Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful. John 14:27 NASB

As a little girl watching the Miss America pageant, I remember the contestants and how they spoke of their desire for world peace. A lofty goal I will admit, but a genuine hope for our world. Over time, the “world peace” answer was made fun of by unkind people, but my young heart loved the idea of someone who desired peace.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9

As that same little girl I remember the volatility of my parent’s on again – off again marriage which finally ended when I was about 10 years old. Though I did not know much about God, I do remember asking the God I hoped there might be, if He would bring peace to my family. I did not understand the constant arguing and yelling. Hearing my parents fight was nearly unbearable. Sadly, their divorce actually brought a time of peace.

As a grown woman I still do not understand quarrelling and bickering. The way I see it, if we wake up each morning with thoughts and a prayer of being a blessing to those the Lord has entrusted to our care, then selfishness goes away making room for peace and contentment.

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:13-14

Some, by way of personality, are natural peacemakers, while others struggle with the desire to always be right. Some would rather give in and lose an argument even when they are correct just to keep peace, while others will fight to the death even when they know they are wrong.

If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Romans 12:18

There are many reasons why some are peacemakers while others feed off of an argument or heated debate. Life experience alone can transform our personalities from who we were created to be. Satan, at his very core desires nothing more than for God’s children to fight and become less than peaceful, loving, followers of Christ.

“For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, but My loving kindness will not be removed from you, and My covenant of peace will not be shaken,” says the LORD who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10

You may be the peacemaker in your family and struggle with knowing how to continue setting a peaceful example especially if you live with someone who desires power in fighting. If this is you, I pray God will give you an extra measure of peace and contentment while He works in the hearts of those who may need a swift kick in the tush. Whatever you do, don’t give in to the temptation to add fuel to a fire in retaliation. In a heated moment, silently pray for the Holy Spirit to give you words of peace. He will, I promise!

If you struggle with being a peaceful person, then I encourage and even challenge you to pray to be a person of peace. This does not mean we should become doormats who are used and abused, but someone who genuinely desires peace in our home and workplace. Even Jesus got angry a time or two, yet He taught us never to sin in our anger. There is such a thing as righteous anger, but I hope I never use that as an excuse to be angry towards anyone. I truly want to be a peacemaker who sets a good example of standing up for good rather than giving in to evil. I know you do too.

Jesus came to us as the ultimate peacemaker. He is the final, ultimate sacrifice for our un-peaceful, sinful nature. Let us all commit to praying for each other for peace and love to reign in our homes and hearts.

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 5:6

Dear Father in heaven, please forgive me when I’ve lost my tempter when I should have been a peacemaker. Please help me to be more and more a peaceful person who seeks to honor Your sacrifice daily. I pray for those reading these words to be kept safe from others who seek a fight, and for each one to be a person who strives for peace in their homes. Thank You dear Lord for sending us the ultimate Peacemaker. I love you so. In the matchless name of our Lord and Savior, amen.

Any thoughts? If you have something on your heart that you feel comfortable sharing in a public forum, then please share by clicking the comment link below. I’d love to hear from you. ☺

Was this sent to you via email from a friend or family member and you’d like to receive weekly updates directly to your inbox? If so, please visit inHisembrace.com and click the subscribe link on the right side of the page, then accept the subscription by clicking on the link that will be sent to you from feedburner. That’s it! Happy to have you added to this growing family. ☺

In His embrace,

Toni

Dear friends,

I was asked to write a short devotion for a Women’s ministry devotional book that will be given to those in attendance at our annual retreat.

I thought it would be nice to share it with you also.

I hope you enjoy it and more importantly, that it brings you closer to our Lord and Savior.

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.

John 15:4 NASB

As a young Christian I thought time alone with the Lord was a requirement, something to check off of my Christian to-do list. Read a few lines in the Bible…check. Listen to worship music…check. Read a devotional…check. Pray…check. Go to Church…check.

The older I get, and the more meaningful my relationship with the Lord becomes, the more I realize just how sad that viewpoint was. I was going about my new found faith in all the wrong ways.

I’ve since learned so much more about God’s true requirements of me. The Lord has shown me that a daily, hourly, moment to moment relationship is what He wants with me. He still wants me to complete my list, not because I must but because I, too, want a very personal relationship with Him.

