I Want to Know MY WHY for Christmas

12 / 6 / 1912 / 6 / 19

It’s December 6th and for most of us our Christmas preparations are in full swing.

Our calendars are full and our to-do lists are long. And we’re starting to wonder…

How am I going to get everything done in less than three weeks?

THREE WEEKS! Are you kidding?

But before full-on panic sets in and I start to hyperventilate, I want to pause for a moment and ask an important question…

Why do I celebrate Christmas?

Well..?

Be honest. What was your first thought?

Just for fun, I did a quick Google search to find out what others had to say about it. And I found:

Why do we celebrate Christmas on December 25th?
What is the history of Christmas?
Should Christians Celebrate Christmas?
Is it wrong to celebrate Christmas?

I found a lot of facts, details, and history but that wasn’t what I was looking for.

I’m not curious about why December 25th was chosen or whether someone else thinks celebrating the holiday is appropriate, I want to know “why” or to be more specific … I want to know the emotional reasons people celebrate Christmas.

Because I’m a Sanguine and I want to know the emotional reason behind everything!

Picture me smiling here – but seriously, I really want to know why? Why do we invest so much in the Christmas season? Why do we shop, bake, decorate, and celebrate?

Why do we celebrate Christmas the way we do? Is it…

to impress our friends?
to make memories for our children and grandchildren?
to keep up with the neighbors?
because we love it?
because it’s a tradition?
because it’s expected?
because everyone else is celebrating?

In all the years I’ve celebrated Christmas I don’t believe I’ve ever asked myself . . . my why for Christmas?

I know it’s the celebration of Jesus’ birth. But I’m stopping today to wonder if the way I celebrate … really celebrates and worships Him?

I wonder—do I celebrate Christmas this way for Him or for me?

Because in all honesty, I don’t think Jesus cares if my tree is decorated perfectly; if I attend every party or even if I host a party. I don’t think He cares if my family has the perfect outfits to wear. I don’t think He cares if I give the perfect gifts.

I even asked myself if…

I want to give the perfect presents because I want to be appreciated … more than because I love the people for whom I’m buying gifts?

I don’t know about you but I’m squirming a little. These are tough questions, aren’t they?

If I’m going to invest an entire month out of every year in something, I want to look way past the surface and know why. I want to know MY WHY. And that isn’t easy, especially when we’re so scheduled and overwhelmed that slowing down for even a minute of reflection seems unthinkable.

But that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to stop for a moment and figure out MY WHY for Christmas.

I want the way I celebrate Christmas to have value. I want quality over quantity.

I Want to Know MY WHY for Christmas

My goal this year, and every year going forward is to celebrate Christmas in ways that really celebrate Jesus.

When I remember that Jesus was born to a teenage mother in a far less than a beautifully decorated setting, I don’t believe all the trappings we include are important to Him.

So what is..?

For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus… What is important is faith expressing itself in love.
Galatians 5:6

Faith. Love.

That’s it!

Everything! Yes, everything …. even and maybe especially Christmas is about living my faith as an expression of God’s love.

Everything else, all that you and I do beyond that … it’s all just stuff.

Jesus gave up the glory of heaven because of His overwhelming love for sinful and broken people.

So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
John 1:14

I don’t know about you, but that thought overwhelms me. I don’t like to spend an afternoon doing something difficult or unpleasant.

Jesus entered the restrictions of time and space, brokenness and filth, illness and pain all because of love!

Love for the broken and imperfect, for the lost and wandering, for the hopeless and helpless … for people like you and like me.

Love was and is Jesus’ why for Christmas!

I love this quote…

“So God throws open the door of this world—and enters as a baby. As the most vulnerable imaginable. Because He wants unimaginable intimacy with you. What religion ever had a god that wanted such intimacy with us that He came with such vulnerability to us? What God ever came so tender we could touch Him? So fragile that we could break Him? So vulnerable that His bare, beating heart could be hurt? Only the One who loves you to death.”
Ann Voskamp

And He invites you and me to trust His love as if our very lives depend on it … because they do. Not just our eternal lives but our every day “walking around interacting with other people” lives, even during the month of December.

So, I’m pausing and I’m grabbing my calendar and my to-do list and doing a bit of prayerful soul-searching. I want to give myself grace to not attend every event and do every traditional task. I’m giving myself permission not to plan the perfect menu or have my home impeccably decorated.

And I’m writing in time to spend as many quiet moments as possible sitting at Jesus’ feet … being still and knowing His love. I’m also slowing down enough to notice the people around me wherever I am and to make the intentional effort to show everyone God’s love and kindness.

And yes, I’ll probably do many of the things that have become family traditions but my prayer is that I’ll know why I’m doing them.

That I’ll know MY WHY for Christmas is to show the people around me how much they are loved by Jesus and by me.

I want to focus on…

Thank[ing] God for this gift too wonderful for words!
2 Corinthians 9:15

Because as Frank McKibben said…

“This is Christmas: not the tinsel, not the giving and receiving, not even the carols, but the humble heart that receives anew the wondrous gift, the Christ.”

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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The Best Advice to Love Holiday Time with Your Family

11 / 25 / 1911 / 24 / 19

Everyone has a dysfunctional family! Everyone! These 10 tips will help you love spending holiday time with your family ... even the difficult ones. #FamilyGathering #Holidays #DysfunctionalFamily #WWGGG

It’s almost here! Many of you may be traveling as you read this.

