devotional

Jun

2018

The Fort

By Rachel Person (photo credit: Rachel)

When I was 6, I built my first outdoor fort. I’d had lots of practice with the indoor kind – couch, blanket, and a few solid books – and I felt I was ready for the hammer and nails and a whole lot of faith to hold it up kind of fort. My neighbor friend, Julie, and I decided to use some of the leftover wood and material scraps from a home being built close by to build our own dream mansion (think Barbie but no Ken). Like any good set of architects, we had detailed plans drawn out with our Mr. Sketch markers, of course. The colors alone made our plan indestructible (the fruit flavored scents made it extra special). We gathered the necessary tools and materials we needed for building, without asking I’m sure. Needless to say, after a decent amount of time, hard work, and lots of kool-aid, our princess fortress was complete. Picture a castle made of particle board flooring and four somewhat symmetrical walls – I think our construction could’ve been mistaken as abstract art to a passerby, quite frankly.

I remember vividly being so proud of what we had accomplished and although it didn’t really look quite as good as it did on paper, it was ours. We spent lots of time in our fort playing M.A.S.H., dressing Strawberry shortcake, and laughing. It was a safe place and one that made us feel protected and invincible. We even gave it a “homey” feel by laying out a front door rug (carpet remnant) and decorating the outside with hearts and clouds and rainbows, because that’s what every 6 year old girl is REALLY good at drawing.

I’ll never forget the morning we came out and saw someone had destroyed our fort. Not in the way you’re probably imagining. It was all still intact. The walls were all still standing. The beauty we’d created on the outside with our 6 year old hearts, rainbows, and clouds had been exchanged for swear words and mean things written in permanent marker all over the entire fort. I was devastated. I remember crying and wondering why someone would do this to our special fort. I remember thinking it would never be the same. It was permanent. And black. And horrible (and not just because they didn’t smell good like Mr. Sketch’s do).

I’ve had lots of moments in life where I’ve felt that lump in my throat, pit in my stomach, tears welling up in my eyes feeling that I did on the day I saw my 6 year old dream house vandalized. During the times in my life when I feel this way because of words people say or things they do that make my self-esteem plummet and my bright, beautiful, heart and rainbows and sunshine world seem grey and stormy and dark, I remember this:

I have a choice. I can respond in anger or I can forgive. I can become bitter or better. I can want revenge or release it. I can allow someone else to control my emotions or I can be in control and remind myself of the truth. I can let someone else’s words define me or I can stand firm in what God says about who I am.

When I was 6 they hadn’t invented the magic eraser white sponges. My dream home never was the same. Those black permanent marker words remained and we never used our fort again. It didn’t feel safe anymore. It didn’t feel the same. I don’t know what words have been spoken to you, or what has been said about you, or who has hurt you. There may be permanent black marker words written on your heart. I am, however, confident of this : The God of the universe created you and I in HIS image and you are not defined by what the world says about you. There will be unkindness, hurtful words, spiteful deeds, and harmful experiences in your life. In those times, I encourage you to cling to these words from the one who loves you and knows you more than anyone else :

John 16:33 “I have told you these things so that in me you will have peace. In this world you will have trouble but take heart for I have overcome the world.”

Rachel Person…
is a married, Midwest, mother of 5. She’s an ENFP, coffee addicted, sunshine adoring, outdoor adventuring, jeep driving, adrenaline addict. As a 2-time American Ninja Warrior competitor, she’s an energetic, eternal optimist with a passion for pull-ups, photography, and people.

To connect with Rachel on social media, click the links below:

Mar

2018

Jehovah Jireh

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Isaiah 30:21 Tree of Life Version (TLV)

Your ears will hear a word behind you saying: “This is the way, walk in it. When you turn to the right, or when you turn to the left.”

My husband and I have been praying over the next steps for our ministry, Jehovah Jireh. We provide housewares for the refugee community. In practical terms, this means that our liaison will contact us requesting specific donations such as plates, or flatware, or towels. I’ll peruse discount stores, thrift stores or estate sales, then coordinate dropping off the items. It is very sporadic, but we’re happy to help when we’re asked.

