MARY PONDERED ALL THESE THINGS IN HER HEART
HOW DOES A PERSON CHANGE?
ONE IMPORTANT LINK BETWEEN
PUTTING OFF THE OLD SELF
AND PUTTING ON THE NEW
IS “BEING RENEWED IN THE SPIRIT OF OUR MINDS”
MARY SERVES AS AN EXAMPLE
REPEATEDLY WE ARE TOLD
SHE PONDERED ALL THESE THINGS IN HER HEART
LET’S NOT SAY GOOD-BYE TO CHRISTMAS
WITHOUT PONDERING
Many of you have a favorite Christmas movie. I love especially the scenes from Luke 1 and Luke 2 in Jesus of Nazareth, as pictured below. Olivia Hussey is a believer and has a radiance that seems befitting Mary. She shows awe, wonder, and amazement. We see her pondering, truly.
"Greatly troubled at the saying, trying to discern what sort of greeting this might be"
"Behold, I am the servant of the Lord, let it be to me according to thy word."
"My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior."
"They went with haste and found Mary, and Joseph, and the baby...But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart"
- And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
The verses in the captions above are all from Luke. They are so familiar that we tend not to hear them. I listened to my son dramatically read Luke 2 to his children last week, but saw their eyes glaze over. It’s hard when it is so familiar. But at least on this Christmas day, this day that falls once every seven years on a Sunday, let us ponder the verses below the pictures and see if we have a question, a comment, a new insight. And then I will lead you into pondering some other Advent thoughts. Many of these are questions that could be done with children as well.
I promise to keep the homework simple this week — and I’m not giving you a sermon, though if you want one, I’d recommend Keller’s How To Sing at Christmas — about Mary’s Magnificat I also want to give my website manager David a break this week, so don’t have an easy link, but here is what I can do and you can paste into your browser.
How To Sing At Christmas: http://sermons.redeemer.com/store/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=6&Name=How+To+Sing+at+Christmas&monthrecorded=&yearrecorded=&scripture=&speaker=all&messagetype=&SKUsearch=&sort=DateNew&CFID=3459427&CFToken=23274446
Christmas Day and Monday: Pondering the Word
1. What’s your favorite Christmas movie and why? (I’ve already told you my spiritual favorite, but I also love Elf and love watching it with my daughter-in-law who laughs through it all every time. I have a son who wouldn’t watch it because it wasn’t spiritual and we made him, and he rolled on the floor with laughter.)
2. Read through the above verses that are captions below the pictures. If one quickens you, camp there, and tell us what you see. Ponder, ponder — for He’s speaking to you!
3. Name one memory from Christmas Eve or Christmas Day of 2011. Why do you want to remember it?
Tuesday: Pondering the Gifts: Though it is true this can become the focus, gifts can also be a way of showing Christ’s love if done not as a duty but as an expression of love. Maybe because people knew I’d be alone this Christmas (though I’m not really — the Lord is so present and I was with dear friends last night) I was given some very thoughtful gifts this year — and each time sensed love from the giver and the Lord. My daughter Annie knew I treasured some small pottery dessert plates that Hallmark once made that have the words grateful, thankful, abundance, and blessed on them. For years she has been combing e-bay, Craig’s list, garage sales…this year she found them! She is the best gift giver in our family for she listens and watches and prays to do it well! I have a friend who reads this blog and and noticed I mentioned I liked Bath and Body and the balsam fragrance and gave me B and B balsam candles. This is “paying attention.” Isn’t that what we all crave — someone who will “pay attention” and not give as a chore? I have a friend who is an amazing bread maker and mailed me, with dry ice, four loaves! And my sister Sally sent me some old pictures of Steve and me that I had never seen, and I melted. So much love. Gift giving can be meaningful. It’s one of the ways God showed me His love this year, that He is Emmanuel.
Challenge question: The wisemen brought three gifts. What was each and how did each foretell something about Jesus?
5. What was one of the most thoughtful gifts you received this Christmas and what do you learn about expressing love through gifts from that giver?
6. What was the most thoughtful gift you gave, and did it provoke the response you hoped for?
How might you improve in this area?
7. What are some of the most efficacious ways to articulate thanks for gifts given — to people, and to God?
Wednesday — Thursday: Pondering the Music
Music penetrates the heart and when done in true worship gives pleasure to God. How blessed we are. I loved your reflections on music at church, The Messiah, your you-tube postings.
8. I’m going to give you some familiar lines from carols and ask for your reflections.
A. For the hard times, for those of you who are persecuted in your families, for those of you with illness, and with heavy burdens — this from It Came Upon A Midnight Clear:
And ye, beneath life’s crushing load, whose forms are bending low
who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow
look now! for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing.
O rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing.
B. For welcoming Him in on a regular basis, from O Little Town — think of it not just for the salvation from the penalty of sin but from the power of sin.
No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin
where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in
C. Do you agree with this theology from Away in a Manger? Why or why not? What do your children think?
The little Lord Jesus no crying he makes
D. After our studies, does this mean more to you? Explain, from O Come All Ye Faithful
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing
E. Joy to the World is really a song of the second coming — what hope does it give you?
No more let sins and sorrows grow
nor thorns infest the ground
F. O Come O Come Emmanuel prays this line — did it happen for you with anyone this Advent?
Bid now our sad divisions cease
and be thou now our Prince of Peace
G. From O Holy Night — He appeared and the soul felt its worth — Are you realizing this?
H. Share a line from a carol that impacts you and why
Friday-Saturday Pondering How God was Emmanuel, with us in Advent 2011
8. What stood out to you in your own life and why?
9. Share one story you read on this blog and why it stood out to you.
10. If you did listen to “How To Sing At Christmas,” what stood out to you?
11. Give thanks to God for gifts from Him this Advent.
1. What’s your favorite Christmas movie and why? (I’ve already told you my spiritual favorite, but I also love Elf and love watching it with my daughter-in-law who laughs through it all every time. I have a son who wouldn’t watch it because it wasn’t spiritual and we made him, and he rolled on the floor with laughter.)
I have to say i really like Elf too :) I just watched it at thanksgiving for the first time in a few years and i laughed almost the whole movie! I also like Home Alone.. I have watched that almost every year since i was a kid.. But my favorite spiritual movie would be The Christmas Shoes.. I love her sons heart and that all he wanted to get his mom were these red shoes.. He was thinking about others instead of himself.
2. Read through the above verses that are captions below the pictures. If one quickens you, camp there, and tell us what you see. Ponder, ponder — for He’s speaking to you!
My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” This is my hearts cry this coming year that My soul would magnify the Lord and my spirit would rejoice in God my savior!
Lord, You know my quiet times have not been as they should i want my soul to magnify you and rejoice in you and not other things.. Lord help me to put you first and not cleaning or other things that i think need to be done.. before i spend time with you.
That’s great, Meg.
Let us know how your Christmas went.
Merry Christmas friends! Dee, thank you for posting–I was afraid we wouldn’t have a new one this week–what a sweet surprise!
We just came in from Church and the kids are eager to open presents, but I wanted to tell you all I have been praying for you each this morning at Church, so thankful for you, and pray this day is one filled with unexpected joy–because that IS this day–unexpected, undeserved, long-awaited JOY!
I was so happy to see a new study this week too! I was popping in to say Merry Christmas and I am praying God is so near your heart Dee. As I skimmed this I see He is so I am so thankful you get to experience Him this way this Christmas. HOw sweet. And the gifts! So thankful and rejoicing with you! God is so good to us. My favorite movie is Elf as well!! It never gets old. Slapstick humor is great! Though I do not like all the things about the movie the Nativity I am about to watch it now. That may be my fav. Spiritual movie. Not sure though.
Love you all and lifting each of you up. May we experience the wonder of it all anew and afresh! God is amazing!
HUGS!
I just wanted to let you know that we had two single men for Christmas Day lunch. My husband invited two men at church who were not busy this afternoon. We had a nice time, one was very chatty so conversation was no problem.:) Thanks for your prayers and concern. We have had a lovely day.
I am looking forward to learning more this week. I too was thinking we would have no study this week. Dee, when do you take time off?! I have a very busy week ahead (family coming to stay all week) but I will try to get on here when I can.
Diane–this gave me teary eyes. I can just imagine these 2 men driving to church this morning, thinking they had an empty, lonely day ahead–looking at all the families around them at church…and then your husband invites them to your home…there is something really special in that from their perspective….knowing too that had your other invitees not backed out, your husband might not have offered–it was all His Plan, all along–love that!
Diane — I agree with Elizabeth — how good of your husband to reach out and to know you were ready!
I thought about not posting, but kept it simple. I think I would have missed you all — but no one should feel pressured — just do as you feel led.
Love to each of you
I definitely would miss you and everyone here too.
2. Read through the above verses that are captions below the pictures. If one quickens you, camp there, and tell us what you see. Ponder, ponder — for He’s speaking to you!
“… and a sword will pierce through your own soul also” I have pondered this portion of Scripture many times before. What deep anguish Mary must have suffered in her life – watching Jesus being misunderstood, ridiculed, betrayed, then suffer and die. I also doubt the rest of her life was easy either. So, God used Mary do bear and then raise the King of Kings and, in return, God gave her a life of suffering, emotional and physical. What were the reasons God had for “a sword” piercing Mary’s heart? There was a much bigger plan in motion than Mary’s pleasant life – for Mary as well as for the whole world.
This makes me wonder if, when we suffer and don’t know why, there might be a bigger picture that we just don’t currently understand. God has things to teach us as individuals by “piercing” us. Might he also use our suffering as part of a bigger picture? Am I willing to suffer in this way for the sake of others, even if I never know the reasons here on earth?
So good, Dianne. Accepting the mystery of suffering and trusting His final goodness.
1. What’s your favorite Christmas movie and why?
Hard one. I do love “It’s a Wonderful Life”, “White Christmas”, The Bishop’s Wife (Cary Grant version), Charlie Brown Christmas, and “While You Were Sleeping”. And for a “spiritual” one, I too love Jesus of Nazarerth, and a missionary friend just sent us a CD with the children’s version on it–IT WAS INCREDIBLE–watched it tonight for the first time and loved it.
2. Read through the above verses that are captions below the pictures.
I love this verse: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord, let it be to me according to thy word.” I can’t imagine having that response, yet it shows such a truly humble heart—she really knew it wasn’t about her, so her eyes were not on her, but on her Lord. Love motivated her to respond in grace, to RECEIVE.
When my husband asked me to marry him my response was “no, no, no—I can’t!” We had dated almost 6 years, but I felt so surprised, so undeserving. Now, increase that times infinity and I just can’t imagine how surprised and undeserving Mary must have felt—and yet, because she was so humble of heart, she knew—the focus was not on her, or her deserving—it was Love, God’s love, at work, and she was obedient.
So I apply that to my today—oh that I may respond, I am Your servant Lord, let my life be according to Your Word.
I’ve also been “camping” on this one today–”The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, Who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
With all of the studying in John we’ve been doing here, on the Word, it just brought new life to this familiar verse for me this year. He did come, and He made His dwelling here–as He does in us now, He didn’t just come, teach, and leave–He dwelt, He invaded, and He still does.
I laugh so at your response to your husband’s proposal. How did he respond to that response?
Tell me about this children’s version of Jesus of Nazareth! I’ll have to see if I can find it!
I’ve never quite figured out why I responded that way! Except that I was truly surprised, and I did feel so unworthy. Thankfully my dear husband just smiled and stayed on that knee until he got the ring on…and then, still before saying yes, I asked if he’d asked my Dad yet! (he had ;)
Thank you for encouragement and prayer when I last posted…Diane, I’m so glad your Christmas Day was filled with His peace and obviously, the special plans He had for your day!
Well, Christmas morning, my daughter and I were the first ones up. She’s still young enough to want to get up early to look in her stocking! I can remember the days when one of my boys would be up at 6am and I would wish for just another hour in bed! Now the two oldest like to sleep in, even on Christmas!
But, they got up around 9, and we opened gifts, and then I made breakfast. Then we went to church, my new church. I thought, why go back to my former church, I am trying to make this one my new home. Saw a couple ladies from my morning group there. My husband saw one of his co-workers there. It was a rare treat for me to be in church with my whole family. I am thankful my husband agrees to come on Christmas and Easter. And that he supported me in going. My boys graciously did not complain.
When my daughter and I were up early, I asked her to pray with me, and we prayed for each of you and for those prayer requests – for Dee’s sister Bonnie, Meg’s mom Karen, etc…. so we had a sweet time of prayer together.
We went to my mom and dad’s then early afternoon. My two sisters and their husbands, and my niece were there, too. For most of the day, the TV was off! (until after dinner when my husband had to turn on a basketball game!) My daughter brought her viola and played some Christmas carols for us. We all enjoy being together, the only sad part is there is no mention of Jesus, no prayer. I don’t think we have said a prayer before Christmas dinner since my nephew died. Actually, the last Christmas he was alive, his mom, my sister, had picked a fight with me and my other sister before the meal. My dad brought us all together before the meal, and I apologized for my part, but my sister wouldn’t accept apologies. I had to sit across from her at the table, and she was staring at me the whole time in a not nice way. Needless to say, it was uncomfortable, and it was my nephew who was sitting next to me who spoke up and said, “It’s Christmas, can we say grace and hold hands.” I know my dad is a believer – a “baby Christian”, so is my oldest sister and her husband, and me and my daughter, and I hope, my boys, though they are not walking with God right now. I still pray for them with a “?” – I was with my oldest son when he prayed to trust Jesus at a young age.
I gave my dad Billy Graham’s new book, Nearing HOme, for one of his gifts, and for my mom a small book by Joni Eareckson Tada. She will usually read – she just doesn’t want to talk about God. I know it’s hard for my dad, he can’t really grow in his faith.
It’s just kind of how Christmas has been since I can ever remember growing up – Jesus was never a part of Christmas, no church, no talk of Him; maybe a prayer before the meal but not always. I think our “god” was family. Family is very important to my mom, and dad, but so thankful that Dad knows the Lord now, too! I keep praying for mom.
How dear to know you and your daughter prayed for us. Please thank her!
And I rejoice you all went to your new church — that’s an answer to prayer for which I am so thankful. So glad your husband saw a co-worker, and that your boys didn’t complain. Thank you.
Now we must pray for your family. I think your diagnosis is right and we must pray for your Dad. I am praying he will read Nearing Home and that your mother will read Joni’s book.
Susan, I am thankful your husband was able to join you, and as you said supported you–and so thankful you have your sweet daughter. Still praying for your husband, he is so blessed to have you.
Susan, I loved reading about what your nephew said at the table-I was teary eyed. That is a sweet memory. I will remember to pray for your dad and also for your mom.
I’ll pray too, Susan. Thank you so much for praying for all our requests…how sweet of you and your daughter.
1. What’s your favorite Christmas movie and why?
Hands-down children’s special is A Charlie Brown Christmas! I just love the part where the spot-light goes on Linus as he tells the true meaning of Christmas at the Christmas play, after an exasperated Charlie Brown cries out for someone to tell him what Christmas is all about! It still makes me cry!
I can’t name just one – I also love A Christmas Carol, the one with George C. Scott playing Scrooge. I love it for how this man confronts the pain of his past and finally sees how it embittered him, and how he truly repents and changes at the end. He sees the utter futility and meaninglessness of all his wealth when the ghost of the future shows Scrooge his own death, and how his belongings are given away, pawed-over.
Lastly, It’s a Wonderful Life. I know Clarence the angel isn’t theologically correct, but I love him in the movie – he’s so dear in helping George Bailey. My daughter watched it for the first time last year, and she was so sad for George Bailey at all his missed opportunities in life. I love how George sees how his life matters, how all our lives are intertwined and affect each other’s, and that he does, after all, have a wonderful life.
