It's to that point when I have reached the end of another year and stretching out ahead of me is a clean slate. A new calendar full of days yet to be lived, stories yet to be written, joys and sorrows, memories to make, paths now unknown.
2008 has been challenging in ways that I never expected a year ago. There have been incredible stories, amazing journeys, wonderful days, and also intense tears, deep sorrows, and trials unsurpassed. Yet it's coming to the end and now I'm ready to look forward into 2009 with hope and joy and faith.
I don't know where I'll be a year from now. I don't know if I'll be in this office, doing this job, living with the same roommate, going to the same church. The days to come are unknown. Yet I am assured that all that has come before has prepared me for what is to come.
No matter how dark any day might look, I can't help but be excited that there's a new year coming. Some might wonder in the craziness of the world how I can be so positive and full of excitement for the coming days. The world is icky and there are a lot of stressful things going on that aren't fun for us to walk through.
So I'll let you in on my secret:
I'm excited because God is already there! He's already put pen to paper and written stories that I don't yet know. He's already working and He's preparing and He's planning for good. I come into this new year blind but God is there with eyes wide open and I just can't wait to see where the journey leads! I know that I can trust Him through the easy and the hard times, through the joy and the sorrow, through the known and the unknown. His mercy remains, His love never ends, His promises are always true. That's what makes me look forward with joy towards a future that's yet unknown.
I know the days to come will bring many stories (particularly since I seem to collect odd occurrences like some elderly aunt with a penchant for knick-knacks). I hope to share many of them with you and, through this blog, my hope remains that you will be encouraged and God will be glorified.
So, here's to the coming year! May 2009 be a most blessed one for all of my readers and may the God of all things be the central focus in every day to come!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Loose Ends
Here we are. T-minus 2 days until the final seconds of 2008 are counted off and 2009 begins.
I can hardly believe that another year has passed, that Thanksgiving and Christmas are now only memories, and that radio stations are playing out the top 50/100/500 of 2008.
It's time to tie up the loose ends. To make the new resolutions and think about where I hope to grow and change and believe in the coming year. It's time to close the door on some old dreams and allow God to open it on new ones. It's time to take note of all God has done and where He's still working on me. It's time to make decisions to leave behind things that I don't want to take with me and to hang on tight to the things that I want to carry.
We're here at the end. Here's where I take stock and give God the glory for the last 365 days and pray for Him to be glorified in the next. These are priceless moments where I am overcome with gratitude and worship for God who has done so much. Moments where I'm excited about the journey to come and thankful for the journey that is passed.
I look back today so that I can move forward tomorrow.
Now is the time.
I can hardly believe that another year has passed, that Thanksgiving and Christmas are now only memories, and that radio stations are playing out the top 50/100/500 of 2008.
It's time to tie up the loose ends. To make the new resolutions and think about where I hope to grow and change and believe in the coming year. It's time to close the door on some old dreams and allow God to open it on new ones. It's time to take note of all God has done and where He's still working on me. It's time to make decisions to leave behind things that I don't want to take with me and to hang on tight to the things that I want to carry.
We're here at the end. Here's where I take stock and give God the glory for the last 365 days and pray for Him to be glorified in the next. These are priceless moments where I am overcome with gratitude and worship for God who has done so much. Moments where I'm excited about the journey to come and thankful for the journey that is passed.
I look back today so that I can move forward tomorrow.
Now is the time.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Christmas 2008
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
Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.
~Isaiah 9:6-7
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
Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.
~Isaiah 9:6-7
To all of my readers both far and near, I wish you a very merry Christmas full of joy and peace.
May the God who stepped out of eternity be close to you today as you celebrate His birth and rejoice in His blessings.
May the God who stepped out of eternity be close to you today as you celebrate His birth and rejoice in His blessings.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Riches
You are familiar with the generosity of our Master, Jesus Christ. Rich as he was, he gave it all away for us - in one stroke he became poor and we became rich.
~ 2 Corinthians 8:9
From angels to shepherds, power to dependence, diety to humanity. One cry broke time for all eternity.
Everything that He'd had, He gave up.
We would not be so quick to give up even a fraction of what Jesus gave up. We'd hold onto it with everything that we had, intoxicated by so much power and knowledge and finding our identity in the ownership.