Recently, we’ve found new organizations that also need these types of donations. We would love to expand and formalize our ministry to meet these additional needs but we have two fairly large roadblocks: 1) The process of applying for a 501(c)(3) is daunting and 2) funding for the legal paperwork, in addition to the items we purchase each time, is very meager from our personal finances. Our prayers over the last few months have been something like this:
Jesus, we know the idea for serving our refugee community through our resettlement ministry is from You. We want to steward the resources we’re given from You in the way You desire. Our hearts are to serve refugees, and those aging out of foster care, to help them feel at home and have the necessities. Jesus, You know the limitations our personal resources have, and You know we have no idea how to make this happen. We trust You Lord. We ask You to give us wisdom and discernment in our next steps. AMEN

These types of prayers have been uttered, in some variation, over the last few months. Then, in the last week, BOTH prayers have been answered! Without any striving or seeking on our part, the Lord has revealed both an organization that could serve as our oversight board, allowing us to utilize their umbrella 501(c)(3), AND an opportunity for a part time job that could provide this additional funding. Last night, in our prayer time, Mike and I thanked the Lord for His faithfulness. While both of these may be the answers we’ve been looking for, we also know that neither could pan out. What we are clinging to is trusting GOD to provide the path, in His timing, and with His provision.

Jeremiah 29:11 Tree of Life Version (TLV) For I know the plans that I have in mind for you,” declares Adonai, “plans for shalom and not calamity—to give you a future and a hope.

Jesus, we are so grateful that You know us better than we know ourselves. Your timing is always perfect! Thank You for planting this ministry idea in us, and now we trust You fully for its fruition. If the oversight organization works out, and the part time job comes through, we thank You! However, if these are not Your ultimate plan, for now, they are evidence that You hear our prayers! AMEN

To connect with Elizabeth on social media, click the links below:

Elizabeth Rosner…..
Christ follower. Prayer warrior. Wife, Mom, Hugger, and Encourager.

Mar

2018

A Long Pause: Trusting in God’s silence

By Rachel Person

“Because I said so.”

“I don’t know why and neither does anyone else.”

“It’s just the way it is.”

“You don’t need to know the reason, you just need to listen and obey.”

“Because that’s how we’ve always done it.”

These answers to my numerous and sometimes incessant childhood questions were never sufficient enough for me. As an inquisitive and curious child who grew up to be an adult with an insatiable love of learning and discovering, I have always needed to know the WHY. (the who, what, when, and where are good too ☺) Needless to say, I like details. All of them. I love piecing the world together and seeing how it all fits. My personality and the way my brain sees and processes the world means that the above answers will do nothing but frustrate me. When I was younger, if someone gave me a generic, cardboard answer to one of my questions (probably because they didn’t know or didn’t want to take the time to explain it), I would find a way to discover the truth myself (needless to say I LOVED my encyclopedias) Anyone who knows me now knows I am constantly researching and looking things up on a wide variety of topics. I love random facts of knowledge as well as learning about anything new. Unfortunately, I discovered quickly as a child that there are questions that can’t be answered with a nice, tidy, perfect little “box with a bow on top” answer; and it’s something I still wrestle with as an adult today.

My oldest child, Charis, basically spent her entire childhood competing as a gymnast and it truly was a passion and gift that God had blessed her with. She swiftly and quickly moved up the competitive levels and by age 10 was already competing as a level 10 gymnast, which is the highest level of competition below elite gymnasts. When she was 14, she was invited to come to the Karolyi Ranch in Texas and train at the USA Gymnastics National Team Training Center. Of course, she was thrilled and her heart was ecstatic to think that after years of hard work and all of the countless hours of training, her dream was becoming a reality. As her mother, I was so proud of her and happy to see Charis’ determination, tenacity, perseverance and dedication being recognized with a chance of a lifetime being offered to her – to pursue the possibility of becoming an elite gymnast and eventually go to the Olympics.

