The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

"Its the most wonderful time of the year!" and "I'm dreaming of a White Christmas..." are among the many festive lyrics heard between Thanksgiving and Christmas day every year. I enjoy Christmas-- the lights and the jolly spirit of many. I love the decorations and picking out the perfect gift for all those on my list. Presents were always my favorite as a child-- of course.

And while I enjoy these things, and I don't think they're wrong or bad, God has been reminding me where the focus should be. Its about Jesus coming, in human form, humbly and as a baby, to save the world. As I've thought about the birth of Jesus this year, its been impossible for me NOT to think of his entire life. His coming as a baby was significant, because it was the means that God used to forgive his people of their sins, so they could live with him in eternity.

So often we think about the birth of Jesus at this time, and that is what Christmas is about, but I think its so important to remember what his birth meant, and what it led to. It led to human beings being able to approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that their sins were forgiven and their debt was paid. He came into the world to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). Jesus entire life is what mattered. And his entire life was lived as a sacrifice and as a servant-- even though he was God himself, the King incarnate! That is what Christmas is about.

Enjoy the festivities, but don't let them become the focus. Jesus really is the greatest gift ever given, and through that gift, we can LIVE.

He is the LIGHT of the world. I love the significance of Christmas lights-- they're fun and all, but they're also a great symbolism of Jesus coming, as the light that the world so desperately needed.

And, this is what Christmas is about, in a nutshell--

Merry Christmas, All!

Just Breathe

I am always amazed at the faithfulness of God. I really don't know why I am always amazed, every time he is faithful, because that is part of His character that never changes. I think it takes me a while to learn these things sometimes. He just faithfully does his thing and patiently teaches me his truth.

I am experiencing God in a different way than I ever have. He is teaching me things that I've never thought much about. He's showing me that He really is all I need. That He is provider, healer and comforter.

I wrote this down the other day, while listening to a song by Jeremy Camp; the lyrics say-- "..Take the world and give me Jesus...":

That means he clears out everything that isn't of him and he takes out the things that we grasp onto that are idols. He cleanses us of all that is "us" and replaces it with him. Are you willing to let him do that? Are you willing to allow his to have everything, trusting that He knows better and that He will do as He sees fit? He is trustworthy and faithful. All that He has to offer is BETTER than anything the world has to offer. It always will be. 

FAITHFUL.

I can hardly believe that school is almost a third of the way over-- I feel as though all that He's taught and shown and been faithful to reveal is just mind blowing. Its a little bit overwhelming, and I'm actually not really sure how to put it into words. But I can say, with more assurance than ever before-- HE IS FAITHFUL! He really is. And something that He's reminded me of in that is an eternal perspective makes a huge difference. When we remember where we will be in eternity, the hardships of this life don't seem as daunting. Heaven is going to be awesome!

Life isn't always easy, and I am aware that its challenging, and hard and really sad sometimes. And this journey hasn't been an easy one. There have been a lot of challenges that have met me on my way, but in that I know that I don't walk alone. He promised to be with His children, and that is such a comfort to me (Joshua 1:5). 

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23

From the Inside, Out

This journey has been insane-- I'm reading through the Bible, and we're moving so quickly, and yet God is faithful to show himself through scripture and through the words spoken each day.

He's been showing me some pretty incredible things--

We had a speaker come a few weeks ago, and he asked if God never spoke to us again, if we'd be alright with that. That was a challenge. And its something that I remembered as I thumbed through my journal again, today. And even if I never heard him speak to me today, I have his word which is eternal, and he speaks through that. How powerful.

That next week were were singing 'How He Loves' and a line from the song says-- 'He loves like a hurricane' and it dawned on me that I had never, not once thought of what that meant. But when I took a few moments, it was mind blowing. This is what God showed me--

A hurricane is all consuming, it picks up everything in its path. 

It is a large, driving force and you can see the effects of it after its gone through.

The land doesn't remain untouched. There is a definite change, and its noticable.

Maybe that is what the lyricist was trying to convey by that.

His love changes us, shakes us up and consumes our entire being.

Its not a weak or pathetic love. 

Its a MASSIVE love. Its a love that causes foundations to be shaken, until He becomes the foundation.

