I’m feeling inspired today; inspired because someone (without even knowing it) inspired me first:
After having lunch with two dear friends today, I decided to browse the mall for a while. Nothing was out of the ordinary, that is, until I heard something while in one of the stores. It was the sound of a piano playing. It’s a piano that just sits there in the mall with a sign on it saying that the “player piano” was a “gift” to the mall and not to touch or play it. Yet, I don’t remember a single occasion in which I have ever heard that piano make a sound (other than when rambunctious kids go up and occasionally pound on it impulsively). So, I was surprised and moved by what I heard. It sounded so beautiful!! At the time, I was in “The Icing” (it’s a girly accessories store for those that don’t know lol). I hadn’t found anything that I liked and was rather bored. So, the sound of that music captured my attention and greatly refreshed me. I smiled and put down the little shopping basket that the salesperson practically pushed on me for my “convenience.” I walked out of the store and stood there alongside a few other people who were watching and listening intently to the man who dared to sit down and play the untouchable piano that was so graciously gifted to the mall. He seamlessly played one piece of music after another; all by memory. He seemed to be right at home; as if this was something he always did. It was a blessed moment and it stirred my heart!!
I didn’t want to stand around staring, so I started to walk. As I did, I saw people on the mall benches gazing his way. They were smiling and they looked peaceful and content. In fact, the whole mood of that corner of the mall seemed noticeably different. I observed the distinct difference between his music and the music of the store I just entered (whose music was faced paced and blaring). It was a sharp contrast from the environment I had just exited. Their “music” drowned out the blissful melodies of the piano. I don’t think anyone in the store even knew what was going on just outside their entrance. It was just “business” as usual in there and the impact of that exquisite music hadn’t reached them. Man, were they missing out!!!
I left the store to see if I could still see and feel the difference; and I could! People were still listening and watching. I even think I heard someone singing! By that time, however, I was walking towards the mall exit to get to the parking lot (my feet were killing me and I was aching to get home!). I only wish I could have stayed longer!
I don’t know who that guy was, but he gave his audience a beautiful gift. He boldly defied that ridiculous sign and shared his talent with the world - on a piano that was meant to be played! I don’t know if he’s a believer, but he certainly was salt and light (Matthew 5:13). He illuminated that mall with his gift, and people were clearly enjoying it and thirsting for more. In the midst of the hustle and bustle, he created a sense of peace and joy. People stopped, paused, and listened. He shared his gift with them; even though he was “forbidden” to do so by the sign on that piano. He seen the piano, knew what it was for, and was bold enough to use his talent to make it come alive and be the delight it was made to be! If that piano is truly a “gift” to the mall, then it should be used for the purpose it was created for! Sitting there just to be admired and looked at, but never used, is an abomination! What a tragic disgrace to have a beautiful “gift” sit there without serving its purpose!! It made me think of the servant that buried his talent in the ground (Matthew 25:18). A gift that is given is meant to be used to profit the Kingdom; and we ALL have gifts (1 Corinthians 12).
His gift inspired me to use mine. That’s the beauty of God-given gifts; they have a multiplication factor!! He was blessed with a gift, used it to bless me (and others), and now I am passing it on further. Hopefully, this story will stir you as much as it stirred me to experience it. Ponder these questions: What is your gift? Are you using it to be salt and light to the world; and to bring glory to God’s Kingdom? Or, are you only bringing glory to yourself? Or, maybe you aren’t using your gifts at all (or haven’t bothered to discover them). Why? Are you fearful like that servant? Are you burying what you have, or are you just simply afraid to dig up what’s never been discovered in your heart? Is the world using a “sign” to shut you up and stifle you? What’s preventing you from using your talents to “make music” to someone’s soul? There are lots of people in “noisy stores.” They need to be enjoying the real music instead of the tasteless kind that they are currently “enjoying” in their world. Will you take your music to them? Who on this Earth will be singing in heaven because of what you brought to the world?
You were created with purpose!! You were meant to leave an impact on this world!! You were never created just to take up space. Just as a piano was created to be played, YOU were created to make some noise as well!! Will you? Are people going to pause to watch, hear, and enjoy what you have to offer the world? Don’t be a mute piano! Make the beautiful sounds you were created to make!! Grace and peace to all of you as you pursue your “melody.” ;) God bless you!!