Charis and I had our tickets booked for Texas and two days before we were to leave, she broke her elbow in practice badly enough to require surgery. As you can imagine, she was devastated. My heart ached for her and that child-like, give-me-an-answer-now voice in me wanted to scream “WHY?” at the top of my lungs. Any parent who has watched their child in a moment of pain, hurt, frustration or hopelessness knows EXACTLY what I mean. I was angry. Angry at the situation that was out of anyone’s control. Angry at God for allowing this to happen. Angry that I couldn’t fix the situation (because that’s what moms do best). Angry that my daughter may have just lost the chance of a lifetime. Angry that I had to hold it all together for everyone else and especially Charis (because that is also what moms do best). I vividly remembering praying (really it was me questioning and trying to get some answers) to God and begging him to show me the WHY for all of this. I had always told myself up until this point that God had reasons for why things happened the way they did, even if I didn’t always understand them. I had also told my children this, especially in the hardest of times. In this moment though, I just didn’t believe it. I wanted to, but I couldn’t. In all honesty, I felt like God “owed” it to Charis to allow her dream to become a reality and I was angry that His timing had closed this door on this once in a lifetime possibility. Charis, with her determined and competitive attitude continued to compete at the highest level of gymnastics for 2 more years, but endured injury after injury during that time. Her surgeries from gymnastics totaled seven, and it was more apparent than ever that, although there wasn’t a reason our finite minds understood, God’s plan for Charis’ life as a gymnast was different than hers.

Fast forward twelve years. I have an amazingly successful 26 year old daughter who has graduated from medical school and is currently an OB/GYN resident. She used the life lessons she learned through gymnastics, along with the other obstacles, hurdles, roadblocks and detours life threw at her over the years, to make her stronger and even more focused, determined and tougher than she already was. Last month, God the supreme architect, hit me with a 2×4 as I read headline after headline detailing the sexual abuse of gymnasts at the Karolyi Ranch by the team doctor, Larry Nassar. In that moment, God answered my WHY that had been so heavy on my heart for so many years. Do I know that Charis would’ve been abused there? No. But God does. And as the puzzle pieces fit together, I wept as I felt the protection and love that God had shown for Charis by keeping her from making that trip to Texas so many years ago. I was reminded (as I have been on so many occasions) that I need to trust that God truly does have our best interests at heart, even when it doesn’t make sense or the WHY isn’t clear. Ultimately, the scars from seven surgeries pale in comparison to the scars that could’ve been left forever had Charis gone to Karolyi Ranch. God, in his infinite wisdom, knew better than all of us what He was doing and what plans He had for Charis. My heart aches for all of the innocent girls that had to endure the abuse from that monster of a man, but I’m so thankful that God protected Charis. Today, I am thankful for a broken elbow 12 years ago. Tomorrow, although I still may not like it, I’ll be much more patient, understanding and trusting of when God is silent or simply gives me this answer to my questions:

Dear Rachel,

“Because I said so.”

Love, God

“’For I know the plans I have for you’ says the Lord. ‘Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.’”

Jeremiah 29:11

Rachel Person…
is a married, Midwest, mother of 5. She’s an ENFP, coffee addicted, sunshine adoring, outdoor adventuring, jeep driving, adrenaline addict. As a 2 time American Ninja Warrior competitor, she’s an energetic, eternal optimist with a passion for pull-ups, photography, and people.

To connect with Rachel on social media, click the links below:

Mar

2018

Choice Paralysis

By Jenny Downey

Are you one of those people who confidently claims, “I’ll know it when I see it?” Do you possess the magical ability to select entrees, outfits, vehicles, hairstyles, or furniture with decisive ease? Well I am not counted amongst that crew. This decision making skill somehow eludes me, and I have now encountered a new area where it comes into play: updating the house.

