Encouragement for Today

[Judy Harder]

 December 13, 2012

The Slop Bucket
Lysa TerKeurst


"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken." - Psalm 55:22 (NIV)

Recently I met a friend for coffee.

This is one of the great bonuses of having my son home from college. He needs money. I need time. My daughters need activity. So he took them to an indoor fun center that is the delight to many a child.

Not that I was feeling like I needed a break from all the family togetherness.

But my friend needed me.

So, we met and chatted and processed a situation I wish we didn't have to process — mean people.

I know I should say that people aren't mean. Sometimes people just do mean things.

And I know there are always two sides to every story. Glory be do I ever realize there are two sides. But during the holidays when "nice" is usually served up in high fashion, even the slightest meanness can seem really huge.

And knowing that in years past, my friend had spent way too many days crying during the holidays made me sad. For her. For the people who were mean to her during this time. For the reality that we Christians can be mean sometimes. We can be sharp and cutting and too tired to find the right words.

Not long ago, I got an email from someone who was too tired to find the right words. I still don't understand what caused her to be in such a tiff. And though I made my fingers type words back to her that were gentle and graceful, I will admit that what I really wanted to do was get in her face and tell her a thing or two. Boy did I have the perfect comeback. Because I can be mean. Just like those people who hurt my friend.

We are all more alike than we care to admit.

And not that I want to wax philosophical today, but here I go anyhow.

There's a bucket inside each heart where hurts are dumped. Little hurts, big hurts, past hurts—they all get dumped into this slop bucket. We think we're fine because the hurts are contained. We think we've dealt with the hurts because they aren't rising to the surface that often. But then someone comes along and kicks that slop bucket with a mean word or two and it spills over.

Sloshing. Spilling. Leaking. Staining. And every word we speak in response carries some of what's in our slop bucket.

So here's the thing.

Slop can be good if it's been turned into compassion. Some people have let Jesus touch their slop, mixing in mercy, grace, forgiveness, and a love that reaches just beyond what we're capable of on our own.

But too many of us have let our slop bucket sit and ferment in pride, resistance, our right to be right, and bitterness that cuts off our potential to grow into the woman we're designed to become. So, instead of compassion, the harshest judgment drips out with each of our words.

Compassion. Judgment. The reality that every girl has a slop bucket.

These are good things to think about over coffee when you've sent your kids away to play.

Dear Lord, You are worthy to be praised! Help me lean on You to heal all of my hurts and frustrations. I know that only You can change my slop into compassion, and for that I am grateful. Soften my heart, Lord, and continue to transform me into the woman You designed me to become. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Lysa TerKeurst's New York Times best selling book, Unglued, will help you learn how to control your emotions and reactions in any situation.

Give the gift that keeps on giving! Your friends will thank you when you purchase an Unglued Bible Study bundle for all of you to enjoy together.

Reflect and Respond:
Have you been allowing God to mix love and compassion into your slop bucket?

Write down a real life response you gave to someone while operating out of negative feelings. Underline hurtful words and replace them with helpful ones. Practice this technique several times until reacting in a positive way is more natural than reacting negatively.

Power Verses:
Ezekiel 36:26-27, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws." (NIV)

© 2012 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 December 14, 2012

A Gift for Him
Suzie Eller


"Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God..." - Psalm 50:14 (NLT)

I love presents. It's not about what is in the package, but unwrapping the surprise and knowing a loved one thought of me when they chose it.

I also love giving gifts. Recently I found a very old package of baseball cards at an estate sale. They were less than five dollars, and I know they will light up my son's face when he opens his stocking on Christmas day.

As Christmas approaches, gift giving is on our minds. We draw names. We plan out the Christmas list. Some of us get up before the sun to find incredible sales.

But as the actual day approaches, there is one gift we can give that is meaningful.

We can thank God.

