Gratitude reminds us that we have all we need. It tells us that loss brings life. It leads us to transform in the glory of knowing God’s mercies are new EVERY morning.
Photo Credit: Free stock photo of fall, forest, lake
Belief
All Things New
It’s over. The gifts are unwrapped. Toys are scattered across the floor. The cookie plates are empty of everything but crumbs. And we’re passed out in bed, exhausted from the whole ordeal.
In a few minutes the kids will wake up to play with their new toys. In a few hours, they’ll be bored. In a few days, at least one of those toys will be broken. The rest will be lost, worn down, or missing parts. In a few weeks, they’ll be forgotten; in a few months they’ll be in the garbage. In a year, the kids will be asking for new toys all over again.
It’s the circle of life, Christmas style. Have you noticed the theme? Nothing new stays new. No matter how we take care of our things, they’ll all waste away.
Yet written on our hearts is a longing for permanence. Wouldn’t it be nice if everything stayed new all the time? Instead, we watch our treasured possessions slowly disintegrate before our eyes.
The message of Christmas breathes life into the surrounding decay. It’s a reversal of things—the old made new, the dying made alive. The hopeless infused with hope. Everything of worth will last.
God has promised to make all things new. Because of Christmas, broken hearts can be restored, lives can be renewed. When all is lost, everything is gained. It’s then that we find life that is truly life—a hope that can never fade away.
So it’s not really over. Christmas is the beginning of all things new.
Photo Credit: Free photo: Retro Gifts, Christmas Tree – Free Image on Pixabay …
Learning Gratitude
When we learn the secret of gratitude, death becomes a thing of beauty. We’re able to let go, no longer needing to fill the empty spaces with the latest and greatest distraction to hit the holiday shelves. We no longer need to wait for a new year for change to come, because we can be thankful…now.
Photo Credit: starry skies – the puddle in the parking lot Flickr by joiseyshowaa
The Secret of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving comes first, putting everything into perspective if only we still our souls to listen and learn the secret.
Photo Credit: Fall Cornucopia — Rosslyn (VA) November 2012 | Image by Ron… | Flickr
Faith and Patience
“…imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6:12)
Photo Credit: File:Autumn Leaves.jpg – Wikipedia
When It’s Hard to Give Thanks
When we’re going through fiery trials, it can be a challenge to maintain a heart of gratitude. Giving thanks in difficult times may be the hardest thing we’re asked to do, and yet it is the very thing that will help lift the burden of a heavy heart.
Photo Credit: File:Autumn Mist by the Lake.JPG – Wikimedia Commons
If You Feel Far
If you feel far from God, ask him to open your eyes to see the open door he has set before you. Pray for strength to stop running far in the wrong direction—to turn from where you are and to return to the God who knows you, loves you, and has the power to set you free.
Photo Credit: File:The ruined Tyn Llan viewed through the open door of the …
This Life & Beyond 
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