This Christmas!

This Christmas I was joyful as I felt the presence of the Lord lead me to truly love and forgive those that have deeply wounded and offended me. It was so liberating, not easy at first,but so meaningful. I had prayed and prayed for it to be a special kind of Christmas and finally asked what would make it special for Jesus. Giving His birth purpose and meaning, a celebration of the real reason for the holiday is what allowed me to share in His presence of abounding love, peace, and joy. He just wants us to truly love one another and forgive each other. He has said " if you Love me, then Obey me." (John 14:15) What greater gift to Jesus than to truly give our hearts in obedience to love and forgive each other even when it hurts, when that person might not ever know or truly understand just what you are doing. That's what makes it special because He knows, and He is a re-warder of those that diligently seek and obey Him.(Hebrews 11:6) "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those that persecute you." (Mathew 5:44) Its also a sign of trust. Trusting that your Lord can heal you and fulfill His promise,such as "..heaping hot coals upon their heads!" lol (Proverbs 25:22)The Lord will reward your willingness and obedience. Honestly, the joy and peace that comes from forgiving really is more than enough! I might have to keep doing it a few times, but I am forever glad and not going to let unforgiveness hinder me in anything!

This Christmas I knew as soon as it started to feel frustrating and too commercial I had to quickly drop it into His hands and not be moved out of my peace. Getting upset because you can't buy the gifts you want, or because the world is stirring about you in chaos is not what Christmas is about. Its about remembering that GOD, the Father, Himself gave us HIS most precious gift of love. An awesome thought is knowing HE started the whole ritual of giving during this holiday called CHRISTMAS. First He gave us His son, then He gave His son great riches and provision through the hands and feet of 3 wise-men, and all the glory in heaven and earth through the shouts and praises of the angels, and through the kneeling of the wise-men. Think about it!

This Christmas I didn't put up a tree, but we got all the gifts we had hoped under it would be! lol I went to the phone store to buy my kids androids and wasn't getting much accomplished in affordable cost so I left. As I accepted that this Christmas He would have to be the gift giver, I went back to the store to receive two android phones for only $9.99 each, and all the accessories such as car chargers and phone cases for free.(Cuz that's how He do!) Went to purchase the kids some hair straighteners but they were all sold out of the ones I wanted to buy for them, but He provided some better ones later at a discounted price. New shoes that normally cost $65.00 were sitting only one pair in just the right size, in just the right hidden spot for a clearance price of $12.00 at Kohls. The Paris picture that my princess wanted had just been at the store was completely gone. Finally found it at another store and low and behold it scanned for $7.65 when it was tagged for $39.99 with no sale sign attached. Its okay to want to buy and give gifts, these things happened just this way so I would know it was HIM giving us the gifts this Christmas. He's so good! When it looks impossible you just have to say BUT GOD! Yes He can, and yes He will!

This Christmas I just wanted to share all that He had shared with me.

No Eye Has Seen, No Ear Has Heard

Ahh....the goodness of the Lord prevails again! This Halloween as I walked through our old neighborhood my heart became sad. I thought, there's my old house I never should have sold. My kids should be growing up here. I started to cry but then the Lords gentle whisper spoke to my heart. You don't want that house. Remember I have something better for you. A new life, a new house, new memories, a new joy! Ah yes Lord! A smile came to my face as my heart began to beat with a new song. His word began to flood my spirit with His living promises. "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes....for the (former) old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:4 I couldn't even cry if I wanted to! I thought that is exactly what He has been working on in my heart lately. Trying to get me to move past all the old to bring me to the new. A new life! How far will I push through to it? How much am will willing to let go? At this point I am willing to let go of everything and everyone. I realize the "old" is not waiting for me, nor is it wanting me. Why should I hold onto it? Its really hard to just let go of the "old", but I am so confident and wanting of what is waiting for me in the "new." Yesterday His word came.." no eye had seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those that love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9. Oh bring it Lord! I am so ready for your goodness! Man that excites me! We all know Jer. 29:11 " For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future!" Can you say I have a new hope! A new future! Oops..now Im sounding like Obama here. Haha. No one, I mean no one, can keep me from His promises! My time is coming. I will have all that He said I could have! I will get double for my trouble. My "beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will my future be." Can you say "winning"? Job 8:7 I could go on, but I'll close for now holding on the His promise that He will restore DOUBLE! that which we forfeit. Now think about that for a second. He doesn't owe us, but yet He is willing to give us double that which we let go. Tell me we don't have an awesome God! I gave up a house and really good job, but my God says He is going to give me double the house, double the job! I can't wait! He will restore those years that were lost and eaten up! He will renew our youth! I just can't stop! I have some much to expect and look forward to. As He said..No Eye Has Seen. No Ear Has Heard. There's just too much.

"Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; He provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.(that He does!) " Acts 14:17

Not sure where to begin, all I know is I am excited to finally be getting away with my family to go camping! Used to write blogs all the time for fun on Myspace but things started changing and switched over to Facebook like everyone else and became quickly addicted, but like every thing else it got old and I needed a break from things, mostly relating to family that were finally getting to me. You really see things differently on Facebook. Even in myself I now realize how some things are portrayed that aren't really true, I like to joke around, I am very open and expressive, I accept all kinds of people of all ages and believe I am the person I am because I am meant to reach out and touch so many types of people in this life. Some people don't understand the truth or care to ask and make judgements, that doesn't really bother me, but things did seem to be heading in a direction I didnt want to go so it was time to take a break. Also realized I don't really think people care about what is going on with me and my life or what I have to say so why post it? Today however, I am feeling good about writing since I am going camping.Its been a while since Ive been up in the mountains. Most of you know I am out of my element and besides myself when Im not outdoors or in touch with nature. I can't wait to see the sunlight streaming through the branches of the trees, listening to the rain, and waking up to the birds chirping at a new crisp morning. I didn't even haven't to beg and drag the kids! Jacob didn't hesitate to grab his bow and ask for a new fishing pole. You want to fish? You're not going to argue about leaving the confines of your dungeon?? No computer??? Get the boy a pole and fishing license..snap!! Getting a later start than planned but what can I say after working over 60 hours this week. Could say a few more words, but I gotta go grab a book and get going. Sayonara!!!!!