Long before the cross, people labored to find the perfect gift to give Him. They brought sacrifices to honor God, but in Psalm 50:14a we hear a plea: "Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God..." It is a heart plea of a God who desires an intimate relationship with His people.

What could happen if this Christmas we offered Him exactly what is on His list?

I believe it would shift our heart away from our stressful to-do lists to thank Him for all the miracles around us.

God, thank You for my child who is healthy.

Thank You for my husband who loves us all so well.

Thank You for this hot meal prepared by hands of love.

God, have I told You how grateful I am for the warm home and covers to sleep under at night?

As we begin to offer our gifts of thankfulness, like layers of sparkling tissue paper, more is revealed beneath. We dig deeper to see all that we've received.

Thank You, God, that You saw me as a young teen and showed me love.

Thank You for that time at my son's hospital bed that You helped me make it through one more night.

Thank You for the time I needed mercy and found it in Your presence.

Christmas is a celebration of the ultimate gift, but family, finances, or just plain ole stress can cause this special day to dim. Offering up a gift of thankfulness has the power to give those things their rightful place as gratitude rises to the top.

Will you join me between now and December 25th to hold up a daily gift of thanks to Him?

Dear Lord, Christmas often gets lost in all the busyness and details, but for today I will stop and offer you a gift. I am grateful for all the good things You have given. Help me to celebrate this season with a heart of gratitude. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Visit Suzie Eller's blog for "gratitude conversation starters" that will help you begin each day with a gift of thankfulness.

Cultivating a Heart of Contentment by Micca Campbell (audio)

Stress-Lessed Living by Tracie Miles

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Reflect and Respond:
"Thou who hast given so much to me, give me one more thing - a grateful heart!"
~ George Herbert

If gratitude doesn't come easily, begin to offer up a "sacrifice" of praise (Hebrews 13:15) daily. Let the words of your mouth convince your heart.

Power Verse:
Psalm 50:23, "But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God." (NLT)

© 2012 by Suzie Eller. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 December 17, 2012

The Hardest Days — God Uses Them for Good
Sharon Glasgow


"You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples." - Psalm 77:14 (NIV 1984)

Our Christmas festivities came to a halt last year when a speeding car slammed into us at a stoplight. Presents, goodies and Christmas lists crashed to the floor. Thankfully the rescue squad and police arrived quickly and requested we go to the hospital.

However, we were hours from home and had a million things left on our holiday to-do list. With reservation, and minimalizing the bumps and bruises, we agreed we felt fine, and the emergency crew let us leave.

But my husband Dale really didn't feel well. By the next morning that "not right" feeling took center stage. We sensed something was seriously wrong with his heart.

In less than one full day, we ended up calling 911 twice. Again they responded quickly, sending a rescue team to our home. My husband Dale, with me by his side, was rushed to the emergency room.

Thankfully we weren't alone. My brother-in-law Tom followed behind the ambulance with our daughters. And our friend Todd heard what was going on and also headed to the hospital.

While waiting in the emergency room, Todd and Tom talked about the mission Tom leads in East Africa. He explained how he was looking for resources to help put wells in place for thousands who don't have access to clean water. Todd recalled a conversation he'd had with a friend just the night before. Amazingly, she'd shared her deep desire to fund, of all things, wells in Africa.

Without missing a beat, Todd called his friend and explained Tom's needs for the people of East Africa. This generous woman immediately gave money to dig wells that would serve 5000 people.

While God was orchestrating the miracle of clean water, He was also performing a healing on my husband. The doctors recorded that Dale had suffered a heart attack caused by the car accident. Our family and friends prayed over him and incredibly he began to feel as good as new. The next day the diagnosis "heart attack" was wiped off Dale's chart and the doctor's released him to go home. He was healed!

What a whirlwind of activity! In less than 24 hours we'd been in a wreck, Dale was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with a heart attack, a connection was made that provided thousands with clean water in Africa, and Dale was released from the hospital with a clean bill of health, completely healed!

