This past summer, while on a cruise ship, I had the opportunity to smell Chanel's Coco perfume. I had only smelled it on my niece and have never purchased it before. When I saw the price, I knew why. I recall saying to my husband "I'M not paying 125.00 for a small bottle of perfume!" So I left without it.
February was my birthday and I received several gift cards to Macy's. As we strolled through the store, I hit the perfume counter. My husband commented on the perfume and I again stated that it cost too much. This time however, I had all my gift cards. We examined the bottles and the sizes, which was a better deal and whether or not I really wanted the perfume. Of course I did...I just didn't want to pay that much for it.
After we made all the calculations, we decided that if I did purchase it, the larger bottle would be the better deal. I reached into my purse and counted my gift cards and handed them to her. In the end, my total payment was 25.00. What a deal. All my family had purchased this perfume for me and it smelled "delicious." My husband loved the smell, I loved it and we were set.
It had such a unique smell that I can't even describe. It was sweet yet gentle, it was strong yet not overbearing. I loved it and felt like everyone I passed knew exactly what I was wearing. That reminded me of one of my favorite verses. It made me question "In my Christian walk, what do I smell like?" Do I exude a fragrance of Christ or a stench of the world? My prayer is that as I walk past other, the smell lingers like the sweet fragrance of Jesus Christ.
When we walk with God, we leave behind a sweet fragrance that can inspire others to follow (Our Daily Bread 2016).
But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 2 Corinthians 2:14-15
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Monday, March 14, 2016
I have hidden your word in my heart
Years ago, during Vacation Bible School, I memorized Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I probably learned as I read the pledge allegiance to the Bible. I have always believed in this verse. It is the ammunition to our armor mentioned in Ephesians 6. this morning as I opened my bible to my devotion I realized that this was part of the readings. What I didn't realize is the impact of the verses preceding it.
I have often been asked about purity. When I read these scriptures, they really spoke to my own life.
(V9) How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. (V10) I seek you with all my heart do not let me stray from your commands.
I have to admit I don't recall reading that before but it is a great introduction to verse 11. How do we remain on the path of purity? This does not end with a young person. It carries over to our entire lives for the rest of our life.
We don't need reminders when we get off track. I don't know about you but as hard as the enemy works to side track me, the Holy Spirit works to keep me grounded. It is a no brainer. If you love Jesus, if you are committed to Jesus, if you are loyal to Jesus, this prompting will speak to you. When I was younger, I recall making some decisions that only took one question to determine whether or not I had crossed the line. The question was "What would dad think if he knew I was doing this?" The same rings true for our heavenly Father.
How do we fight the urge, the temptation, the taunting? By hiding His Word in our heart that we may tap into that when we become the enemy's target. We have to first seek Him with all our heart and combine that with living according to His word so that we do not stray from His commands.
It was refreshing to read that this morning. I am content. I am full. I pray that I will live according to His Word but in order to do that, I must first read His Word them commit to hiding His Word in my heart.
I have often been asked about purity. When I read these scriptures, they really spoke to my own life.
(V9) How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. (V10) I seek you with all my heart do not let me stray from your commands.
I have to admit I don't recall reading that before but it is a great introduction to verse 11. How do we remain on the path of purity? This does not end with a young person. It carries over to our entire lives for the rest of our life.
We don't need reminders when we get off track. I don't know about you but as hard as the enemy works to side track me, the Holy Spirit works to keep me grounded. It is a no brainer. If you love Jesus, if you are committed to Jesus, if you are loyal to Jesus, this prompting will speak to you. When I was younger, I recall making some decisions that only took one question to determine whether or not I had crossed the line. The question was "What would dad think if he knew I was doing this?" The same rings true for our heavenly Father.
How do we fight the urge, the temptation, the taunting? By hiding His Word in our heart that we may tap into that when we become the enemy's target. We have to first seek Him with all our heart and combine that with living according to His word so that we do not stray from His commands.
