looking for jesus

In a season that celebrates giving and connection, the blog post delves into the profound impact of being remembered and cherished. It reflects on the intimate sense of being truly seen and known, attributing this profound understanding to your Creator, God. The message reassures that God never forgets us, holding us close with unwavering faithfulness, reminding readers of His constant presence and nurturing love.

Drawing from the imagery of the Last Supper, the article portrays Jesus's intimate moment with His disciples, illustrating the depth of His promise and love. The narrative invites reflection on the shared relationship with God, characterized by mutual remembrance and deep affection. It challenges readers to consider their personal connection and response to God's love, prompting a heartfelt promise of devotion and gratitude.

The reflection concludes with a call to action, encouraging individuals to demonstrate their remembrance and gratitude towards God in everyday life. It invokes a sense of companionship with the divine, reinforcing that this mutual remembrance is a cherished gift. Ultimately, the blog post is a meditation on love and spiritual intimacy, urging readers to embrace and acknowledge their own sacred relationship with God.

In a vivid portrayal of lessons learned from nature, the article discusses how young chickies are transitioned into their new living space amidst the challenges of inclement weather. The piece beautifully intertwines the spiritual lesson of trust and reliance on God’s care with the tangible act of moving. As the chicks gradually adapt to their new environment, the narrative reflects on how humans, much like these creatures, can sometimes resist moving out of their comfort zones. Drawing a parallel to biblical teachings, the article emphasizes that God offers us a safe haven and rest, just as the mother hen shields her young under her wings.

This reflective message serves as a reminder of the peace and protection found in trusting God, encouraging readers to embrace change, no matter how uncomfortable it might seem. Through this story, we are invited to draw closer to Creator God and demonstrate trust, confident that in doing so, we are aligning ourselves with God's plan for thriving health.

The foundation of personal wellness is deeply rooted in our ability to truly love—spanning across every facet of our being including our physical, emotional, spiritual, relational, and financial health. The progression of love, as described by Bernard of Clairvaux and explored further in modern discussions of emotional health, outlines stages ranging from an inward focus on self-love to a mature, outward-focused love that sees beyond our own needs. This journey through the degrees of love begins with loving ourselves for our own sake, evolving into loving God and others for their sake, and ultimately, loving ourselves because of our relationship with God.

As we mature emotionally and spiritually, we encounter a pivotal shift from focusing solely on our own desires to discovering a profound sense of love and delight in God's presence. This evolution allows us to view ourselves and others through a lens of compassion, forgiveness, and unconditional love. The concept of becoming "cross-contaminated" with God’s love illustrates a transformative process that not only heals us but enables us to reflect that love onto others, fostering a deeper connection with the divine and those around us.

Embracing this journey of love leads to a life marked by genuine relationships, compassionate understanding, and a dedicated pursuit of wellness in alignment with God's original design for us. By committing to love well, we open ourselves to the possibility of impacting the world in meaningful ways, supported by a community of individuals on the same path towards spiritual and emotional health. This pursuit begins with introspection and a willingness to grow, guided by resources that nurture our development into the full expression of love as intended by our Heavenly Father.

Embarking on a journey to love well encompasses a multi-dimensional approach to wellness, touching on physical, emotional, spiritual, relational, and financial health. It's a call to examine how fully and thoroughly we're able to love not only ourselves but also the broader world around us. By considering our progression in love as a measure of our overall wellness, we're invited to reflect on our ability to fill ourselves with love to the brim, allowing it to overflow into every aspect of our lives and health.

Bernard of Clairvaux, a twelfth-century thinker, elaborated on the idea that love evolves through four degrees, starting from a self-centered love towards an expansive love that encompasses God, oneself, and others within God's design. This journey from an "emotional infancy," focused solely on our desires and needs, to an "emotional adult," capable of seeing oneself through God’s eyes and overflowing with compassion for others, illustrates a profound transition in understanding and living love. This process not only changes our relationship with ourselves and with God but also inherently transforms our interactions with the world.

The realization that loving well transcends a simple acknowledgment of others and moves towards becoming active participants, or "co-conspirators," with God in the world showcases a transformative life mission rooted in love. This level of love, nurtured by a deep understanding and connection with the divine, empowers individuals to see beyond the impacts of sin and towards God’s original design. It's a heartfelt invitation to heal, to forgive, and to passionately spread this infectious love to others, ultimately participating with God in changing the world. This journey begins with a commitment to delve deeply into the essence of loving well, embracing both self-compassion and the compassionate understanding of others through the lens of divine love.

To what will you give your time, energy, passion, and creativity?

 

Can I challenge you to sit before the Lord and ask HIM what His vision is for your 2024? Where would He have you to dedicate your most valuable commodity; your TIME? The evidence of your devotion to His call and purpose for your life?

