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"Don't let anything
that will ultimately mean nothing
keep you from experiencing everything."
Choosing His Presence above all else. Good reminders, and so clearly spelled out in the quote above from our pastor yesterday. Reminders for every day of the year, and reminders at this busy Christmastime when we can become so focused on the giving of presents, and when we become so wrapped up with all the hustle and busyness of the season.
Mary chose the best presence. "There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:42)
And during this Christmas week (and throughout the new year), choosing His Presence is the best present of all. The Greatest Gift ever given - wrapped in the flesh of the babe in the manger. His Presence through all our days, filling our deepest needs, giving us purest joy.
"I know the Lord is always with me.
I will not be shaken,
for He is right besides me."
(Psalm 16:8)
Thanking Him for His gifts last week:
His written Words - life-giving and nourishing, every day.
Time for Christmas baking and food prep - for our Family Christmas with 23 family members here this coming Friday!
Decorating of our tree - finally! Taking longer as we snipped of all the old lights in order to string new ones.
Progress with gift buying - almost done for this big family of 21!
Blessed with responses to our end-of-year ask letter - each one such a blessing and encouragement.
Being able to do a reimbursement for some recent ministry expenses - first time in six months.
Clear answers when I asked God for guidance about a specific need - so thankful.
A granddaughter's successful eye surgery to correct her eye-turn - being brave amidst the pain.
My husband blessed with a good visit with a good friend just three days before he passed away from a three year battle with cancer - and a sad, but joyous memorial service.
Joining several other couples from church for a Dinners for Ten event - blessed with friendships.
Four hours with a grandson - and watching his two year-old joy during this season.
On busy days - coming to God, and being refreshed over and over again.
His patience and love - always waiting for us to come.
The Gift of His Presence during this season and always.
(One Thousand Gifts #816-829)
Linking up to Multitudes on Mondays
His written Words - life-giving and nourishing, every day.
Time for Christmas baking and food prep - for our Family Christmas with 23 family members here this coming Friday!
Decorating of our tree - finally! Taking longer as we snipped of all the old lights in order to string new ones.
Progress with gift buying - almost done for this big family of 21!
Blessed with responses to our end-of-year ask letter - each one such a blessing and encouragement.
Being able to do a reimbursement for some recent ministry expenses - first time in six months.
Clear answers when I asked God for guidance about a specific need - so thankful.
A granddaughter's successful eye surgery to correct her eye-turn - being brave amidst the pain.
My husband blessed with a good visit with a good friend just three days before he passed away from a three year battle with cancer - and a sad, but joyous memorial service.
Joining several other couples from church for a Dinners for Ten event - blessed with friendships.
Four hours with a grandson - and watching his two year-old joy during this season.
On busy days - coming to God, and being refreshed over and over again.
His patience and love - always waiting for us to come.
The Gift of His Presence during this season and always.
(One Thousand Gifts #816-829)
Linking up to Multitudes on Mondays
"His patience and love - always waiting for us to come." This is so beautiful and touches my heart right now. Thank you for your kind words on my blog. May your Christmas be spent beautifully close to our Saviour!
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