My Grown Up Christmas List
“I have all my Christmas gifts bought and wrapped” a girlfriend of mine nonchalantly announced as she lazily swirled the last of her Starbucks White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha around in her cup. Her entire world seemed focused on no more than capturing the last drop of indecency it contained.
I chocked on mine.
“You WHAT!!??” I challenged. I don’t even have my Thanksgiving decorations taken down.
She proceeded to tell me that she picks up gifts all year as her children and grand babies ask for things. She actually begins shopping and storing gifts with the after Christmas sales, even getting her Christmas wrapping paper for the NEXT YEAR on sale.
Oh my.
The thing that struck me most about this conversation was that while my head is spinning realizing I have less than 3 weeks, deep inside I was actually at peace.
Peace.
The Reason for the Season.
As I sit in my prayer chair this morning, I am on day 14 of a 40 Day journey of celebrating the Presence of God.
It all started with the encounter with Jesus I shared on THIS post.
After spending an entire Sunday a few weeks ago, refreshing my mind on the story of Elijah and his crash and burn under a Broom Tree, I felt God telling me that I needed to take so time to rest and hear from Him. To listen. Really listen for His instructions about some upcoming things He was about to do.
I needed to take some time to hear God’s still small voice right in the midst of lots of noise that often comes with the Holiday season.
I asked to Lord to let me start this journey on January 1st but He clearly said no–so I started my 40 Day journey on Thanksgiving Eve.
It has not been an easy task but it has been a precious one. A gift.
Quiet is tough to find during this season.
There are many things going on around us–just like Elijah–things that feel kind of like earthquakes; raging winds; sizzling fires–the still small voice is tough to hear but it is not lost. I am hearing God’s voice in every conversation. Every prayer chair moment. Every encounter. Every thought.
I surrendered my life to Christ at 30 years old. Since that day, Christmas has never been the same.
Every year I am more and more aware go the precious Gift of Christ and the amazing promises of His Word. Truly all I need. Things like PEACE. Who can buy that? Who can wrap it? Jesus says He offers His PEACE constantly–continually–abundantly.
You can’t “store it up”. It is received Day-by-Day.
A priceless gift.
I want my gifts to come from God and I want my gifts to GO FROM GOD.
Peace. Joy. Passion. Vision. Love. Self-Control. Gentleness. Kindess. Hope.
If you are like me and ever aware of your “neediness”‘ and the great needs of those you love–Needs that can not be bought, I hope you will join me in pressing in to be more aware of HIS PROVISION.
Philippians 4:6-7, 19
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
and
Hebrews 4:16
16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Blessings this day friend.
Listen for the still small voice 🙂
If you will send your email address to me at playton@awpm.net or leave a comment below-I will send YOU a Step by Step guide for pursuing your own “Broom Tree” Journey.
“be anxious for nothing”… just what i needed to read today.
thank you for taking the time to write and share with us.
anita
Thank you, Pat…I needed to read (again) about Elijah. Sometimes ministry can be draining!! I’m so very thankful God cares!! Today, I was reminded to ask of Him….so I asked Him to remember that He promised His Word would not return to Him void, but would accomplish what pleases Him and what He intended. So now I just read your blog and again I am reminded I am not alone….He knows, He sees, He cares!! To God be the glory….great things He has done….is doing….and will continue to do!!!
I look forward to receiving the step-by-step guide for pursuing my own “Broom Tree” journey. Blessings to you!! (Looking forward to you being with us at Faith Baptist, Festus, MO. in November 2012!!)
Debbie
Yep, me too Anita. Little did I know how much that verse would be needed today 🙂
Blessings!!
Pat
Yes, sweet Debbie! We will be there bringing a Freedom Weekend and seeing what God has in store for us!
Love you girl,
p
Thank you Pat for your fun and insightful devotions! I have been thinking of you and praying for you… These verses are my favorite ones. They reminded me that when I am in need, He is ALL I need. I have been studying Hebrews this last couple of months. Knowing that the Lord Jesus is our representative in heaven and He is praying for me NOW brings me tremendous comfort and peace. Sending my love your way tonight…
Precious Yan, thank you! I needed that tonight.
I am looking forward to our talking and trusting God’s plan with the important work you are surrendering to Him.
Stay the course sister. I love you!
Soon,
Pat
Hi Pat, thank you. I so needed to be reminded of Jesus’ provision of Peace along with His other gifts He offers. Those scriptures have been foundational for this year. My husband & I just moved from our home to an apartment…I’m at that inbetween spot of receiving so much from the Lord and now to “what’s next” for us in our journey – we’ve arrived to where He’s planted us. It’s time for me to sit, ask, listen for His direction.
I really enjoy reading your posts. Looking forward to receiving the step by step guide to pursue my own “Broom Tree” journey.
Blessings ~ Jodie
Thank you Jodie, be sure to send me your email address 🙂
I plan to get those out next week.
Blessings friend,
Pat
Pat, You always remind me of the gift of peace from the giver of peace that is available 365 days a year, but doesn’t it reverberate louder at this time of the year? I look forward to the journey He has given you to give to me with great expectation. The gift of peace is ever flowing from the fountain of life. Shalom, Cindy
Sweet Cindy,
Send me your email 🙂
p
Merry Christmas, Pat!
You and I met in Grapevine, TX at the 2010 Care Net National Conference. Since then, I have become the director of a new Care Net Pregnancy Center in Morrisville, NY and the Abortion Recovery director of Care Net of Central NY. I love what God has called me to do and have completed STS with a dozen women. I look forward to what God has for 2012.
I will admit, I am one of those annoying people who had all my Christmas shopping done the day after Thanksgiving. It helps me enjoy those quiet moments better in December. Praying a blessed Christmas and New Year for you, your family, and the STS team!
You are such a blessing ! I am so glad I found you through your mamma . God’s goodness, peace and love are so EASY- but we make it so HARD. Thanks for reminding me- I need a good quite time -and anxiously await your journey.
Love to all your family and God’s continued touch on your life and ministry in 2012.
Kay
Kay,
How precious. My Mamma is very special and loves you dearly.
Happy New Year right back to you!
pat