Yet He stepped away from His great riches, giving them up completely, so that we may gain the immeasurable gift of eternal salvation. His riches became ours.
It wasn't forced, it wasn't coerced, it wasn't required.
Love sent Him to the manger. Love sent Him to the cross.
He truly had it all but He still wanted us.
Don't attempt to fully comprehend - it's impossible.
Do worship.
He's the only thing that's worth it.
~ 2 Corinthians 8:9
From angels to shepherds, power to dependence, diety to humanity. One cry broke time for all eternity.
Everything that He'd had, He gave up.
We would not be so quick to give up even a fraction of what Jesus gave up. We'd hold onto it with everything that we had, intoxicated by so much power and knowledge and finding our identity in the ownership.
Yet He stepped away from His great riches, giving them up completely, so that we may gain the immeasurable gift of eternal salvation. His riches became ours.
It wasn't forced, it wasn't coerced, it wasn't required.
Love sent Him to the manger. Love sent Him to the cross.
He truly had it all but He still wanted us.
Don't attempt to fully comprehend - it's impossible.
Do worship.
He's the only thing that's worth it.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Right Again
This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again.
~ John 3:16-17 (The Message)
God did love the world 2,000 years ago.
God still loves the world today.
As we begin our times of celebration, let us also stop and realize that the Jesus who stepped out of eternity all those years ago did it because today, at the very end of 2008, He knew there would be people who are desperate for the hope that's found only in Him. He came because He is the ultimate solution to the pain that's captured our world. He came because He can redeem.
It's not all about a manger. It's not all about the wise men or the stable or the shepherds. It's about the love that God had for a people yet unknown. It's about the ability to restore that's held only by a sovereign, all-powerful, amazing God who has a love for such undeserving people as you and I.
The manger was just the beginning.
Don't leave it at that.
Tell the whole story. Not just what Christ did as He walked this ground but what He's done in your life.
Shine for Him in these days.
There's a world that needs to hear.
~ John 3:16-17 (The Message)
God did love the world 2,000 years ago.
God still loves the world today.
As we begin our times of celebration, let us also stop and realize that the Jesus who stepped out of eternity all those years ago did it because today, at the very end of 2008, He knew there would be people who are desperate for the hope that's found only in Him. He came because He is the ultimate solution to the pain that's captured our world. He came because He can redeem.
It's not all about a manger. It's not all about the wise men or the stable or the shepherds. It's about the love that God had for a people yet unknown. It's about the ability to restore that's held only by a sovereign, all-powerful, amazing God who has a love for such undeserving people as you and I.
The manger was just the beginning.
Don't leave it at that.
Tell the whole story. Not just what Christ did as He walked this ground but what He's done in your life.
Shine for Him in these days.
There's a world that needs to hear.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Tinsel
We expect too much at Christmas. It's got to be magical. It's got to go right. Feasting. Fun. The perfect present. All that anticipation. Take it easy. Love's the thing. The rest is tinsel.
~ Pam Brown
Countdown at T-minus three days.
Last minute gifts are being purchased, travelers are packing the roads and airports, FedEx is coming at all hours of days and nights.
Hustle, bustle, scurry, run!
Don't forget though.
Don't miss it.
He is the celebration, not only in these immediate days but for all of eternity.
Don't miss Him.
To do so would be to miss it all.
~ Pam Brown
Countdown at T-minus three days.
Last minute gifts are being purchased, travelers are packing the roads and airports, FedEx is coming at all hours of days and nights.
Hustle, bustle, scurry, run!
Don't forget though.
Don't miss it.
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
~ Luke 2:10-11
~ Luke 2:10-11
He is the celebration, not only in these immediate days but for all of eternity.
Don't miss Him.
To do so would be to miss it all.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Shouting
The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
~ 1 Kings 19:11-12
This world is running on a short supply of hope these days and a big supply of pessimism. It's loud and scary and intimidating and uncertain. It's full of hurts and struggles and pain and fear. I hear the conversations, I see the people's faces, I read the stories, I feel the stress.
It's so easy to listen to the shouting. To allow the situations of life and the state of the world to twist your stomach into a knot and suck the peace out of your day. The shouting demands attention.
But so did the wind and the earthquake and the fire.
