#Truth

What is #Truth?
Truth, to me is the honest to goodness fact of the matter!  God's Word.  Through the first 11 Chapters of Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst, the Proverbs 31 Ministries Online Bible Study, and my own reflection and prayer, God has revealed many #truths to me.  While these may not apply to you, they speak volumes to me.

In case they do speak to you, I'm going to share!

#Truths I've learned so far:

• Scripture is my truth. I need more truth!
• My weight is a direct reflection of my choices and my state of health.  And I am ashamed of my choices and state of health.
• Truth is power.  The more saturated I am with the truth, the more powerful I am to resist temptations.
• My "thing" with void is more about indulgence than filling an emptiness.  Feeling indulgent makes me feel important.
• My key: SELF-CONTOL in ALL areas of my life.
• Craving is a prompt to pray.
• I can, in fact, follow a plan.  They become habits and I am good at habits.
• I don't want to need accountability, but I do need it.
• My best eating plan: clean eating (a diabetic diet so I don't become diabetic).
• There is nothing in this world that is worth losing the love of God!
• I feel empowered when I focus on my true identity in Christ.
• There's a deeper purpose behind our disciplined commitment - it's about embracing a chance for deep and wonderful connections with God.
• We are made for the same hope and power that raised Christ from the dead!
• I really really enjoyed food - all of it.  But not just bad for me food.  I think the bad foods have made me feel indulgent and even a little rebellious.  AHA moment!
• I'm never truly satisfied by food!  My only peace comes when I am aligned with Jesus!
• I need to eat foods that fuel my body and keep it running well.  then I need to use that fuel to satisfy He who lives in me.  And because He lives in my heart, I will have a satisfied heart!
• 2 Peter 1:3 Divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness.

• It's so important to fill our hearts and minds with God's words and vital to make His truth the foundation not only for our identity but how we deal with food. 
• God wants to be in communication with us.
• Dissatisfaction gives Satan just enough room to move in with his lie that strips me of motivation: "your body is never going to look the way you want it to look, so why sacrifice so much?"
• GOD CAN CHANGE ME
• I can actually become one of those folks who has self-control when it comes to food and exercise.  And I want to.  In fact, I know I can!  And those people are probably healthier and more fulfilled that those "naturally skinny" people.  The prospect of being one of them is thrilling!
• I have to establish new habits…and I am!
• Control over my thoughts and actions doesn't belong to food.
• I don't think I'm necessarily looking for comfort in food.  But, when I'm feeling upset or stressed, I don't want to use the brain power it takes to make the best choice.  I want the control of eating whatever I want and just not thinking about it.

So, that's it so far! :)

See what everyone else is saying about Truth on the P31 Blog Hop!  ~~~>

Not Sorry for My Beliefs

I've been timid to stand firm for my beliefs for a long time.  I have friends with differing beliefs and I want to be respectful of them.  However, I have started valuing their approval more than I value my own convictions.

And I'm ready to stop.

Galatians 1:10 "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please the people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."

Before I begin - to those of you with differing views of religion, politics, morals, etc.  I still respect you.    I appreciate diversity. I value our differences because you challenge me to grow and to reflect on my own beliefs.  I love you because God made you in His image and He loves you (whether you believe it or not).
I also ask that you respect me and understand that my beliefs do not equate to judgment.

I know that there are people who claim the label of Christian out there who have been hurtful, crude, and bigoted.  I know that there are people who claim to love the Lord who have been hateful, malicious, and harmful.  I will not apologize for them because they do not represent me.  They do not define my Christianity.

My Christianity compels me to love.  Christ compels me to share His grace and mercy.  The Holy Spirit gives me kindness, gentleness, patience, and peace.  God calls me to accept ALL people as His children who He loves and longs to bring closer to Him…because we ALL have flaws that He can overcome.

Am I saying that I find every lifestyle, every sin, or every choice acceptable ?  NO!

What I am saying is that each one of us has flaws in our lifestyle - we sin - we make bad choices.  My job is to see the PERSON and not only the choices.

