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What Are You Waiting For?

12/29/2019

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Waiting. We're always waiting for something. An appointment, a break at work, a vacation. A better job, a better income, a better car. Some waiting is simple; some is complex, such as waiting on medical results or waiting for the return of one's health. There are many things we wait for. The list could go on.        

As the new year approaches, many of us are waiting for a new start. I know I am. I ant to feel renewed. I want my old self to be a new and better me.   

The start of the new year invites the planning of new goals or accomplishments for us. However, as the new year sets in, we may find ourselves waiting--or stalling. This may happen for a variety of reasons, but is likely to occur due to (1)procrastination, or, (2)waiting for something we may not have control over, such as health status or finances.          

However, there are answers to the frustration of waiting. As one who procrastinates on new projects, I'd like to share two Bible verses that have been helpful to me:   
The first one is from Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," and secondly, a verse from Isaiah 41:10, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10

When patience is needed for waiting, another verse (Isaiah 40:31) offers reassurance:      
"But they who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." 

So, what are you waiting for? It's one thing if you have a need to be met that requires the patience of waiting. On the other hand, if waiting is due to procrastination, the "What are you waiting for?" line serves as a reminder to get quit stalling and get moving! 

Whatever it is that you are waiting for, here is a New Year's prayer for you:      
Dear God: To whomever is reading this, may they have the strength, courage, and determination to achieve the goals they have set and the patience to persevere while waiting. Amen.        
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A Mini Questionnaire for your New Year: 
1)List one thing you'd like to accomplish in the new year: _______ 
2)Write down the first step you'll take in accomplishing your goal:  ________
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The "Sigh" of Silent Night

12/15/2019

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          Joseph Mohr was desperate. The church organ in the little village of Oberdorf was broken, and the young priest needed a carol for the Christmas Eve service. He had lyrics from a poem he'd written, but had no music for it. Choir director Franz Gruber stepped in, taking Mohr's lyrics and within mere hours, composed music for the beloved hymn we know today, Silent Night. On that quiet, winter eve, the melody of Stille Nacht rang out on guitar in the little village church. Imagine Mohr's sigh of relief as the worship service was salvaged. Ah, the "sigh" of Silent Night!     
        Mary and Joseph were desperate, too. Travel by donkey must have been long and arduous for a very pregnant Mary, upon arriving in Bethlehem, there was no place for them to stay. But, imagine the sigh of relief that may have come from Mary and Joseph's lips as they reached the lone stable, where Mary would give birth to the Christ child. Ah, the "sigh" of that Silent Night!   
        Sometimes Christmas makes us feel desperate--or at least overwhelmed. We may sigh more out of frustration than relief. We tire of the commercialization, the lines, the traffic. Sigh. We fret over preparations, expectations. Sigh. We may feel sad or lonely when we think of Christmas' past and the loved ones who are no longer with us. Sigh.      
         Despite frustrations, when Christmas arrives, we likely let out a sigh of relief that the day has finally arrived. The sigh of the Silent Night of long ago comes to mind as we marvel that the Christ child came to earth for our salvation. We sigh in wonderment at the miracle of Jesus' birth on that Stille Nacht of over 2,000 years ago. The sigh of Silent Night--a beautiful sound!                                                               
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"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16 
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It's Out of Your Hands

12/5/2019

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I woke up suddenly from a deep sleep with an image in my mind: I was holding out my hands in front of me with my palms up, but there was nothing in my hands. They were empty. 

Over recent weeks, I'd prayed fervently--and daily--for dear people close to me who have been dealing with serious medical issues. I couldn't help but worry about their diagnosis, how it was affecting their physical and mental health, as well as their quality of life, and what the coming weeks and months would hold. 

When the image of my open hands appeared, it happened to be at a particularly odd time, 11:11 p.m. At that moment, I felt as if I was being helped, guided, and persuaded--all at once. I was certain this was an answer to prayer about all of these concerns. I realized my job was not to worry, but instead to trust God. The worry was lifted from me. My hands felt suddenly light as a sense of peace washed over me.     

God had removed the weight of my worries and fears and taken them upon Himself. They were not mine to hold onto.      

God's message was clear. It was as if He was saying, It's Out of Your Hands. End of story. Period.
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May you, too, have a complete sense of peace knowing that all you can give all your worries to God. 
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"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  
- Matthew 11:28-30


   
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