It was refreshing to read that this morning. I am content. I am full. I pray that I will live according to His Word but in order to do that, I must first read His Word them commit to hiding His Word in my heart.
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Run the race
Good morning. It has been a long while, I know. Being a doctoral candidate, supporting my brother's election, keeping up with kids and a husband, and tending to a new puppy has kept me pretty busy. I have now relaxed from one of those things but must speak about it.
My brother was a candidate for Harris County Constable Precinct 3. He ran an impeccable race. My father and I, being the two retired, witnessed much of the process. We were at polls for all of early voting. We, as a family, were at my brother's side when he made this decision a year ago. We made the decision to run a clean, fair race with character as the foundation.
There were nine candidates in the race and this was my brother's first go at it. Many of the others had run before. Each time I saw my brother I saw a qualified, loyal, ardent individual. He didn't need a job, he is an investigator for Harris County District Attorney's Office. He wanted to make a difference. While other candidates had the time to be at the polls, my brother did not. He continued to serve the citizens.
This week, my Pastor, Dr. Ed Young, gave an amazing sermon with an introduction of integrity, service and character to those we choose as leaders. It left an abiding impact in my heart as I knew my brothers election race was Tuesday.
On several days at early voting, my father and I witnessed actions contrary to the laws of integrity but aligned with the laws of human nature. We heard name calling, accusations, challenges, showboating, allegations of wrong doing, shouting, cursing and so much more. We witnessed printed derogatory material, a particular candidate yelling at an employee of the library where they were graciously allowing them to vote, pushing the envelope just a little until it became an all out war, and so much more.
We were so confident in our candidate. What else could the community want? A dedicated servant who served in law enforcement over 26 years and now serves the community in the DA's office. A beaming record with numerous awards for service. I was often asked "Do you really think your brother will win?" My response was often "We serve a God that parted the red sea, that opened the heavens with rain, that rescued Daniel from the Lion's den-is anything impossible for him?"
My daily devotions were aligned with endless possibilities of Gideon, Joshua, Caleb and giants. Nothing is impossible for our God but I must say that our prayer was "but if not" [Daniel 3:19], let us still continue to glorify our God. And so we have. He did not win the race but he kept his character and integrity. There is a second part to this election story. Throughout the race, I was met by individuals that thought "being good" would get them to heaven. I was put in a position to tell them that only believing in the Lord Jesus Christ would get them eternal life. Many of these workers from other teams were individuals that were paid and had never met the candidate, we knew ours and we knew his heart. We knew the God we believe in and he put us there to impact lives not to win a race.
My father, our patriarch, led the way. His love for his son led him to stand countless hours [as did I] holding signs that said vote for our candidate. My father was up early and stayed late. The reward in that was the endless people that complimented us on our brothers character and our example. Oh don't get me wrong, we were not faultless. The poor show of respect prompted us to want to cross that line and we had a heart to heart that ended something like this...."Are we going to trust God like we have been saying or will we let them win out?" The defeat was difficult only because we saw the ill actions of others, but we are content in God's final say. We lost the race but one lost soul won over is a greater victory!
I will give thanks to you O my God with all my heart, I will glorify your name forever. Psalms 86:12
I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work which you have given me to do. John 17:4
I have run the race, I have fought the fight, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
My brother was a candidate for Harris County Constable Precinct 3. He ran an impeccable race. My father and I, being the two retired, witnessed much of the process. We were at polls for all of early voting. We, as a family, were at my brother's side when he made this decision a year ago. We made the decision to run a clean, fair race with character as the foundation.
There were nine candidates in the race and this was my brother's first go at it. Many of the others had run before. Each time I saw my brother I saw a qualified, loyal, ardent individual. He didn't need a job, he is an investigator for Harris County District Attorney's Office. He wanted to make a difference. While other candidates had the time to be at the polls, my brother did not. He continued to serve the citizens.