 

Friend, maybe it is time for a NEW DREAM?!

 

Psalm 126

When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem,

it was like a dream!

We were filled with laughter,

and we sang for joy.

And the other nations said,

“What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”

Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!

What joy!

Restore our fortunes, Lord,

as streams renew the desert.

Those who plant in tears

will harvest with shouts of joy.

They weep as they go to plant their seed,

but they sing as they return with the harvest.

 

Have you endured seasons of grief, tears and weeping? Perhaps you are still in their midst now. Psalms 126 tells us we can continue to plant seeds, even during the struggles. I would suggest this is a bold move of belief. We don’t plant if we don’t believe that one day there will again be a joyous crop to harvest. Our ACTIONS demonstrate that we know our feelings aren’t the end all, be all of this SEASON of life. Darkness lasts for the night. But JESUS… His JOY comes in the morning!

 

Feelings are real but they aren’t necessarily true. Are you allowing them to hold you captive and keep you from planting seeds for the future. Or are you calling upon the Lord to give you new strength, courage, and the capacity to continue planting so that in His timing you are prepared to bring in a jubilant harvest?

 

Time and time again in my weakness, He has been my strength. He has brought me back from dark places. He has given me laughter, joy, and song. And I know He will do it for you, too, sweet friends. Just get in His presence. Let Him speak His love, light, and Truth over your situation.

 

He is lovingly waiting for you.

 

So ask Him what He would have you to value and to be about in 2024. What are the most important things for YOU to invest your time in this year?

 

**hint… it will first be Him. And the rest? Well, the rest is, as they say, gravy.

 

Matthew 6:33

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Vacant. Empty. Impotent. Frivolous. Unfulfilling.

Is this the only Christmas you are experiencing?

Brian & I took an evening to go & gloriously wander through the vast array of lights (over 5 million) this week at Garvan Woodland Gardens. From the alabaster Chinese lanterns, to the origami cranes and the ethereal woodland fairy floating amongst the stars over circling mushrooms, we were absolutely moved to playful, childlike wonder.

We crossed the moon bridge from where we caught sight of a massive water dragon, swam through lighted jellyfish, meandered through elaborate snowflake lit forests, marched past wooden soldiers, and snuck around lighted elves “throwing” gifts into the back of Santa’s sleigh.

We walked past an extravagant train display with multiple models, including Santa’s line, Thomas & even the Polar Express, blowing through tiny, softly lit, snow draped villages & over truss & bridge. 

So much festivity! And yet somehow, something was missing. My heart was searching back through all we’d artistically experienced, cataloging each display… where was He? 

My heart now began to ache. Where was He? Had we missed one little corner, even a tiny nook of a nativity?

Oh! Look!! The octagonal pavilion! Why that would be splendid! An absolutely idyllic Nativity scene with its open Timbers & yes, I could now see simple strands of falling star lights hung under the eaves. How like a shepherd who’d heard an angelic choir & now set off to discover the proclaimed Messiah I became! My step quickened, perhaps the indescribable gift will be snuggly tucked here! 

Like a child on Christmas morning eager for her gifts, I peeked past the crafted wooden pine trees of aesthetically pleasing alternating heights in hope of finding the Holy Family & their traditional entourage; a shepherd (perhaps 2), a lamb, donkey, ox, & three wise men holding their gifts.

My face fell. Nothing. How?! This place was sheer perfection for a simple station to pause & reflect, yet despite the vacancy, apparently there was room in neither the inn, nor even the stable here at Garvan.

The ache in my heart continued in stark contrast to the teens with their friends giggling & draping themselves over & around a splendidly posed & inviting Santa figurine on a bench for that perfect photo worthy of their social platform of choice.

My heart was moving beyond ache & into heavy. The experience was enchanting & yet… hauntingly empty.

Meaningless, meaningless one Ecclesiastical writer had surmised. Yes, I share your sentiment, fine sir. I am amused & entertained, but where is the source that will remain with me when all levity of life has dissipated? These diversions are at best fleeting.

I am reminded of the ponderings of wise men, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” Matthew‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬ ‭

Yes. Where?!? And I’m reminded not of something that I saw, but something that I’d heard as we watched the whirling & twirling acre of animated lights surrounding the easily 2 story main Christmas Tree.

“O come, O come, Emmanuel,

And ransom captive Israel,

That mourns in lonely exile here,

Until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free

Thine own from Satan's tyranny;

From depths of hell Thy people save,

And give them victory o'er the grave.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.”

This. THIS is what Christmas brought to us; Freedom from Satan’s tyranny. Has this reminder ever been more needed in our war torn world?

And I wonder, is anyone else listening?

Don’t get me wrong. Garvan Woodland Gardens is absolutely stunning. But what has brought  me lasting peace is better represented in this field a short distance away.