Elijah was hurting. He was running for his life, believing that the stand he had taken for God was worthless and would result only in him being hunted down and killed. Then God told him that He would pass by.
Elijah needed the Lord. He wanted to hear from Him. He desired reassurance and hope in a sad and scary situation. Sound like anyone you know today?
Then there was the wind, then the earthquake, then the fire. Big, frightening, attention-capturing events. I'm sure Elijah assumed these must be God. They weren't though.
Then at the end, as he stood on the mountain where he had just observed so much power but still hadn't seen the Lord, there came the voice.
The voice of God.
Small, quiet, unassuming.
Whispering hope, breathing life, restoring faith, releasing fear, bringing peace.
In our world of chaos, He still speaks the same things to us.
Listen for the whisper.
~ 1 Kings 19:11-12
This world is running on a short supply of hope these days and a big supply of pessimism. It's loud and scary and intimidating and uncertain. It's full of hurts and struggles and pain and fear. I hear the conversations, I see the people's faces, I read the stories, I feel the stress.
It's so easy to listen to the shouting. To allow the situations of life and the state of the world to twist your stomach into a knot and suck the peace out of your day. The shouting demands attention.
But so did the wind and the earthquake and the fire.
Elijah was hurting. He was running for his life, believing that the stand he had taken for God was worthless and would result only in him being hunted down and killed. Then God told him that He would pass by.
Elijah needed the Lord. He wanted to hear from Him. He desired reassurance and hope in a sad and scary situation. Sound like anyone you know today?
Then there was the wind, then the earthquake, then the fire. Big, frightening, attention-capturing events. I'm sure Elijah assumed these must be God. They weren't though.
Then at the end, as he stood on the mountain where he had just observed so much power but still hadn't seen the Lord, there came the voice.
The voice of God.
Small, quiet, unassuming.
Whispering hope, breathing life, restoring faith, releasing fear, bringing peace.
In our world of chaos, He still speaks the same things to us.
Listen for the whisper.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Difference
Time split.
A difference made.
One by one we are changed.
The world needs to know.
He was and is and is to come.
Upside Down from Pace Hartfield on Vimeo.
A difference made.
One by one we are changed.
The world needs to know.
He was and is and is to come.
Upside Down from Pace Hartfield on Vimeo.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Answered
December 17
Match Day 2008!
7:20AM
Phone rings.
Me: "Tell me!"
Her: "We're coming to Texas!"
Many congratulations Dr. C and Mr. P! Texas can't wait to have you!
:)
Match Day 2008!
7:20AM
Phone rings.
Me: "Tell me!"
Her: "We're coming to Texas!"
Many congratulations Dr. C and Mr. P! Texas can't wait to have you!
:)
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Nonsense
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
~ Unknown
But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.
~ Psalm 68:3
Life is short, might as well enjoy it!
As I rode my shopping cart towards the cart return last night in the freezing temperatures this is what I said to the man who was looking at me very strangely. He quickly agreed and as I went on my way, I laughed at the way that acting like a kid even for 20 seconds brightens my day and gives me an opportunity to bring a smile to another's face too!
Try it some time. We're never too old to act like children. There are carts to ride, swings to swing on, snowflakes to catch, and dogs to wrestle with. Live with arms wide open! Embrace it all and know that God is the God of laughter and joy and happiness and He loves it when we enjoy the simple things that He's created!
~ Unknown
But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.
~ Psalm 68:3
Life is short, might as well enjoy it!
As I rode my shopping cart towards the cart return last night in the freezing temperatures this is what I said to the man who was looking at me very strangely. He quickly agreed and as I went on my way, I laughed at the way that acting like a kid even for 20 seconds brightens my day and gives me an opportunity to bring a smile to another's face too!
Try it some time. We're never too old to act like children. There are carts to ride, swings to swing on, snowflakes to catch, and dogs to wrestle with. Live with arms wide open! Embrace it all and know that God is the God of laughter and joy and happiness and He loves it when we enjoy the simple things that He's created!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Immanuel
The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
~ Isaiah 7:14
Promised long before delivery, the world watched and waited for the sign guaranteed them by the Lord they trusted. Days were hard, trials were many, hope became scarce. Every baby born could be the fulfillment of the promise but, child after child, none delivered.