Our heavenly Father is with us each and every moment of each and every day. We, for some reason forget He is with us and go about our days as if we are alone. The good news is we are not. The Lord of all creation is waiting for us at every breath; waiting for us to simply acknowledge His presence. If we truly want to live in His presence, our time with Him must be as natural as breathing.

Does it amaze you, as it does me, that the Creator of the universe actually wants time with you?

What keeps you from going deeper in your relationship with the One who loves you so?

Remember, if satan can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy; too busy for time with the One who loves you so very much.

At this very moment, close your eyes, breathe slowly and focus on the One who loves you so much. Breathe Jesus in knowing He is with you. Focus on the cross; focus on the unconditional love our Lord has for you. Don’t pray for anything other than an intimate relationship with Him. Ask Him to truly abide with you and you with Him for all the rest of your days. Thank Him for all He has done and will continue to do in assisting you to become the man or woman of faith He has called you to be. As you continue to breathe ever so peacefully, thank Him for His incredible love and generosity.

Father God, thank You for who You are in my life. Forgive me for ever thinking my faith was based on a to-do list. Thank You for loving me so very much and for wanting to spend time with me. Your love amazes me!! Please help me to feel Your presence with my every breath. I love You more than words can say. In the matchless name of Jesus, my Lord, Savior and Friend, amen.

Any thoughts? If you have something on your heart that you feel comfortable sharing in a public forum, then please share by clicking the comment link below.

I’d love to hear from you. ☺

Was this sent to you via email from a friend or family member and you’d like to receive weekly updates directly to your inbox? If so, please visit inHisembrace.com and click the subscribe link on the right side of the page, then accept the subscription by clicking on the link that will be sent to you from feedburner. That’s it! Happy to have you added to this growing family. ☺

In His embrace,

Toni

Dearest Readers,

This week will be a bit different from others as I am traveling and have not had time to focus on a proper devotional for you.

I’ve heard from some that they have not been to my website and read any of the other pages. Soooo… This week’s post will be one of the pages called “Do you know Him”? When you go here, you will be taken directly to the page on the website.

I pray it blesses you and those the Lord may bring to your thoughts to share it with.

In His embrace,

Toni

Behold, how good and how pleasant it for brothers to

dwell together in unity!

Psalm 133:1

Normally when I sit down at my computer to write, I have thoughts in mind, or at the very least an idea or two. Today, however, I was a bit stumped until I went to the mail box and opened a letter from a dear friend.

This letter is one of reflection from a friend I had lost track of for a while. Marjorie wrote a poignant letter reflecting on the past year with all of its joys and sorrows. It’s one of those letters many write to friends and family in order to catch them up on their lives; a year in review, if you will.

Marjorie and I became fast friends about 5 years ago when I first moved to Indiana. We met during a Bible study I had been invited to attend. We hit it off quickly and began a friendship I was ever so thankful for, especially since I had moved away from most other friends. Marjorie was one of the first new people I met who went out of her way to make me feel welcome.

Nearly four years ago, I met and married the man of my dreams and moved about an hour away. Marjorie and I stayed in touch, but had a difficult time getting together with our differing schedules. We did our best to stay connected via e-mail, but after a while even e-mail began to dwindle.

A few months ago, Marjorie sent a mass e-mail requesting prayer for her husband, who had received some very bad medical news. I was shocked at the message, but also humbled and thankful that Marjorie would include me with others she trusted with this very personal news. This unfortunate circumstance is what has brought Marjorie and me back into fellowship and friendship, as well as the inspiration for this writing.

“Carry each other’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”     Galatians 6:2

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.” Romans 12:10

I’ve always been the kind of person that cherishes friendships. The friendships that are sewn together with the kind of love only God can supply are the ones I cling to the most. When one of those friendships is lost or broken, my heart also feels broken.

Have you ever lost a friendship and for the life of you, have no idea why? Are we really too busy to keep in touch? Do we become selfish, have issues, and lose sight of grace? Do we get so busy with other aspects of life that we forget about the very precious gift of friendship? I know I do sometimes. I am now, however, committed to making amends and reconnecting with lost friends.

 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” John 13:34

Over the past couple of weeks, I have been trying to reconnect with old friends via Facebook. It’s been fun looking up and finding people I used to know quite well. At some point in our lives, we were considered acquaintances or even friends, but for reasons that are not important now, we lost contact.

