Hello my precious friends!
I would like to extend Christmas blessings
to those of you that have followed along so faithfully
from the beginning of my blog,
and to those of you who are new friends welcome!
Thank you for your sweet visits and becoming
a graceful follower.
We have a beautiful community in our world of blogging,
and each one of you have become dear
and precious to my heart.
Merry Christmas and may the New Year bring you
closer to our Saviors heart as He draws us
unto Himself for that sweet, sweet fellowship
in our relationship with Him.
Over the past few weeks I have found myself
thinking on Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Jesus, the Savior of the world...
My Precious Lord and Savior.
You can read about the birth of Jesus in (Luke 2:1-21)
but it is verse 19 that causes me to think on Mary.
"But Mary kept (treasured) all these things
and pondered them in her heart."
As a mother myself, I can't help but think of what it was like for Mary...
So young and yet a willing servant, obediently saying yes to God.
Becoming impregnated and yet not married,
can't you just hear the tongues wagging
among the village people?
How she must have felt
knowing she was carrying the God Child within her womb.
Having to travel on the back of a donkey
during the last stages of her pregnancy,
I can't imagine the discomfort she endured.
Giving birth in a stable because there was no room in the Inn.
Being surrounded by the shepherds, wise men and angels.
Glory in the Highest!
No wonder Mary "pondered" all these things.
After Jesus was born, Mary finally had time to ponder on
all the events that resulted in her being a mother.
To ponder means "to reflect on, to consider carefully."
Mary took time to be quiet and think deeply
about what God had been doing in her life
and her body over the last nine months,
and maybe even since she was old enough to know God.
Certainly Mary thought about the wonder of it all.
With the New Year approaching quickly
and the old coming to a close
I have found myself pondering on my own life and
the experiences that have shaped my character and life.
How God brought me to Himself,
and the people God used to bless, teach and guide me
throughout the days of my life.
I have pondered on how God prepared me for
the trials I have faced
and how He has used those trials to bless me.
And I look within my own heart and ask myself the question;
'Am I fulfilling God's purpose in my life?'
I've pondered what it means to be a child of the King.
How thankful I am that I accepted the "Gift" of salvation
many years ago, and have purposed in my heart
to live my life pleasing to the Lord,
though I have failed many times.
Praise God for His forgiveness, grace and mercy.
I have pondered on what God might want to change in my character.
Am I willing to allow Him to transform me
into the likeness of Himself to a greater degree,
though it means skimming off the dross
so I may come forth as gold.
I've pondered my relationship with Him,
is it all that He desires for it to be?
I've pondered on my "spiritual bucket list."
What would I like to do in my remaining years for God's kingdom
and for His glory in the days ahead, should the Lord tarry?
Maybe God has a new door opening where I may serve him,
someone that I might pour my life into spiritually,
or come along side to help in time of need.
Oh there are so many needs out there.
Much to ponder on, that is for sure.
***~~~***
My prayer is that we would all enter into the presence of the Lord
and not allow the noise and business
of this time of year (or all year for that matter) to drown out the Savior.
As we hear the glad tidings of the Christmas message,
may we each hold our hands out to receive
the Christ Child and ALL that He brings.
May the costly gift of Jesus fill all the longings
and desires of our hearts as we ponder on the years past
and look with eagerness to all that God has for our future days.
***~~~***
Heavenly Father,
may we all look with anticipation, enthusiasm and hope
for the days ahead, that we might obediently say yes to
all that You desire of us, for Your kingdom and Your glory.
We love you Lord, and we lift our hearts to You
with all praise and glory, forever and ever.
Amen.
To God be all Glory!
~ Debbie ~
a graceful follower.
We have a beautiful community in our world of blogging,
and each one of you have become dear
and precious to my heart.
Merry Christmas and may the New Year bring you
closer to our Saviors heart as He draws us
unto Himself for that sweet, sweet fellowship
in our relationship with Him.
Over the past few weeks I have found myself
thinking on Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Jesus, the Savior of the world...
My Precious Lord and Savior.
You can read about the birth of Jesus in (Luke 2:1-21)
but it is verse 19 that causes me to think on Mary.
"But Mary kept (treasured) all these things
and pondered them in her heart."
