Good Morning
Today is an exciting day here in WFM! We have a writing by Cathy Friberg of our Monthly Writing Staff titled, "LESS "IS" MORE." There is also the first prayer of four Advent prayers written by Rose Michelle Brady titled, "Something NEW is coming.".
***Cathy's theme is that we can find ways to help the less fortunate to get through the holiday by being sensitive to their needs...to share from whatever abundance we have is a very praiseworthy thing to do. Cathy writes, "The Lord is so creative and innovative. He can show us many avenues and pathways in which to bless others which will not be burdensome to us."
***Cathy's theme is that we can find ways to help the less fortunate to get through the holiday by being sensitive to their needs...to share from whatever abundance we have is a very praiseworthy thing to do. Cathy writes, "The Lord is so creative and innovative. He can show us many avenues and pathways in which to bless others which will not be burdensome to us."
***In her prayer Rose Michelle prays, "Guide us through the externals of the Christmas celebration to the true heart and meaning of the birth of Christ."
Have a wonderful Monday. Remember to pray for the families who have lost loved ones in the Oakland fire and for our country.
God bless
Corinne, Cathy, and Rose Michelle
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December Writing
by
Cathy Friberg
"LESS "IS" MORE"
Sometimes the simplest acts of love and encouragement seem to have the deepest impact. Have you noticed in recent years how complicated and extravagant even marriage proposals have become? Suitors use messages in the sky, signs held by scuba divers in an aquarium, pre movie adds played in theaters, and flash mobs consisting of hundreds of people to deliver their marriage entreaties. Now I don't want to appear unromantic, and if you have received such a proposal consider yourself blessed! However, it seems that offers of matrimony and wedding ceremonies used to be a lot simpler, less competitive and expensive. Ironically, marriages in those days were more permanent.
In our Hollywood mentality we feel that anything we do for others needs to be extreme and grandiose. Sometimes we will avoid reaching out in kindness for fear that our efforts won't be great enough. People's hearts, however, are often touched by humble but genuine gestures. This is especially true when we are prompted specifically by the Holy Spirit and when we obey that leading straightaway. The Lord knows every hurt. He perceives our longings and desires at every moment. He recognizes what will provide healing or inspiration at any given time. A modest greeting card sent to a grieving friend can bring such comfort.
A well timed hug, a warm smile, or a tender compassionate word can lift someone out of despair. I remember when I was recovering in the hospital from a Caesarian Section with our first born son. A kindly nurse brought me some ice chips and sweetly spoon fed them to me. I had not told anyone that I was so desperately thirsty. This servant appeared unexpectedly and graciously quenched my intense thirst. I don't know of a time when I felt so grateful. She seemed to me to be an angel sent from heaven. I still remember that moment some 38 years ago.
This Christmas Season offers a wonderful opportunity to touch someone's life with a simple expression of love. So many people are hurting emotionally, physically or financially at this time of year. The holidays always seem to magnify the pain which people are experiencing. Let's ask the Lord to show us each day how we can bless someone with a humble act of love. Military people love to receive encouraging cards. Putting some canned goods in a grocery store collection bin, or handing a few dollars to a homeless person are other ways we can extend God's love. Showing grace and mercy to other drivers on the road, remembering to smile and be patient while shopping, or letting someone go ahead of us in line will expand the Kingdom of Light in our sphere of influence. The Lord is so creative and innovative. He can show us many avenues and pathways in which to bless others which will not be burdensome to us.
"Little becomes much in the hands of the Lord."
"For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:30
"Christmas, the Giving Time"
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"Something NEW is Coming."
Holy Spirit, You are the Love between God the Father and His Son, Jesus.
Help us make room in the "Inns" of our hearts for the joyful coming of our Savior.
Only a Newborn - His birth already began to make such a difference in our world, just as our earthly newborns - are miracles, affirming life, hope, and loving care which nurtures them and all the world who welcomes them.
Guide us through the externals of the Christmas celebration to the true heart and meaning of the birth of Christ.
Let us anticipate in Advent, that "something NEW is coming". Something that will change us again, making us more aware of our purpose and God's inspiration in manifesting that purpose. Let us quietly wait and be open to new possibilities in complete awareness.
Amen.
Amen.
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Prayers are lifted up daily for
you by the Devotional Writers
and the Monthly Writing Staff
of Women's Focus Ministries.
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