In honor of my friend Marjorie and the gift of reconnection, I’d like to send out a challenge. If you are touched by these thoughts at all, please take a few moments to make a note of people you have lost contact with that you would love to have back in your world. Then, find a way to get back in touch. You may even owe that person an apology for being the one who dropped out of sight. Whatever the situation is, send an e-mail, a text message, a hand written note, or pick up the phone and call. Seriously, do it! I have no doubt you will be glad you did.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! Psalm 133:1

I am happy to report that Marjorie’s husband is in remission and feeling full of life and energy! The whole family is thankful to our Lord and Savior for His love, grace, and healing. Yay God!!

Father God, thank You so much for the gift of friends. Thank You for placing people in our lives who start out as strangers and become family. Help me to be a good friend to those you have blessed me with and to show Your love and grace at every turn. I love You so very much! In the precious name of our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Any thoughts? If you have something on your heart that you feel comfortable sharing in a public forum, then please share by clicking the comment link below.

I’d love to hear from you. ☺

Was this sent to you via email from a friend or family member and you’d like to receive weekly updates directly to your inbox? If so, please visit inHisembrace.com and click the subscribe link on the right side of the page, then accept the subscription by clicking on the link that will be sent to you from feedburner. That’s it! Happy to have you added to this growing family. ☺

In His embrace,

Toni

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is

perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast

about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NASB)

When a year comes to a close, many say, “I am so glad it’s over!” A fresh start is looming and necessary; so necessary, we get almost giddy with excitement for the chance to begin again. Sometimes the previous year had so much difficulty, we just want to forget it all together and start afresh. We need a new year, a clean slate, a new chance to make a difference in this world, and a chance to accomplish unmet goals from the previous year.

2011 is complete; a book of our lives finished, closed, and put on the shelf to be thought of in memory. I wish to remember with fondness the good times, and learn something of value from less than pleasant moments. I wish, like you, that the less than pleasant moments could be forgotten, but I also know that our Lord wants us to continue to learn as we remember.

When I read 2 Corinthians 12:9 (And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.) I was immediately reminded that though there are things I regret and would rather not re-live from 2011, there are many of those things I am to learn from and allow others to see in me.

It’s not easy to let others see our weaknesses, but God wants us to expose our weaknesses in order to help us and others learn and grow in faith. If we set a proper example of how to deal with the ups and downs of life, we are showing others how true Christ-followers behave during weak moments. This, I will fully admit is one of the most difficult things for me to do. I do not fail well in front of others, nor do I suffer at the hands of others well. Sometimes I’d rather just fall apart, crawl in a deep hole, and wait for a brand new day, week, month, or year to begin. God, of course, will not let me, or you, do this. He has other plans, plans to use our weaknesses as growth hormones for our character and faith. More often than not, it is the uncomfortable moments that bring us closer to our Maker than the light and breezy times.

2012 will be a new book of you. Its pages are currently blank. Many chapters will be written. Many of the words and pages are up to you, while some will be added to by others who love you and some who don’t. Albeit unintentional, you will disappoint and hurt the ones you love, yet also bring great joy, love, and laughter.

Let me be one of the first to encourage you on this new journey, this New Year. I, for one, intend to do my utmost to ask God’s direction each and every day. I do not want one page added to my 2012 book that does not have something of God on it. Last week I wrote a New Year prayer. Did you write yours? If not, it’s not too late. You don’t have to share it with anyone if you don’t want to. It can be just between you and God. But do write it.

I plan on reading my New Year prayer often. I want and need a constant reminder of why I get out of bed every day. I will ask God each day to point me in the right direction, to lead the way and light the path. I want 2012 to be a year of knowing I am doing my absolute best to follow the plan God has, and not stray off on my own.

The new book of you has begun. What do you want the first chapter to say? I pray the first line in each of our books will be: “Here I am God. What would You have Your child do? Lead me and guide me as I do my best to follow You.”

Will you join me? Will you commit to asking the Lord each and every day for His purpose, His direction, and His next step in your life? I hope so. This time next year, we will look back at 2012 with a smile on our faces. Not because we’ve had a perfect year, but because we will know we did our best to be in lockstep with our Maker.

Heavenly Father, I love You more than words can say. Please lead me and guide me in my every step, word, and deed. Help me show my faith in frailty as well as mountain top moments. May my weaknesses be perfected in You.