Do you not think that at times the people despaired that God would truly deliver? Do you not think that they struggled to believe in the promise given through Isaiah decades before? Do you not think that they wondered if they'd misheard something or overlooked something or gone the wrong way?
God didn't forget though. He wasn't making them wait for punishment or just to test their faith. Instead, He was waiting for the perfect time, predetermined by Him, that would fulfill not just one promise but every one that had been given.
Jesus was Immanuel, God with us.
Yet even before Jesus' arrival, God was near. Near enough to speak, near enough to care, near enough to know every need and meet it.
God is still near, Jesus is still with us. In this season, if you're waiting on God to move, remember this truth: He never promises without fulfillment.
Sometimes though, the promise takes time to be made perfect.
~ Isaiah 7:14
Promised long before delivery, the world watched and waited for the sign guaranteed them by the Lord they trusted. Days were hard, trials were many, hope became scarce. Every baby born could be the fulfillment of the promise but, child after child, none delivered.
Do you not think that at times the people despaired that God would truly deliver? Do you not think that they struggled to believe in the promise given through Isaiah decades before? Do you not think that they wondered if they'd misheard something or overlooked something or gone the wrong way?
God didn't forget though. He wasn't making them wait for punishment or just to test their faith. Instead, He was waiting for the perfect time, predetermined by Him, that would fulfill not just one promise but every one that had been given.
Jesus was Immanuel, God with us.
Yet even before Jesus' arrival, God was near. Near enough to speak, near enough to care, near enough to know every need and meet it.
God is still near, Jesus is still with us. In this season, if you're waiting on God to move, remember this truth: He never promises without fulfillment.
Sometimes though, the promise takes time to be made perfect.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Words
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
~ Proverbs 12:18
Every once in a while I see something that is convicting to me and I want to share it with others. This video is one of those things.
It speaks to me of so many things: the power our words have on those around us, how we're most likely to use our words in cruel ways with those we love the most and how easy it is to put a mask on when we walk through the doors of a church or any place where others will be watching.
I'm often challenged by the words I say and how I say them. I may not currently be a wife or a mother but this short video reminds me that the things that I speak do impact those in my life. I have choices every day in the way that I use my ability to speak. Sometimes I use those opportunities for glorifying the Lord but other times I find myself saying things that are certainly not the best use of the mind and mouth God has given me. I am often realizing how cautious I must be in the words that I say and how I must always be asking the Lord to use my words for His purposes to encourage and build up others.
There are many things to say and many things to say them about. May we all be challenged to use our words carefully that we will bless others and bring glory to God!
Just my 2 cents on the topic! :)
~ Proverbs 12:18
Every once in a while I see something that is convicting to me and I want to share it with others. This video is one of those things.
It speaks to me of so many things: the power our words have on those around us, how we're most likely to use our words in cruel ways with those we love the most and how easy it is to put a mask on when we walk through the doors of a church or any place where others will be watching.
I'm often challenged by the words I say and how I say them. I may not currently be a wife or a mother but this short video reminds me that the things that I speak do impact those in my life. I have choices every day in the way that I use my ability to speak. Sometimes I use those opportunities for glorifying the Lord but other times I find myself saying things that are certainly not the best use of the mind and mouth God has given me. I am often realizing how cautious I must be in the words that I say and how I must always be asking the Lord to use my words for His purposes to encourage and build up others.
There are many things to say and many things to say them about. May we all be challenged to use our words carefully that we will bless others and bring glory to God!
Just my 2 cents on the topic! :)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
He Is
He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals his thoughts to man, he who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth— the LORD God Almighty is his name.
~Amos 4:13
I stumbled on this verse this morning and absolutely love it!
As you have probably noticed if you read this blog, I've lately been fighting through the desire to define my path and determine the outcome of the journey I find myself on. I struggle to listen to God first and to set the voices of the world aside as they often make more immediate sense to me. I've questioned the direction and wondered if I'm missing something or if I could do it better myself.
This battle is pointless. I know that and I still choose so often to engage.
Then God reminds me, yet again, of who He is and why my arguments are always insignificant and incorrect in the face of His majesty, knowledge, and power. Every day I wonder who I must think myself to be to fight against this God. I recognize that my greatest wisdom is foolishness to the One who rules over all things.
