Friday, December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas & 'Heart to Heart with Holley'

                As we all scurry to finish last minute details for our Christmas celebrations I pray that we might all be reminded of God's perfect love for us. I'd like to share a morning devotion I received in my email this morning, written by Holley Gerth a writer for Dayspring...

                                                                               


"Why you don't have to make everything perfect this Christmas...


I curl up on the couch, coffee in one hand and a pen in the other. I feel weary all the way to my bones.

I think of all the ways I fall short...

the corners of the house uncleaned.

the corners of my heart that are the same.

I whisper prayers about feeling too small, about things seeming impossible, of never being able to grasp that word that haunts the Daughters of Eve--perfect.

On the horizon of my heart a half-remembered Scripture slowly appears. I search for it. When I find it, I look in wonder...

The Lord will perfect that which concerns me. Psalm 138:8 NKJV

Twin truths slip from that sentence. First, God alone knows what perfect really means. And let me assure you, it's not the standards we set. Second, only He can make it happen in our lives--and He will.

God's "perfect" may not match what we have in our minds. It may not come when we planned. It may not work out the way we always imagined it would.

But God will perfect that which concerns me, that which concerns you.

Is there any better proof than a baby in a manger born on Christmas morning?

Jesus was unexpected, not-as-planned, didn't-see-that-coming, more-than-we-imagined. In one word: Perfect.

And through Him, we can trust that somehow, inexplicably, God will make everything else in our lives right too.

We are imperfect but His love never, ever is.

That, my friends, is worth celebrating.

I get up from the couch. I set down my pen and coffee.

I find myself humming, "Joy to the world..."

written with love for you by holley"







Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Merry Christmas!

                                                                               

“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love. ”


                                                 Hamilton Wright Mabie (1846-1916);

                                              

Monday, December 20, 2010

Delight in the Magic of the Season



Awe is the finest portion of mankind . . .

                                                 in awe one feels profoundly the immense.

                                                    ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe~











Thursday, December 16, 2010

Great You tube Video!

What a beautiful voice reminding us of the true reason for Christmas!

"Where's the line to see Jesus?"


This really touched my heart, reminds me Christmas is not about Santa, presents, fir trees, colored lights, it is about the birth of the Savior of mankind, God's own son, who grew up to sacrifice his life that we may be reconciled unto a loving God who is madly in love with each one of us, yes that includes YOU. God loves you THAT much and more, and He has since BEFORE time (or the "big bang" as the scientists like to call it).

Mankind and the adversary; Satan, have complicated our faith and believing, purposely. (for instance Jesus Christ was actually born on September 11th of 3 BC) It is time to simplify, spend less and give more at Christmas, give love, the love of God, the love of our Savior Jesus Christ. What better present can we give someone than eternal life with a God and His son who are madly in love with us?

I am currently working at the Mall and daily I see long lines for kids to see Santa, after watching this video, I will now wonder every time I walk by: "Where is the line to see Jesus Christ?"

May God pour out His blessings upon you and may you enjoy the true meaning of what we call Christmas: that the creator of the universe, God, loves you so madly that He gave His only son just to have a personal relationship with YOU!

I love you all with Agape (Greek translation from the Bible meaning "the love of God"),

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OExXItDyWEY

Trying to Remember God Has a Plan

At a certain moment in Nietzsche's life, the idea came to him of what he called 'the love of your fate.' Whatever your fate is, whatever the heck happens, you say, 'This is what I need.' It may look like a wreck, but go at it as though it were an opportunity, a challenge. If you bring love to that moment - not discouragement - you will find the strength is there. Any disaster that you can survive is an improvement in your character, your stature, and your life. What a privilege! This is when the spontaneity of your own nature will have a chance to flow. Then, when looking back at your life, you will see that the moments which seemed to be great failures followed by wreckage were the incidents that shaped the life you have now. You’ll see that this is really true. Nothing can happen to you that is not positive. Even though it looks and feels at the moment like a negative crisis, it is not.



Joseph Campbell, 1904-1987

American Mythology Professor and Author

Some days are hard, really hard, but I know that God will see us through as He has before. I sit here early this morning trying to calm my anxious heart, reminding myself that He always has a plan and that while I might not see it now we are safe in His loving arms. If you are struggling with any hardship this day I pray that knowing One who is greatest of All is in charge will bring you some comfort. Bless you all !

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

My Love of All Things Vintage

...carries over into Christmas!
I love vintage linens, especially Christmas ones!
Maybe they evoke childhood memories...
of simpler times,
maybe it just seemed that way from the eyes of a child.
I found this book on clearance last year,
it is filled with beautiful images.
I believe they still have it available on Amazon.
All of these wonderful images came from one of my
favorite magazines, Country Living. I just love spending
some quiet time reading it over a cup of tea or cocoa.
What will you be doing today to find some peaceful moments
during this busy season?