"Unglued Devotional" by Lysa TerKeurst

Do you like devotionals? I am a girl who desires them. I soak them up. I carry them in my purse and read them daily. I look at it as adding a great tool to my study time with the Lord and His Word. The latest devotional I have been introduced to is, "Unglued" by Lysa TerKeurst.

Lysa had written an early book entitled, "Unglued", Making Wise Choices In The Midst Of Raw Emotions. This new devotional penned by Lysa is a companion to this release. You don't have to purchase "Unglued" to enjoy the devotional, but friends, I found this to be a great and poignant read. What I love about Lysa is that she speaks from her heart. She shares her experiences and she too is on this journey of faith. I admire her honesty and just raw emotion as she expresses her love for the Lord.

This little devotional is sixty days of imperfect progress. I just love this. After all, we are a work in progress. Lysa gives a scripture for the day, her thought for the day, a devotion, along with a prayer. I'm going to share a few that stand out to me today.

Her thoughts for the day:

"Don't let your lips or typing fingertips be the first thing that walks into a conflict."

"It's unfair of me to use my expectations as the standard for someone else's behavior or hold it against her when she doesn't live up to my hopes."

"It's good to know the difference between an inconvenience and a real problem."

I love the scripture she shares and friends, her devotionals are for woman living today in every circumstance. Lysa has a gift to reach out to all. Over all the devotionals I have read I can walk away with a vast array of wisdom from a woman who in an inspiration and a great encourager. She has been there. She is living the life of a woman of faith. This devotional is a great life tool for our journey.

For me, it is one I'm going to carry in my purse and pull out as reminders throughout my day when I'm feeling frustrated and confused, angry and worrisome. Lysa takes the Word of God and applies it to our every day situations. There were may devotions that touched on anger and resentment, frustration and just plain old being stuck in a rut. Even expectations from others and being lost in our self pity. We'd all had those days.

This is one you are truly going to enjoy. Get that highlighter ready, because your going to be using it and I can bet your going to be sharing what you have learned in, "Unglued", with the ladies you love.

This book was a gift from Zondervan and the Booksneeze Program for my review of this book. I thank you!

Lysa TerKeurst is a New York Times bestselling author and national speaker who helps everyday women live an adventure of faith. She is the president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, author of 15 books, and encourages nearly 500,000 women worldwide through a daily online devotional. Her remarkable life story has captured audiences across America, including appearances on Oprah and Good Morning America. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and five children.

Find Lysa TerKeurst at www.LysaTerKeurst.com

"The Lesson" by Suzanne Woods Fisher

I have loved my time in Stoney Ridge. It has sure been a season of growth for these characters and for myself. It's a blessing to walk away from a series and find yourself with a lesson from each novel you have had the pleasure of reading and reviewing. Suzanne Woods Fisher is brilliant and such a talented lady. When it comes to Amish Fiction she is the best. I admire her writing style. It's inviting. Simply inviting. That says a lot, right there.

In, "The Lesson", the focus is placed on the character of Mary Kate. She is nineteen and I gotta tell ya, she is one immature girl. Her focus seems to remain on her and where the action is. She has a mind that kind of spins a web of sorts. A creative mind at that. Her focus never seems to be where it's needed, but where she dreams of being and that isn't being a teacher.

You gotta love how the Lord opens doors for us that we think we aren't ready to enter. M.K didn't want to be the presiding teacher, but the job was placed in her hands anyway. She gains some great advice. This is one thing I did like about M.K. She was always on search for who she is. Let's put it this way. She was able to receive great lessons and apply them to her life.

Some lessons we learn ourselves and others are taught to us through the actions of others. We meet two characters that just stole my heart. Chris and Jenny Yoder. We learn just what addiction can cost a family and what the love of others can bring. We see what assuming can do a person. It can bring a guilty verdict before the truths are found out.

This is a beautifully written book and a wonderful way to end the series. All questions are not always answered and I think I kind of like that about Suzanne. It leaves room for imagination and I see nothing but blessings for these characters I have grown to love.

I hate to say it, but I see bits of M.K in my own personality. She is quite the fixer. She isn't one to give up when it comes to something she wants. But through the life lessons of others she learns not to assume too quickly and always open the door the Lord is holding for us. If not, we just might miss out on a huge lesson.