Here's what truly amazes me though: this God who sits in authority over all things still chooses to reveal His thoughts to man! Even though I fight against Him and question His plan and fully deserve to be cast out of His presence for my impertinence, He still chooses to meet with me and speak. I am amazed at that...in awe, in reverence, in repentance. How dare I be so bold and how can He possibly be so kind? I will never understand this God but I am overwhelmed with gratitude that He chooses me anyways.
I have so very far to go on this journey. Day after day I see just how much I need a Savior. I hope to never reach a point where I don't recognize my utter dependence on Him.
He is so good. We are all so undeserving. He loves us in spite of that. Absolutely amazing!
~Amos 4:13
I stumbled on this verse this morning and absolutely love it!
As you have probably noticed if you read this blog, I've lately been fighting through the desire to define my path and determine the outcome of the journey I find myself on. I struggle to listen to God first and to set the voices of the world aside as they often make more immediate sense to me. I've questioned the direction and wondered if I'm missing something or if I could do it better myself.
This battle is pointless. I know that and I still choose so often to engage.
Then God reminds me, yet again, of who He is and why my arguments are always insignificant and incorrect in the face of His majesty, knowledge, and power. Every day I wonder who I must think myself to be to fight against this God. I recognize that my greatest wisdom is foolishness to the One who rules over all things.
Here's what truly amazes me though: this God who sits in authority over all things still chooses to reveal His thoughts to man! Even though I fight against Him and question His plan and fully deserve to be cast out of His presence for my impertinence, He still chooses to meet with me and speak. I am amazed at that...in awe, in reverence, in repentance. How dare I be so bold and how can He possibly be so kind? I will never understand this God but I am overwhelmed with gratitude that He chooses me anyways.
I have so very far to go on this journey. Day after day I see just how much I need a Savior. I hope to never reach a point where I don't recognize my utter dependence on Him.
He is so good. We are all so undeserving. He loves us in spite of that. Absolutely amazing!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Walk On
This morning an old-school song began to play and today it just resonated with me. If I were to define one thing that I feel in these days it would be the overwhelming sense that I have no clue where my life is heading. I don't mean that in a bad way, just in recognition that the path that I'm on is not one where I can discern the ending destination and what it will look like.
The funny thing is that I'm not overly concerned about where I'm heading because I know that God is working things out that are far beyond my comprehension and I can rest securely in that. However, there are moments when I struggle with the road because it's hard to explain and sometimes hard to walk. My God is big though, big enough to be the ultimate destination that my heart seeks.
Maybe these lyrics will speak to you too and encourage you to keep pressing forward, not because you know what things will look like but because you know the One who does!
The funny thing is that I'm not overly concerned about where I'm heading because I know that God is working things out that are far beyond my comprehension and I can rest securely in that. However, there are moments when I struggle with the road because it's hard to explain and sometimes hard to walk. My God is big though, big enough to be the ultimate destination that my heart seeks.
Maybe these lyrics will speak to you too and encourage you to keep pressing forward, not because you know what things will look like but because you know the One who does!
Walk On
By: 4Him
The Wind Blows Hard
The Climb Is Slow
Shadows Are Dark
I Stumble On These Stones
But My Lord, You Are Near
I Will Not Fear
Chorus
I Chose to Take This Road Called Faith
I Will Walk On
I Trust That You Will Lead Me Through
I Will Walk On
No End in View
At Times I Feel Alone and the Signs Are Few
But At Least They All Say Home,
And You My Lord, You're the Hope I Hold
Strength of My Soul
Because of Love
There Was An Awful Hill You Climbed
And Because of Love
I'll Live My Faith
One Step At a Time
The Course Is Set
Life's Hard But Yet
We Will Walk On
Around Each Bend, Until the End
We Will Walk On
We Chose to Take This Road Called Faith
We Will Walk On
We Trust That You Will Lead Me Through
We Will Walk On
We Will Walk On
We Will Walk On
By: 4Him
The Wind Blows Hard
The Climb Is Slow
Shadows Are Dark
I Stumble On These Stones
But My Lord, You Are Near
I Will Not Fear
Chorus
I Chose to Take This Road Called Faith
I Will Walk On
I Trust That You Will Lead Me Through
I Will Walk On
No End in View
At Times I Feel Alone and the Signs Are Few
But At Least They All Say Home,
And You My Lord, You're the Hope I Hold
Strength of My Soul
Because of Love
There Was An Awful Hill You Climbed
And Because of Love
I'll Live My Faith
One Step At a Time
The Course Is Set
Life's Hard But Yet
We Will Walk On
Around Each Bend, Until the End
We Will Walk On
We Chose to Take This Road Called Faith
We Will Walk On
We Trust That You Will Lead Me Through
We Will Walk On
We Will Walk On
We Will Walk On
Friday, December 5, 2008
Peace
"The whole earth is at rest and is quiet..."
