Good Morning, Dear One,
          Tomorrow begin a new year. For some of us, we are excited anticipating new adventures and fun-filled experiences.  Others are fearful.   I must admit I am filled with a bit of trepidation, especially with Jim’s back issues and pending surgery. I try to take one day at a time.  But when I focus my attention on God’s promises, I become more hopeful and strength fills my spirit and I can (most days) wake with joy.
          This is the truth of Scripture.  Our God is an awesome God who will never leave you nor forsake you and gives power to the weak. I am including some of my favorite scriptures to meditate upon and it is my prayer that you will draw strength and hope for the new year as you meditate upon the Truth of God’s Word and promises.  
          I wish you joy!  Happy New Year!
                                     Linda
 
 
POWER SCRIPTURES

The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God! — Psalm 68:35

Trust in the Lord forever, for in… the Lord is everlasting strength. — Isaiah 26:4

If God is your strength, and yet within you there is weakness, what do you do? Just believing what the Bible says about the might and power of God doesn’t overcome weakness. The apostle James reminds us that “even the demons believe – and tremble! — James 2:19


Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. — Isaiah 40:28-29, emphasis added

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. — Isaiah 41:10, emphasis added
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​For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory.     2 Corinthians 4:17
 
Hello dear one,
 
        Two days till Christmas.  While the bells are ringing and children are singing and you are. . .stressed?  Sad?  Or maybe feeling jolly? Whatever you are feeling in this moment, know that this is just a moment. Trials will come.  They will pass.  Pain will come, and this too shall pass.  And sometimes, the sweetest moments happen. 
 
        This life is incredible. And, we don’t want to miss it.  Each moment matters.  Don’t numb out of life by constant business. Or overeating.  Or drinking to dull the pain.  Pause right now.   Silence is calming.   And stillness is bliss.  “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).  God is with you in this moment, the hard and the beautiful.  Acknowledge His Presence and be thankful.  Christmas is about the birth of our Savior.   Not the roasted chestnuts.  Not the wreath on the door or the cookies in the oven. Not the presents under the tree.  Christmas is about God’s Gift for you.  “For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).  Please dear one, pause this very moment and remember the reason for the season.  And may you find joy in this moment!                                           
                                                 Merry Christmas,  Linda

“If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done” (Ecclesiastes 11:4 TLB).
 
Hello Friend,
 
          Wow, does that scripture speak to me in a big way!  Having just moved into our new home, nothing is perfect.  Good news, the garage is almost empty of boxes.  Yahoo! The bad news, they are now scattered all over the house in the various rooms in which they will eventually find a home.  A little over a week till Christmas, and for a neat freak like me who borders on ODC,  I have to let go of perfection.  If we are to celebrate Christmas with friends and family, I must strengthen my spine and bite the bullet, and let go, and any other cliché you can think of.  Christ will come in spite of the mess.  Amidst the mess. And just maybe, if we let Him, bring peace to our hearts.
 
          So dear one, in order to celebrate the birth of our Lord, what do you need to accept that will not be perfect this year? Perhaps, money is an issue and the presents must be downsized.  Or, maybe one of the grown children will not be able to travel to visit.  Or, maybe your relationship is on the rocks and tension swirls in each moment.  Sometimes, we wait to feel the Christmas spirit when circumstances are better—when things settle down.  My friend, there are always going to be challenges.  It’s part of life.  So, my advice to myself and to you is, don’t wait for the perfect.  Do whatever you need to do to put Christ back into Christmas and into your heart. 
                                                          Linda
 
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10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

Good morning, friend,
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          If there is a single word that describes what Christmas is all about, it’s the little word “joy.”   Several of our favorite carols mention it: “Joy to the world, the Lord is come.”  “O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant.”
 
          I get it if you are not feeling it yet.  The joy.  Two weeks before Christmas is a hustle, bustle time.  So much to do.  So little time left.  I feel the stress also.  No tree, no lights, no cookies, and boxes still down the middle of the garage awaiting unpacking and looming like a monster each time I open the door.
 
           But, as Christians, we understand that Christmas is more than the trappings and wrappings.  It is about the Savior being born in a little town of Bethlehem.   It is about God’s love.  Don’t stress. Choose the “must do’s” realistically.  And let the rest go.  Christmas will come to my house even without the tree.   Joy comes from within.  Cherish this time and view each moment as sacred. Keep your focus on the reason for the season.   So, come all ye faithful, be joyful and triumphant.  God loves you and so do I.  I wish you peace in your heart and precious joy to the full and overflowing.     Linda