Social media is full of goal setting and planning posts to make this year the very best holiday ever.

But as I talk to friends and friends of friends for some of you the hardest part of celebrating the holidays is the mandatory extended family get together.

Oh sure, everyone puts their perfectly posed pictures online wanting everyone to believe their family is the exception. Forced smiles hide the fact that several people in the group … drive you crazy!

It’s okay. You can admit it.

Many of us have family members we’ve labeled the…

Meddler
Grouch
Know-it-all
Braggart
Critic
Snarkmaster
Political Corrector
Whiner
Pharisee
Arguer

And those are just the adults.

When you add the children and you get the…

Out of Control
Unappreciative
Entitled
Tantrum Thrower
Bully
Annoying and Obnoxious

It’s almost enough to make you consider avoiding the festivities altogether. In fact, there are plenty of articles out there that will encourage you to do just that.

But let’s be honest for a minute.

If you and I stopped to take a good look inside … we can probably imagine that at least one of those labels have been applied to us and others may have been applied to our spouses and children.

Still, in a few days and then again in a few weeks, you and I will pile in our cars or hop on planes to go home for the holidays because . . . well, they’re our family.

And like it or not, they’re the people God gave us … given both to bless us and to help us grow.

Maybe it’s with our families we are supposed to learn how to be kind and patient even when it’s hard. Maybe it’s with our families that God wants to teach us the importance of unconditional love.

So, I’ve been doing some praying and thinking about the attitudes I’d like this holiday and truthfully, those, I’m praying my family will bring as we get together. I believe it’s possible to love holiday time even if it’s with our dysfunctional families.

Just in case you need some help in advance, too … here’s:

The Best Advice to Love Holiday Time with Your Family

1. Leave the Past Where It Belongs … in the Past

If it’s not a happy memory for everyone don’t bring it up.

No one knows our hot buttons better than our family and avoiding them is one of the best gifts we can give each other.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.Ephesians 4:31–32

2. Don’t Expect Things to be Different

If the person who upsets and annoys you is on their best behavior enjoy being pleasantly surprised, but don’t expect it … you’re just setting yourself up for disappointment and agitation.

Pray and ask God to help you have a good day no matter how others behave.

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.James 1:19–20

3. Avoid Asking Prying Personal Questions.

When are you __________?
Why don’t you __________?
Are you ever going to __________?

You don’t want to be asked when you’re going to get married, have a baby, get a job, etc. And guess what? No one else likes it either.

“Family is a blessing. – Just keep saying that when you are irritated by something a family member says.” Marcelina Hardy

4. And You Don’t have to Answer Prying Personal Questions.

It’s perfectly okay to smile and say, “Hmm, I don’t think I have an answer for that one right now.” Then move on.

I love this tip from a CMB reader…

My mother-in-law had a great response to such questions: “I’ll forgive you for asking if you’ll forgive me for not answering.”Gail

5. Don’t Compare Yourself to Anyone.

Jealousy and comparisons can be frequent causes of family conflicts.

When rivalry and envy raise their ugly heads … stop, breathe, and choose love.

You and I don’t know anyone else’s complete story! Everyone in your family is dealing with good and bad. Comparing your bad to their good, will only make you sad and hurt your relationship … and the opposite is true as well.

Each person should judge his own actions and not compare himself with others. Then he can be proud for what he himself has done.Each person must be responsible for himself.Galatians 6:4–5 (NCV)

6. Listen More than You Talk.

This one is so hard for me but I’m learning that it’s okay for me not to share my opinion about everything.

If a conversation is getting on your nerves … offer to help in the kitchen or play with the kids, both are always appreciated.

Haughtiness goes before destruction;
humility precedes honor.
Spouting off before listening to the facts
is both shameful and foolish.Proverbs 18:12–13

7. Give More than You Get.

I’m not talking about gifts.

Can you imagine the difference we could make if we went into every gathering with a desire to give more kindness, encouragement, praise, compliments, forgiveness, etc.

Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.Ephesians 4:32

8. Be Prepared with Light-hearted Conversation Starters.

Take a stack of fun questions to keep the conversation light or to redeem it if it goes sideways. You can find a printable version of some of my favorite questions here.

A few of my favorites are:

What’s your favorite family tradition. ?
Who is the funniest person at the table?
What is something you use every day for which you’re thankful?

9. Ask 3 Questions that will Bless Your Family

Several years ago, I learned 3 simple questions that I believe are the best questions you can ask your family to help them grow closer and understand each other a little better.

Find out how to ask your family about Joy, Junk, and Jesus here.

Give thanks to the Lord and
proclaim His greatness.
Let the whole world know what He has done.
Sing to Him; yes, sing His praises.
Tell everyone about His wonderful deeds.1 Chronicles 16:8–9

10. Pray before you go and while you’re there.

Ask God to give you patience, kindness, and compassion for each difficult person by name. Ask Him to help you forgive the past and to bless your time with your family. Ask Him to help you find the joy in spending time with the people He created to be your family.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.Philippians 4:6

A Prayer Before You See Your Family

Father, Thank you for my family! Please help me remember they are a gift from You. Good and not so good, You have given them to me to help me grow.

