It's coming, very soon now: the end of one year and beginning of another!
I know in my head that tomorrow is just another day, that things that are happening today will happen tomorrow and that stories that are currently being revealed in my life will continue on with the dawning of a new day.
I know it in my head. My heart kind of disagrees.
My heart is excited by the magical turning of a calendar page to a clean slate, to an empty book of pages, to the symbolic meaning behind January 1st. I am perhaps a romantic at heart but I love the idea of a wide open road that's as yet unknown but that is within reach. It just makes me giddy!
So, I'm poised on the brink of a new year. I'm thinking through resolutions, I'm searching for a 2010 verse and a song, I'm making preparations for the anticipated but undefined!
Lest anyone not know, I must tell you that this anticipation comes from the Lord. It's not something that has always come naturally to me but it's a place where I've seen God refine and grow and push me in. I look forward with hope and optimism not because I am so great or my circumstances are so great (although I honestly can't complain either) but because my God is so great! Whatever may come in the next 365 days is not a surprise to the sovereign God who loves me in ways I can't begin to comprehend. The more I realize this, the more I'm excited and not just with the passing of another year but with the passing of each and every day! With the realization that He is constantly, sovereignly at work in my life and in me I grow to rejoice in every new morning that He gives.
So the new year is wonderful in its newness and promise. But at the same time, every single day that I live and breathe on this earth is infused with the same joyful anticipation because the God who reigns in my todays will reign in my tomorrows and that's far and away the best thing to get excited about!
Until He comes, let us praise Him with our lives!
A most happy and blessed new year to all!
Showing posts with label Celebration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Celebration. Show all posts
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Get Ready...
It's New Year's Eve Eve and I'm tying up things with ribbons and bows in preparation for saying farewell to 2009. The blog has a new look (which I adore and am sad to realize can't stay for long since it's got a Christmas tree), donations are made, closet is emptied (!), bills are paid, and the little ticks of the clock are counting down the last days of the year.
I am excited! I am overwhelmingly, exuberantly, excited about the coming year. I have no idea what it holds, I don't know what I'll do or where I'll go or what stories I'll have told when I sit here next year on the second to last day of 2010.
However, for now I must stop and say that 2009 has been good for me. No, better than good. It's been a great year! Sure, there have been struggles and pains but overall, this year has definitely been tipped towards the good and I'm somewhat sad to see it go. Sad to say goodbye but thrilled to say hello!
Today, though, I'm pausing in gratitude for the days that have come and the joys and sorrows and memories made this year. God has been so very very good and always so very very faithful. All praise to Him for what has been and all glory to Him for what will come. He has been the ribbon of joy that's colored all of my days this past year and I long only for Him to be reflected in every moment that is to come.
What has been has been very good. What will come will be very good. My God is always very good. That's real joy!
I am excited! I am overwhelmingly, exuberantly, excited about the coming year. I have no idea what it holds, I don't know what I'll do or where I'll go or what stories I'll have told when I sit here next year on the second to last day of 2010.
However, for now I must stop and say that 2009 has been good for me. No, better than good. It's been a great year! Sure, there have been struggles and pains but overall, this year has definitely been tipped towards the good and I'm somewhat sad to see it go. Sad to say goodbye but thrilled to say hello!
Today, though, I'm pausing in gratitude for the days that have come and the joys and sorrows and memories made this year. God has been so very very good and always so very very faithful. All praise to Him for what has been and all glory to Him for what will come. He has been the ribbon of joy that's colored all of my days this past year and I long only for Him to be reflected in every moment that is to come.
What has been has been very good. What will come will be very good. My God is always very good. That's real joy!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas 2009
He comes down;
down from the heights of absolute being
into time and space,
down into humanity;
down further still, ...
to the very roots and seabed
of the Nature He has created.
But He goes down to come up again
and bring the whole ruined world
up with Him.
~C.S. Lewis
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."
~Luke 2:10-11
down from the heights of absolute being
into time and space,
down into humanity;
down further still, ...
to the very roots and seabed
of the Nature He has created.
But He goes down to come up again
and bring the whole ruined world
up with Him.
~C.S. Lewis
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."