Am I saying that I should not see a sin as a sin or disagree with another person's choices?  NO!

Isaiah 7:9b says "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand firm at all."

I am do not apologize for my faith.
I am telling you that my beliefs are CONVICTIONS.
I am convicted that sin and corruption are more in-your-face than ever before.  The more media I expose myself to, the more I understand that Satan is alive and well in our country.  I am convicted that our children need to be protected from some of these things.

I am convicted that it is time for Christians to stop being extreme in 2 different directions.
Christians, stop being hateful and judgmental of people you don't even know!
Christians, stop being too accepting of everything you see!

Non-Christians, please stop telling us that we are wrong and closed-minded.  In doing this, you are treating us with the same oppression we are accused of!  Do not tell us that we are silly or stupid or naive.  That is just as hateful as the things you've heard from some on "this side" of the fence.  Stop treating me like I haven't been enlightened or that I don't have a thought for myself.

I'm tired of feeling like I have to apologize for my believes. I do not apologize!!!  I am not sorry!!!

Here is what I know:

• God is real - as are Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
• We were created by a loving God in His image.
• He sent His only Son to die for each of us - not just some of us - because we all need it.
• The Bible was inspired by Him and is just as relevant today as it was when it was written.
• The Holy Spirit still works in us
• I believe in Heaven and Hell and that God is the judge

I do not have all the answers about what is right and who is wrong.  I am sure of this - God is love.  God lives in me.  God's love needs to be what comes out of me.

1 Peter 5:7-8

1 Peter 5:7-8 says "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.  Be self-controlled and alert."

I've read this verse before.  In fact, I've read it over and over when I was feeling anxious.  But, I don't know that I've ever tried to take it deeper than the words that are written.  What does it mean to me?

I took some time with this one!   The very first word, cast, gave me a lot of insight.  That doesn't simply mean give.  I means to hurl - throw it away from you towards God.  LOSE it!  Lose that anxiety!

And not just some of it - give it all away!

The definition of anxiety says it is caused by fear.  And 2 Timothy 1:7 says that God does not give us a spirit of fear.  That anxiety was never meant to be ours in the first place!

Why do we need to give him our fear?  Because he cares about us!  He loves us and has great plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11).

Once we give our anxieties to him, we are off the hook, right?  Nope!  he wants us to do our part - to work for it with his help.  It won't be easy, but we can do it without fear and doubt.

So, if I were to re-write 1 Peter 5:7-8, it would look like this:

Lose my fear and doubt to God, throw it at Him!  He's got this!  He loves me and has better plans for me than I can make for myself.  But I'm not off the hook.  I must focus on the goal and make good choices. I need to stay aware of fear and doubt when they try to creep back.  

How do you see these verses working in your own life?

New Favorite Bible Verse

So, I'm reading through the Bible in a year.
I was recently reading about Abraham and Sarah.  When Sarah found out that she was to have a baby in her old age, she said:

I LOVE that!!!

I love to laugh, and even more, I love to share my laughter.  All of those sayings: If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane, Laughter is the best medicine, etc. are so true!

This decal is on my MacBook Pro.  If you'd like one in your favorite verse or quote, visit my etsy shop!

Why My BIBLE is Part of My Diet

Self-discipline is hard.
That is why part of my daily routine MUST be Bible reading.

Think of somebody you really really love.  Maybe your spouse, your child, or a best friend.  Do you know them well?  Do you know what they like?  What they like about you?  What they need, want, and expect from you?
Probably so.

Who should we love most of all? Of course, it is God.  How can we really love him if we do not know him?

If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.  John 15:10

If we love Him, we will follow Him - we will control ourselves - we will not be so pre-occupied with food and our own desires, but with living our best lives for HIS glory!

How can we get to love Him so much?  By getting to know Him.  How do we get to know Him so well?  By reading His Word, meditating on it, praying and praising in the ways He has gifted you.

