Day 3

Day 3: A little heart-to-heart
Especially during this time of year, I think we all so desperately crave something tangible to bring us all that feeling of warmth and security...and all of these things:

I know that in the next week I will continue to blog about the oodles of stuff that will make me smile a little bigger this Christmas, but I just have to talk about the truth of the matter today: ALL gifts during this time of year come from the giver of all things, our gracious God. I really believe that when we crave something to hold or see that gives us that Christmas-y feeling, what we really are craving is a heart-to-heart with the one who provides it all. We want to experience love deeply and peace strongly and we often get confused at who or what can satisfy those desires. He is who has the power to fill my life all of that, and he promises to draw near to me as I draw near to him.

So, as I shared my life story with my community group last night (yes, we joined a wonderful community group!!!), the Lord was kind to remind me of the incredible hope he has poured out to my life. I struggle on my own. I am so often a consumer of more things and good feelings when I truly need to be consumed with Jesus.

As a part of sharing my story last night, we were asked to share a verse or passage that has had meaning in our life. This is what I chose.

Lamentations 3:22-24
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him."

I know it feels like we just gave thanks at Thanksgiving, but it should never cease...as the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. It is, my friends, a Christmas necessity to ask for the gifts we truly need to sustain us. He can help us put our hope in him. He can bring us joy when we can't muster it up on our own. His message is one of grace and peace and he is waiting for a heart-to-heart with us today.