Ivy Sue and You

Why do we doubt God? I’m not talking about his existence or his saving power, I’m talking about our daily lives, following his daily plan? Why do we worry and panic when things are not going as “planned”? It never, never ceases to amazing me how no matter how bad I worry about a situation it does not change it, and then beyond that, I am always in complete awe when God shows up and shows me his true intention and plan. Why can I not just trust him during these times instead of worrying? Wouldn’t you think I would learn by now? I know I am not alone in this, we as humans tend to worry first. As Christians, who should know better. I think back on all the times I have made myself sick with worry and it has done nothing for me but just that, made me sick. And in those same situations how God showed up and made beauty from ashes! He is so good and so faithful even when I am not. He is God and I am not and instead of just knowing He exists, I must start living like He does, trusting and believing that He will lead and guide all avenues of my life. 

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6:34

Earlier this week I got the Christmas decorations put away into the attic, did some cleaning and got the house back in order. This morning, as I sat and had my coffee, low and behold, there across the room I see a piece of Christmas decor that I missed! Seems like every year, no matter how hard I try, I always miss getting something put away. It will inevitably get moved from place to place over the next few months being a continual reminder of the joy of Christmas. We should be like this straggler that refused to be put in the attic with the rest of the Christmas cheer! During Christmas we tend to be a little kinder and more generous and loving, we shouldn't put that away with the decorations. We should exemplify that all year round. We should be a continual reminder to those around us what Christ had done for us, that he loves us and gave himself for us. Our love and kindness aren't a symbol of Christmas but of Christ. Throughout the rest of the year, find ways to live your life out daily showing the Holy Spirit just as you do showing the Christmas spirit. "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Colossians 3:12 NLT

My schedule can easily be referred to as chaotic and I'm sure many of you can relate. Work, school, church, sports, groceries, chores... the list is endless but I'm sure I don't need to go on anyhow, because I know you can relate. Your list may differ from mine but your schedule is just as full. Many years ago I was having a conversation with Mrs. Duncan and it came up that I felt bad for sleeping in the previous day because there was so much else I should have been doing instead. I've never forgotten her response. She said Ivy, even Jesus rested... What!?! So simple but so profound to the younger me! Scripture speaks about Jesus sleeping. It was a loud and clear message to me that it's ok to sleep in from time to time. It's ok to have a lazy day when priorities permit, and not only is it ok, it's important. If we aren't taking care of ourselves, it is so much more difficult to take care of others as well as our responsibilities and callings. "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe." Psalms 4:8

Resurrection Day! What a blessed day indeed! We should all be extremely pensive today on the fact that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ conquered death and sin by coming out of the grave! What a miracle, what a sacrifice! He loved us even unto death and then back to life again! Today, to many, is just another occasion to gather as family and eat and exchange gifts but we must not forget this day that it's not a celebration of the new life of spring but of the new life we find in the Resurrected Christ! Romans 8:11 “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.”

"I pity the fool" a saying made famous by the 1980s star, Mr. T. I said this in passing this week when someone thought I said fool instead of full. Scripture has much to say about fools, just do a quick search on biblegateway.com and you get tons of results. But the scripture that struck me this week was 2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent." God has pity on the fool. He doesn't want anyone to die in their sin, He tarries so that all can see the error of their foolish ways, repent and receive salvation. We too should pity the fool and make it a priority in our lives to not only pray for them, but present the truth of Jesus Christ to them.

The Grinch almost got it right...Christmas does mean so much more, but it's not just a feeling, or the spirit of Christmas as people say. Christmas is Jesus! Jesus, however, is not Christmas! As we head into this New Year and start packing up our decorations, don't put Jesus in the attic, carefully wrapped in bubble wrap where He will stay for the next 10 months. Jesus is so much more than the babe in the manger, He grew up, He ministered, He performed miracles, He died to save us, He died to save you! This year, make your resolution to make Jesus part of your daily life, rejoice each day of the year that He was born to save! Luke 2:52 "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." 

The last few months have been spent making out lists and checking them twice... or 10 or 12 times if you're a Momma! We listen for hints and pick up on needs to try to find the perfect gifts for the ones we love. We then spend a few sleepless nights wrapping them up into pretty packages to see eyes lit up and precious smiles on Christmas morning. A labor of love, a symbol that we care. God needed no hints, he knew exactly what we needed. No months of preparation, for He already had a plan in place from the beginning of time. He gave us the most perfect gift and wrapped him in a perfect package and laid him in the manger. A labor of love, a symbol that He cares. Unlike all the material gifts we receive in this life, Jesus will never change, he will never break, we will never outgrow him, he truly is the perfect gift. Please, share Jesus with the ones you love this Christmas and always. 1 John 4:9 "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him." Luke 2:12 "And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."

The miracle of Christmas is not what it is portrayed as on the Hallmark channel. All those warm, fuzzy, feel good stories are super fun and enjoyable to watch, trust me I know, Riley and I have seen just about all of them! But to Hallmark, the miracle is: meeting a new special someone; families coming together that have been separated for years; lights and trees and gingerbread houses. While all of those things can bring joy at this time of year, they are certainly not a Christmas Miracle! The miracle of Christmas was and is and always will be the sacrifice of God the Father, sending his only Son to this Earth to save us (John 3:16).  That He came from the glory of heaven and humbled himself to walk among us and that he faced all the temptations we do and still never sinned. Jesus’ example, from birth to death, is the miracle. Make the chose to not get caught up in all the world says that Christmas is. Sure, watch the movies and enjoy the traditions and activities of the season, but don’t forget what is most important; time celebrating and thanking God for His true Miracle: Jesus! 

Christmas is a wonderful time for remembrance. As you pull out all the boxes of decorations the memories tend to flood your mind. Decorating the tree, adding ornaments one by one remembering the day and year each one joined your collection. Marriage, new babies, pets, different phases and stages of life. Activities and crafts, caroling and giving, Nativities and wreaths, garland and lights; all along with memories are each beautiful in their own right. Jesus tells us just before his crucifixion to "Do this in remembrance of me" Luke 22:19. Christmas we remember Jesus's birth and all the glorious things that came with it including his sacrifice on the cross. We also remember our families and loved ones and the joyous things that come with them. Remember Jesus this Christmas and share him with your loved ones while you add new memories to your heart.