Good evening and Happy New Year!
Revelation 21: 5: Then the One seated on the throne said, "Look! I am making everything new." He also said, "Write, because these words are faithful and true."
For whatever reason, I am looking forward to this new year of 2010 than any other year I can remember. I think the last couple years have been such a blur for me. I was in survival mode, raising newborn, then infant, and now toddler triplets. I now have terrible two's to deal with but for the most part, we've got it down. Three doesn't scare us so much anymore. We just roll with the punches and as a team, Kris and I figure a way to handle things. I don't stress about them as much anymore and life seems to have settled down. Those are scary words to type...I may be jinxing myself here!
So with all of that said, 2010 looms shiny and bright in front of me. The unknown no longer scares me...it's now an exciting surprise! I believe change is gonna come...He is making everything new. His words are faithful and true. Miracles will be plentiful. Blessings will flow freely. Businesses will grow and be fruitful. Ministries will expand like wildfire and what was once a small group will reach worldwide. Love will break down walls and infuse hearts. Passions will increase...wisdom will guide us...favor will flow. New is coming.
What "new" thing are you waiting for? Write it down because His word is faithful and true! Have a safe New Year and I can't wait to start another year of Quick Word's with you. It's such a blessing for me to share with you in this blog and I hope this is only the beginning!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Luke 2:16-20
Good morning and Merry Christmas!!
Luke 2:16-20: So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
God's greatest miracle and plan for the world came that night in the form of a sweet baby boy. His plans are perfect, His ways are always right, and what He says always comes to pass, exactly like He said it would.
I loved watching my almost 2 year old children opening their presents and having fun with their toys. But the true meaning of Christmas isn't about how many gifts you have under the tree. It's about Jesus, it's about telling other about Jesus, it's about spreading His Word! I know my kids will be so excited every Christmas morning to see what the big man in red brought them. But I also want them to be excited about the miracle of Jesus' birth, His ministry during His life and His victory over death. I am so thankful for the greatest gift of all...Jesus!
I pray you have a peaceful and joyful Christmas with your family this year. I hope you spend time remembering the miracle of this day and all that it means.
I have so much to be thankful for...I will glorify and praise Him for all He has done, from that first Christmas to this one!
Luke 2:16-20: So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
God's greatest miracle and plan for the world came that night in the form of a sweet baby boy. His plans are perfect, His ways are always right, and what He says always comes to pass, exactly like He said it would.
I loved watching my almost 2 year old children opening their presents and having fun with their toys. But the true meaning of Christmas isn't about how many gifts you have under the tree. It's about Jesus, it's about telling other about Jesus, it's about spreading His Word! I know my kids will be so excited every Christmas morning to see what the big man in red brought them. But I also want them to be excited about the miracle of Jesus' birth, His ministry during His life and His victory over death. I am so thankful for the greatest gift of all...Jesus!
I pray you have a peaceful and joyful Christmas with your family this year. I hope you spend time remembering the miracle of this day and all that it means.
I have so much to be thankful for...I will glorify and praise Him for all He has done, from that first Christmas to this one!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Luke 2:8-12
Good morning!
Luke 2:8-12: And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 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 of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
I remember getting the call that my nephew was being born. I rushed to the hospital to find the rest of my family waiting outside my sister in law's room. We weren't allowed in but we knew it was going to happen soon. Hayden was the first grandchild. My first nephew. I had no kids at the time and I was so excited to meet him. We were all huddled together...quietly listening through the door. We heard the doctor, "One more push!" We hear Diane lightly moan....and then there is Hayden! Nothing like a newborn cry! We all busted out in laughter, tears, and cheers! His birth was such good news to our family and he brought us great joy.
So when I think of these shepherds, working all night with their flock, I wonder if they were waiting for their Savior to come. Wondering when it might be. Hearing rumors and hoping that He would come in their lifetime. All of a sudden, the glory of God shone around them and the news they had longed to hear was being spoken...to them! The ultimate baby shower was being held not too far away and God was inviting them! Can you just imagine the anticipation they felt as they walked towards that manger? There is just nothing more precious than seeing a sleeping, wrapped up, peaceful newborn baby. The innocence and sweetness is overwhelming. I cried as soon as I saw little Hayden, all wrapped up. His little button nose, pink cheeks and pouty little mouth. Love overtook me just looking at him. Can you imagine how quickly the strength left the shepherds knees as they stood there, staring at Christ the Lord?
