We all have hard seasons in our lives. In these desert places, sometimes there is some thing we are waiting for and want, like a career change or people to connect with. Or, there is some thing we are living with that we don’t want, like illness or a difficult relationship. We hope and pray things change quickly. But when it doesn’t, how can we live and love well in that season?
Out of the corner of my eye, I became aware of a flock of black birds flitting outside our back windows. A large number of birds flew together searching for food. It’s winter. Cold. Rather barren. And in the midst of these realities, God provides food for the birds in the form of small fruit on our tree. This makes me think of Jesus’ words:
Merry Christmas, friends! When I think of Christmas, my heart is drawn again and again to the verse in John 1 that says “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” This begins Jesus’ life of love lived in the flesh with us. It is amazing that our God would connect with us this way! It is life changing when we allow His love to define who we are. Let’s listen for the voice of Love this Christmas.
As we move into winter and the days become shorter, I like to light candles. I light one on the kitchen counter on school mornings to cheer our day. I light one at dinner as we gather together as a family to reflect on our day. And, of course, I light one whenever I simply feel like it!
Happy Thanksgiving week, friends! Trusting God opens my eyes to see all the gifts He gives us. I pray the words in this post move you one step closer to trust and gratitude. These thoughts come right out of my journals, from my heart to yours!
Writing these posts has been a gift from God these past months. Ideas and words come to me, and I write them down before I lose them. An analogy comes to me, maybe as I weed or notice the grass growing out-of-control. This has been a joy for me! And then it’s my responsibility to respond, with the attention and work to put it into words. This joy has been somewhat of a surprise to me! 
Live a Life of Love 