Choosing paint colors, floor covering, counter surface, backsplash and fixtures finds me stuck in the abyss of too many choices. I pour over photos in magazines and online, admiring the myriad options. But then freeze up when I actually have to make a decision – how can I know which one is just right for us? How do I land on just ONE when there are so many beautiful ideas? What if I have regrets and wish I had gone a different route? What if I discover something better after it’s too late? What if my friends don’t like my finished look?

And here lies the rub. People keep telling me, “It’s YOUR space, so do what you like and don’t worry about what other people think.” That is fine and dandy until you work in real estate and learn that there indeed comes a time when it matters. I’ve viewed way too many homes when a buyer is scratching their head, wondering “WHAT were they thinking…that is bizarre!” Don’t get me wrong…my husband has declared we can NEVER move again. My focus shouldn’t be concerned with resale, but still it remains entrenched as a filter.

As a result, my DIY kitchen update hovers in the land of unfinished potential whilst I labor over the mental exercise of making decisions. In the end, it will look a million times better than it did before, and ultimately that is where I have to set my mind. So if you visit my home, please appreciate the mental anguish that went into even the little things, such as outlet covers and toilet paper holders. While the physical labor was intense, the more grueling task was all the deciding.

Neil and I recently had a great discussion about choices. We looked at the huge box of college mail that piled up for Liam over the last two years and mused how students are now bombarded with so many options. Back in my senior year, it seemed most seniors were just trying to decide whether to head an hour north or south on I-29 for college.

Another area we considered was food. Neil made the point that we eat different foods every day, while most of the world eats the same few things day in, day out, if they are so lucky. I considered the lack of dietary variety in pioneer times and how spoiled we are now! I think about the grocery store, where there are probably 25 different types of BBQ sauce selections. Each aisle provides abundant practice in decision-making skills for me!

When did our western culture become obsessed with variety? When did we stop marveling at it and become numb and entitled? Have we succumbed to trivial distractions that occupy our minds when we could – or should – simplify and channel our thoughts for greater purposes? This is what I have noticed about myself: I am completely thrown off important pursuits when my mind is paralyzed by making decisions that ultimately don’t matter.

Now that this idea has been brought to my front burner, I must capture it and use this conviction so I can continue to grow and mature in my faith. I want to wrestle with my own tendencies and weaknesses and ask God to cause me to care less about subway tile and more about human souls. I must practice prioritizing decisions and investing more of my time into ones that count for eternity.

Around the world, millions of people are making daily decisions focused on one thing–survival. The concept of a backsplash is so foreign it would seem like the silliest thing ever to mentally grapple for days over which one to choose. Can I get beyond my own narrow reality and wake up to the plight of those around me who don’t have the luxury of a home, vehicle, job or nice dinners? How can I get involved and help make a difference in my own community?

This is what is rattling around in my cluttered brain today. Do you struggle with this as well? What are your thoughts?

Jenny Downey…
loves sharing the humor in life. Many days find her driving carpool, meeting clients for real estate appointments, or traveling to soccer tournaments. She and Neil have common interests of music, reading, trying new recipes, DIY projects, cheering their four children on in soccer and choir, and watching Netflix. The grace of God has been a consistent theme in her life. That, and coffee.

To connect with Jenny on social media, click the links below:

Feb

2018

Angels in the Grocery Store – a guest post by Elizabeth Rosner

By Elizabeth Rosner

Galatians 5:14 GNT: For the whole Law is summed up in one commandment: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” (Tweet this)

My mom and step-dad, affectionately known to everyone as Sugah and Big Daddy, have recently experienced some setbacks. Big Daddy, 84, is an insulin dependent diabetic. While he takes great care of himself, this disease has taken quite a toll on his body. In December, it caused an ocular stroke, leaving him blind in his right eye and with poor vision in his left. On the day of his stroke, Big Daddy drove himself to the eye doctor. He was fiercely independent, with an active life both socially and in community service. With the loss of his vision came many other losses too: driving, filling his syringes with insulin, and peripheral vision. At Christmas, Big Daddy and Alexander, my 18 year old son, were talking. Big Daddy was tearfully explaining to Alexander that he has never once mourned the loss of his vision. He said, “There are many tasks I can no longer do myself, but so many have stepped in to help me. Next week, Bill has offered to drive me to breakfast and John will take me to the meeting on Friday.” He hasn’t missed his breakfasts with friends and he continues to be energetically involved in his many community service activities. He concluded that he could not possibly complain about this loss when God has given him so much.

