And so this is Christmas...

Well, it's Christmas. And over the last couple of weeks I have been reflecting on the year that has passed, and on the year that will come.

One thing I have realised is that although there are some difficult circumstances happening here, I must not allow these things and people to stop me from fulfilling what God has called me to do. No-one can take away what God has called me to do. I can't go beyond it; and the only one who can make me fall short of it is me.

And so, although there are some things that concern me about next year, and even though I couldn't exactly say I'm filled with passion for next year's tasks, I will keep pushing through to see my dreams come to pass. And when the task seems too big for me to do, I must remember that God himself is with me and will supply what I need both within and out of myself to do it.

Not Forgotten

"But Zion said, 'The LORD has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me.'

'Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget,
I will not forget you!

See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands...'"

Isaiah 49:14-16

A woman who is expecting a baby lives nine months in eager anticipation. When the baby arrives, most of what she does revolves around it - caring for it, sustaining it, protecting it, loving it.

What a beautiful picture of God's love. Even though a mother may even forget her own child (as unlikely as that would be), God will not forget his children. He loves us so dearly, we are always on his mind.

Just like a little child, we can rest in his care; safe, secure and at peace because he is always near us.

Total Surrender

God has been continually bringing me to a place of surrender to Him. Sometimes it's hard to just let go, and give God our hopes, our dreams, our deepest desires for our life; but when we do, He is truly able to do miracles through us.

Instead of hanging on to these things, each day I must let go and allow God's love to fulfill me in every way. And it's true - when I simply love and give myself to God, I am the most fulfilled and content person I have ever been.

"But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things."
Philippians 3:7-8 TNIV

Simply Love, That is All

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest.

Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.

Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)

God has been teaching and reminding me lately that life is simply about loving Him, every day, with all my heart. In all the busyness and demands of life, I've gotten tired and lost focus at times. But God keeps bringing me back to the central reason I exist: To love Him.

This is a very light burden to carry: Each day, to get up, and to determine in my heart to love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. Everything else I need to do will take care of itself as I seek Him, and rely on His grace to get me through each day.

It's so simple, isn't it!

Carry Me

"I have cared for you since you were born.
Yes, I carried you before you were born.
I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age.
I made you, and I will care for you.
I will carry you along and save you."

Isaiah 46:3-4 NLT

After several weeks of working pretty much flat out, I've begun to feel a little weary and discouraged. But the Lord reminded me today that He has sustained me for my entire life - through all sorts of good and bad experiences. He has been my strength through it all - and He will continue to carry me through my whole life, until I take my very last breath.

It is He, no one else and nothing else, who sustains me. He is like my food and drink; He is my confidence, my inspiration, my faith, my courage. I pray that I will be able to follow the example of Jesus, who kept persevering, even on the cross. Diligence is an important ingredient for fruitfulness.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9 TNIV).

Rescue Me

What do women want? I think that deep within the heart of the average woman is the desire for a hero; a brave, dashing man who she could adore, who would sweep her off her feet with his love. This is the kind of man who would walk across broken glass for her, who would cherish and protect her, one who would call her beautiful and treat her accordingly.

And yet, most men we meet are pretty disappointing. Something has taken the dashing-ness out of today's man, instead, people want him to be tame. Many men do not treasure nor cherish the women in their life; they are more likely to use, abuse, or abandon them.

Did you know, however, that most women have missed their hero? A strong, brave man, who has gave up his life to win their heart? A man who tenderly cares for and empowers women to be all they can be? This man is Jesus! In Him I have discovered everything I need. He has rescued me from hell, and fights for me so that I can be all I was designed to be. His friendship and love never leave me. I am happy to serve him as my heavenly Master, and he graciously gives me all I need and more. Most of all, his love for me never ever dies, even when I let him down.

God calls men everywhere to imitate Jesus, which is what it means to be real hero. Men who are husbands, as well as those who are not, are called to be heroes to the women around them. They are called to represent and set an example of Christ to the women in their lives, and to treat them as Jesus treats them.

So, men, if you want a princess to rescue, look around you. Be a hero, just like Jesus, to the women in your life, and watch them be set free to be the beautiful, graceful, world-shaking women God has called them to be!

the Wonderful Gazing

The deepest part of my being responds to God.
I find Him, not as an unfamiliar character,
but a One so much better than the nicest things
I have ever seen, felt, heard, and loved.
He Is what the best version of me wants to emulate.
He is not far off, but Near,
not Unlike; but on the other hand,
infinitely more Great
than the greatest parts of myself.

His and my heart lock hands,
because they were Meant to be together.
He needs me not, of course;
but Reached toward me anyway.
I don't ever attain to His limitless Good,
But my life is a Wonderful Gazing
toward His Loving Face,
Small shreds of his Likeness
Being shown in mine.