I cleaned up Christmas today and tucked it away in boxes for another season. Some of the wrapping was worth recycling, boxes were stowed and the more ragged stuff was tossed.
If you like to recycle like me, your family has experienced the fun of second guess gifts. Some people know exactly what the gift is by the box size, shape and weight. They get their face all ready to "act surprised" until they open the box...and what they thought was inside is not there. So the surprise is as real as the gift that unfolds before them.
Another year is here and it seems to be wrapped up in questions and anticipation. It seems to be the same 12 months, 365 days...Looking back at previous years you know pretty much what is coming. So you brace for the parade of days.
If 2014 was rough, you look for dark clouds on the horizon. The ribbons of fear are hard to break as you struggle through month by month.
Those that had an uneventful 2014 look forward to the year, but not with happy tension that should be peaking out from beneath the folds of the morning.
Have you considered time as a gift from God? When I think of the next day coming, I am tempted to assume I know exactly what the day holds. But God is the gift giver, and He is the best at surprises.
This new year, I challenge you to accept each day as a gift from God. And as you unwrap the day, expect to be surprised by Joy. Especially when you think you have the future already figured out.
If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! Matthew 7:11 (ESV)
Showing posts with label gift. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gift. Show all posts
Thursday, January 01, 2015
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Hard Way
The easy way out is never easy in the end. You always have to play some kind of catch-up or pay a huge fee of some kind.
My Dad always says, "Do the hard stuff first." Then you could take it a bit easier as you get older. That wisdom is true for schooling, work and even taking care of your health.
Instead of taking a year off before starting college, jump in with both feet--work through summer school and finish early. Even some high schools have ways to dual enroll in college--that way your two year degree is free!
Instead of waiting by the phone and computer for that job to pop up after sending out hundreds of resumes, volunteer in your field and do all the hard work. It builds up your experience, gets your mind off the wait, and you might catch some employer's eye with your dedication.
Start the day with something healthy instead of a doughnut or sugar bombs. By 10:00am your body will thank you by not crashing and you can reward it with a healthy snack before lunch. Avoid elevators and close parking spots--make those legs work harder and you'll have more energy by the end of the day, and a healthier heart in your 50's.
Taking the harder road is normally best these days, especially with all the time-saving, sweat sparing gadgets out there. Someone is always ready to take your money in exchange for the amount of time it might take you to work and get a better result.
The discipline muscle is the hardest and also the most rewarding part of your self to exercise. If you can conquer that, you will win whenever your body or emotions whine to pull over and take the easy escalator to what you think is the next level.
There is One who is the model of discipline. His name is Jesus and He knew what obedience of the will was all about. Even as a child, He hit the books. Later on a trip to Jerusalem, His parents found Him in the temple--debating scripture with rabbis when He was 12. There was no begging for sight-seeing jaunts to the pyramids or the camel farm! (Luke 2:41-52)
When He stepped up to the challenge God had for Him, He went toe-to-toe with the devil himself and won. (Matthew 4:1-11)
And even in the garden, when His path was clearly laid out for the cross and Death was near, He prayed to God, "Not my will but Yours." (Luke 22:39-46)
Think about it. The only time God ever asks you to take the easy road is in accepting His gift of His son's sacrifice on the cross for your sins. Because there is no amount of schooling, overtime hours or strenuous physical activity you can do to attain that forgiveness.
The hard stuff was already done by Christ. The only difficult part left to do is accept the free gift He offers. And to some, that seems too easy to believe.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, {it is} the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
My Dad always says, "Do the hard stuff first." Then you could take it a bit easier as you get older. That wisdom is true for schooling, work and even taking care of your health.
Instead of taking a year off before starting college, jump in with both feet--work through summer school and finish early. Even some high schools have ways to dual enroll in college--that way your two year degree is free!
Instead of waiting by the phone and computer for that job to pop up after sending out hundreds of resumes, volunteer in your field and do all the hard work. It builds up your experience, gets your mind off the wait, and you might catch some employer's eye with your dedication.
Start the day with something healthy instead of a doughnut or sugar bombs. By 10:00am your body will thank you by not crashing and you can reward it with a healthy snack before lunch. Avoid elevators and close parking spots--make those legs work harder and you'll have more energy by the end of the day, and a healthier heart in your 50's.