This morning as I woke early, I was struggling about some family dynamics that have overshadowed this Christmas season. Trying to pray and focus on God and His Son, Jesus, my mind went to Mary’s Magnificat and I recalled a beautiful song that I had heard years ago based on Mary’s Song. I got up to search for it on the Internet and found it. I thought you might like to hear it. It is by John Michael Talbot, a Catholic founder of “The Brothers and Sisters of Charity” at Little Portion Hermitage in Arkansas. His song “Holy is His Name” is based on the Magnificat. Talbot’s life story is fascinating, if you want to check out the second link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aYecuDlDYM
http://www.johnmichaeltalbot.com/biography.php
Thanks for this Diane.
1. What’s your favorite Christmas movie and why?
(Dee, this week’s study will be so sweet-loved it as I read through it.)
“Jesus of Nazareth” is my all time spiritual favorite. “It’s a wonderful life” is a favorite of ours too. I didn’t like the angel thing for some reason, not sure why, maybe it is his character? :) My favorite character is George Bailey’s wife. She is an incredible mom, home maker and wife and loves George even in the height of his struggle when he is not being very kind. I tend to be more like George in my flesh, yet only by the Grace of God are the moments when I love like his wife.
Hi Ladies,
Just wanted to let you know that I had a good Christmas.. my mom didnt come to church but i was at peace either way.. which is good i could have gotten angry.. There was hardly any tv.. except while we were eating breakfast Alvin and the chipmunks was on so we were watching that which was fine.. with me cause I like that movie.. and then my stepsister and I played on the wii.. then i went to my friends house becuacse i thought she was going to be alone but her mom was there which was fine but she is not a believer and she was watching some show about demons etc.. so my friend and I cleaned up her kitchen and then watch the movie Dolphin Tale… then i went home cause i was tired but i was a good testimoney to her by helping her clean her kitchen up.. She just came back to Christ a few months ago.. so its still a little hard to be around her but i am trying to be a good testimony/influence on her. I just met her a few months ago through another friend.
One thing that i really regret not doing was praying before the meal.. my mom didnt say anything so we jsut started eating and in the middle of the meal .. she said oh Thank you Lord for this meal and Happy Birthday.. I didnt say anything at the begining of the meal cause i didnt want any controversy.
But I will tell you I had complete peace about going over there as well, as Saturday night i did not.. But i know that one of my friends prayed for me cause by the time i went to bed on Saturday night i had complete peace about the whole thing. Praise God. Not sure if I told you Ladies this or not.. but I didnt want my mom coming to church Sat night or yesterday but like i said My friend prayed for me and my heart changed.. I never ended up going Saturday night to the candlelight service at my church cause I went with my friends to their church and it ran over.. and my heart wasnt right about my mom coming..
Anwyay I hope all this makes sense and Merry Christmas!
Meg — so many good things I see here –
You not saying anything about not praying and then your mother remembering and being thankful in the middle! That’s a good testimony to me with my control idol — that God can work in a heart and I don’t need to be the Holy Spirit.
So glad God gave you a peace.
You are growing, sweet girl.
Meg,
I’m glad to hear your Christmas with your family went well. That God gave you peace about everything. I can relate to the praying before meal part – that happens at most of our family dinners, too….people are filling their plates and getting seated and starting to eat, and then I realize we never stopped to say grace. But that was great your mom remembered to say thank you!
3. Name one memory from Christmas Eve or Christmas Day of 2011. Why do you want to remember it? I guess for me it would be Christmas Eve.. and just the anger/anxiousness etc.. i felt for not wanting my mom to come to church and not wanting to go there the next day.. It reminded me that Jesus can really give me peace as he did to me.. and how he can change your heart.. so next year I am going to be prayed up and be ready.. this year i didnt feel ready at all and didnt even ask my mom to come to church beccuase we have the same disscussion every year.. and she tells me that she wants to go to her church which is the catholic church.. Ladies please pray I really need to have converstaion with my mom but i am so not ready for it :(
Meg, prayed for you and will continue to pray. So good to hear all the things God is doing in your life and perhaps in your mom. You are indeed growing Meg-so sweet to see!
Rebecca and Dee
Thank you for saying that you see growth in me.. I really dont see growth in me at all.. I feel like i have backslidden a little bit.. I am talking in regards to christmas eve and inviting my mom I usually am so thrilled to invite her and this year not so much.. Also in a prayer that i posed above i say that God would help me to have quiet times and good ones and to do it before i do anything else.. Well i havent been off to a good start.. I havent had a good quiet time in a VERY long time. PLEASE PRAY!
Love you!
Meg, I think there is a good way to see it-when you have moved from clinging to others to clinging to Him-maybe not perfectly, but a baby step-a day at a time, and I see this struggle in you and I see you turning to Him-it is good. I saw this in your post when you remained quiet and didn’t pray before the meal. You discerned well, and were trusting God. I see your mom praying-even that little prayer as a big deal-perhaps God is moving-be encouraged sis! :)
Your post also encouraged me in regard to how to love my aunt in her final days-should I speak or not? I found out my aunt who is dying doesn’t want to ‘see us’ in person due to her physical condition, so I won’t get to say goodbye in person-to touch her or hold her, but she wants to say goodbye via the phone. This hurt, but I understood. My brother and I talked a while on the phone last night. We engaged in a great conversation-and will trust Him for words as we speak to her-so we will trust. I would just love to sit with her and just be available for the Lord to move-so I am struggling with that-but God is sovereign and for now it is on the phone.
Oh Rebecca
SO hard i will pray for you sis!
Also the part where you see me clinging to others is an embarrassment to me becasue you see it via internet and dont see me interact or face to face.. so i am very convicted yikes~! Thanks though it is making me more cautious!
Meg, wow..so sorry! Didn’t mean to embarrass you. I need to be more careful of what I say-I am learning too. :) I recall when you shared with us that this was a struggle for you so that is where I ‘saw’ it-not via online interactions so take courage you don’t need to be embarrassed. ;) What is encouraging to me is I have been praying for you in this area and have been encouraged by your growth! Oh how we need His grace!
No need to be sorry Rebecca! I do see it a little bit on here by asking for prayer alot.. I am getting better..
Although i met a new friend a few months ago.. and was clinging to her via facebook and texting.. and still doing facebook alot.. The relationship is getting better Praise The Lord.. but she cares so much for me and loves me so much and that “draws me” please pray for this relationship its not her at all its me. Pray that i would go to the word, music and to Jesus first before i go to her. Love you sis!
I will pray for you, Meg.
Meg,
I dont know how much your mom gets into the teachings of the Catholic church, but the reason she may really feel, truly obligated, to go to Mass on Christmas is that it is considered a holy day of obligation, and going to another church wouldn’t “count” to fulfill that obligation, because she wouldn’t be participating in the sacrament of the Eucharist; where Catholics believe the bread and wine literally becomes the body and blood of Jesus, after the priest prays over it. Grace is dispensed to the person as they participate in the sacrament.
I don’t know if, after some conversation with your mom, if you would be willing to attend Mass with her some time, that then she would be willing to attend church with you another time.
Susan
That has been my thinking if I go to church with her when she goes which is easter and christmas then she will go with me at other times and have done that in the past.. But this year my christian friends invited me to their church and my mom didnt even say anything to me about church until i was leaving out the door at 10 am friday and i said i already had plans… and she was going to go with me to Christmas Eve service but i didnt end up going cause my friends church ran over and then we were having a converstaion about my mom and then were giving me some good advice and I KNOW my friend prayed for me cause i had complete peace not even 5 min after i walked into my house. I grew up Catholic so I know their rituals and i dont feel comfortable there but then again i am sure my mom doesnt feel comfortable at my church either!
2. Read through the above verses that are captions below the pictures. If one quickens you, camp there, and tell us what you see. Ponder, ponder — for He’s speaking to you!
Oh yes, I am camping here: “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” I am pondering or wondering if at this time Mary was needing encouragement from God. Mary was facing some overwhelming challenges ahead-how was she to explain this to her family let alone her community. She knew Elizabeth had a miracle in her womb with John and went to her, and then WOW..Elizabeth didn’t know what Mary knew but as soon as she sees her the Holy Spirit came upon her and she prophesied-God revealed this to Elizabeth and Mary knew it was God and she fell down and worshiped Him. I think Mary felt so loved, so cared for by God. God didn’t just choose her and leave her to flail. Yes it was hard, but He greatly encouraged her in this encounter and SHE RECEIVED IT IMMEDIATELY because of the abandonment or state of her heart toward God. I can’t get over how God powerfully showed Himself to Mary over and over again with such overwhelming love to encourage her. He took care of her through this, even giving Joseph a dream so that Mary would have human hands to love, encourage and protect her and God in her womb. I am rambling-sorry. :)
This is a lot to digest for me-Mary’s responses were always filled with abandonment to God-with praise-her heart was abandoned to Him. She didn’t pull back, she pressed closer in. How I want her heart! In this encounter with Elizabeth she didn’t question it-it was from God. Do I listen to encouragement from others-do I see the hand of God-God With us-in others, in sermons-speaking to my soul, encouraging me and when I do, do I fall down and worship inside.
Hold it-stop..I wish I could erase this and start over. O.k. so I am in the shower and was pondering on this-I wonder if Mary rushed straight to Elizabeth due to her wonder, her awe. I don’t think she was thinking about what others would think yet. To go that far in a hurry-yet when she got there to again be confirmed by God through Elizabeth most likely made her crumble inside and fall on her knees once again in worship.
Then I went to this one: “They went with haste and found Mary, and Joseph, and the baby…But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” -She birthed and could kiss, cuddle and touch the face of God-Again, her mind in worship-in awe..wow..
I think this was so immense, she was humbled and the only thing she could do was to continue to abandon herself and fall on her face in worship. So again, I ask myself how often I fail to reflect on the Gospel-to let it sear my soul and cause me to further abandon myself to Him as His light helps me to overcome the power of sin in my life, helping me to grow and worship Him.
3. Name one memory from Christmas Eve or Christmas Day of 2011. Why do you want to remember it?
When we ate dinner Christmas Eve and as we were re-directing the boys off of the wonder of gifts to the wonder of Jesus. ;) My husband was telling of Jesus’ birth, his life and dying on the cross and hadn’t gotten to the resurrection and my 7 year old exclaimed-”But he didn’t just die! He rose from the dead-He is God With Us! He did this so we could live forever with Him!” My mouth dropped open inside, yet my youngest tends to blurt out pretty profound things every now and then and I think-WOW! Thank you God that you are really moving in His little heart-giving him understanding! NOW, if we could just get to the point where he applies this to his life-he is my ornery, Sanguine youngest one-always testing boundaries with his older brothers and with us-yet is a goody two shoes at school-Oh my. ;-)
love that Rebecca! Hold onto that–that’s a memory to treasure up in your heart :)
Elizabeth, Oh yes-indeed! I am pondering God’s incredible love and how He moves- I hate it when I miss it though! So glad I have this to treasure!
Love the memory and the mother’s comment at the close…
3. Name one memory from Christmas Eve or Christmas Day of 2011. Why do you want to remember it?
I think my favorite is the 4 of us cuddled on the couch watching the children’s version of the Story of Jesus (sorry–I kept referring to it as the Jesus of Nazereth, which I do love—but this was actually a child’s version of the Jesus Story—from the Jesus film project). The kids have heard all of these stories read, and have seen some good animated movie versions, but to see real people acting out the stories—I have honestly never seen them so mesmerized. A full hour and no one squirmed, talked, got up to go to the bathroom…all of this a true first for mine! My husband and I kept elbowing each other as we watched our kids faces just glued to the scenes and beaming at every miracle.
The other would be my husband drawing (more on that in the next questions!)
Sorry to post so much at once–I had some unexpected time and took advantage of it!
4.Challenge question: The wisemen brought three gifts. What was each and how did each foretell something about Jesus?
gold-symbol of His Kingship
frankincense –Incense, valuable perfume used as a sacrifice—showing His deity
myrrh-annointing oil used in burial, pointing to His mortal-ness, His death
5. What was one of the most thoughtful gifts you received this Christmas and what do you learn about expressing love through gifts from that giver?
I honestly have a harder time receiving than giving—I’m hard to buy for too because I’m always stressing that I don’t want anyone to buy me anything, don’t want more “stuff”, it’s actually true—though I love to spend on experiences. But my husband took the kids this year to a pottery studio and had them paint me a vase and coffee mug—and those I treasure, also his thoughtfulness is planning it.
Wanted to share this too—on the drive home from school one day, my 8 yr old daughter had been talking about this “really fancy” beaded book mark she saw at the book fair. I had told her it cost too much & wasn’t worth it. A few days later I noticed my 5 yr old son pulling out the beads and string we keep in the craft closet, and he asked if he could make his sister that “fancy beaded bookmark”. Well, she opened it Christmas morning and said “it’s exactly what I wanted!’ It was a sweet moment—and I learned both from my son—the gift of listening—and my daughter-the gift it is to the giver when we receive with joy.
6. What was the most thoughtful gift you gave, and did it provoke the response you hoped for?
I’ve known my husband for a long time and for as long as I can remember, he has drawn little pictures on scraps of paper—they’re good—but he doesn’t think so. This year I found a little wooden box at the hobby store and filled it with high quality drawing pencils & tools, and a quality sketch pad. He opened it and said “but I’m not any good at this, I wouldn’t know what to do…” but he IS gifted, and it will be fun to watch him soar. He ended up spending hours drawing yesterday and gave me a sketch of tulips I call frame-able. He’s told me several times it was his favorite gift he’s had in years, but the best was when I overheard him telling his mom about it on the phone.
We also pared down quite a bit this year on gifts and have made a new tradition of letting the kids “shop” through the World Vision, Compassion and Samaritan’s Purse catalog for things like goats, chickens, fresh water—they love that. I never feel more blessed than when we gave give to these and other ministries that are truly preaching and living the Gospel.
How might you improve in this area?
I think listening is always key, a generous heart, and for me who is pretty innately careful with money, to not being TOO practical! And I’ll add that I could work on receiving–I don’t mean to rob others of that joy, I just struggle with more “stuff”…and can never think of something I really want.
I love these stories of your children — your son is so dear! Wow. And your daughter did so well responding — I feared his bookmark might not be as pretty as the one she wanted, but if not, she didn’t show it!
And I love the story of your husband.
We had a pastor once who said (and I think pastors get a lot of crazy gifts and cast offs) that whatever he received he received with thanksgiving and joy even if he had to bury it in the backyard. :-)
I can say this without any pride, it’s just the way he’s made, but there has always been “something” about my son–while he’s as wild as a 5 yr old boy can be, his heart amazes me–God seems to use him almost daily to teach me. And you’re right, I was shocked by my daughter’s response–not at all her norm, but I’m glad you reminded me of that, I can be so hard on her and she did respond sweet :)
I loved the story about your husband Elizabeth and your son and daughter-such warm memories to hold! It seems to me that is exactly what your husband wanted-you really paid attention, and loved as Dee mentioned above about giving. I get convicted, and sharpened by you-you are an awesome mom and wife! :)
oh, thank you for your encouragement Rebecca–but had you heard me today you might have thought I have a split personality ;0
Seemed like all our tiredness crashed and clashed today, I went into drill-sergeant mom mode and no one in my path was safe! My son asked if we could re-start the advent calendar and re-do Christmas and I thought, he probably wants to go back in time when his mom was sweeter ;)
Ah, but for the grace of God go I!
Elizabeth, Oh, I can relate. I can be that way too and so need His grace every day, especially now that I am at the precipice of going through ‘the change’ with four boys ages 12-7. Yikes! :)
Oh — restart the Advent calendar.
Sweet, sweet.
I remember feeling that way as a child.
2. Read through the above verses that are captions below the pictures. If one quickens you, camp there and tell us what you see. Ponder, ponder – for He’s speaking to you!
