The Christmas Season

Sometimes I find myself going through the motions. Just going along living everyday life. Then there are times when I take a moment to stop, and take it all in. Tonight, as I listened to Tina Hutchinson sing Mary Did You Know, I had one of those moments.

I have really just been going through the motions of the "Christmas Season." I just haven't quite been able to "get into it." Tonight I realized why. It's because I know the true reason for celebrating Christmas. It's not just so we can shop, and buy our kids things they don't need.

This year I'm feeling more convicted than ever about it celebrating Christmas the world's way.


I have already received The BEST gift (not GG, although she is a close second)....Jesus is my savior, and because of Him I need nothing more.


I am thankful for the additional gifts He has given me. . .

Merry CHRISTmas!!!

When I Grow Sad & Weary God Fills My Empty Tank

Have I ever told you how hard it is to wait? If I've said it once. . .

Waiting is hard!

I try my best to wait well. Waiting on God's most precious timing, knowing how perfect it is. I have my days, though. Days when much time has passed w/no adoption information & every single person I come into contact w/asking me if we have heard anything. Mostly I am thankful that people are asking & thinking about GloriaGrace. It is wonderful to hear people tell us they are praying for her, & I love love love to hear her name spoken. Sometimes, though it brings up discouraging thoughts. Often people say things like "I just don't understand why it takes so long." Well believe me...I don't understand either. Which leads me to moments of feeling sad & worn out, but then my sweet Father fills me right back up.

Like when I read today's devotional from Jesus Calling:

I am able to do far beyond all that you ask or imagine. Come to Me with positive expectations, knowing that there is no limit to what I can accomplish. Ask My Spirit to control your mind, so that you can think great thoughts of Me. Do Not be discouraged by the fact that many of your prayers are yet unanswered. Time is a trainer, teaching you to wait upon Me, to trust Me in the dark. The more extreme your circumstances, the more likely you are to see My Power & Glory at work in the situation. Instead of letting difficulties draw you into worrying, try to view them as setting the scene for My glorious intervention. Keep your eyes & your mind wide open to all that I am doing in your life.

Ephesians 3:20-21; Romans 8:6; Isaiah 40:30-31

I laugh & think how could I ever have a moment of doubt. (Well I kind of know why-I AM A GIRL :) Yes I am a girl with girly emotions, but I am also a believer. I have faith, and I have a Father that takes care of my each & every need. Physical & Emotional. He will sustain us through all time & in His truly perfect time He will allow us to meet & bring GloriaGrace home.

You Are Invited to a Birthday Celebration for Jesus . . .

Dear Loved Ones:
As you well know, we are getting closer to My birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honor. I think that this year the celebration will be repeated. During this time, there are many people shopping for gifts. There are many radio announcements and TV commercials. In every part of the world, everyone is talking about my birthday getting closer and closer. It is really very nice to know that at least once a year, some people think of Me. As you know, the celebration of My birthday began many years ago. At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them. In these times; however, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration. Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration.
I remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite, and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts. But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited. I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send Me an invitation. The party was for Me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in My face...and I wanted to be with them and share their table.
In truth, that didn't surprise Me because in the last few years many close their doors to Me. Since I wasn't invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner. They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk, and telling jokes and laughing at everything. Then this large man dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room with a loud Ho-Ho-Ho! All the children ran to him, saying: "Santa Claus, Santa Claus," as if the party were in his honor! Why did they all know this man, but had no idea who I was?
At 12 Midnight all the people began to hug each other. I extended My arms waiting for someone to hug me, and do you know no one hugged me. Suddenly, they all began to share lavish gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if maybe there was one for Me. How would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one? I then understood that I was unwanted at that party, and quietly left. Every year it gets worse. People only remember to eat and drink, the gifts, the parties and nobody remembers Me.
I would like this Christmas that you allow Me to enter into your life. I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this world to give My life for you-- on the cross, to save you. Today, I only want that you believe this with all your heart. I want to share something with you. Though many didn't invite Me to their party, I am planning My own celebration. A grandiose party that no one has ever imagined. A spectacular party. I'm still making the final arrangements.
Today I am sending out many invitations, and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend. If you do, I will make a reservation for you. I will write your name with golden letters in My great guest book. Only those on who respond will be admitted to the party. Those who don't answer the invitation...or answer no, will be left outside. Be prepared. When all is ready, you will want to be part of My great party. It will be ready before you know it.

I Love you,

Jesus

PS: Please share this message with your loved ones before Christmas.
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A friend sent me this in an e-mail. I thought it would be nice to share. We are having a Birthday Celebration for Jesus tomorrow, Thursday 12-20. We will start at 4:00. (Sorry I didn't post this earlier) The plan is to have pizza & cake & bake/decorate cookies for the families we will go caroling to. I will be telling the Christmas Story, and then we will decorate our caroling books. We have 6 Senior adult families to visit, and spread some Christmas joy to. We'd love for you to join us.
:0) Kelly