Capture the moment

There is hustle and bustle for many this time of year. A lot of fulfilling expectations of all that Christmas should be. But I urge you to not miss out on the little surprising moments God sends your way. The one moment that fills your whole chest with the reason of the season. It breaks through all the chaos in your head and lands hard in your heart. It stops you in your tracks and you know, you know, in that moment - you didn’t miss the true meaning of Christmas.

One year, my pastor husband created a Christmas Eve service outside at the life-size nativity out front of the church. On the Main Street. All in the village were invited to attend. It was dark and cold and I believe a little damp. There was music and readings of course. But what did it for me was the Christ candle at the foot of the manger. We all took our candle, entered into the crèche, stooped low before Jesus in the manger, and lit our candle there. Then we sang Silent Night - in the cold, crisp air. That moment, that sensation, is forever embedded in my heart. True Christmas spirit visited me…

And afterwards, as my husband often did, after everyone had gone, he went up into the church and programmed the bells to play Silent Night. And it rang out in a truly silent night… goosebumps. It surely settled me down from all the doings of the holiday to the being in the holiday.

The paper and ribbons and bows and bags, the goodies and treats, the decorations and special clothes and every kind of holiday cheer - while enjoyable - pale in comparison to the personal gift from God of alerting our senses to the deep, deep meaning of His love and His gift of a Savior for the world.

So I pray something catches you, something so deep and moving and undeniable, that Christ coming - for you - leaves you speechless. As these two moments in my walk have done for me.

Keep a sharp lookout! For you do not know when I will come, at evening, at midnight, early dawn or late daybreak. (Mark 13:35 TLB)

Tell My people, I, the Lord your God, am coming to save you and will bring you many gifts. (Isaiah 62:11 TLB)

When He was at the table with them, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him… “Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:31, 32 NIV)

 

CURIOUS ?

 

Boxes of Christmas decorations. You know what’s inside? Handmade ornaments. Gifted decorations from dear friends. Artwork from children. Antique ornaments from my parent’s family tree. Each delicately wrapped up in tissue - because each piece is precious. Bringing warmth and love and cheer to my soul. Such anticipation at opening these boxes and embracing all that goodness…

But, what if I don’t open the boxes? What if I rely on memory? What if those memories have faded and don’t bring the explosive joy felt in previous times? You can’t imagine me having all of this, and not opening, caressing, remembering fondly, and displaying for all to see - all these triggers of joy…

God feels the same about the gifts He sends you. There they are - ready to be opened - and enjoyed. But do you? Or do distractions, guilt, depression or unworthiness or fill in the blank - cause you to not jump in with outstretched arms and receive all He offers. All that immeasurable love, joy that gladdens the spirit, comfort for aching hearts, rest for weary souls, healings of the past, promised help for the future - causing such irresistible smiling, and a warmth nothing on earth can replicate. Oh, and so much more! If only you would lift the lid and peek inside. What pleasures await the one who does! God, the Giver of good things - has good things for you! Treasures beyond measure for those who seek Him. Delights for your path as you await for Christ’s second coming…

Do not be afraid… do not resist… do not hesitate…

God has everlasting gifts for you in Christ Jesus. Not as the world gives…

Be open. And open all the Lord desires you to have and experience. Experiences of joy and gladness. And such thankfulness. Rejoice, and be glad! I say it again: Rejoice! Celebrate! Dive in! 

This is the time to be childlike. To gladly receive what the Father lovingly prepared for you. A Savior, yes! But also a trustworthy Friend to walk daily with you through every time and trial - and celebration too! Let the tissue paper fly with exuberance! Let Him know how much you love and appreciate His good gifts to you.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15) (precious beyond words) AMP

Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. (James 1:16 MSG)

He came to help us

 

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. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him. (John 3:16-18 MSG)

For some of us, our ears have become desensitized to this most powerful message of John 3:16. For God so loved the world, blah, blah, blah … yeah. We know. But …

He gave His Son. I remember when my one and only son went on his first tour of Iraq. I reflected on “giving up” a son. I thought about Abraham preparing to sacrifice his only son. Striving against all that was in him - to obey God no matter what. To trust God and His love no matter what. Because God wanted a testimony to His character. 

Anyone can have a whole and lasting life. For those of you who knew me years ago, you may have wondered how wild I would go before surrendering and believe in Him. But God is relentless. I had siblings who I didn’t think, didn’t know, if they would come to believe. It was not until later in life that the knowledge came to me – they all know and believe in the risen Lord. Never lose hope on anyone. The Lord is in active pursuit.