As we gather together, please help us forgive the past and simply be able to love one another. Help us by the power of Your Spirit, to be patient and kind, encouraging and helpful.

Please help us treat each other the way we want them to treat us. Help us love holiday time together. Bless us with love, joy, and laughter. In Jesus’ name! Amen.

And finally, a quote to remember…

“Family life is too intimate to be preserved by the spirit of justice. It can only be sustained by a spirit of love which goes beyond justice.” Reinhold Niebuhr

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!Shortcode

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and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

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Day 33 -God, I Want Jesus to be My Joy

12 / 24 / 1812 / 24 / 18

“Joy is a state of mind and an orientation of the heart. It is a settled state of contentment, confidence and hope. Joy isn’t just a smile or a laugh. Joy is something that is deep within and doesn’t leave quickly. Joy is given by God and something that He wants us to have…” ~ Theopedia

We talk a lot about JOY at this time of the year. Joy to the World. Christmas Joy!

And yet, in a few short hours Christmas will be behind us and we’ll go back to the realities of life that try to stifle our joy.

But true joy is grounded in so much more than the celebration itself.

True JOY is found in the person of Jesus.

So, I’m praying…

God, I Want Jesus to be My Joy

Father, Christmas is about celebrating Jesus, the Word made flesh … thank you!

And yet, too often when the festivities are over … I take my focus off Jesus and the stresses of life challenge my contentment, confidence, and hope.

Please forgive me.

I want Jesus to be my JOY … not just at Christmas but every day, every moment of my life.

Please help me.

You show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalm 16:11

What an amazing promise, Father.

You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.
You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,
that I might sing praises to you and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!
Psalm 30:11–12

You have forgiven me and carried me through pain and brokenness. You’ve shown me Your healing grace. You have given me faith in Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

And although I have only see Him through the Words of Scriptures and in the hearts of Your people, I love Him. Through Your Spirit, I believe in Him. And in Him, I have a joy that cannot be explained. (based on 1 Peter 1:8)

Please help me. I want Jesus to be my Joy!

Show me the way of life, grant me the joy of your presence and help me focus on the pleasures of living blessed by and in Your presence forever. (based on Psalm 16:11)

And with Your help as I focus on all the blessings I have in and through Jesus…

I can be joyful because of the hope I have in Him. I can be patient when trouble comes, and I can enjoy coming to You in prayer with every need great or small. (based on Romans 12:12)

Father, by Your grace and with Your help … may I be full of the Joy only You can give.

So, that I can boldly proclaim.

I am full of joy! The Joy of Jesus!

Yes, Jesus is my JOY!

Amen.

I am so blessed that you are joining me for this journey…

You’ll want to subscribe to Counting My Blessings (if you haven’t already), to receive a link to 40 Days of Mountain Moving Prayers in your inbox each morning.

It’s true! This is the busiest time of the year but I promise this will only be a 2-minute a day commitment…

One that will ask and seek and knock through bold prayers … and watch what only God can do when we go to Him with anything is possible mountain moving prayers.

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Remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and tell us about the mountains God is moving in your life.

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Just imagine what God will do as His people come to Him in faith and prayer!

5 Promises to Pray that will Bless Your Children this Christmas

12 / 8 / 177 / 29 / 20

My email inbox overflows every day with advertisers trying to woo me with this years must have gift ideas. Kids of every age have made their list of wants and wishes they hope to find under the tree. I’ll admit I’m beginning to feel a sense of panic as I watch the days until Christmas slip away as my list of to-dos seems to grow. What’s up with that?!

If, like me, you need to find your childlike Christmas enthusiasm again, join me as I go back to God’s Word, to the real Joy of Christmas, to Jesus … the Word made flesh.

Pray these verses for yourself, then pray them with and for your children. Stop. Breathe. May we all use the days ahead to prepare our hearts and minds to receive the gift of Jesus with fresh eyes and an open heart.

5 Promises to Pray that will Bless Your Children this Christmas

Isiah 9:6

For a child is born to us,
    a son is given to us.
The government will rest on His shoulders.
    And He will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Father, thank you for the promise. You knew my overwhelming need and made a plan. A child. A son. A promise. Jesus. You saved Your lost children not with wealth or power but with mercy, grace, and love. With sacrifice. As busyness distracts and stuff entices, Father, keep my heart and mind focused on my Lord and Savior, Jesus … the Prince of Peace. Amen.

John 1:14

The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish. (MSG)

Jesus, You are completely human and completely God. Please forgive me. It’s easy to take for granted all You have done for me. I so quickly focus on all that’s wrong forgetting what You have done to make them right. You are my Perfect Teacher, my Perfect Friend, my Perfect Example. The Perfect Sacrifice who heals me and makes me whole. Thank you! I love you! Amen.

Luke 2:10–12

The angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize Him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

Father, Angel choirs and heavenly displays we might expect for the birth of Your Son. A poor young woman, animals, mangers, shepherds … not so much. Thank you for lighting the night sky to announce His birth. Thank you for promising His return. I’m watching and waiting, Lord. Please fill my heart with anticipation and excitement as I think about the awesome future You have prepared for Your children. I love you and trust Your promises. In Jesus name, Amen.

John 3:16

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

Father, I believe, help my unbelief. Grow my faith. Help me trust and obey Your will for me. Help me follow Jesus. Please help me love like He loves. Strengthen me and give me the courage I need. Fill me with Your Spirit’s power. Thank you for promising me life in and through Jesus. Amen.