An example of even the smallest of roles being filled happened recently when Sugah and Big Daddy were shopping at their local grocery store one day. A man walked up to Big Daddy, and said, “Sir, may I tie your shoe?” He said this as he simultaneously bent down and tied the shoe. My mom was taken aback, that this young man would perform such an intimate act for a complete stranger. They thanked him and my mom said, “I hope someone will tie your shoes one day.” The man replied, “My mom always said that.” Later, as my mom was relaying the story to me, she admitted that she has prayed for this man. I said that I would pray too, and I asked his name. Sugah said, “I have no idea. I couldn’t even tell you what he looked like. He was gone so quickly but his act meant so much!”

1 Timothy 5:1 ESV – Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father

Dear Jesus, Thank You for sending Your angel to the grocery store to minister to Big Daddy. Thank You that this man didn’t rebuke him, and instead, afforded him dignity in performing such an intimate act. Lord, we do not know this man’s name, but You do. Bless him, Jesus. Multiply his blessings a thousand fold. Teach all of us to see these opportunities, and to act on them, even if it means bending down to the floor of a grocery store to tie an older man’s shoes. AMEN.

To connect with Elizabeth on social media, click the links below:

Elizabeth Rosner…..
Christ follower. Prayer warrior. Wife, Mom, Hugger, and Encourager.

Jan

2018

Vision – a guest post by Rachel Person

by Rachel Person

When I was a teenager, I worked at a Christian book and music store. One of our frequent and regular customers was a blind man. I was always amazed at how easily he recognized my voice and called me by name. He was a great conversationalist, had a great smile and laugh, and had a positive, upbeat, and optimistic demeanor. I remember at my young age being so impressed at his ability to live such a self-sufficient, happy, and purpose-filled life.

One day, in one of our many conversations at the store, he told me he had been blind since birth. I had oftentimes wondered and struggled with which scenario would be worse: would it be harder to be blind from birth or have sight, lose it, and then forever know what you were missing? I asked him if he ever wondered what he looked like or how he envisioned other people in his mind since he couldn’t see them. I’ll NEVER forget his response:

“I do see people, Rachel, but not in the same way you or most of the seeing world does. I don’t consider my blindness to be a handicap, but simply something that forces me to see people the way God does. I see their hearts. I hear their kindness and encouragement in their words, tone, and voice. I feel their love in the way they hug me, serve me, and care for me. I can see them for who they truly are because things on the outside are invisible to me.”

I have come back to this conversation and the words that were exchanged numerous times over the course of my life. I decided at my young age of 16 to try throughout my life to see people as he did. And as God did. I didn’t want to see through my eyes anymore – all the materialistic, outer shell appearances that the world said mattered. I wanted to see people with my heart.
I love the quote, “If the whole world were blind, how many people would you impress?” (Tweet this) I think of the number of industries and the amount of money spent focusing on our outward appearance. I’ll be the first person to admit that I love being fancy and being a girly girl and getting all dressed up. I also love throwing my hair in a braid, putting on a hat, and wearing a t-shirt and shorts while driving in my jeep. However, the older I get, the less I’m trying to focus on the outside (it’s deteriorating quickly anyways ☺) and more on the inside and on what truly matters in this life. I’ve still got a TON of work to do. There’s some ugly things deep down inside of me. However, I am trying to dig down into those places and make them beautiful too. The most beautiful people I’ve known in my lifetime are those whose hearts are kind to others. “Beauty fades. A beautiful heart lasts forever.” My prayer is that God will continue to keep these aging eyes laser focused, seeing clearly with 20/20 sharp vision, able to look deeply into the hearts of others. May I seek and find beauty in all people as God does and love them with His vision and sight.