This book was a gift from Bethany House Publishers for my review of this novel.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Lancaster County Secrets series and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of a new Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Christy Award finalist and a Carol Award finalist. She is the host of internet radio show Amish Wisdom and a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. For more information, please visit www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher.

"Vanished" by Irene Hannon

I was instantly hooked with the first book I picked up from Irene Hannon. She is a Missouri girl who does her homework and for me that makes her novels only more riveting and real. From chapter to chapter she has a gift of keeping you glued. She has kept me up enjoying her novels on many late night occasions.

In her newest series, "Private Justice", she brings the characters to life by allowing us time to get to know them. This too is something I love about Irene Hannon. She brings us real characters with real issues. We begin to relate to them on some level and that brings us wanting to know more about them. So, she gives us glimpses into their lives as the story continues to build and unfold. I loved the momentum of this read. It was fast paced and it held my interest all the way through, leaving me ready for the next installment of the series. Come on, Irene. Get those fingers moving:)

I loved reading, "Vanished" and cannot wait for book 2 to release in the fall of 2013. Find it on Amazon. We meet Moira Harrison. Okay, I gotta be honest here and tell you, that name caught me off guard. I had never heard it before. I did some googling just to learn how to pronounce it. lol After a while that name became so beautiful to me. I admired Moira's character more and more. She is part of an accident. One out of her control. While driving she sees a young woman needing help. After the accident happens, a man approaches and offers to call 911. After the incident takes place Moira has time to really thing about things and nothing is settling. She can't let it go. She knows something is off and is going with her gut reaction.

This brings her to meet the private detective. Might I add that he is handsome. What woman doesn't want the help of a strong, handsome man? He too is taken back by Moira. Don't you just get swept up in how love happens? Irene doesn't just hit us over the head with a love story. It's gentle and there are many things happening with both of these characters. We see these characters live out their faith more so than talk about their faith. I find this refreshing and inspiring.

So, we have love and suspense all wrapped up in one novel. One that flows perfectly. A reporter and a private investigator coming together to solve an uncanny happenstance? Ah, but no. This is God's perfect plan. I love how Moira slams on her breaks in the beginning of the story. But she is not quick to open her heart or her life up to another. She is reluctant to love as is Cal Burke. You just gotta love that name and Cal is a man who walks with integrity and purpose. His honesty gives Moira reason to trust. He has had a broken heart, and is cautious as well, but he can't let go of the feelings that are beginning to stir for the woman who has entered his life that is unlike any woman he has ever met.

If you are searching for a new novel this is one I enjoyed completely.

This book was a gift from Bethany House Publishers for my written review.

Irene Hannon is the author of more than 35 novels, including the bestselling Heroes of Quantico and Guardians of Justice series. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, a HOLT Medallion, a Daphne du Maurier Award, and two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. Booklist also included one of her novels in its "Top 10 Inspirational Fiction" list for 2011. She lives in Missouri.

For more information about her and her books, Irene invites you to visit her website at www.irenehannon.com.

Look for, "That Certain Summer" coming in spring 2013.

Make It A Year About Him

The countdown is on. The ball drops and a new year begins. We ponder the last. We go over the good times and bad. We dream of yesterday and hope for a better tomorrow. While we were busy making memories did we remember the legacy we are creating? Did we think to add others to our lives or did we set all aside and live for just me and now?

My pastor once shared that we should take time and reflect asking ourselves, "Am I closer to the Lord today than this same time last year?" That's a great question to ponder. It should stir our heart. It's the beginning of a journey. In seeking where we are with Christ is a heart longing for Christ.

Grace. Sweet grace is what I am so thankful for. Grace is a treasure we often take for granted.

I can look back over this last year and see areas where I was closer to Jesus and times where I moved away from Him. There are days I wake and I am searching His plan for my life. I'm singing His praises and I feel so sincerely close to Him. Those are the days I'm soaring. But then, yep, you guessed it. There are those days that Satan is riding my back and instead of standing up to Him and giving Jesus the victory, there I am in my pity of my day, giving in to Satan's misery lying in wait for me. I give in to self and that can destroy us quickly. Oh, the flesh is wicked.

