Sunday Seven

1. Jesus has a way of entering the lives of serving servants. Mary was a young Jewish woman who was serving God as a daughter and as an engaged young woman. Mary made room for Jesus internally and externally. We can do the same thing this season of Christmas. Listen to my podcast for more on the subject: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1dJwdW6RCanQsK9tho3FcW

2. "What is God requiring of me this holiday season?" Pause and calmly think of the answer. When we know what God wants us to do, our lives gain not only margin but meaning.

3. When problems become ordinary, so can the peace of God. I'm holding on to Isaiah 26:3-4. It says that God keeps those whose minds are fixed on Him in perfect peace. Perfect peace in the presence of problems is a game changer. It means I can move about life with the assurance that God will see me through every trial.

4. While the holidays can be a time of conflict, I'm learning that God in His grace gave us the gift of family. I am grateful for those who refuse to be defeated and keep showing up. They forgive, no matter the cost. They learn the characteristics of agape love and they practice them. They do not wait for the other to change, they become the change. We need the wisdom and covering of our families. I am grateful to God for His design and purpose for families.

5. I remember having a big problem in graduate school. The only solution, I thought, was to humble myself before God. So I did. James 4:10 was my anchor verse at that time. I would pray, humble myself then get up and live the life God called me to live. Humility is something that does not go viral but it is Godly. Everyone has a version of humility in mind but lately, I've been searching the Bible to see what God requires.

6. God specializes in things that seem impossible. This I believe. The just shall live by faith. This I believe. The more I read God's book, the more I believe and trust in Him. I invite you to do the same. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

7. This week we celebrated both Thanksgiving and my husband's birthday. It was such a blessing to stop and thank God for all His blessings, my husband included. Birthdays are a joy. Celebrating the one we love immensely was a blessing beyond measure!