“The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears,

the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes,

because that is the doorway to her heart,

the place where love resides.

True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.

It’s the caring that she lovingly gives,

the passion that she shows

And the beauty of a woman only grows

with passing years.”

~ Audrey Hepburn

To connect with Rachel on social media, click the links below:

Jan

2018

Angels Attending – a guest post by Elizabeth Rosner

He will command His angels concerning you to guard you carefully. Luke 4:10 (Tweet this)

By Elizabeth P. Rosner

2 am Friday morning. My husband wakes me to tell me our son, Alexander, has had a wreck. The car is totaled, but he is fine. Mike and I jump in the car to go get Alexander. We arrive and the sight is so scary. Alexander is standing outside his car, in 20 degree weather, shivering and sobbing. I run to him and cling to him, thanking God for the one gazillionth time for the gift of this child and for keeping him safe. I put Alexander in the back seat of our car while Mike calls the police. I go back to Alexander’s car to retrieve the minutiae – garage door opener, university parking pass, phone cords, his longboard. Before I can do that though, I am struck by the fact that there is no front end on the car. It is completely smashed in. The left front tire that was just minutes before perpendicular to the road is now laying flat. From the front it looks as if nothing could possibly survive such a collision. Yet, my son is nestled feet away from me, still in shock and crying, but alive! PRAISE JESUS!

The police arrive and inquire about the accident. The officer says there are many deer on the road and this happens often. He does not issue a ticket nor does he perform any sobriety check. He is calm and reassuring to Alexander that it was not his fault. I get in the back seat with him and hug him again. I ask again if he feels ok, did he hit his head, is anything broken? He says the only thing that hurts is his thumb. I look and it is purple at the nail bed but he can move it. The officer asks Alexander if he needs to go to the hospital and he declines.

The flatbed tow truck pulls up. He says the Mini Cooper has some special device that is needed to tow it. If that is not available, he can just tow from the frame. He goes under the car and the frame is gone. Completely smashed. He has to tow attaching the hook to the engine. As he is pulling the car from the trees, the officer says we can go.

The three of us walk in our house, less than a mile away from where this happened. I tuck my little boy, my 18 year old almost-a-man child, into bed. I cry joyful, grateful, momma tears and thank the sweet Lord Jesus that he is home with us and not in a hospital ICU or worse. A mother’s worst nightmare has been averted.

The next morning when Alexander wakes up, we go to urgent care. The doctor sees the pictures and proclaims my son a walking miracle. While waiting on x-rays, the Lord directs me to Jeremiah 29:11. This is a verse that has been a foundation for both Alexander and I for many, many years. The Lord comforts me that He has great plans for Alexander. Then I read the next two verses.

We have all gotten those middle of the night phone calls that raise us from a dead sleep. I was not awake at 2am praying fervently for my child. I was asleep. My prayers, though, go before me. We anointed his car and prayed over it, asking for angels to attend him every second he was in that car. The Lord promises we can call on Him and He will answer. In this, my prayers were answered before I called on Him.

The doctor comes back in with the x-ray results. Nothing is broken. His thumb just needs a minor procedure to alleviate the pain. We think this happened when the airbag deployed. He bandaged the thumb and we are back home.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13

Dear Jesus, when I look at the pictures of the mangled car my heart drops. When I see those two trees and the fragments of his side mirror amongst the debris I am astounded. When I see his bandaged thumb, knowing it could have been so much worse, I praise YOU! I thank You Jesus for Your plans, Your protection, Your willingness to answer our calls, even before we make them. Thank You for answering this momma’s most fervent prayer to keep her child safe. AMEN

To connect with Elizabeth on social media, click the links below:

Elizabeth Rosner…..
Christ follower. Prayer warrior. Wife, Mom, Hugger, and Encourager.