I can wake with a sunny attitude and in just a few minutes get a call and my spirit is squashed like a bug. Things can be going just grand and then I hit a bump in the road and there I go, swerving off the road and I land face first in the ditch. Well, of course that just makes the day worse, doesn't it? Why? I lose my focus and instead of Jesus being at the center of my all, I place myself there. I think each and every day I wake should be perfect or near perfection. I think it should go the way I wish it to be. Nothing should be out of place. All should be right on time to make me smile. Think about. Isn't this exactly what we do? If the day isn't going as we wish we end up painfully angry. We wonder what has gone wrong and what in the world is wrong with all those people around us.

Just last week I had my 46th birthday. I can be honest and tell you my birthday stunk huge. I felt so let down. We always envision those who love us making our day special. We want to feel appreciated and valued. My husband was out of town. He knew I was having a bad day. I can tell you, I have the most amazing husband. He wants to make every day of my life special. Friends, that is one loving husband. There I was all alone on my birthday and it hit me hard. It was just one of those days where the pity crawled in and took a seat right in my heart. Isn't that how it starts? All it takes is one thing and we get totally off focus. I wasn't thinking about my sweet Sunday school teacher who called me and sang happy birthday to me. I wasn't thinking of the sweet words from my husband or all the wishes I received from friends. I focused on that one thing that seemed to break my heart. From there on out the day just kind of took the wind of out of my sails.

We take our circumstances and base our day on them. If all is good we are happy little fireflies fluttering about, but let it be a bad day, and man, we think the Lord has left us and all has hit bottom. Why do we do this? I can tell you why. We are selfish peeps. We really are. Let me put it this way. I'm selfish. I have a heart issue. We all do. So many times we place our value on what others think of us and what others do for us. But we have it all wrong. The first One we should thinking of is Jesus.

That night of my birthday I had great time of reflection. I took time in prayer. Just me talking with my Jesus and me listening to all He had to share. It was then I was reminded that there are times He allows things to happen to draw us nearer to Him. Don't you think He does? I mean look at His life. It was just His birthday and do you think the entire world was thinking more of Him or more of what was under the tree for them? I look at the birthdays He has had and I wonder how many of them He has given to tears. I wonder how Jesus celebrates His birthday. I can't imagine Him in sorrow, but in praise of His Father! He celebrates each and every one of us. His precious creation. All He wants is to be accepted. He wants our love in return. He loves us no matter what. But yet, where is our love and devotion to our Savior? It rests at times on what we receive and when we receive it. We base our relationship with Him on give and take. We give so we expect Him to give in return. So, you could say it's a give-give kind of relationship. The more we give the more we expect. The more we serve, the more we attend church, the more we..you get the picture. We simply expect Jesus to give back because of what we give. Oh my, just who do we think we are? It's not about what we give. It's about what He gave and He gave ALL.

I want to love Jesus no matter what happens in life. I want a relationship with Jesus simply because He is my Savior. I don't want to have a weekend relationship with Him. Not a Sunday service kind of relationship. Not a sunny side up kind of love, but a no matter what kind of love. I want to walk with Jesus every single day and on those days I go sailing off course I want to be so in tune with Him that I not only hear Him guide me back, but that I follow in obedience to where He is calling me.

I don't want to live another year wondering at the end of the year what I missed out on because I was focused on self. I don't want to live a life of regret, but one that holds value in each decision I make. I want to live a life determined. One that shines a reflection of my Savior through me.

See, I could have spent my birthday praising Jesus for all He has done for me. I could have just spent the day in His grace. I could have set my focus on Him and that would have lead me to a wonderful day of celebration. But instead I focused on those not near me. Those who chose not to celebrate my day with me. I know you understand. You have been there too. We all have.

So, this year I'm setting a new course. I want to be more determined and more disciplined in my time spent with Jesus. I don't want to just live the day, but truly set out to make the day all it can be. I want to see the best in every situation. I want to see the purpose in the small. I want to look out at the world and see His grandeur. I want to see all the opportunities before me to share Him. I wanna dive in and not just go toe deep. I wanna let go of my fears and simply say, "Yes, Jesus".

The great thing about a new year is it's a time to start new. It's a time to look back and let go. It's a time to find forgiveness and to seek grace. I want to live my life in an honest and pure way. I wanna take those mistakes and give God room to turn them into blessings as only He can. It's through my time spent with Jesus that I find my self worth. It isn't found through others or anything this world has to offer. All I am and am to be is found in Jesus Christ. The One who created me.

