What a wonderful few days these have been! Sharing unhurried and precious time with family, enjoying the celebration of children, and acting like children again at the first sight of snow, as this is the first white Christmas many of us can remember. It has truly been a memorable weekend.

Father God,

      Thank you for such a peaceful Christmas. Thank you for the families that were able to gather together and enjoy the celebration of You. Thank you for time to enjoy the "little" things in life, the simple moments that I often take for granted. Moments like driving home with Jake, sitting next to him in the truck as we watched the snow gently fall. Moments like the sweet surprise on Landen's face when he he saw the train table that Santa didn't really forget about. Moments like family gathered around the table sharing in conversation. Thank you, Father. Thank you for being there. Thank you for being a part of it all. I love you Lord. In Jesus' name...

Amen.

Choices, Choices

Life is full of choices. We are constantly asking ourselves, "Should I . . . or should I  ...?" "Is this the best way or is that?" We constantly look at one hand and then the other. The choices in our lives are endless. Very often I try to carefully weigh my options, yet there are other times when I am quite certain in the way that is best. Sometimes I am right. Sometimes I am wrong. I take great comfort in knowing, however, that if I ask my Father to lead me in the way that is right that He will delight to answer that prayer. I have learned that His guidance is not always easy to follow. I don't always want to wait on Him. I have learned that the desires of my heart sometimes need a little "tweaking" to line up with His desires for me, but I have also learned that His ways are best and, even in my confusion, I can trust Him. I can trust that He sees what I cannot and that He knows what I do not. I don't always understand it and I sometimes ask, "God, Are you sure?", but His answer is always the same:

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55: 8-9).

Father God,

       Thank you today that Your ways are perfect. Thank you for not only hearing, but for answering my prayers. Though the answers may not always be what I have hoped, I am thankful that you show yourself faithful at every turn. You draw me closer to Yourself and teach me to rely on You. Thank you for these times. Thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for your love. I love you, Father.

In Jesus' name...

Amen.

I'll Be Home

    I love this season! I love the cheerfulness and joy. I love the innocence and wonder. I love the festivities and togetherness. I love that at this time of year it's almost as if we are living the way God intended for us to live.
    It is at this point in the year when I can come home from a long day, sit by the fire in my darkened living room, and enjoy the Christmas lights as they shimmer throughout my home. It is at this point in the year when it is easiest to say no to the busyness that consumes me and just enjoy snuggling close to my husband as we watch Hallmark Christmas movies. It is at this point in the year when I am fixing dinner, or washing the dishes, that I turn up the Christmas carols on the stereo in my kitchen when I hear an old, familiar song.
     Yes, I love this time of year, and I am thankful for a home to come to, not just a house, but a home. I am thankful for the love that surrounds me when I am home, for the peace that makes me feel secure, and for the joy that makes everyday worthwhile. I am thankful that family and friends can find solace here, and I am thankful for the excitement of fulfilled dreams and new beginnings that are found within the walls of our home.
     I love this opportunity I have to be home, and I look forward to the coming days of celebrating the glories of our Savior.
    
     Thank you Father for giving me a place to go home to. Thank you that home is not necessarily found in the physical dwellings of our address. Thank you that home is truly where our hearts are, and that hearts can truly find their resting place in You (Psalm 62). In Jesus' name. Amen.  

A Thankful Heart

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

     Over and over again I am reminded that my thoughts influence everything that I do. They influence how I feel, how I treat others, and how I react to any given situation. I have learned, and am learning still, that a thankful heart replaces worry and brings contentment. I have learned that a thankful heart displays joy because it is set on those things that are good, and pure, and holy, and right (Philippians 4:8). I have learned that when my heart is thankful, I am truly able to enjoy the life that I have been so abundantly blessed with. It's not perfect, and there are days when I'd rather vent about life's frustrations than reflect on what is good and well, but therein lies my choice. I will choose the latter. So, here are my thoughts. Here are my prayers. Here is my thankful heart.



Father God,
     Thank you today for the opportunity to do something new. Thank you, that even though new situations are scary and uncertain, that you are always there with me. Thank you for teaching me that being thankful does not mean that I have to ignore the "bad" parts of life, but that I can approach them with a new and fresh perspective, knowing fully that you will forever be faithful!
I love you, Father! In Jesus' Name...