I was reminiscing about my 6 year old niece, Jordan.  Specifically about a time I was babysitting her when she was only 7 or 8 months old.  

She was so full of energy, so curious, so into everything. She was lightning fast and was just brave enough to be dangerous. Oh yes, add that to the fact that  my house wasn’t baby proof anymore!  

I spent the morning following her around, redirecting her from dangers like the steps, electric cords, little chokeables, & breakables.  I kept trying to entice her to play with her safe, colorful, fluffy and educationally appropriate baby toys.  Needless to say, Jordan was NOT interested in her toys…she wanted mine!  

After she had worn herself out seeking the things that she could not have, she looked up and noticed me sitting in the recliner with her bottle.  Now I had her attention!  She crawled to me as fast as her chubby little knees would take her and I lifted her into my lap.  She settled into complete contentment as she drank her warm bottle in the comfort of my arms. I felt a rush of love, peace and tranquility holding this little miracle as she finally relaxed and enjoyed simply being held and loved and fed. (Not to mention a welcome reprieve from crawling around behind a very motivated 8 month old!)  

 As I was cradling my sleeping niece, The Lord spoke to my heart… 

“I long to hold you in my arms and keep you safe from all the dangers  & temptations of this world…my children become so busy and burdened this time of year…You chase after that which you do not need, you spend money you do not have, you eat and drink and yet you remain unsatisfied. You search for gifts that will be soon forgotten, you seek gifts that will not fulfill you.  You, my child, are wearing yourself out.  Won’t you come to me?  I am waiting with open arms to hold you and give you real peace, real love and real rest.  

My heart breaks for you as I see you striving for that which will not satisfy you. My child, Satan is scheming to rob you of your joy and deplete your pocketbook! Stop! Open your eyes; I’m waiting for you to lift your weary arms to me.  Look, I have what you are longing for!  My Word will sustain you and fill your soul better than the finest delicacies, the biggest gift or the grandest party.  Come into my presence, my child, put your “to do” list away for a while… I can fulfill each item on your list better than you could ever hope or imagine.  For I know the desires of your heart.  I am waiting for you to come to me and let me relieve you of your worldly burdens. I am the greatest gift that you will ever receive. The price has been paid.  You have only to accept my free gift to you and let my joy and my peace satisfy the longing in your soul. Look at the peace on my child, Jordan’s face…you can have the same peace and joy!  Won’t you come and rest in my arms?  I will be your peace.  I will be your joy and I will be your strength even in the midst of life’s storms.  It’s my gift just for you…every day of your life.  You are mine and I love you.” 

This Christmas, May you reach out for the amazing gift that is Jesus.  If you do not know Him, if you do not know His peace and His love personally…than this is your day!  Simply ask Him into your life by praying this simple prayer from your heart:   ”Lord Jesus I need you.  I am worn out and I recognize that you are all that I need…and I do need you, Jesus.  Please come into my heart now and make me your very own child.  I accept the gift of life you have given me by dying on the cross for my sins.  I receive, this Christmas, the greatest gift that I will ever get.  The gift of eternal life through You.    I’m turning to you, Lord.  I’m done running away….Lift me into the lap of your great love…I want to rest in you.  Amen.”    Special Christmas Blessings to you and your family!          

Calling all women out in cyberspace to our new blog... Coffee and Conversation! We are so excited to have this opportunity to speak to you and to hear back from you concerning all kinds of questions, topics and themes. So as we begin, why don't you grab a cup of latte or tea, sit down, relax and join in the fun.

 I've always loved the Fall. Since I was a teacher for so many years, the Fall was more like the beginning of a new year for me than the actual new year in January. Even now in ministry, it's still the same for me. People sometimes disappear in the summer months with vacations, sports, beach time, irregular schedules, band camps and kids home all the time.There's something comforting about that down time that lets us breathe and slow down a bit. However, I'm always ready to "straighten up and fly right" once the school year begins. How about you? What's it like for you when September rolls around? 

Let me share a scripture with you from Genesis 3:8-9  "Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, " WHERE ARE YOU?"     

Perhaps God is calling out to you also...WHERE ARE YOU? As you walk into this season are you in a fog; a place of trial; a place of doubt and confusion; a place of excitement and energy; a place of challenge; a place or light or darkness; a place of delight or despair; a place of quiet or busyness? What answer would you give to God? 

Maybe some of you are reversing the question and asking God, WHERE ARE YOU?If you're anything like me, you've probably asked that question of God in your tough and challenging times.Ps. 46:1 says that "God is our refuge and strength; an ever present help in trouble."Wow! Just saying that verse out loud gives me comfort and assurance.Isn't that the beauty of God's word? He speaks truth to us through his Word. When we go through our hard times we know he is with us even though we may not feel him. He is with us- His presence is with us- in good times and bad; through our Canaans and our deserts; through our questions and doubts; through our trials and triumphs. He is ever Faithful! 

Why don't you take a few minutes to answer that question from God: (insert your name) ____________, WHERE ARE YOU?  

Be honest with your Lord. Tell him exactly where you are and how you are feeling. He wants you to call out to him, to rely on him and to trust him for this time in your life. Go ahead and ask him the "Whys?" and "Hows?" and the "Whens?" 

Pray this prayer with me....... Lord, we praise and worship you.We thank you that you are an ever-present God and that you reach out your hand to save us. We are your daughters and believe that you will always act in our best interests even though we may not fully understand your ways. As we begin this new year, we are HERE standing in your presence. Give us hearts devoted to you and your ways. Let us stand together and stand firm in whatever we are going through. Let us say together that "our God is able." Amen and Hallelujah!! 

POST A COMMENT: WHERE ARE YOU?