No Tree????

It's hard to believe  we are so close to Christmas.

We've been ordering gifts online.

No holiday crowds to deal with this year! 

I ordered a new Christmas tree this year...online.

The tracking number says it should have been delivered on December 5th.....hmmmmm.

It really doesn't matter, I guess....not having a tree won't stop Christmas.

I might not be able to count on man to get the tree here....but I can always count on "the reason for the season".

My holiday does not depend on a decorated tree.

It's what I believe in...and that is the birth of Jesus Christ.

When I sit down, and think about  Jesus leaving the throne room, to live on this place called earth....it is overwhelming!

Everyday of His life, the shadow of the cross moved closer. The sounds of pounding nails must have echoed in His ears. Knowing what His purpose was, He stayed true to the Father.

Having to live day to day, with no roof over His head, no bed to sleep on, no readily available food source, with just the clothes on His back....living through the rain, and cold, and wind....from the throne, to the earth.

How could He keep going?

Because He had the hope set before Him.

The fervent expectation of seeing us face to face, free from sin and death.

Dying as the scapegoat for  MY sins!

Nothing I could ever do would earn what Jesus did for me.

Grace and mercy.

By His grace, and mercy I am healed, and delivered from sin and death.

Praise God!!!

 I don't need a tree....I need Jesus!  It's not a matter of how many lights are lit, or how many decorations I have...it's a matter of the heart, and what I believe to be the truth.  I might not have a Christmas tree this year....but I will always have Jesus!!

Enjoy every moment.

xo

I Choose Joy.

Now that I have my computer back, getting back to blogging has been a pleasure.

Now, if I could only get the print working again. This is not the font I chose, but it works!

I struggled to get into the Christmas decorating mode this year.

It's difficult to feel all cheery when the whole world seems to be a mess.

I cannot let myself get all caught up in the situation.

My focus needs to be on Jesus.

I have to consciously put everything into perspective.

When I look at life, I see it as a blip....when I think of eternity, it goes on with no end!

I cherish my family, friends, and church family.

Surrounding myself with loved ones brings me happiness.

Being in the presence of God brings joy to my soul!

I've made up my mind to trust God in this "mess", and realize that He is in control of all things!

His plan supersedes anything that might seem to be hopeless.

My hope is not in this world...it is in Christ!

I choose joy.

In doing that, I am able to "enjoy" this season.

 Jesus said He will never leave, or forsake me....all fear is gone.

I will go about the days ahead with joy in my heart, and hope in my spirit.  xo

The first day of the New Year.

The first day of the New Year.

The day of new beginnings, promises, resolutions, changes, improvements, and in some cases moving in a new direction.

Realizing a need for change, and improvement in our lives is a good thing.

There is something I take comfort in always staying the same, however.....and that is God's everlasting LOVE.

He remains the same.

His love is constant.

He is the same as He was yesterday, today, and will be tomorrow.

I cannot "earn" His Grace and Mercy.

They are given, as is His Love....gifts to those humble enough to repent (change their heart), and accept what Jesus did for them on the cross, as the sacrificial lamb....shedding His blood for the forgiveness of sin once and for all.

I am assured of that unchanging love, and forgiveness each and every time I fall short of the glory.

He will NEVER leave me, nor forsake me....ever!!

I will continually strive to become more like Jesus.

It is my hope, that when I stand before Him, or fall to my knees....the changes made in my life will be those that  have been from Glory to Glory.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all would seek the same thing for 2020? The peace that transcends all understanding for a hurting world.
In His Love.
Debbie
xo