This week, my Pastor, Dr. Ed Young, gave an amazing sermon with an introduction of integrity, service and character to those we choose as leaders. It left an abiding impact in my heart as I knew my brothers election race was Tuesday.
On several days at early voting, my father and I witnessed actions contrary to the laws of integrity but aligned with the laws of human nature. We heard name calling, accusations, challenges, showboating, allegations of wrong doing, shouting, cursing and so much more. We witnessed printed derogatory material, a particular candidate yelling at an employee of the library where they were graciously allowing them to vote, pushing the envelope just a little until it became an all out war, and so much more.
We were so confident in our candidate. What else could the community want? A dedicated servant who served in law enforcement over 26 years and now serves the community in the DA's office. A beaming record with numerous awards for service. I was often asked "Do you really think your brother will win?" My response was often "We serve a God that parted the red sea, that opened the heavens with rain, that rescued Daniel from the Lion's den-is anything impossible for him?"
My daily devotions were aligned with endless possibilities of Gideon, Joshua, Caleb and giants. Nothing is impossible for our God but I must say that our prayer was "but if not" [Daniel 3:19], let us still continue to glorify our God. And so we have. He did not win the race but he kept his character and integrity. There is a second part to this election story. Throughout the race, I was met by individuals that thought "being good" would get them to heaven. I was put in a position to tell them that only believing in the Lord Jesus Christ would get them eternal life. Many of these workers from other teams were individuals that were paid and had never met the candidate, we knew ours and we knew his heart. We knew the God we believe in and he put us there to impact lives not to win a race.
My father, our patriarch, led the way. His love for his son led him to stand countless hours [as did I] holding signs that said vote for our candidate. My father was up early and stayed late. The reward in that was the endless people that complimented us on our brothers character and our example. Oh don't get me wrong, we were not faultless. The poor show of respect prompted us to want to cross that line and we had a heart to heart that ended something like this...."Are we going to trust God like we have been saying or will we let them win out?" The defeat was difficult only because we saw the ill actions of others, but we are content in God's final say. We lost the race but one lost soul won over is a greater victory!
I will give thanks to you O my God with all my heart, I will glorify your name forever. Psalms 86:12
I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work which you have given me to do. John 17:4
I have run the race, I have fought the fight, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
Sunday, January 3, 2016
The Consequences of Sin
The other day I heard some news that kind of surprised me. I really didn't know how to feel. I was shocked that an individual with so much potential would ruin it by getting involved in a bar fight. I was saddened that this individual would not be able to be a part of something he had worked so hard to accomplish, Most of all, I was surprised that he was not allowed to play in one of the most important games of his career.
"TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin has been suspended for Saturday's Alamo Bowl after he was arrested following a bar fight early Thursday morning, head coach Garry Patterson announced."
To see the face of this individual as he apologized to his team, his coach and even his family was heartbreaking. It was obvious that he was remorseful, he was sad and he regretted his actions. I hated to see this happen to him. He asked for forgiveness for his actions and stressed his shame.
While the team forgave him, the consequences of his actions remained. Normally, I would not have watched this college game. In fact, when TCU trailed Oregon by 31 at halftime, I should have turned the television off, but unfortunately, I was one of those who regretfully believed that the entire foundation of the success of this team was Boykin. Why couldn't I turn the game off? My husband was long asleep and it was 9:30pm, already past my bedtime. Instead, I held on and continued to watch. Of course my first thought was that TCU would not be able to recover from this great deficit.
After half time, the team not only came back, they went into overtime....three times. The team that I had expected would lose because they were not playing their star quarterback had won with a back up. One would think that the consequences of Boykin's sin would be that the team would lose. That was not the consequence. A young man by the name of Bram Kohlhausen led the team to victory.
Although Boykin asked for forgiveness for his sin, he had to live with the consequences of that sin. He was not allowed to play in his final TCU game and could not honorably wear the TCU Jersey. It doesn't mean he wasn't forgiven, it just means that those were the consequences of that sin.