~Isaiah 14:7
I feel the hustle and bustle of this season beginning to pick up steam and my calendar is slowly but surely becoming more packed. Shopping malls are full and parking is scarce. Tempers become short and yelling overshadows the sounds of Christmas carols being piped through loud speakers. People bundle up against the cold and scurry from store to store, from event to event, rushing through their minutes as though there is no other option.
There is another choice.
Peace can reign.
Step out of the haste and kneel down at the Savior's feet. Let the world slow and the minutes drag. Worship Him.
God became man.
Let us not forget.
~Isaiah 14:7
I feel the hustle and bustle of this season beginning to pick up steam and my calendar is slowly but surely becoming more packed. Shopping malls are full and parking is scarce. Tempers become short and yelling overshadows the sounds of Christmas carols being piped through loud speakers. People bundle up against the cold and scurry from store to store, from event to event, rushing through their minutes as though there is no other option.
There is another choice.
Peace can reign.
Step out of the haste and kneel down at the Savior's feet. Let the world slow and the minutes drag. Worship Him.
God became man.
Let us not forget.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Grinch?
Those of you who know me well have probably heard me talk about my struggle with Christmas and gifts. This is a hard one to explain and sometimes I wonder if I'm not just being selfish or grinchy (if that can be a word) or scroogy (another made-up word, this must be a record).
The things is that it's not that I don't love the people in my life and thoroughly enjoy giving them things that I know will make them smile and bless them. If you're in my life, you've probably received random things from me throughout the course of any given year just because I'll see something and it will make me think of you and I'll buy it to share with you. That's what I love: to unexpectedly surprise people with small things that I know they'll love.
What I don't love is that Christmas has such a focus on gifts. I don't love that most of those who I buy things for could buy the same things for themselves. I don't love Christmas lists that tell me what you want because it makes me think that I don't know you well enough to find something that you would love. I don't like the pressure to find the perfect gift (or sometimes just any gift) to place under the tree on December 25th. I don't love that every year I find myself with more things that I don't really need because people feel the requirement to give.
What I want is to give (and receive) things that are meaningful. Let me buy you tickets to a concert we can go to together. Let me make you a picture frame full of cheerful moments captured on film. Let me take you to dinner or coffee or shopping or on a road trip. Let me invest in your life and not buy you more stuff. Or, if it is a tangible gift that I buy then I want it to be something that I know you'll love and you don't expect and it will bring a smile to your heart and you'll know I love you and really know you.That's what I think I really want the most.
I guess I just wonder: does Christmas have to be all about the stuff?
I don't think there's an easy answer to this and I feel like it's something I talk about every year because I still haven't figured it out. So, I'm trying yet again to find a way to combat the common solution to just buy everyone a gift off a list and call it a year. I've got 21 days to figure it out. Here's hoping.
I have to share this video too because I feel like it's very very very appropriate to the discussion that I've been having. Have you ever thought about these things? I'd love to hear any thoughts out there about this...I don't have answers, just thoughts.
PS: Just in case you're wondering, this is most definitely not a new question for me...it's just coincidental that I wrote about the overabundance of stuff in my life a while ago.
The things is that it's not that I don't love the people in my life and thoroughly enjoy giving them things that I know will make them smile and bless them. If you're in my life, you've probably received random things from me throughout the course of any given year just because I'll see something and it will make me think of you and I'll buy it to share with you. That's what I love: to unexpectedly surprise people with small things that I know they'll love.