BEHOLD, I AM THE SERVANT OF THE LORD, LET IT BE TO ME ACCORDING TO THY WORD.
The picture that goes with this is beautiful, too, with Mary assuming a posture of humility. But it strikes me that these words, “I AM the servant of the Lord…” tells us that this was not a new idea to Mary, like a decision she made at that moment. No, this was who she was raised and trained by her parents to be, this is who she considered herself to be, a servant of the Lord. “I AM” – this is her identity. She had found her identity in who she was in relation to her God.
Humorously, it makes me think of all those dating ads….”I AM 5’10″….I AM a lawyer….I AM an outdoor person, a music lover, an animal lover, a health-nut, whatever…..”
What kind of statement would this be today?! To be able to say, “I am the servant of the Lord.”
LOVE your insight here Susan. I was camping on this verse too, but I love how you said “I AM” meant it was Mary’s identity, not a spur of the moment decision. I am the Lord’s servant. Oh, I long to mean those words more and more, so often I could say I am my family’s servant, or even my OWN servant in that I serve myself, but to truly recognize my place, my identity, my calling, as the Lord’s servant…be it as You say, Lord.
What I wanted to say also but couldn’t figure out how to say was the way God spoke to me this Christmas-it was strange! I pondered and rejoiced-God with us, yet strangely at the same time it was like a circle-something inside made my heart ached-a sadness-the darkness of the world hit me too-even the darkness of my flesh and I felt unworthy, yet rejoiced in wonder of His choosing me and Him becoming vulnerable for me, yet felt the sting of sin still-my aunt dying, how the world rejects him-even at Christmas-I couldn’t watch t.v., and others I know who are missing loved ones at Christmas, yet that is the whole dynamic when heaven fused with dark Earth at the incarnation, and with Jesus first tasting bitter Earth.
There is such joy knowing that when we are with Him our time on Earth will be like one bad night in a raunchy hotel-all because of Him-darkness did not overcome the light!
My hope is in Him-and one day all men will fall down on their face and worship Him: “The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.” Isaiah 40:5
For the first time at Christmas-I pondered on the fusing of heaven and Earth-although it was a quiet pondering. It was strange aching inside, yet at the same time rejoicing. :)
2. Read through the above verses that are captions below the pictures. If one quickens you, camp there, and tell us what you see. Ponder, ponder — for He’s speaking to you! LOVE Mary kissing baby Jesus. I cannot even imagine what it would be like to birth and given the task of raising the Savior of the world. Parenting is hard enough with regular kids but the pressure of the Savior…Would she hold Him extra tight so she would not drop him? Amazing as she watched Him grow. My pastor said when we birthed our children we probably did not say what were you born to do, instead we probably pondered what they would be like but Mary knew what her son came to do. And she pondered every bit of it in her heart from the first visitation on. It is all just so amazing.
3. Name one memory from Christmas Eve or Christmas Day of 2011. Why do you want to remember it? I was having a hard time with this until I read Elizabeths. Then I remembered my engagement was on Christmas eve too! The whole family was involved. We were really young. I was 18. He was 20. He asked my Dad earlier. Hid it as an ornament on the tree and the very last present was me trying to find it. I had a really hard time…Never been a good finder. A snake could have been there and bit me! :) Then he got down on one knee and asked. I said yes and the rest is history. All was on video. It was a fun moment to share with everyone. He thought really hard and got help to set it up because he is not real creative by nature. I appreciated that because I like creativity. :)
Now that’s a romantic proposal!
Favorite non-spiritual Christmas movie ” Its a Wonderful Life”…love Jimmy Stewart!
Favorite part was the dance at the gym and how the floor started opening, everybody starts to move back, George & Mary are the only ones oblivious to it, they think everybody stops because they are such great dancers ( lol); the message of George’s life was perfect.
All time favorite Christmas story, and in a sense it can be spiritual ” Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol”.
Dickens is my favorite 19th century writer, first published in 1843, this story never ages.
I like the oldest version, 1938. Lionel Barrymore was set to play Scrooge but had to back out due to illness and suggested the actor and friend, Reginald Owen.
Here is why I like this version, very little of Dicken’s story gets changed, and because the message is so strong that you don’t need a fancy / technical back drop to keep the interest of the audience.
This a man who lived his whole life in bitterness over his sad childhood, adulthood; making himself morally bankrupt over financial prosperity; shows no compassion for his fellow human beings.
But, he is given a second chance on Christmas eve to reflect on his past, present and future where all those experiances he is allowed to see in a different light, ( just like George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life); he has a transformation of the heart.
I love the fact they sing actual Christmas Carols where the name of Christ and His birth are not edited out!
The Christian story is told in this classic; second chances as well as redemption.
I like those carols in A Wonderful Life too — same reaction!
1. What’s your favorite Christmas movie and why? (I’ve already told you my spiritual favorite, but I also love Elf and love watching it with my daughter-in-law who laughs through it all every time. I have a son who wouldn’t watch it because it wasn’t spiritual and we made him, and he rolled on the floor with laughter.)
My favorite Christmas movie is White Christmas. I love the innocence of the time; when bing and rosemary could sing a song like “Counting Your Blessings.” I love that people dressed up and enjoyed others’ company. Of course I love the dancing; it’s phenomonal…..and the singing…..wow. I wish life was the way it was back then.
I love the singing & dancing in White Christmas too, you can’t “not smile” watching the classics! Reminds me too, my favorite non-spiritual Christmas song is probably Frank Sinatra’s “The Christmas Waltz”–I never tire of that song (my family probably does with me around, though!)
My favorite Christmas movie is A Christmas Story. I like the way it depicts the ups and downs of childhood and how everyone in the family accepts each other’s quirkiness without fighting. And there’s no sappiness.
The caption that caught my attention was: Behold, I am the servant of the Lord, let it be to me according to thy word. I need to let God do His work and not try to analyze everything.
My favorite memory from this Christmas was having my husbands side of the family over for dinner and EVERYONE play the game afterward (except the toddlers and my husband’s 93 year old grandma). There was so much fun and laughter. A lot of comments and pictures went up on Facebook afterwards.
Sounds wonderful — the memory. That is the best.
My favorite christmas movie is a Hallmark movie, called “A dog named Christmas” It is about a special needs boy that is so loving and he wants a dog so bad, but obeys his father when he says he has to take it to the shelter, the day after christmas. But the ending is so sweet. It’s not really a spiritual movie, tho. I can’t think of a spirual movie that I’ve seen lately. I could never bring myself to see “Jesus of Nazareth”, because I didn’t think I could bear to watch the crusifiction:(
We were so busy having two christmas’s and running to Dennis and Mary Kay’s three night’s in a row, because Dennis wanted us there each time for support. First to help him get through Christmas and tonight because all the kids were gone and he was alone (except the caregiver) and very depressed. Holiday’s are so hard for him, especially Christmas as it was Mary Kay’s favorite holiday and she would go all out with decoration’s and gifts. She is there, but only in body…so stiff all over and can’t move, eat, talk or anything. I take turns sitting beside her while Dennis hides from her when he eat’s, as he doesn’t want to eat in front of her. It’s so hard to see them like this.
At home my husband always wants to know what I want and gets me the exact perfume, snow boots and a Kindle Fire:) At least I get what I want, but it’s not much fun, because nothing is a surprise! I love surprise’s and never tell him what he is getting, but I pay attention all year and get what he likes! He is always surprised and says “How did you know that’s what I wanted!” Ha Ha!…it’s called listening and remembering! He is always amazed!! Men!!
My son comes over Christmas morning and the four of us have our own little Christmas with Kendra and him, as he is the only one alone, that has no partner. We have breakfast and open presents. Kendra is the center of attention of course and get’s most the presents, because she is like a child in a grown body and she makes it so much fun with her excitement! My son helps her open and put things together or put batteries in or whatever needs done, so it’s nice to just sit back and take pictures and laugh at them! My son, Trevor is usually broke, but he get’s several gifts, and he usually never buy’s us any, but this year he must of talked to my husband and Trevor got me a case for my Kindle! What a nice surprise that was! Trevor is such a wonderful son and takes such loving care and patience with Kendra. Trevor knows the Lord, but doesn’t attend a church.
Then My daughter and her husband, in San diego mailed each of us four a gift, which is fun, then we call each other and say our thanks and send our love. I haven’t seen her for 2 years and it will be much longer before I will, probly. Kyla always knows what to get too and surprises us too!
We had out Christmas with my husband’s two grown kids and their kids and Trevor comes over and is in the drawing of gifts too and a meal, so it gets to be alot when our kids come from divorced parents and they have to spend time with their other parent too. But the Lord blesses us so very much. We have so much to be thankful for. Hoping you all had a wonderful, Spiritually filled Christmas.
I am praying for all of you:)
It’s called “listening and remembering.” :-)
Right!
Challenge question: The wisemen brought three gifts. What was each and how did each foretell something about Jesus?
Gold: Jesus is the King-His Kingship.
Frankincense: Jesus is God-God with Us.
Myrrh: The bitterness that Jesus would taste for us-His death on the cross.
5. What was one of the most thoughtful gifts you received this Christmas and what do you learn about expressing love through gifts from that giver?
I will have to admit-gift giving isn’t my love language I guess. I can go either way as far as getting or not getting gifts for Christmas or my birthday although I am not a stickler about it-I just don’t think about it much for myself. Yet, I have seen how my lack of reaction is selfish toward the giver. It’s not about the gift as much as it is about the giver’s loving actions toward me and to respond in love is SO important, yet I have missed the mark. I have two dear friends whose love language are gifts and they LOVE to give, unexpected cards in the mail mean SO MUCH to them, they always give very ‘perceptive’ gifts. I am not bent that way as my giving is done in a different way-via relationships more so than giving ‘things’ so I am not good at giving gifts, or sending thoughtful cards, but God has been changing me this past year! There is hope for me yet! ;) I sent a card to a sweet friend who is a giver as I knew just sending her a card telling her I am thinking about her would totally make her day-and it did! I am more conscientious about that now, but still have a ways to go and by His grace I know He will change me in time.
5. What was one of the most thoughtful gifts you received this Christmas and what do you learn about expressing love through gifts from that giver? I believe that it was a glasses case that my friend made it she knitted it for me and it was so precious to me becuase she took the TIME to make it for me.. and thought about me which was very sweet. and a few years ago maybe even longer i felt i had to give gifts to everyone that gave one to me.. but not anymore.. I do Love to give gifts though it is my love language … I always listen/watch to see if people say what they want or need and it doesnt neccesarily have to be Christmas.. If i see something in there house that i see that they need or whatever i will go out and buy it for them.
Just a few weeks ago I was feeling bad becuase one of my friends needed a new bible and she didnt have the money for it and i was going to buy her one but i was waiting for the money to buy one.. well my other friend beat me to it.. and I was happy in a way.. but in another way i was waiting to get that “special bible” for my friend. oh well.
6. What was the most thoughtful gift you gave, and did it provoke the response you hoped for? I make the “no sew” fleece blankets and made one for my friend this Christmas and she LOVED it. One year i heard my friend wanting a I pod shuffle and i went out and bought her one for Christmas She Loved it too!
How might you improve in this area? To not feel like I “have” to give a christmas present or a birthday present.. but i feel like i will lose their friendship if i dont.. especially my new friend her love language is gifts as well.. I have gotten better at it.. But still not there!
6. What was the most thoughtful gift you gave, and did it provoke the response you hoped for?
O.K. Dee, I thought this week would be less convicting! ;) Well, here we go again..me thinking this would be a breeze and now I am getting convicted all over the place-God is peeling off another layer-SO GOOD THOUGH! ;~)
I gave a gift card to a shop my sister in law has said before that she loves. I listened and remembered, yet I forgot a very important part-she prefers actual gifts, not gift cards. So does her children and I gave gift cards to them too. Their response wasn’t that great but I didn’t notice it until I thought about it just now. Oh my, I’m a mess! ;)
How might you improve in this area?
Well, to put it bluntly, it is selfishness with my time, I need to listen, remember, and then sacrifice my time to spend getting it. Just because gifts aren’t important to me doesn’t mean they aren’t to someone else-OUCH! It is truly loving someone to go out of your comfort zone for them.
Ladies,
Please pray for my friends Rosa and Dana Gray.. they had a house fire yesterday afternoon and lost their house and everthing :( I am having a hard time with this for several reasons.. Why God.. You give and take away but blessed be your name.. But why did he allow this to happen.. they think it was hot ashes that started the fire.. my friend had brought them outside and then he brought them back inside a few days later.. but ashes can stay hot for days the firefighters said. But God still allowed this to happen? Everyone is ok… Praise the Lord. there were they have three boys and two of them were at home when the fire started. I am really sad our church has been through SO much this year.. 3 unexpected deaths and now this.. SO HARD.
Praying for them not Meg. I know these things are always hard and we cannot know the why most of the time. But trusting Him through them is key. Trusting He is good no matter what circumstances come our way. Knowing He loves us and anything He allows is for ultimate good. However, it is so hard to see it in the moments. Maybe looking back we get a chance to see. Now the body of Christ has an opportunity to show them love and they will get to see God in a more intimate way as the Provider. I am so thankful they were all safe. I am just so very sorry. Praying.
5. What was one of the most thoughtful gifts you received this Christmas and what do you learn about expressing love through gifts from that giver? I don’t know if I received a thoughtful gift this year but my daughters did great doing this with one another. My youngest who has autism has the sweetest heart. She takes note of my oldest and how her hair is tangly and hard to comb. So she wrapped a special brush I bought her that has a special squishy handle to help your hand. My youngest gave her brush to the oldest! Too sweet but hilarious. I have to teach you cannot gift brushes. But later. The oldest just accepted it graciously and said thankyou for thinking of me. :) So sweet. We could not laugh that hard or she would think we were making fun of her.
6. What was the most thoughtful gift you gave, and did it provoke the response you hoped for? For the children. I know them and what they really want. I listen and study them. I gave them exactly what they wanted and the response was great. My youngest has not stopped thanking me even til this day. :) She said, you really know me mom. I love that.
How might you improve in this area? I can always pay better attention. We are going to Disney and part of the gift was money for that time for them to spend. We got some stocking stuffers that were disney themed. My oldest does not like princesses anymore and I did not know it. :( I need to keep studying and listening. One thing I wish my husband would do better with us all. He is trying too.
7. What are some of the most efficacious ways to articulate thanks for gifts given — to people, and to God? Just to really show a happy heart of appreciation by telling them. Responding in love to them for what they have done. Being grateful and thankful.
I love the story of the gift of the brush. So sweet and thoughtful. And funny! How old is your youngest daughter?
8 but she is the one with aspergers. So she is younger maturity wise. :)
I am loving these stories.
I smile too as the women who express that they wish their husbands would get it better with gift-giving.
I must tell you about Steve, for he excelled in so many ways, but not usually in this one. He gave the same gift to everyone — from my ninety-two year old mother to his two year old grand-daughter. That’s not easy to do, and it became a family joke. He would go into a store, like Hallmark, and buy twenty photo albums, ask them to gift wrap them all, and then tell us his shopping was done. He had done it in ten minutes! He defended himself, saying it had actually taken much more time to think of the right gift for all, but then we would get hysterical because it really didn’t work for all!
ha ha ha that is a sweet memory! Those are good skills making a gift work for that age range. ;) Love it!
lol! Loved this story of Steve- this endears him even more to me. :) I can relate to him which may not be good for a girl since shopping is supposed to be a girl thing! :)
I love this story of Dr. Brestin, Dee. Sweet memory.
How sweet a memorie!! And funny!!
2. Read through the above verses that are captions below the pictures. If one quickens you, camp there, and tell us what you see. Ponder, ponder — for He’s speaking to you!