Showing posts with label Gifts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gifts. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
For Optimal Performance, Please Read All Instructions Before Proceeding!
As you might have read from my last entry, I had a very meaningful and enjoyable Christmas this year. And, in addition to the gifts I mentioned, I received another very nice and much needed gift this year: a digital camera!! That’s right people, …..I will no longer be using film and I will now be able to upload the numerous and wonderful pictures that I take, quickly and easily, without having to wait for my pictures to get developed. LOL So, all you people who have been picking on me for being old school can stop now (you know who you are!!). So there! LOL Thank you Dad and Lauri for the camera!! OXOXO And, thank you to Janelle who told me about the one that she had so I could get the same one with all the cool features that it has!!
The main reason I am choosing to blog about my new digital camera comes from an inspiring analogy that God brought to my mind as I was learning to figure out how it works. Yesterday, I was reading the manual and testing things out, and showing my cousins how it worked. They were comparing it to their cameras and asking if their cameras had a color accent feature like mine does. I told them I didn’t know, and that they should check out their manuals. One of my cousins said that she had no clue where her manual was and that she probably lost it a long time ago. I asked her what good was it to have such a valuable piece of technology with all its features if she didn’t know how to utilize it. What a sad waste!
I know that people don’t always like to read directions (especially MEN! LOL) and that they like to figure things out on their own, but how much sense does that really make? Why not make things easier on yourself by reading the instructions (as well as the safety precautions and warnings!) from the person/persons that created that piece of technology so you can use it to its full potential - effectively and safely! Are we really that prideful to say we don’t need instructions and we can “figure it out” ourselves without the proper guidance right at our fingertips?
That got me to thinking about life and how we have an instruction manual right before us to tell us how to make the most of our lives. That instruction manual is the Bible. The creator of life itself provided it for us so we could have the fullest life possible and live it out to its greatest potential. So, why would we not want to read HIS instructions; instructions on living the life HE created? What good is our life if we don't implement the wisdom and guidance we find within His words? How much is God’s “manual” going to help us discover all His wonderful features and power if it sits in a drawer untouched or gets lost? How tragic!! It’s specially tragic considering the fact that there are many out there that are literally “dying to get their hands on it.“ How foolish it would be to ignore such a wealth of information from the EXPERT CREATOR THAT KNOWS BEST!!
How will we make the most of the life and gifts that God has given us if we don’t know about all the things God has made available to us as children of God? All power and authority is given to us by Christ so that we can make an impact for Him in this world. Yet, some are still clueless as to the bigger picture of God and that there is a whole lot more to Him than just the “basics.“ That’s another thing I realized as I looked at the TWO manuals that came with my camera: the basic and the advanced manual. The basic manual is so you can learn how to functionally operate the camera at it’s minimum potential. Sure, you can “get by” with it, but you’ll be missing out on so much more that it has to offer!! To get the most out of it, you have to want to go deeper and get more “advanced.“ But, I suppose it’s intimidating for some, because it’s seems “too hard” or “complicated.“ But, it doesn’t have to be! You can take it one step at a time and gradually work your way into more knowledge. The manual wasn’t meant to be read all at once and digested in one sitting. It’s meant to be broken down into smaller chunks. You aren’t going to know everything overnight.
I am still learning about my camera the same way I am learning about God. I can’t possibly absorb every nugget of wisdom and information all at once. It comes in “chunks.” But, every little byte (sorry, had to use the pun! LOL) increases my knowledge and broadens my perspective. And, the more I practice what I learn, the more adept I become and the more helpful it is to me!