A hurricane is POWERFUL.

You love like a hurricane, and yet, that doesn't even come close. 

Wow. 

God usually speaks about the same thing for a period of time, to me. And he reminded me yesterday of this truth--

To love God from the inside out means to first love him in our hearts, to believe and trust in His goodness, and then for that love to come bubbling out in how we live our lives, in serving and loving God and others.

But that ultimately flows from a love for God that starts of the inside. 

The outside is just a mirror of what is on the inside. 

And as I study the Bible, although each book has its own theme, the thread that runs through the entire Bible seems to be this-- 

YOUR SIN IS NOT TOO BIG FOR GOD TO FORGIVE. Because of His sacrifice on the cross, because of his bruised, broken body on our behalf, we are justified in Him. Its not about doing more good works than bad works. Its about just having faith in the truth of His promise and love.

We're studying Romans this week, and that is in there so clearly. For us in might not be an argument over circumcision, but how often do we make a tally list and judge based off of how well someone keeps the 'law' (which by the way, only shows how sinful we are)? His grace is beyond that, but we must accept it. He doesn't force anyone upon himself, He wants people to come willingly and with a genuine love for him. 

I am loving learning about this. His word is so powerful.

Watch Me!

A child no older than the age of five taught me a really beautiful lesson today.

I had been working all day, and needed a little break--so I took advantage of the sunshine, and the beautiful deck off of our dorm. I sat out there, and as the sun poured onto me, I listened to the sounds of children riding their trikes on the pavement below. They were loving life, and didn't have a care in the world. One of the little girls shouted, "Watch me, daddy!" As she attempted to show off her biking skills.

It was at that moment that God spoke to me. He reminded me that that is like his relationship to us. Just as any parent delights in their child's success and loves to watch them learn new things and discover the world, so He loves watching us learn and grow. We trek out, on our wobbly two wheel bike, and we shout "Watch me, daddy!" and there He is, to watch and to smile and to catch us when we fall. There he is to cheer us on and to love us through our failures and successes.

I am convinced that He loves it when we step out and try something new, when we're so enamored with life, and we just shout, "Watch me, Daddy!" That he is proud  when we live and love life. Today He reminded me to see the world through the eyes of a child. To children, life is an adventure, and they have no trouble believing in their loving, Heavenly Father.

He is good!

Thankful Thursday

Ok its cheesy, I suppose, but I got this idea from a fellow blogger, and I like it. So there. Was feeling a bit down this morning, and then I just stopped and made a list of things that I am thankful for. It really does something for the spirit when we actually acknowledge and write out the things which we're grateful for. Try it sometime!

Without further ado, here is mine:

childrens laughter. sunshine. new clothes. music. italian sodas. soft pillows. neighbors getting 'flocked' with flamingoes. space bags. faithful friends. patient God. colorful flowers. facebook. community. best job ever. Montana. snow. butterflies. watching movies. jogs. books. passion. being called to something greater.  creativity. the color red. road trips. horses. the country. dirt. fanta. ability to travel. singing. my bed. cute socks. weddings. LOVE. international friends. ocean. adventures. prayer. babies. nail polish. purpose. lady bugs. ability to write. tractors. sunsets. stars. warm beanies. food. sleep. Bible. guys. emotions. philippians 1:6. beach. tennis. olympics. sand castles. heroes. airports.  snail mail. phones. home. black picture frames. beautiful dresses. photography. Bella (my cat). family. apple juice.  perspective. small group.  LAUGHTER. grass. picnics. parks. water wars. Africa. pizza. Christmas. packages. doll houses.  purses. four wheeling. taking showers. rainbows. body of Christ. cherry blossoms. couches. sharpies. being able to drive. flip flops. beautiful hair. children of the world. PEOPLE. psychology. massages. victorian houses. paint. art. restoration. baby fat. handmade gifts. computers. light. forgiveness. pools. swings. slushies. church. missions. blogging. boats. breathtaking landscapes. windows. movie nights. decorations. elephants. LIFE.

The Spice of Life

I think its safe to say I am a fairly 'emotional' person. Not as in I have emotions (because everyone has emotions) but in that I wear my heart on my sleeve and don't hide my emotions very often.