Mary’s Song
46 And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
This verse really speaks to me this week. After her original questioning, she accepts her dilemma with grace and faith that God knows the whole plan and will take care of her no matter what. That faith is what I want to always have in my life.
3. Name one memory from Christmas Eve or Christmas Day of 2011. Why do you want to remember it?
We spent the day with 2 other families who don’t have family near either. My dance group danced to “Mary Did You Know” at the service that night and it was beautiful. In fact, the ladies in the group put the dance together in just a few weeks and choreographed most of it as well! That was amazing.
I want to remember the peace and calm of the evening.
Any chance that was video-taped and you could put it on You-tube for us?
I will check it out…..not sure if anyone got it on film :) the reason I cherish it is because these ladies aren’t necessarily dancers, but have come to me to be involved in church with dance. I have prayed for 9 years for my own “seasoned” (in scripture) group and finally found a church where people were blessed by dance. God answered my prayer! They are so excited that sometimes I’m the one who is telling them I can’t do something because of time! They push me :)
We danced at Thanksgiving and church members were so blessed that they asked us to dance at Christmas. The group likes plenty of practice though, and 3 weeks didn’t seem like enough, but they agreed to several practices and everyone helped with the choreography! I didnt do it all and that was good :) I am proud of them and pleased to be part of the group.
Sorry for the long explanation!
Laura-dancer, yes could you? Would love to see it.
I just found this on the Gospel Coalition Blog, called “A Prayer for the Day After Christmas” by Scotty Smith–I thought it was encouraging:
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/scottysmith/2011/12/26/a-prayer-for-the-day-after-christmas/
Thanks for sharing this, Elizabeth. It is a good reminder that Christmas is not about perfection or hype, but about what Jesus did for us, in spite of our pain and humanness.
Elizabeth, So good, loved this: “The gospel isn’t about denial but is about learning to delight in you, no matter what’s going on.” :) Yes.
Elizabeth, this stood out to me: For even our best days are in need of the gospel, and none of our worst days are beyond the reach of the gospel. We always have more of your grace than we’re aware of and we need more than we realize.
Thank you!
Read it — it was good! Thanks. Now — to communicate that to your son! :-)
I agreed to let him keep his fisher-price nativity set in his room all year–he’s thrilled! I’m thinking maybe I ought to do the same with this tiny little porcelain nativity I have–might be a good reminder on my desk ;)
I am just stopping in to say hello and to wish all of you a belated Merry Christmas.
I have been struggling but persevering. I have felt the need to be quiet but I have been lurking and reading since the email (thank you) from you Dee, I watched the Tree Of Life movie (very hard for me, but good).
I wanted to say that I so appreciate your kind attention to us, your flock, Dee. You truly do “feed the sheep” He must be well pleased with you.
Bill and I are planning to go to a grief councelor soon, it is so very hard to contemplate opening up our wounds.
Thank you all for praying, and for being His hands and feet.
Love,
Chris
oh Chris, I felt so much emotion just seeing your name pop up! You were on my heart yesterday and I prayed for your Christmas, so thankful to hear from you. You are loved and prayed for here.
Chris, it is so so good to hear from you. I often think about you and pray for you. Our hearts here are with you sister and we will continue to hold you and Bill up in prayer. So glad you stopped in to say hello!
Chris,
Thank you for “dropping in” to say hello to us. I, too, think of you and wonder how you and your family are. I will pray for you and Bill going to the grief counselor. I’m sure this time of year is especially hard for you.
Love to you, Chris.
So good to hear from you Chris and to have you lurking! We’re glad.
It took me two years to go to a grief counselor and I wish I had gone sooner. I’m so glad you are going. Yes, opening wounds is hard, but leads to healing.
I thought of you so with that movie — and I’m sure it was hard. I am glad it was also good.
Father,
I pray for wisdom for this grief counselor, for healing to flow through You. Thank You for Chris and Bill and please minister to them in this time of such need.
In Jesus Name
In Jesus name I pray this also for you and Bill, Chris.
1. What’s your favorite Christmas movie and why? I am probably in trouble here but I don’t really watch any Christmas movies. I’m not sure why they hold so little appeal. My husband mentioned one and all I could think was ick!
I remember one as a child that stayed with me but I don’t know the name of it. The story was based on a poor husband and wife at Christmastime. He sold his watch to give her a hair comb for her long beautiful hair while she sold her hair to buy him a chain for his watch. I dreamed of having a love like this. I also loved one Christmas episode of Little House On The Prairie where Laura sold her pony in order to buy her mother a stove. This one stood out to me because of Laura’s unconditional love. She gave her all.
2. Read through the above verses that are captions below the pictures. If one quickens you, camp there, and tell us what you see. Ponder, ponder — for He’s speaking to you!
“My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” This seems really special I think because of the gift I gave prior to Christmas. I felt exactly this way when I obeyed the Lord wrote the letter and sent the gift. I couldn’t put it into words until I read this.
6. What was the most thoughtful gift you gave, and did it provoke the response you hoped for?
How might you improve in this area? I gave a gift of time. I called my mom and invited her to church with us for a special presentation. I felt like the Lord was all over this gift, so to speak. Her response was great-she was really blessed. I will continue to reach out to her more and more.
3. Name one memory from Christmas Eve or Christmas Day of 2011. Why do you want to remember it?
Overall it was a very special day for me b/c I kept focusing on Him. His presence was so near whether I was in a store and heard a favorite tune that brought tears or at church relishing the beautiful music and powerful worship. I know I will remember this Christmas for years to come b/c of being so in tune to Him.
5. What was one of the most thoughtful gifts you received this Christmas and what do you learn about expressing love through gifts from that giver? We weren’t going to exchange gifts this year but my husband did not like this plan and took me shopping, paid and even helped wrap gifts for the kids. My daughter in law and son bought me a beautiful antique frame from my favorite store-exactly the one I had my eye on! I learned that my daughter in law is very thoughtful of me and I felt richly blessed by her attention to what I like.
“I will remember this Christmas for years to come because of being so in tune to Him”
The best
3. Name one memory from Christmas Eve or Christmas Day of 2011. Why do you want to remember it?
Christmas Day at my mom and dad’s – looking over to see my dad sitting in his chair, and my son on the floor at his feet, listening attentively as I could hear snips of dad telling him stories about when he was a Seabee in the Navy in WWII.
Seeing my mom, standing in the hallway where the steps to the 2nd floor are, standing on the bottom landing so she could be as tall as my son, who was there with here, and watching them together, and mom giving him a hug.
Walking into the kitchen and dad was giving my oldest son a special Eisenhower silver dollar, for a special keepsake from him.
My mom, sisters, and me looking through this old piano sheet music that belonged to my great aunt Margaret and laughing at some of the songs – “Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition”!
These are the memories I love to take-in most of all – the interactions between us, the conversations, the hugs, grandparents enjoying their grandchildren….also I was taking in the memories of being in mom’s kitchen, the dining room, the so familiar rooms, smells, sounds, because their home is up for sale, and I wonder if this will be the very last Christmas at their home. Most likely, it was the last. This is the home that I lived in from 6mos until I was 25 and was married. When I pull in their driveway, I always feel like I’m coming home.
Painting the pictures for us makes them live for us — and for you. Lovely.
Susan, my dad was also a Seabee :) They are awesome men. i’m so glad you shared that.
Anne,
It always makes me sad to think of the day when there will be none of these great men left to tell the stories of the second World War. That’s neat your dad was a Seabee, too.
Susan, I agree, they are great men. It is a wonderful connection for us. My dad was not in WW2 but Korea and Viet Nam. He was an amazing man. He could do so many things. Improvisation is my understanding of what a SeaBee is and he could improvise so well. Did your father stay in after the war? Where was he stationed? We were at Davisville RI.
Oh Susan, I can so relate to your home being sold. When we lost our mom almost 3 years ago, her house, which we all grew up in and she lived in for 60 years, was sold. It had special memories in it of dad, as he was a beautiful furniture maker and all the shelves and kitchen cubboards and bathroom cubboards and even doors were made by him. These were things that stayed with the house. It was heartbreaking and I kept telling myself it is only material things, but they were memories of my home and parents :(
Wow Joyce,
To think your dad’s handiwork was literally in your home, things lovingly made by him….I know, we tell ourselves it’s only material things, and we’re not supposed to be too attached to them, but they give us such memories of people we love!
7. What are some of the most efficacious ways to articulate thanks for gifts given — to people, and to God?
To remember the gifts given to me by people are from God too. I think to sincerely offer that person praise and thanks by telling them how much it means to me in detail. You know, the gift may not be something that I really wanted but it means a lot to the person giving to see a sincere smile on my face. My problem really is that I have a hard time being phony-when it comes to material gifts I could live with or without them unless there is meaning attached to them. When I received a gift from a gal at work where she found a picture of all four of my boys on f.b. and printed it, then put it in a frame that says, “Boys will be boys”-my heart melted-I will treasure that gift. She also included some scented body soap and bath stuff because the frame didn’t cost much, but I didn’t even notice the lotions and still haven’t used them. I prefer gifts with meaning regardless of cost.
God is a supremely thoughtful giver and His gifts are ALL AROUND ME. My favorite gifts from God are art related-The beauty of His creation-to admire His handiwork. Just like I love to look at paintings and great photography and hear great classical music. It’s all from His hand given to us, and my heart rings out in praise and awe and thankfulness to God all at once. What is cool about God is he hears the hidden, so even if I am unable to articulate-He is pleased with my heart praise.
I wanted to edit this, but running out of time.
Susan painting pictures of Christmas 2011 memories inspires me to capture a few of my own:
When you are a widow, you don’t really want to be invited because someone doesn’t want you to be alone, you want to be invited because they want you. When my friends, the Longabaughs, heard I was “free” Christmas Eve they were so excited and insisted I go to church with them (we go to the same church) and then come home with them. The table was set with fine china, the candles lit, the conversation with them and their three impressive children who all have just left the nest but come home for Christmas, was rich. They let me lead in our tradition of reciting the prologue of John 1 — and then pausing at John 1:9
That was the true light which gives light to every man coming into the world
Each of us lit our candle from the large center candle and then shared how Jesus had been a light to our darkness in the last year, and the sharing was rich, with these fine children sharing how He had revealed sin in their lives and enabled them to turn…
Then two funny memories: Had two of the little girls together who were born the summer of 2010. It cracks me up how they walk around with a play cell phone or even a box cover about the size of a cell phone pressed to their ear, jabbering away, copying their mothers
I have so many children and grandchildren I often get confused in my gift giving. I so wanted Sally to have the book “Surprised at Oxford” that I gave it to her three times. She kept unwrapping the same book. At least she knows I really want her to read it!
Dee,
I can just see you sitting around that table with them! That’s a beautiful tradition they have!
Dee, WOW!!!!! Love this and love the candle tradition!
Loved the funny memories too-I would have died laughing opening up the same gift three times. ;-) That will be a sweet memory for your family.
Dee,
I keep coming back to this: “When you are a widow, you don’t really want to be invited because someone doesn’t want you to be alone, you want to be invited because they want you.” It thrills me to read how these friends of yours were so excited at the opportunity to share Christmas Eve with you – with YOU – JUST BECAUSE OF WHO YOU ARE AND NOTHING ELSE!
And what a reminder to all of us at how we approach the people in our lives – it should never be because we see them as a “project”, or so we can do a good deed, or because we feel sorry for them.
ha ha love this!! :)
LOVED these memories Dee–thank you so much for sharing! I can only imagine the gift it was to your friends to “get” to have you with them–I know I’d still be smiling if I were them! And the book for Sally–I laughed out loud, love that! Just shows how often you thought of her throughout the season ;)
How sweet, Dee!
Challenge Question: The wisemen brought three gifts. What was each and how did each foretell something about Jesus?
I just did a bit of reading about the gifts – they were gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
The gold signified a gift for a king – this child was the King of Kings
Frankincense was a gift for a priest – the ancient peoples burned incense because they believed it carried their prayers to heaven – Jesus is our great High Priest
Myrrh was used for medicinal purposes but made famous by the Egyptians who used it in embalming the dead – this burial ointment foretold that Jesus came to die, to be the Lamb of God. It was one of the burial spices used to prepare His body for burial.
Dee, I was moved and touched reading about the thoughtful gifts you received for Christmas and it struck me, as you wrote about Annie being the best gift-giver in the family because she “listens and watches and prays to do it well” – wow, I am convicted by that! It never occured to me to pray about choosing a gift for someone, but also, I can be so busy, that I don’t do much listening and watching. In fact, this year, I was at a total loss as to what to get for my two sons – they have “everything they need” and then some, and neither one would really give any suggestions, just kept saying “I don’t need anything”.
And this, “isn’t that what we all crave – someone who will pay attention”.
I loved reading how your sister sent you those pictures of you and Steve, how it melted you! That’s precious.
THANKS SUSAN.
I know I have learned so much by being a widow. I have had people over “so they wouldn’t be alone,” and that’s good, but I know not to express that now, even if that is what I think. I need to see people as Jesus does, and appreciate what they can bring, for each person is fearfully and wonderfully made, and brings something lovely. Thanks for seeing.
Dee, I’m keeping this–to be reminded of daily: “I need to see people as Jesus does, and appreciate what they can bring, for each person is fearfully and wonderfully made, and brings something lovely.”
Oh how that could impact how I respond in every relationship–including with my kids!
Savoring that thought also,Dee….Thanks.
8. I’m going to give you some familiar lines from carols and ask for your reflections.
A. For the hard times, for those of you who are persecuted in your families, for those of you with illness, and with heavy burdens — this from It Came Upon A Midnight Clear:
* I think even in the midst of suffering, by His Grace I can hear the angels sing. I think of how much richer my marriage could be if my husband didn’t have to work such long hours-it is a struggle for him and for us at times-yet Jesus has brought us joy in the midst-His word-He is the Word-He my home, my hope and the place I hide-it is like I am living in the future now in a sense. I think of the pain that comes with having a son with Autism-there are varying pains that come and go, yet in the midst Jesus is my hope. As a matter of fact this past week I went through a mini depression where the gravity of the reality of what my son bears was too much for me to fathom, and I realized again it may not change-like I hoped it would here on Earth. His lack of socialization skills, although not totally lacking it is enough where other boys don’t want to be around him; His stemming at home; Still no friends. Jesus comes to me like a warm blanket and a searing light into my darkness to both comfort me, yet expose my darkness of control, and so by His grace I yield to Him again and He brings me both peace and joy. He gives me His humble strength and compassion to pass on to my son in his times of loneliness, and reminds me again of the truth. There is more but I will spare you and stop here. :-)
My heart goes out to you Rebecca and I am sorry you were hurting. I love how Jesus came as a searing light into your darkness.
This ongoing pain is so hard, yet it is making you so lovely Rebecca, like the fire that removes dross. Your yielding is so good.
No need to spare us!
oh sweet friend, this is one of those times I so wish I could at least offer a hug. I am so sorry for the darkness you were feeling, I know our situations are different, but I do relate to the struggle of depression–so unwelcome. I am thankful for your faithful heart–for how you turn to Him with it all–praying this for you in those times “Look now, for glad and golden hours Come swiftly on the wing; Oh rest beside the weary road And hear the angels sing.”
Rebecca, I love this…..” I think of the pain that comes with having a son with Autism-there are varying pains that come and go, yet in the midst Jesus is my hope. As a matter of fact this past week I went through a mini depression where the gravity of the reality of what my son bears was too much for me to fathom, and I realized again it may not change-like I hoped it would here on Earth. His lack of socialization skills, although not totally lacking it is enough where other boys don’t want to be around him; His stemming at home; Still no friends. Jesus comes to me like a warm blanket and a searing light into my darkness to both comfort me, yet expose my darkness of control, and so by His grace I yield to Him again and He brings me both peace and joy. He gives me His humble strength and compassion to pass on to my son in his times of loneliness, and reminds me again of the truth”.
