Focused on Jesus

December is here.  My heart has turned from Thanksgiving to prepare for the birthday celebration of Jesus. Presents to buy, decorations to put up and parties to attend! 

What about Jesus? What shall I bring to Him, offer Him, show Him? It is His celebration after all. I must admit that often He isn't the focus of this season for me. Sure I sing silent night and get teary eyed, but the rest of the days I hurry along to fulfill my duties as chief celebrator of the holiday. Often my mind is focused on how I will spend time with People, give an excellent Present, have a great Party, and decorate and make superb Preparations. Jesus seems to get lost in all of the celebrating. My focus unfortunately is not on Him. 

This year I want December to be different, focused on the reason for Christmas, Jesus.

To help create a focus on the true reason for Christmas I am going to dedicate December's posts to the names of Jesus.  I hope you will join me!

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It has been a while

I think that I have been in a period of reflection for long enough! 

Sometimes I require time away, time alone and time to just be.  In my life as a mother, teacher, pastor's wife, and women's ministry director it can be so difficult to be still, to spend time reflecting, to just, stop.  When there are times that I am forced to stop I usually do not like it! I am inwardly like a 2 year old that kicks and screams, throwing themselves on the floor, crying until they fall asleep. It is difficult for me to be still. because the lists just keep on going, on and on they fill my mind of what is to come, what needs to be done, the people that I must talk to.

Recently I was lavished with a hot stone massage, let me say, Fabulous!  The tension was gone mixed with soothing warmth. Even in the midst of this restful time, my mind began to create a list. In between these moments of silence, my mind was still at work, trying to create order of my life.  I was not still! 

This fight of mine is not new. When I was a little girl I would make up scenarios of Donny Osmond coming to my town and falling in love with me.  My mind would rehearse the moment that we would meet, I would practice saying hello, with just the right smirk and eye contact. How could he not fall head over heels in love with me?

When there have been difficult situations with tough topics, I have rehearsed the conversation to think through the possibilities. 

I am sure that I have done all of this rehearsing because it quiets my mind. It takes some of the anxiety away. Ultimately it soothes my need to be in control.

When I do finally give in to the rest, to completely allow the Spirit to intercede, and speak into my soul it is then and only then that I am fully rested, at peace and able to move forward in the confidence that God goes before me. 

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8

Tis the season for Thanks

It seems rather silly to me to think of being thankful as only for a season. We are after all so blessed! Every day we see blessing after blessing surrounding us.  Stopping today to reflect, I am so thankful for 

my family

the country that I live in

health and a body that still works

Daughters who have become my closest friends

a husband who showers me with love and support

the love of Jesus that makes me grateful for each new day!

a church family that surrounds me with Christ's love

friends that inspire, encourage and spur me on

a career where I am able to love on children

God's word that I am free to read

the beauty of nature

a warm home

Grace

This morning I saw this picture and it reminded me that giving thanks creates a thankful spirit and a thankful spirit creates joy! When we stop and count our blessings we begin to see more. 

How abundant are the good things

that you have stored up for those who fear you,

that you bestow in the sight of all,

on those who take refuge in you. 

Psalm 31:19

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good

his love endures forever. I Chronicles 16:34