As a mother myself, I can't help but think of what it was like for Mary...
So young and yet a willing servant, obediently saying yes to God.
Becoming impregnated and yet not married,
can't you just hear the tongues wagging
among the village people?
How she must have felt
knowing she was carrying the God Child within her womb.
Having to travel on the back of a donkey
during the last stages of her pregnancy,
I can't imagine the discomfort she endured.
Giving birth in a stable because there was no room in the Inn.
Being surrounded by the shepherds, wise men and angels.
Glory in the Highest!
No wonder Mary "pondered" all these things.
After Jesus was born, Mary finally had time to ponder on
all the events that resulted in her being a mother.
To ponder means "to reflect on, to consider carefully."
Mary took time to be quiet and think deeply
about what God had been doing in her life
and her body over the last nine months,
and maybe even since she was old enough to know God.
Certainly Mary thought about the wonder of it all.
With the New Year approaching quickly
and the old coming to a close
I have found myself pondering on my own life and
the experiences that have shaped my character and life.
How God brought me to Himself,
and the people God used to bless, teach and guide me
throughout the days of my life.
I have pondered on how God prepared me for
the trials I have faced
and how He has used those trials to bless me.
And I look within my own heart and ask myself the question;
'Am I fulfilling God's purpose in my life?'
I've pondered what it means to be a child of the King.
How thankful I am that I accepted the "Gift" of salvation
many years ago, and have purposed in my heart
to live my life pleasing to the Lord,
though I have failed many times.
Praise God for His forgiveness, grace and mercy.
I have pondered on what God might want to change in my character.
Am I willing to allow Him to transform me
into the likeness of Himself to a greater degree,
though it means skimming off the dross
so I may come forth as gold.
I've pondered my relationship with Him,
is it all that He desires for it to be?
I've pondered on my "spiritual bucket list."
What would I like to do in my remaining years for God's kingdom
and for His glory in the days ahead, should the Lord tarry?
Maybe God has a new door opening where I may serve him,
someone that I might pour my life into spiritually,
or come along side to help in time of need.
Oh there are so many needs out there.
Much to ponder on, that is for sure.
***~~~***
My prayer is that we would all enter into the presence of the Lord
and not allow the noise and business
of this time of year (or all year for that matter) to drown out the Savior.
As we hear the glad tidings of the Christmas message,
may we each hold our hands out to receive
the Christ Child and ALL that He brings.
May the costly gift of Jesus fill all the longings
and desires of our hearts as we ponder on the years past
and look with eagerness to all that God has for our future days.
***~~~***
may we all look with anticipation, enthusiasm and hope
for the days ahead, that we might obediently say yes to
all that You desire of us, for Your kingdom and Your glory.
We love you Lord, and we lift our hearts to You
with all praise and glory, forever and ever.
Amen.
To God be all Glory!
~ Debbie ~
31 comments:
Wishing you a Merry Christmas Debbie and a Happy New Year!!
Hugs, Julie xo
Such a beautiful truth filled and encouraging post.
Have a lovely Christmas dear Debbie ~ FlowerLady
Beautiful post! I can't imagine what it must have been like for Mary. She was an extraordinary girl who allowed herself to be used of God. Thank you for the Christmas wishes! Wishing you very special Christmas blessings as well.
Dearest Debbie, your posts always bring such cheer, encouragement and beauty...thank you so much! God bless you, and Merry Christmas to you and your family! :)
Good morning, mom. What a nice treat to stop in for a visit....as you know I have barely been on the computer this last week especially with the little one so sick.
Your words are oh-so-encouraging and truly a blessing to anyone that reads them. I am always amazed by the selfless love of our Savior - that He would come to earth for US is astounding. I cannot fathom such awesome love, but I am ever so thankful for a love that never ends, a love that is continually poured from our Lord onto our lives.
And dear Mary - what a precious woman. I can see why she was chosen by the Lord and my, what an honor! A beautiful post right before Christmas. Thank you for sharing!
Lord-willing, we will see you tomorrow :) The little one already said this morning that he hopes he can go {{smiles}} We shall see....
Much love to you!
