Friday, November 26, 2010

Lines and Longing




Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! - 2 Corinthians 9:15 niv

I’m sitting in my warm, cozy home in front of my beautifully decorated Christmas tree – one of several trees scattered throughout my house. I’m afraid I go a bit overboard with the Christmas décor. The weather outside is truly frightful, as it has snowed since the wee hours of this morning. Since I work at home, I don’t have to venture out into this mess, and for that, I’m thankful.

The meteorologists started warning us about the storm headed our way yesterday morning. Every few minutes, they proclaimed the importance of being ready. They changed the forecast from ‘winter storm watch’ to ‘warning’ as the storm organized itself and seemed bent on making this area its target.

In anticipation of this storm, I power-shopped yesterday. Scowls and angry attitudes abounded. Long lines and a short amount of time to get everything done make even the most serene person ready to snap. For every “Happy Holiday” I responded with “Merry Christmas” – my own way of bringing Christ back into the celebration. But I’m still not completely ready.

Watching the news last night, the forecasters reminded me of preachers I heard as a little girl. “The Lord is coming,” they proclaimed. “You must be ready for His return!”

I’d lie in my bed at night, peering into the darkness. Would He come tonight? Was I ready? A great sense of anticipation and a good dose of fear filled my heart as I tuned my ears for a trumpet blast.

Even now, my heart beats faster when I think of the magnificence of Jesus Christ’s return. How wonderful! How amazing!



In the craziness of shopping, baking, and planning family get-togethers, I forget sometimes that not only did Jesus come as a baby, but died as a young man, and rose as my Savior. One day, He will return for His children, and whether I’m eight or eighty, I’m a child in His eyes. His child. And I’m ready when He is to go Home. I long to be with the One who loves me so.

Now don’t get me wrong – I want to stick around for a while, doing what I can to tell others of God’s love, but I’m prepared to meet Him. Are you ready, or do you cringe at the thought of where you’ll spend eternity?

As you wrap gifts, think of a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes. When you see the Christmas lights, associate their brightness with the Light of the World. And as you stress over being ready for the holiday, ponder whether you’re ready for the Reason for the holiday – the birth, death, resurrection, and soon-coming return of Christ our King. I hope you’ve accepted the free gift from God sent to you - the gift of His Son.

I hope the snow lets up soon, too. I still have some shopping to do.

Prayer: Lord, please help me to remember why I celebrate on the 25th of December each year. I thank You for Your love. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

*Originally posted on 12-22-04.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Fun Poem for Thanksgiving

Monday, November 15, 2010

Thanks!



I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. - Psalm 69:30

On this blessed day when we stop to thank God for all He's done for us, I want to say thank you. I'm so grateful Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I'm grateful for my family and for all the bountiful blessings the Lord has given to me. The Lord is better to me than anyone else. Oh, wait a minute. So you think that, too, huh?

I posted the first devotional on this website in the latter part of May 2004. I'm thankful the Lord has continued to inspire and gracious to give me words to write. My greatest desire is to praise God and draw closer to Him daily through prayer and studying His Word.

I'd also like to thank YOU. You've been supportive and encouraging. It's a blessing to know the words the Lord inspires have touched your heart or caused you to meditate on God and His mighty ways.

I pray the Lord allows me to continue writing and uses my limited ability to bring honor to our infinite God.

May you have a blessed thanksgiving with your family and friends.

With joy - Donna
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