I can’t tell you how many times I have been “wowed” by all the sides of God that I had previously not known about before!! Over the years, I went from a Methodist-raised-basic-knowledge-of-God Christian, to a Christian who started seeing that God was much more than His Bible stories or church doctrine. I started seeing Him as the “multi-faceted” God that He is and learned that there is so much more to God than what people accept Him as!! He STILL does miracles!! He STILL works through us!! His Name STILL casts out demons and evil spirits (oh yes, and they still exist people!! The devil never took a holiday!). Jesus is the same TODAY as He was yesterday and as He will be forever! He is faithful and unchanging!! Just because we have changed, and most of society believes that God isn’t the same God that He was then, doesn’t mean that He’s not. He’s very much so the God of the Bible; then, now, and always!! All we have to do is GO DEEPER and explore all the glorious aspects of Him!! There is SO MUCH MORE! We don’t have to settle for “basic” or just “go it alone” and “get by” with whatever we can.
Like I said, I have experienced God more and more over the years and have seen just how miraculous and wondrous He is! I have seen the manifestations of His power through me and through others. He still blesses us with dreams, tongues, interpretations, and miraculous healing power as well as authority over demons in HIS NAME!! (And that is only the tip of the iceberg!!).
On this closing note, I would like to point out that while my cousins' cameras didn’t have some of the “features” mine did, that aspect doesn’t apply to any of us. We are ALL given access to God and have all the same benefits of His power that all the rest of our Christian brothers and sisters have. The only “features” that are different are the “features” that He gives specifically to all of us. We all have different gifts, but they are all used to make up one body that works together to accomplish its goal. We all have a unique function and purpose, and we got to do our part. But first, we got to know what our “function” is, take our place, and do our part in completing the body!! And, just because one person functions different than another, it doesn’t mean that you are any less “functional” or special than another. Even though my cousins’ cameras didn’t have the same assets as mine, they were no less special or functional than mine. There is no reason for them to think that their cameras aren’t as good or important as what mine can do. It doesn’t lessen their purpose or functionality. Each camera still accomplishes the same goal which is to take pictures. That is the same concept with all of us as children of God. Just because one person SEEMS to be “better” or have more “functions” than we do doesn’t mean that you are any less important or essential!! We all have different gifts and purposes, but the objective is the same and that is to glorify Christ!
So, read your “manuals” everyone!! DON’T SETTLE FOR “BASIC.” There is SO MUCH MORE that you don’t know, but once you choose to learn, it will wow the socks off of you!! Then, you’ll wonder why you didn’t bother to discover it before and will wonder how you ever did without it!! Don’t waste so much time only to discover “oh, why didn’t I learn this sooner?!” Discover it NOW!! GO DEEPER!! GO ADVANCED!!! READ YOUR MANUAL!!! GOD BLESS YOU EVERYONE!!
The main reason I am choosing to blog about my new digital camera comes from an inspiring analogy that God brought to my mind as I was learning to figure out how it works. Yesterday, I was reading the manual and testing things out, and showing my cousins how it worked. They were comparing it to their cameras and asking if their cameras had a color accent feature like mine does. I told them I didn’t know, and that they should check out their manuals. One of my cousins said that she had no clue where her manual was and that she probably lost it a long time ago. I asked her what good was it to have such a valuable piece of technology with all its features if she didn’t know how to utilize it. What a sad waste!
I know that people don’t always like to read directions (especially MEN! LOL) and that they like to figure things out on their own, but how much sense does that really make? Why not make things easier on yourself by reading the instructions (as well as the safety precautions and warnings!) from the person/persons that created that piece of technology so you can use it to its full potential - effectively and safely! Are we really that prideful to say we don’t need instructions and we can “figure it out” ourselves without the proper guidance right at our fingertips?
That got me to thinking about life and how we have an instruction manual right before us to tell us how to make the most of our lives. That instruction manual is the Bible. The creator of life itself provided it for us so we could have the fullest life possible and live it out to its greatest potential. So, why would we not want to read HIS instructions; instructions on living the life HE created? What good is our life if we don't implement the wisdom and guidance we find within His words? How much is God’s “manual” going to help us discover all His wonderful features and power if it sits in a drawer untouched or gets lost? How tragic!! It’s specially tragic considering the fact that there are many out there that are literally “dying to get their hands on it.“ How foolish it would be to ignore such a wealth of information from the EXPERT CREATOR THAT KNOWS BEST!!