So many times we may ask God to forgive us our sin and when things don't go our way, we question whether he forgave us or not. For example, if an individual embezzles money from a company and they ask for forgiveness, the employer may forgive him. However, the employer can fire them as a result of the theft. Does not mean he didn't forgive them, It just means that the consequence of the sin was termination.
I know that Boykin learned a hard lesson but I pray that he finds comfort in God's forgiveness and does not dwell on the consequences of sin,
He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalms 103:9-12
Sports Illustrated (2015) TCU QB Trevone Boykin suspended for Alamo Bowl after Arrest. Posted December 31, 2015
"TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin has been suspended for Saturday's Alamo Bowl after he was arrested following a bar fight early Thursday morning, head coach Garry Patterson announced."
To see the face of this individual as he apologized to his team, his coach and even his family was heartbreaking. It was obvious that he was remorseful, he was sad and he regretted his actions. I hated to see this happen to him. He asked for forgiveness for his actions and stressed his shame.
While the team forgave him, the consequences of his actions remained. Normally, I would not have watched this college game. In fact, when TCU trailed Oregon by 31 at halftime, I should have turned the television off, but unfortunately, I was one of those who regretfully believed that the entire foundation of the success of this team was Boykin. Why couldn't I turn the game off? My husband was long asleep and it was 9:30pm, already past my bedtime. Instead, I held on and continued to watch. Of course my first thought was that TCU would not be able to recover from this great deficit.
After half time, the team not only came back, they went into overtime....three times. The team that I had expected would lose because they were not playing their star quarterback had won with a back up. One would think that the consequences of Boykin's sin would be that the team would lose. That was not the consequence. A young man by the name of Bram Kohlhausen led the team to victory.
Although Boykin asked for forgiveness for his sin, he had to live with the consequences of that sin. He was not allowed to play in his final TCU game and could not honorably wear the TCU Jersey. It doesn't mean he wasn't forgiven, it just means that those were the consequences of that sin.
So many times we may ask God to forgive us our sin and when things don't go our way, we question whether he forgave us or not. For example, if an individual embezzles money from a company and they ask for forgiveness, the employer may forgive him. However, the employer can fire them as a result of the theft. Does not mean he didn't forgive them, It just means that the consequence of the sin was termination.
I know that Boykin learned a hard lesson but I pray that he finds comfort in God's forgiveness and does not dwell on the consequences of sin,
He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalms 103:9-12
Sports Illustrated (2015) TCU QB Trevone Boykin suspended for Alamo Bowl after Arrest. Posted December 31, 2015
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Mercy or Justice
While in Miami, my niece and her husband Ralph took me to breakfast. He bragged about what a neat restaurant this was and how good the food was so I was excited to experience it. We sat and enjoyed our meal and finished with the Spanish word for a "rich" meal-rico!
The restaurant was quaint and in a small space. It was actually located inside an area in a store. As we prepared to leave, I decided I would go to the restroom. They waited at the table. When I returned, I truly must have had a bad case of "bubble head" that one experiences after 50. I walked back to their table and in my bubble, I accidentally bumped into a table where two ladies were sitting waiting on their party. They had two connecting tables and as I hit the corner, it tapped into the other table knocking over two full glasses of water and some coffee.
It was one of those moments where you just want to be invisible. The water went all over a lady's nice dress. What happened next seemed to take place in slow motion, I saw the lady pull her wet cell phone out of her purse. She then proceeded to take each wet item out of her purse. Since her purse was sitting on the chair, it took the brunt of the water. When she had pulled everything out and was drying it, I took her purse and literally poured half a glass of water out of it. I was embarrassed and felt so bad.
I pleaded with the lady to forgive me. Then, in private, I asked the waitress for their check. She responded with an abrupt "They haven't ordered yet!" I then told her that I would wait until they ordered and she replied "They aren't going to order before you leave they are waiting on a party of six." It was then that I realized that I would get no mercy from the waitress.