1 John 5:11

This is what God told us: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.

Father, You give me everything I need today … forgiveness, care, kindness, and love. You provide for me in every way. You give me hope and the promise of a future with You. Jesus said He is preparing a place for me … a home that is wonderful and happy. Jesus is my promise. How can I begin to thank you? By giving you my all. Amen.

A Gift Idea
Activity Ark

The best thing you and I can give our children and grandchildren is the gift of knowing and loving Jesus. It’s a gift that begins as a tiny planted seed and I know you join me in praying that seed will grow into strong deeply rooted faith.

I recently had the privilege of reviewing a wonderful gift you to plant seeds and help them grow throughout the year.

My seven-year-old grandson (Woo hoo! Today’s his birthday) loved it!

We had fun doing the project together, the book was at his reading level, and the other activities were engaging and faith-inspiring.

This is what the creators of Activity Ark have to say about their ministry.

Every box is developed by our team of creative designers, experts in childhood education and the Bible, and kid testers (who are not shy to give us some really tough feedback!).

Our goal is to inspire kids and create shared experiences for families to enjoy together. We hope you enjoy your Activity Ark adventure as much as our early explorers do!

Click here or on the picture above to learn more.

And don’t forget to check out their blog — it’s loaded with ideas and fun ways to nurture faith in those little ones most precious to you.

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

How to Strengthen Your Family Relationships this Christmas

12 / 6 / 1712 / 4 / 17

It’s holiday time!

Thanksgiving through Christmas … that time of year when social media feeds are saturated with happy family photos.

Do you ever wonder if they’re accurate images of truth behind the lens? Is everyone blissful or do all families have an Uncle Know-it-all, Aunt Opinionated, and Grandpa Why Can’t We Just Do Things the Way We’ve Always Done Them?

When it comes to family – almost everyone can think of someone who is hard to handle and almost every gathering includes at least one awkwardly uncomfortable conversation.

Which is why I’m thrilled to share this post by Julie Moore from Hallway Initiative.

Challenging relationships are “hallway” material.

I love what Julie has to say about hallways”

Hallways seem to be such a waste of real estate. They’re often narrow and dark, and they aren’t what you’d call “livable space.”

When I first heard the saying, “until God opens the door, praise Him in the hallway!” I felt like it was written just for me. Even though I don’t like hallways, I have a choice to make: I can either fume and fuss my way through them, or I can praise the Lord as I wait them out.

The Hallway Initiative was born out of a need to remind myself to make the effort to choose joy in times of hardship.

So, please join me and welcome Julie … step into the hallway and find out the best way to grow your family relationships in the days and weeks ahead.

How to Strengthen Your Family Relationships this Christmas

Many of us eagerly await the holiday season, viewing it as a time to catch up with family and friends and to renew our love for the Savior who made it all possible. But the holidays can also bring a bit of angst as well, especially for those who have a difficult relative to deal with.

As we seek to grow closer to the Lord during our celebration of His birth, we can follow His example for fostering a deeper appreciation for our family members, too, even those who might be a little harder to love.

When I look at how Christ handled people, it truly is amazing. His care for the young, the old, and the lowly is both humbling and inspiring. Reading through the Gospels, four things Jesus did while He was with people jump out at me, things we can do as well as we get ready for Christmas:

Prepare with Prayer

Over and over again, we see Jesus slipping off by Himself for a time of prayer with His Heavenly Father. If ever there were a human being who didn’t need to pray, it would have been Jesus. After all, He is the Son of God! Surely He knew and understood God’s will better than anyone else. But rather than skipping over prayer, we instead see Him praying more fervently than anyone else in Scripture.

For example, Jesus began His days with prayer. In Mark 1:35, we read:

“Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed” (NKJV).

And He also closed His day with prayer, according to Matthew 14:23:

“And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there” (NKJV).

How many of us regularly start and end our days in prayer with the Lord? Honestly, I don’t do this nearly as often as I should be.

If God’s own Son needed to be in prayer as often as He was, we should follow His example and devote ourselves to spending time in prayer as well. And as we get ready to greet the holiday season and the relatives and friends it brings, we need that special communion with our Heavenly Father even more.

Meditate on Scripture

No matter where He went, Christ was always ready to offer Scripture to those He met. When He was under Satan’s attack, He defended Himself with Scripture. When He walked along with His disciples, He taught them with God’s Word. And when He rose from the dead, He demonstrated with Scripture how He had fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies.

Jesus constantly used Scripture in His earthly ministry. Below are just a few examples:

At His baptism when John was reluctant to baptize Him (see Matthew 3:13-15)
During His testing in the wilderness (see Matthew 4:1-11)
On the Emmaus Road after His resurrection (see Luke 24:27)

Jesus clearly had committed much of God’s Word to memory. We should follow His example by dwelling on and memorizing Scripture, too.

Cultivate Compassion

For me, one of the most awe-inspiring aspects of Jesus’ ministry on Earth was the compassion He had for people. I’m definitely not the most compassionate person ever. You know it’s bad when a sick or injured child comes to our bedroom door in the middle of the night asking for Daddy, not Mommy!

But everywhere He went, Christ had a deep compassion for the lost sheep of Israel.

