gloves, and five coats. I think every item fit someone in our family.

Example #2:

As the kids became teenagers, their schedules became busier. Getting five people where they needed to be with only two cars was a challenge. Then a friend from church offered to sell us his car at a very low price. (He was buying a new one.) It was a blessing we hadn’t even prayed for. But it proved Matthew 6:8 perfectly: “Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”

Our older son got a car for Christmas that year.

Example #3:

Another year I needed a long black skirt for the Christmas musical at church. Pushing through a long to-do list each day, I kept postponing the eventual mall trip. But the afternoon I finally went shopping, God met me at Macy’s! Not long after arriving in the misses’ department, I spotted the perfect, ruffle-and-lace-trimmed skirt for almost 75% off!

How amazing is our God? He keeps track of planetary movements and weather patterns, yet he cares what we wear (Matthew 6:28-33)!

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Heavenly Father. Reviewing Christmases past does give me a lovely afterglow. But it’s not the holiday memories as much as your involvement in those moments that causes the glow in my heart. Each instance proves your loving care, and the obvious pleasure you take in surprising your children with good things. I celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness (Psalm 145:7)!

What Christmas memory gives you an afterglow? Share your story in the comments below!

(Photo credit: www.freechristmaswallpapers.net.)

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A Christmas Prayer

Posted in Blessings, Christmas, Encouragement, God, God's Goodness, Jesus, Meditation, Praise, Prayer, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Emmanuel, Glory to God in the Highest, God is Sovereign, God the Father of the heavenly lights, Isaiah 60:1, Jesus is the Light of the World, No one like God, Philippians 2:14-15, Psalm 104:2 on December 24, 2015| 10 Comments »

Dear Father,

Christmas 2015 is almost here. Soon, all preparation will have to cease.

However (as You well know), my to-do list is still not complete; I’m going to have to prioritize and leave some things undone. That’s probably just as well, so my OCD tendencies don’t win over reasonableness!

But even as I try to settle myself, to pray and worship You on this holy day of Christmas Eve, distracting thoughts continue to ping around in my brain:

Did I dust the windowsills in the guest room? ‘Can’t remember.
Hey! We now have an evergreen tree in the yard. I could clip off some low branches and put them in the deck planters. That might look pretty.
Don’t forget to make sure the oil lamp is clean and ready for lighting.

I keep writing these thoughts down so they’re on paper and not in my head, because what I really want to do in these quiet moments is focus on You. I want to wonder again at the magnificent mystery of God becoming man. And I want to thank and praise You for sending Your Son to save me from the consequences of my sins.

Hush my mind, Lord; still my spirit as I pray…

You are the God of the heavenly lights who lovingly sheds Your radiance over us.

With the angels, we praise You: “Glory to God in the Highest!”

All honor, splendor, and glory are Yours!

No one on earth or in heaven is as perfect and splendorous as You.

Who else can wrap himself in light as if it were a robe (Psalm 104:2)?

No one. No one is Your equal.

What a comfort to know that Someone smarter and wiser than mere man is Sovereign over all.

What peace of mind You provide when I turn over to You the concerns of my life.

Light of the World, Lord Jesus,

All praise to You for leaving Your glorious, heavenly home to dwell with us.

You are our Emmanuel—God with us.

More astounding yet, Your dwelling is not a general presence in the world, but personal.

You actually reside within each of us—when we invite You to do so. Another magnificent mystery.

And You have promised never to leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

In addition, Your Light provides guidance for our choices of action, strength to meet all life’s situations, confident hope for our future in heaven with You, and more.

Help me, I pray, to rise up and shine like a brilliant star, because Your. Light. Has. Come (Isaiah 60:1; Philippians 2:14-15)! What a glorious privilege–to reflect Your Light, pointing the way to abundant life in You.

How I praise you, Lord Jesus, that Your glory, splendor, and power have risen upon me–an incomparable blessing I now enjoy in part, but one day in resplendent totality!

(Photo credits: www.talkofjesus.com; http://www.themelight.radiantwebtools.com; http://www.eso.org.)

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Dew of Heaven

A Most Astounding Privilege

Surely God Is in This Place

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Turn the Page — Revisited

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