How will we make the most of the life and gifts that God has given us if we don’t know about all the things God has made available to us as children of God? All power and authority is given to us by Christ so that we can make an impact for Him in this world. Yet, some are still clueless as to the bigger picture of God and that there is a whole lot more to Him than just the “basics.“ That’s another thing I realized as I looked at the TWO manuals that came with my camera: the basic and the advanced manual. The basic manual is so you can learn how to functionally operate the camera at it’s minimum potential. Sure, you can “get by” with it, but you’ll be missing out on so much more that it has to offer!! To get the most out of it, you have to want to go deeper and get more “advanced.“ But, I suppose it’s intimidating for some, because it’s seems “too hard” or “complicated.“ But, it doesn’t have to be! You can take it one step at a time and gradually work your way into more knowledge. The manual wasn’t meant to be read all at once and digested in one sitting. It’s meant to be broken down into smaller chunks. You aren’t going to know everything overnight.
I am still learning about my camera the same way I am learning about God. I can’t possibly absorb every nugget of wisdom and information all at once. It comes in “chunks.” But, every little byte (sorry, had to use the pun! LOL) increases my knowledge and broadens my perspective. And, the more I practice what I learn, the more adept I become and the more helpful it is to me!
I can’t tell you how many times I have been “wowed” by all the sides of God that I had previously not known about before!! Over the years, I went from a Methodist-raised-basic-knowledge-of-God Christian, to a Christian who started seeing that God was much more than His Bible stories or church doctrine. I started seeing Him as the “multi-faceted” God that He is and learned that there is so much more to God than what people accept Him as!! He STILL does miracles!! He STILL works through us!! His Name STILL casts out demons and evil spirits (oh yes, and they still exist people!! The devil never took a holiday!). Jesus is the same TODAY as He was yesterday and as He will be forever! He is faithful and unchanging!! Just because we have changed, and most of society believes that God isn’t the same God that He was then, doesn’t mean that He’s not. He’s very much so the God of the Bible; then, now, and always!! All we have to do is GO DEEPER and explore all the glorious aspects of Him!! There is SO MUCH MORE! We don’t have to settle for “basic” or just “go it alone” and “get by” with whatever we can.
Like I said, I have experienced God more and more over the years and have seen just how miraculous and wondrous He is! I have seen the manifestations of His power through me and through others. He still blesses us with dreams, tongues, interpretations, and miraculous healing power as well as authority over demons in HIS NAME!! (And that is only the tip of the iceberg!!).
On this closing note, I would like to point out that while my cousins' cameras didn’t have some of the “features” mine did, that aspect doesn’t apply to any of us. We are ALL given access to God and have all the same benefits of His power that all the rest of our Christian brothers and sisters have. The only “features” that are different are the “features” that He gives specifically to all of us. We all have different gifts, but they are all used to make up one body that works together to accomplish its goal. We all have a unique function and purpose, and we got to do our part. But first, we got to know what our “function” is, take our place, and do our part in completing the body!! And, just because one person functions different than another, it doesn’t mean that you are any less “functional” or special than another. Even though my cousins’ cameras didn’t have the same assets as mine, they were no less special or functional than mine. There is no reason for them to think that their cameras aren’t as good or important as what mine can do. It doesn’t lessen their purpose or functionality. Each camera still accomplishes the same goal which is to take pictures. That is the same concept with all of us as children of God. Just because one person SEEMS to be “better” or have more “functions” than we do doesn’t mean that you are any less important or essential!! We all have different gifts and purposes, but the objective is the same and that is to glorify Christ!
So, read your “manuals” everyone!! DON’T SETTLE FOR “BASIC.” There is SO MUCH MORE that you don’t know, but once you choose to learn, it will wow the socks off of you!! Then, you’ll wonder why you didn’t bother to discover it before and will wonder how you ever did without it!! Don’t waste so much time only to discover “oh, why didn’t I learn this sooner?!” Discover it NOW!! GO DEEPER!! GO ADVANCED!!! READ YOUR MANUAL!!! GOD BLESS YOU EVERYONE!!
Cherished Christmas Blessings That I Will Always Remember!
These last few days have been busy and eventful - and I have much to share!! I have been so abundantly blessed and I have been eager to blog about it and share my heart with everyone.