Matthew 9:36 – “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd” (NKJV, emphasis added).
Matthew 14:14 – “And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick” (NKJV, emphasis added).
Matthew 15:32 – “Now Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way” (NKJV, emphasis added).

Jesus loved people. He cared about their physical and spiritual needs. He reached out and touched the untouchable. That’s true compassion.

This Christmas, as we’re around people who may not be the easiest to get along with, we need to show the same compassion that Christ did. Put yourself in their shoes. Remember that they may be hurting. Remember that Christ died for them just as He did for you.

Think of all the times God has had to forgive you for your shortcomings and extend grace to those around you.

Love the Lost

Jesus deeply loved the lost. He longed for all people to come to salvation. He said in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (NKJV).

As we gather in celebration of Christ’s birth this Christmas, we need to love those who aren’t yet saved. We should be seeking opportunities to share God’s love with them. When we understand that people’s deepest need is for salvation, this can help us love them and have compassion on them, to see them as Jesus sees them.

This Christmas, as we seek to grow closer to the Savior, may we follow His example and prepare with prayer, meditate on Scripture, cultivate compassion, and love the lost. In doing so, we’ll be better equipped for blessing and ministering to those around us!

Julie Moore is wife to Jon and mama to their four spark plugs. When not helping Jon with their startup or homeschooling the kids, she blogs at The Hallway Initiative where she offers Biblical encouragement for seasons of struggle. This past summer she wrote and published A Place Prepared, the story of how God used very difficult circumstances to teach her about His perfect plan.

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Why Re-Gifting Christmas Will Make You Happy

11 / 29 / 1711 / 29 / 17

Do you have the gift of hospitality?

I have to admit, it’s not something that is easy for me. I’m not sure why. I may just be too hard on myself wanting everything to be perfect. Which is hard because I don’t consider myself gifted in the kitchen.

But the truth is … hospitality isn’t about perfect food served in a perfect home, it’s about heart sharing, getting to know each other, and most importantly — just showing kind and caring love to one another.

When my friend, Sue Donaldson, offered this post to me I knew I had to share it with you because even if you don’t need it, I do!

Sue gets hospitality! I love her site, Welcome Home: Food for Body and Soul.

Have you ever read Sue’s “About” Page? No?! You need to as it starts like this:

God invites you into deep soul relationship – the kind you were meant for. Why? Because He loves you. You’re on the Guest List. WelcomeHeart exists to remind you of God’s Inviting Heart. And it doesn’t stop there. Once you’ve RSVP’d –once you’ve said, “I’m in, Lord” — WH seeks to encourage and equip you to invite another. God loves using your table to extend His welcome.

That’s hospitality! Being so excited that you and I are on God’s guest list we can’t keep it to ourselves. We must spread the word and extend His invitation to the people He puts in our lives.

And Sue reminds us to keep it simple:

“Would you like to come over? Nothing fancy. Bring the kids. Please come. You’re welcome here.”

I love that!

So, please give her a big welcome and enjoy her tips for a Christmas gathering that is simple, fun, and guaranteed to be a blessing!

Why Re-Gifting Christmas Will Make You Happy

Who will you Re-Gift Christmas to this week? Plenty of time yet. You don’t need to invite the whole neighborhood, but you might.

Singing along with my sister this morning and making a double-batch of chili. College girls for dinner again tonight. I hope it will be cold and brisk enough for chili. I hope they love chili. The Man-in-Plaid does so love chili–he’s been known to order chili when he could order steak. #noleftovers

My sister, Lori, sent me a CD of her singing Advent carols shortly after they became Lutherans–the first time for her–being a Lutheran, I mean. She and I grew up a mild version of Baptist–but it was a return to his past for husband Leonard–now pastoring at lovely St John’s in Oak Park, just outside brisk and cold Chicago. (Lots of days for chili for the Paytons!)

I mention Lutherans and Baptists (did I mention Presbyterians? No? No matter) –I mention this, not to discuss differences; rather for the sake of connection, peace and unity in light of the Gospel. All for One and One for all – as the French would say. Weren’t the Three Musketeers French? Oui, I believe.

Our One, our All is Jesus and we all celebrate Him this Advent season.

May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Romans 15:5 NLT

Our pastor is teaching the Re-gifting of Christmas – Californians so love being green – re-gifting fits right in. I’ll re-gift His love and warmth this evening with our two “adopted” Cal Poly students. And again Saturday morning to our neighbor ladies. Here’s what landed in their mailboxes last Sunday.

Neighborhood Ladies Christmas Coffee

At the home of Sue Donaldson

71 Mariposa Drive

Saturday – December 16 – 9:00 am

Bring something to share and, to Celebrate Baby Jesus’ Birthday, bring

an unwrapped Baby Gift. All donations will go to Family Care Network, San Luis Obispo

Please RSVP

Text 471-8271 or call 544-9767

Email: sue@welcomeheart.com

It’s a busy time—come even for a quick cup of coffee and a Merry Christmas!

It’s been fun receiving texts the last couple days – I don’t know many of the names of neighbors in these 90-plus houses – so name tags will abound, with lots of coffee, egg bakes and good cheer. Praying that our re-gifting of home and hearth will turn many hearts to Jesus.

See? All for One and One for all:

The Savior of our race.

No mention of Lutherans and Baptists.

For God so loved the world.

Praise God for that!