What I don't love is that Christmas has such a focus on gifts. I don't love that most of those who I buy things for could buy the same things for themselves. I don't love Christmas lists that tell me what you want because it makes me think that I don't know you well enough to find something that you would love. I don't like the pressure to find the perfect gift (or sometimes just any gift) to place under the tree on December 25th. I don't love that every year I find myself with more things that I don't really need because people feel the requirement to give.
What I want is to give (and receive) things that are meaningful. Let me buy you tickets to a concert we can go to together. Let me make you a picture frame full of cheerful moments captured on film. Let me take you to dinner or coffee or shopping or on a road trip. Let me invest in your life and not buy you more stuff. Or, if it is a tangible gift that I buy then I want it to be something that I know you'll love and you don't expect and it will bring a smile to your heart and you'll know I love you and really know you.That's what I think I really want the most.
I guess I just wonder: does Christmas have to be all about the stuff?
I don't think there's an easy answer to this and I feel like it's something I talk about every year because I still haven't figured it out. So, I'm trying yet again to find a way to combat the common solution to just buy everyone a gift off a list and call it a year. I've got 21 days to figure it out. Here's hoping.
I have to share this video too because I feel like it's very very very appropriate to the discussion that I've been having. Have you ever thought about these things? I'd love to hear any thoughts out there about this...I don't have answers, just thoughts.
PS: Just in case you're wondering, this is most definitely not a new question for me...it's just coincidental that I wrote about the overabundance of stuff in my life a while ago.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Training
We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God's training so we can truly live? While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God's holy best.
~ Hebrews 12:9-10 (The Message)
Do you ever have those days where it seems like God basically has to send you to the corner and tell you that it doesn't matter that things seem unfair, it's still the way that it is for reasons that you can't understand? That was my yesterday.
In somewhat two-year-old fashion and without the complete dramatics of major tears and throwing myself on the ground, I basically pitched a fit because I was frustrated and life just seemed unfair. Immature? Absolutely! Did I recognize what it was in the middle? Nope, not really. In fact, if you'd asked me I would have told you that I was just overwhelmed and frustrated and attacked from every side. However, this morning, as I was studying, I realized that it wasn't really that at all. It was really just me, claiming yet again that I deserved better or more or that this perceived unfairness wasn't meant for me. I'm sure it was charming. I'm sure God was thrilled with it.
Not.
The whole thing did teach me something profound though, something that I had known in my head but hadn't fully experienced in my heart. I realized that God doesn't give in to my tantrums. Sounds silly, right? Critical for me though. I needed to be put in my place a bit and I needed to be reminded that God isn't someone I can bully by throwing a fit and yelling. I saw God as a parent yesterday, a parent who loves me more than I'll ever understand and puts up with me even when I'm a brat and one who doesn't change His plans for my life just because I yell about them. He is one who knows better than I and has a reason for the exact place that I'm in. He makes the plans because they are for my good and in following them I really can learn how to best live.
I needed to see that. I needed to go to the corner and repent of my attitude. I needed a time out.
I still don't like waiting. It's still a struggle for me. Today, though, I'm a bit more humbled and a bit more patient and pretty darn sure that God's telling me that I'm in the right place and I need to wait it out. I can fight Him on it or I can submit. After yesterday I think I'll work more on the submission and less on the fight.
~ Hebrews 12:9-10 (The Message)
Do you ever have those days where it seems like God basically has to send you to the corner and tell you that it doesn't matter that things seem unfair, it's still the way that it is for reasons that you can't understand? That was my yesterday.
In somewhat two-year-old fashion and without the complete dramatics of major tears and throwing myself on the ground, I basically pitched a fit because I was frustrated and life just seemed unfair. Immature? Absolutely! Did I recognize what it was in the middle? Nope, not really. In fact, if you'd asked me I would have told you that I was just overwhelmed and frustrated and attacked from every side. However, this morning, as I was studying, I realized that it wasn't really that at all. It was really just me, claiming yet again that I deserved better or more or that this perceived unfairness wasn't meant for me. I'm sure it was charming. I'm sure God was thrilled with it.
Not.