Does anyone else have a hard time finding the time for prayer, or what some refer to as their "quiet time"?  I've found that the best time is your own peak time of the day.
Some people are morning people.  They have the most clarity first thing in the morning.
Some of us are night owls.  We have the most clarity when we are winding down from the day - while we are reflecting on everything that has happened.
And some are energized most mid-morning or in the early afternoon.
Whatever time is your best time is the best time to study the Word and pray.  Find your own time.

I am hopeful, and I'll even say certain, that getting to know Him better will help me desire things of God so much more than anything of this world - including food.

For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit for what is contrary to the sinful nature.  Gal 5:17

Time to Talk 'Tude

I need to talk about attitude because mine is bad today.  Very very bad.

Yesterday was the end of the first week of our 8 Lbs in 2 Weeks Challenge.  I lost 2.6 pounds!  This morning I was back up .8 pounds.  I know the scale can fluctuate, but it just ruined my good attitude!  So, here's my pep-talk to myself.  I'll let you watch.

Attitude Adjustment #1: 

I keep thinking of the words written by Candace Cameron Bure in her book, Reshaping it All.

"God calls us to be content.  Stop hoping and be content with what you have."

Here's what I have: the ability to exercise, enough to eat, the intelligence to make healthy choices, the support of friends and family, and good health that I can choose to keep by taking care of my body.
I do have a lot to be content with.  I'm a work in progress.  I cannot make a decision, say my prayers, and make it so.  But I can make a decision, say my prayers, and allow God to mold me.

Attitude Adjustment #2:

This journey isn't about the food I'm eating (or NOT eating) or the exercise I might have to be forced to do today.  It is about my attitude.  I need an attitude of self-control and discipline.  Submission to the spirit.
I would really love to make a batch of biscuits and eat them all myself with melty butter and honey.  Then I would like a cheeseburger for lunch with peanut butter pie for dessert.  Maybe some pasta and lemon cake for dinner.  And in between all of those meals, I'd like to lounge on the couch and watch chick-flicks.  But, that is indulgent and unhealthy and I have more respect for my body than that.
So it isn't about the food or my time, really.  It's about the fact that I am allowing the Spirit to fill me with all of His goodness!

Attitude Adjustment #3:

I'm not hideous or gross...even though I feel like it.
I'm made in His image.
He see me as beautiful.
He finds me interesting.
He loves me.
He accepts me.
There I can find contentment in who I am right now.  And I know that who I will be tomorrow will still be beautiful, interesting, loved, and accepted.

Attitude Adjustment #4:

Is it just me or do all of the skinny people in the world eat junk food and don't exercise?
How many times have I asked myself, "Why can't I be like them?"
Well, because I'm not. That's why.
But who am I and what am I called to do?

You are the salt of the earth.  You are the light of the world.  Matthew 5:13, 14

How can I be salt of the earth if I've lost my saltiness?
How can I be light when I am trying so hard to blend in.

I gotta be me!

And me is a person who must make healthy choices in diet and exercise.
And my display of self-control and discipline may be the salt and light that somebody else needs.

First Day - Forgiveness

When I got my sudden burst of motivation back yesterday, I had already started thinking about where my focus would need to be the next day.
When I woke up this morning, I opened my John Piper Devotional app on my phone and read this verse.

"Your sins are forgiven."  Luke 7:48

I've struggled with guilt in the past.  I've given God a lot of reasons to forgive me.  Actually, I've given myself a lot of reasons to need it.  But I knew this verse wasn't speaking to me about any of the "the big ones" from my past when I read it this morning.

Step one - ask for forgiveness from my sins of gluttony and laziness.

Ouch.

In order to ask for forgiveness for something, I have to admit that it has been an issue.  Those are embarrassing things to admit.

I am slothful.

I am gluttonous.

I have made food and laziness an idol in my life.  That sounds so ridiculous coming out of my mouth, but it is the truth. It's not just about food - it's about what I'm letting control me.  I've made food and lounging my golden calf.  I have come to idolize both.