You blessed me by this..thinking of my daughter.
Rebecca, thank God we have Jesus to calm us. I love the analogy of the blanket. I have run to Him so many times over the past five years and am so glad He is there…..from Nancy Leigh Demoss’ podcasts to my friend Elaine who prayed with me often, to this website, I am covered with His blanket and feel calm in the uncertainty of the day. God loves Sarah even though she is not strong of mind. She is His to enjoy (just like the polar bears Elizabeth mentions in another post). It is not for me to decide, only for me to help her be the best “whatever” she can be in this life.
Dear Lord, please be with Rebecca today in her darkness. Help her remember that you love her and her family members just as they are because You made them (and her) with Your image. Even though life on this earth is difficult at times, Lord help her feel Your “blanket” at those times so she doesn’t dwell on the situation, but remembers that You have a plan. Thank you Lord that you gave us instinctive ways to calm ourselves. Thank you for others who are there for us when we can’t be there for ourselves. In Jesus’ name. Amen
Laura-dancer, You are such an awesome mom-when you said it is only for you to help Sarah be her best- so true. We have to let go, yet at the same time help them reach their potential-such a great reminder and encouragement to me! I love that we can relate in this-the uncertainty- and can encourage one another as well. Oh and I can also relate even to the times when it just gets plain old unnerving! ;)
I SO SO SO loved your prayer! Thanks!!
Thanks for sharing this, Rebecca. I will be praying for you. My daughter too struggles with her husband working long hours and three sometimes difficult little boys, plus financial hardship and depression.
Diane, wow..I will pray for your daughter too. I am sure there are a lot of us here who can relate! Have you though about perhaps having her come here and joining our study?
Actually, she was the original one who mentioned that Dee Brestin had a blog, knowing that I loved Dee’s book Friendships of Women. I have told her that I am doing the Bible Study blog with Dee and suggested she might be interested but it has to be up to her to join. I also mentioned how much I was enjoying the Dee Bible study to my daughter-in-law, who might check it out as well. She likes deeper Bible studies but does not spend much time on the computer. We’ll see!
Rebecca, I am reading notes on Hebrews 11 right now. I think your faith right now in the midst of this burden blesses Him so much. Perhaps the warmth you feel is His joy. Which one of your sons are you speaking of here? I want to pray for him.
Anne, I have kind of kept this to myself, but I was really disappointed when you said you may have to stop doing our study for a while. I so want you to stay but I want what God wants more for you so I trust you will listen to Him. Just wanted to let you know you are loved, and I secretly hope He has you stay! :-)
I was speaking of Isaac and SO appreciate your prayers! I will go to Hebrews 11-thanks!
C. Do you agree with this theology from Away in a Manger? Why or why not? What do your children think?
The little Lord Jesus no crying he makes..O.K. I just asked Jake, my 7 year old. He said, “I think he cried a little, but not a lot because He was the Word. I think he cried a lot on the cross, I mean they BEAT HIM! HE EVEN HAD THORNS PUT ON HIS HEAD!!” ;-) (He did actually say ‘He is the word’. I made him repeat that to make sure I heard that right. Loved that!)
I don’t think the theology in that song is accurate. I think Jesus cried-He is God in the flesh. He experienced everything we do and crying is part of being a baby. It is like saying he didn’t go to the bathroom, or when he walked his feet didn’t get dirty from the ground.
5. What was one of the most thoughtful gifts you received this Christmas and what do you learn about expressing love through gifts from that giver?
I really related to how Rebecca answered this one – my love language is also not gifts, it’s more when people spend time with me, I feel loved. So I can be reserved in my reaction to a gift, even if it is really wonderful, and I like how Rebecca expressed this in how a lack of reaction is selfish toward the giver. I need to improve in this area, too.
I think of my mom; to her, a thoughtful gift is a practical gift – she will ask, “What do you need”, be it socks, underwear, something for the kitchen…. This year, she asked me if I would like a pair of Clark’s shoes, which I do like their clog style shoes b/c they’re so comfortable. She asked me what color and size would I like. She got me the brown, size 7. I do like the shoes, and I know, for my mom, it makes her feel good to not be left to guessing what to get, she likes to know specifically. This is how my mom expresses love, she wants to be helpful in practical ways. The week before Christmas, when I was sick, she made us a wonderful dinner – meatloaf, potatoes, and sent them home with my son.
6. What was the most thoughtful gift you gave, and did it provoke the response you hoped for? How might you improve in this area?
Well, to my son who is very interested in current world events (he likes to read the Wall Street Journal and Newsweek), b/c he wants to be a petroleum engineer, I got him a subscription to The Oil and Gas Journal, which tells all the current happenings in the oil and gas industry all over the world. He seemed excited about it!
But, my best memory of a gift I gave was several years ago, I decided to purchase a Bible for my mom and dad. I chose the New Living Translation, a beautiful leather bound one, and had their names inscribed on the cover. I wrote them a letter about why I gave it to them, a little personal testimony from me, and how I hoped they would read it and come to know God through it. I went to their house the day before Christmas, and snuck it upstairs and placed it on their bed so they would find it that evening. I was so excited for them to see it. I prayed over that Bible that they would read it. I got a call from them that night, and they expressed a very positive response to my letter and the Bible.
Now, it took a few years before it was read, but when my dad became a Christian in June 2010, he began to read it. And he wrote his name and the date on the inside when he asked Jesus to be his Savior.
I do need to improve in this area, though, and I thought Joyce’s post above was so perfect, “I pay attention all year….it’s called listening and remembering!” So often, I have it in my mind what a person will like b/c it’s what I would like for myself.
I love the story of the Bible, Susan–and the shoes–my mom is the same way! I actually don’t like more “stuff” so practical always works for me–I remember trading in wedding gifts so I could get the vacuum I wanted!
Wow — love this Bible story.
Oh Susan, I thought the story about the bible you picked out for your parents and the letter was very thoughtful and a blessing to them. Don’t put yourself down…because to buy someone a gift that you would like yourself and not get it for you, is a very unselfish and thoughtful gift.
Two years before my mom died at 87, one of my brothers and his wife bought our mom a beautiful leather bound bible with her name on it for a christmas gift. I heard her oversay later that evening to someone…”What in the world would I want that for”? It hurt me to hear that, but before she died, she gave her heart to the Lord, on her death bed. Only God knows their destony, but I think your plan with the bible was so sweet.
B. For welcoming Him in on a regular basis, from O Little Town — think of it not just for the salvation from the penalty of sin but from the power of sin.
No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin
where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in
I can’t tell you how thankful I am for Him saving me from the penalty of sin, yet the real journey has just begun as far as intimacy with God. I am even more in awe of how He saves me from the power of sin every day, even in the seasons when I didn’t turn-he rescued me in various ways to open my eyes and to compel me to turn. Dee’s blog was a rescue from God, and also listening to Keller. God has given me some beautiful tools both in body signals pointing toward an idol, and in applying the Gospel to my darkness. I have noticed God is helping me to turn faster than I have in the past-so all praise be to Him.
5. What was one of the most thoughtful gifts you received this Christmas and what do you learn about expressing love through gifts from that giver?
I suppose the most thoughtful gift was from my daughter. She gave me a Christmas card. She couldn’t afford anything because she doesn’t have a job and wanted to give me something. It was sweet. I realize that gifts aren’t in themselves important; it is really the thought that is special.
6. What was the most thoughtful gift you gave, and did it provoke the response you hoped for?
I gave my secret Santa (at work) a daily gift for the week before Christmas. We fill out a paper with all our favorite things and I tried to make sure I got his everyday. I was surprised with a (genuine) hug at the breakfast where we all learn who our secret Santa is.
How might you improve in this area?
I should listen and pay more attention throughout the year.
7. What are some of the most efficacious ways to articulate thanks for gifts given — to people, and to God?
Writing a card of thanks, a hug, saying thank you, using the gift and acknowledging the use, a prayer, displaying the gift, or sharing the gift with the giver.
Challenge question on the gifts of the magi….I found this interesting website:
http://www.magi-gifts.com/significance.html
I learned that gold was fit for a king, frankincense was an oil used for soothing or burning (prayers to Heaven), and myrrh was used in embalming or an antiseptic for wounds.
I wondered (being silly) if Mary kept Jesus’ gifts as we keep our babies gifts; in a box or stored on a shelf until they have their own children and we “gift” them to them for their children? I wonder if Mary used the frankincense when Jesus was on the cross? Or, did she use the myrrh to sooth him? Why else would the magi give these particular gifts? Why not a parchment of pictures, or something to eat? Where did the gifts end up? Just thinking….
Very interesting. Frankincense used to treat depression. Thanks for sharing.
I think the thing for me with gifts is just being remembered, knowing I was thought about–that’s what I like about your story and the books for Sally–you sure thought about her a lot!
I don’t have a lot of sweet memories of Dad, but I do remember whenever I was sick, he’d bring me a cherry slurpee from 7 eleven, and from every business trip he’d bring something–always small, but it let me know he had thought of me when he wasn’t with me–my greatest pain from childhood stems back to often feeling “forgettable”, so the little gifts meant I had been remembered.
Elizabeth, that is such a sweet memory:)
7. What are some of the most efficacious ways to articulate thanks for gifts given — to people, and to God?
OK—just changed my answer because a light-bulb went on here for me! I gave my daughter my old favorite sweater for Christmas that had been washed and dried by my sweet husband (it was wool!) I’d had it in my closet a while, honestly thinking I may try to make a pillow from it!, but on Christmas Eve, I decided to throw it in a gift bag and add it to the gifts for my daughter. OK,this is the honest truth—it is still on her as I type. Going on day 4 of wearing the sweater every day since Christmas. Oh the joy I have in watching her enjoy it!
I was thinking how we give thanks with words, writing thank you notes, etc…but I love to send picture to the giver of my kids actually enjoying the gift. I love to see the recipient really enjoy a gift.
And so the light-bulb for me—is so does He. He loves to see us enjoy the gifts He’s given. My husband and I cracked up watching a Discovery channel clip on the most precious polar bear cubs the other day—and I thought, those bears out in the middle of no where, but God must enjoy watching how the play. And when He sees Rebecca sing, Laura dance, all of you so talented—using your gifts for Him, that so delights Him.
So for me, not a singer or dancer, but a daughter, a sister, wife, mom, friend…He has given me so much and I want to truly show Him my delight by enjoying the gifts, not just with my words, but my actions, my attitude, mood…my time.
Beautiful. Great idea to take a picture of one enjoying the gift.
And yes, everything — the steaming cup of coffee to clean sheets — to remember — to thank Him as we enjoy
Loved that, Elizabeth:) I’m not talented to sing or dance or do much of anything, either. I do have a passion to paint, like my mom and daughter….so beautifully and I use to, but have not been able to pick up a paintbrush since Kendra was born, almost 25 years ago:( But that is not what is important in becoming like Jesus.
Joyce, You are a gift, period! Love you, and have to say I can see how your precious heart must so delight God.
Thank you, Rebecca, but to me that discribes you!
8.
A. For the hard times, for those of you who are persecuted in your families, for those of you with illness, and with heavy burdens — this from It Came Upon A Midnight Clear:
As I read, I imagined the times I have felt the lowest, the bleakest, without hope. Then I got to “look now!” –and what strikes me is the action required of me in that moment—LOOK. I have to choose to look, to see Him, to see the Light, what He is doing, and to remember Who He is. He is always at work, always making things new.
B. For welcoming Him in on a regular basis, from O Little Town — think of it not just for the salvation from the penalty of sin but from the power of sin.
No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in
Daily, He enters in. When I’ve lost my patience, when I feel jealous of someone, when I feel bitter—He waits, quiet but always there, always willing to enter into my heart. And the humble heart, the meek heart, welcomes His indwelling. He enters in, Emmanuel.
C. Do you agree with this theology from Away in a Manger? Why or why not? What do your children think?
The little Lord Jesus no crying he makes
Hmm, that line has always bugged me—sorry, I’m just so black and white I guess! My thoughts–Christ entered into our suffering, He became man—fully able to have the feelings a newborn does—shock from being out of the womb, cold, hungry…I believe He cried.
D. After our studies, does this mean more to you? Explain, from O Come All Ye Faithful
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing
Wow—that was powerful! Yes, this has SO much more meaning. He is the Word—the innermost thoughts, the revelation, the identity of God, incarnate…now in flesh appearing.
E. Joy to the World is really a song of the second coming — what hope does it give you?
No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground
In the New Earth, there will no longer be sin and sorrow—He will cleanse all and make it new—and Joy will come to the world.
F. O Come O Come Emmanuel prays this line — did it happen for you with anyone this Advent?
Bid now our sad divisions cease, and be thou now our Prince of Peace
This was the most peace-filled Christmas we’ve ever had. I thought maybe the fewer gifts, or that I’d done it all way ahead of time, no family stress in town…but then my husband mentioned he felt it too and we agreed it was a gift, a gift of Peace. Also, I hadn’t mentioned it, but there had been some lingering resentment (on my part) with one of my sisters. We are states away from them, but we exchanged emails, and something I had needed to hear, or felt I did, was said, and I do feel a burden lifted.
Most of all, I am thankful that He came, and He is still here. And He enters into our heart, He indwells us.
G. From O Holy Night — He appeared and the soul felt its worth — Are you realizing this?
Wow, again, Dee—you are teaching me so much! It’s like when you had us go slowly through the Psalms…looking slowly at the hymns I see things I never have. He appeared, and the soul—the depths of me, of who He made me to be, feels His worth—His weightiness, His glory. When I stop and think, I feel silenced. Humbled.
It gladdens my soul to see the fruit of the Spirit happening in your Christmas, Elizabeth.
Ladies
I am needing help with number 7 and the questions on the music i have read some of your responses to see if that would help me understand them better but its not usually i can get an idea if i get some examples first.. Help please?
Meg, did you read Elizabeth’s examples above? Your posts may have come in at about the same time.
ELF. i watch it all throughout the Christmas season, I wrap my gifts to it, I cook to it, I love the sounds of it, I bet I “watched” it over 30 times this month but never really sat down and watched it…..
I did that a lot this year with a lot of things, I have got the sence of things but not the true meat of things.
I was a person in a Bethlaham Exp. welcoming over 2000 people to “Bethleham” as my big girls played different Mary’s and little ones were beggers…..but did I really SEE Jesus??????
I read the christmas story to my kids, read over 40 story books with Christmas themes, you know, crippled lamb, candy cane story, mortmer the mouse, Christmas tapastry, angel pig, christmas star, all the american girl christmas stories and all the little house ones…but did I really hear them????
I just could not get my spirit to slow down enough to really focus on Jesus this year, no matter how hard i tried, and now I am sad, I missed it!
My prayer for 2012 is that I will stop missing HIM as I try so hard to serve HIM….His presence is in our home but Im treating Him more like a chair or the Christmas tree or ELF, then I am the friend He wants to be.
Its as if I lit a candle of HIM (christmas cookie of course), I could smell Him in our home but I just could not pay attention to Him.
I have 2 memories from christmas that I will treasure. one was sitting with my kids and husband during both Christmas eve and Christmas morning services. having them all worshiping together. usually we are in different areas serving on sundays so it was a huge treat.
and the other one was that Lily really understood this year and was so excited about everything. we were woke up at 6 with 5 kids in our bed opening up their stockings:)
and my favorite gift was not even really a gift but it came on Christmas eve and I LOVE it. its a picture of our family. the sun is shining off the sand and it looks like our feet are glowing……beautiful are the feet that spread good news:) I will post a picture on my blog, since I could never explain it well. Paul also made me one of those picture books of our family that you can order from shutter fly.
My Abby got everyone such great gifts this year. it was a joy to watch her work so hard and spend it all on the people she loves.