Remorsefully, I went to the lady. I apologized beyond belief. I asked her to forgive me, told her I would comp her meal all to no avail. She would have no part of me paying. She simply said in Spanish, "No problem, it happens, don't worry about it." What? Mercy-for me? I deserved her calling me out. I deserved her being mad or cursing or calling me names....but that didn't happen.
We reluctantly left as the waitress mopped the excess water from the floor. As I walked through the store, my niece stated "that's how people are around here." I was so appreciative that she had extended mercy and not made a bigger scene than I had made by spilling all the water.
As I begged for mercy, I examined myself. I told my niece that I feared I would have responded differently. Having just left church, I feared that I would have gasped and maybe lost my temper. I would not have been a good reflection of the fruits of the spirit. It confirmed in me that I want mercy extended when it's my mistake but don't often extend mercy when I'm the one offended.
I didn't need to be told what I already but this was a lesson learned. It taught me to be more Christ like and leave a Christian impression rather than to focus on a wet phone. If I could, I would have comp her meal. Today, I would say thank you for not publically humiliating more than I had done to myself, thank you for your compassion and mercy.
Having said that, how many times does God extend mercy and we take it for granted. Never humbling ourselves to him, never saying thank you, never asking for forgiveness? I fail thank God enough for the mercy He extends to me. Today, I chose to say thank you.
Thank you Father for extending me mercy rather than the justice I deserve.
Blessed are the merciful for they shall be shown mercy. Matthew 5:7
The restaurant was quaint and in a small space. It was actually located inside an area in a store. As we prepared to leave, I decided I would go to the restroom. They waited at the table. When I returned, I truly must have had a bad case of "bubble head" that one experiences after 50. I walked back to their table and in my bubble, I accidentally bumped into a table where two ladies were sitting waiting on their party. They had two connecting tables and as I hit the corner, it tapped into the other table knocking over two full glasses of water and some coffee.
It was one of those moments where you just want to be invisible. The water went all over a lady's nice dress. What happened next seemed to take place in slow motion, I saw the lady pull her wet cell phone out of her purse. She then proceeded to take each wet item out of her purse. Since her purse was sitting on the chair, it took the brunt of the water. When she had pulled everything out and was drying it, I took her purse and literally poured half a glass of water out of it. I was embarrassed and felt so bad.
I pleaded with the lady to forgive me. Then, in private, I asked the waitress for their check. She responded with an abrupt "They haven't ordered yet!" I then told her that I would wait until they ordered and she replied "They aren't going to order before you leave they are waiting on a party of six." It was then that I realized that I would get no mercy from the waitress.
Remorsefully, I went to the lady. I apologized beyond belief. I asked her to forgive me, told her I would comp her meal all to no avail. She would have no part of me paying. She simply said in Spanish, "No problem, it happens, don't worry about it." What? Mercy-for me? I deserved her calling me out. I deserved her being mad or cursing or calling me names....but that didn't happen.
We reluctantly left as the waitress mopped the excess water from the floor. As I walked through the store, my niece stated "that's how people are around here." I was so appreciative that she had extended mercy and not made a bigger scene than I had made by spilling all the water.
As I begged for mercy, I examined myself. I told my niece that I feared I would have responded differently. Having just left church, I feared that I would have gasped and maybe lost my temper. I would not have been a good reflection of the fruits of the spirit. It confirmed in me that I want mercy extended when it's my mistake but don't often extend mercy when I'm the one offended.
I didn't need to be told what I already but this was a lesson learned. It taught me to be more Christ like and leave a Christian impression rather than to focus on a wet phone. If I could, I would have comp her meal. Today, I would say thank you for not publically humiliating more than I had done to myself, thank you for your compassion and mercy.
Having said that, how many times does God extend mercy and we take it for granted. Never humbling ourselves to him, never saying thank you, never asking for forgiveness? I fail thank God enough for the mercy He extends to me. Today, I chose to say thank you.