~Luke 2:10-11
Wherever you are today, whatever your circumstance, whatever burden you might carry. Let me be the first to remind you that this is a day to rejoice for the God who loves you stepped into a world wrought with sin and held captive by evil to redeem and rescue and restore you so that you might live in peace both in this world and in the world to come. My prayer is that you would know Him and that His love would permeate your life in such a way that you may never be the same.
A most very merry and joyful Christmas to you.
For the Lord has come and we are forever changed!
For the Lord has come and we are forever changed!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Slow Start
For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning.
~T.S. Eliot
And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning.
~T.S. Eliot
Here we are, 5 days into the new year already! Five days and nary a post. Somewhat unbelievable given the number of thoughts that race through my head on any given day! :)
The time has come though. It's time to write again!
My exuberance for this year has not yet waned. Resolutions have been only half-way formulated and I'm thoroughly enjoying my quest to identify a theme verse or song or quote. I'm starting things off slowly which is perhaps a good thing given the fact that I know things are about to pick up and a whirlwind of activity will ensue! The busyness of life is beckoning but in these moments I am holding it at arm's length and enjoying cozy evenings of reading and writing and snuggling with the dog (the so very spoiled dog who slept on the bed last night because I'm weak and miss the cat which is a totally different story) and chatting with my roommate (because sleep is less important than laughter).
Five days into it, I feel like I'm still waiting to figure out this year's voice. To begin to hear the songs that God is singing around and over me and to sense His direction and calling on the upcoming days. My path is curiously unlit and yet I sense a distant horizon. I'm poised here on the edge of 360 more days and I am believing God for some amazing things. Today I'm not sure what's going to happen tomorrow. I don't know what roads my feet will journey down or where I'll be in the end.
However, I am assured of some things. First, God will be faithful even if all else fails. Second, my path will be illuminated when I need to see the next step. Third, there are going to be incredible stories in these days. Fourth and final, where I have come from equips me to walk where I have yet to go.
So as this new year begins and used up calendars are tossed out and winter starts to become spring, let's all remember that the end of the old is the beginning of the new and it's time to embrace the life that God means for us to live. Life in abundance. It's what He gives and I am so very excited to see just what that means in 2009!
A most happy new year to all of you and it's my prayer that you'll walk closer with God in the coming days than ever before!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Farewell 2008
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!
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!
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.
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!
:)
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving Day 2008
This is a day for reflection. For celebrating the goodness that God has blessed us with over the last 365 days and giving Him thanks and praise. Many may not approach this day as a time to turn gratitude towards God but my hope is that even if it's not a common practice, many will pause today and whisper a prayer towards the One who makes their every breath and blessing possible!
As I've written many times here, I am overwhelmed by the faithfulness of my God. I don't have it all together and I would be the first to say as much but God still takes the time to work on me and refine me and give me abundant blessings in the process. Even in the hardest days, there is much to praise Him for.
So, please count your blessings today and thank the good Lord for each of them. I'll leave you with a wonderful hymn I recently found. May it bless you and may your day be excellent and bright!
As I've written many times here, I am overwhelmed by the faithfulness of my God. I don't have it all together and I would be the first to say as much but God still takes the time to work on me and refine me and give me abundant blessings in the process. Even in the hardest days, there is much to praise Him for.
So, please count your blessings today and thank the good Lord for each of them. I'll leave you with a wonderful hymn I recently found. May it bless you and may your day be excellent and bright!
Thanks to God for My Redeemer
By: August Ludwig Storm
Thanks to God for my Redeemer,
Thanks for all Thou dost provide!
Thanks for times now but a memory,
Thanks for Jesus by my side!
Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime,
Thanks for dark and dreary fall!
Thanks for tears by now forgotten,
Thanks for peace within my soul!
Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered,
Thanks for what Thou dost deny!
Thanks for storms that I have weathered,
Thanks for all Thou dost supply!
Thanks for pain and thanks for pleasure,
Thanks for comfort in despair!
Thanks for grace that none can measure,
Thanks for love beyond compare!
Thanks for roses by the wayside,
Thanks for thorns their stems contain!
Thanks for home and thanks for fireside,
Thanks for hope, that sweet refrain!
Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow,
Thanks for heav'nly peace with Thee!