Father, please forgive my selfishness. Forgive the way I have treated this body that you created in an abusive way with food and lack of exercise.  Forgive the way I have taken the health and abilities you've given me for granted.  Forgive my self-pity, vanity, and idolatry. Forgive me for checking-out of this beautiful life you've made for me. Help me to see every day as an opportunity to truly live for that day.  Create a new heart that desires health and wellness.  Help me to think of You rather than treats.  Help me feel sorrowful enough that I won't want to sin this way anymore.  Help me take care of myself in a way that betters my ability to share Your love with others.
Amen

Contest & Recipe Challenge!

I have a dear friend at church who is battling ALS, several food allergies, and a multitude of other health problems.  Bless his heart, he needs some help finding recipes for foods he can eat.

He has requested help creating an oatmeal cookie from the small list of foods that his body can handle.  While I am up to the challenge, I realize that some of you out there may be much more qualified!

So...here's a contest for you!

Rules:

• The ingredients must come from the food list
• The recipe must be simple enough for the already busy members of his family to create
• The cookie cannot be too crunchy, as his body is weak
• The winner will be chosen at random!  We hope to be able to use all of the recipes for variety!
• Food list:
• water
• granny smith apple - limited amount
• banana - limited amount
• lemon
• butter -limited amount
• coconut oil
• flaxseed oil
• eggs
• sea salt - limited amount
• pure cane sugar - limited amount
• raw honey - limited
• baking soda
• garbonzo beans - organic
• oats - organic
• brown rice flour
• light kidney beans - organic

Deadline: Saturday, April 27, 2013 at midnight central time

What do you win?  Three (3)  Bible verse decals of your choice!    One for you, and 2 to give away!

Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table before me...

PLEASE feel free to share this contest far and wide!  I want to provide the best help for my friend.  He has also asked for tips on staying gluten free.  I know there are plenty of web sites out there, but he would like some tips from people who have experienced this need.

How do I enter?  Please submit your recipe in the comments below or by email mandeelion@gmail.com.

Thank you so much!!!

Christmas Countdown, Day 17

Day 17: Luke 2:12-14

This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 

Jesus is our perfect peace.  We are no longer in the turmoil of legalism.  Am I good enough today?  how about now?
The answer is always no.
Not one of us is good enough.
That's where Jesus steps in - we aren't good enough BUT HE IS!
There's some peace for you.  I believe.  I love Him, so I try to be as much like Him as I can.  But He's got me covered because His favor rests on me.
Amen!

Christmas Countdown, Day 15

Day 15: Matthew 2:1,16

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem. When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.

Herod knew how powerful Jesus was - and still is!  If there was no threat, then there would be no cause for his reaction.
I really love that the Magi found Jesus with the help of King Herod - further proof that God uses that which is meant for evil for good!  God could have provided another way, but he used King Herod to let Jesus be found by the men who brought him gifts.  This reminds me not to fear evil - God always has a plan.
The Magi realized that the King was evil and they went on to another place.  They didn't let Herod know where He was!  This, of course, sent Herod into a rage and he ordered every baby boy in Bethlehem killed.  He was so afraid of the power of Jesus that he was determined to kill as many people as he had to if it got rid of this baby Jesus.

Christmas Countdown, Day 13

Day 13: Micah 5:2

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,    though you are small among the clans of Judah,out of you will come for me    one who will be ruler over Israel,whose origins are from of old,    from ancient times.”

This passage reminds me that Jesus, the WORD was with God in the beginning.  God did not just create a Son and put Him on earth on a whim.  Jesus has always been.  He was born to us - new to earth - but he was not new to God.

His origins are from of old.
He is from ancient times.
He has been part of the plan of our salvation all along.
Sometimes I even wonder if Adam and Eve got to know Jesus before the fall.  Is that how we were created to live?  Always face-to-face with Him?

Christmas Countdown, Day 12

Day 12: Luke 2:9-11

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

This passage always makes me think of the Charlie Brown Christmas special.  I LOVE the part when Linus is on stage and says this part.  Charles Schultz knew what he was doing!  It isn't just about the tree or the gifts.  It all comes down to what this angel said.
A SAVIOR has been born!  He is the Messiah!  He is Lord!

