I wanted to get on board but knew it would have to wait a few more days as my focus was on something else.
With the cold front that came in several weeks ago I wasn't able to properly get my plants ready to winter over in our shed. I needed more time and a few warm days to repot some of my beauties.
In prayer I made my request to the Lord and by His grace it was granted. For a good portion of the afternoon, I kept at it to get the work done in repotting and replanting. With my husband's help we completed the task just as the street lights came on for the evening.
Then yesterday I realized what was happening and purposed in my heart to set aside all the things that "had to" get done (including writing) and simply enjoy what God was doing in my life, directing my thoughts upward and not on my needs or desires. Focusing on what God had recently done in our lives and the beautiful days He had favored us with, I hoped to spend time with my husband around a backyard campfire. At least that was my intention.
After taking care of the cat rescues and other responsibilities of the day, it was time to put the "plan" into action. I gathered broken branches, bits of cardboard and handfuls of leaves to get our little fire started enough to roast marshmallows and cook a few vegan hot dogs. It didn't take much to get the fire burning, but it took great effort to keep it a blaze!
Back and forth I kept gathering undersized bundles of twigs from around the yard. The flame finally got going when I realized I didn't have anything to hold the food over the fire, and ran into the house to quick find something before the fire was quenched.
Frantically scrambling through each kitchen drawer, I couldn't find any of the utensils needed to do the job, not even one skewer! I attempted to use tongs to hold the hot dog, but it fell in the ashes twice ... not the taste I was going for - yuck!
Good old sticks worked for the marshmallow, but it melted and half fell on the ground. By then it was late and our relaxing time around the night fire came to an end.
In the end, when did I actually spend time praising God for the favor He showed in giving us those extra days of warmth, and exactly how much quality hubby time was kindled over that fire? Not much on either counts unfortunately. The true focus of the event received little or no attention at all.
Where Is Your Focus?
It's easy to shift our thinking on other things that don't really have an eternal value, especially during the holidays. I've done it more than I'd like to admit (even though I just did).
My neighbors wanted to decorate their yards, I wanted to put my gardening to bed for the winter, the world is preparing for who knows what ... and you my friend, where is your focus right now?
Although none of these things are wrong in and of themselves, do they focus on the true meaning of why we celebrate Christmas? Perhaps in some way we squeeze in religious activities to validate our actions, but let us not make them the focus of Christmas either. If all of our behaviors in preparing for the season of giving don't line up with reason there is a holiday in the first place, why are we doing them?
That leads me to sharing a few of the reasons why I specifically wrote a Christmas book. It was (and is) my desire to help bring back the true focus of the holiday - Jesus!
Another reason is that with each chapter read, you learn about the love of God and how it is His desire (through the Holy Spirit) to pour out His favor on those who chose to believe in His Son.
Scriptures teach us that as Jesus grew in favor from God and mankind, and so can we as followers of Him.
"... and Jesus increased in wisdom, stature, and in favor with God and man." (Luke 2:52 NKJV)
How was it possible for Jesus to receive such privilege all the days of His life? Jesus gained favor from God because He prayed and remained focused on obeying His Heavenly Father and earthly parents. Obedience is proof that we love God because we keep His commandments. In doing so, He rewards with blessings that result in favor of some form.
Every time we read about favor in the Holy Bible, there is evidence of repentance, obedience, praise and thanksgiving to God. This year as you enter into the seasonal festivities, don't let the events overshadow the true focus of Christmas.
I encourage you to grow in grace, knowledge and wisdom of the Lord. Believe me, you will highly favor the rewards!
"Grow in the loving grace (favor, blessings and true knowledge) that Christ gives you. Learn to know our Lord Jesus Christ better. He is the One Who saves. May He have all the shining-greatness now and forever. Let it be so." (2 Peter 3:18 NLV emphasis mine)
Until next time, favor focusing on Christ
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Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.
Unless noted, scripture reference in series was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway. Image Image 2 Creative Common License if not specified.
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