I MISSED OUT ~

HOLIDAYS ~
We just finished Thanksgiving time and headed right into the Christmas season of shopping.  Stores opened as early as 3pm so shoppers could get a head start on the shopping season.  Many walked away from Thanksgiving time with family and friends to do this.  Trying to find that one special gift for someone cheeper. 


I MISSED OUT ~
On time with you because I wanted to buy gifts.  

The best gift you can give someone is time, but we search for more. Let us not forget what Thanksgiving Day is about and how family comes together.  Not everybody likes each other and going shopping is an easy way out of conversations around a table. Maybe dollars are budgeted and we just need that special price on somethings.  I understand the reasons why, but let us not forget about time with others too. 

CONVERSATION WITH JESUS ~
​There is a story in the Bible about two sisters, one who took the time for Jesus and the other who kept herself busy doing other things.

Luke 10:38-42  New International Version (NIV)
At the Home of Martha and Mary

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary,who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

DISTRACTED ~
Martha was distracted about all the preparations she needed to do.

I ask you today, what distracts you from meeting together (Church) or just taking time for Jesus?  So many reasons I have heard from others and yet we must purpose time with Jesus. A real friend who cares and listens. He guides us so gently in life and we often get mad at him for the things we have done.  God's timing is said to be perfect and I have found that to be true. My very own thoughts can carry me away to peace or sadness. 

Yesterday, was my favorite day of starting Christmas Shopping, but I found myself inside the house most other day alone. Things have changed greatly for me and I find myself a little lost at times of shopping.  I watched Christmas movies that took me away from my now, but lead me into a sad place of thoughts. My family isn't like the family on TV and I can't buy the things I want this year.  So I go back to thinking is it about the gift or the time?  Honestly, it's about both at times.  

I was asked the question by my son, "what do you want for Christmas".  I told him anything would work. I never tell anyone what I want for a birthday, Christmas or any special occasion. I don't want to be disappointed so I say anything.  I have done this since I was a kid.  I remember wanting a bike for Christmas but I didn't get it. I remembering asking Santa for lots of things and never got them.  Children do get disappointed and adults need to be careful how we deal with kids through this season of Santa.  

Most the things I want in life are not material things.  I truly want peace and happiness for my family and friends.  I want their prayers answered and smiles to come.  I want to see the promises of God come to pass for lives that hold onto the impossible dream.  God said that nothing is impossible and we learn to wait. We learn to seek God, ask and knock. The power of God is real and he hears the cry of our hearts. 

PRAYER ~
I do know that prayer works and Jesus answers.  I have seen too many miracles to doubt the power of God.  It's taking holding on and believing from the middle of your heart.  Some unanswered prayers do become good answers prayers too.  Jeremiah 29:11 A plan, A promise and A future becomes very real to me daily.  I know that God's plans are good plans for my life and for you. It takes reaching through some hard times and resting in all seasons of life. Knowing that Jesus is there and nobody that take that love away. He came to rescue us from sin and to allow new beginnings to happen.  Over the years, I have seen so many prayers answered. We can learn from each other and feel hope from stories of testimonies of life. 

Hebrews 10:24-25  New International Version (NIV)And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
​
I don't know what your Christmas wish is or what your prayers are today, but God knows.  I hold on for the readers of my blog and believe that God's best is here for you. Seasons change and we learn to deal with both good and hard things in life.  Please hold on for greater things in this day.  Keep the faith and know that I care too. Don't get distracted from God and purpose time with him. A little praise goes a long ways even in hard times.  God has connected our lives for this day through words on this page and my prayers are with you! 

THROUGH ALL SEASONS ~
​I WILL TRUST THE LORD 

My prayers continue for you, your family and friends daily. I care and hope you can feel that through the words on this page. 
~ Sparkie 

---