Waiting and Trusting

I've gotten back to exercising and watching what I eat. It's aggravating, because I never should've gotten to the point where I am, if I had just stayed consistent with what I was doing before to take care of myself. 

It's hard not to get discouraged--why am I not seeing the fruits of my labors yet? I've been faithful, I've worked hard, and I've spent lots of time. But....I know that ultimately I am seeking to be more healthy and that things ARE happening below the surface...I'm burning fat, reducing cholesterol levels, strengthening my bones, etc. And where will I be if I give up and quit? Negligent and in even worse shape than before.

I was reminded that sometimes we feel the same way with our Christian walk. We never would've landed in the valley if we had done what we know is right and not deviated from that path. And then we get discouraged. "Why, Lord? Why aren't things changing? I've prayed, I've been involved in ministries, I've contributed...." and our list goes on. But always God is working and many times there are spiritual battles occurring that we don't see. Trust. Be still. Wait upon the Lord.

But Jesus replied, "My Father is always working, and so am I." (John 5:17)  He is working behind the scenes to do "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine!" (Ephesians 3:20)

Friends

How many friends do you have? How many names are listed in the contact section of your phone? How many Facebook friends and Twitter followers do you have?

What would happen if you invited them to church?

Surveys have repeatedly shown that over 80% of people currently not involved in church would consider visiting if someone asked them. What about your friend?

Find out on Friend Sunday, March 1, at NHBC. During the month of February, we will be sharing ways you can invite your friends to be a part of this special day. Start praying now to think of friends you can invite - it will be a day to remember!

Joshua 1:9

It's been cloudy for days and days lately. And now it is so very cold....with even colder temperatures to come. But we know Spring will come. It always comes. We can count on it.

However, today it is so good to see the sun. Did it disappear during the cloudy days? Was it completely gone from the world? No, we knew it was there even when we couldn't see it for the clouds.

Life gets that way sometimes. Day after day when life seems dreary and we feel we can't see the "Son." It feels cold and dreary and we long for those times to pass. But then, too, the Son is there...He always is, we can count on it. What a wonderful promise for the New Year!

Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Merry Christmas from NHBC!

Luke 2:1–7

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Right In Front of My Eyes

I've had the same nativity set for years. The ceramic pieces were made by a friend of mine who died several years ago. Each year I remember her as I put them out, and at the end of the season, I carefully pack the pieces away. However, after even the most careful packing for so many years....Baby Jesus was beginning to look pretty dinged up. The paint was chipped and it seemed a little disrespectful to put on display. I knew my friend wouldn't want me to continue to use it. So....I began the search for another set. But...I was also faced with the dilemma of what do you do with Baby Jesus? I didn't want to donate a damaged piece, but to throw it away seemed wrong! :  ) And so it sat on the counter, while I wondered, "What do I do with Jesus?"

My search was disappointing. Either I didn't like the expressions on the characters, they didn't look realistic, they were too expensive, or something else deterred me on each one. I then began to open up the cute set of little kids spelling out the word, "peace," a new decoration that I'd purchased this year. When the last piece was placed on the table and I stepped back to take a look, I was surprised to see that not only did they spell PEACE, but they were dressed in nativity scene apparel...they were, in fact, a NATIVITY SCENE. The nativity had been right there in my home all along, and I had missed it.

I was struck by two truths during those couple of days. 1) We are all faced with the question, "What do I do with Jesus?" Our answer and that of others has eternal significance. And 2) Sometimes Jesus is right in front of our eyes and we miss Him because we aren't looking. Open my eyes, Lord, to see you and to help others see you, and to make the right choices of what to do with Jesus. The ball is in our court.

Give Thanks!

Psalm 100:4–5 (NIV)

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. ⁵ For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Give Thanks! 

Lessons learned from Princesses and Friends

A few days ago, I participated in our church's Trunk or Treat event. Watching the line of kids and adults go by, I was aware that not one single person looked the same. Everyone had their own identity, even if they were wearing the same costume. They were all unique.

We, too, by God's creation, are all unique. No one refused to come to the event because not everyone was dressed like them. Not a single participant stayed away because we were giving out other candy besides the one they liked best. And best of all....we all had fun. "Dogs" admired the superheroes, the princesses filled up their bag with all different kinds of candy, and the farmer smiled at them all.

Everyone had different roles for that event. We couldn't all be passing out treats, someone had to be in costume and ready to receive. It didn't happen without some work. It would've been a terrible time if everyone had been sullen and unappreciative. There were appropriate times for each ingredient, and it couldn't all happen at once. No one was out to see who had the best costume, who was passing out the best candy, or who delivered it in the best way. There was (and continues to be) appreciation shown to those who gave, those who came, those who prayed, and those who were there that night. I believe the event was a wonderful example of community and life as God would have us live.

At one time, I was that child in costume, and at one time, I was that parent lugging the coats and snapping pictures. That's not my role now, though. But it doesn't mean the role I have now can't be enjoyable and a part of the whole. Through life, through the church, through our jobs.....our roles change. But God doesn't.....and He still has ABUNDANT life for us....if we'll let Him give it, according to what He knows is best. And by the way....don't be afraid to try a piece of candy you've never tried before....you might just like it! : )