I don't want to celebrate another birthday having a pity party, but looking at my Savior and praising Him for the sweet life that He gives me daily. Sure, it's great to have others share cake with us, but that isn't always going to happen. In the end, we must realize that there is nothing more important in our life than our relationship with Jesus. In Him we can have joy when no one else is around. In Him we can find peace in the midst of hurt. In Him we can find reason to celebrate life each and every moment.

I'm not going to focus on the bad. I refuse to do so. There is enough of that in our lives. I want to focus on the good and take this year to make a difference. I want to serve with a willing heart. I want to walk with a pure intent and I want each step to have purpose. I want to be that example for my grandchildren and for my children to follow. I want to spend more time in prayer and more time seeking the life Christ has for me.

This year isn't about me. It's about Him.

"By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the One who called us to Himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence."

2 Peter 1:3

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

Colossians 3:2

"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit."

Romans 8:5

My Heavenly Father, forgive me of my selfish attitude. Make me more aware of You. Create in me a heart that is Christ-like. A heart that is always seeking You. A serving heart. A forgiving heart. Most of all, a loving heart. Lord, show me the way to a path closer to You. Remove the selfish attitude of my heart and replace it with a heart that is totally on fire for You. May I find blessings each and every day of this new year. May I uncover your gifts and may I use each one for Your glory and honor. Empty me of self and fill me with all of You. Amen

"Bible Stories That End With A Hug", created by Stephen Elkins and illustrated by Simon Taylor-Kielty

It's a blessing to find great books to share and treasure with our children. For me, I am now on the search for great reads for my grandchildren, who just love books. I have found one to share with you. "Bible Stories That End With A Hug" was created by Stephen Elkins and beautifully illustrated by Simon Taylor-Kielty. This is a wonderful gem to share with your little ones.

My grandchildren just turned ages one and two, so they are a bit too small to fully grasp the stories, but oh, what a great time to begin sharing. They will love the beautiful pages that are so wonderfully created they tell the story within them.  What I like is that each story is shared on two colorful pages. There are 75 Bible stories in this little gem of a book. Just perfect for little hands to hold. The stories are short and easy to understand. Leaving you room to share more of the story when your little ones are ready. I too love that a verse is shared with each story. This makes for a great start at memorizing scripture. Of course as the title indicates, each story ends with hug time, which makes reading together even more special.

This would be a terrific bedtime book to share one story each night. It too would be perfect for  just snuggling up on a snowy afternoon. It would be a great tool for a Sunday School lesson for tiny ones just starting out. I think your children will love this gem. The scripture shared is from the New Living Translation, which makes it easy to understand. I just can't share enough about how wonderfully bright and  creative the illustrations are for little eyes to enjoy.

This sweet book was a gift from Tyndale for sharing my review.

Stephen Elkins is a Grammy Award–nominated record producer and a multimillion-selling children's author and songwriter. He is owner and founder of Wonder Workshop, a multifaceted Christian media company specializing in the creation of juvenile books, audio products, and DVDs. Stephen has produced recordings featuring Christian personalities TobyMac, Rebecca St. James, Michael Tait of dcTalk, Steve Green, Max Lucado, Twila Paris, and many other notable musicians. He also wrote and produced the Joni Eareckson Tada song "The God I Love," which is used in conjunction with her book of the same title and is now the theme song for her nationally syndicated television show. Stephen lives in Nashville with his wife, Cindy.

My Journey With My Love Map

Twenty years ago I couldn't have told you the words to any hymn. As I stood next to my husband in church for the first time, the song I remember hearing was, "Amazing Grace". It's the first hymn I learned. Our son was just a baby in my arms when I felt the sweetest feeling come over me. At the time I couldn't have explained what was happening, but now I know that it was the Holy Spirit. The tears came as I handed my son to my husband and my feet left that pew close to the back row quicker than I could say, no. I walked forward and in that moment I asked, Jesus to be my Savior. My life forever changed on that day. A day just a few weeks away from Thanksgiving.

