I confess I was afraid to write what I did yesterday. I was afraid someone would cheapen my experience with God, or make me feel like what happened wasn't true. But, in my heart it was clear God wanted me to share His message with all of you so I did. The responses I have gotten made me realize that many of us have been believing the very same lies. I haven't been alone in the lie I've been living and believing, many of you have been believing that your life is about pain and gloom, too. Thank you to those of you who have encouraged my heart by responding and sharing the things you have. We are in this together! God wants to pour His blessing and favor on us, His children! He really, and truly does.
Today as I was getting ready, my mind was racing with the things Chuck and I want to get done before tonight. In the midst of my mental To Do List, I thought through "time with God". Normally I spend time with God because I know reading the Bible and hearing from Him is something I need to do. But miracle of all miracles, today when the thought crossed my mind, it was with excitement! Today it wasn't "having my devotions" out of need, but out of a desire and anticipation to hear from God. I could cry at the joy in my heart! I really wanted to go into my cozy office, sit in my glider and experience my Savior- and I did.
The minute I sat down and started writing to my Savior, this warmth spread over me. I could feel new colors. There was joy! Giddiness! Butterflies! Relief! FREEDOM! Peace! Rest! I had an enjoyable, amazing time with Him.
I need to be clear that NOTHING in my life has changed! My circumstances are not any different than they have been. All the pain and heartache we've been carrying hasn't suddenly vanished. I'm telling you, it's only the power of the Spirit. Nothing more. In fact, there have been things that have popped up since yesterday that normally I would have spouted off about and let it ruin my mood. Except that I have been so overcome with Christ's message to me- TO ALL OF US- that the eyes of my heart are seeing clearly for the first time. Maybe ever.
Today's message from God to me- AND TO YOU- is faith. I learned reading from Hebrews 11 that faith is REALITY and PROOF of things unseen, as if they are objects of sight, not hope. (Ryrie's study Bible, NIV) I have to admit a lot of times hope isn't all that encouraging because hope means I want something to happen in the future. Or so I thought. What I learned this morning is having faith is the reality and proof (thought we all might need to hear it twice) of things unseen- and actually seeing them. Not just "hoping" but actually believing in the reality.
In fact, Hebrews 11:6 actually says God is pleased when we come to Him in faith and that He REWARDS those who earnestly seek Him. Would you look at that?! AGAIN this Truth of God's blessing and favor on us. God is PLEASED when we seek HIM and He REWARDS us! I have experienced His REWARD today. My time with Him has made my hands shake with joy, and has created a thirst for MORE OF HIS GREATNESS!
Dear friends, our Savoir wants to REWARD YOU TOO!! Praise Him!
Miracles
Chuck has been encouraging us as a couple to believe God to do great miracles. The other day he asked me, "What would be a miracle (from God) you would like to see happen?" He knows I always give the same two answers, so he asked "Besides those two". I think my faith is pretty small. I usually only desire simple things, and am pretty content with our life outside of a couple deep desires. Chuck has a long Bucket List, but I don't even have one. If I died today, I'd be 100% happy to go straight into the arms of Jesus. I don't need to skydive, or visit a certain country, or scuba dive, or write a book, or be in two places at once, or get a tattoo (HA! Anybody catch that?).
In the depth of my heart, though, I believe I long for more in terms of God. There are several women in my life who I look to and think, "How do they know God in that way?" I want to know God in the way they do. In the basement of my soul, I long for a deeper intimacy with my God. What I'm realizing, and hearing from God is: discipline. It takes discipline to spend time with him. Discipline not to skip him. Discipline not to race through reading a passage. Discipline to sit and listen to what he wants to share with me.
Yesterday was the first of many miracles I believe God is going to shower on us this year. And for the rest of our lives.
We were visiting the church I grew up in, and where my parents still attend. (LOVE it there!) After the service I saw a woman who has meant a lot to me over my growing up years. Since I've been out of my parent's house for 7 years, I haven't seen her much. I even wondered if she remembered me. But, out of the corner of my eye I saw Jenny walking towards me and she said she'd like to talk with me. Jenny had a huge smile on her face, and it was wonderful to see her.