I have been self conscious about this throughout my life. It isn't really condoned in our 'pick-yourself-up-by- your-bootstraps society.' Even among females. It actually might be condoned less amongst females in that it is brushed off and attributed to her gender, hormones, PMS or general craziness. These could all be true, but that isn't really doing the reality of very present and real emotions justice.

I am an emotional person. And you know what? That shouldn't be a problem. I was born this way (no, I am NOT quoting Lady Gaga, although I do enjoy some of her music... I digress). I was born with a large palette of emotions within this heart of mine, and while often times it seems like those emotions come and attack me, they're not fake. And something that I've even had to continually remind myself of-- they're not because I'm crazy. I am crazy, I'm sure. But my raw and real emotions are not present because of that craziness.

And another truth about these emotions-- I am convinced that they can and do bless the Father's heart. I don't say that simply to condone my tendency to cry at weddings or baby showers, but because they were given to me by Him.

Whenever I start to get insecure about my tears that come without warning sometimes, I am reminded of those that came before. David-- the 'man after God's own heart' that has become one that we speak highly of, and that God spoke highly of, was also, highly emotional. Don't believe me?? Read through the Psalms. Its all there. Its like reading David's journal. In one psalm he is praising God and singing and dancing with the tambourine and the next he is speaking of how his enemies pursue him from every side. He cries out to God in anguish. And you know what?? It was all true. Those were real things that David was feeling and no one ever judges him for having those emotions.

So why do we judge people today for being 'emotional beings'? Yes, it may be subtle judgement, but its there nonetheless. Hear me out-- coming from someone that does cry more than my 8 year old cousin, please don't judge. I am not crazy. You are not crazy. The presence of emotions does NOT automatically denote 'craziness.' Crying is a release, it feels good to cry when I am overwhelmed and confused. Sometimes, you just need a good cry. Nothing wrong with that.

I was blessed by a friend who, when I told her that I was having an emotional day said this--
"I like that about you, people who don't have emotions aren't really living" I don't think I had ever heard someone say that before. But it blessed this heart.

So. There you have it. I am learning that variety really is the spice of life. I hope you agree. And I hope that although we're different, we can learn to not only accept, but also appreciate our differences.

Ta ta for now!

I want to soar

I've said it a million times, and, at the risk of being repetitive, I'll say it again-- I love the country. I was out there today, and its like, when I am in the country, I am physically free to run, jump, hop, walk and wander as far as my heart desires. And maybe there is a connection between that physical freedom, and my heart's freedom. I feel more free to soar and dream when I am in the country.

I look out over the rolling hills, to the coast range mountains. I see the little cars drive by, a mile or more away. I see a house or two, maybe a barn and a silo. And in that I feel like I could run forever. And I would most definitely run out of breath before I run out of land!

I think of the wild stallions and lions and gazelle. They are FREE. There isn't anything that ropes them in, they are free to wander, hunt, hide, run, and go wherever they please. They might even see more of the world than many humans ever do, because, they are not afraid of uncharted territory. They are not afraid of what tomorrow might hold. They aren't afraid of what their little animal friends might think. I mean, I guess they do run around naked, so not a lot phases them. They think only about the present. And they travel in packs.

I can't help but think that that should be us-- what is holding us back from dreaming? Is it the fear of tomorrow? Is it the fear of what other people think? Is it finances? Is it fear of the unknown?? Those are all very real fears. I understand that, I have lived all of those. And yet, in the moments when I've been gripped by those fears, those were the times when I didn't dream. Those were the times when my heart didn't soar. The unknown was too scary and I became self pitying. I am convinced, no one wants to live like that.

I don't have a secret formula, or a step by step guide on dreaming. If I did, I would share it, but unfortunately, the guide was lost in translation. Truth be told, I don't know what the future holds for you or for me, but, cheesy as it sounds, I do know the one that holds my future. He is the one that planted dreams inside this heart before I even realized them. They were His dreams before they were mine. And that is a beautiful thought. And through him I am FREE. I am free to dream, soar, and love. He is freedom and peace. I can't think of much else that is more exciting than that.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

John 8:36