Day 12

To say the Christmas season is busy can be an understatement. Go shopping, wrap the gifts, send the packages, stuff the Christmas cards, clean the house, attend company holiday parties, catch up on all the Hallmark Christmas movies....... you get the point. And then here we are, adding to your list of things to do. (What was I thinking?) But, as we all know too well, it is the love-hate relationship of the season. I pray that this advent is not adding to your list of obligations, but adding to your soul!

The word 'Selah' is used in Psalms repeatedly and is believed to translate; 'to pause'. With that being said, your task today is to take a break from the demands of the season, tuck yourself into a quiet place, and spend some time in prayer. Selah. Pause. Pray.

Pray for your community, church, neighbors, the people God has put in your life, your friends, your enemies, yourself. In Luke 11:1-13 you can examine Jesus' response to the disciples regarding how to pray. Make note of areas within these scriptures that can be relevant to your life. Today, let's stand together and believe for all God wants to do in and through our lives. Are there certain scriptures that you lean on in your time of prayer? What are some verses that you stand on in times of need?

Follow the prompting of  Psalms 62:8. Trust in him and pour out your heart. So take a deep breath, thank God for filling your lungs, and then use it to communicate with him your heart. To praise him and sing songs in his name. Selah.

Day 11

Can you imagine with me for a moment that you were a part of the Walton family, who owns Wal-mart and is one of the richest families in America. What if you were next in line for your inheritance and then, told you cannot have it? In the passage today you will see a similar situation, before God sent His son. We see how before Jesus came, there was no inheritance for us from God, but the latter part of Galations 4:1-7 introduces us to our inheritance, bought through the life and death of Jesus. It states that we were all adopted into the family of God so that we may receive our full inheritance. Do you know what that means? You are the son/daughter of a king... the King, with full access!

We may see Princess Kate on the magazine covers and think to ourselves, "Must be nice to have everything". What exclusive privileges and rights do you think royalty brings? But that raises another question. Are you living your life as though you have been adopted into the Royal family of Christ? You are the son/daughter of the most high, the Lord of lords, the King of kings! Go ahead... take a minute to revel in that reality for a moment. Verse 7 shares with us that God will fulfill his promise, because we are his children.

Today, your task is to "adopt" a family, a friend, a charity and donate. To you that may mean a family you know that is in need this season, or a local church or charity that can distribute your donation. It may be food taken to your local food bank, or clothes and goodies taken to a local women's shelter. Whatever that looks like to you, make plans today to share some of your rights and privileges with others.

Have an incredible day everyone, and remember, you have been given full access to all the royalties through Christ.

Day 10

Do you remember when you were a kid and a piece of mail came with your name on it? Quickly the questions began; who is it from, what's inside, what is it for, what does it say? I know for me, I would quickly rip open the envelope, look inside, discover what was now mine, and celebrate. Then in that moment of glory, I would pick up the envelope just to read my name on the front again. However, once you're an adult, it seems the joy of receiving mail with your name on it is just not the same (if any). Between bills and junk mail, all we are really doing is digging through the pile of mail in hopes of finding a hand addressed sentiment from someone you actually know! Am I right?

The early church certainly received their fair share of mail. In fact, most of the New Testament is made up of letters. Today, our reading is in Acts 15:22-31 where you will find a letter from the apostles and elders to the Gentile believers. Consider what you think the purpose of their letter was. What was the response from those who received it?

Your task for today is to buy or make a Christmas card to write a letter to someone. Think of someone who has been a blessing to you over the last year... last month... last week. Maybe someone you don't always have communication with, someone far away, someone nearby, an old friend, a new friend, or someone who may need the encouragement. You certainly can send more than one, but share your heart with those who may have touched your life in a special way. Read verse 31 and let that be your aim for your recipient, as you draft your letter.

We are all recipients of the greatest letter ever written. Jesus wrote you a beautiful letter called the Bible, that tells of His great affection for you. I would love to hear, what has been the most meaningful part of His letter to you?

Day 9

Do you want to build a snowman?  Did you just sing that like I did while typing it? I have many memories as a child going outside, all bundled up, and building something in the snow with my brother. He was more of the architect so he usually constructed a first class igloo that could house our whole family. Me on the other hand would get bored sometime before he would finish, wonder off, and starting rolling snow in hopes to end up with the makings of a snowman. Then at some point I would need big brother to come help me lift the big blob of snow to stack together the pieces before I could start decorating my new friend. Just thinking back to those times, I can almost feel the cold, crisp air in my nose, my soggy, frozen gloves, and the crunching snow under by boots. If you have ever been around a lot of snow, you know that there is nothing else like it. I love how it covers everything around you to create a stunning white blanket to cover the earth and sparkles in the sunlight.