The miracle continues tomorrow...
Luke 2:8-12: And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 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 of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
I remember getting the call that my nephew was being born. I rushed to the hospital to find the rest of my family waiting outside my sister in law's room. We weren't allowed in but we knew it was going to happen soon. Hayden was the first grandchild. My first nephew. I had no kids at the time and I was so excited to meet him. We were all huddled together...quietly listening through the door. We heard the doctor, "One more push!" We hear Diane lightly moan....and then there is Hayden! Nothing like a newborn cry! We all busted out in laughter, tears, and cheers! His birth was such good news to our family and he brought us great joy.
So when I think of these shepherds, working all night with their flock, I wonder if they were waiting for their Savior to come. Wondering when it might be. Hearing rumors and hoping that He would come in their lifetime. All of a sudden, the glory of God shone around them and the news they had longed to hear was being spoken...to them! The ultimate baby shower was being held not too far away and God was inviting them! Can you just imagine the anticipation they felt as they walked towards that manger? There is just nothing more precious than seeing a sleeping, wrapped up, peaceful newborn baby. The innocence and sweetness is overwhelming. I cried as soon as I saw little Hayden, all wrapped up. His little button nose, pink cheeks and pouty little mouth. Love overtook me just looking at him. Can you imagine how quickly the strength left the shepherds knees as they stood there, staring at Christ the Lord?
The miracle continues tomorrow...
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Luke 2: 4-7
Good morning!
Luke 2: 4-7: 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. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
God's plans and His ways and His thoughts and His actions are always good and perfect, even if they don't make sense to us! I imagine Mary was pretty troubled to know that while she was about to pop, they had to journey to Bethlehem to take part in a census. Riding on a donkey is not how I want to be spending the last days of my pregnancy! There was no birth plan, there was no hospital. There was no hotel with comfy rooms for them to stay in. Mary had no insurance to pay for an epideral! It was her and Joseph together, a team trusting in God that He knew what He was doing. God brought them to exactly where He wanted them. Prophecy was being fulfilled. God brought those two together to accomplish His will. Everything came together so perfectly, yet while it was all happening, it seemed so unsettling and unknown. There was no colorful fanfare, no party, no triumphant entry. Jesus was not born in a palace, wrapped in the finest of linens and taken care of by His own staff of servants. There was no paparazzi...He didn't make the front page of the news...He was not the talk of the town. God brought the greatest miracle of all out of the lowliest of circumstances. A few select were told and were allowed to witness Jesus' first night of His life.
The greatest thing I have learned from reading about Mary and Joseph is that they went with the flow. They trusted the will of God and believed they were being used for a purpose. They were the perfect example of servants. As Mary held her first born son for the first time, I imagine she also knew she was staring at her Savior. Even though there was no room for them in the inn and they were stuck outside in a stable where they animals were kept, she was full of love and peace! She wrapped her baby up and placed him in a manager. The star was shining bright. They were coming to worship Him. It was beginning! Stay tuned...
Isaiah 9:6-7: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
Luke 2: 4-7: 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. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
God's plans and His ways and His thoughts and His actions are always good and perfect, even if they don't make sense to us! I imagine Mary was pretty troubled to know that while she was about to pop, they had to journey to Bethlehem to take part in a census. Riding on a donkey is not how I want to be spending the last days of my pregnancy! There was no birth plan, there was no hospital. There was no hotel with comfy rooms for them to stay in. Mary had no insurance to pay for an epideral! It was her and Joseph together, a team trusting in God that He knew what He was doing. God brought them to exactly where He wanted them. Prophecy was being fulfilled. God brought those two together to accomplish His will. Everything came together so perfectly, yet while it was all happening, it seemed so unsettling and unknown. There was no colorful fanfare, no party, no triumphant entry. Jesus was not born in a palace, wrapped in the finest of linens and taken care of by His own staff of servants. There was no paparazzi...He didn't make the front page of the news...He was not the talk of the town. God brought the greatest miracle of all out of the lowliest of circumstances. A few select were told and were allowed to witness Jesus' first night of His life.
The greatest thing I have learned from reading about Mary and Joseph is that they went with the flow. They trusted the will of God and believed they were being used for a purpose. They were the perfect example of servants. As Mary held her first born son for the first time, I imagine she also knew she was staring at her Savior. Even though there was no room for them in the inn and they were stuck outside in a stable where they animals were kept, she was full of love and peace! She wrapped her baby up and placed him in a manager. The star was shining bright. They were coming to worship Him. It was beginning! Stay tuned...