Dec

2017

The Light of Christmas – a guest post by Rachel Person

by Rachel Person

I LOVE Christmas. It has always been one of my most favorite times of the year as far back as I can remember. Admittedly, I am a nostalgia queen and Christmas, with its traditions galore, is the perfect time to reflect back and reminisce upon all that means most to me. I also love DECORATING for Christmas. I think I have a total of 10 extra large totes full of Christmas decorations. Not. Kidding. Anyone who has been to my home during the Christmas season has seen the “explosion of Christmas” that occurs all over the house every year!

I would venture to guess that most people, both young and old, would agree that one of their favorite parts of Christmas is the tree. (possibly for the kids because of what it holds underneath) Each family has their own traditions of what kind (real vs. artificial), what style (humble or ornate), what theme (Disney or kids’ ornaments or popcorn garland) and some even down to the tree variety (spruce, fir, or pine, oh my!). I know several families that make it a tradition to go soon after Thanksgiving (trudging through the snow, uphill both ways of course ☺) on the quest for the “perfect” tree. I always laugh a little on the inside when I see all of the trees strapped to the tops of the cars on their jaunt home (think “Christmas Vacation”).

We are an artificial family. As in tree. (Otherwise we are about as real as it gets, and let me say, it’s not always pretty). I haul up 2 of the 10 Christmas bins, crank up the Christmas music and spend the next 2 hours setting up our tree, fluffing branches, climbing up and down from the stool a few hundred times, until the magical moment happens and it is standing in its glory in the middle of the big picture window. And then I silently think to myself, “why hasn’t someone invented a Christmas tree that sets up itself? I’m pretty sure Inspector Gadget could’ve had a button for that. Go, go gadget Christmas tree!” I digress.

This year, as I stood and admired the tree towering above me (and my perfect branch fluffing abilities-haha!), I thought about how plain it looked. Although it’s always been “perfect” and “ours,” what it was lacking was so very evident in that moment. What separates a Christmas tree from any other tree is its LIGHT. As I began to string the lights around the tree – and grumble slightly about my Christmas light conspiracy theory that they purposefully make them so they last just under a year and you therefore have to invest in new ones EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR – my heart beamed as brightly as the tree because I realized in that moment what an exact and perfect representation it was of what Christmas is truly about.

CHRISTmas is the time of year when we remember and celebrate Jesus’ birth ~ the light of the world came to be born, live in human form, and bring us out of darkness. (Tweet this) God looked down from heaven and saw the world He had created and although it was good, He knew His creation needed a Savior. We needed the LIGHT. As I stepped back in awe looking at my brightly lit Christmas tree, I immediately saw the difference light makes. What a stark contrast to the plain, darkened tree I had just looked upon a few moments before. It now shone so brightly in its glory. Just like that tree, I have also seen the difference Jesus’ light has made in my own life over the years. What was once in the dark is now full of His glorious love and light.

How thankful I am for the greatest gift of light that God sent for me and for the world in His son, Jesus. This Christmas, may the LIGHT of the world be yours and may He SHINE brightly on you, in you and through you, as you remember the reason for this season.

John 12:46 “I have come into the world as LIGHT, so that everyone who believes in ME will not remain in darkness.”

LOVE and LIGHT,
Rachel

To connect with Rachel on social media, click the links below:

Dec

2017

Joy and Red Birds – a guest post by Elizabeth Rosner

by Elizabeth P. Rosner

You lead me in the path of life; I experience absolute joy in your presence; you always give me sheer delight.
Psalm 16:11 – (Tweet this)

Have you ever asked the Lord for a sign and He answered? If so, you know the sheer delight I experienced last week when blessing my friend, Joy.

It was Secret Santa week and I had the pleasure of being assigned to give gifts to Joy. She’s one of two custodians on our campus who work hard to make sure our building is immaculate. There were set spending parameters, and I went to great lengths to ensure that she would never suspect her Secret Santa was me until the big reveal. What I didn’t count on was my sneakiness being disrupted by the Holy Spirit!