Today I want us to read a few verses that depict that same pureness in us. 'As white as snow' are the words used in Isaiah 1:18 to describe our condition through God's forgiveness compared to our sins. Then again in Psalms 51:7 you can see a similar illustration. But how can this apply to you and I? I'm so glad you asked! 1 John 1:9 says "But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness." This scripture articulates that we can be made 'white as snow' by confessing our sins and recognizing Jesus as our savior. That's it! The weary world rejoices!!! (Did I get you singing again?) Of course, God knows everything about us all, but I believe there is power in recognizing and bringing to light those things that we often keep hidden.

So your task for the day is two fold. First, take some time today to confess your sins to God and thank him for his Son, mercy, and forgiveness. That He would deliver a savior to us, so we could be cleansed and made white as snow. Secondly, build a snowman. While you are creating your snowman, consider how through the life of Jesus, he has made us all "snowmen", if you will. And just like snow, each person is beautifully different, but when God is among us, we can cover the earth and sparkle in His light!

I hope the next time you see a snowman you are reminded of this illustration. Have fun today making your snowman! Don't forget to use the hashtag #CheerfulDecember when you post.

Here is the one I made. I just used some paper I had to cut out the different shapes.

Even Noah painted a snowman picture!

16 days until Christmas!!!!!

Day 8

Congrats! You made it one week through! Great job! Today should be pretty easy so you can relax a little after a busy weekend!

Who likes candy canes? I don't know about you, but I had no idea about the relevance of the candy to this season, other than seeing them everywhere. Today's reading as you might guess is in Luke 2:1-20, where we come on the scene of shepherds. These shepherds are famous for their "candy cane" walking sticks, but I guess I never put two and two together! Ha.

Can you imagine what that must have been like for the shepherds? As you read you will see verse 10 where it states " but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people." Today, your task is to take a candy cane to a friend, teacher, neighbor. Bring them good news and joy! Pray about who might need a surprise visitor or an extra visit from a friend. Take them a candy cane and pray with them if you feel comfortable. If you aren't able to connect physically with your recipient, you can always leave it on their door or desk to find later like I did. Also, if you don't have extra candy canes around the house, I found some 12 inches tall at the 99cent store of all places. They had regular and mini sizes also.

Have fun with this today and remember... Don't be afraid, He is the good news!

  

Day 7

Tables topped with assorted treats, refrigerators filled with home cooked meals, pie and whipped cream calling your name? It comes with the territory of the season I'm afraid. That's why you should be grateful it get colder this time of year... perfectly dignified reason to wear sweat pants all day! ... Just me? Anyway, as you well know, this time of year is usually a time of feasting, gluttony, extra helpings at dinner, etc.... but today I'm challenging you to fast for the day. Even though I'm using food as an example, I think it is important to search your heart and ask God what he would have you give up for the day.

Carefully read Isaiah 58 and Matthew 6:16-18 to hear God's heart on the topic of fasting. Whatever you decide to give up, it shouldn't be a public decision, but rather a private devotion toward God. If you are posting your daily pictures, or would like to leave a comment, I would love for you to share something that touched your heart today in your time with God. It can be a scripture, a phrase or word that has been on your mind... whatever has stirred you, you are welcome to share. What you decide to give up, however, is between you and God.

As you will see from your reading today, fasting is designed to draw you closer to God and separate you from the things that hinder your relationship with Him. It could be a variety of things; such as a bad habit, a sinful desire, a mindset, the way you speak, a stronghold, etc. The purpose is whenever you feel a hunger towards that choice, decide to seek God and hunger after His word in it's place. As Isaiah explains in verse 13, "don't pursue your own interests....don't follow your own desires or talk idly." For one day, let's press into our self sacrifice, deny our fleshly desires, and seek after God's heart. Verse 14 goes on to say that He will satisfy you!

You can do it! I know it!

I hope that you are all being blessed and challenged through this advent. We are one week in, and I pray you are all able to see the fruit from what you have sown in your heart and those around you over the week.

