Advent Week 4 - Renewal

Views: 121
Added: Sat. Dec 22, 2012 11:47pm
Posted in: Living

• » print
• » report
• » email

Over the past four weeks, I have written about the 3 R’s:

1) Rest

2) Reflection

3) And now, Renewal

As I have written over the past few weeks, I have come to realize that I was really writing for myself. God wanted me to hear the words I was writing, especially in this season. My heart has been heavy over the past couple of months. Heavy with burden, heavy because I feel the pain that others are going through. My heart has been softened by the hand of God, and sometimes I just wish I could take the pain away. I know that this is not my role, it is God’s. He is in control, and He will relieve the suffering in His perfect time.

Is your heart heavy this time of year, especially when we see such turmoil across the land?

Or is it light?

Have you lifted up your thoughts, worries and prayers?

Have you stopped making lists and allowed the peace, joy and serenity to fill your mind?

May I trust in You, Lord, and do good;

May I dwell in the land and feed from Your faithfulness.

When I delight myself in You,

You will give me the desires of my heart.

I will commit my way to You and trust in You,

And you will bring it to pass.

You will bring forth my righteousness like the light,

And my justice like the noonday.

May I rest in You and wait patiently for You;

I will not fret because of those who prosper in their way,

Because of those who practice evil schemes. (Psalm 37:3-7)

We are entering the most wonderful time of the year. This is a time when our Saviour was born to bring us peace, understanding, and freedom from the shackles. All we have to do is Trust, and give it all to the Divine workings of our Maker. During this Christmas Season, renew your mind; allow the peace, joy, understanding to consume your thoughts. Remove the lists, the running, and enjoy every moment. Immerse your thoughts in love and joy, and thanksgiving.

As I close before the Christmas season, I am going to give my worries, thoughts and fears to God so that I can concentrate on the “right” things this time of year. So thankful for you Jesus, thank-you for always being there and coming into this world to save us.

My Christmas Note to God

Where are you Christmas?

Why is there so much pain?

I pray for those families who are dealing with loss of a loved one. I pray for You to bring them solace and peace of mind during this season in their lives. I know You can – our wonderful Saviour.

Where are you Christmas?

Why are so many in need?

I pray for You to bring hope to those in need during these difficult times.

I pray for my family, bring them strength during this season in our lives.

I pray for Me Lord God, fill my mind with your peace, understanding and wisdom. Teach me Lord to walk in your ways and to set an example for others in all I do. Give me strength when I feel like I have nothing left.

Where is Christmas?

Christmas is here, everywhere I look.

Christmas is inside our hearts, and in the hearts of those we love and care about.

Christmas is that special sparkle in your child’s eyes.

Christmas is in the smile that a loved one or friend gives to you.

Christmas is in the laughter and love.

Christmas is in each one of us.

Thank-you Jesus for coming into this world to bring us love, peace and joy. I pray for you to fill everyone in this world with your love in their hearts; soften them and let them rest and renew their minds and souls to concentrate on the “right” things.

Renew your mind and soul. As you begin and end your day, make the right kind of list – the one that lists all of the things that you are grateful.

My gratitude list for today:

1. I am thankful my mother is allowing herself to rest, and shows such strength through this difficult season.
2. I am thankful for my father in law being so positive in the face of pain and my mother in law being the rock he needs.
3. I am thankful for my dad being such an amazing rock for my mom; and always giving his all to us as a family.
4. I am thankful for our family and extended family that are always there for us when we need them.
5. I am thankful for my wonderful 3 boys, that bring Christmas into my life every day.
6. I am thankful that God gave me a second chance at life, as I know it was the greatest gift I could have ever received.
7. I am thankful for my basic needs met and pray for those that may not have their basic needs, may Christmas find them.
8. I am thankful for being changed over these past two years.
9. I am thankful for Jesus leading an example for all of us to follow.
10. I am thankful for Love and baby Jesus.

Thank-you for Christmas. Happy birthday baby Jesus.

Take a moment to listen to this wonderful song by Faith Hill: “A baby changes everything”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-y0_wNPSOaw