Christmas Countdown - Day 10

Day 10: Matthew 1:19-20

Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

I gave Joseph a lot of credit on Day 1 for his willingness to be part of this seemingly scandalous birth.
Seriously, what a brave guy.  What an example of faith and loyalty.  Before he knew that this was anything more than his betrothed having an affair, he was willing to protect her from shame.
Joseph was protective of Mary.
Once the angel appeared to him, he showed his loyalty.

The conversation with the angel could have gone something like this:
"Joseph, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife."
"Um, I didn't get her pregnant.  I'm a good guy and I don't want people to think I did this!"
"What is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit."
"Mr. Angel, I'm not sure if you know this, but the Holy Spirit does not go around impregnating young unmarried women.  I'll just quietly go away and her family can handle this."

But that isn't how it went.  After some prayerful turmoil, I'd assume, Joseph took his commitment to Mary seriously and took care of this women and her growing baby.  He became the earthly father of God's son.  The ultimate Step-Dad!
Joseph was loyal to Mary.

Christmas Countdown - Day 9

Day 9: Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Isaiah prophesied the coming of Christ.  During the times of our Old Testament friends, the Savior was promised.

Immanuel - God with us

What is the significance of this name for Christ?  Not only is he the Son of God.  Not only is he the Christ Child.  Not only is he the Savior.  He is God.

This is when they knew that God would be among them.

Only a few had known the physical presence of God - and none of their accounts were something as familiar as the human form.  Isaiah told us that the virgin would have a son.  And that son would be God.

Christmas Countdown - Day 8

Day 8: Acts 13:23

“From this man’s descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised."

Is it humbling to you that God chose to send His Son to the earth through man?  He came to save us and He used us to save.
Have you ever taken a look at that gene pool?  There are some "unsavory" folks in that family.  We all have those family members that we don't talk about very much.  His family put the "fun" in dysfunctional!

Jesus had: David the adulterer and murderer, Rahab the harlot, and Jacob the liar - just to name a few.
For a king mightier than any earthly king, why wouldn't he be born into a super-holy sinless family?  Why a carpenter and fiancee?
Because Christianity isn't for the perfect.
Salvation isn't for the clean.
He came for all of us. He was born in a barn to and unmarried virgin.  He slept in the hay where the cows fed.  He lived humbly on earth and died on a tree.  He didn't come to claim the clean.  He came to clean the dirty.

Christmas Coutndown - Day 7

Day 7: John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

What's the best Christmas gift EVER given?  JESUS!

I'm sorry, but anything else you've ever given or received cannot compare to God giving His own Son up for us.  And with that incredible gifts comes eternal life.
Death is not the end - it is the beginning of Heavenly life that God has intended for us.
Do you believe?

Countdown to Christmas - Day 6

Day 6: Deuteronomy 11:19

Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Part of my trek through the REAL Christmas story has brought this verse to mind.  Do our children understand the true meaning of Christmas?
I'm not one of those people who thinks you're evil if you celebrate with Santa and gifts, but I think we need to do it from the heart - for the right reasons.

So, what is the meaning of Christmas?  In my own words, Christmas is about Joy, Peace, and Hope.  Jesus, the Prince of Peace came to bring us all hope.  And that is something to be joyful about!
So, why have parties?  Parties are a time to get together and leave the hustle and bustle behind.  We get together with family and friends for a time of peace and of joy.
Why give gifts?  We share with the ones we love because that is the expression of Jesus living in us - love for one another.
Why decorate?  There's anticipation in putting up the tree and hanging the lights.  We are showing that the time is coming and we are excited about it!  Joy to the World, the Lord has come!
There's nothing wrong with celebrating as long as we don't lose the true meaning.
It isn't about partying like a rock star, going into debt, or having the prettiest yard display...it's about sharing the peace, joy, and hope that Jesus brought to our world.
Let's make sure our children know this.

Countdown to Christmas - Day 5

Day 5: Luke 2:3-5

And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

This was the day of Jesus' birth. This is how Bethlehem became the birthplace of Jesus.

This silver star marks the place that is believed to be the spot where Jesus was born.