Good Morning Sweet Lady :0) What a blessing your words are to me...and how precious to know that we are sisters in CHRIST! Thank you so much for sharing from your heart. May this new year be filled with joy and laughter! :0) mari
Hello dear Debbie~
This was such a balm for my heart today~ I thank you so very much for-
Reminding me and encouraging me with your post.
I loved your prayer and thoughts. About Mary, about our own personal relationships; as a mother, as a child of God. . .
And in all this 'hurriedness' - bringing us back to the Reason for the Season; our Savior, Christ the Lord.
I have just this week received some deeply sad new from Alan's family in OH - and I needed to read this post So Badly~ Bless you my friend, Karen O
Oh what an oasis of quiet beauty this post is. It takes a mother's heart to even begin understand the enormity of what Mary went through. We can never fully comprehend it, but we can take great inspiration from her beautiful obedience and grace.
Thank you, dear Debbie, for words to make me stop a while from the rush and take time to contemplate.
And of course a very Happy Christmas and New Year to you.
X
Dear Debbie, you have written a beautiful post bringing to light how it must have been for Mary giving birth to the Christ Child. How thinking and reflecting on this warms the heart knowing how real it was and as a mother we can relate to her in so many ways. She is an inspiration for all times.
As we approach the days before Christmas, I hope and pray you are filled with the blessings of the season and beyond.
So glad we share the gift of friendship.
Merry Christmas and love to you. xo
Debbie, just a few short hours ago as I was flitting here and there, trying to make the most of my Friday and the little time that I had left to do many things (like ALL of us), I found myself in the car heading home... and my insides were just all worked up, getting impatient with other drivers, etc., I had to just stop myself and pray for forgiveness and peace....and to remind myself Who we were celebrating here. And here I am, a few hours later, reading your timely post...just what I needed, when I needed it. Yes, I truly believe that God works among us and our blogging. I will now go back and read our post again :)
I know your Christmas celebration will be missing someone very special this year...it's always hardest the first year I think. I pray that the presence of the Lord will fill in the gap and that your time together is blessed beyond measure. Merry Christmas to you and yours, my sweet friend!
Hello, I really enjoyed this post! This has been a very quiet Christmas season and I have done more pondering over its amazing love and all that Mary and Joseph endured to be obedient!
I do think getting the dross removed has been a bit uncomfortable!
Thank you for being a Godly example to others!
Merry Christmas and I look forward to the New Year...
Blessings, Roxy
Bless you sweet lady! Enjoy your family visiting and all the wonders and joy of the Reason for the Season!
Good health and happiness be yours in the coming new year, too.
Hugs. ♥♥♥
Hello, dear Debbie - such a beautiful post, and so full of inspiration. I do love to ponder on the true meaning of Christmas - thinking of the birth of our Savior and our beautiful Mother Mary with her pure and faithful heart, trusting in God despite all her struggles and trials. This world can be a difficult place, but if we keep our hearts pure and trusting as Mother Mary did, we can face each day knowing we are cared for and loved. Thank you for your sweet presence here in our little community of blogging friends and I wish you and your loved ones a Blessed Christmas and New Year. Much love xo Karen
Dear Debbie, you describe the story with the young mother Mary so touching beautiful, thanks for this wonderful post.
Wish you blessed Christmas days.
What a gorgeous post written with your Heart, your Love and your deep Faith, thank you for sharing it with us and, again, Merry, Merry Christmas to you and your dears, may the Lord bless your days together,
wholeheartedly
Daniela
Bless your dear heart! I know Christmas feels much different this year for you, and I do trust Jesus to hold you extra close and comfort you in every moment of grief. I love to contemplate Mary, too...15 years ago, at this same time of year, I was expecting our miracle son after 12 1/2 years of marriage and many years of infertility struggles. I thought often of Mary during those expectant days and thought of how she had no modern conveniences, and not even the comfort of family around here when she and Joseph were in that lonely, far off place alone as she gave birth to our Savior. Though I was in labor on Christmas Day, our precious son wasn't born until the following morning, so we celebrate his birthday on the day after we celebrate our Lord's!! Oh, God is GOOD, and even in our darkest hours, He is ever present in our lives. I praise Him along with you, dear friend, in this wonderful Christmas season!! Sending you much love and many hugs!
