What a wonderful day yesterday was. We didn't wake up at the crack of dawn. Instead we slept in. Our kids looked at books quietly in their rooms. We ate breakfast than my children brought me the last day of our advent calender. Our advent calender is one that my mom made me before my oldest son was born. Each day focuses on a name of Jesus. For example: Man of Sorrows, A Tender Plant, Altogether Lovely, The Way, The Truth & The Life. December 25 is Jesus is The Gift of God. I was able to explain to them that Jesus is the Best Gift that we can ever receive. Things bring joy for only a moment, but Christ brings deep satisfying joy everyday for eternity. We didn't exchange gifts this year. I did make my boys Blue's Clues Notebooks with a pencil so they can play along. Friends that are like family gave the boys some gifts. We wanted to focus on who's day it really is. It is not about us. It is about Him. Maybe next year we'll exchange gifts, but if we do I think it will not be on Christmas. I think we are going to follow the pattern of some friends of ours, that I highly respect and think of the wife like an older sister. They exchange at Thanksgiving and even then I don't think we will be elaborate in our family.
After the boys opened their present. We watched It's a Wonderful Life again. That movie makes me cry. We got the house ready for some friends from church to come over to spend the day with us. We enjoyed so much fellowshipping with them. Then we made cupcakes with the boys. They love anything with chocolate. After dinner we put the candles in the cupcakes & sang happy birthday to Jesus and everyone blew the candles out.
At the end of the day I was so exhausted, but I had so much joy in my heart. In the past, the day just felt like a day except with gifts. This Christmas it was so satisfying, joyful and just wonderful. My husband said to me right before we went to bed, "It felt like today was Sunday". I knew what he meant. It did feel spiritually refreshing like a Sunday.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Jesus Is The Best Gift We Can Get!
When the economy is good the presents under the tree become overflowing and when the presents are all unwrapped the thoughts towards Christ is often forgotten in all of the wrapping, new toys, and gadgets. I believe in some repects it is a blessing that the economy is not good. When you resist plunging more in debt to have a "good" Christmas and instead live within your means, the focus shifts more on Christ and less on the gifts under the tree. The most amazing thing is instead of feeling stressed out with all of the shopping and trying to make a picture perfect Christmas you enjoy Christmas and draw closer to Christ. The whole purpose for celebrating this joyous occasion is realized. The joy that exudes from your heart to worship God our Father for giving us the perfect gift - Jesus Christ. Knowing Christ set aside His glory to become a man to the point of death, even the death on the cross. (Phil. 2: 5-11)
Maybe the Lord allowed the economy to be as it is to cause His children to turn back to Him in such a real way. We need to have passion for the Lord and the for the furtherance of the Gospel. We are not here to accumulate we are here to further the kingdom of God. To tell others of the hope that is in Christ Jesus, which is the person we are celebrating this season.
Maybe the Lord allowed the economy to be as it is to cause His children to turn back to Him in such a real way. We need to have passion for the Lord and the for the furtherance of the Gospel. We are not here to accumulate we are here to further the kingdom of God. To tell others of the hope that is in Christ Jesus, which is the person we are celebrating this season.
Friday, December 11, 2009
The Lord Never Forsakes His Own
Now, no one would argue that these are tough times in America. It seems like every day I hear of someone losing their job or a store is closing. It is so easy to fall into depression. For believers we are to hope in God. Easier said than done when you are wondering how the bills will be paid, you have to cancel doctor appointments because you don't have the co-pays or how to even feed your family. I was reading in Psalm 77 and a devotional from Charles Spurgeon. I really enjoy the psalms of Asaph. He writes what we all feel and think at times but don't speak for fear of what others may think. In the beginning of the psalm Asaph writes his complaint to God, but he doesn't stay their he remembers the works of God in the past and ends up hoping in God and praising Him. It is okay to pour your heart out before God and show your pain. Just don't stay there. Remember the faithfulness of God in the past and how He has never forsaken His own. Then put your hope in God. I quote to son all the time "In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thess 5: 18 and one of my favorites "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say Rejoice!" Phil 4:4. For the believer going through tough financial times you can say, "I am broke, but I have joy in my Savior because I know He will take care of me." Maybe you are struggling with your health you can say, "My body may be falling apart, but I have joy in my Savior because He is here with me giving me strength for today." We have a lot to rejoice about! We have our salvation, our hope, our inheritance that is ours in Christ Jesus, for His promises, for His love and just for Him. Truly Christ is joy to the World.! Rejoice everyone!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
The Lord is Soverign
It is amazing, life. It reminds me of how a story is written. As you are growing up you, as a character, are pretty flat. Once a person accepts Christ his life begins. A person grows in Christ and as a person. As a character he develops and becomes interesting. God is molding the person for His use. Most of life seems to be preparation for the task that the Lord has for you.
