Simply Christmas

Beyond the strings of twinkling lights, passed the holly and beneath the decorations that provide a reminder of many yesterdays, is Christmas. Christmas doesn't require snow, fancy gift wrap or overstated grandeur. It arrives just as is has for over two thousand year with simple beauty, incredible joy and the promise of God's never ending love. Ready or not, just as it was the very first Christmas, the day is here. 

Imagine the emotion of the first ever Christmas. The wonder, joy, peace and beauty of the simple and humble arrival of the Christ child wasn't intended to end that day. Jesus lives today as he did that day in a manger and he continues to fill us up with the truth of His glory. It is simply Christmas that changed our lives from despair to miraculous. 

So put away the hustle and bustle, lighten up your "to do before December 25th" list, and spend time in the presence of the God of miracles and wonders. It is not the presents of Christmas but God's presence in your life that matters. Experience the simple beauty of Jesus. He is the most incredible Christmas gift you could ever receive.

And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 1 John 5:11

Soul Space

Photo Credit Dean Johnson

There is a space in your life that only God can fill. You can't see it or feel it like other parts of your being. It resides within your spirit and much like your beating heart it is constantly moving, sustaining, and providing. It is your soul space. That unique, everlasting part of you created to connect you to eternity. Your soul space needs attention and care like the rest of you. It flourishes and thrives on love, kindness and alignment with your creator - God. 

How are you caring for your soul and what is filling up your soul space? Are you feeding it daily with the Word or are you starving it because you spend time only in earthly things including stress, worry, negativity and grief? Much like your diet and filling your body with healthy foods and nourishment, your soul needs to be filled up in a positive way. 

Today is a great day to step away and pause for a soul space check up. Sit quietly, clear yourself of distractions and ask yourself how life is going. Are you balanced, joyful, grateful and enveloped in the love of Christ? Are you connected to the very source of life and filling up daily on His sustaining peace? If not, your soul space is depleted and in the need of refreshment and restoration. Spend time listening to God's voice. Read the Word and pray for peace. Fill up on the Holy Spirit's warm embrace. Seek beauty and grace. 

You are what you eat and when it comes to the space that harbors your soul, you are what you watch, think, and fill your life's moments up with. Choose to fill up with the love and peace of Jesus Christ. When you do, your soul will be eternally blessed.

He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 
Psalm 23:3

Time for Change

Have you noticed a change in the season yet? Perhaps it is very subtle like it is where I live in S. California. The days lose their light a bit earlier and the mornings and evenings are growing cooler. There seems to be some excitement in the air as communities begin planning for traditional harvest or autumn events. Change can be difficult and unwelcome and yet it is also necessary and always present. 

Imagine the way people felt so long ago when Jesus was talking to them about radical change in their beliefs and culture. There was nothing subtle about it for sure! Even though God decided it was time for change in the world not everyone embraced the message Jesus so eloquently communicated.

Times have changed and the sacrifice Jesus made to pay the price for our sins has been accomplished. Yet there are multitudes of people that haven't accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. Let's face it, Jesus changes lives and not everyone wants their life changed. You may know some of these individuals. Perhaps they are in your family, school, work place or neighborhood. You may be the one to have an impact in their life. Be the change in the world they need to see to get a glimpse of Jesus. It's definitely time for change and just maybe that change starts with you. 

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Let Your Light Shine!

Photo Credit: Casie Steele at 

https://www.facebook.com/SteeleaPeekPhotography/

Fireflies. Incredible tiny creatures. As a child living on the East Coast I would thrill at summer night time fire fly shows. As the night grew dark their radiance glowed brighter and brighter. The darker is was the more brilliantly they shined. For a real light show, fireflies were temporarily capture in a large jar and would transform into a warm lamp by the camp site. If you have never experience them it may be hard to imagine. If you have, you likely treasure the experience in your childhood memories of summer.

Jesus taught us that we are the light of the world. The world favors darkness and as such will try to extinguish, diminish and discount your light. It may be through casting doubt, ridicule, and even verbal attacks. However light, like truth, can only be covered up for a time. Eventually the darkness causes the light to shine through for all to see.

What kind of light will you choose to be to the world? Will you be a bright flood light sending out beams of goodwill and positivity and modeling Jesus to others? Perhaps you are more of the intermittent flashing light sharing Christ when the conditions are optimal. Could be you are a dimmer light turning your glow up or down based on how connected you are to the source of power - God Almighty. 

Whichever light you choose to be in the world, be sure to recognize the overwhelming need for all you are and all you bring forth. There is only one light like you. The world needs your glow, warmth and radiance to counter the darkness and to be a beacon to the many lost and weary travelers you'll encountered on your path. 

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:14 - 16

Be Still

Photo Credit Casie Steele @ https://www.instagram.com/steeleapeek/

Running. Getting through the list. First things first and then the next and the next. Just getting it done, completed, finished. Except it is never done. The list continues with new or repeating priorities, things to do, run after, feed, water or conquer. So you strap on your "I got this" attitude and set forth alone to seize the day. 

Wait! You are not alone. God has provided an ample dose of strength  wisdom, and grace to guide you on the daily journey. Are you taking the time in all of your busyness to be still and talked with Him about what you need in your day? Have you asked for wisdom, peace, favor? If you haven't, you are missing the greatest gift available to you. 

Maybe you are one who has never known the absolute small piece of Heaven being still can provide to you. I challenge you to find 10 minutes each day this week to just be still. In stillness there is peace; there is awareness of the reason you were created. In stillness is the source of your strength and your resilience. In stillness there is God. Slow down, quiet your mind, listen up. Yes, just be still. See, that is God talking to your heart. 

"The Lord your God is giving you rest and has granted you this land." Joshua 1:13