by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
If you’ve attempted to balance simplicity with trying to create Christmas memories for the loved and lonely, maybe you’ve found (as I have) that it’s not as easy as it seems. We’re all wired differently, but for me, intentionality is the game changer.
As mentioned in a 2008 Christmas post, we kept a Nesquik® Chocolate yellow box nearby when our boys were growing up. If they behaved, they got to pick one, sometimes two, activities from the box that afternoon. We never knew exactly what we’d be doing that evening but we were intentional about it—and our family created some meaningful memories as a result.
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| The blue hand painted tray is a fave of mine. |
Our boys are now adults with families of their own. Life changes, but wherever we find ourselves this year, it’s never too late to embrace the season in all its beauty and simplicity as we anticipate the celebration of Christ’s birth.
In this same spirit, beginning Monday, December 1st, I’ll be posting one brief, simple way to infuse a meaningful moment into your day during this wondrous season.
I’m excited about this journey! I hope you’ll make plans to join me.
[I know, I know. After this post
from a week ago, it may seem a bit odd that I’m writing about a new Christmas series when we’ve not yet celebrated Thanksgiving, but I’m
taking a blogging break next week. And December will be here before we
know it!]
So from my home to yours, I pray you and yours will have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 100: 5, 6
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
What does God want me to know or learn through this situation?
When Carole, a godly woman in our life group, shared how she often asks herself this question, it was obvious why wisdom follows her wherever she goes. This one question befriended her through the untimely death of her husband a few years ago and a host of everyday situations since.
It’s a simple but profound question grounded in two truths:
- God wants us to know Him and His ways. (John 17:3) It’s proclaimed throughout scripture and most vividly seen through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Because of Him, we can enjoy a relationship with our heavenly Father.
- There is purpose in all things. (Romans 8:28) We won’t always understand situations but knowing that God allowed it to sift through His loving hands for our good and for His glory brings unspeakable comfort and peace.
When we ask God the question What would You have me to know or learn through this situation? we are revealing that our feet are firmly planted in truth, our heart is bent towards His, and that our arms are lifted high in praise, confident that our heavenly Father will not only answer but will do so generously.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5
Go ahead. Ask—and then wait and watch expectantly! (James 1:6)