I have been studying the life of Joseph. It is amazing how even though his family was a mess in every way even spiritually Joseph loved God and knew to do right in His sight. His life up to 30 years old was preparation. In comparison, the Lord Jesus was in preparation for the task He went through for 30 years as well. During those years Joseph developed and changed. He became a rounded character. The Lord was molding him through all of those trials.
The freedom in Christ is amazing. The best freedom is to find pure enjoyment in Christ. To love, obey, and serve Christ there is nothing better. For my family and me we are in preparation for something. I can feel the Lord lovingly molding us and me into what he needs us to be for Him. What a joy to be free, to be who Christ has design you to be for His Glory and for the furtherance of the Gospel.
The Lord is Sovereign. He knows the future and is molding His children to accomplish His purpose for His glory.
I have been studying the life of Joseph. It is amazing how even though his family was a mess in every way even spiritually Joseph loved God and knew to do right in His sight. His life up to 30 years old was preparation. In comparison, the Lord Jesus was in preparation for the task He went through for 30 years as well. During those years Joseph developed and changed. He became a rounded character. The Lord was molding him through all of those trials.
The freedom in Christ is amazing. The best freedom is to find pure enjoyment in Christ. To love, obey, and serve Christ there is nothing better. For my family and me we are in preparation for something. I can feel the Lord lovingly molding us and me into what he needs us to be for Him. What a joy to be free, to be who Christ has design you to be for His Glory and for the furtherance of the Gospel.
The Lord is Sovereign. He knows the future and is molding His children to accomplish His purpose for His glory.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
What an Awesome God to Serve
Yesterday we went on an outing. We stopped to fill up with gas and I saw these pretty yellow flowers that look kind of like daisies but they are yellow with a dark center. They were just by the gas station no one planted them or any human taking care of them. I asked my son, "Do you think that flower looks like a happy flower?" and he said, "yes." I told him, "Your are right that flower is smiling at you because it is bringing glory to God its creator." I was in awe how God created so much variety. He didn't have to. He could have created the basic necessities of life, but he didn't. He created so much beauty and variety for us to enjoy. The stars - need I say more. In looking at it all, you can't help but be filled with so much joy and give glory to God for all He created.
There is more than God's creation to see the awesomeness of God. I have a friend that is struggling with cancer. You may wonder how does this pain and suffering show the awesomeness of God. I'll tell you. This friend is praising God through it and spreading the gospel to other cancer patients while she is doing treatments. God is having her tell about the hope of the gospel to people who are seeking for hope. Only she can reach these people in a real way because she is going through the same thing as them. Even though it may be a tough trial a person can look at her life and give glory to God and be filled with the same joy that you feel when you see the beauty of His creation.
What about financial hardship? The awesomeness of God is seen even in this. If you are going though financial hardship and you are one of His children, you have His Word to cling to when it is tempting to fret. You see how God is there to take care of you. He supplies all of your needs not wants. You become a better steward of what the Lord does give you. You then come to the realization that everything you have is the Lord's and find an overwhelming joy and satisfaction in your Heavenly Father. You know He is a good Father and He loves you. During the financial hardship you are reveling in fellowship of your Lord and Savior. God is glorified. Not only will you see the awesomeness of God in your own life but others around you that are watching you go through the hardship will see the awesomeness of God.