Here’s an a cappella arrangement – also gorgeous, although I favor Lori’s clear soprano – she needs to make a YouTube channel.

Here’s the text to sing along while you make your double-batch of something this fine morning.

1 Of the Father’s love begotten ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega — He the source, the ending He,
of the things that are, that have been, and that future years shall see
evermore and evermore.
2 O that birth forever blessed, when a virgin, blest with grace,
by the Holy Ghost conceiving, bore the Savior of our race;
and the babe, the world’s Redeemer, first revealed His sacred face,
evermore and evermore.
3 This is He whom seers in old time chanted of with one accord,
whom the voices of the prophets promised in their faithful word;
now he shines, the long-expected; let creation praise its Lord
evermore and evermore.
4 Let the heights of heaven adore Him; angel hosts, his praises sing:
powers, dominions, bow before Him and extol our God and King;
let no tongue on earth be silent, every voice in concert ring
evermore and evermore.
5 Christ, to you, with God the Father and the Spirit, there shall be
hymn and chant and high thanksgiving and the shout of jubilee:
honor, glory, and dominion and eternal victory
evermore and evermore.

Who will you Re-Gift Christmas to this week? Plenty of time left. You don’t need to invite the whole neighborhood, but you might.

As a Retreat Speaker, Bible teacher, or workshop leader, Sue loves sharing who God is with whoever comes her way. For her, intentional hospitality for the sake of Jesus is a joy and a privilege, and she knows it can be learned! Sue has a deep desire to encourage others to find the reality and joy of knowing God through his Word –and that can happen at any kitchen table or back porch.

Sue and her husband Mark reside in San Luis Obispo, California with their three daughters, Bonnie Sue, Bethany and their “surprise” treat at almost 44, Mary Grace.

They fellowship at Grace Church where Sue teaches women’s Bible Studies, coordinates Central Coast outreach events and speaks at Women’s Retreats.

You can follow her at Welcome Home, Twitter, and Pinterest.

And everything in Sue’s Shop is 20% off through tomorrow November 30th. The code is BLACKFRIDAY and the link is Welcome Home Shop.

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A Thrill of Hope for a Weary World

12 / 23 / 167 / 29 / 20

Merry Christmas, my friends!

I’m praying God’s blessings for you today and through the year ahead. May your heart be filled the thrill of hope found in Jesus alone.

The Thrill of Hope

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Father, I’m praying you will fill my friend with the thrill of hope. Fill them completely with joy and peace and bless their celebration. Amen.

Faith and Love

You have this faith and love because of your hope, and what you hope for is kept safe for you in heaven. You learned about this hope when you heard the message about the truth, the Good News. Colossians 1:5

Father, thank you for the gift of your Word. Your Good News to us gives and grows faith and reminds us of Your overwhelming love. Thank you for wanting Your children to know Your truth through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Bless my friend with growing faith and make them secure in the truth of Your love. Amen.

Jesus Our Hope

God decided to let His people know this rich and glorious secret which He has for all people. This secret is Christ Himself, who is in you. He is our only hope for glory. Colossians 1:27

Father, You didn’t keep the secret from Your people. Thank you! You gave the gift of Jesus and proclaimed His glory through angels, prophets, apostles, and followers. Give my friend hope and surround them with people who will remind them of the “secret” when they lose their way. Amen.

Courage and Strength

May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father encourage you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. God loved us, and through His grace He gave us a good hope and encouragement that continues forever. 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17

^{Father, I ask you to bless my friend with courage and strength. Every promise You’ve made is sure. Your plans are secure. Your forgiveness is complete. Your salvation is eternal. Your love is enough. Thank you for giving us everything we need in Jesus to be strong and courageous. Remind my friend of the hope they have in Your promises and give them Your peace through bold faith. Amen.}

Grace, Mercy, Truth, and Love

Grace, mercy, and peace which come from God the Father, and from Jesus Christ—the Son of the Father—will continue to be with us who live in truth and love. 2 John 1:3

Father, please bless my friend’s family with your grace, mercy, and peace. Fill their home with the light of Your love. Bless their celebration of Jesus’ birth and meet every need today and throughout the year ahead. Give them a love for Your Word and bless them with Your presence. Amen.

Merry Christmas

My friends, I am so very thankful for you. I count you among my most precious blessings. Thank you for pouring yourselves into this space through your comments and prayers.

May your days be filled with faith, hope, and God’s love.

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

5 of the Best Ways to Fill Your Joy Tank

12 / 12 / 167 / 29 / 20

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

A little less than two weeks until Christmas but in many households joy-filled wonderful is not filling the air.

I’ve heard from a number of people who feel there is not enough time, money, or energy to see them through to the end of the year. They’re exhausted physically and emotionally . . . and stressful anxiety is causing their joy tanks to run dangerously low.

How’s your joy tank?

If you’re feeling joy depleted . . . like you’re going to be running on empty days before Christmas arrives. This post is for you!

First, and this is important…

You absolutely must fill up your joy tank!

You can’t keep pouring into others without getting a refill. It’s just NOT possible.

Oh moms, we’re guilty. We want to make everything perfect for our loves. So we add extra shopping, cooking, cleaning, entertaining, and school activities to already full work schedules.

Every group has a Christmas party and every kid wants to have a friend over. You’re exhausted and every day it seems like your list grows as you check things off one by one.

