Indebtedness and Forgiveness - More Christ in Christmas

My Christmas ABC's

D is for debt. Jesus taught us to pray, "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." (Matthew 6:12 KJV)

In this season of goodwill perhaps there is someone we can finally forgive, and maybe that someone is ourself; or we can be more instantly forgiving of the little prickles and irritations of daily life. We can keep forefront in our minds that Jesus has already paid the debts of everyone. He requires only that we repent of our own sins, and forgive others who have sinned against us. That's a tall order, but He is there with us every step of the way, because He is The Way.

Thoughtfulness - More Christ in Christmas

 My ABC's of Christmas

C is for Compassion - "But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd." (Matthew 9:36 KJV)

Verse 8 says, And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

As we go about our days, driving, working, shopping, running errands, etc., we will encounter all sorts of people. Everyone we meet has some challenge in their life, some hurt, some pain. Most don't know the Shepherd who can lead them to green pastures and give them rest. Perhaps if we look at them through the Shepherd's eyes we too will be moved with compassion to be more patient, more helpful, more cheerful. We can lead people to know the compassion of the Shepherd by sharing our own.

Daily Manna - More Christ in Christmas

 My ABC's of Christmas

B is for bread. Jesus said, "I am the bread of life." (John 6:48-51 KJV)

He went on to say, "Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread."

During the hustle and bustle of this season take time to partake of the the bread of life; study His life, share His love, daily. That's the key to peace, a daily dose of Jesus.

More Christ in Christmas

My ABC's of Christmas

A is for Abide. Jesus said, "Abide in me and I in you." (John 15:4 KJV)

Jesus continued, "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." (John 15:4 KJV)

This Christmas season instead of getting stressed from the frenzy of activities, slow down, abide in Jesus, remember Him, think about Him, and serve like Him. With Him we can have a more joyful month expressing our gratitude for Him through the things we choose to do and say. It's been my experience that having a physical representation of the baby Jesus helps to focus my mind and heart on Him, the reason for the season.

 

Thrift-Larking Treasures

You'd think that because I'm decluttering and downsizing that I wouldn't be going to thrift stores. Well, you'd be wrong. I love going to thrift stores because you never know what treasures await. And, frankly I just like seeing and touching pretty things. Occasionally I find a piece that grabs my heart and won't let go.

Some years ago I bought a set of 12 pink dessert plates, just because I couldn't resist the lovely feminine color, rimmed with gold.

I love using them! They are especially pretty for Valentine's Day or a Spring luncheon or tea.

Last week on a little thrift-larking adventure I found a platter that caused me to say, "Be still my heart!"

Isn't that the prettiest platter ever? I love it!

On a past adventure I found these two delightful glasses for when TopDad and I are alone for breakfast.

Now, for proof that more is going out than coming in, a couple of photos of the stuff stacked up for a yard sale and/or donation.

Have you been doing any Larking? (Search for, or creation of treasures)