I have learned in my life to not look at any situation or circumstances from man's point of view, which typically reminds me of Eeyore in Winnie the pooh, but I look at it as, "What is God trying to do through this circumstance? How may I glorify Him through it?" Or just be still and enjoy seeing the awesomeness of God at work and praise and glorify Him. Recently I have been the latter. I have just been still and enjoy taking in the awesomeness of God because it is all around me. If you are His child and you have saving faith in Him as your Lord and Savior than you can say with me WHAT AN AWESOME GOD WE SERVE!
There is more than God's creation to see the awesomeness of God. I have a friend that is struggling with cancer. You may wonder how does this pain and suffering show the awesomeness of God. I'll tell you. This friend is praising God through it and spreading the gospel to other cancer patients while she is doing treatments. God is having her tell about the hope of the gospel to people who are seeking for hope. Only she can reach these people in a real way because she is going through the same thing as them. Even though it may be a tough trial a person can look at her life and give glory to God and be filled with the same joy that you feel when you see the beauty of His creation.
What about financial hardship? The awesomeness of God is seen even in this. If you are going though financial hardship and you are one of His children, you have His Word to cling to when it is tempting to fret. You see how God is there to take care of you. He supplies all of your needs not wants. You become a better steward of what the Lord does give you. You then come to the realization that everything you have is the Lord's and find an overwhelming joy and satisfaction in your Heavenly Father. You know He is a good Father and He loves you. During the financial hardship you are reveling in fellowship of your Lord and Savior. God is glorified. Not only will you see the awesomeness of God in your own life but others around you that are watching you go through the hardship will see the awesomeness of God.
I have learned in my life to not look at any situation or circumstances from man's point of view, which typically reminds me of Eeyore in Winnie the pooh, but I look at it as, "What is God trying to do through this circumstance? How may I glorify Him through it?" Or just be still and enjoy seeing the awesomeness of God at work and praise and glorify Him. Recently I have been the latter. I have just been still and enjoy taking in the awesomeness of God because it is all around me. If you are His child and you have saving faith in Him as your Lord and Savior than you can say with me WHAT AN AWESOME GOD WE SERVE!
Friday, August 7, 2009
My Heavenly Father
I love children's simplicity. I heard my two older boys talking. Gabriele says to Gianluca "God is my Father" and Gianluca says "God is my Father too. Papa' is coming home Sunday and he is my best friend." My children are beginning to understand that God is to be our Father though they don't understand the gospel yet. It is an awesome thing to have God as your Heavenly Father. To see Him as He really is not as human fathers that are fallible but holy and righteous and perfect.
How often I find joy, comfort, and peace in the time I spend with my Heavenly Father. So many days in my study of God's Word He shows me exactly what is needed for the moment. The joy to be able to go to God at anytime for help when the day is hard or praise when you see God at work or thank Him for an answer to prayer or when He grants you a gift whatever that may be. When I get to spend time with my Heavenly Father I feel like time stands still. There are so many hymns I love but one of them is In The Garden. It describes how it feels to spend time with my Heavenly Father and my Savior.
Knowing God is my Father makes everything in life to make sense. When trials come I can embrace it because I know God loves me and He is conforming me to His image. Everything in life is ment to draw us closer to God and conformed to His image. I have been reading John Pipers book Desiring God. Nothing is more wonderful than to find your greatest pleasure in God. I want my life to be lived as a living sacrife to the Glory of God.
How often I find joy, comfort, and peace in the time I spend with my Heavenly Father. So many days in my study of God's Word He shows me exactly what is needed for the moment. The joy to be able to go to God at anytime for help when the day is hard or praise when you see God at work or thank Him for an answer to prayer or when He grants you a gift whatever that may be. When I get to spend time with my Heavenly Father I feel like time stands still. There are so many hymns I love but one of them is In The Garden. It describes how it feels to spend time with my Heavenly Father and my Savior.
Knowing God is my Father makes everything in life to make sense. When trials come I can embrace it because I know God loves me and He is conforming me to His image. Everything in life is ment to draw us closer to God and conformed to His image. I have been reading John Pipers book Desiring God. Nothing is more wonderful than to find your greatest pleasure in God. I want my life to be lived as a living sacrife to the Glory of God.
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