Thank you Father for extending me mercy rather than the justice I deserve.
Blessed are the merciful for they shall be shown mercy. Matthew 5:7
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
He won't let go
Recently I watch my great niece as her daddy placed her on his shoulders. She was so comfortable. She loved being that high and giggled as he twirled her around. They went up and down, turned around, swayed and danced all while she sat on his shoulders.
During one of those times, she became too comfortable and leaned back unable to bring herself back up. Her father had her by the legs and we all knew that she would not fall. The incident left her uncomfortable and she began to whine. Her dad responded "Why are you whining? You're the one that went too far back, I was holding you. I wasn't going to let go."
It reminded of how I am so happy, joyful, smiling when all is good. I'm thanking God for being so good to me and yes, I might even twirl around in gratefulness. Today however, I found myself whining. "Why all these attacks? Why was my dad injured in this accident? Why is a job situation so challenging? Why are we being tested? Why all this spiritual warfare?" All the while remembering the verse Do not be anxious about anything [Philippians 4:6]
This morning when I read that, I read the message God intended me to read. First was rejoice [v4].
In your dancing, rejoice. Although things may be tough through your eyes....rejoice! Then it tells us something very important The Lord is near [V5]. Just like her daddy was holding little Victoria, our God is holding us. Even when we feel like we are falling, He has a hold on us and will not let go. Dads don't let go because they love us and our Father will not let because He loves us too. Then comes verse 6-the one everyone quotes "Do not be anxious about anything-but..." It is what follows that "but" that is important also. But...in everything, be prayerful and with thanksgiving present your requests to God.
Don't be anxious, be prayerful, present your requests to God. He will not let go. Not only that, when you truly trust him, you'll receive a peace that transcends all understanding. Our struggles may sometimes feel so heavy but God offers a peace beyond all other simply because he won't let go.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 4-7
During one of those times, she became too comfortable and leaned back unable to bring herself back up. Her father had her by the legs and we all knew that she would not fall. The incident left her uncomfortable and she began to whine. Her dad responded "Why are you whining? You're the one that went too far back, I was holding you. I wasn't going to let go."
It reminded of how I am so happy, joyful, smiling when all is good. I'm thanking God for being so good to me and yes, I might even twirl around in gratefulness. Today however, I found myself whining. "Why all these attacks? Why was my dad injured in this accident? Why is a job situation so challenging? Why are we being tested? Why all this spiritual warfare?" All the while remembering the verse Do not be anxious about anything [Philippians 4:6]
This morning when I read that, I read the message God intended me to read. First was rejoice [v4].
In your dancing, rejoice. Although things may be tough through your eyes....rejoice! Then it tells us something very important The Lord is near [V5]. Just like her daddy was holding little Victoria, our God is holding us. Even when we feel like we are falling, He has a hold on us and will not let go. Dads don't let go because they love us and our Father will not let because He loves us too. Then comes verse 6-the one everyone quotes "Do not be anxious about anything-but..." It is what follows that "but" that is important also. But...in everything, be prayerful and with thanksgiving present your requests to God.
Don't be anxious, be prayerful, present your requests to God. He will not let go. Not only that, when you truly trust him, you'll receive a peace that transcends all understanding. Our struggles may sometimes feel so heavy but God offers a peace beyond all other simply because he won't let go.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 4-7
Thursday, December 17, 2015
I want Jesus
Recently I visited my niece in Miami, Florida. We attended church Sunday morning with her husband and her two and a half year old daughter, Victoria. It was a wonderful service and wonderful time. Afterwards, we stopped to partake of the festivities including photo ops throughout the church.
After lunch, we went to her sister-in-law's house to visit a brand new baby and to take more photos, this time for the family Christmas card. Of course, you know that when you have a plan, if a child is involved, it may not come to be. Victoria was suddenly taken by the Christmas tree but more distracted by a baby in a cradle lying under the Christmas tree. She picked it up and was quickly told that it was baby Jesus. We also learned that it had been in the family for many, many years and had been passed down to my niece's brother-in-law.