Thanks for hope in the tomorrow,
Thanks through all eternity!
By: August Ludwig Storm
Thanks to God for my Redeemer,
Thanks for all Thou dost provide!
Thanks for times now but a memory,
Thanks for Jesus by my side!
Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime,
Thanks for dark and dreary fall!
Thanks for tears by now forgotten,
Thanks for peace within my soul!
Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered,
Thanks for what Thou dost deny!
Thanks for storms that I have weathered,
Thanks for all Thou dost supply!
Thanks for pain and thanks for pleasure,
Thanks for comfort in despair!
Thanks for grace that none can measure,
Thanks for love beyond compare!
Thanks for roses by the wayside,
Thanks for thorns their stems contain!
Thanks for home and thanks for fireside,
Thanks for hope, that sweet refrain!
Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow,
Thanks for heav'nly peace with Thee!
Thanks for hope in the tomorrow,
Thanks through all eternity!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
A List
In every thing give thanks.
~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Tomorrow we will sit down at tables across the country to enjoy fellowship with those we love and during the day we'll reminisce about all the things that we are thankful for. In anticipation of these moments, here's the off-the-top of my head list for things that I'm thankful for right now (in no order whatsoever).
- God (Ok, that one is in order)
- Friends of which I have the most magnificent assortment and really can't say enough about
- Family, both immediate and extended
- Facebook
- Fall (and this is not supposed to be an alliterative list)
- My job that's interesting and flexible
- Church and everything that it's meant in my life
- Music
- My home
- Nature and all of the beauty I see every day!
- Brady (that's my dog if anyone cares)
- Phone calls
- Sweaters
- My fireplace (nothing beats a fire on cool evenings)
- Not having to mow the yard anymore this year
- Internet access
- Getting accepted to school
- Travel
- Hope Fellowship in Boston
- TV: House and The Office
- Coffee (ok, if these were in order this one would have been much higher :)
- My car
- Exercise
- Cake
- Books
- Conversation
- Worship
- Wonder
- Snow (although not here so much)
- Seasons in both weather and life
- Trials
- Refinement
- Laughter and joy
- Peace
- Prayer
- Salvation!
I'm sure there are many many many more things that I am grateful for but this list is just a quick summary of those things that pop into my mind when I think of the many blessings God has given me. For every thing that I count as a blessing, my hope is that I will readily offer thanks to God as I realize that all of these things are truly gifts that He has generously given. May my gratitude serve only to glorify His name.
What does your list look like?
Prayer Challenge:
Today those in the Amazon are sharing the Gospel in small villages around Parintins. Please pray for confidence and the right words and that God would allow hearts to be soft towards His Truth. Find a prayer calendar here!
~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Tomorrow we will sit down at tables across the country to enjoy fellowship with those we love and during the day we'll reminisce about all the things that we are thankful for. In anticipation of these moments, here's the off-the-top of my head list for things that I'm thankful for right now (in no order whatsoever).
- God (Ok, that one is in order)
- Friends of which I have the most magnificent assortment and really can't say enough about
- Family, both immediate and extended
- Fall (and this is not supposed to be an alliterative list)
- My job that's interesting and flexible
- Church and everything that it's meant in my life
- Music
- My home
- Nature and all of the beauty I see every day!
- Brady (that's my dog if anyone cares)
- Phone calls
- Sweaters
- My fireplace (nothing beats a fire on cool evenings)
- Not having to mow the yard anymore this year
- Internet access
- Getting accepted to school
- Travel
- Hope Fellowship in Boston
- TV: House and The Office
- Coffee (ok, if these were in order this one would have been much higher :)
- My car
- Exercise
- Cake
- Books
- Conversation
- Worship
- Wonder
- Snow (although not here so much)
- Seasons in both weather and life
- Trials
- Refinement
- Laughter and joy
- Peace
- Prayer
- Salvation!
I'm sure there are many many many more things that I am grateful for but this list is just a quick summary of those things that pop into my mind when I think of the many blessings God has given me. For every thing that I count as a blessing, my hope is that I will readily offer thanks to God as I realize that all of these things are truly gifts that He has generously given. May my gratitude serve only to glorify His name.
What does your list look like?