Every year, instead of resolutions, the Lord gives me a word for the year. In 2015, my word was Joy. At the end of last year, Brighton had a promotional tote bag that was free with purchase. It was a canvas bag with the word “Joy” emblazoned on it with a huge red bird background. I didn’t really need a new Brighton bag and it was Christmas so I should have been shopping for others, but I really wanted this canvas tote. I prayed about it, as I do with every expenditure, and the Lord prompted me to make the purchase. After I received it, the tote sat in my closet, pristine and unused. I would admire it but when I prayed about using it, He said, “Not yet.”

In gathering Joy’s gifts for the week, the Lord reminded me of that tote and asked me to give it to her for her last gift. “Ah”, I thought, “this is why I bought that tote! It was never for me all along. I love getting to be part of His grand plan to bless others!”

After receiving this last gift, but before the reveal luncheon, Joy came into my office. She said, “You’re my Secret Santa, aren’t you?” I said, “I think we have to wait to find out. Why do you think so?” She said, with a glimmer in her eye, “Because I prayed about it and He told me it was you!” She went on to tell me how much that tote meant to her and what a sign it was from Him.

In 2001, her sister’s only child, Derrick, was killed in a car wreck when he was just 21 years old. In 2012, their father was ill and dying. At his bedside, her sister asked their dad to please hug Derrick when he got to heaven and said, “When you’re with him, will you send me a red bird?” The next morning, as her sister was sweeping and getting the house ready for all the family who would come in for the funeral, she opened the front door to find on the porch, sitting intently and still, two beautiful red birds!

As Joy relayed this story to me, we were both crying tears of gratitude for the Lord’s faithfulness. She thanked me again and I replied, “Joy, He had me purchase that tote over a year ago. I had no idea at the time who it was for, but am so happy God had a plan and I could be part of it!”

I always pray with joy in my every prayer for all of you. –Philippians 1:4

Dear Jesus, what a blessing it is to be part of Your plan to bless others! Thank You for allowing me that joy and for including me. Please help each one of us listen to Your still, quiet voice when You ask us to be obedient to Your calling. Remind us that it truly is more blessed to give than to receive, especially when it’s in Your Name! AMEN

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Elizabeth Rosner…..
Christ follower. Prayer warrior. Wife, Mom, Hugger, and Encourager.

John 16:33 “I have told you these things so that in me you will have peace. In this world you will have trouble but take heart for I have overcome the world.”

Isaiah 30:21 Tree of Life Version (TLV)

Your ears will hear a word behind you saying: “This is the way, walk in it. When you turn to the right, or when you turn to the left.”

Jeremiah 29:11 Tree of Life Version (TLV) For I know the plans that I have in mind for you,” declares Adonai, “plans for shalom and not calamity—to give you a future and a hope.

“Because I said so.”

“I don’t know why and neither does anyone else.”

“It’s just the way it is.”

“You don’t need to know the reason, you just need to listen and obey.”

“Because that’s how we’ve always done it.”

Dear Rachel,

“Because I said so.”

Love, God

“’For I know the plans I have for you’ says the Lord. ‘Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.’”

Jeremiah 29:11

Galatians 5:14 GNT: For the whole Law is summed up in one commandment: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” (Tweet this)

1 Timothy 5:1 ESV – Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father

He will command His angels concerning you to guard you carefully. Luke 4:10 (Tweet this)

John 12:46 “I have come into the world as LIGHT, so that everyone who believes in ME will not remain in darkness.”

by Elizabeth P. Rosner

You lead me in the path of life; I experience absolute joy in your presence; you always give me sheer delight. Psalm 16:11 – (Tweet this)

I always pray with joy in my every prayer for all of you. –Philippians 1:4

You lead me in the path of life; I experience absolute joy in your presence; you always give me sheer delight.
Psalm 16:11 – (Tweet this)