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I cram as much holiday cheer into December as I can. We had two parties last weekend and several more this week. My goal to create matching stockings did not happen this year.  I quit looking at Christmas Pinterest boards because I am done stressing over perfection. I spend too much money and time shopping for that perfect gift. On top on holiday stress, my everyday struggles threaten to rob my Christmas joy. God’s strength carries me through any trial I face.  Isaiah 40:29 is, “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.” (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015).  His power isRead More →

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I feel more prepared for Christmas than I have in years past. My house is decorated both inside and out.  As I read my Advent devotional this morning, I finally get that I need the time before Christmas to prepare my heart for God. Normally, I spend the month of December rushing around, trying to decorate, buy gifts, plus go to parties. I stress and forget why I am celebrating. Isaiah 40:3 is, “Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, ‘Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord!  Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!’” (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2915).  IRead More →

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Leftover pie and cookies from last week tempts me.  This year, I did not overeat on Thanksgiving Day.  However, I am getting careless and continue eating after I am full.  I don’t want five, or even one, pound of weight gain for Christmas. Instead, I need to lean on God for strength to only eat when I am hungry. Romans 12:2 is, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good, pleasing, and perfect. (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015)  GodRead More →

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God has blessed me with everything I have.  I am not rich, but have everything I need.  Sometimes I forget to thank God for being my provider.  This causes me to take Him for granted. God commands us to be thankful. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 is, “Always be joyful.  Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015). Being joyful and thankful helps me to trust and depend on God.  He commands me to be joyful and thankful so I think less of myself.  As I list things to be thankfulRead More →

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My selfish desires get me in trouble.  Instead of enjoying what is in front of me, I seek meaningless wants. I focus on my selfish desires instead of God. My time and effort are wasted when I grab things I don’t need.  My mind continues to lust for more as greed fills my heart. Psalm 20:4 is, “May he grant your heart’s desire and make all your plans succeed. (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015)  God helps me to find the true desires of my heart.  He shows me how my dreams fit into His will for me.  Surrendering my selfish will to Him helps me to be satisfied withRead More →