Are you ready?
Awake?
Prepared for His presence?
Or are you distracted with your to-do lists? Traditions? Expectations?
For some strange reason, I rather doubt that Martha Stewart is showing up at your house with coordinating ribbons and bows and a high level of perfectionism; unless of course, you care to mimic her actions and invite her in.
Save yourself the bother and bless your family instead with a sweet countenance that radiates the love of Christ. So, if you still have gifts to wrap, feel free to throw them in a brown paper bag, stick a bow on it and call it a day. I am sure they won't mind. Trust me. I have been there, both from a child's perspective and as an adult who has a (recovering), type-A personality!
Whatever it is that you are fretting about or focusing on...I encourage you to dwell on Christ.
Watch this moving video below, and it will put things into perspective. In fact, I watched it last year at this time and it pierced my heart, plus it helped me to stop whining about my situation. I also watched it again at Easter, and my heart was grieved for how we respond all too often towards our Savior. Sometimes we are asleep and distracted with our own kingdom.
So today I am determined to keep my eyes focused on Him.
Seeking Him.
Clinging to Him.
Living for Him as I respect and submit to my husband and as I minister to my little lambs.
I challenge you to do the same as well. Your soul will thank you. (And you can thank me later for the encouragement!) :)
Merry Christmas sister!
What a wonderful post! I just found your blog and it is really moving.
ReplyDeleteI have a questions, though...
What do you mean by "Live a poured out life for the Master,"
Thank you, Ameriah
Hi Ameriah!
ReplyDeleteI am so blessed to hear that you enjoy this part of my heart; my service to the Lord through this blog!
Thanks for asking about what my closing words mean.
I sign all of my posts with, "Live a poured out life for the Master", because it is a reminder to live a life where we should pour ourselves out for Christ; to bring Him glory and/or build His kingdom (rather than expecting Christ to always bless us!) We can live a poured out life for the Master as we give honor and respect to our husband, train up children for God's glory, cleaning toilets with a sweet and loving attitude, minister to the homeless, serve in childcare at church, or write a blog. Whatever it is that God's Word has asked us to do or whatever it is that the Holy Spirit has prompted in your heart, the encouragement and charge is thus to pour out your life for Christ. Be a sweet, smelling aroma to Him. The woman in the scriptures took her Alabaster Jar, which was something very costly, and she poured it out on Christ. She did so because she was grateful for His unconditional love towards her and the forgiveness that He extended to her. I want to be a woman like that! And I want to encourage other women to do that as well. You can read a little more about my thoughts on the Alabaster Jar at my post titled, "What is Your Alabaster Jar?"
Hope that answered your question sweet sister!
Thanks for stopping by and I hope to connect with you again real soon!
jolene