In His embrace,

Toni

Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. Psalm 127:1 NASB

Please feel free to click the comment link below and share your thoughts.

Also, if you have been forwarded this post and would like to receive my weekly devotions, please subscribe here. The subcribe link is on the right side of the website page you will be directed to.

“And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”     Matthew 21:22 NASB

Come January 1st, many will have a New Year resolution or two. We usually make New Year resolutions for things we need or want to fix in our lives. The most popular resolutions are weight loss, debt reduction, better organization, new job, quit smoking, and spend more time with loved ones.

All of the above are worthy goals. If you have resolved to conquer any of them, I pray along with you for success!

Rather than resolve to make changes in our lives by our own power and might, I’d like to encourage each of us to make New Year resolutions a matter of prayer.

I’ve written and shared with you my personal New Year prayer below. I encourage you to write yours, too, and place it somewhere where you will be able to read and pray it often.

Father God, Creator of all things, I come before You to give You praise and honor for who You are; Your greatness and wonder, Your majestic creation, and Your unmatched holiness and love. Thank You for Your provision, for good health, and love abundant from family and friends.

Father, I ask Your help in making 2012 a year of honoring You in my every step, word, and action. From the time I open my eyes in the morning, until I lay my head down at the end of the day, may I show Your love, grace, and mercy to all who come my way, and be an example for others in loving You and loving my neighbor as myself.

Father God, I pray for my husband and me to be equally yoked as we walk the path of life together; that our marriage would be one that bring honor and glory to Your holy name, and that we would know how to be both parents and friends to our children as they become independent adults. Please help us to be wise in our financial decisions and obedient in all You ask us to do. Please protect us, our children, family, and friends from the negative influences and evil that penetrate our daily lives. And Lord, please give us many more years together to love and cherish one another.

Please direct me, Lord, in business decisions and lead me to those who require my services. If You have a new direction for me, Lord, please remove the blinders from my eyes, that I may see and understand the plan more clearly.

I pray Father that I will be the Wife, Mother, Step-Mother, Sister, Friend, Aunt, Daughter-in-Law, and Business Owner that You have called me to be. When I fall short, I pray forgiveness and direction as I stand and try again. Please change me where I need to be changed. Mold me and shape me as You see fit. You are the Potter, I am the clay.

I love You, Lord, with all of my being. I have no idea how some live without You as their daily guide and light. I pray for those whose lives are in disarray and need You to help make sense of it all. Help them feel Your touch and presence in their lives; please give them a desire to want to reach out to You and knock them out with Your overwhelming love. All honor, glory, and power are Yours! In the matchless name of our Lord and Savior, amen.

The LORD bless you, and keep you; The LORD make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26 NASB

In His embrace,

Toni

Please feel free to click the comment link below and share with me as well as other readers part or all of your new year prayer. I’d love to read them and promise to pray for each one.

I’ve added a box at the end of the comment area where you will be able to follow other comments via email if you click the box.

Also, if you have been forwarded this post and would like to receive my weekly devotions, please subscribe here. The subcribe link is on the right side of the website page you will be directed to.

Happy New Year!!

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NASB

Though I am very happily married now, for most of my adult life I checked the box single when asked about marital status on various forms. When my son was four years old, he and I began a new life alone together which lasted until he left for College. Though being a single mother had its challenges, I can honestly say those years are filled with some of the most precious memories that will forever be tucked away in my heart.

Although I enjoyed my single status most of the time, it was during various holiday’s when loneliness would set in. Christmas was a challenge for many reasons, but was probably the most difficult holiday for being single.

I wish to honor all single people this Christmas by offering a few suggestions that will make this incredible season much more joyful and fun.

Single it together…

Some of my most memorable Christmas’s were celebrated with lots of people getting together at my home or the home of someone else for a giant potluck, complete with singing Christmas carols and exchanging gifts. Nothing says family quite like getting together with other single folks who genuinely want to spend time together. No bickering, no discontent, just good ole fashion fun and merriment.

Try it. Gather as many friends as you can find, especially those you think are having difficulty this Christmas, and throw a big potluck party! It is never expensive because everyone will bring something. Have a blast!

Serve someone…

It’s often much easier to gather single friends at the last minute, so I encourage you to do so not only for a party, but in order to serve your community as well. There were many times a bunch of us would gather together to serve the homeless at soup kitchens, on downtown street corners and the like. Serving someone in need will always take your eyes off of yourself to refocus on the true meaning of Christmas.

