Control Relinquished

Whether you'd like to admit it or not, the holiday season is upon us! I used to be 'one of those' people that refused to think about Christmas until after Thanksgiving. And, although, I still appreciate setting time aside to celebrate each holiday, I realize, more than ever, how each coincides with the other. If you strip down the commercialized versions that so many people celebrate this day in age, it really can be summarized in two simple words: THANKS and GIVING. We thank God for the blessings He bestows upon us. And we give because God's only Son was given to us, so we may have eternal life if we believe in Him. As I began to make my gift lists this year, I have found myself in a mental wrestling match. If I'm honest with myself, I love giving.  There is no greater joy than to see those I love open a present and truly enjoy a gift I've given them. Even in Luke 11, Jesus talks about how even evil people will give good gifts to their children. So, this d...

Typically, I find myself to be a morning person. I don't mind rising before the sun in order to enjoy the peaceful stillness. But, even my love of the morning hours could not draw me out of bed the last several weeks. I was secretly hoping the upcoming time change would alter that. But, even after catching up on sleep over the weekend, this morning was incredibly hard. I did not want to greet the cold, dark world by leaving the comfort of my warm, soft bed. I want to nestle down into my comforter and pretend I had no responsibilities! As I pried myself from bed and shook the sleepy cobwebs from my head, I felt the Holy Spirit remind me that what is true in the physical, is often true in the spiritual. Have I found myself in a comfortable rut in life? Have I stopped pursuing the cold, dark world in exchange for the comfort and warmth of my own personal life? It hurt to think about the truth of my answers. Of course He continued to speak through His Word as I opened my B...