From My Journal (12/29)

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From Big Sky Buckeye

Faith’s resilience breathes from Father’s grace above.

Do you write a daily journal?  This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts.  Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.

(Updated December 29)

Henry Blackaby Quote

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When you offer yourself to God as His servant, He first expects to shape you into the instrument of His choosing.  He will always work in you before He works through you.

From Philippians 1:6:  “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

Henry Blackaby (1935-2024) was a Canadian pastor and Christian author.

Trusted Patience

From the words of American pastor and Christian author, Charles Swindoll:  “When the sovereign God brings us to nothing, it is to reroute our lives.”

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Surrounded by darkness

Human perspective fades

Thinking offers no choices

Feeling betrayed

 

Trusted patience in God

His fields of green shall sprout

Taking delight in His peace

Erasing doubt

 

Committed to God’s way

Today’s hope starts anew

Knowing mercy share His love

Transforming view

 

Witnessed truth in God’s Word

Calvary’s light unfolds

Rewiring faith’s new outlook

Praying tenfold

 

Rescued by Savior’s grace

Redemption now deploys

Forgiving, eternal love

Responding joy

 

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From Psalm 37:23-24:  “Our steps are made firm by the Lord when He delights in our way; though we stumble, we shall not fall headlong, for the Lord holds us by the hand.”

From My Journal (12/28)

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From Big Sky Buckeye

Patience can be a challenging trait to prioritize in our daily lives, but God’s light opens each heart to embrace His waiting grace.

Do you write a daily journal?  This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts.  Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.

(Updated December 28)

Charles Stanley Quote

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We must remember that the shortest distance between our problems and their solutions is the distance between our knees and the floor.

From Isaiah 40:30-31:  “Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted, but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

Charles Stanley (1932-2023) was an American pastor and Christian writer.  He was dedicated to leading a teaching ministry.

From My Journal (12/27)

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From Big Sky Buckeye

There waits something special inside the aisles of any “used” bookstore.  Countless titles still breathe with endless treasures from authors past.

Do you write a daily journal?  This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts.  Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.

(Updated December 27)

Maturity in Faith (Elfchen Series #281)

Truth Embraced

Witnessing

Risen Savior

Salvation’s eternal light

Sharing heavenly Good News

Discipleship

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Pride Emptied

Bending

Another knee

Toward Calvary’s light

Heaven descends upon earth

Humility

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Mercy Received

Cascading

From heavens

Glory’s blessed light

Filled with Spirit’s grace

Peace

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From My Journal (12/26)

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From Big Sky Buckeye

Without experiencing darkness, we can never fully appreciate and embrace the Light.

Do you write a daily journal?  This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts.  Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.

(Updated December 26)

Charles Swindoll Quote

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God takes us through struggles and difficulties so that we might become increasingly more committed to Him.

From 1 Peter 4:12:  “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”

Charles Swindoll (born 1934) is an American pastor and Christian author.

Joy’s Destination: A Christmas Story

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Young Lydia awakens on this December’s early morning of peace.  Her imagination embraces new hope to be found in the season.

She understands that Christmas means much more than a decorated tree, wrapped presents, and fresh baked cookies.  As her intuitive eyes peer outside of her bedroom window, the dawn sky offers a view of a brilliant star. 

Inside her quiet thoughts, she whispers, “I need to see more.”

Throwing a long winter coat over her pajamas and remembering to wear her snow boots (just as her Mom always insists), Lydia ventures outside.  Standing on the front porch, she feels surrounded by the tranquility of the winter scene.

The snow-covered yard appears perfectly groomed, and the nearby pine trees are all powdered in white.  To her wandering eyes, the heavens’ star appears even closer.  She feels a tug at her coat to step down from the porch.

Her steps quicken as she edges into the nearby woods.  The cold air actually brings warmth to her heart.  Suddenly, she stops with eager eyes looking forward. 

Again Lydia’s imagination begins to wonder, “What will I find if I walk some more?”

An undistinguished pine tree, holding candles of light, invites her to enter a clearing.  Right in front of her waits an unbelievable scene.

A tiny feed trough filled with hay stands alone.

From the shadow’s fringes come a man, a woman, and a newborn baby.  The woman carefully places the baby in the feedbox, because there is no room for them at the inn. 

Lydia’s pulse quickens as she realizes what is happening.  A “real life” nativity landscape . . . or is it the story predicted through prophecy’s promises?  Her young mind just isn’t sure.

She looks back up into the heavens and fixes her eyes upon the morning’s star.  Suddenly she feels joy surrounding her heart.  Indeed, she believes in the love found in her Savior.

Kneeling in the soft snow, Lydia offers a short prayer:

Sweet Baby Jesus

Your love warms my heart.

Your birth will lead many to worship you.

I will always walk with you.

I love you so much.

Amen.