Laced With Grace

15 He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s….. 17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’ ” ~2 Chronicles 20

As we enter a new year we have fine resolutions and plans but there will also be struggles and heartache. May our finest resolution be to turn immediately to the Lord in everything, at every moment, and in all things, to not be afraid or terrified and to be prepared with the knowledge that He is with s, and if He is with us, then who could be against us.

11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. ~Ephesians 6

Lord, as we enter this new year prepare us for the battles to come. Draw each of us closer to you. Help us to stand on Your promises, immersed in Your word, that We may, when we have done everything, stand.

What are you doing to prepare yourself for the battles to come in the coming year? As you ponder this question keep in mind Laurel Wreath’s upcoming New Year’s Meditations.

As we exit 2006 and enter 2007 we make peace with the past and move into a future with endless possibilities. We are a year wiser, a year stronger and a year more capable.

We have a new beginning to step into. We are handed a brand new slate to paint with our good deeds and the love of God. W e have a renewed hope of making changes He would approve of and encourage in us.

“Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing and perfect will of God.”
Romans 12:2 WEB

Lord,
Help us to fulfill Your vision for us and help us to do Your bidding. Lead us down a good and righteous path towards filling our lives and the lives of those around us with goodness, love and peace. Give us the strength to make changes you would approve of and condone. Help us to be more worthy of following in your footprints.

What do YOU want God to see in you during the next three hundred and sixty-five days? How do YOU want to share His love and joy with others? What are YOU going to do this year to make yourself more Christ-like? Your options are endless and you have all the tools at your fingertips. Most importantly, you have His love and guidance. Where will you allow Him to take you this year?

We shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.”
1 Corinthians 15:51-52 TMB

Happy birthday, to you

Happy birthday, to you

Happy Birthday, Dear Jesus,

Happy birthday to you.

The house is quiet- my family is resting, after all the holiday rush. My little one is down with double ear infections, and the house is a mess. For a few tired, minutes this morning- I wondered— was it worth it? The rushed traveling all over the state… the packages the cooking…

My answer was: Yes.

John 13:34

34″A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

People were loved well- over the last few days. People I don’t see often people, and people who are hard to love… for each one- love was expressed. It’s true- that it was easier to express for some than others- but the message was sent- as best as I could- either way.

I can think of no better way to comemmorate the birth, of the great lover of my soul- (and yours) the one who sacrificed- so much- that we may live- the one who loved me at my most unlovable, than to love as He loved.

It wasn’t done with gifts and packages- though those were given too- but in a tiny way- it was similar to the gift that Jesus gave- the present- of Presense.

He came. We can debate the date- but the fact remains- God’s greatest gift was the gift of His presense. Jesus- God in flesh.

After the gifts are discarded- (maybe even returned or re-gifted) this one thing remains- I was there- and I loved- as best as I could.

Dear Jesus- I pray that the love that you’ve shared- has been poured out- to others- that they will know- long after the holidays- know that they are loved- I thank you- Lord- for your presense—- and for loving me first- I love you Lord- amen. And Lord- Happy Birthday.

Laced with Grace friends- I want to say Merry Christmas to each of you- thank you so much for coming here- to our little spot on the web- and visiting- I hope you know that you are loved as well. I am tempted to go back- to edit this and revise- I’m sure it could be better- clearer- more concise. But – I am a Mom- and a wife first- My husband is home- my little one sick- so today- no editing- just words from my heart-

with love

Tracey