Taking the harder road is normally best these days, especially with all the time-saving, sweat sparing gadgets out there. Someone is always ready to take your money in exchange for the amount of time it might take you to work and get a better result.
The discipline muscle is the hardest and also the most rewarding part of your self to exercise. If you can conquer that, you will win whenever your body or emotions whine to pull over and take the easy escalator to what you think is the next level.
There is One who is the model of discipline. His name is Jesus and He knew what obedience of the will was all about. Even as a child, He hit the books. Later on a trip to Jerusalem, His parents found Him in the temple--debating scripture with rabbis when He was 12. There was no begging for sight-seeing jaunts to the pyramids or the camel farm! (Luke 2:41-52)
When He stepped up to the challenge God had for Him, He went toe-to-toe with the devil himself and won. (Matthew 4:1-11)
And even in the garden, when His path was clearly laid out for the cross and Death was near, He prayed to God, "Not my will but Yours." (Luke 22:39-46)
Think about it. The only time God ever asks you to take the easy road is in accepting His gift of His son's sacrifice on the cross for your sins. Because there is no amount of schooling, overtime hours or strenuous physical activity you can do to attain that forgiveness.
The hard stuff was already done by Christ. The only difficult part left to do is accept the free gift He offers. And to some, that seems too easy to believe.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, {it is} the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Abundance
We had our belated Christmas party last night at Bible study. There was food, study, debate and a gift exchange. What was interesting about the gift exchange is that we brought items from home that we had an abundance of. At the end of the study, we sorted out the gifts and decided to open them at home. It was exciting to bundle mysterious packages into my car that night.
When I arrived home, I brought the gifts inside. My husband was a bit suspicious at first...he thought maybe I got waylaid at the mall instead of going to my Bible study!
I started opening gifts and what a treasure each one was. I could hear that still, small voice whisper to me what each gift meant.
My gift was a Christmas CD to each sister. I hope they heard God say to them, "...sing to the Lord a new song..."
A glasses case--to protect my glasses and removable sunglass attachments. "...protect your sight my child, make sure it's clear so you see what I see!"
A kneeling angel statue. "...remember the Holy Spirit is praying for you at all times my dear, even when you forget."
A mixing bowl with tea and chocolate candy nestled inside, with a bar of homemade soap. "...dear daughter, take time to confess your sins--wash daily--so your life will be sweet."
A magnetized shopping list pad with magnets with the scripture from Isaiah 65:18, "Be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create." (the scripture was loud and clear)
A beautiful hand painted rock. "...do not throw stones, hang on to them and make an altar to Me instead."
Two books, one a daily devotional for fruitful living, the other "A Woman's Journey to the Heart of God". "...my child, it's time to move forward and discover all that I am."
All of these are precious to me, because my sisters gave out of their abundance. They are growing and discovering God in so many different ways and as they do, they reflect His attributes.
What an amazing time with my sisters. What amazing sisters.
Beloved, do not forget that as you give from your abundance, you become the gift in Christ to another. You would be amazed at how God speaks through your generosity.
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.
James 1:17-18
When I arrived home, I brought the gifts inside. My husband was a bit suspicious at first...he thought maybe I got waylaid at the mall instead of going to my Bible study!
I started opening gifts and what a treasure each one was. I could hear that still, small voice whisper to me what each gift meant.
My gift was a Christmas CD to each sister. I hope they heard God say to them, "...sing to the Lord a new song..."
A glasses case--to protect my glasses and removable sunglass attachments. "...protect your sight my child, make sure it's clear so you see what I see!"
A kneeling angel statue. "...remember the Holy Spirit is praying for you at all times my dear, even when you forget."
A mixing bowl with tea and chocolate candy nestled inside, with a bar of homemade soap. "...dear daughter, take time to confess your sins--wash daily--so your life will be sweet."
A magnetized shopping list pad with magnets with the scripture from Isaiah 65:18, "Be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create." (the scripture was loud and clear)
A beautiful hand painted rock. "...do not throw stones, hang on to them and make an altar to Me instead."
Two books, one a daily devotional for fruitful living, the other "A Woman's Journey to the Heart of God". "...my child, it's time to move forward and discover all that I am."