I found my way back to the pew and my husband stood with tears streaming down his face as he held our son. From the moment my husband and I met, he had been praying. He was praying that I would one day accept Christ as my Savior. He sweetly shared the love of Jesus with me. A girl who knew nothing about faith, who would one day share her faith with her children and be near as they too accepted Christ Jesus as their Savior.

Our spiritual journey is just that. A journey. There is so much to learn. Each day is an opportunity to know Him more. I have learned I must be dedicated and disciplined. Faith must comes first by believing. It's when I believed, that I learned to see. I mean, really see as though it was the first time. It's through having faith in Jesus that everything in life comes to have meaning and purpose. When we seek Christ, we will never come up empty. He will fill us with all we need.

Say we meet a new friend we really like. We invite them to coffee. Lunch is next. Pretty soon we are talking everyday. Sharing our deepest secrets. We share our great moments. We treasure time together. Milestones point out what makes are relationship wondrous. It's giving time to one another. It's being there always. It's knowing the other so well, you can finish their sentence. You know what they are going to say before they speak the words. You laugh at the same silliness and you know when the other is in need. You know when tears are about to fall. A sweet friendship such as this doesn't just happen. It is made. It's created over time. Friends, this is what our relationship with Jesus should look like.

Remember being a kid and having that one friend who stuck beside you like a brother? You would go somewhere and there was always someone who would say, "Where's your buddy?" We need to be so close to Jesus that when others see us, they know that He is present with us! Our steps should be in tune with His. Our words His and our actions a reflection of Him.

When I married my husband, my mom gave me a Bible as a wedding gift. It was my first Bible. I couldn't have shared with you one single scripture. I didn't know where to begin. In church when the pastor would say, "Please open your Bibles and turn to John 3:16", my husband would help me find it. Yes, John 3:16 is the first verse I ever memorized.

I started reading. It wasn't everyday that I read. I would pick up that Bible and just turn to a random page and read. Over time that reading turned to daily opening my Bible. The more I read, the more I yearned to read. This Living Word was feeding my soul. It wasn't just a book any longer. Not just a wedding gift, but part of my life. The pages came to life. The words were sweet nectar to my lips as I read them out loud. There are days I will read for a few minutes and others that I can simply remain in His Word for hours.

If you could see my desk now, there are four different Bibles sitting next to me. There are study Bibles next to my bed. Bibles are everywhere in our home. This, coming from the girl who grew up in a home without a Bible. If I'm honest and I must be. There have been times where those Bibles have collected dust. Times along my journey where I left my first love. Praise Jesus, there is no dust today. Oh friend,  how His holy Word is wisdom for my weary soul. It gives guidance and love. Discipline and strength. I guess you could say it's a love  map. Today, I simply can't get enough of this love map.

Soon, I was reading the Bible to my children. I was sharing the stories with them that I had learned. This newbie in Christ wanted nothing more than for my children to fall in love with the Word of God. As I read scripture to them, scripture I thought I had known, I learned even more. It's amazing to pick up the Living Word of God and read a scripture you have read a hundred times and still gain more insight than ever before. There is always something new to learn. Something new to share.

The more I seek Him, the more of Him I desire. The more of Him I desire, the more of Himself He shows me. The deeper I dive in, the more my perspective changes. Jesus is all about change and creating. I didn't have to be all cleaned up before He accepted me. I didn't have to change my ways before He entered my heart. All I had to do was surrender to Him and accept Him. He does the rest. Once He enters the heart of man, we are remade. We are born again. The old is gone and the new is being created. Jesus is a miracle worker. If He can a sinner such as me and move me to follow Him, anything is possible. He didn't look at my past and say, "I don't want her". He looked at me, His daughter, and said, "Come to Me, sweet daughter, just as you are. I created you to love me. Let Me take your life and show you My greatest mercies."

I look back in my life when I didn't know Jesus and I can see over and over again times where He was leading me to Him. He was making a way for me to see Him. We are on a divine appointed journey. He has that perfect and exact moment where we meet and all in life changes. He designs us with a desire for more than what this world can give. It's up to us to seek Him and to know Him.

Friends, He is right before you. He has been waiting and anticipating your meeting. He has been praying for you to come and unlock the door to your heart. May today be that day your life changes forever. I don't have all the answers. There is so much to learn. But one thing I do know. My Jesus is real!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take."

Proverbs 3:4-5

"Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need."