I'll be honest—those 24 hours were awfully hard to endure and totally derailed my holiday plans. I wouldn't want to go through them again. Car accidents and emergency hospital visits aren't something anyone ever wants, especially during Christmas. It's supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year!

In the moment it was incredibly difficult, yet in hindsight it all actually was wonderful. During a time of the year when we celebrate one of God's greatest miracles—the birth of Jesus—we got to witness several awe-inspiring miracles. God used the very hard circumstances we went through to display His power ... not only in that local hospital to save Dale's life, but also to people across the world, saving many lives in Africa through clean water.

Let's be on the lookout during this holiday season to see the Lord at work. His Word promises in Psalm 77:14 that God performs miracles and shows His power. How is He doing those things in your life today?

Dear Lord, open my eyes to what You are doing in the middle of circumstances that are outside of my plans. Help me to keep my eyes on You and Your power over all things. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Jesus?

Would you like to bring a life-changing message to the women of your church? Click here to find out more about considering Sharon Glasgow as your next event or keynote speaker.

For a fresh way to read Scripture, you might enjoy the Chronological Bible.

For more on this topic, including a Christmas giveaway, visit Sharon's blog.

Reflect and Respond:
Have you had circumstances happen that weren't what you planned for Christmas? Have you seen God working through the hardships?

Ask Him to show you how He will use it for good.

Power Verses:
Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (NKJV)

Exodus 15:11, "Who among the gods is like you, O LORD? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?" (NIV 1984)

© 2012 by Sharon Glasgow. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

December 18, 2012

Adjusting Our Holiday Focus
Tracie Miles


"But the Lord said to her, My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her." - Luke 10:41-42 (NLT)

As I stared at the wood floor covered in shattered ornaments and tangled lights, tears welled in my eyes. The frustration and sadness over my fallen Christmas tree had finally pushed me to the breaking point. This wasn't the first time my carefully decorated tree had crashed to the floor that week. It was the fourth.

After securing our top-heavy tree in its stand, my family and I hung decorations on each branch. When finished, we turned on the sparkling lights and stepped back to gaze at our accomplishment.

We cherished that moment ... and did our best to cherish it again after the second round of decorating. But after the tree fell a third time and the surviving ornaments were sparse, the task of decorating became a chore.

When the tree crashed in the middle of the night—for the fourth time—I loudly vowed to never have a Christmas tree again.

I let that tree steal my Christmas joy, and replaced it with frustration and a small dose of anger. Winning the battle with this tree had consumed way more of my energy and emotions than it should have. Before I knew it, I'd completely lost my focus on what really mattered.

In Luke 10:41-42, Jesus tells Martha she's lost focus. Martha was so consumed with planning the perfect dinner party for Jesus, and making sure she completed all her important tasks, she was too distracted with 'things' to make Jesus her focal point. She also got frustrated with her sister Mary's lack of help, which left her feeling agitated and upset.

So when she voiced her irritation to Jesus, He quickly, yet gently, reminded Martha that she was worried about details that didn't matter. He wasn't concerned with fancy food, a perfectly decorated house, or clean kitchen. He wasn't impressed with all the 'things' she was doing. He only wanted her to realign her priorities and fix her attention on Him.

Christmas is when we turn our focus to the birth of Jesus. Yet it's often where we get most distracted by a variety of 'things.' We stress about what gifts to buy and how much they will cost. We fret over what to wear to parties. We feel anxious about gaining a few pounds from indulging in holiday goodies. We work ourselves into a tizzy decorating. We cook and clean to prepare for special guests.

We can be concerned about many things and forget to be centered on the One who really matters.

Just as Martha allowed busyness to cause her to lose focus on Jesus, we can fall into that trap during the holidays. However, it may not always be activities that distract, but concerns over finances, stress over family get-togethers, or yes, even an unstable Christmas tree. It's easy to inadvertently let the chaos of the season lure us away from the joy found in Jesus, the most important thing.

