Hope For The Hopeless
Classic Christmas songs can be heard floating through the kitchen as the tunes seem to dance right out of the speakers.
o/~ o/~o/~ o/~o/~ o/~
“It’s the … most … won … der … ful … time … of the year … “
For some, this rings true. However, have you stopped to consider that for a lot of people, though, this time of year brings a tremendous amount of pain with it? As people are rushing here and there getting in the Christmas spirit, others are mourning the loss of loved ones and are finding it hard to greet the day let alone finding Christmas cheer.
Just this past weekend, a precious soul was lost. No one truly knows what another is going through. While there was speculation, no one can confirm or deny except for the person themselves or God above. Regardless of the reasoning, this lady took her own life. And the community is at a loss as to why this beautiful and vibrant 77 year old would do such a thing. Now, instead of planning for the holiday meal and wrapping presents, the family is making funeral arrangements.
Would you please pause for a moment and offer up a special prayer for people EVERY where that are hurting? It seems to be magnified at this time of year. Hearts are hurting all through the land.
There are those suffering with the loss of loved ones, loss of jobs, or even not sure how they will make ends meet. Others are struggling mentally with things or are physically dealing with an illness. Regardless of the reason, they need our love and prayers. We need to show compassion and speak softly around others because we truly do not know what they are dealing with or when they might be at their wits end. Some may be holding on by a thread, and your kindness toward them can make a world of difference as to what they decide their next step in life will be.
Will you join me in being an encouragement to those hurting in the community at this time of year?
Where ever you are, please pray for all the hearts that are hurting this holiday season.
God bless you all.
Bible Journaling
Bright colors leap off the page now when I flip through the bible. When once I felt I was disgracing the Holy Word by doodling in my bible, it has actually become a trend for the vast majority in this day and age. Bible journaling is gaining in popularity.
I’ll never forget my grandmother’s bible. The worn cover opened to reveal notes she wrote in the margin. While I imagine some were written as she was listening to the preacher behind the wooden podium, others were written as prayers from her heart to God. These prayers were for her family. Ah, she was forever praying for and over her family.
We didn’t fully come to realize the messages she some times scribbled in her bible until it was given to us after her death. It was then that my line of thinking started to shift, and I realized how truly special it was to write in the bible.
Now, as I pick up my colored pencils, I realize that one day my children and perhaps even my grandchildren will hold my bible in their hands reading the words that I have written.
With this in mind, I slip the colored pencils out of the pouch and go to work. I quickly find that purple and red have become my favorites as they, to me, symbolize royalty and the blood of Jesus.
There are all kinds of things you can write and include inside of your bible. Whether you choose stickers, or if you just want to write out bible verses in multi-color like I started to do, your bible will really come to life.
My children enjoy using the gift set, although I have not allowed them to claim it as their very own. Yet … anyway. ~smile~ As Christmas is approaching, this would make a GREAT Christmas present for a family member or good friend! Click here to purchase this Bible Journaling Kit, OR click here to enter a giveaway!
While I received a gift set from Propeller/Fly-By Productions, the opinions expressed here are my own and were not influenced by their gift.
Christmas Love Letters
She slid the red hardback book from the box and held it in her little hands. Revealing her delight, she whispered, “Wow.” Sitting Indian style on the hardwood floor, she placed the book in her lap and started to read. Never looking up or pausing, she read the book cover to cover in one sitting. Although she’s heard the story of Jesus’ birth many times through the years, she sat engrossed in this book soaking in every word. I watched as she carefully removed each letter from God at the end of the story. Without a doubt, those letters, full of God’s promises and love, touched her heart completely.
Are you one of the parents that started the tradition with your little ones of giving them a new pair of pajamas and books on Christmas Eve? If so, this book would be perfect to add to their collection. The book I am speaking of is Christmas Love Letters.
For me, I never tire of hearing about the birth of our Lord and Savior. As we are approaching this holiday season, what an appropriate time, now more than ever, to share the story of how Jesus came to this earth as a tiny baby boy. His entire goal, mission, and reason for being here was to save us all. That is the greatest gift you could ever receive right there.
I encourage you to consider purchasing this book for your little ones this holiday season. It is sure to be a favorite of theirs. I’ll admit that I took a sneak peak inside the book myself, and it touched my heart, too.
Imagine your child getting a letter from God. Now, they can! Consider Christmas Love Letters for your little one this holiday season!
Christmas Letters From God – may it bless your little one’s heart just as it did for my little girl.
While I did receive a sample of this product from Fly-By Productions/Propeller Consulting, LLC in exchange for a review, the opinions expressed here are my own and were not influenced by the gift.
