Tuesday, November 11, 2008

We Need A Little Christmas, Right This Very Minute!!

I am taking this opportunity to thank God for giving me the perspective that I've needed over the last week or so.

There have been so many things that could have really left me "down in the dumps", but God is merciful, and He has instead allowed me to be encouraged, rather than discouraged, with recent circumstances.

I would have been really upset about the election results, but God graciously led me to a few Scriptures that encouraged me, including Jeremiah 29:11, reminding me that God has plans for me, and that His plans are for my good, not my harm, and Romans chapter 13, wich speaks of the fact that our leaders are placed in their positions BY GOD and can be used by Him as a minister for our good.

My husband has also been out of town for the last few days. He does not have to travel very often, and I HATE it when he does. The kids seem out of sorts, and everything just seems harder. It didn't help that he ended up having to stay one extra day all ready, and may have to stay even longer. But, God has used this time to remind me once again how much I appreciate my husband and all the things he does for me, for our kids, for our family. My husband is God's gift to me, and I will be SO glad when he is home!

I was even a little bummed about the holidays, and that is NOT like me at all. Then, God once again used His Word to encourage me~this time in the form of the Peanuts character Linus, who recites Luke chapter 2 during "A Charlie Brown Christmas'.

I had been wondering how in the world we could celebrate anything with finances being tight, and the country, in our opinion, going down the tubes. Then, as I sat and watched A Charlie Brown Christmas with my kids, it occured to me~this year, we have more to celebrate than ever!!

Of course, we have the "usual" things to be thankful for~my husband and I have a wonderful marriage that is the greatest treasure we possess, next to our salvation. We are blessed with 3 wonderful children, who are all healthy. I've been blessed with the calling to not only parent them, but also to homeschool them. We may not have everything we want, but we have everything we need.

As for the state of the country and the world, I am hopeful, looking forward to watching God bless and prosper His children regardless of their circumstances or surroundings. I am more thankful than ever that we have a soon-returning Savior who is going to take us out of this wicked, sin cursed world, and then return to rule and reign with the truth and justice that we all long for.

Knowing that, how can I do anything else BUT celebrate Thanksgiving, basking in all that He has done for me, and then revel in the joy of Christmas, celebrating the birth of my Saviour, who is in ultimate control, and has GREAT plans for me.

Even if you feel that you have nothing else to celebrate, let's celebrate Our Savior!!

So, let me be the first to say,

Happy Thanksgiving! Merry Christmas! and Happy New Year!

Vicki