He came to help. How many of us, how many times have we seen God as an angry, punishing God? Standing at the ready with a ruler in His hand, ready to smack our knuckles. When it is with “tears” He watches us make poor choices and suffer consequences. With great tenderness He reaches down to guide us down the right path. How He longs for us to understand His full - encompassing mercy. All your sins have been paid for – This one-of-a-kind Son came. He came. Believe in this good news!

God’s goodness times 5,000

 A few years back, I was encouraged to write down three blessings of the day. Every day. I had a journal book stashed away that I never really got into using - until this time. After some fits and starts, I did establish a rhythm of jotting down a thing or two that went right during the day. It grew from listing not only comforts but the amazing character of God Himself was revealed time and time again. Mostly His profound immeasurable love for me. Some days I listed three. Many days it could be 8-10. And yes, there have been days where I skipped it altogether. But now, look at this gift: on Thanksgiving Day, I have reached an unanticipated 5,000. I am living in awe and amazement of God as I page through these now several journals. How can I not feel blessed and assured of His loving care? It has been very satisfying to reflect once a day on God’s precious gifts to me. Indescribable to look back and see all the days, months, years of His daily goodness and provision.

On this Thanksgiving Day, when my son is in Michigan, another in Vermont, my husband in Colorado and me here in South Carolina… I could not be more satisfied. My heart is full. I am full. Feasting this day on all the goodness of God. 

Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. (Isaiah 55:2 NIV)

Variety packs now available!

                                    

What does a dog, coffee and baby Jesus have in common? They can all be found in the 2024 Christmas card variety pack!  Two of each design as shown above - 12 cards - $10.00. OR, click on the card shop link below for even more designs - and make your own selections. List of suggested Christmas messages included.

‘It’s the season to connect with others in the love of Christ!

AND, do you know what makes a great Christmas gift for the card writer in your life? This care and concerned variety pack!

   

     

12 cards - $10.00

Always free shipping!

Here’s the link to the card shop! Come and visit for purchases or just some inspirational messages for your own heart!

https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/new-card-catalog-1123.html

Fall designs are still available as well - if you want some Thanksgiving - thank you for being in my life - type cards.

I’m worried…

 

Yes. I’m worried. Even as a Christian and believe in God’s perfect care.

I searched the internet for some kind of kindred spirit words to comfort me in my humanness. All I got was message upon message that said, “Do not worry!” As if I could turn it off like a light switch. I looked for encouragement in being human and all I found was the impossible response of - don’t. Just don’t.

Lord, in Your mercy, help me despite my anxious response to the circumstances before me. Hold me close and keep me in Your tender care - even if I can’t feel it right now. 

My prayers of surrender seem to be on an endless loop. And my prayers don’t always conclude with a - peace that passes understanding.

Despite all this, I know God loves and cares for me. Despite all this, I believe God will jump in and act on my behalf.

Even if…

Even when…

my faith is shaking in its boots. That does not deter God from helping and carrying me through.

May you know this too.

My health fails; my spirits droop, yet God remains! He is the strength of my heart; He is mine forever! (Psalm 73:26 TLB)

Savior and more (originally posted 2017)

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

I was thumbing through a children's bible, looking for a story to read in Sunday School. Here is what I came across:
Cain and Abel - Abel was killed
Noah - people of the world were killed
Joseph - brothers wanted him killed
Moses - Pharoah killed all the baby boys
The Red Sea - Egyptian armies killed
David - Goliath killed
Esther - Jews to be killed
and ultimately - Jesus - killed

You can imagine my dismay if I had to teach these stories one right after another! I used to think violent video games played a role in filling our children's head with such trauma. Or that news coverage of violence played a part. It never dawned on me that bible stories would be a contributing factor as well. (And hasn't it also been said that nursery rhymes of old have hints of trauma and terror? I think of the big bad wolf and Hansel and Gretel.)

But thankfully, God does not leave us hanging - then or now. As you continue to read to the end of each story, you will see God had a plan. God's goodness shines through. God always steps in. God still does. He still has plans and purpose. Old testament people probably didn't see or understand in the moment - much like us today. But the Lord is present and sovereign and good beyond our imagination. He has a plan still.  And His ultimate plan of rescue? Jesus, the risen Lord. Savior, Redeemer and more.

My thoughts are still in a quandary about talking about killing - past, present, and future - with our young children. But as anyone who has every attended Sunday School knows, no matter what, the answer is always JESUS!