God with Us

The last couple of weeks have brought certain themes to mind; Love. Minnie Mouse and Proverbs 31. Snowflakes. But let's reflect on this year. Through two different bible studies, Jesus has revealed Himself in ways I had no idea existed in Him. This year has brought a paradigm shift, or better yet, growth in faith, in seeing Him as my lover (intimately near me, caring for me), more so than my Father (displinarian, teacher, leader). Sounds blasphemous when I read it, but after experiencing the year with Him by my side revealing Himself in ways I would never imagine, it reads true.

"...and He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live." Acts 17: 26b.

The Lord has blessed me this year beyond any year before. Sure there have been memorable years where He's blessed me with children. But this year, He truly blessed me with His presence everyday and everywhere He has brought me.

As the year comes to a close, Jesus once again is next to me opening my eyes to the beauty of family and their love. I have come to spend Christmas with my parents and left my children with their Dad. I didn't have to pray long to receive confirmation. I asked my children for their gift of this trip (guilt free) and received it generously from them.

And now I'm here and once again the Lord is here with me. He has softened my heart and I believe the hearts of those around me because He knows their appointed time. He has given us the gift of strength to seek forgiveness from each other and lay old stones aside. He has given us laughter in the face of stress and time to learn each other's hearts. He mostly has given us His grace and mercy with abundant free love pouring out from our hearts.

I thank you Lord for your presence, and ask you to remain to continue the work you have started in me. Illumine your light bright through me, and let's continue on this adventure as I will follow where You will lead and be amazed at your works.

The virgin will be with child and will give brith to a son and they will call him Immanuel - which means, "God with us." Matthew 1:23

And He is with us this Christmas day and everyday!

Merry Christmas and I challenge you - when hugging a loved one, don't be the first to let go.

In continuous touch with God,

Sarah (DIG)

Early Morning Prayer

Hey, Lord!

Are you talking to me? Waking me so I can hear you clearly?
I'm listening as you are my one and only.
These early morning awakenings, I'll never understand.
But there is a definate reason as You hold them in your hand.
Sometimes there is a message from You.
Other times it is prayer for those You keep in my heart.
You love me in ways that bath me in Joy.
And I am grateful You have given me a heart and eyes to see and feel Your love.
You bless me Lord with the desires of my heart. I pray those desires are inspired by Your Word. For today Lord I pray,
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24

Amen.