Cyndi,
I love the “5 kids in our bed opening up their stockings” – how I remember those days…I remember crying to my dad when we moved my oldest out of his crib into his ‘big boy bed’ b/c “he’s growing up!”, and now he’s almost 21 – really, really grown up!
yes susan, one of those “kids” was my 6 foot 19 year old:) they grow up WAY to fast!!!
CYNDI — GIVE US YOUR BLOG POST AGAIN SO WE CAN SEE THAT PICTURE YOU DESCRIBE!
so sorry! its ferrellchinajourney.blogspot.com
and it is the second one down, i posted all my christmas eve failure to get a picture pictures after i put the one of the fireplace on.
Cyndi, LOVED looking at the pictures! You have such a beautiful family and I love the family picture on the beach! ;-)
Cyndi, I sure enjoyed your pics! The CHristmas eve ones were a blast :)
Cyndi, I love that picture of all of you, too. I saved it for me! I love to keep up on things happening in your’s and Angela’s lives on your blogs. They are wonderful…don’t know how both of you find time to do them!
….and yours too, Rebecca…I haven’t checked it for awhile…do you still have a blog?
6. I buy this loose leaf tea from a middle eastern market and mix 3 kinds to make a blend. i put it in jars for my friends who love my tea.
we got Luke creative suite for his computer so he could use his art again, and I got him and Paul paint. Paul loved the coloring book from the chicago art museum of tiffany windows…who knew:) I was going to give it to lily and when i was wrapping it he just LOVED it so I wrapped it for him instead, it was a $2 book but it was his favorite:) I also got him introverts in the church and a daily devo with little notes in it.
We got abby and ellie purity rings and they were there favorite gifts.
got emma a box of change and rolls…she just loves putting change in her change sorter:)
and Lily got special ear buds that stay in her ears so she doesn’t have to ask for help all the time.
I would like to pay attention better to Paul and do a better job with his gifts. this time i just got lucky:)
Cyndi, I enjoyed reading all about your christmas memories…you are a very special wife and mother to your family. They are so blessed to have you:)
Joyce, I so agree!
you are way to kind! I was in a mood yesterday and my friend took the little girls for 4 hours, that is how I actually got on the blog yesterday:) PMS and post christmas blues all wrapped into one day was not pretty!!!
I got that too!
B. For welcoming Him in on a regular basis, from O Little Town — think of it not just for the salvation from the penalty of sin but from the power of sin.
No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin
where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in
I love how Dee said, “welcoming Him in on a regular basis”-so true. In letting His light sear the dark places of sin in my life I have found freedom to bend back toward Him more often when I am tempted to sin like with control-yet when I do fail, He is faithful.
I have really found this part of my relationship with God to be the most precious, the most intimate times I have spent with Him. Last night I pleaded with him to give me a heart like Mary’s-I don’t even think I understand how ugly it can be inside-I don’t think I can fathom what God sees-both Jesus righteous robe around me, yet can see the dark places inside that need His invasion. He is still chiseling away-he is faithful.
Sometimes my sin causes me to forget my heart is His. It is like that video I made a while back with the picture of an angry girl with her hand up to her face blocking whomever she is blocking-contrast that picture with the quotes and pictures of Mary above-I believe both pictures represent the war within us as believers, yet Jesus has won and He can give us hearts of flesh- like Marys’, well, make us more like Him! :)
I have to be willing to yield, and control stops me from that so I want God to rip that weed out. I know he will and I am willing even if it is painful and I know it just might be, but I am reminding myself to keep my eyes on the prize of His upward call-to keep going deeper and higher in Him. OH OH…A great word picture i heard once was from Dee’s F.B. page from a friend of hers-I forgot who it was! She said it to encourage Dee when Dee was signed with Worthy. She said something like, “God is on the move and you are on His arm.” LOVED THAT-it is a phrase and picture I will remember.
Give us the link of the video you made with angry girl
I missed that encouragement from facebook — I’m overwhelmed by fb and rarely on!
Sure, Dee! Will do. It is the one I made for our first time doing The Stonecutter. I am not great at doing videos, and actually I don’t like it now. ;-) If I could re-do it I would add words and change up the pics: http://youtu.be/18-E8y8KjVs
Thanks for sharing this, Rebecca, as I had never seen it before. Such a profound song.
Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus ready stands to save you,
Full of pity, love and pow’r.
Refrain:
I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in His arms;
In the arms of my dear Savior,
Oh, there are ten thousand charms.
And that’s only the first verse and chorus.
I am very weary right now and struggling. It has been a busy week and no time to blog, or no inclination when the time was available. I so much need just to run to Jesus and have him take me in his arms. I feel so inadequate.
I had saved this in my favorite’s, it is so touching, Rebecca. Praying for you, Diane. .
D. After our studies, does this mean more to you? Explain, from O Come All Ye Faithful
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing
Oh yes it does! What impacted me is what He had to give up to be in the flesh-How in the O.T. they couldn’t look at His face or they would die, yet He made himself poor-He came in the flesh so we could look at His face and touch Him. He is the great I AM in the flesh-as Elizabeth put it so well: “He is the Word—the innermost thoughts, the revelation, the identity of God, incarnate…now in flesh appearing.”
E. Joy to the World is really a song of the second coming — what hope does it give you?
No more let sins and sorrows grow
nor thorns infest the ground
Oh this is my sustenance, my Hope in Him! This is what I need to remember when I struggle with sin and when I see my boys struggling with sin. There will be a new Earth where there will be no more sin.
F. O Come O Come Emmanuel prays this line — did it happen for you with anyone this Advent?
Bid now our sad divisions cease
and be thou now our Prince of Peace
I haven’t encountered any divisions with anyone, but struggled a bit wondering if God wants us to keep going to our church or not. The reasons aren’t that we have been hurt at all, or with expectations unmet-quite the contrary, it is an awesome church. I am just wondering if we are on the same page- focus wise. so we need to be praying and listening to God, yet He has brought peace in the midst as He reminds me of how precious my brothers and sisters are there, and they are-and that He is in control! I think we are going to be really listening to hear if they do have a focus of teaching with an emphasis on Jesus freeing us from the power of sin, not merely a sole focus on Jesus freeing us from the penalty of sin. I am not sure if it is balanced or not so I need to hear.
G. From O Holy Night — He appeared and the soul felt its worth — Are you realizing this?
Oh yes, I am seeing that God limiting himself to wrap Himself in flesh for me overwhelms me with His deep and passionate love for me that He would do this for me. My worth is in Him. As Elizabeth stated so well: “He appeared, and the soul—the depths of me, of who He made me to be, feels His worth—His weightiness, His glory. When I stop and think, I feel silenced. Humbled.”
7. What are some of the most efficacious ways to articulate thanks for gifts given – to people, and to God?
To people, writing thank you notes, wearing or using the gift you were given and letting that person see you doing so; when my kids made a gift at school for us and gave it to us, I would put it on display if it was a picture or an ornament. Expressing thanks to God in prayer, thanking Him for every good gift; not being wasteful of His gifts. Elizabeth helped me here, too, by saying God must enjoy watching us enjoy the gifts He’s given to us. Maybe that would include not feeling guilty about enjoying a gift He’s provided. Personally, I’ve always struggled with feeling guilty if I have been given a large gift of money; I feel guilty about having it or spending it on myself, like why do I deserve this when others have to scrape for every penny; I have a really hard time just enjoying it. My in-laws are very generous with money b/c they have a lot, and it always makes me feel uncomfortable.
Oh Susan, this is good-I so love your heart, and loved what Elizabeth said too about God enjoying watching us enjoy what He has given us.
You are right about thank you notes. I hate this about me, but I still don’t care either way about receiving thank you notes, but am learning that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t send them to others. ;-) I mean, God loves our thanks and praise and He is God! When we were married, I didn’t send thank you notes to those who gave us gifts. That is a HUGE no-no. There were so many and I was overwhelmed with a 13 year old step daughter and a new life in a new home, in a new city with my new husband-so much to adjust too and no time to write notes. An older lady at church brought it to my attention in a bit of a harsh way-she said, “Did you enjoy our gift?” I said, “oh yes!” she said, “Oh, I wouldn’t have known, we didn’t get a thank you note.” Oh my!! That was a hard lesson to learn, but she was right. I should have sent them. SO..I am learning-so thankful for His grace! :)
A. For the hard times, for those of you who are persecuted in your families, for those of you with illness, and with heavy burdens — this from It Came Upon A Midnight Clear:
And ye, beneath life’s crushing load, whose forms are bending low
who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow
look now! for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing.
O rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing.
This verse really resonates with me! It is so peaceful and gives hope to those who are sad.
Speaking of sad, we visited my husbands family over the holiday and his sister is not well. She is a teacher who is in an impossible situation with her classes; 32 in a class, only a short break during the day (these are middle school students), and to make matters worse, she teaches Spanish and some students don’t speak English! I don’t think anyone could be very successful in this situation, and she is beating herself up about it. She has taken time off and is trying to be ready to go back next week. She has taught in the district for 18 years and wants to make 20 for the pension, but I think they are trying to get rid of her. It is sad. Please pray for her health and for a new outlook on the job. Pray she is calm and finds the Lord in her situation. She is a believer but not practicing. Pray that she finds peace in the midst of chaos.
Father, I lift up Laura-dancer’s sister-in-law and ask that she find her strength in You, finds You, her Prince of Peace, and has Your wisdom for a new perspective
In Your Name I pray
Oh yes, how I pray this with Dee for her, Amen
7. What are some of the most efficacious ways to articulate thanks for gifts given – to people, and to God? Calling people and saying thank you. which i have a hard time doing.. writing a thank you note… using the gift and letting the person see that you are… I have a hard time with this because this can become an idol for me.. an example would be a few days ago my friend gave me a sweatshirt that she doesnt wear anymore and i have been sleeping with it since Monday night.. NOT A GOOD IDEA I KNOW!
Thanking God in prayer for the gifts that he has given us, and enjoying them.
8. I’m going to give you some familiar lines from carols and ask for your reflections.
A. For the hard times, for those of you who are persecuted in your families, for those of you with illness, and with heavy burdens — this from It Came Upon A Midnight Clear:
And ye, beneath life’s crushing load, whose forms are bending low
who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow
look now! for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing.
O rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing.
First of all this is one of my favorite Christmas songs! Remembering to sing this when i am feeling a heavy load and burdened and maybe even sharing it with friends when they are going through a hard time. I need to remember to keep my eyes focused on him as well. and to seek him… I also actaully get a picture with is as well.. I can picture myself on a country road.. walking painful steps and slow and stopping to rest to hear the angels sing!
B. For welcoming Him in on a regular basis, from O Little Town — think of it not just for the salvation from the penalty of sin but from the power of sin.
No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin
where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in
I am so thankful that i have been freed from sin by the power of Jesus.. and remember that we do live in a world of sin and darkness.. but Jesus Saves and came to save us! Me a sinner! Wow!
C. Do you agree with this theology from Away in a Manger? Why or why not? What do your children think?
The little Lord Jesus no crying he makes
I agree with Elizabeth on this one.. I believed that he cried.. he was born flesh, a human just like we are.
D. After our studies, does this mean more to you? Explain, from O Come All Ye Faithful
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing
Sorry I am having a hard time with this one.. Lord please help me that you are the word of the father now in flesh appearing.. and that one day I will see you face to face not a spirit but a real human being! so mind boggling!
Meg — I thought you did well with the carols!
H. Share a line from a carol that impacts you and why
“God Rest Ye’ merry Gentlemen”
Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
Doth bring redeeming grace
This is a beautiful picture to me, and even more so to God I am sure! This is something I long to see among the brethren here on Earth, yet I know I fall short in this too-but He can redeem it! I am seeing it here on this blog as our focus is Gospel centered which enables us to freely extend Grace! I so desire that as we embrace together the incarnation and His Grace-that we would be compelled to truly extend His grace and love to one another regardless of the stream we may represent in the river. I really believe God is using the Gospel Coalition to shake up the church, and she is awakening. God has given us a gift with Dee, Tim Keller, and the ladies here-I am blessed-and I/we should take this and by His empowerment go out and be His walking Grace and love toward other believers. He is on the move and we are on His arm. :-)
E. Joy to the World is really a song of the second coming — what hope does it give you?
No more let sins and sorrows grow
nor thorns infest the ground
My hope is that is he Coming and soon! there will be no more sorrow and no more pain! wahooooo! that gives me great hope and joy!
this is my answer for 8, i just didn’t know it the first time i wrote it:)
I did that a lot this year with a lot of things, I have got the sence of things but not the true meat of things.
I was a person in a Bethlaham Exp. welcoming over 2000 people to “Bethleham” as my big girls played different Mary’s and little ones were beggers…..but did I really SEE Jesus??????
I read the christmas story to my kids, read over 40 story books with Christmas themes, you know, crippled lamb, candy cane story, mortmer the mouse, Christmas tapastry, angel pig, christmas star, all the american girl christmas stories and all the little house ones…but did I really hear them????
I just could not get my spirit to slow down enough to really focus on Jesus this year, no matter how hard i tried, and now I am sad, I missed it!
My prayer for 2012 is that I will stop missing HIM as I try so hard to serve HIM….His presence is in our home but Im treating Him more like a chair or the Christmas tree or ELF, then I am the friend He wants to be.
Its as if I lit a candle of HIM (christmas cookie of course), I could smell Him in our home but I just could not pay attention to Him.
I could not pick just one story
Dee: anne finding the dishes that you love
Meg: love how you cleaned up with a joy filled heart as a way to keep from evil
Angela: love the gift of the brush from one daughter to another:)
Diane: loved that you had two men who had no where to go for Christmas to your home!
Elizabeth: Box of sketching stuff for your hubby was so sweet! and the beaded book mark from your son to you daughter! you were both really paying attention.
Susan: I love how charlie brown makes you cry:)
Joyce: teared up when I read how you son is so kind with Kendra and how fun she makes christmas with her child like heart. my brother who is autistic does the same for us:)
Rebecca: love how you always have encouraging words for people here, your honesty about your worry for you son, and the picture of you four energetic ornery boys at the dinner table:)
Laura: loved the daily gifts to your co-worker!
Kim: love how you said you did not like christmas movies and then named two great ones! the little house brought back such good memories and the gift of the magi always makes me cry! great ones.
Oh Cyndi, you got it right-yes it is interesting my four wiggly and ornery boys at the dinner table. Even my 12 year old is wiggly still. :-)
Thank you, Cyndi. And thanks for thinking of the name of Kim’s christmas movie she watched and liked years ago!
And you, cyndi, I love how you picked each of your family member’s a perfect gift that they would love! And I can just imagine you getting all your christmas things done to the tune of “The Elf”!!
Wow Cyndi — you are paying attention! Love this personal post.
A. For the hard times, for those of you who are persecuted in your families, for those of you with illness, and with heavy burdens — this from It Came Upon A Midnight Clear:
WOW I never saw that line before, who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow…That is so me now. :) I like how glad and golden hours come swiftly. and rest and hear the angels sing. Good encouragement for the Lord is never far from us. We just must stop and rest in His arms and listen.
B. For welcoming Him in on a regular basis, from O Little Town — think of it not just for the salvation from the penalty of sin but from the power of sin.
I like this because it is in meekness we truly receive Him. We must feel the need and respond as He opens our heart.
C. Do you agree with this theology from Away in a Manger? Why or why not? What do your children think?
The little Lord Jesus no crying he makes
HA HA this is hilarious to me. I know Jesus never sinned but crying is human and He was fully human. I do not think he was a silent baby. :) Just a sinless baby.