Let's be deliberate to adjust our focus this year on the birth of our sweet Savior, and avoid being engulfed by holiday stress. This change of heart could be the start of a great tradition. One where we remember to celebrate that Jesus truly is the reason for the season.

Dear Lord, I can tend to get stressed during the holidays. Help me adjust my focus to stay on You, and not get distracted or frustrated by problems or obligations during the Christmas season. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

In her new book, Stressed-Less Living: Finding God's Peace in Your Chaotic World, Tracie Miles helps you assess the toll that stress might be taking on your heart, mind and body throughout the year, not just at Christmas. If you'd like to learn how to tap into God's peace in the midst of stressful times, click here.

Click here for 7 Ways to De-stress Your Holidays.

Visit Tracie's blog to find out how you can claim 7 Free Gifts, including a great budget-friendly Christmas gift idea! Offer ends December 24th at midnight ... don't delay!

Celebrating a Christ Centered Christmas by Sharon Jaynes

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Reflect and Respond:
Have you allowed a frustration or disappointment to pull you away from focusing on the reason to celebrate Christmas?

It's not too late to adjust your holiday plans or activities so you can stay focused on Jesus, not all the holiday distractions.

Power Verse:
Colossians 3:2, "Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth." (NLT)

© 2012 by Tracie Miles. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 December 19, 2012

How Do I Pray for the Families of Sandy Hook?
Lysa TerKeurst


"Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off." Proverbs 24:14

There are things mommies aren't ever supposed to find.

They aren't supposed to find themselves in a firehouse frantically looking for their child.

They aren't supposed to find their child's name on a list of those who won't be coming home. They aren't supposed to find a dress to wear to their child's funeral.

They aren't supposed to turn their calendar and find a date circled for the birthday party they were supposed to be planning next month. The one that won't be.

Or walk to the mailbox and find their child's dentist appointment reminder card. The receptionist forgot to pull that one out.

Or find a book they know their child would love. Only half way to the checkout counter they remember, their child is gone.

They aren't supposed to find these things.

They aren't supposed to find that grieving for a child is like navigating a path with chasms so wide their continued steps seem impossible. Terrifying. Hopeless.

I know these chasms. I watched my mom stare at them. I saw her wish she could fall in them and never have to take another painful step. I wept over everything she found reminding her my sister was gone.

That's how I know what God would have me pray right now. For the families of the loved ones that lost so much last Friday. But especially for the mommies.

The mommies that even right now are finding things no mommy should have to find.

I want my prayers to slip into those chasms and somehow fill them. I am asking God to show me. Make me aware of the specific things those mommies might find in the months to come.

When the black dresses are hanging in the closets. The media has packed up and gone home. The cards stop coming. The neighbors' lives go back to normal.

And in the quietness of her own grief that mommy finds something. Something that breaks her heart all over again. And in that space of pure grief, she feels horrifically alone.

Please Lord, let my prayers go there. Prick my heart to fill that chasm with layers of prayers from my mommy heart. Let me take the deep grief of that moment so she doesn't have to be so alone.

Though she won't see me or hear my prayers, may she feel an unexplainable sense of Your presence. And know. You.

That's what I pray she does find. You. With her. Comfort. Peace. Healing. Hope.

Oh God, show us how to pray.

Dear Lord, thank You that Your Son and Holy Spirit pray for us when we don't have words. Please fill in the gaps of my prayers, but also help me respond when You prompt me to pray for the hurting. It's only by Your sufficient grace we can do this. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Reflect and Respond:
Let's be a people of prayer. Please leave a prayer on Lysa's blog for the family and friends, teachers and first responders, churches and community organizations, of Sandy Hook, Connecticut.