This is a Christmas I will never forget. I don’t even know if I can possibly name all the reasons, but I sure will mention several of them. The first one being that Christmas is always special and memorable because of what we are celebrating in the first place: the birth of Christ. Over 2,000 years ago, God sent His Son to redeem the people of the Earth. He sent His son to be born; knowing full well that He would die for our sins. Wow! Can you imagine looking at baby Jesus in the manger; knowing that He is the Savior and that He would one day die for the sins of the very people that He created!! What a Savior! What a wonderful God! It’s a truth so real and awesome that it’s sometimes hard to really comprehend and take in!! Thank you Jesus!! Happy Birthday!! I pray that you have received many Birthday presents this year and always - the gift of peoples’ surrendered hearts, giving to others in your Name, and telling others the truth of Your story!
The miracle of Christmas is what gives way to more miracles. God’s gracious gift and the celebration of the life of Christ enables us to have the joy and love in our hearts to love and give to others. That’s the spirit of the season. And, it truly is more blessed to give than to receive. I get far more joy watching my children, friends, and family, unwrap what we give to them than I do unwrapping my own gifts. It’s a beautiful thing to witness when you realize that something you gave to someone touched their heart, fulfilled a need, and made them smile. It’s priceless!
Some such moments came when my kids opened their gifts. I was happy to see how joyful and thankful they were when they opened their new little Bibles and Christian DVDs that we got them. In fact, they are watching their “Gospel Bible Songs” video right now! It always pleases me to see how these positive media choices influence their character and behavior. Sometimes, I hear them repeating things that they see and hear from the videos. It’s especially touching to hear them say “God made you special and He loves you very much” (as a result of Veggie Tales) or hear them make up their own prayers at dinner time as a result of watching children pray in the Boz the Bear videos. And, it’s also nice to hear them repeat from memory Bible stories and Christian books that we read to them. Even as I speak, Gianna is looking at the worn out Bible that is falling apart from so much use (which is why we bought new ones) and saying prayers. It’s just so touching!! You can’t put a price tag or a bow on a gift like that!!
Of course, they got so much more than that. We have LOTS of people in our families, and they are always showered with toys and clothing and things. We all have so much, and I am so grateful for everything that everyone shares and gives to us and for all the people we have in our lives!! We are SO BLESSED - and not just at Christmas, but all year round!! I only wish everyone could be as blessed as this. I feel badly for those that don’t have as much and it makes me all the more grateful for what I have and makes me want to share and give to others even more.
In addition to giving, I also received a lot of special and meaningful gifts. I received the gift of being with family and friends as well as the blessing of material gifts. I’m not going to list everything, but I will talk about two things that particularly touched my heart. The first item is a beautiful heart necklace with diamonds and rubies. Mitch surprised me with it. We had already got each other things months ago as early presents and so we weren’t going to get anything else. However, Mitch wanted to express just how much he loves me with a special surprise that he picked out all on his own and chose especially for me as an expression of his heart. It was particularly meaningful to both of us, because we have been through a lot together this year. So, that necklace that he chose for me was a symbolic expression of how he was giving me his heart; which God has truly transformed into something even more beautiful and new this year! And, the fact that it has my birthstones in it too, makes his heart my heart as well. I just see so much meaning in that gift. It’s beyond every girl’s dream of receiving jewelry on Christmas. That necklace meant so much more and says so much!! The meaning and the memories will be forever connected with it! It speaks to me of a heart that was changed, prayers that were answered, and the promise of a lasting love and enduring marriage that was ordained by God. You just can’t put a price on that gift either! It’s untouchable!! The best gifts are the kind that no one can touch or destroy; the things that aren‘t purchased in dollars. That is why God tells us to store up treasures in heaven; the things that moth and rust never destroy…..the things that the enemy can never steal or take away from us. Material things (even that necklace) will get old and tarnish, but the true wealth of it will remain forever!!
