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There’s something special about holding a child’s hand, holding a sick friend’s hand and my husband holding my hand. When Carl holds my hand it reminds me that everything’s gonna be okay. God reminds us in His Word that He’s holding our right hand! The right hand is often thought of as a hand of power. Knowing God has taken hold of my right hand brings a sense of security and protection. If you’re walking through some hard times and you feel scared. Be encouraged because God is holding your hand. He is supporting you, defending you and holding you up. God’s got your right hand!

For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah. 41:13

Carl made this bowl in the picture. His bowl with this beautiful background reminded me of an activity we did in our prayer group at church. We were asked to write on a slip of paper who or what we wanted to take to Jesus in prayer. Then after praying for each concern we placed our prayer requests in a bowl for safe keeping. It was encouraging to be actively reminded that just like this bowl is holding our prayer requests, so too our prayers are held in the heart of God.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6-7

I’m thankful that God created our sense of smell. You know what’s gonna smell better than chocolate chip cookies baking, popcorn popping, bread baking and fresh coffee brewing? It’s heaven! Everyone in heaven has accepted Jesus and the gospel of God’s grace. There’s a sweet-smelling fragrance of life in heaven with Christ Jesus.

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. 2 Cor. 2:14-16

I’m in a Bible study and we’re studying 1 & 2 Samuel. When I first heard what we were going to study I didn’t think I’d like it because of all the fighting and battles. But to my surprise this study has been inspiring and encouraging. I’d never heard God referred to as the LORD of Hosts. This royal title jolted me to a deeper realization of God’s sovereign power over the hosts of human armies, heavenly armies and even the sun, moon and stars. It’s a comforting reminder that God knows all about the spiritual battle involving our children, families, church and Israel. Even though there’s a lot we don’t understand…the clear message throughout God’s Word is that God conquers evil. Therefore, we can trust the LORD of Hosts to command His armies to protect, restore and fulfill His promises. The LORD of Hosts wins!

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Psalm 91:11

I love this picture of my granddaughter. She looks so free and happy. I can’t do the splits anymore and never could like this in the air! Christmas is a reminder of God’s love and how much He wants us to be with Him. I’m eternally grateful that our Holy God provided a solution to our problem of sin. He gave us the Gift of Jesus who willingly took our place and died on the cross for our sins. This picture makes me think of the forgiveness, freedom and joy available through Jesus Christ. Yay! The Savior is Born!

“The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior!” 2 Sam. 22:47

As we prepare our hearts to celebrate Jesus’ first coming I can’t help but think about how much God wants us to be with Him. He longs for us to spend time with Him and enjoy His presence. His love is what our hearts hunger for. It’s an amazing reality that the King of Kings and God Most High wants to spend eternity with us. He made a Way for that to happen. He gave us Jesus.

“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.” John 17:24

I thank my God every time I remember you. Phil. 1:3

The sweet Spirit of God’s presence enables us to…

forgive the deepest hurt,

give up our right to be understood,

manage the pain,

face the truth,

and say good-bye to a loved one.

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ!

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28-29

This is our granddaughter Linley hugging and kissing her dog Luna. For me this picture captures the action of freely receiving and freely giving. From the expression on Luna’s face she seems to enjoy receiving the hugs and kisses. With love, Linley freely gives what Luna needs. This picture reminds me of God’s love and what Jesus said, “Freely you have received, freely give.” Matt. 10:8

Waiting is not always easy. In my younger years whenever I had to WAIT for something like a doctor’s serious report or even anticipating good news, I would find myself shifting to a higher speed and start cleaning the house! These days my house is proof I’m somewhat better about waiting. But I still have a way to go. I like to keep moving and for things to come together, especially if I’m seeking guidance from the Lord. Sometimes when I pray and ask for guidance and the answer doesn’t come right away, I can move too quickly on my part. I need to take heart and slow down and wait for the Lord. Do you find yourself sometimes doing this too?

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:14