After filling your joy-o-meter by serving others, get together for a cup of something warm to reminisce about the evening’s event and plan your next gathering. Sounds like fun doesn’t it?

Church services…

One of my fondest memories is when our single’s ministry would gather together as a family along with our children for a Christmas Eve candlelight service. My son and I would volunteer as greeters and pass out candles as the congregation arrived. Following an amazing service honoring our Saviors’ birth, we would gather at a friend’s home for a cup of something warm and a treat. It was truly a special way to celebrate Christmas in honor of the birthday boy.

Please do not be alone…

If you are a person who checks the box “single” and find yourself a bit lonely this Christmas season, I strongly encourage you to do one or more of the above. I promise you will find much joy in celebrating this Christmas when you gather with others who would also love some good company.

Don’t know many single folks? No problem, check with your church or a church nearby to find out if there is a singles ministry that could use your help. You may be just the person they need to help create a joyous Christmas celebration.

Short notice? No problem. Single people are the most spur of the moment people I know. Make a few phone calls, send a few e-mails or put out a message on Facebook. I have no doubt you will find some takers for a spur of the moment gathering.

This holds true for other occasions too! Hey, New Years Eve is just around the corner.

What ever you decide to do this Christmas, please do not spend it alone. Satan loves it when we do that, but God wants us to celebrate His Son with others. You may be just the blessing someone else needs.

Merry Christmas!

“BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,” which translated means, “GOD WITH US.” Matthew 1:23

Father God, I thank You for the joy of this season. Though we’re not sure exactly when Your Son was born, I pray this celebration of His birth brings honor and glory to Your Holy Name. Happy birthday Jesus!! Amen.

In His embrace,

Toni

Please feel free to leave a comment by clicking the link below or subscribe here for new content delivered to your email.

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30

Today’s post is in memory of Chenoa Marie Lucero and in honor of her mother, father, sister, son, and many more who loved her more than she could comprehend. All of whom miss her very much.

Today is the first anniversary of Chenoa leaving this earth for her heavenly home. Like many, Chenoa found herself with an addiction which ultimately ended her life just a few days short of her 32nd birthday.

Chenoa was one of those people you meet and just know there is something special about them. She was bright, beautiful, and full of hope and promise. Yet, like countless others, she didn’t know how special she was and what a bright future she could have. Something deep inside kept her from seeing what we saw: a precious child of God, gifted to bring light into dark places.

Addiction is a tool Satan uses to lure us away from who God created us to be. No matter your “medicine” of choice – drugs, alcohol, sex, food and so on – he uses it to mask the greatness God sees in us so we do not see anything of value to preserve. Internal emotional wounds no one can see need a healing balm, so we reach for whatever it is that will make us feel better. A temporary fix until the pain wells up again.

For those who have lost a loved one due to addiction, I want to give a special message to you. It’s not your fault. Internal wounds cannot be healed unless the Wounded express the desire for help. Please do not blame yourself for something you had no control over. Satan alone wants you to feel sad, discouraged, and somehow at fault so you will be useless in furthering the Kingdom of God. Please allow the healing balm from the One who loves you so very much to heal your broken heart. Jesus loves you so much! Please rest in knowing that. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

There are many forms of addiction. Some will kill, while others will dismantle a life and distort the beautiful image God has created. If this is a refection of you, please know you are more valuable than anything of temporary comfort. Each time you reach for whatever it is that brings you a momentary reprieve from stress or pain, please remember, you are more valuable and precious than any temporary fix. The God of the universe, the One who created you, wants you to know how precious and beautiful you are! He wants to comfort away your stress and pain. Please let Him! You are a child of the King and He has very special plans for you. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Psalm 62:6-7

If you know Jesus as your Savior already, then you know what to do now. Hit your knees and ask Him to heal whatever brokenness is inside you. If you let Him, He will. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

If however, you are reading this and are unsure of how you feel about God, salvation, and the ability of Jesus to truly save and heal you, then please read my “Do you know Him” page on the website. I promise it won’t hurt, but could possibly help change your life. Knowing Jesus changes everything for the better. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16

May the Lord of all creation shower His great love on you this very minute.