Merry Christmas. xoxo Su
I just reread your post. as usual I have been very busy this Christmas season and am way behind. Your post is so precious. We often get so busy that we fail to "ponder" the truths of Christmas. Your post reminded me of many things that have blessed me. These lines, "I have found myself pondering... How God brought me to Himself, and the people God used to bless, teach and guide me throughout the days of my life. I have pondered on how God prepared me for the trials I have faced and how He has used those trials to bless me." have great meaning for me. Your life radiates God's love taught by the lessons He has sent. My past year has been difficult, but God has used others, including yourself, to bless and encourage me. Have a blessed Christmas and a Christ-filled New Year. Hugs.
Such a beautiful post, Debbie, and as always, you have given me much to think about. With your permission, I'd like to use your last two stanzas for my prayer at dinner on Christmas Eve. Such wonderful reminders to leave the noise behind and rejoice in the glory.
And I will also be thanking Him for you, dear friend. Happy Holidays to you and your wonderful hubby. I feel like I know him, too! :)
January is going to bring wonderful things to us all!
Thank you sweet friend for stopping by today and your Christmas greeting. You have been such a blessing to me and I count you among my cherished friendships. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and all the best in the new year.
xoxo
Oh, dear Debbie, what a beautiful post...as I read this (finally) on Christmas Day. It's perfect for me today, as we have pondered ourselves today what it must have been like for this young maiden girl Mary who was chosen by God to carry the Son of God. And, yes, what trials she endured. I praise God for all He has done for us by sending His Son to pay a price we could never pay. Hallelujah. And, yes, this year has been a year of great trial and grief for you, dear friend. And yet, I know He has worked deep within your heart to make you more into His image. And for that we are all grateful for the trials knowing that we shall see Him face to face one day...one glorious day when tears are wiped away! I wish you a very blessed and joyous Christmas, dearest Debbie, as we all look to Him for our eternal hope and salvation. Hugs and love!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year my friend. What a lovely thing it is to consider Mary and her quiet acceptance and embracing of whatever the Lord did in her life and required of her. So precious to know that by God's grace we can cultivate the same posture in our lives. May it be true of us all that we follow wherever He leads. Many Blessings to you! Hugs, Camille
Hey Debbie, Your words are such a blessing to my weary and hurting heart. I know your Christmas was bittersweet too. I've thought of you and your family often and included you in my prayers. May the Lord's peace reign supreme in our hearts and minds today and throughout the coming year! Much love to you, my friend {{hugs}}
What a beautiful post Debbie. I'm very late reading it, but the words are timeless. As we look ahead to the New Year, I think the idea of a spiritual bucket list is one worth praying over. Thank you for that idea.
I'm sure this was a poignant Christmas for you, my friend. Heartfelt blessings to you. xo Deborah
May all these words written by Debbie Dear Lord be also My Prayer to You, Sweet Lord Jesus and bless Her abundantly this coming New Year-Amen.
I'm sorry to be so late getting by to read your post dear Debbie, but what a joy it was to read today, and how my heart echoes the sentiments you expressed in this post! May this be a time of pondering what the Lord did for us this past year, and how we can better serve and pour out His love in us to others in the coming year. A precious writing from your heart that blessed me today, and I do believe the Lord has doors waiting to open for you that you can't see yet, where you will be a vessel used mightily for Him! Much love to you my dear precious friend! May 2016 be a year of drawing closer to Him than ever before!
The utter obedience of this young woman is what impresses me most. "And Mary said, 'Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.'” Total surrender in faith. Beautiful. Thank you for visiting my blog and introducing yourself. I'm happy to meet you and look forward to more of your posts. Enjoy these last days of December, Debbie. xo ~ Nancy
A Happy New Year ((hug)), sweet friend!
Happy New Year, Stephanie. I want to you know that your blog is one of my favorites and I am really looking forward to reading more of your lovely posts in 2016. Peace and blessing to you... :)
Oops sorry, Debbie. I'm not sure how your daughter's name got in that comment... :)
Thank you, Debbie, for such a warm greeting and a story. We should listen to Him and know how He suffered for us. A lot of people do not knot the history even. They don't want to know. Our freelancehouse colleagues are always ready to share this idea with everyone.
God bless you and keep you,
Jessica
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