My 8 year old said, yes He cried cuz I cried. Babies cry when they are born. Well it was because they spanked my bottom. She is a hoot. Then I said well after birth do you think He cried? Then she said yes. When He was hungry, or wet, or tired. Then when I asked but He was God and sinless do you still think He cried? She had to ponder it. :) But then we discussed how He was fully human too and crying is not sin. :)
My 10 year old said, yes He cried. Jesus cried when He was an adult too. Crying is not sinning. MY husband got in on that one too! :) Funny family we have.
D. After our studies, does this mean more to you? Explain, from O Come All Ye Faithful
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing
Love this because the Creator who spoke all into existence came down. He was the Word that became flesh!
E. Joy to the World is really a song of the second coming — what hope does it give you?
We just did a study on Revelation. This is meaningful. There will be a day with no more sin or sorrow or thorns. Loved the study.
F. O Come O Come Emmanuel prays this line — did it happen for you with anyone this Advent?
Oh great line. No real divisions here as of now. Wish it would with my aunt though but she has no interest. Ongoing.
G. From O Holy Night — He appeared and the soul felt its worth — Are you realizing this?
Oh yes! I love this. God is everything!
Wonderful ponderings. It was Sara Grove’s interview on Midday that helped me see that line from It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. Glad it ministered to you where you are, Angela.
H. Share a line from a carol that impacts you and why
I noticed how much the lyrics of such familiar carols stuck out to me different this year. Here are a few– I like this from O Come, O Come Emmanuel “O come, thou rod of Jesse, free”—the reference to Christ bringing us freedom from our idols, our entanglement to sin.
And from O Holy Night “Truly he taught us to love one another; His law is love and His gospel is peace. Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother; and in His name all oppression shall cease.”
I just love all of that. I read that the author was a strong abolitionist, and I appreciate that application—but also the spiritual sense of being free from sin, and freeing others from their offenses with our forgiveness. His love knows no boundaries, and He has indeed taught us to love—and His gospel brings peace.
You just brought freshness to two wonderful lines. Thank you!
Joyce, I just wanted to jump on here to tell you that in my daily reading today the proverb just instantly brought you to mind–Proverbs 31:8-9 “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,for the rights of all who are destitute.Speak up and judge fairly;defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
Really, I just thought of you–the way you stuck up for Frankie with the nurses, and the way you tenderly care for Kendra. You really humble and inspire me Joyce, so thankful for your example.
And if I knew your address I’d be tempted to send you a little painting kit–just love the thought of you painting ;)
love this Elizabeth!
I agree with Elizabeth. Joyce, you should pick up your paints again. You’re such a caring person and obviously gifted, too.
You are too sweet, Elizabeth. Thank you for thinking of me and I will copy this Proverb and keep it where I can see it each day….Proverbs 31:8-9 “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Those words inspire me so much,thank you, Elizabeth:)
And thank you for thinking of me, but I have so many things ready for me to paint, but never seem to get started! I got all of mom’s painting books and brushes and paints and patterns and everything you can imagine, when she died. And my oldest daughter has gotten me things also…she takes after her grandma and paints such beautiful flowers and scenery also, in oils. Matter of fact, my daughter, Kyla and Dee’s daughter, Sally both had the same art teacher, here in Kearney, NE and had work sent to a art museum in Lincoln, NE, when they were in high school here! That’s how good they are! It’s just that Kendra wants to help mommy and it makes it hard…but I shouldn’t make her my excuse! It’s kinda like sewing or reading a book, once you start, you don’t want to stop…you want to not be interruped! Which is imposible! Dee’s very special friends here in Kearney, a Dr. and his wife, (who is a retired surgeon that practiced with Steve), is my inspiration for art. He has done the most beautiful watercolor painting for years. I use to work for them and admired his work for 10 years there. I don’t know if he still paints, but he should if he doesn’t! I never tried watercolor…just oils, but watercolor intrigs me for some reason!
I went on and on again…so sorry! That was just so sweet of Elizabeth to think of me…and all of you . Thank you!
I know what Dr. Wiebe would say to you, Joyce.
Paint. Paint. You have to paint.
Ya, your right!
Hi all,
Sorry I haven’t posted yet this week. I figured my answers would be pretty lousy. For example, I don’t watch movies at home very often (I buy them and they never come out of the plastic!). I like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Rein Deer because I like to identify with misfits. And I forgot half of the Christmas gifts in a bag at home!! Sometimes I do find the “perfect” gift for people. Love the thought of praying about the right gift to give.
But, even though I don’t sit still long enough to watch movies, I am glued to the computer for hours. Today, I watched a VERY interesting BBC documentary (just got an email about it today) about frankincense. It began with the harvesting of frankincense, followed the old trade route,showed several uses of frankincense, and ended in Palestine (Bethlehem) with the celebration of Christmas. I particularly liked when a rabbi talked about meeting God with all 5 senses. (That was in the last hour). The thing was 4 hours (4 – 1 hour segments)! I liked the first and last hour the best. I had it on in the background — and wasn’t always paying attention.
“Series in which intrepid presenter Kate Humble follows the ancient frankincense trade
route of Arabia across the amazing modern world of the Middle East. Kates journey along
the 2,000-mile trail that first connected the Arab world with the West takes her on a
quest thats steeped in …” http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/the-frankincense-trail/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TopDocumentaryFilms+%28Top+Documentary+Films+-+Watch+Free+Documentaries+Online%29
Thank you for that, Renee! I am alot like you, I don’t turn on the TV, (Kendra does, so I listen to them and if they are good…I will watch), but I am glued to educational type things and documentaries to read on the computor, like you. Thanks, I will enjoy these! But not tonight, I’ve got a head cold and am going to bed early! Early for me!!
Love and Prayers to all of you:) The weather has been so gorgous here too for winter time!
Renee, looking at this site you provided, which looks so good….I wondered if you watched or read the one about…”The truth of Christmas Carols”? So many good documentaries on here!
Joyce, I did watch the one about the Christmas Carols, “sort of” and WAY in the background! Can’t recall enough to say if I would recommend it; I think I liked the first part and then got really distracted!
A few years ago, I signed up for an email from the site. I initially went there looking for stuff to use in online classes, but the amount of info there is overwhelming… and some isn’t so good! When I get the emails, daily I think, I see the title or topic of the video in the subject line. I ignore most of them, but watch a few if they sound interesting. Or I leave the email in my inbox so that I might be reminded to watch the video at a later time (the later time rarely happens!)
I’m sure I miss many very good ones, but do catch a few interesting ones, more related to personal interest than for class.
I did watch about an hour of it — very interesting. Esp about the part of it being a blessing to a baby… but really, interesting.
You are so wonderful on the internet. I will watch this while I work in the kitchen sometime this weekend! (or at least part of it! :-)
AND what was most memorable was the weather :) (Had a wonderful Christmas… and sorrows were more like “lake billows” than “sea billows”)
F. O Come O Come Emmanuel prays this line — did it happen for you with anyone this Advent?
Bid now our sad divisions cease
and be thou now our Prince of Peace
No, Nothing that i can think of.. maybe my mom not sure..
G. From O Holy Night — He appeared and the soul felt its worth — Are you realizing this? Sadly no, God help me to realize you are MY EVERYTHING! Help me please O Lord!
H. Share a line from a carol that impacts you and why
Come thou Long Expected Jesus
Born to set thy people Free
From our fears and sins release us
Let us find our rest in thee
I really like the lines: Born to set thy people free and Let us find our rest in thee
He came to free us! How mind boggling and Let us find our rest in him.. Oh how i need to practice this finding my rest in him and not other people
8. What stood out to you in your own life and why?
I guess there are two things.. one was when i asked for peace a few weeks ago about brining my client home in bad weather i was crying anxious etc.. and asked him to give me peace and he did.. and then Christmas eve when i walked into my house not even 5 min after my friends dropped me off i had complete peace about my mom and her possibly going to church with me and going over to her house. He changed my heart and gave me peace!
Pondering How God was Emmanuel, with us in Advent 2011
8. What stood out to you in your own life and why?
Well, I suppose I have a long way to go yet to be more Christ-like. Being around family can be difficult and I realize I wasn’t always the nicest person this past week. I thought I had become a better human too! However, I have a huge personal problem that I believe I am overcoming with God’s help which is encouraging. I guess we take one day at a time, right? God has been with me and my family. It is good.
This might not speak to anyone as it spoke to me, but this really hit me today.
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tullian/2011/12/29/if-you-believe-you-shall-have-all-things/
Martin Luther shows us “how the Law of God is intended to bring about desperation, a kind of desperation that only the Gospel of God can deliver us from”.
Sometimes I can get so legalistic and critical of other Christians, and when I do, I become so very unhappy inside, knowing I shouldn’t be critical, but unable to help myself. Then I have no sense of the freedom and grace that Jesus comes to give. God forgive me, and help me to forgive others and also to forgive myself for being so legalistic. I am desperate, Lord, deliver me from my miserable self.
I really enjoyed that too, Diane–thank you for sharing. It’s so good to have you here–your honesty always convicts me and I am thankful for that.
Wow Diane, you have such a teachable heart-so good. I love how your heart is welcoming Him in to this area of your life. You are a gem-a godly woman who is pursuing God with passion-I love seeing that in you. Many of us can relate to struggling with a critical spirit also, I know I can! I have learned I need to be reminded of the Gospel-the Grace he lavished on me in my undeserving state-that helps me to lavish it on others-yet I need His Grace every day to remind myself! Oh I long for the new Heaven and New Earth! :-)
Thanks, Diane! I remember, as a kid, memorizing what Luther said about the purpose of the Law. What you quoted about desperation, from which only the Gospel can deliver…. speaks to me, too. Reminds me of today’s posting from My Utmost for His Highest: “The sign that God is at work in us is that He is destroying our confidence in the natural virtues, because they are not promises of what we are going to be, but only a wasted reminder of what God created man to be. We want to cling to our natural virtues, while all the time God is trying to get us in contact with the life of Jesus Christ— a life that can never be described in terms of natural virtues. It is the saddest thing to see people who are trying to serve God depending on that which the grace of God never gave them.” from http://utmost.org/and-every-virtue-we-possess/
Renee, wow, great post. I didn’t have time to read it this morning so I am glad I just did. I loved this too: “God does not take our natural virtues and transform them, because our natural virtues could never even come close to what Jesus Christ wants. No natural love, no natural patience, no natural purity can ever come up to His demands. But as we bring every part of our natural bodily life into harmony with the new life God has placed within us, He will exhibit in us the virtues that were characteristic of the Lord Jesus….And every virtue we possess-Is His alone.”
Thanks for your encouragement, everyone. Thanks for sharing My Utmost, Renee. We are looking after our two-year-old grandson from Nova Scotia today. He keeps us busy and is such a delight. But it is hard to do anything else but pay attention to him.
“But it is hard to do anything else but pay attention to him.” I read that Diane, and thought again at the perfect Plan of Christ coming as a baby–so hard to do anything else but pay attention to Him, I pray I hold on to that.
Elizabeth, Good connection between Diane’s grandson and Christ coming as a baby! Diane, have fun paying attention to him :) . Just thinking about how much attention young children require/command…. and wondering how my response to Him can be as “automatic” as how I care for young children — i.e., just do it both because the care is necessary but also because I enjoy it, at least with most young children :)
Ha ha! Great connection, Elizabeth! May we always find it “so hard to do anything else but pay attention to Him, I pray I hold on to that!”
Hi ladies,
I could use some motherly prayers tonight as things are not well. Sarah and her new friend (who moved in with us) have not been getting along at all. I thought this week away from each other would be good for them, but it has turned into a terrible situation. i won’t go through the details, but suffice it to say that the girls need to calm down. Sarah doesn’t understand that we made a commitment to this girl to get through the end of the school year, and Sarah will be done (hopefully) in 2 weeks so she won’t have to be around her all the time. She thinks we should just make her leave.
I think the girl is “playing” me….acting like everything is Sarah’s fault, and I tend to not believe Sarah because she has been known to lie to us in the past. Sarah claims the girl is not nice to her and she doesn’t want to “take it’ any more. We are in a pickle.
Please pray that my husband and I can help the girls sort through the mess; that we will have the right words and advice; that we will get to the truth in the situation. Also pray the girls are willing to listen and be mature young adults.
Thanks so much….
Praying for you, Laura, that you will have wisdom of Solomon here. This is so hard to know what is best for Sarah and for her new friend.
Laura, praying for you–so sorry, this all sounds really hard and stressful. I am praying you & your husband can stay on the same page, have wisdom of how to handle it, and for peace.
Oh Laura, I am so sorry and am praying now and as I go to bed. May the Lord take this from you and give you peace and work all things out for the best, for the girls. I’ll be praying:) ( It’s only 1:57 here)!
8. I’m going to give you some familiar lines from carols and ask for your reflections.
A. For the hard times, for those of you who are persecuted in your families, for those of you with illness, and heavy burdens – this from It Came Upon a Midnight Clear:
And ye, beneath life’s crushing load, whose forms are bending low
who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow
Look now! For glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing.
O rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing.
I imagine my burdens being like a big, heavy sack I am carrying on my back, which has me bent over so my eyes are down on the way before me; self-focused, unable to feel hope and joy, having lost being thankful for the good things I do have. I am only focused on “the burden”. What catches my attention in this is the “look now!” It’s like the psalmist taking his soul in hand, asking “why are you so downcast o my soul, why are you in despair? Put your hope in God!” This refrain exhorts me to look up, to get my eyes off of myself and my troubles. You see, when I get so down from what I perceive are all the things wrong in my life, in my family, the burden, that sack, gets bigger and heavier and bends me over so low, I can’t look up. The road of life can be weary, but God offers me rest, He says I can “hear” the angels singing – they are singing in praise of Him.
Okay, this hits me because the past few days I’ve been feeling really down. I know why. My son had his 18th birthday on Thursday. I see the clock ticking and the years flying and know he’s only a few months away from leaving for college, and I know he will not stay in our state; he can’t, due to the course of study he wants to pursue. My husband has been off work all week, and we’ve not been getting along. He was irritated with me the other night when there was no iced tea for him to drink, and all during dinner he ‘jabbed’ at me for this and that until I lost my temper and told him to “shut up”, then I ended up crying. My mom’s memory is slipping – it was so noticeable on Christmas Day when we were helping her in the kitchen; she was confused about timing the different foods that had to be cooked and I caught her putting a casserole in the oven with the saran wrap still covering it; my childhood home is up for sale; changes are coming. And yesterday, my 11 yr. old daughter said to me, “mom, why are you so depressed all the time?” She then went on to remind me that I have my health and I’m not stuck in a hospital all the time…”Look now!”
Here I have a beautiful daughter who is always with me, we’re always together, and we love each other, but I see some of my ‘idols’ being threatened – my sons growing older, my mom slipping, my security and need for affirmation being threatened. I know I’m looking to the wrong things to meet my needs. I truly believe that’s why God gave Dee that verse from Isaiah to give to me; God is telling me it is HE who knew me before I was born, and carried me in the womb, and it is HE who will be with me even to old age and gray hairs.
Susan, this really touched me. I can so identify. Thanks for being so honest and for turning to God when threatened. It is a great encouragement.
My idols have been very busy poking their heads up this week as well. Change is no picnic. I am aware that this might be the last Christmas that we live near to our oldest son, since he is in the military and may be posted out in western Canada in the spring. I’m mostly in denial yet, but this terrifies me. I want so much to be with my grandkids as they grow up.
Oh Diane,
Yes, I think it is natural for us to want to be close to family, to have them near, and to feel threatened by change. I so hope that you will be able to stay close to your grandkids!
Susan,
Your comment about “Look now” — and comparing it to psalmist — is so helpful. The changes in life are so hard (This morning I fell back to sleep having a dream/nightmare about caregiving/dementia/decisions and woke up in a stress-filled daze). I will “look now!” – to Him.
Praying for you with the changes and tensions you are experiencing, that you will continue to seek rest in Him.
praying for you Susan soo hard! Love you sis!