Another surprising and meaningful gift that I received was a new winter coat. It was something that I truly needed and had been putting off getting for myself because the kids and Mitch needed one more than I did. Plus, I reasoned that it wouldn’t be worthwhile to get a new coat since I will be continuing to lose more weight. So, I figured I would wait until next year………again. ;) LOL Little did I know that my Dad and Lauri had seen the need and decided to bless me with such a warm and beautiful coat!! I was so happy I cried! It’s just overwhelming and touching when someone sees a need in your life and then blesses you with it!! You just can’t put your thanks into words and it speak volumes of love to you! That’s how I felt as I put it on and let the beauty and warmth wrap around me as I contemplated on the love and generosity behind the gift.
It was that gift of a winter coat that made me think of how God must have been thinking about us when he sent Jesus. He saw our deepest need. He KNEW that we needed Christ!! He gave Him to us because He loved us and wanted to bless us with salvation and eternal life. Even though it meant giving away HIS most precious gift and sacrificing so much to give it to us, He did it because he loves us and because He knew and seen our deepest need - even if we didn’t.
So, that’s my own “Christmas” story! ;) And, speaking of Christmas stories, our Christmas Eve drama (“A Christmas Tale”) went VERY WELL!! I enjoyed performing, and everything progressed nicely!! It’s amazing, because we all overcame a lot of obstacles to be able to do that drama. There were a lot of glitches and changes and a lot of hard work on the part of the cast, director, band, and tech team. I appreciate everyone’s hard work and sacrifice, and am glad that I got to be a part of it!! When I get the DVD, I will be sure to upload it online so that all of you can see!
I know that Christmas has been a hard time for many of you this year. But, I pray that the joy and love could be found in the midst of the turmoil. Regardless of our troubles, there is much to be thankful for. Compared to many around the world, we have it so easy!! I’m just glad that we have a Savior we can count on to ease our burdens and be our comfort and strength!! So, to my two best friends, you know how much I deeply love, care, and cherish you. I am always thinking of you and praying for you!! I’m always here for you!! Hang in there and remember you always have a friend to lean on…….as well as leaning on the “everlasting arms” of the Father!! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!! OXOXO
God bless you everyone!! I hope you all had a blessed Christmas and that the New Year will be full of amazing blessings for all of us!! May God direct and guide our paths and keep us safe always!!
This is a Christmas I will never forget. I don’t even know if I can possibly name all the reasons, but I sure will mention several of them. The first one being that Christmas is always special and memorable because of what we are celebrating in the first place: the birth of Christ. Over 2,000 years ago, God sent His Son to redeem the people of the Earth. He sent His son to be born; knowing full well that He would die for our sins. Wow! Can you imagine looking at baby Jesus in the manger; knowing that He is the Savior and that He would one day die for the sins of the very people that He created!! What a Savior! What a wonderful God! It’s a truth so real and awesome that it’s sometimes hard to really comprehend and take in!! Thank you Jesus!! Happy Birthday!! I pray that you have received many Birthday presents this year and always - the gift of peoples’ surrendered hearts, giving to others in your Name, and telling others the truth of Your story!
The miracle of Christmas is what gives way to more miracles. God’s gracious gift and the celebration of the life of Christ enables us to have the joy and love in our hearts to love and give to others. That’s the spirit of the season. And, it truly is more blessed to give than to receive. I get far more joy watching my children, friends, and family, unwrap what we give to them than I do unwrapping my own gifts. It’s a beautiful thing to witness when you realize that something you gave to someone touched their heart, fulfilled a need, and made them smile. It’s priceless!
Some such moments came when my kids opened their gifts. I was happy to see how joyful and thankful they were when they opened their new little Bibles and Christian DVDs that we got them. In fact, they are watching their “Gospel Bible Songs” video right now! It always pleases me to see how these positive media choices influence their character and behavior. Sometimes, I hear them repeating things that they see and hear from the videos. It’s especially touching to hear them say “God made you special and He loves you very much” (as a result of Veggie Tales) or hear them make up their own prayers at dinner time as a result of watching children pray in the Boz the Bear videos. And, it’s also nice to hear them repeat from memory Bible stories and Christian books that we read to them. Even as I speak, Gianna is looking at the worn out Bible that is falling apart from so much use (which is why we bought new ones) and saying prayers. It’s just so touching!! You can’t put a price tag or a bow on a gift like that!!