Why Bethlehem?
This little dusty town was also the birthplace of King David.
Bethlehem was also home to many shepherds and their flocks.  Jesus was the Lamb of God - the sacrificial Lamb that saved us all.
The significance of the place may not be known to me, but I do know that he could have been born in a palace fit for a King, but the Father chose this little town of Bethlehem instead.

Countdown to Christmas - Day 4

Day 4: Luke 2:7

and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them in the inn. 

Nobody wanted them.  Nobody wanted Jesus born in their home.

He had to be born in a barn.  Surrounded by animals.
If Jesus came into the world in the middle of a mess, wouldn't he come into our lives in the middle of our messes?
Sometimes I forget that he is not a snob.  Jesus is greater than everything, but he humbled Himself to take on the lowest of the low.
What is your manger right now?  Ask Jesus to come into your manger - make room for him and ask him to make it a beautiful place.

Countdown to Christmas - Days 1-3

I've been out of town for several days, so you haven't heard much from me!  I'll share plenty about our Disney vacation soon, but I wanted to get started on my December Christmas Countdown.
Christmas is all about the birth of Christ - our Savior putting on flesh to become human and take on our sins so that we may spend eternity with Him in Heaven.
Christmas in the USA means presents, cookies, and fun movies.
Do I think God wants us to stop celebrating in fun and special ways?  No
Do I think God wants us to remember the REASON we celebrate and make that our focus?  Yes!

I've decided to focus on one verse of scripture for each day in December leading up to Christmas Day.  Since today is the 3rd, I'll share 3 verses with you.

Day 1: Matthew 1:23

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

This is what an angel told Joseph in a dream after Mary had become pregnant.  Can you imagine being Joseph?  You're engaged to a sweet young woman.  Then you find out she's pregnant.  You've never been close enough to her to get her that way.  What would you think?  Before hearing from this angel, he had planned to divorce her quietly.  It seemed like the right way to handle the situation - leave as much dignity in tact as possible and remove himself from the situation.
Then the angel appears.
Then angel tells him that God will be born from his fiancee.
Seriously?
How many young men would stick around then?  Joseph did.  Mary obeyed God's will for her life and Joseph obeyed God's will in his.
This is a direct quote from Isaiah - in the Old Testament.  The prophet Isaiah knew this was going to happen. Joseph trusted in God and become the earthly father of Jesus, son of God.

What do I take away from this?  God's plan doesn't always make sense in this world.  But, when you choose to follow His will in your life, the rewards are unimaginable.






Day 2: Luke 1:31

You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.

These are the words of an angel to Mary.  Can you imagine being a young girl, maybe 14 years old, and being told you're pregnant.  You've never slept with a man and you cannot imagine how this is possible.  Not only have you been told you're pregnant, but you've been told by an ANGEL appearing before you!
You're 14, pregnant, and engaged to a godly man who may leave you because of this scandal.
Feeling favored by the Lord?
I doubt it.  Mary was afraid, but the angel told her to FEAR NOT!  She is favored by the Lord?
Mary knew what was happening and had to anticipate his coming for 9 months.

We use phrases like "slow as Christmas" when we want to give the impression that the anticipation is too much.  As we anticipate Christmas Day and all of the joy and celebration, let us remember the anticipation of Mary as Jesus grew in her belly.  Let us await the coming of our Lord with that same anticipation!





Day 3: Matthew 2:9-11

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.  On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

The part of the Magi story that I love is that Herod sent them to report back about where to find Jesus.  And the Magi went.
They visited the baby Savior.
They gave him beautiful gifts.
And they did not return to Herod.
King Herod was threatened by this King of Kings.  He wanted Jesus destroyed because he knew how powerful He was - the Son of God.  The Magi knew how powerful Jesus was too.  They knew he was to be praised, so they brought Him the best gifts and did what they knew was right.

There is so much contradiction in our world.  We are told to do so many things that just don't seem right.  We have choices to make.  Let's remember the kings who visited Jesus and try to choose what is right instead of what is popular.