Father God, I thank You for Your healing touch on our lives. Thank You for being the Great Healer of my life and for taking away hurt and worries from my heart. You alone are the One I reach for in times of stress and pain. Thank You Jesus, thank You Jesus, thank You Jesus.

On a side note, I have been asked by several if I mind if they forward the articles/devotionals on to friends and family. Do I mind? Absolutely not! In fact, I am honored that the thought is there. Please, if any of my posts, especially this one resonate with you, or you know someone who may benefit by these words, please, please pass it on. It is my sincere hope and prayer that anything I write be of encouragement and comfort to the reader.

Also, please add a comment if you feel you have something you’d like to share. You never know who will read each comment on the website and either be blessed or become a blessing to you. This is a public forum for all of us to be of support and encouragement to one another. Thank you so much.

In His embrace,

Toni

For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 NASB

Ugh! It’s that time of year again… Oh no, I’m not ready for Christmas… I can’t believe it’s Christmas already… I’m still paying off credit cards from last Christmas… I just can’t seem to get into the Christmas spirit… I’m broke; I can’t afford to do Christmas this year. I’ve heard all of these comments and more over the last couple of weeks. I’m sure you have, too.

Unfortunately, celebrating the birth of our Savior for some has become nothing more than drudgery and something to get through. How many times have you heard someone say at the end of December, “I’m so glad Christmas is over”? So sad, yet a reality for many.

I suppose we may feel relieved when it’s over because of the pressure to do Christmas. We must decorate…we must buy gifts…we must make a huge, expensive meal… we must be joyful, even when the pressures are just too much. Ugh!

May I suggest we take a break from all of the “musts”? May I suggest we do not place as much emphasis on the negative traditions of Christmas, and start over in celebrating in a way that truly honors the Birthday Boy?

Christmas Decorating

My husband and I have decided to simplify and enjoy decorating for Christmas rather than go overboard and feel overwhelmed by it. Just that decision alone made us both feel more relaxed. We love Christmas, complete with all the decorations, but the thought of taking it all down after Christmas is what makes it drudgery. If we don’t go to the extreme and put up too much, we will enjoy it so much more. Ah…

Holiday Meals

Rather than make a huge expensive meal, we started something new last year. Since differing schedules make it difficult to actually celebrate Christmas on Christmas day or even Christmas Eve, we find a day that fits everyone’s schedule and enjoy simple appetizers and treats. If each person brings something simple to share, then the meal is less hectic and much more enjoyable for all. Fellowship and gift giving are much more enjoyable, too, because there is less stress in preparing and cleaning up after a large meal.

Gifts & Presents

The older I get, the more I ponder the idea of gift giving at Christmas. Please don’t get me wrong; I appreciate receiving gifts and love giving gifts to others, but I don’t ever want to get so caught up in the giving and receiving of gifts that I lose sight of the ultimate gift we are supposed to be celebrating. For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

World Vision

What are some ways we can make the giving of gifts more enjoyable, and more God honoring? The website www.worldvision.org is a good place to start. We have the opportunity to purchase things like chickens, goats, and other livestock in the name of someone else. The person whose name you give in honor of receives a note of appreciation from World Vision, which also lets them know you have purchased said gift in their name. The money you spend purchasing livestock is a gift for generations to come. When we give a gift of a goat, the family has milk everyday! When we give a gift of chickens, the family has fresh eggs everyday! I’ll stop short here of telling the whole incredible story of how our small and simple gift ripples in blessing over and over again, but I encourage you to visit the World Vision website to learn more. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

Gift of Words

Can’t afford to give gifts this year? No shame in that. Most, if not all, have been in that place at least once and more than likely many times in our lives. One of my favorite things to receive at Christmas (or any time really) is something written to me by the ones I love. It costs next to nothing, but has a lasting impact. The gift of words, especially words of love and affirmation are precious. Put them in writing and you have a gift that will last forever. Wouldn’t your friends and family love to know how you truly feel about them? Let’s say your family does not have enough funds for Christmas gifts this year. What if each of you wrote letters of appreciation to one another and read them aloud on Christmas morning? Sounds like a great tradition to start, whether there are store bought gifts or not. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24

Goody Baskets

Another favorite gift is the gift of goodies. How about baking some of your favorite cookies and create cookie gift baskets for those you still want to give a gift to? When my son was young and I could not afford much, we would bake several types of cookies and wrap them in a paper plate with colored saran wrap. Inexpensive, but yummy! Each person we gave the cookies to truly seemed happy to receive them. As an added bonus, many said it took the pressure off of having to bake for their families. Yay!

