Go ahead. Make your day.

Over-joyed.
It may seem a little early to be thinking Christmas, but I love the season.
I'm the mom who played Christmas carols in July before it was the thing to do.

Thinking about Christmas, and yes I'm playing Christmas carols; I was overcome with joy.
I was standing in my dining room, and
His presence came in like a big hug.
Indeed, my cup runneth over.
The love of God is shed abroad in my heart with gratitude.

Oh joy to the world. The King has come.
How humbling to think the great God of the universe loved me so much.
Like the words to an old hymn, "What wondrous love is this, oh my soul."

He picked me up out of darkness so great I couldn't see light.
He gave me life when it seemed that all was lost.
He filled me with His joy unspeakable and full of glory.
I am amazed and thankful everyday, for the life He has blessed me with.

There is a story of a man, a greeter in a church, who loved praise and worship, raising his hands and dancing to the praise music. During the greeting he would hug everyone.  But, some people were offended by his smell.  So, the board of the church took him aside and spoke to him. They thought he had been saved long enough, he should be more mature.
He told them he couldn't help himself. Everyday was a special gift from God to him, for God had delivered him from years of alcoholism. The joy he was filled with when he was first saved was new every morning. He was so thankful for the life God had given him through Christ.

The wonders of God are new everyday. It takes my breath away!

I think Thanksgiving and Christmas are closely related.
'So much to be thankful for. I can start at Thanksgiving and continue celebrating through Christmas.

So, what's my story?
Briefly,
I tried to reach God with religion and works. At the end of myself He saved me.
Through the years of following Him there have been times of dark tunnels of tribulation. He has proven that He is faithful - always.
He has made a way when there didn't seem to be a way.
He has been my provider, always on time.
He has been my healer when doctors were at a loss.
He has been my peace, when trouble was all around.
He has been my strength when I had none.
He has been my friend - always.

David in the Bible was so overtaken by the blessings of his Lord, that he danced with all his might, right in the middle of all downtown! (II Samuel 6:14)
Overcome with joy? You bet.  Like David, like the church greeter, I will dance.
I will sing.

There is none like our God: Emmanuel-God with us, El Shaddai-All sufficient One, Jehovah Eloheenu-the Lord our God, Jehovah Jireh - God my provider, Jehovah Shalom-God my peace, Jehovah Nissi-the Lord my banner of victory, Jehovah Rophe-the Lord my health/my healer. He is Adonai - my Lord, my Master.

He makes all things new again!
He is worthy of our praise.

Let's be thankful!
It 's ok.
Go ahead, sit back, relax, have a cup of coffee. Let Him hug you with His presence, as you sit, all wrapped up in a blanket of His love.

Hand to the plow, man!

'Ever have those days where it seems the line to heaven is quiet.
This last week was that way.
God was very quiet, which is fine.
But, I like to hear His voice.

Today He started talking again.

I listened.

When He wants to get a message across
He can.
He used my quiet time, my devotional,
the computer, the radio...the Bible.

Luke 9:62, "Anyone who puts his hand to the plow and look back is not fit for the Kindgom of God."

I'm not planning on looking back. No sir.

He was talking to me about decisions.
"Don't waiver on decisions."
When we make a decision for Christ, we are willing to take the appropriate action.

Making a committed decision is to be willing to take the risk.
Jumping in the water when you don't know how deep it is.

He spoke to me about not looking back. Not being afraid.
When He calls us to do something, He doesn't show us the whole map. We don't always get a job description including hours and vacation days.

It's more like Abraham.
"Pick up your tent. Leave what is familiar and follow Me."
Where?
"Just follow Me."

'Pretty vague,but very clear.

I believe when God calls us to do something we have a passion for it.
It is a desire of our hearts.

Sometimes that means letting go of something else.
Passion is about today.
Passion must never be feared.

He spoke to me.
"Press forward with the passion."

Ok, then.

There is no peace greater than knowing we are where He wants us to be.

What Jesus asks us to do brings life.

I know these sayings to be true.

He simply likes to remind us sometimes, that we are on the right track.
He encourages us to keep on going.

It may seem ludicrous to others, but its' ok.
I heard a message on the radio talking about passion and pressing forward.
Sometimes there are sacrifices made to be in His will.
But, sacrifices bring good things.
Amen.

I wasn't discouraged about where He has me.
It does seem bigger than me.
That's the way it's supposed to be.
I need Him all the time.
That's the way it's supposed to be.
He wants us to commit.
That's the way it's supposed to be.

I heard, too, "commitment - do not be detoured."
Now, that is me.
Sometimes, I have been detoured.
I'm committed.
But, I need to discipline my commitment.
Sigh. I am guilty.
Sometimes I can get sidetracked...on the phone, online, doing this or that.

In Christ there is no condemnation.
I am encouraged to press on.

Plowing on.

God has a plan.
The best place on earth is to be where He leads.


My prayer, "Lord, I thank You that You love us so much. You believe in us so much, You are not willing to leave us where we are. You stretch us. You have plans that are bigger than we are. I thank You for that. Oh, the plans You have for us are for good, not for evil, to give us a hope and a future. What an exciting life, with You. You are so good. Thank You. In Jesus name, Amen."