Praying for you, Susan….I’m so sorry:(
“God is telling me it is HE who knew me before I was born, and carried me in the womb, and it is HE who will be with me even to old age and gray hairs” this is so raw and real and honest Susan–and true. You amaze me how even with so much around you that just sounds like your getting “kicked” with emotionally–you still speak truth to your soul. I pray your sowing of faithfulness will reap joy ahead…love and prayers to you friend.
So glad you are sharing from the heart and that we can hold you up. The time when our children are leaving the nest and are parents are failing is a stressful time. I pray you will sense Him carrying you.
B. For welcoming Him in on a regular basis, from O Little Town – think of it not just for the salvation from the penalty of sin but from the power of sin.
No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin
where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.
Meek souls receiving Him, and Christ entering in does speak of salvation. When I think of overcoming the power of sin, how often in the ‘heat of the moment’ I am not being a ‘meek soul’, I am not being open to receiving His help to stop sinning – to step back from my anger, or from letting loose with my tongue. I remember one of my Bible study teachers saying once that when we let loose with our tongues and sin, we are saying, in effect, “Who’s going to be God right now – I am”. When I sin, I become closed to Him, I take the stance of stay away because only then can I do what I want to do.
If I think of these words as being help to overcome the power of sin, then it is exhorting me to humble myself and ask Him to enter into the situation with me to help me not sin.
B. For welcoming Him in on a regular basis, from O Little Town — think of it not just for the salvation from the penalty of sin but from the power of sin.
No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin
where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in
I think this verse is reminding us that He is not far from us – ever. He is quietly waiting for us to accept Him. I don’t think I fit the “meek soul” characteristic though! Maybe I need to practice more…..I remember one of my very good friends saying that I needed to be still so I could hear God speaking to me. Maybe that is what a “meek” soul is; one who yearns to hear and is quiet.
Friday-Saturday Pondering How God was Emmanuel, with us in Advent 2011
8. What stood out to you in your own life and why?
This may sound kind of strange but I have learned to be thankful for the daily grind of trials. :) The core reason I am thankful is because the trials pry my fingers off and make me needy for Him and I turn to Him and again abandon myself really over and over. The more I abandon myself and turn to Him, the closer I am to Him and the more I can sincerely and deeply love others but this is a life long process that can only grow sweeter by His Grace.
Really the prize is Him, and then what comes is His peace and joy in the midst-an undeserved Gift! I am beginning not to desire relief from trials but to desire Him more in the trials for He is in control and my life is His. This is how Emanuel was with me this Advent-I think I am learning to let His light sear my darkness willingly more so than I ever have before-yet still I know I need to grow in this. I want to grow in this-I want to walk a yielded life more and more as I age. My time here with Him on Earth is short.
9. Share one story you read on this blog and why it stood out to you.
There were SO MANY I liked! I will have to say Diane’s story of the two single men that came to their home on Christmas. We were able to see how God worked that out! It started out with Diane being hesitant, yet sensing God leading her in that direction so she yielded herself to God even though she was uncomfortable and invited a few people. Then they canceled last minute and Diane was o.k. having a quiet Christmas with her husband, yet then God brought the two men last minute and Diane and her husband both yielded to God in who He wanted there. SO SO GOOD! I see Diane yielding more and more to God as Mary did.
Rebecca, thank you, but I just feel totally unworthy of your kind words. I am definitely not like Mary. I am a loooooooong way from being yielded and overwhelmed by God’s mercy. It is helpful to see the event from your perspective and hopefully from God’s, but, honestly, I wonder if the stress and confusion leading up to Christmas Day was worth it, in trying to “risk” for God.
The lunch with the two men came and went without major difficulty, but then I fell flat. Lots of good things have happened all this week, but I have found it difficult to truly rejoice over them as I should have, for reasons I have not figured out. We have had family around all week, with darling grandchildren and lots of super cute moments, but I have just felt very “down”. It seems like Satan has been jumping up and down on my heart, and doing his best to pull me down.
It is hard work, but I am trying to remember to “look” up instead of being bent over by the burdens of life, like Susan said. “My burdens being like a big, heavy sack I am carrying on my back, which has me bent over so my eyes are down on the way before me; self-focused, unable to feel hope and joy, having lost being thankful for the good things I do have. … The road of life can be weary, but God offers me rest, He says I can “hear” the angels singing – they are singing in praise of Him.”
Thanks, Susan, and everyone else who has articulated the encouragement offered in the Christmas carols. I will keep reading God’s Word, and the encouraging words of others in the hope that eventually my heart will begin to “look now” again to “glad and golden hours”.
Listening to Keller-again, a phenomenal sermon so far.
10. Oh my i loved this sermon. Even sent a link to our Worship pastor at church to listen to before worship team tomorrow morning.
Where do I start!?! :) I love that he reminded me to remember His attributes when I sing.
O.K. I will share what I highlighted in my notes:
1. “When Mary hears the Christmas message she is changed-totally changed.
How do you know you are changed? Look at Mary. When the angel told her God is coming, God is coming as human flesh. She couldn’t comprehend it, then she is changed. She said “My Soul, My Spirit..” She is being changed in the very depths of her soul. She doesn’t say, I’ve seen improvement, but I am moved to the depths-I have never been so empty-so filled, so stripped naked and so clothed by this message.
Every Christian who is a real Christian understands what she is talking about. Something from the outside comes in to you. My soul, my spirit, my being, my foundations. That is what every Christian feels like. What is it that brings about this great change? It is the truths Mary is singing about.”
2. “Christmas is the manifestation of the ALMIGHTY God”…. “When God says, Be honest, be pure, be forgiving do I believe that he is backing that up with his all might? If I believe that then I would step out and say: I might get hurt by doing the right thing in the short run but in the long run the mighty one is on my side. If God is for me who can be against me? Mary sees his might in the Christmas story.”
“Mary sings/says I know the reason you have come is because you are holy to come and deal with our guilt/sin.”
Can you sing knowing the reason he is coming is because of your flaws? What you sing is you say, Oh Lord, to what lengths you went to save me. You are the God to whom the universe is a speck and yet you became a speck…That means at one point he became a single cell-the weakest form of life in the universe. He became a speck, why? Because of my guilt because of my flaws. To what lengths you came to save me. To deal with my guilt, with my flaws.
3. Mary doesn’t simply see God as being Holy and powerful and mighty. She sees a third attribute. First the mighty one, the holy one, and the merciful one. (PRAISE GOD!)
(I LOVED THIS ILLUSTRATION) When a company buys out a company who is incompetent, what do they do? They see this company they bought is full of incompetence, so what do they do? they fire everyone. Is it legal? Yes, they have the right. Is it practical? Yes, they have the power to do it, is it smart? Yes! Now God comes to us because he is powerful he has the right to blot us out, why? The world is morally incompetent from top to bottom. He has the power, the holiness and the right, but thank goodness he also has the mercy. If he was just powerful he would do what the company did-but he is also merciful. He will restore us and redeem us.
“God will do what he says. Every flaw, every grudge, every sadness, every fear, bad habit, bitterness, in your life will come down, it will fall before his triumph in grace, it will fall flat. He will have triumph over every one of them, he said so, for his mercies they endure ever faithful, ever sure, but in his time. Christmas means he will always come, but in his time.”
This REALLY stuck out to me, so maybe I should have just put this, but the above I marveled over too:
4. Mary says, God will not work with people who believe they got what it takes. The Gospel turns human expectations on their heads. That is why Mary predicts here that the more educated you are, the more wealthy you tend to be, the more powerful you tend to be. The more you are sure you got what it takes, the less likely you are to receive any of these things from God. That is the reason revivals always happen among the poor and in many cases why the powerful and elite reject the Gospel.
The story of the former president of Harvard’s wife really stuck out to me too.
The more rich you are-not just by money but the more you think you got it, you will be turned away empty. That is the reason why the poor will be lifted up and the hungry. Most of the people in his church are educated, successful, etc..you think you have what it takes but the Bible says you need to become poor and hungry. The poor are not afraid to say, I am a sinner, I have needs, I need the blood atonement of God. God came just because I am a sinner. The poor are not too proud to believe in the supernatural but we are afraid it is beneath us. That is the reason why Christians who come to their senses whether rich or poor, come together. That is why Christians help the poor. To become a Christian you have to become like a poor person. You have to say I don’t have what it takes. God is completely adequate and only those who know they are inadequate will receive.
If you turn to him he will give you everything you need, for his mercies endure ever faithful, ever sure. Do you when you sing think about his attributes and glory in his holiness and majesty? Do you center everything around him as you sing?
Oh, wow, Rebecca. Thanks for your detailed notes. Will listen to the sermon!
Renee, I am afraid I posted too much actually.. Well, next time I will try to not let excitement get the best of me. :-)
Rebecca, you could never post too much–your excitement is contagious and inspiring, don’t let the enemy discourage you! So thankful for you! ;)
Thanks from me too for sharing these notes, Rebecca. I definitely will try to listen to Keller’s sermon.
Wonderful notes, Rebecca — they encourage us all!
8. What stood out to you in your own life and why?
I clearly felt His presence more than other years, I loved that Christmas fell on Sunday–I wish it was that way every year–it just felt right to get up and go, it grounded us somehow. The preparation study we did here also allowed more reflection. The story of the magi was richer, the songs, “God in flesh now appearing”—had so much more depth. It was as if my eyes grasped a new dimension this Christmas. Everything felt richer, not just familiar. It was a simple occasion here-just us, fairly quiet, but even the small things were more satisfying—like dark chocolate rather than milk (sorry—my husband is a chocoholic, so a big box is next to me ;)
Most of all, I felt Peace, His Peace. And I’m working out in my mind how to keep this, how to bring this into the new year.
9. Share one story you read on this blog and why it stood out to you.
So many great stories. I think the one that stood out most was Annie finding the plates for Dee. I have prayed for similar things like that, and been the blessed giver when God has allowed me to find something. I remember giving my mom some antique illustrations from an out of print book from her childhood—and I received as much joy, or more, in giving it. I can only imagine how excited Annie was—I find more joy in giving a really good gift than receiving, I’m sure we all do.
I loved Susan’s Bible example too. It reminded me of a gift I received in high school. I had been missing my favorite Bible for about a week—searched everywhere. I was frustrated because although it had been falling apart, it had all my favorite verses highlighted and underlined. Then on my birthday, my artist sister gave me a gift—she had bought me a new Bible and gone through the entire thing, highlighting my favorite passages with beautiful colored pencil artwork all along the pages, it’s still what I use today, though it’s been re-covered a few times!
Such good sharing. Of course I loved the part about Annie! :-)
10. If you did listen to “How To Sing At Christmas,” what stood out to you?
Excellent, inspiring sermon—as always! My notes are as long as Rebecca’s but I really can’t add anything new, so I will just give a tiny bit from what stood out most (hard to do!)
Mary hears the Christmas message and at first cannot understand, comprehend, accept it. But then, she is totally changed by it–she is changed at her core. She cries out, “MY SOUL!!!! MY SPIRIT!!” and what we see is that she is changed at the very center of her spirit. Mary is glorying in the attributes of God, she proclaims that the meaning of Christmas shows ME who God is. She gets perspective of God’s omnipresence. God is OMNIPRESENT-is in all, always with us, always sees; God is OMNIPOTENT-all powerful; and God is Omniscient –all knowing.
11. Give thanks to God for gifts from Him this Advent.
Dear Jesus
Thank you for this day and thank you for all of the small gifts you gave me this advent.. and thank you for helping me with my purity it has been going soo well! Thank you that you are all knowing and all powerful. You are Good even though there were some rough times this year and you will be faithful and Good in 2012 .. Help me to grow in these areas where I was asking why? Thank you Lord
Amen
I love this honest prayer Meg “Help me to grow in these areas where I was asking why?”…reminds me of Mark 9:24 “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” I relate and pray that with you
11. Give thanks to God for gifts from Him this Advent.
Lord, I thank you for the fact that you became poor for me, that you became weak, a vulnerable cell-for me. Thank you that you, as Keller said, with your omnipotent fist punched a hole plunging Deep heaven into Earth. You are mighty, Holy, and yet you are also merciful. Thank you that you didn’t crush me under your thumb Lord for you had the right to, yet in your mercy you rescued me instead. Thank you for continuing to rescue me from the power of sin. Help me with my perspective of you-the whole-I don’t want to forget the whole-your mighty power in putting on flesh, your sacrifice, and that you are timeless, that you will accomplish what you said you are going to do, not only in me, but in history. Oh God I look forward to the future too and I don’t want to forget! Help me whenever I sing worshiping you to remember all your attributes-always. In Jesus name, Amen.
9. I’m skipping ahead ’cause I wont get finished!
So many good stories shared, but one that stands out to me is from Rebecca, when she posted that she was feeling the “gravity of the reality of what my son bears”….it was hard for her to fathom, to think that things may never change here on earth for him; yet she looked up, and Jesus came to her “like a warm blanket” and “a searing light”; He met her in her darkest hour. Thank you for sharing this, Rebecca – it reminds us that He is with us in the lonely hours.
Also, I liked Diane’s honest sharing of her Christmas struggle – her first plans for a brunch fell-through, then she came to acceptance of it just being her and her husband for Christmas, then she ended up having the two single men; and her recent postings of just feeling down for no reason; yet I see in Diane a perseverance, a seeking after God.
I don’t know either, Diane, why you feel down with your family there, but it could be that you are stressed and perhaps physically tired? I know with the holidays, we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves with rest and eating well. I just feel like you are on a journey with God, and you are persevering to follow after Him!
I also like Dee’s describing her Christmas Eve with her friends, and the fellowship they had, and the candle lighting and sharing what God has been doing in their lives.
11. Give thanks to God for gifts from Him this Advent.
Thank you, Lord, for my family being all together this Christmas. Thank you for my family gathered around the Advent wreath on Christmas Eve, to listen to Your Word, and for us going to church together as a family on Christmas Day. I noticed this morning when I prayed by the window, that winter mornings are so quiet, the birds don’t sing like they do in spring and summer. It seems that winter mornings are good for being quiet, and reflective, and spending time with You. Thank you for reaching out to me, for sending Jesus, for preparing me with a verse of Scripture to face life’s adversities, for reminding me that You have always been, and will always be, with me.
Thank you for my sisters in this study, for Dee, for the fellowship we have and that we are like-minded and can talk about You. I love You, God. Amen.
I confess I don’t read Revelation often because it overwhelms/confuses me, but this was in my daily reading and I can’t explain it, but it gave me such a feeling of hope, and thankfulness I wanted to share:
Revelation 22: 1-6:
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.”
Happy New Year dear friends, so thankful for you!
I’m so thankful for each of you.
I’m caring for a grandbaby tonight who doesn’t feel well, so I’m a bit preoccupied. But Happy New Year to all.
Happy New Year Everyone!! It’s 12:02 here!
11. Give thanks to God for gifts from Him this Advent.
Well, I thought God brought Sarah’s new friend as a gift to us and was never happier. I guess I am really bad at “reading” His “signs.” I enjoyed the new “gift” because Sarah was special to someone. Now things are back to the way it was before; Sarah jumping from one “friend” to another – no one who really cares about her again. It is depressing for me. I just don’t understand.
Maybe God is trying to teach Sarah about friendships? She and the girl are fighting and somehow tomorrow I have to get these two girls to get along so we can all live in peace here.
I wish I could see the big picture! It is frustrating. I like Sarah better when she is around her new friend, not the old ones. She tends to get in a lot of trouble around the old friends. The new friend is seemingly “good” but Sarah says it isn’t the way it seems.
Anyway, back to the focus of the question…..thank you Lord for Sarah’s new friend and learning how to be a good friend. Thank you for friendships and painful situations that accompany them so we appreciate the friendships just that much more. In Jesus’ name. Amen.