After a brief moment of small talk, she got straight to the point. Jenny wanted me to know she has been praying for me, and she wanted to share some things with me. She actually asked God for a chance to talk with me, and I showed up at her church yesterday! Crazy enough, it was her last Sunday before she moved to FL! God ordained, or what?!
One time my Mom told Jenny that when I was young I said to my Mom, "I believe I'm going to live a hard life." Creepy. I don't remember saying that to my Mom, but I do remember believing that for at least the last 10 years or so. And parts of my life have been really hard. So Jenny wanted me to know that I was believing a lie from the enemy. That God, in fact, wanted to pour out his blessings, and favor, and goodness on me.
Then she prayed over me in a way I don't think I've ever been prayed over. Chuck joined us in the middle of the prayer, and he experienced it, too- WE WERE BLESSED!
Today during my time with God (practicing that discipline thing already), I clearly heard him tell me that (in the quietness of my heart, not out loud) he sent me a direct message using Jenny. I am to say no to the lie I've been believing and living, and to say yes to God's blessings and favor on my life. I told you it was a miracle! And it was a miracle I didn't even know to ask God for.
Not only that, but Chuck has been feeling led to pray and fast over some things in his life, and Jenny encouraged him in that endeavor as well. We both experienced God using Jenny and walked away feeling like we were zapped or something.
Like I said, I know this is the first of many miracles to come. I believe God's promises to me as Truth.
Isaiah 43: 1-5, "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, Abigail- you are mine."
Psalm 31:19 "How GREAT is your GOODNESS which you have stored up for those who fear you".
God's storage bin full of goodness has been opened up and I've been receiving.
One last moment to share. I said to Chuck this morning, "I wish I had a devotional to read" as I was opening up the drawer where my Bible is kept. When I glanced up, there was a devotional book that Candy (a dear friend) had given me for Christmas sitting on the shelf. I had totally forgotten. Hello God! And thank you Father! He used several passages from the devotional book to speak to me today. "How great is our God!"
OH, and just so you know- God wants you to believe this same message for your life as well. This message isn't just for me- and that's why I'm writing to YOU today!
In the depth of my heart, though, I believe I long for more in terms of God. There are several women in my life who I look to and think, "How do they know God in that way?" I want to know God in the way they do. In the basement of my soul, I long for a deeper intimacy with my God. What I'm realizing, and hearing from God is: discipline. It takes discipline to spend time with him. Discipline not to skip him. Discipline not to race through reading a passage. Discipline to sit and listen to what he wants to share with me.
Yesterday was the first of many miracles I believe God is going to shower on us this year. And for the rest of our lives.
We were visiting the church I grew up in, and where my parents still attend. (LOVE it there!) After the service I saw a woman who has meant a lot to me over my growing up years. Since I've been out of my parent's house for 7 years, I haven't seen her much. I even wondered if she remembered me. But, out of the corner of my eye I saw Jenny walking towards me and she said she'd like to talk with me. Jenny had a huge smile on her face, and it was wonderful to see her.
After a brief moment of small talk, she got straight to the point. Jenny wanted me to know she has been praying for me, and she wanted to share some things with me. She actually asked God for a chance to talk with me, and I showed up at her church yesterday! Crazy enough, it was her last Sunday before she moved to FL! God ordained, or what?!
One time my Mom told Jenny that when I was young I said to my Mom, "I believe I'm going to live a hard life." Creepy. I don't remember saying that to my Mom, but I do remember believing that for at least the last 10 years or so. And parts of my life have been really hard. So Jenny wanted me to know that I was believing a lie from the enemy. That God, in fact, wanted to pour out his blessings, and favor, and goodness on me.
Then she prayed over me in a way I don't think I've ever been prayed over. Chuck joined us in the middle of the prayer, and he experienced it, too- WE WERE BLESSED!
Today during my time with God (practicing that discipline thing already), I clearly heard him tell me that (in the quietness of my heart, not out loud) he sent me a direct message using Jenny. I am to say no to the lie I've been believing and living, and to say yes to God's blessings and favor on my life. I told you it was a miracle! And it was a miracle I didn't even know to ask God for.