Power Verses:
Ephesians 6:8, "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people." (NIV)

Romans 8:26, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." (NIV)

© 2012 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

December 20, 2012

How to Stay Home and Change the World
Karen Ehman


"And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature [of the whole human race]." Mark 16:15 (AMP)

When I was sixteen I wanted to change the world for Christ. I'd just begun my relationship with God after being introduced to Him at a youth retreat. Soon afterward, I started attending a missions-minded church. They told stories of people in far off lands who needed to hear about Jesus.

My plan was to someday go far away and help. Maybe I'd take clean water or medicine or teach them a new skill. But more than anything, I wanted to tell people about the Lord, introducing them to the God I loved and the Bible I couldn't put down. That was my plan ... or so I thought.

Instead, today I am a work-from-home mom with a limited budget, a used computer and yet an unchanged desire. I still want to change lives with the love of Christ. Thankfully, He's shown me I don't need to leave home to do that.

And you don't either. We can change the world from our very own homes. All we need is a little money, a mouse to click and a desire to tell the Good News. Then, we can be part of the charge in Mark 16:15 to "Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature [of the whole human race]." We women can band together and pool our resources to tell the world about Jesus.

How do I know this is possible? For the past eight years, I've served God through Proverbs 31 Ministries from my home. And God is doing exciting things through this ministry.

Just this past year we impacted the lives of over 500,000 women daily through our Encouragement for Today devotions. We also celebrated with over 4,000 women who made first time commitments and gave their lives to Jesus through our events and online ministries. The staff in our tiny office also responded to over 10,000 prayer requests and counseled thousands of women in crisis and intervened to stop suicide attempts, divorces and more.

I get to be a part of what God is doing by serving and my own personal donations. And along with me, so does everyone who gives something to Proverbs 31 Ministries.

We value every gift and giver. The ones who give hundreds ... the ones who go without lattes each month and share their saved $25 ... the ones who donate $5. Yes, even $5 makes a big impact.

We might not be building wells to provide clean water, but we give women stuck in sadness or sin hope of a life in Christ.

We might not be dispensing medicine, but we point women to the Healer who can make their spirits whole.

We may not be teaching basic life skills such as planting and harvesting, but we teach needed skills such as how to study the Bible, forgive and mend a friendship, strengthen a marriage, and connect with children.

Do you want to change the world by offering hope, help, and even life, from your home? We'd love for you to join us. When we give our collective "littles," God transforms them into a big movement that will alter lives both now and for eternity.

Dear Lord, thank You for the countless blessings You give me every day. Food. Shelter. Family. Friends. Please take my little, transform it with Your touch, and use it to bring more people into Your Kingdom as they experience and respond to the Good News of Christ. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Will you join us in serving Jesus as we seek to change the world with His hope, right from your very own home? Our staff, speaker team and board of directors has created a matching gift fund. Click here to find out how your donation can be doubled.

Visit our website to see a simple way you can be a crucial part of the Proverbs 31 Ministries team and impact another person's life for God ... for good.

Reflect and Respond:
When did you first hear of the Good News of Christ? Who told you? How did they share it with you?

What real needs do you see in the lives of women around you that you can meet?

Power Verses:
John 20:21, "Again Jesus said, 'Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.'" (NIV)

© 2012 by Karen Ehman. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 December 21, 2012

Looking Around
Rachel Olsen


"Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap." Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NIV)

Do you ever look around at other women and wonder how in the world they get so much done?

Me too.

It's frustrating to feel that you are somehow falling behind, or missing out on all the things you want to accomplish because you just can't seem to make it happen.

So I started to analyze why it was others seemed to get more done than I did. Why did they reap more than me?

Was I just not cut out to run at as fast a pace as them?

I suspect there may be some truth to that. We all know people we'd classify as "high energy." Note: I'm energetic, but I'm not one of those perky morning people that I dislike, uh, er ...admire. Okay, envy.

Was I just in a different season of life? I still have kids in the home - kids who cannot drive. Certain seasons of mothering or care-taking can be busier.

But the more I thought about it, the more I realized these were not the full crux of my problem.

