No matter what 2022 was like for us or what 2023 will hold for us, we can know ~ fully and wholly ~ that God is with us. And though I may not be completely confident in my tight walking skills, my hope is not in my ability!

It’s the beautiful details that God weaves into my story that has me in awe of Him this Christmas.

Maybe that’s the key. Zechariah was serving faithfully, he was worshipping and spending time in the presence of God.

“ He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his armsand carries them close to his heart…” Isaiah 40:11a

If we believe God is good and all He does is from the love He has for us, then that means we should live our lives in a manner that shows that

BUT think about how both God and Jesus went all-in on Jesus coming to earth, loving us, dying for our sin and being separated from each other.

Simon was busy just living his life when Jesus came and invited Simon to be a part of what He was doing

There are some battles we need our community to fight with us and some battles we need to fight on our own.

It doesn’t matter if I see myself as worthy, holy or valuable, God says I am.

Whatever our response is when it’s not our turn shows our character and if we are willing to be faithful in obscurity.

We can know and have assurance that when we call out for help, our Heavenly Father sees our paper napkin before we even call out, whether we wave it around and shout, or hide it away and don’t speak a word aloud.

We will all have wilderness and storm experiences when we are being obedient and will need to rely on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

Observing Sabbath is a command from God, it is not a suggestion. We don’t get extra credit for not resting.

“Authenticity starts by letting go of fear of how others will perceive us.”@labelmeloved

We cannot have rest when we are discontent with where we are, who we are or what we have.

One of the best definitions for humility that I heard is: “being known for who you are and for who you are not.”

He wants us to be transformed and that takes discipline.

I learned to trust God in the hardest moments of my life. I learned about His character and His love. I learned that He would be with me when He was consistently with me

We need to believe that our worth and validation come from our position – being His child – not our performance: am I a good mom, a good wife, am I good at my job, if you read the Bible enough?

Where is God and what is He up to? Do you find yourself asking that question? I know I have. It seems that we’re living in a topsy-turvy, upside-down, twisted-around world. It’s enough to shake our faith and, for some, to give up on belief in God altogether.