Matthew 6:33

"Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by Your truth and teach me. All day long I put my hope in You."

Psalm 25:4-5

His Love Brings Hope Secure

You know what gives me hope? No matter what circumstances enter my life. No matter how much I change. No matter who enters or leaves my life. Jesus remains the same. He is steadfast and sure. He is present always. How sweet to have hope in Jesus! I can't imagine my life without Him.

We set Him on a shelf and pull Him out when He is needed. He isn't our genie. Our relationship with Him is not a give and take. You give me this and I will give you that game. But isn't that what we do? We tell Him our wants and needs and we expect Him to send each one special delivery. We want to stamp the date on the box and we never want to see a return to sender. We tell Him promises only to break them weeks later. Sometimes  only days later. The wondrous thing about Jesus is the fact that His promises are true and lasting.

We are forever changing people. I'm not the same girl I was twenty years ago. Sure, there are aspects of my personality that are the same, but once I accepted Christ as my Savior, He created a new me. That old chick is long gone. Oh, there are times she shows her face, but she is quickly reminded she has nothing on this new God chick.

Praise Jesus, He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. I just think that is the coolest thing ever! As I am changing from yesterday, to today and tomorrow, He remains the same. Never faltering. Never moving. Yes, that gives me hope. A hope in my Savior. I can trust in Him. 

People are wishy washy, aren't we? We change our minds many times a day. It is such a blessing that our Lord knows the plan for my life. He sees my past, my present and knows my future. He has every last detail planned out. Every breath I take has purpose in His kingdom.

We can take a life time searching for who we are or we can seek Christ today and give Him room in our lives to show us just who we were created to be. I mean, we have His Word to guide us on our journey. We have prayer to allow the Holy Spirit to move through us. Oh, how sweet it is to just be able to be totally honest with Jesus. You know, just to open up and talk with Him gives the heart peace. It eases those difficult days. He has a way of lighting up our life in ways no one else can.

In Him there is total perfection, yet in me, I am a work in progress. Progress that will reach perfection when I meet my Jesus. We are on a growth journey. We are either moving forward or backward. I have learned that there are times where I have had to take few steps back to learn how to take one step forward. Each step has meaning. Each step is a choice. That choice belongs to me. Yes, in Christ, we have freewill. He never forces us to accept Him or His will for lives. He doesn't demand us to surrender to Him. He leaves that choice to us.

Friends, I can tell you, my life became sweeter when I surrendered to Jesus. When I gave Him my heart my life changed forever. When I have my eyes on Jesus my steps tend to take a forward movement, but wow, when I take my eyes off Jesus and place them on me, my steps take a backward slide. But praise His holy name. He is with me on this journey. It's a journey to everlasting. Where He is, I want to me. I never want to be anywhere He isn't.

Whatever today brings, I can know without a doubt my Jesus is with me. He has covered me with His love. He was washed me in His grace and He gives the sweetest mercies. Friends, there is no love like the precious love of Jesus Christ.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Hebrews 13:8

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is new creation, old things have passed away, and look, new things have come." 2 Corinthians 5:17

Love Wrapped With Light

Remember playing with a Lite Brite? You could pick out your design and add the little lights by punching them through the paper. I loved this as a child. I would fill this little gadget full and turn off the light in my room and watch it light up! Think back to how magical this was as a child. Think of the joy. We are to let our Light shine bright. Christmas Day, the day we celebrate the birth of our Savior, is the perfect day to allow our Light glow bright.  

I wake this morning as my husband is driving home from Chicago. My son is just down the hall and Daisy is wrapped up tight laying next to me. My thoughts turn to my Savior and I say, "Happy Birthday, Jesus".

I wonder. Just how do they celebrate His birth in heaven? Are the angels singing? Is all of heaven a glow? Is there dancing? Just what do you get Jesus for Christmas? What is it that He would want more than anything? That's gotta be one whopping birthday cake!

Down here on earth, things look a bit different, don't they?

We all have this perfect vision of what Christmas should be. We dream of a Norman Rockwell Christmas. A home filled with family and friends. We hope to hear from everyone we know. We wish for the greatest gifts under the tree. We dream of snow and merry gatherings. The kitchen smells of homemade cookies and pies. The table is decorated and laced with delicious treats that will be left overs for the next day. We hope for smiles and laughter. To sum it up, we wish for the most wonderful time we could imagine. We dream of perfection.