No, the crux of my problem was waiting for everything to be perfect before I moved forward. If I didn't feel I could do something "right," I often didn't do it at all. If I couldn't control each move, or the outcome, I waited rather than began. And that meant a lot of things sat either un-started or unfinished.

Home improvement projects.

Sewing projects.

Writing projects.

Work projects.

Even my elaborate study-the-Bible plans.

I spent a lot of time waiting until I felt fully ready, and all conditions seemed ripe before I would begin. That was a lot of time wasted. In fact, when I reflect on the things I have accomplished in life, I'm not sure I've ever felt fully ready for any of them when I started.

I wanted ideal conditions. A primary lesson in the book of Ecclesiastes is learning to distinguish between the things we have control over, and the things we don't. For instance, we can't control the weather, the aging process, or the job market. Trying to control such things is futile. And waiting for the climate, our appearance or the work industry to be perfect before we embark on our dreams is just as useless.

Will we never plan a picnic because it could rain? Will we not bother exercising because we're going to die at some point? Will we put off training for that new job we've always wanted because the economy could turn?

The message of Ecclesiastes 11:4 is: Stop procrastinating! Don't be overly cautious. Quit waiting on perfection. Staring at the clouds stops you from sowing, which ultimately limits your reaping.

True, the conditions might not be perfect. Your efforts might fail. Or they might have to be repeated for months before they yield significant results. But they also might succeed! And you don't know in advance what is going to work.

Nothing will work, however, if we do not.

We can't control the rain, the locusts of life, or the size of our harvest. But we control the planting. And nothing grows that isn't first planted with energy and fertilized with prayer.

Ecclesiastes teaches us our inability to control the future should lead us into diligent work, not into depressed daydreaming while we watch clouds - and others - go by.

While we can't control everything, we can do something about one thing. She who stares at the clouds - waiting - does not reap. But she who plants, reaps.

Dear Lord, forgive me for the time I've wasted waiting for ideal conditions. Waiting until I felt sure I could succeed. I want to move out in faith. I want to plant and reap. I want to be a good steward of the time and opportunities You afford me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Lose the long list of resolutions — all your sweeping promises to change — and do something about one thing this year instead of nothing about everything. In Rachel Olsen's newest book, My One Word, she and co-author Mike Ashcroft lead you in choosing just one word that represents what you most hope God will do in you, and focus on it for an entire year. Pick up your copy by clicking here!

Need some more help overcoming procrastination? Visit Rachel's blog today.

We offer a ton of encouragement on our Facebook community. Click here and "Like" our page.

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Reflect and Respond:
What have you been putting off doing?

How does procrastination, fear, or perfectionism prevent you from being a good steward of God's opportunities and callings?

Power Verses:
Philippians 4:13, "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (NIV)

Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (NIV)

© 2012 by Rachel Olsen. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 December 24, 2012

Giving, Not Getting
Karen Ehman


"A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families ..." - Psalm 68:5-6 (NIV 1984)

"It's the most wonderful time of the year!" The loudspeaker blared out the joyful lyrics of the familiar holiday song that snowy Christmas Eve afternoon.

Everywhere I glanced, people were searching for last-minute gift purchases, holiday baking ingredients or that one final string of twinkle lights that would make their Christmas downright Norman Rockwell perfect.

However, as I stood in line paying for the ingredients for my assigned Cheesy Potato casserole for our family gathering, a lump formed in my throat. Soon my lips quivered and hot tears fell onto my wind-chapped cheeks.

How can everyone be so happy? Why is the world going on as if nothing happened? My friend Julie died last night leaving behind a husband and eight children who need her. Doesn't anyone care?

I wanted to scream. And I wanted Christmas to be cancelled that year. There was no holiday cheer in me and I thought the rest of the world should follow suit and just 'humbug' the whole celebration.