How can you and I fill our joy tanks when we don’t have any room in our long lists of to-dos?

5 of the Best Ways to Fill Your Joy Tank

1. Say ‘no’ to joy stealers.

Friend, you don’t have to do it all. The truth is you can’t do it all. Your family will survive if you don’t make grandma’s sugar cookie recipe this year. Your friends will understand if they don’t get a card. Plan an Epiphany party instead of a Christmas or New Year’s Eve party.

Shop the sales and give your children a couple of Epiphany gifts.

You might be surprised that your family and friends are more excited about adding joy to the second week of January than they are with one more thing in December.

And…

Before you say “yes’ to something ask yourself, “Will this add to or deplete my joy.” A simple question that can help you make those tough last-minute decisions.

“…there are often many things we feel we should do that, in fact, we don’t really have to do. Getting to the point where we can tell the difference is a major milestone in the simplification process.” ~Elaine St. James

2. Do something you love and fill your joy tank.

The best thing about joy fillers is they don’t have to take a lot of time. Play your favorite Christmas song. Better yet, sing it really loud all by yourself. Grab a tiny candy cane for a sweet pick-me-up. Carry joy-filled verses with you to read while you stand in line or wait for an appointment.

Verses like…

The Lord Himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). Isaiah 7:14

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

But when the right time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. Galatians 4:4–5

And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life. 1 John 5:11–12

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7–8

If you have a little longer than two minutes, take a bubble bath, cuddle up with your family, drive through your neighborhood and look at Christmas lights, etc.

Don’t think of joy filling as selfish, think of it as emotional and spiritual therapy.

3. Ask God to fill your joy tank.

Jesus said we should ask, seek, and knock. Your Father wants you to have His joy. Ask Him.

Pray with me…

Father, thank you for Your countless blessings. You fill my life with life and love. Take my hand, Lord. Guide me in Your ways. Help me follow what You know will give me joy. You know me better than I know myself. Father, help me trust and faithfully follow wherever you lead.

My heart’s desire is to celebrate the joy of Your gift of salvation . . . Jesus. May I, by Your grace, keep my focus on Jesus, the source and perfecter of my faith. May He be my joy every moment of my life. I ask this in Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

4. Look for small ways God is already offering you joy.

Open your eyes. Stretch. Feel your body work. Savor that first sip of coffee and first bite of breakfast.

Stop. Look into the eyes of those you love.

Walk around your home. Celebrate heat and hot water, electricity and plumbing.

Go outside. Look at the sky. Enjoy the beauty around you.

Celebrate His blessings.

In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people. Colossians 3:23

5. Thank God for the gift of joy.

What a blessing to love and serve a Father, who wants us to experience joy. He not only wants you to have it, He wants to give it to you. Joy is a blessing given through the Holy Spirit.

Remember – the God who made you wants you to be joyful.

Do you need a joy tank fill up?

Ask God. Then thank Him . . . He wants you to have more joy than you could ever hope for or imagine. That’s why He gave you Jesus.

Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with the fullness of God.

With God’s power working in us, God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine. To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:19–20

To close today, I have a question for you…

What’s your favorite joy tank filler?

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

How to Follow the Star

12 / 20 / 1212 / 7 / 15

Follow the Star

with

HOPE

JOY

and in ANTICIPATION

for

Jesus your Savior

born.

To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God,
be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
1 Timothy 1:17

Father, we thank and praise You for Your perfect and indescribable gift.

20 Quotes to Bless Your Christmas

12 / 19 / 1212 / 14 / 16

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.
~Charles Dickens through Ebenezer Scrooge

**********

Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won’t make it “white.”
~Bing Crosby

**********

Christmas is the day that holds all time together.
~Alexander Smith

**********

All the Christmas presents in the world are worth nothing without the presence of Christ.
~David Jeremiah

**********

In today’s Christmas message,
“the message of what man has to sell takes precedence over the proclamation of what God has to give.”
~Handel H. Brown

**********

Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift.
2 Corinthians 9:15

**********

Best of all, Christmas means a spirit of love, a time when the love of God
and the love of our fellow men should prevail over all hatred and
bitterness, a tie when our thoughts an deeds and the spirit of our lives
manifest the presence of God.
~Anonymous

**********

Christmas began in the heart of God. It is complete only when it reaches the heart of man.
~Anonymous

**********

Seek joy in what you give . . . not in what you get.
~Anonymous

**********

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son,
who came from the Father, full of grace and truth
John 1:14

**********

Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness, and just be happy.
~Guillaume Apollinaire (French Poet)

**********

The Son of God became a man to enable men to become the sons of God.
~C.S. Lewis

**********

The supernatural birth of Christ, His miracles, His resurrection and ascension,
remain eternal truths, whatever doubts may be cast on their
reality as historical facts.
~David Friedrich Strauss

**********

They shall call his name Immanuel”(which means, God with us).
Matthew 1:23

**********

This is Christmas: not the tinsel, not the giving and receiving, not even the carols,
but the humble heart that receives anew the wondrous gift, the Christ.
~Frank McKibbon

**********

Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world.
The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son.
The only requirement is to believe in Him.
The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.
~Corrie TenBoom

**********

Approach Christmas with an expectant hush, rather than a last-minute rush.
~Anonymous

**********

“Christmas gift suggestions:
To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.”
~Oren Arnold, author

**********

Are you willing to believe that love is the strongest thing in the world – stronger than hate,
stronger than evil, stronger than death – and that the blessed life
which began in Bethlehem nineteen hundred years ago
is the image and brightness of the Eternal Love? Then you can keep Christmas.
~Henry Van Dyke

**********

For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders.
And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

**********

Photo Credit

How Silent Was It That Silent Night

12 / 18 / 1212 / 7 / 15

In 1818 a group of traveling actors was re-enacting the story of Christ’s birth throughout Austria. On December 23rd, they arrived at a small town near Salzburg to perform at the Church of St. Nicholas. But on that night, the church organ failed to work and so the presentation took place in a private home rather than in the sanctuary.