But perfection does not come and disappoint sets in for a long winters pity party.

We wait for invites to Christmas parties. We wait for the door bell to ring. Our phone is sitting close by as we wait for that call from our children. The weatherman says snow, but as we look out the window, snow isn't in sight. The tree is bare with no gifts under to unwrap.

We turn the radio on with a  hope that Christmas music will shake away our lonely sadness. But it only leaves us longing home of long ago.

Why do we do this to ourselves? It would still be Christmas if there were no tree, no gifts, and no guests. It's still Christmas without snow and carolers gathered at the door. Whether our phone is ringing off the hook or if the drive way is empty of cars, it's still Christmas.

All of heaven is celebrating the birth of our Savior. Friends, we have reason to celebrate, but we allow the ways of the world to bring us down. We measure the happiness of our day  by the commercial worldly standard. May I just add, this isn't a holiday, but a celebration! We look at it all wrong. Somewhere along the way our vision of this day has been altered. Lets exchange the world view for a heavenly view.

Why do we wait for this idea of a perfect Christmas and count on that to make it a grand day to remember? Why can't we just fill our hearts with Christmas cheer of the joy from our Savior's birth?

You know, I wonder today, how many of us are really celebrating the birth of our Savior. Hey, I'm right there with you, friends. We get so lost in the idea of what Christmas is to be. We count our Christmas blessings on whether our stockings are full. But in the end, it's not our stockings that matter.

We can be alone and have the most wondrous day. We already have the best gift that money can't buy. Nothing created on this earth by man's hands can even come close to what our Savior has given us. He gave Himself. He is our gift. He is our life. He is our joy. He is our Everything. He is the Light of the world.

Christmas isn't about all that other stuff. We make it that way, don't we? We measure our Christmas by the world's standards and that is just the wrong attitude to have. We wait on others to make us smile. We wait on someone else to wish us Merry Christmas. Friends, pick up the phone today and call someone and make their day. Christmas is simply about love and nothing more. Everything else is just decoration.

We celebrated our Christmas with our family a few days ago. We shared a Christmas breakfast and opened up gifts. Today our home is quiet. I have music quietly playing in the back ground. It smells of sausage and french toast. Daisy is now curled up on the couch and Jake is off visiting his grandparents. Our children are all celebrating with other family and friends.

I'm going to wait for my husband to get home and he will rest this evening and leave again tomorrow with another lay over. So, why am I sharing this with you? To tell you that Christmas is what we make of it. Don't leave your joy up to someone else. I pray your heart finds the truest meaning of Christmas today.

I could sit here today and be sad that my dad isn't here to share in this day. But again, he is in heaven and I can only imagine the celebration taking place there. So, I look back and remember. I take joy in the time we had to share. Sweet memories make the heart soar.

Lets think for a bit. The hospitals are filled with people today. There are families who are mourning the loss of their loved ones. Nursing homes have rooms that are filled with elderly who many times have no one to visit them. People are working and away from home today. Soldiers are stationed all over the world today waking to a whole different scene that what we can imagine. Hearts are hurting and people are in need. Some have no home today. There are those who have no food. A job would be at the top of their Christmas list. Our country is in need of great repair.

Today I think of the family of our friend, Walter, who just went home to meet His Jesus. Our friends, the Reeds, who just said good-bye to sweet Beth. My sister is mourning the loss of her boyfriend, Jim. Flags are still flying at half staff. People are tired today. They are weak and burdened. There is a sadness that is deep and isn't going away anytime soon for these families.

Friends, Christmas can live within our heart. Oh, how I wish we could all get in through our heads that it isn't about how many gifts we collect. It's about Jesus. It's about love. It's about giving from the heart. It's reaching out and touching your neighbor with kindness. It's looking beyond our own needs and filling those of others. Christmas is sharing Christ.

Toss perfection out the window and celebrate today as Jesus would want you to. I can't answer as to how that would be for you. That's something between just you and your Savior. Enjoy today and spend it as if it were your last Christmas here. Is there someone who needs forgiveness? Is there someone you have walked away from and your relationship needs rekindled? Friends, don't wait for your phone to ring. Pick up your phone and make the call. Don't wait for someone else to make your Christmas one to remember. Create your Christmas memories today. Be the love this world needs. Be the giving hand. Be the heart of prayer.