Isaiah 9:6-7: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Luke 1:46-49
Good morning!
Luke 1:46-49: And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.
Once Mary questioned the angel of how she would give birth being that she was a virgin and once she heard that the Holy Spirit would overshadow her and make her pregnant, I'm sure she thought all of this sounded very crazy! So the angel gave her even more information. He told her of her relative Elizabeth who was thought to have been barren was in fact 6 months pregnant! With this example, the angel proclaimed, "For nothing is impossible with God!" So what did Mary do, she hightailed it to Elizabeth's house to see if this was true. She told the angel she believed him but she just had to see this for herself! And as soon as she got there and greeted Elizabeth, her child leaped in her womb, I am assuming for the first time. The first time feeling your child moving and kicking is the most amazing feeling in the world! When Mary saw this, her heart couldn't hold in her song any longer.
In my experience, God has never given me information without following it up with evidence, directions, or guidance of some kind. He has never left me to figure out things on my own. I always feel him there with me, leading me down the right path and giving me the little nuggets of hope I need to carry on. Mary had the biggest news ever delivered to her so she definitely needed confirmation that she wasn't crazy. This was happening! There is nothing impossible with God! God's Will is always accomplished!
Mary finally realizes after seeing the miracle of Elizabeth getting pregnant that what the angel said was going to happen. The world was going to be changed forever...and it was beginning with her. Her soul rejoiced and her fear was replaced with singing and praise. From now on, all generations will call her blessed, not because she carried Jesus in her womb and gave birth to the Savior of the world. Elizabeth told her, "Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" She believed! Her son was about to be born and she believed His Kingdom would never end! She trusted God even though she had no clue why He chose her, a humble servant.
Believe what God is telling you today and trust what He says will be done! He has done great things for you that will continue on for generations and generations. His miracle isn't done yet though...stay tuned!!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Luke 1:28-33
Good morning!
I feel led to focus on the miracle that is Christmas this month so thus begins the journey of our Savior's birth!
Luke 1:28-33: The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
I can honestly tell you that when I heard from God Almighty...a prophetic word regarding the birth of my son, I was floored, shaken and was rendered stoic after those words were spoken to me. And all I heard was, "You will give birth to a son and his name will be Elijah and he will be an important man of God." But can you imagine not only hearing, but seeing a glorious, magnificent, humongous angel speaking these words to you?! "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you!" I am sure it was absolutely necessary that he said those words before he dropped the big news on her! "You will be with child and give birth to a son who will be called the Son of the Most High and His kingdom will never end!"
God's greatest miracle began with a young girl with a mighty destiny, unbeknownst to her. She received the message and praised God for it. Even though she was scared, knowing the ramifications of being pregnant without being married, while already engaged to another man! The disgrace. No one would believe her. The plans she had for her life had taken a drastic turn. She knew nothing would ever be the same again. Have you ever felt like Mary? I know I have! Today, God is speaking and wants everyone to know that His miracles begin in the most unlikely places and change lives forever.
Tomorrow, we will learn how Mary responded to this news...the news that would change her world and every other person's world...from generation to generation. His Kingdom will never end!
I feel led to focus on the miracle that is Christmas this month so thus begins the journey of our Savior's birth!
Luke 1:28-33: The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
I can honestly tell you that when I heard from God Almighty...a prophetic word regarding the birth of my son, I was floored, shaken and was rendered stoic after those words were spoken to me. And all I heard was, "You will give birth to a son and his name will be Elijah and he will be an important man of God." But can you imagine not only hearing, but seeing a glorious, magnificent, humongous angel speaking these words to you?! "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you!" I am sure it was absolutely necessary that he said those words before he dropped the big news on her! "You will be with child and give birth to a son who will be called the Son of the Most High and His kingdom will never end!"
God's greatest miracle began with a young girl with a mighty destiny, unbeknownst to her. She received the message and praised God for it. Even though she was scared, knowing the ramifications of being pregnant without being married, while already engaged to another man! The disgrace. No one would believe her. The plans she had for her life had taken a drastic turn. She knew nothing would ever be the same again. Have you ever felt like Mary? I know I have! Today, God is speaking and wants everyone to know that His miracles begin in the most unlikely places and change lives forever.
Tomorrow, we will learn how Mary responded to this news...the news that would change her world and every other person's world...from generation to generation. His Kingdom will never end!
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