Finding God in the Depths

Lindsey Bell is joining me today and her story is one that will touch your heart. She knows the pain of losing a child--in fact she has lost several. She shares how the Lord uses our brokenness to bring new hope to our circumstances.

 

Lindsey shares her story:

Kathy Griffin's Grammy Gumption

Just recently a post appeared on Facebook telling that Kathy Griffin, 2014 Grammy Award winner blasted Jesus during her acceptance speech (watch Youtube) saying, “…Jesus had nothing to do with it. (Expletive) Jesus. This is my god now!” (referring to her Grammy statue). As a clarification, she made these comments during her 2007 award speech.

First,  let me say, we (I include myself) need to be careful of what we see and share on Facebook. I immediately began to write my rebuttal and it wasn't till after I posted, did I see that the date of the Youtube spot was dated 2007. I need to be careful about checking facts too. Some things shared on Facebook are not true--others are there to incite riot in the ranks.

But, that said, I do have my input about the comments Kathy Griffin made--no matter when they were said...

Give Yourself Permission

Image courtesy of Morguefile.com

In the midst of all of the New Year goal setting hype, I’ve hit a wall. I’ve been writing 500+ words a day, watching my diet, exercising faithfully, pumping iron, cleaning closets, reading my Bible…you get the picture. Today, I am a lump in the rocking chair with an afghan spread across my lap.

Do I feel guilty – A bit.

Do I need the down time – Yes.

Grace is about giving myself permission to rest, without guilt.

I’m realizing a need for more sources to fill my cup. Of course I automatically think of more time with God. But, that can also become a source of guilt unless I realize that He is always with me and that sometimes I need to get off by myself to do something I enjoy—allowing Him to fill me along the way.

So, thanks for extending me grace today for writing a light blog post.

How do you fare on the ‘out of steam’ meter? Where do you go to have your cup refilled?

Fill my cup, Lord…cuz, I'm running on empty.

                                        Jeanne
 

Can I Trust God?

“Trust God from the bottom of your heart;

Don’t try to figure out everything on your own.

Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;

He’s the one who will keep you on track.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 (MSG)

Living the Message of Christmas

Christmas opponents may be glad that the hubbub of the season has passed. But for those who love Christ 365 days a year, Christmas continues ad infinitum as we quietly worship the One who came to us over 2000 years ago.  You can’t silence the hope that lives within the heart of every believer. You can silence the Christmas songs from the radio and sentence the decorations to discount racks, but Jesus is here to stay.

Now, you and I both know that Christmas trees, shiny window lights and Jingle Bell Rock don’t embody the message of Christmas—Jesus does. So, as I put away my decorations for another year, I think I’ll leave one symbol of Christ to remind me of the One who will come again.

Jesus, present from eternity, came as the infant Messiah who became our Savior. And, He will keep His promise to come again, this time as Lord and King. He came to set us free to live abundantly without fear—in bold confidence and forgiveness rather than condemnation.

Once you meet the Creator of all things and the Lover of your soul, you can’t pretend He doesn’t exist. You don’t want to! He settles in as LORD and gives life to all who come to know Him. He lights the fire in our spirit that no one can extinguish.

So, as we usher in the New Year, what do you hope to accomplish in light of living the message of Christmas?

Here are a few of my hopes:

Take risks to love and be loved – live boldly without fear

Be transparent so others will see Christ in me despite my failings

To reach for higher goals like writing a book and speaking more often to groups

Get involved so I step out of my comfort zone

Be intentional

Living the message of Christmas means not taking my relationships for granted, especially with God. He bought me with His blood, and I owe Him my life in return—a life lived for His glory.

So, my word 2014 is Intentional

I will live in bold confidence because of Who He is—the Great I AM.

What are your hopes for the New Year? Do you have a word or a Scripture to focus on in 2014?

Wishing you JOY in Living the Message,

                        Jeanne

 

 

 

 

Images courtesy of Morguefile.com

 Resources to help you be intentional for the New Year: