Very often there is a bit of hope to see Christmas as we once did long ago , through childlike eyes ... In honor of the season maybe we should have cocoa while we chat today ? Whatever your choice of beverage , why don ' t you grab it and let ' s talk !
I believe it blesses the heart of the Lord when we hold our hopes close in our hearts ; keeping them alive . Nurturing them and giving them breath against all odds despite how things look . Jesus came so that we would hope , and especially in Him , the hope of glory !
In fact , I ' m hoping this Christmas you will guard and nurture your hopes and dreams . Moreover , I hope you will dare to speak them out ! Tell them to your sweetheart , a loved one , or a trusted confidante . I ' m hoping you will put voice to those things that are still so much desire ; and at the same time remember , He gives us the desires of our heart . As we delight in Him ...
For quite some time now , each year the Lord places one word in my heart for the coming year . That one word redefines my perspective , stretches me past all previous limitations , challenges me to grow through many acts of obedience , and in general , touches and blesses my whole life ! One year the word was " Journey " another year it was " Purpose ." There have been many words He ' s given to mark the years . This year it has been " Restoration ." I will save the details for another time , but for now , suffice it to say He continues to be more than faithful to fulfill His promise of restoration !
You see , I ' ve learned the annual words the Lord impresses on my heart are promises . They are the promise that if I allow Him to have His way , over the coming months , keeping that year ' s word in mind , He will show me some things worth seeing ! It ' s promise that I will be changed into someone He can use , and of eventually becoming someone who looks and acts more and more like the Father ...
Some years ago , the word He gave was hope . I didn ' t realize it at the time , but Hope was to become my " life word ." Hope . It was given during a time when I felt hopeless , unloved and misunderstood . It came when it seemed everything familiar had shifted ... It was given when it was time for hope to be truly revealed in my life . It was given in exactly the right timing .
Maybe you have hopes of something tangible ; wrapped up beautifully ...
JASMINE ' S PLACE
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