Prayer Challenge:
Today those in the Amazon are sharing the Gospel in small villages around Parintins. Please pray for confidence and the right words and that God would allow hearts to be soft towards His Truth. Find a prayer calendar here!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Thanks
What a beautiful thing, God, to give thanks, to sing an anthem to you, the High God! To announce your love each daybreak, sing your faithful presence all through the night.
~ Psalm 92:1-2
After yesterday's post I knew I needed to stop and just remember how faithful God has been and what amazing things He's done in my life and in the lives of those I love. I'm happy to tell you that a little bit of correctly placed praise and gratitude works wonders on my sour attitude and so I'd like to take this moment to be joyful!
It's here! Thanksgiving Week 2008!
I'm not going to lie...Thanksgiving may actually be surpassing Christmas as my favorite holiday...or at least it's holding a close second! Here are the things I love about it: excellent food, time with family and friends, the parade, and most of all, a point in time when everyone is encouraged to think about what they're thankful for!
This year I've learned more about gratitude than I would have ever dreamed possible. In walking through some valleys of great depth I have learned that I can actually thank God for the trials and find joy in the midst of them. It's not a constant thing in the middle of the hard times but I've found that I can stop and be thankful for moments when the sun comes out, a burst of laughter escapes, or I get a good parking space no matter what the overwhelming situation is that I might find myself in. There are those moments of blessing in every day no matter how dark things might seem around you. We wouldn't choose the trials if it were up to us but the fact that God uses them to refine us helps me be grateful towards Him even in the toughest ones.
As I approach Thanksgiving this year my heart is overwhelmed by the goodness of the Lord. I honestly will never come up with enough words to express the gratitude I have for what He's done in my life and for the relationship that I enjoy with Him every day. Over the past year life has been both incredibly good and incredibly hard but when I pause over turkey this year my gratitude for all of it will go back towards the One who made every moment possible.
It is indeed a beautiful thing to give thanks to God and to announce His great love and faithfulness! As the holiday approaches please join me in turning your hearts to reviewing how God has blessed you over the past 12 months.
Prayer Challenge:
Today in the Amazon the rally finishes up and the team enters the second half of their journey. Please pray for renewal and rest, encouragement and strength, and that God would be in their midst in mighty ways. Download a prayer calendar here!
~ Psalm 92:1-2
After yesterday's post I knew I needed to stop and just remember how faithful God has been and what amazing things He's done in my life and in the lives of those I love. I'm happy to tell you that a little bit of correctly placed praise and gratitude works wonders on my sour attitude and so I'd like to take this moment to be joyful!
It's here! Thanksgiving Week 2008!
I'm not going to lie...Thanksgiving may actually be surpassing Christmas as my favorite holiday...or at least it's holding a close second! Here are the things I love about it: excellent food, time with family and friends, the parade, and most of all, a point in time when everyone is encouraged to think about what they're thankful for!
This year I've learned more about gratitude than I would have ever dreamed possible. In walking through some valleys of great depth I have learned that I can actually thank God for the trials and find joy in the midst of them. It's not a constant thing in the middle of the hard times but I've found that I can stop and be thankful for moments when the sun comes out, a burst of laughter escapes, or I get a good parking space no matter what the overwhelming situation is that I might find myself in. There are those moments of blessing in every day no matter how dark things might seem around you. We wouldn't choose the trials if it were up to us but the fact that God uses them to refine us helps me be grateful towards Him even in the toughest ones.
As I approach Thanksgiving this year my heart is overwhelmed by the goodness of the Lord. I honestly will never come up with enough words to express the gratitude I have for what He's done in my life and for the relationship that I enjoy with Him every day. Over the past year life has been both incredibly good and incredibly hard but when I pause over turkey this year my gratitude for all of it will go back towards the One who made every moment possible.
It is indeed a beautiful thing to give thanks to God and to announce His great love and faithfulness! As the holiday approaches please join me in turning your hearts to reviewing how God has blessed you over the past 12 months.
Prayer Challenge:
Today in the Amazon the rally finishes up and the team enters the second half of their journey. Please pray for renewal and rest, encouragement and strength, and that God would be in their midst in mighty ways. Download a prayer calendar here!
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