GIFTS

Good morning dear ones!

I would like to take this first opportunity to thank you for reading this blog. As I said in the first day's blog, the Lord spoke to me and told me to write this. I know we are a very busy people and it is so hard to find the time to do lots of things but even if you can read a weeks worth once a week or only read it a couple of times a week. I don't want you to read it for me but for God. I pray every day for God to lead me in what He wants me to write about so I know He is leading me. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading and keeping up with it. 

If you can send a link for this blog to everyone you know, it might help someone. I have done that on facebook and sent out emails to most of my address book. I am trying to be obedient to God in this. I know I won't ever be perfect or even close this side of heaven but I do try to do my best. And sometimes I feel so inadequate and like I am not doing as I should but I do the best I know how and we can always try a little harder to do what is right.

Last night our ladies at church had our Christmas party. It was in a beautiful home on the river, although it was dark we couldn't see it, it was there none the less. We had such a great time! The fellowship. The food. And we revealed our secret prayer partners for 2012 and drew for new ones for 2013. What a blessing it is to know that someone is praying for you every day. And periodically they send us a card and give us a gift on our birthday and Christmas. I have always loved surprises so it is especially fun for me. Some people don't like surprises. I don't know why not but some people don't. Every time I hear someone say they don't like to be surprised I want to say, why not? 

I have Christmas music playing in the background as I write this. The sun is coming up somewhere. It is cloudy here again. That is okay! God has blessed us so much. He has loved us, and given Himself for us and to us, and given us so much more. He not only gives us gifts but Jesus is our precious and perfect gift.

I pray that you are enjoying this Advent/Christmas season and aren't too stressed with all the festivities and stuff there is to do. Playing Christmas music while I am piddling around the house really helps me. It relaxes me and keeps me in the Christmas spirit also. 

I am really looking forward to Christmas when all our family is here. The best part is spending time with all my kids and grandkids. You would think that I have 12 kids by the way that sounds. We have 2 children with spouses and 2 grandsons. What a blessing they all are! They were all a gift to us from God!

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his 
mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. 
Then they opened their treasures and presented him 
with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 
                                                                                   Matthew 2:11

God has given us many gifts that we call blessings, and Jesus is our first and foremost Gift. When we give ourselves to Him, we are giving a precious gift. Our worship, praise, sacrifices, and thanksgiving are also gifts to Him.

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good 
gifts to your children, how much more will your Father 
in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Matthew 7:11

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, 
in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your 
sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:38

I was really surprised at how many verses in the Bible talk about gifts. So, I know that it is okay to give and receive gifts especially if they are from the heart. And hopefully they are from the heart and not just an obligation. So, as you shop and give gifts, remember it is the thought that counts. And remember that when you receive a gift to be very thankful. It shouldn't really matter what it is. We should love it anyway. Give and receive from the heart. God certainly gave the gift of Jesus and receives us into His family with His heart.

Have an awesome day! Jesus loves you bunches!

Les









Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Choosing Jesus Every Day: Don't Be Lazy

...to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:2b-3 Source: https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Greetings And to us all! I have not written here in 5 months. Forgive me! Life is so busy these days. My husband, Bert, and I thought retirement would be less busy and more, well retired. But that is okay! I believe we are following the path that God wants us on at this time of our lives and that He knows best. So, praise be to our God and Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, for His great guidance! My devotion this morning was very interesting. Bert and I have had this conversation many times when he was still working full time and pastoring. We discussed the fact that our house needs attention. A house will fall if it is not taken care of. And, of course, he was work...
Read more

VICTORY

Image
Saturday Good morning to you! The beach is waiting. I can't wait to get away. To rest. To regenerate. To be revived. And sometimes we just need to get away from our daily routine in order to do that. Get away from the phone and stuff like that. Unfortunately, with cell phones, these days we don't get away from the calls. It never fails that we go on vacation and always someone calls about my husband's work, either a person that works for him or someone wanting to get work done. But in all reality that is good. It means that the business is not dead. Praise the Lord for that! The beach does so much for me. I have the best time and the most relaxing time at the beach. I guess it is in my blood. I was born at the beach (a town at the beach). I lived near the beach for about 15 of my growing up years. My grandparents built a house in Malibu, CA overlooking the ocean when I was a kid. (When I find the picture I will post it.) So, I feel like I belong there and I...
Read more

DROUGHT

Image
  Good morning to you! Has it been raining where you are? It rained pretty good last night here. We need it. Actually we will take it all just so we aren't in the drought category. I saw on the weather yesterday that a lot of the country is in a severe drought.  Are you in a severe drought spiritually? I hope not but if you are, here are some scriptures that might help. Look to the LORD and his  strength; seek his face always. 1 Chronicles 16:11 The LORD is my strength and  my song; he has become my salvation.  He is my God, and I will praise him,  my father's God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:2 So do not fear, for I am with you;  do not be dismayed, for I am your  God. I will strengthen you and help you;  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.   Isaiah 41:10 Do you not know? Have you not heard?  The LORD is the everlasting God, the  Creator of the ends of the e...
Read more