Of course, they got so much more than that. We have LOTS of people in our families, and they are always showered with toys and clothing and things. We all have so much, and I am so grateful for everything that everyone shares and gives to us and for all the people we have in our lives!! We are SO BLESSED - and not just at Christmas, but all year round!! I only wish everyone could be as blessed as this. I feel badly for those that don’t have as much and it makes me all the more grateful for what I have and makes me want to share and give to others even more.
In addition to giving, I also received a lot of special and meaningful gifts. I received the gift of being with family and friends as well as the blessing of material gifts. I’m not going to list everything, but I will talk about two things that particularly touched my heart. The first item is a beautiful heart necklace with diamonds and rubies. Mitch surprised me with it. We had already got each other things months ago as early presents and so we weren’t going to get anything else. However, Mitch wanted to express just how much he loves me with a special surprise that he picked out all on his own and chose especially for me as an expression of his heart. It was particularly meaningful to both of us, because we have been through a lot together this year. So, that necklace that he chose for me was a symbolic expression of how he was giving me his heart; which God has truly transformed into something even more beautiful and new this year! And, the fact that it has my birthstones in it too, makes his heart my heart as well. I just see so much meaning in that gift. It’s beyond every girl’s dream of receiving jewelry on Christmas. That necklace meant so much more and says so much!! The meaning and the memories will be forever connected with it! It speaks to me of a heart that was changed, prayers that were answered, and the promise of a lasting love and enduring marriage that was ordained by God. You just can’t put a price on that gift either! It’s untouchable!! The best gifts are the kind that no one can touch or destroy; the things that aren‘t purchased in dollars. That is why God tells us to store up treasures in heaven; the things that moth and rust never destroy…..the things that the enemy can never steal or take away from us. Material things (even that necklace) will get old and tarnish, but the true wealth of it will remain forever!!
Another surprising and meaningful gift that I received was a new winter coat. It was something that I truly needed and had been putting off getting for myself because the kids and Mitch needed one more than I did. Plus, I reasoned that it wouldn’t be worthwhile to get a new coat since I will be continuing to lose more weight. So, I figured I would wait until next year………again. ;) LOL Little did I know that my Dad and Lauri had seen the need and decided to bless me with such a warm and beautiful coat!! I was so happy I cried! It’s just overwhelming and touching when someone sees a need in your life and then blesses you with it!! You just can’t put your thanks into words and it speak volumes of love to you! That’s how I felt as I put it on and let the beauty and warmth wrap around me as I contemplated on the love and generosity behind the gift.
It was that gift of a winter coat that made me think of how God must have been thinking about us when he sent Jesus. He saw our deepest need. He KNEW that we needed Christ!! He gave Him to us because He loved us and wanted to bless us with salvation and eternal life. Even though it meant giving away HIS most precious gift and sacrificing so much to give it to us, He did it because he loves us and because He knew and seen our deepest need - even if we didn’t.
So, that’s my own “Christmas” story! ;) And, speaking of Christmas stories, our Christmas Eve drama (“A Christmas Tale”) went VERY WELL!! I enjoyed performing, and everything progressed nicely!! It’s amazing, because we all overcame a lot of obstacles to be able to do that drama. There were a lot of glitches and changes and a lot of hard work on the part of the cast, director, band, and tech team. I appreciate everyone’s hard work and sacrifice, and am glad that I got to be a part of it!! When I get the DVD, I will be sure to upload it online so that all of you can see!
I know that Christmas has been a hard time for many of you this year. But, I pray that the joy and love could be found in the midst of the turmoil. Regardless of our troubles, there is much to be thankful for. Compared to many around the world, we have it so easy!! I’m just glad that we have a Savior we can count on to ease our burdens and be our comfort and strength!! So, to my two best friends, you know how much I deeply love, care, and cherish you. I am always thinking of you and praying for you!! I’m always here for you!! Hang in there and remember you always have a friend to lean on…….as well as leaning on the “everlasting arms” of the Father!! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!! OXOXO
God bless you everyone!! I hope you all had a blessed Christmas and that the New Year will be full of amazing blessings for all of us!! May God direct and guide our paths and keep us safe always!!
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