Not only that, but Chuck has been feeling led to pray and fast over some things in his life, and Jenny encouraged him in that endeavor as well. We both experienced God using Jenny and walked away feeling like we were zapped or something.
Like I said, I know this is the first of many miracles to come. I believe God's promises to me as Truth.
Isaiah 43: 1-5, "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, Abigail- you are mine."
Psalm 31:19 "How GREAT is your GOODNESS which you have stored up for those who fear you".
God's storage bin full of goodness has been opened up and I've been receiving.
One last moment to share. I said to Chuck this morning, "I wish I had a devotional to read" as I was opening up the drawer where my Bible is kept. When I glanced up, there was a devotional book that Candy (a dear friend) had given me for Christmas sitting on the shelf. I had totally forgotten. Hello God! And thank you Father! He used several passages from the devotional book to speak to me today. "How great is our God!"
OH, and just so you know- God wants you to believe this same message for your life as well. This message isn't just for me- and that's why I'm writing to YOU today!
Christmas Season (re) Cap
As always, the Christmas season is flying by at an incredible speed. I'm already depressed thinking about coming back here and facing the month of January. Ick. BUT, it's only December 17, and I am going to thoroughly enjoy the rest of my favorite Christmas season.
Chuck's Advent for me has been INCREDIBLE! I absolutely love, love, LOVE getting a little (or big!) gift each day. His thoughtfulness has blown me away. I'm amazed at the things he's picked out. It really is the thought behind a gift that touches my heart so deeply. Each morning I wake up and think, "I wonder what I'm getting today?" It's been such a blast. I feel adored. I am adored. I love my man.
We got to visit our awesome friends Laura and Scooter in Old Town Alexandria one night. Laura made us a delicious dinner, and we all strolled around down town. It was warm, the town was enchanting, and laughing with good friends was so good for our the souls.
I've been busy baking dozens of cookies this season. Some with teens, some by myself, and some with my friend Jess.
My baby girl has been enjoying her second Christmas. Last year she was just a widdle baby during Christmas.
A huge, huge Christmas blessing has been the several hours each week I get to spend with this little QT. God has used him to bring some serious joy to my heart.
That's a wrap! Time to finish watching The Grinch on my new flat screen TV while I'm in bed. My dream come true. Thank you Advent Day 8. =)
Chuck's Advent for me has been INCREDIBLE! I absolutely love, love, LOVE getting a little (or big!) gift each day. His thoughtfulness has blown me away. I'm amazed at the things he's picked out. It really is the thought behind a gift that touches my heart so deeply. Each morning I wake up and think, "I wonder what I'm getting today?" It's been such a blast. I feel adored. I am adored. I love my man.
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| Day 3: Pretty much wear this every day! |
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| Day 7: Peppermint Mocha, thank you very much. |
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| Friends. Love! |
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| A real life Advent Calendar that we got such a kick out of. |
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| Always trying to climb up on the couch with us. We spend a lot of time laughing |
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| Our tree. I love it! |
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| My buddy. |
Advent Day 1 & 2
Happy German Advent! And American Advent, of course. We opened our big package from Germany yesterday and had a great time indulging in the treats, as well as setting up our new Christmas addition- our Advent Wreath. Obviously it doesn't look like what we would consider a wreath, and I'm sure Chuck's Mom could shed more light on the topic, but here it is:
Today since it's the first Sunday of December, we lit our first candle:
Chuck is especially excited because he has been wanting one of these. As a kid growing up in Germany, this Advent Wreath was always a big deal. And now it will be again!
I also got to open my American Advent Day 2 gift today. So far, Chuck is 2 for 2. I adore my new phone cover! Plus he got me screen protectors, which I really needed. It's so cute that he picked out a cover for me. It's only day 2, but this has already meant so much to me. "Gifts" are my love language, and I am just bouncing around with excitement about my gifts, and about how much my Love loves me.
I also got to open my American Advent Day 2 gift today. So far, Chuck is 2 for 2. I adore my new phone cover! Plus he got me screen protectors, which I really needed. It's so cute that he picked out a cover for me. It's only day 2, but this has already meant so much to me. "Gifts" are my love language, and I am just bouncing around with excitement about my gifts, and about how much my Love loves me.