In order to protect the precious heirloom, we attempted to take it from Victoria to no avail. She immediately began saying "I want Jesus, I want Jesus!" We would of course return it to her to calm the shouts but we found ourselves delicately following her around so that she would not drop it. When the time came for the family to pose for the Christmas picture, momma told Victoria that she would have to put Jesus down. "No momma, I want Jesus-I want Jesus!"
Daddy took his turn again, with no success. Brother-in-law explained that it was fragile and that it was old and that it was special but Victoria kept insisting "I want Jesus." Just about that time, our greatest fear came true. Victoria got off her chair and ran to another room clutching her Jesus.
We finally took Jesus from Victoria and with large tears and a sorrowful voice she cried "I waaaaaaaant Jesus." The only way to pacify her was to give her Jesus. Of course by now with the crooked bow and red eyes, there was no chance of taking a photo and the Christmas cards would just be late. However, there was no greater joy than watching Victoria's desire to hold Jesus. Watching her adore the Jesus triggered a thought...what if we wanted Jesus as much as Victoria wanted him.
We often pass through trials, failures, challenges and yet we don't hold on to Jesus. We don't cry out for him, we don't long to just sit and spend time with him. Jesus said "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" [Matthew 19:14]. I was learning a great lesson from Victoria. I wanted Jesus as much as Victoria did. I longed to be with him and talk to him and spend time with him. The difference was that we were all trying to prevent Victoria from doing that. The only one stopping me is me.
So this week, as you travel to your days counting down the days of celebrating our Savior's birth, I pray that you too will say "I want Jesus."
Oh God, you are my God, earnestly I will seek you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Psalms 63:1
After lunch, we went to her sister-in-law's house to visit a brand new baby and to take more photos, this time for the family Christmas card. Of course, you know that when you have a plan, if a child is involved, it may not come to be. Victoria was suddenly taken by the Christmas tree but more distracted by a baby in a cradle lying under the Christmas tree. She picked it up and was quickly told that it was baby Jesus. We also learned that it had been in the family for many, many years and had been passed down to my niece's brother-in-law.
In order to protect the precious heirloom, we attempted to take it from Victoria to no avail. She immediately began saying "I want Jesus, I want Jesus!" We would of course return it to her to calm the shouts but we found ourselves delicately following her around so that she would not drop it. When the time came for the family to pose for the Christmas picture, momma told Victoria that she would have to put Jesus down. "No momma, I want Jesus-I want Jesus!"
Daddy took his turn again, with no success. Brother-in-law explained that it was fragile and that it was old and that it was special but Victoria kept insisting "I want Jesus." Just about that time, our greatest fear came true. Victoria got off her chair and ran to another room clutching her Jesus.
We finally took Jesus from Victoria and with large tears and a sorrowful voice she cried "I waaaaaaaant Jesus." The only way to pacify her was to give her Jesus. Of course by now with the crooked bow and red eyes, there was no chance of taking a photo and the Christmas cards would just be late. However, there was no greater joy than watching Victoria's desire to hold Jesus. Watching her adore the Jesus triggered a thought...what if we wanted Jesus as much as Victoria wanted him.
We often pass through trials, failures, challenges and yet we don't hold on to Jesus. We don't cry out for him, we don't long to just sit and spend time with him. Jesus said "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" [Matthew 19:14]. I was learning a great lesson from Victoria. I wanted Jesus as much as Victoria did. I longed to be with him and talk to him and spend time with him. The difference was that we were all trying to prevent Victoria from doing that. The only one stopping me is me.
So this week, as you travel to your days counting down the days of celebrating our Savior's birth, I pray that you too will say "I want Jesus."
Oh God, you are my God, earnestly I will seek you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Psalms 63:1
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