Since most of us have enough doo-dads and trinkets to dust already and probably enough sweaters and socks, I’m thinking a basket of goodies or a handwritten note of prayer or encouragement will be a welcome departure from the norm.

Sharing Christ’s Love

I believe with all my heart that Jesus feels celebrated when we show Christian love to those less fortunate than we are. “Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me” Matthew 25:40.

Whether giving to a homeless shelter, donating to World Vision or other such organizations, or buying gifts for the Angel Tree program at church, we can know we are showing Christ’s love and saying happy birthday to Jesus when we give to and serve others.

Merry Christmas!

Toni

Father God, thank You for the gift of Your Son and for the opportunity to tell Him happy birthday by showing love and compassion to others. I ask, dear Lord, for all of us to be able to celebrate this Christmas with a fresh perspective and less pressure to do Christmas, but to experience Christmas afresh as a true celebration of the birth of our Savior. In the matchless name of Jesus, amen.

Happy birthday, Jesus! I love you!

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 NASB

The fog was so thick I could barely see the car ahead of me. I enjoy the mystery of fog as long as I am not driving in it. When I am unsure as to my next stop or turn, I get a little anxious and concerned. We are taught as young drivers to keep our eyes on the red lights of the car in front of us, but if the fog is too thick, pull over and wait for the fog to lift. Good advice. Wait.

Now and then I find myself in a fog of sorts when my mind becomes clouded with the negative thoughts and images that plague each of us at one time or another. You know what I mean; thoughts of doubting my usefulness, or worthiness, wondering if I will ever get it right, whatever it happens to be at the time. It could be a job situation, a relationship challenge, or a personality clash brewing in my small group that requires problem solving finesse.

Whatever the situation may be, God gently reminds me to stop trying to lift the fog on my own and let Him help me lift it away. He very gently says, “Come my child, sit with Me awhile and we will figure this out together.” As the fog lifts and the answers come, the peacefulness of being in His presence overrides the previous cloudy confusion and brings me to a place of clarity. Time spent in prayer with the One who knows the answers is time well spent. He’s lifted the fog, which was clouding my perspective, and replaced uncertainty with discernment. He has replaced self-doubt with self-worth in knowing He is molding me into who He wants me to be. He lets me know there is nothing He and I cannot handle together so long as I stop trying to get through the fog on my own and trust Him to clear it away.

I am learning, albeit slowly, to wait on God. “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10). When we fail to wait on God’s direction and instruction for our next stop or turn, we are often getting ahead of God’s plan and purpose in that moment. Be still and know that I am God is the most famous part of this scripture reference, but we don’t often hear the remainder of the verse. Why does God want us to be still? I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Oh, You mean You would like for me to hold my horses so You can let me know what direction You want me to go and so You will shine through my fog?

He wants us to wait on Him to get the plan fully into motion before jumping in and messing it all up. His plan and purpose will always be best and show Him for who He is: The Almighty, everlasting Creator and heavenly Father who wants only what’s best for us. Just as we need to keep our eyes on the red lights of the car in front of us during a foggy drive, God wants us to keep our eyes focused on Him until the fog clears in our heads and we have a better perspective on what His plan is and what direction He wants us to head next.

My prayer for you is when you find yourself in a foggy, doubting yourself situation, that you will take the time to curl up on your heavenly Fathers’ lap and ask Him to clear away the fog. Then bask in His presence and the peacefulness that follows. He loves you so much and wants only for you to trust Him for guidance when the road gets foggy and uncertain. Confusion and uncertainty are from the one who makes us doubt who we are in Christ. Clarity is from our Father who loves us beyond compare. We have incredible peace when we place our trust in the Peace Giver.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for lifting the fog of life to help us see more clearly the path You have us on. Please help us to trust You during the times we have trouble seeing the road ahead. Please teach us to wait on You so You will be exalted in heaven and earth. In Jesus’ matchless name, amen.

So, what about you? Ever find yourself in a foggy situation where you are in need of clearer direction? What do you do? What scripture comes to mind that helps clear away the fog? Post a comment, lets chat about it.

In His embrace,

Toni