All of these are precious to me, because my sisters gave out of their abundance. They are growing and discovering God in so many different ways and as they do, they reflect His attributes.
What an amazing time with my sisters. What amazing sisters.
Beloved, do not forget that as you give from your abundance, you become the gift in Christ to another. You would be amazed at how God speaks through your generosity.
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.
James 1:17-18
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Gift of Joy
After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over {the place} where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Matthew 2:9-11
A friend of mine wrote a blog recently about the Three Wise Women. Check it out here: http://stm-jehwriter.blogspot.com/2008_12_01_archive.html. It got me to thinking. Especially as we approach 2009.
If I was to bring a gift to the baby shower for Jesus, what would I bring? The practical side of me would say diapers and wipes...or onesies and blankets. The materialistic side of me would say savings bonds, shares in Toys R Us or an heirloom sippy cup. But her blog spoke to the deeper side of me, the spiritual side.
2008 brought a lot of changes to our family. My son is away from us for a while--he made some bad choices and we had to relinquish our legal control over him to the State. My job ended with JDSU, I contracted some work with them for a year and now it's over again. My daughter-in-law fought a mysterious illness that took a year for the doctors to figure out. Now we know what she's fighting and can focus on a healthier lifestyle. My mom's illness progressed quickly. She will receive a wonderful gift of marrow from her sister in the new year.
With all that 2008 slung at our family, what is left to give to Jesus in 2009?
In our tight-knit Bible study group, we decided to give out of our abundance to each other at our next meeting. We thought a gift exchange of dollar store items would be silly-that nobody needed another coffee cup. But to give out of our abundance--what we already have--might be just the thing.
So as I think about what I have in abundance after slogging through 2008, I am astonished to find an abundance of Joy. It's not the same as happiness...being happy is dependent on what happens to you. Joy goes deeper, like roots that sustain an oak tree.
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. James 1:2-3
Joy because I know where my son is and that he is cared for and safe. Joy because I have some down time to pray, think and write. Joy because my daughter-in-law is able to care for her family again. Joy because I had another year with my mom.
That shining star the magi followed to find Jesus is still shining today for those who wish to see it. It is Joy, and it is with every Christian who shakes off what the world tries to bury them with.
So my gift to my Savior in 2009 will be JOY. (Accountability partners take note!)
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
Jude 1:24-25
Matthew 2:9-11
A friend of mine wrote a blog recently about the Three Wise Women. Check it out here: http://stm-jehwriter.blogspot.com/2008_12_01_archive.html. It got me to thinking. Especially as we approach 2009.
If I was to bring a gift to the baby shower for Jesus, what would I bring? The practical side of me would say diapers and wipes...or onesies and blankets. The materialistic side of me would say savings bonds, shares in Toys R Us or an heirloom sippy cup. But her blog spoke to the deeper side of me, the spiritual side.
2008 brought a lot of changes to our family. My son is away from us for a while--he made some bad choices and we had to relinquish our legal control over him to the State. My job ended with JDSU, I contracted some work with them for a year and now it's over again. My daughter-in-law fought a mysterious illness that took a year for the doctors to figure out. Now we know what she's fighting and can focus on a healthier lifestyle. My mom's illness progressed quickly. She will receive a wonderful gift of marrow from her sister in the new year.
With all that 2008 slung at our family, what is left to give to Jesus in 2009?
In our tight-knit Bible study group, we decided to give out of our abundance to each other at our next meeting. We thought a gift exchange of dollar store items would be silly-that nobody needed another coffee cup. But to give out of our abundance--what we already have--might be just the thing.
So as I think about what I have in abundance after slogging through 2008, I am astonished to find an abundance of Joy. It's not the same as happiness...being happy is dependent on what happens to you. Joy goes deeper, like roots that sustain an oak tree.
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. James 1:2-3
Joy because I know where my son is and that he is cared for and safe. Joy because I have some down time to pray, think and write. Joy because my daughter-in-law is able to care for her family again. Joy because I had another year with my mom.
That shining star the magi followed to find Jesus is still shining today for those who wish to see it. It is Joy, and it is with every Christian who shakes off what the world tries to bury them with.
So my gift to my Savior in 2009 will be JOY. (Accountability partners take note!)
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
Jude 1:24-25
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