The whole thing did teach me something profound though, something that I had known in my head but hadn't fully experienced in my heart. I realized that God doesn't give in to my tantrums. Sounds silly, right? Critical for me though. I needed to be put in my place a bit and I needed to be reminded that God isn't someone I can bully by throwing a fit and yelling. I saw God as a parent yesterday, a parent who loves me more than I'll ever understand and puts up with me even when I'm a brat and one who doesn't change His plans for my life just because I yell about them. He is one who knows better than I and has a reason for the exact place that I'm in. He makes the plans because they are for my good and in following them I really can learn how to best live.
I needed to see that. I needed to go to the corner and repent of my attitude. I needed a time out.
I still don't like waiting. It's still a struggle for me. Today, though, I'm a bit more humbled and a bit more patient and pretty darn sure that God's telling me that I'm in the right place and I need to wait it out. I can fight Him on it or I can submit. After yesterday I think I'll work more on the submission and less on the fight.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Just Wait
Today's Battle: Waiting
Battleground: Jen's Life
Common Foes: Impatience, Desire to hurry, Thinking the destination is known, Emotions
Known Allies: Prayer, Scripture, God Himself, Forced Stillness
Current Status: It could go either way - Impatience is currently fighting it out with Prayer and the battle feels far from over. Further bulletins as events warrant.
:o)
Battleground: Jen's Life
Common Foes: Impatience, Desire to hurry, Thinking the destination is known, Emotions
Known Allies: Prayer, Scripture, God Himself, Forced Stillness
Current Status: It could go either way - Impatience is currently fighting it out with Prayer and the battle feels far from over. Further bulletins as events warrant.
:o)
Monday, December 1, 2008
Tis The Season
Once again we enter the month that holds such meaning, not only as the culmination of the last year but as a time to celebrate the blessings of family, friends, and God incarnate. Things become so busy in these days that it's easy to allow purpose to fall by the wayside as life turns into a hectic dash towards the 25th. The challenge for all of us is to not just say that Jesus is the reason for the season or that we're keeping Christ in Christmas (both somewhat hokey although with good sentiment) but to really live our lives in that manner.
As I enter this month with all of its parties and events, my goal is to continually be asking what God wants from me in these days. Where am I to serve, who am I to minister to, what is my heart to be touched by? These questions are ones without easy answers but I believe in a God who delights in directing His kids so I will ask. Over everything in these days though, I hope that my mind is never far from the amazing reality that the holidays center around: God became man, walked among us sinlessly, and went to the cross with the weight of my sin and yours. If all else was to disappear, there is still plenty of hope and love in that sentence alone to sustain us through the darkest of days. That's where I hope my heart rests and I invite you to take time to dwell there too.
I'll leave you with a hymn I recently found based on one of my most favorite passages in Isaiah 9. May it help you remember why we celebrate!
As I enter this month with all of its parties and events, my goal is to continually be asking what God wants from me in these days. Where am I to serve, who am I to minister to, what is my heart to be touched by? These questions are ones without easy answers but I believe in a God who delights in directing His kids so I will ask. Over everything in these days though, I hope that my mind is never far from the amazing reality that the holidays center around: God became man, walked among us sinlessly, and went to the cross with the weight of my sin and yours. If all else was to disappear, there is still plenty of hope and love in that sentence alone to sustain us through the darkest of days. That's where I hope my heart rests and I invite you to take time to dwell there too.
I'll leave you with a hymn I recently found based on one of my most favorite passages in Isaiah 9. May it help you remember why we celebrate!
The People That in Darkness Sat
By: John Morison
The people that in darkness sat
A glorious light have seen;
The light has shined on them who long
In shades of death have been.
For unto us a child is born,
To us a son is given,
And on His shoulder ever rests
All power on earth and heaven.
His name shall be the Prince of Peace
Forevermore adored,
The Wonderful, the Counselor,
The great and mighty Lord.
His righteous government and power
Shall over all extend;
On judgment and on justice based,
His reign shall have no end.
By: John Morison
The people that in darkness sat
A glorious light have seen;
The light has shined on them who long
In shades of death have been.
For unto us a child is born,
To us a son is given,
And on His shoulder ever rests
All power on earth and heaven.
His name shall be the Prince of Peace
Forevermore adored,
The Wonderful, the Counselor,
The great and mighty Lord.
His righteous government and power
Shall over all extend;
On judgment and on justice based,
His reign shall have no end.
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