The Christmas season in America is typically a rush. Literally, the day after Thanksgiving people of all ages go to the malls to get the Black Friday deals. However, what would it be like if we just rested with our family because the isn’t that what holidays and life is all about?
Last Friday was the one year anniversary of one of my loved ones passing. Tati, was my great aunt and had a huge impact on my life. She lived out the art of “be-ing”. The definition of BE: to exist, be present, occur; take place, stay in the same place & condition, etc. It is a simple term that holds weight. Tati taught me the art of be-ing more than anyone else. From sports games to award ceremonies, dance recitals and graduations she was always there. There were even times during the week where she would watch my brother and I. Often times, she would be in the same room with us watching what we wanted, or cooking our favorite meals. Yes, there were times where she fell asleep, but she was still with us. She made a lasting impact by always being intentional in the moments. She did not say much but when she would, her words had impact and are phrases I still remember to this day. The art of be-ing is a selfless act. It turns the desires of your heart into a serving the people around you by asking questions about them, listening to their stories, being with them. It is the posture of being all there and loving those around you with all that you have. Holidays are a great time to be with family. I think we sometimes get distracted by the idea of Christmas that we forget what it is really about, spending undivided time with those who you love so dearly! My challenge to you is to no to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays that you miss out on creating memories with those who matter the most. This reminds me of a story in the Bible…. “Now as they went on their way, Jesus[a] entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching.40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary.[b] Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 Friends and Family, Please do not get distracted this holiday season. Be with those who you love and be fully there. There will be distractions but please do not give into them, press into the time with your loved ones. Forget about what "needs to get done" and sit and be with your family and friends. I had a couple friends over yesterday and I asked the question, “What are you hoping for this holiday season?” They said, “being with family, having quality time with siblings that live in different places.” May this holiday season bring you hope, love and new memories. May you get better at the art of be-ing and truly cherish those who are in your life. After all, the best present you can give your family this Christmas is your presence! The art of be-ing is something I am currently working on. To be present and love anyone who comes in my path. To not get caught up in how things look when I’m hosting friends, but rather keep the dishes in the sink so that I can sit with my guests and catch up with them. Tati has taught me so much on this principle and I know her legacy of how she lived, will live on in our lives.
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What is the source of your HOPE? This week I have been reminded to place my HOPE for ALL things in Christ. HOPE, a powerful force of the mind that believes even when there isn’t a clear path in sight. I have been trying to place my HOPE in Jesus’s plan instead of my current feelings. The Lord has given me encouragement in the future things I am hoping for. He is providing for all my needs. He is reliable, trustworthy and is more than enough. As I began my week, I was searching for purpose and HOPE in this season. Do you place your HOPE in temporary things or are you searching for something eternal? I read this devotional earlier this week, it was called Hope in Waiting. [Flourish by Margaret Feinberg] “To follow Jesus is to live “in-between.” This is hopeful news for those of us who are holding our breath, withering with worry, and dreading tomorrow. In-between jobs. In-between relationships. In-between places to live. In-between paychecks. Like a sculptor, God shapes us while we wait. Like a teacher, God instructs us while we wait. Like a counselor, God settles us while we wait. If we believe God is everywhere at any time, then we must accept that God waits with us in the in-between times. We are never alone. God invites restless souls, like my own, to find respite in him. Not only does he listen to our heart’s cries as we wait, but he blesses us, strengthens us, and renews our HOPE in the process. In the in-between times, God invites us to place the weight of the wait in him, Christ will come again.” Today in church, I was reminded of this truth, “The world is not free of pain, but Jesus stepped in to bring us HOPE.” -Andrew Moroz Jesus’s life is a true testimony of a life lived to bring others HOPE. He was brought into the world to save all people from their sins. He lived a perfect life, free from sin. He was the perfect sacrifice to die the death we deserve so that we could have a relationship with God. He was willing to die so that we could be in relationship with our Father and King! 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 New International Version (NIV) All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin[b] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Truth is life is hard. Transitions are hard. Change is not often loved. We are beings that crave consistency and dependability. However, in a constant changing world, that seems impossible. Let me share some HOPE. Jesus, is also called Emmanuel which means “God with us”. Isaiah 41:10 New International Version (NIV) So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. He has promised not to leave us or forsake us. We do not have to be afraid when we are in the in-between. The Lord goes before us, yet He is right here with us too. God sent Jesus to give us HOPE. No longer are we stuck in our sin, shame, guilt, circumstance. We are loved and called to walk in freedom. We can have HOPE in every situation because God has a divine plan for our lives. So rest in Jesus, trust him with your dreams. Place your HOPE in Him. He is the reason for the season and the best gift of our lives. You are not too far from God, he is calling you to come home, Beloved. Return to the one who knows you better than you know yourself. He wants to give you HOPE and lead you to live the best life he has for you. Check these out! |
AuthorA daughter of the King sharing her experiences and life journey with you. Archives
August 2019
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