On the way home that evening, Assistant Pastor Josef Mohr took a longer walk home looking out over the quiet countryside. As he took in the picturesque scene he remembered a poem he’d written a couple of years before.

The following day Pastor Mohr gave the poem to the church organist, Franz Gruber. A few hours later, Silent Night was sung to guitar accompaniment at St. Nicholas’ Christmas Eve Service.

Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, All is bright
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child
Holy Infant so Tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight!
Glories stream from heaven afar;
Heavenly hosts sing Al-le-lu-ia!
Christ the Saviour is born!
Christ the Saviour is born!

Silent night, holy night!
Wondrous star, lend thy light!
With the angels let us sing
Alleluia to our King!
Christ the Saviour is here,
Jesus the Saviour is here!

Silent night, Holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus Lord at thy birth;
Jesus Lord at thy birth.

I have to admit, Silent Night is one of my favorite Christmas Carols; however, although silence may have aptly described the Austrian hillside in the early eighteen hundreds. I seriously doubt that these words give an accurate depiction of Bethlehem at the time of the nativity.

Crowded village, animals, child-birth, angels, shepherds . . . not quiet. Definitely not quiet.

But.

Christ the Savior is born.

This is not something about which to be quiet.

This must be announced.

In the first century, the 21st century, those between, and beyond.

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

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:13-14

The Gift of Gold

12 / 17 / 1212 / 27 / 13

We get the gift of gold. It has always been and still is costly and valued.

God commanded the use of gold throughout the Tabernacle and the Temple . . . the Ark of the Covenant, cups, bowls, lamp stands, the altar, etc. (Exodus 25 and 1 Kings 6 & 7)

Revelation 21 describes the New Jerusalem (heaven) as: The twelve gates were made of pearls—each gate from a single pearl! And the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass. (v. 21)

Valued treasure and paving material, let’s look at some facts about gold:

It has been discovered on every continent on earth.
It will conduct heat and electricity, and will never rust.
It is so pliable it can be made into sewing thread.
It is mentioned more than 400 times in the Bible.
The gold standard sets the value for currency in many nations.
Perfectly pure gold is soft enough to be molded by hand.

The Magi’s gift of Gold to Jesus represented His sovereign nature, and foreshadowed His role as King.

The Gift of Frankincense

12 / 14 / 1212 / 16 / 12

The Gift of Frankincense – Healing and Sacrifice

Like Myrrh, Frankincense comes from tree resin which hardens into beads when exposed to air. In Bible times, beads were burned on the incense altar in the Tabernacle and each of the Temples in Jerusalem. Throughout history Frankincense was considered one of nature’s most cherished gifts.

The Magi’s gift of Frankincense to Jesus represented His divine nature, and foreshadowed His role as Priest . . . Minister, Servant, Shepherd, Sacrifice, Mediator.

Maybe priests are not on your list of people you need in your life. Certainly the role of priest has come under attack in recent years, but let’s take a moment to look at the historical and traditional roles of priests.

The Perfect Gift for All Children Everywhere

12 / 11 / 1212 / 7 / 15

Some Children See Him

Some children see Him Lily white
The baby Jesus born this night
Some children see Him Lily white
With tresses soft and fair

Some children see Him bronzed and brown
The Lord of heav’n to Earth come down
Some children see Him bronzed and brown
With dark and heavy hair

Some children see Him almond-eyed
This Savior whom we kneel beside
Some children see Him almond-eyed
With skin of yellow hue

Some children see Him dark as they
Sweet Mary’s son to whom we pray
Some children see Him dark as they
And, ah they love him, too

The children in each diff’rent place
Will see the baby Jesus’ face
Like theirs but bright with heav’nly grace
And filled with holy light

O lay aside each earthly thing
And with thy heart as offering
Come worship now the infant king
‘Tis love that’s born tonight

by Wilha Hutson and Alfred S. Burt
© Copyright Hollis Music, Inc. 1951

One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so He could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering Him.Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. Luke 8:15-16

The greatest gift we can give our children is taking them to Jesus “so He can touch and bless them.”
The gift you and I need more than any other is the love of Jesus received with humble child-like faith.

Father, Thank you for the gift of Jesus. Your Word says in John chapter 3, “God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son so that whoever believes in Him may not be lost, but have eternal life.” We are unworthy of Your love. We don’t deserve Your perfect gift. Father, we have nothing to offer You besides loving thankful hearts. We come to You like children with empty hands extended and lives offered with trust and obedience. Thank you Father for a Savior in whom we can see ourselves. One who touches and blesses. Jesus, the perfect gift for all children everywhere.