Our family made it through that holiday. My young children, although sad about their friends' mother's death, perked up Christmas morning, eager to open their gifts. My husband and I carried on with our normal life and, over the next few months, tried to help lighten the load of our now widower friend.

Several in our circle of friends made meals on a weekly basis. A college girl offered to clean their home. One of Julie's sons joined our homeschool for kindergarten a few days each week. Although we still experienced great heartache knowing our friend wasn't coming back, lightening her husband's load and cheering the children made us feel as if we were fulfilling the mission God had for us.

Ever since that year, our family has become even more aware of the fact that for many, Christmas isn't the most wonderful time of the year. It is downright painful.

Loneliness looms. Depressions darken. Even suicides soar. While scores of us delight in the season, drinking the sights, sounds and smells, others are numb from pain and despise the season.

And so I'm reminded of what a sweet neighbor of mine once told me, "Christmas is an excuse for making someone's life better." She was so right! There are souls waiting to be encouraged and included at the holidays. If only we would cease our own sometimes self-focused hustle and bustle long enough to see!

After that sad season, we've made it our mission to reach out at the holidays more than we play the commercialized "gimmee game."

Christmas is not about getting. Its very essence is giving.

When our family has been intentional about being Jesus' hands and feet at the holidays, He has allowed us to brighten the lives of many. We sing Christmas carols to shut-ins, decorate homes and address Christmas cards for widows, shop for the needy, bake for the brokenhearted, and often include the lonely in our normal Christmas activities as if they were part of our family.

Because really, they are. Maybe it is your family God wants to set a lonely soul in this year.

Let's vow this Christmas to make someone's life better, richer in love, and fuller in the comforts of knowing they are noticed and cared for.

Dear Lord, at this time when You sent Christ to earth, may I too reach out to make someone's life richer, fuller and far less lonely. I want to be Your hands and feet. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Want an unhurried holiday? Visit Karen's blog to sign up to receive by email her 5-Days "From Chaos to Calm: The LET. IT. GO. Christmas Challenge."

LET. IT. GO.: How to Stop Running the Show and Start Walking in Faith by Karen Ehman

Reflect and Respond:
Gather the family. Solicit responses to the following questions, "Who do you know that might be lonely at Christmas this year? Now, what creative way could we help to combat their loneliness and make them feel loved?"

List the action steps you will take to make these ideas a reality. Mark the calendar to ensure it happens.

Has there ever been a holiday season where you felt gloomy or alone? Did anyone do something to make you feel loved and included?

How can reaching out to the lonely be a reflection of God reaching down from heaven to us on that very first Christmas?

Power Verses:
Matthew 25:40, "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" (NIV)

© 2012 by Karen Ehman. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

December 25, 2012

A Christmas Prayer
Renee Swope


"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)

Thousands of years ago God gave us the gift of His one and only Son, born in a humble manger. Making room in our hearts for Jesus through prayer during this busy day is a gift we give to Him, and ourselves. Right now, let's quiet our racing thoughts and take a moment to enjoy the hush of Immanuel—God with us.

The Manger of My Heart
This Christmas, Lord, come to the manger of my heart.
Fill me with Your presence from the very start.
As I prepare for this Holy day and gifts to be given,
Remind me of the gift You gave when You sent Your Son from Heaven.

The first Christmas gift, it was the greatest gift ever.
You came as a baby born in a manger.
Wrapped like the gifts I find under my tree,
Waiting to be opened, to reveal Your love to me.

Restore to me the wonder that came with Jesus' birth,
when He left the riches of Heaven and wrapped Himself in rags of earth.
Immanuel, God with us, Your presence came that night.
And angels announced, "Into your darkness, God brings His Light."

"Do not be afraid," they said, to shepherds in the field.
Speak to my heart today, Lord, and help me to yield.
Make me like those shepherd boys, obedient to Your call.
Setting distractions and worries aside, to You I surrender them all.

