Celebrate my 200th Blog Post

I have something to Celebrate... This is my 200th Blog Post!! (Click to Tweet this) 

Where were you four years ago?

In all honesty, I was in a difficult place struggling with severe writer’s block. Due to circumstances and stress, I hadn’t written anything in four long years. I was beginning to think my desire to write was gone forever – and wondered whether the call I felt several years earlier was gone for good.

I'm Giving Thanks for You!

Photo by Jeanne Doyon (free to share)

 

It seems like just weeks ago I was thinking about turkey and trimmings - has a year gone by that fast?

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because I love getting together around the table with family. Everyone contributes something to the meal. My sister-in-law prepares the turkey, stuffing and potatoes. I bring creamed onions. Someone brings a squash dish. And, others bring desserts. With everyone’s contribution, soon we have a feast to share.

As we gather around the table, I love the conversation. We extol the cooks, gobble the goods and give thanks to our Heavenly Father for everything He has given.

Family and gratefulness - Two ingredients we need.

I pray if this is a difficult time  or season in your life that you will feel God's presence and peace.

How will you make Thanksgiving Day special?

As 2014 comes to a close, I am giving thanks for you!

 

 

Jeanne

Tweetable:

We extol the cooks, gobble the goods and give thanks to our Heavenly Father Click to Tweet
 

The Girl Who Said--Yes

Margie Houmes has a heart for Jesus. I've benefited from her words that flow like a gentle stream over the soul because her words are from God's heart. I know you will be blessed by her thoughts; she is my guest today.

Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.  Luke 1:38

 (Copyright, 2013, ProvidenceCollection.com) Used with Permission

Mary was dreaming again—about Joseph. A year had passed since Joseph’s request for marriage. Mary knew the day of her betrothal was drawing near.

Every night she listened for the shout of her beloved coming to snatch her away and make her his bride. Would this be the night?

Her wedding gown glowed pure and bright. Every stitch was sewn in place and visions of rapturous love while standing under the canopy with Joseph were her daily imaginings. What would it feel like to receive the blessings written in the Torah and know Yahweh was pleased with their holy, untainted union?

Would Joseph come for her this night? Mary looked at her gown and knew she was ready…ready to bind herself to Joseph and bear him a treasure trove of children.

Suddenly, dazzling angelic light flooded her room. Gabriel, God’s angel, began to speak, his amazing words spilling over with fervent exhilaration.

“Don’t be afraid, Mary. God has seen the hunger in your heart for Him. (Click to Tweet)  Among women, you are highly favored and when the Holy Spirit falls upon you, your womb will conceive the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Mary held her breath. Oh, how magnificent to be chosen. What wondrous news, that I a lowly handmaiden would be set apart to bring forth the long awaited Messiah.

But in the next moment, horror riveted Mary’s heart.

Pregnant…before my betrothal? Pregnant…before I don my virginal gown? With child… before Joseph sweeps me away in the night?  What will people say…will I be stoned? Oh, how can I say no to all my hopes and dreams, say no to a day… like none other?

And we know the story well and remember—Mary said yes.

So our own hearts cry out, “Lord, to what must we say no, so your glory fills our souls? What are the opinions of men that keep us from bowing our knee before your Majesty and receiving Your favor? And Lord, give us the freedom to say, ‘Be it unto us according to your Word.’”

And so, my beloved sisters, I bowed my knee and remembered a girl of long ago—who said yes. Did you remember also? Precious friends, let’s join our hearts today and surrender…

“Oh, Lord, let your love reside in us that the world may know there is a God who so loved the world that He gave… His only Son.” 

Will you say yes to Him?

Margie

After Margie retired from teaching, the Lord told her to pick up her pen and write. She loves sharing her passion for Jesus Christ and has spent years studying and writing a Bible study on the Book of Ruth (Awaiting publication). Watching Jesus release people from bondage and give them new marching orders is one of her greatest joys.  She serves the Lord in several ministries at Celebration Church...and loves it!  Margie lives in Jacksonville, Florida with her husband Bob. They are blessed with sons, daughters and grandchildren.

Visit Margie at www.margiehoumes.com


 

 Suggested Resources:  

How Do You Celebrate the Advent Season?

 

As the autumn leaves dance and twirl, I'm reminded that it won't be long before we celebrate the holidays. To avoid the last minute hustle it is good to think ahead.

So even though we have just broached November, if you would like to celebrate Advent in a special way with your family, I am posting this so you discover some ideas.