As all of heaven sings, "Hallelujah" today, raise your hands in praise of the One who came and is coming again.

"You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lamp stand, and it gives a light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

Merry Christmas From My Nest To Yours

Friends, I want to wish each of you a Merry Christmas. For those of you who take time to stop in at my nest, I just want you to know you bless me. When you share with me, from your heart to mine, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. This is my little spot to share the Jesus I know. It's my little home to share how my life is richer just by knowing my Savior and having a relationship with Him. I get to share my happiness and sadness with you all. It's the place where I can be totally honest and unveil my heart that so longs to follow Christ and His example. I fall short. I am a sinner. But by His grace I have been saved. Hallelujah!

Christmas is not always what we expect. We dream of happiness and peace. We dream of snow and a home filled with laughter. We have pictured in our minds a work of perfection. Circumstance has a way of changing our attitude at Christmas. If all is well, we have a great Christmas. If something is missing we call it a bad year.

Friends, Christmas isn't determined by our circumstance. Christmas is the season of hope because it is when we celebrate our Savior's birth. Jesus came into the world to save us. When we keep our focus on Him and only Him, it changes our view.

My husband and I have five children between us, which makes our family complete. It's not always easy for us to celebrate on Christmas Day, so we take turns and we just get together when we can. It just so happened last Saturday we shared Christmas breakfast together. This just may be a new tradition in our family. It was wonderful to share breakfast, to open gifts and just share in laughter and good times.

Friends, celebrate where you are. Make your day special, no matter the circumstance or who is with you. Worship our King and His birth. Share His love with others. Listen to Christmas music you love. Break out the scrapbooks. Whether your sharing a huge dinner of ham and fixings or a bowl of tomato soup with grilled cheese, smile and enjoy each moment. Don't just dream of a perfect holiday, live the precious moment in the hope that Christ has given us. Most of all, spend time with our Savior. Read about His birth in Luke 1-3. I read these chapters and find myself in awe of this Babe who was sent to be the Savior of the world.

Enjoy your worship. Attend a children's Christmas play. Grab a few old classics and add some popcorn to the tree. Be where you are and enjoy each moment. There are blessings just waiting for us to unwrap. We just first have to realize the gift before us. Don't waste your time comparing your Christmas to those of your friends. Don't worry about who is coming and who is not. Enjoy those you are with and pray for those who are not in your company. Christmas begins in the heart and as we seek our Savior, some how something magical happens, and His light is spread to warm the hearts of those we meet.

Have that winter wonderland in your heart. Pray for your family and friends. Be thankful for the blessings you have and spend time blessing others. Lets continue this season of hope that Christ has given us and share His love with all we meet.

Merry Christmas and many sweet blessings to you!

He Gave All

Isaiah 53:3-12

"He was despised and rejected

by men, a man of suffering who knew what sickness was.

He was like someone people turned away from;

He was despised, and we didn't value Him.

Yet He Himself bore our sicknesses,

and He carried our pains;

but we in turn regarded Him stricken,

struck down by God, and afflicted.

But He was pierced because of our transgressions,

crushed because of our iniquities;

punishment for our peace was on Him,

and we are healed by His wounds.

We all went astray like sheep;

we all have turned to our own way;

and the Lord has punished Him for the iniquity of us all.

He was oppressed and afflicted,

yet He did not open His mouth.

Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent

before the shearers,

He did not open His mouth.

He was taken away because of oppression and judgement;

and who considered His fate?

For He was struck because of our rebellion.
They made His grave with the wicked

and with a rich man

at His death,

although He had done no violence

and had not spoken deceitfully.

Yet the Lord was pleased to crush Him

severely.

When You make Him a restitution offering,

He will see His seed, He will prolong His days,

and by His hand, the Lord's pleasure

will be accomplished.

He will see it out of His anguish,

and He will be satisfied

with His knowledge.

My righteous Servant

will justify many,

and He will carry their iniquities.

Therefore I will give Him the many as a portion,

and He will receive the mighty as spoil,

because He submitted Himself to death,

and was counted

among rebels;

yet He bore the sin of many

and interceded for the rebels."