Surround me with Your presence, Lord, I long to hear Your voice.
Clear my mind of countless concerns and all the holiday noise.
Slow me down this Christmas, let me not be in a rush.
In the midst of parties and planning, I want to feel Your hush.

This Christmas, Jesus, come to the manger of my heart.
Invade my soul like Bethlehem, bringing peace to every part.
Dwell within and around me, as I unwrap Your presence each day.
Keep me close to You, Lord. It's in Your wonderful Name I pray.

God's presence in our lives is a gift we can open not only today but every day of the year.

Dear Lord, I'm so thankful for the gift of Jesus, Immanuel, my God with me. Help me be still when I feel frazzled and remember You are God. I want to make room for You in the manger of my heart this Christmas and unwrap Your presence each day. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Reflect and Respond:
When you feel anxious, empty or stressed, pause and pray each word of today's Christmas prayer. Why not print it and share it with family today? To find out how you can receive a printable version to frame, click here.

Power Verses:
Psalm 91:1-2, "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'" (NIV)

© 2012 by Renee Swope. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 December 26, 2012

Remembering
Samantha Reed


"Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old." - Psalm 25:6 (NIV)

I sometimes struggle to see how God's Word applies to me and my life. Especially when I've been waiting a long time for some prayers to be answered. For hearts of loved ones to fully turn to Jesus. For manna to rain from heaven.

The funny thing about waiting is it can be all-consuming. It inhales my attention, chews my focus and swallows my thoughts, leaving me in a place of uncertainty and doubt. I forget God's power to fulfill my hopes for prayers answered. Its then, when I can't see how He's going to bring things to pass, I have to rely on His faithfulness in the past.

Remembering God's faithfulness in other's lives in Scripture, reminds us of His faithfulness in our own.

When the waters rise, you've waited long for rescue and you feel God's forgotten, remember... Genesis 8:1*: But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded.

When dust and debris threaten to replace passions, dreams and callings and you feel God's forgotten, remember... Genesis 9:15: I will remember my covenant between me and you.

When the pitter-patter of little feet is silent and you feel God's forgotten, remember... Genesis 30:22: Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and enabled her to conceive.

When fear, worry, doubt and anxiety enslave and you feel God's forgotten, remember... Exodus 2:23a, 24a, 25b: During that long period...The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out...God heard their groaning and he remembered... and was concerned about them.

When you can't sleep and restlessness sets in, remember... Psalm 63:6-7: On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

When guilt consumes and you fear God will never forget your sins, remember... Isaiah 43:25: I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.

When all hope is lost, remember... Luke 24:6a-7: He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you...'The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'

When your marriage comes back from the brink of despair, remember... Deuteronomy 8:2: Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness.

When dreams come true and you're thriving in your calling, remember... 1 Chronicles 16:12a, 15: Remember the wonders he has done... He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations...

Recalling these accounts in Scripture helps me remember His goodness in my own life. When I can't see how He is moving on my behalf, I choose to remember that He promises to be just as present and faithful to me and you today as He was for others in the past.

When joy surrounds. When sorrow clobbers. When all's right in our world. When the bottom drops out. When we feel loved and cherished. When we feel abandoned and alone, let'sremember... They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer. (Psalm 78:35)

Dear Lord, Your love and Your grace never fail. Please help me remember this today and always. Thank You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Have you met this God who is always faithful?

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp

Share God's faithfulness to those in need by supporting a child through Compassion International.

Reflect and Respond:
Remember times God has been faithful to you. Recount those out loud today.

Focus on the everyday miracles that remind us of God's faithfulness like waking up and breathing.

Great is thy faithfulness, O God my father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been, Thou for ever will be
Great is thy faithfulness, Great is thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed thy hand hath provided
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me. ~Thomas Chisolm

Power Verses:
Psalm 143:5, "I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done." (NIV)

Jeremiah 31:34b, "I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." (ESV)

*All verses NIV

© 2012 by Samantha Reed. All rights reserved.