Day 6

This time of year you can look around and see Christmas lights shining on the wet roads, or glimmering off the snow. You can look through the windows of houses as you drive by and see decorated trees topped with stars or angels. Blow up snow globes and Santas might be propped up in someones yard, or even a nativity piece. However, it's more difficult to find a cross front and center in the mix of all the Christmas decorations. So today, your challenge is to make a cross. Use your creativity, simple, difficult, cheesy or not, let's make a cross to remind us that this is the season of Immanuel: God with us!

In the reading today you will see the story unfold about the coming of our Savior. Isaiah 7:10-14 reveals that through the virgin Mary, the son would be born. In Matthew 1:22-23 it is echoed again. And in John 1:14 we see that God's word become flesh. But take notice that these three passages describe not only was Jesus coming, but where we would find him. In Isaiah and Matthew, the name Immanuel is defined as 'God is with us'. In John it says that He has made his home among us. Wow! Isn't that amazing! Even when Jesus came into the world, as a vulnerable infant, He still held the title of Immanuel. He has always been and will always be with us!

Let us not forget. He dwells with us! So use your creativity, or go on Pinterest for "cross crafts" (see below), or whatever fits your fancy and create a cross to remind you that God is with us! After you make your cross, however it's unique to you, put it somewhere you will see it often, to be a reminder that Immanuel is with you.

Have fun with it! I cannot wait to see what everyone creates! This is what my hubby and I decided to make.

Here are just a few images I found while browsing for ideas. 

Day 5

This time of year can be a bit overwhelming as we prepare for the holiday, with visitors, extra finances, pressures of the approaching new year, etc. Sometimes we can allow the noise of life to overshadow what this season is really about... our merciful God who sent His son to be among us for our atonement.

Today, your task is to watch a Christmas movie! Yeah!! But more than that, I want you to make yourself something warm to sip on, get snuggled under a blanket, relax, and get comfortable! Today's focus is comfort! Take some time today to read through Isaiah 40. First, consider what kind of comfort you need most today... the comfort of a Father? The comfort of a friend? The comfort of security or love? Second, dig deep into the secret places of your heart to unveil where your comfort is placed.

As you will see, in verse 3, Isaiah says "Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord!" I love this because it reveals that sometimes our lives can feel as though we are in the wilderness, barren and alone, but how important it is for us to make room for our Lord. The verses that follow, go on to explain the refining process more or less of what is required to reach verse 5 that states "Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together." Give your heart fully to God to not only allow him to shape and mold you, but to heal those wounded areas and bring you rest. Let him walk with you through the wilderness.

The chapter goes on to say just how marvelous God is! He hung each star, and yet calls you by name. He is your ultimate comforter and healer and he wants to exchange your worry for his comfort. That is the whole reason He sent us Jesus. Verse 31, at the end of Isaiah, and also in Matthew 11:28-30, we are shown just a few benefits of surrendering to God fully.

So like I said, today, I want you to relax and find comfort... spiritually and physically. In every way you are able! 1 Peter 5:7 says to "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." Once you have found comfort in your Father, friend, the secure one, who loves you, enjoy your movie!

I curled up with my little boy, all snuggled in his Christmas jammies, sat next to my honey and watched "Elf". 

You are all doing great! Just 20 days until Christmas!!!! Keep going!

Day 4

Day 4! How is everyone doing? Feeling strong? I hope you are finding joy each day and taking time to pause and relish in all God is doing in your life! I pray you know His great love and see Him working through you this month especially!

Speaking of His great love, today I would like us to read just a few verses in 1 John 3. Wrapped up in those first three verses are a depiction of God's adoration for us. We are his children, the ones he has brought into His family. Wow! Have you ever considered that? We are not only personally invited to eat at the King's table, but we aren't just a guest, we are family.

So what does that mean exactly? Allow me to explain a little more. Tuesday for example, was one of those days you literally crawl into bed and thank God for tomorrow. My day started of pretty normal, but soon became quite eventful. Long story short, I expertly... accidentally... spilled coffee all over myself. Not just on my shirt or on my jeans, but on top of my head. I was trying to give my son his blanket, while holding him, and my full cup of coffee. And there it went, oozing down my scalp and dripping onto my white shirt. So, needless to say, I had to make a speed stop at Target to grab a new shirt off the clearance rack and a hat to cover my now crunchy hair before my doctor's appointment. (We weren't late, praise the Lord!) But oh, that's not all! Later that day, we stopped at Michael's to get a few things and when we left it was raining outside. I quickly loaded my son into his car seat, but he was playing with my keys and pressing buttons on the key faub. I was afraid he was going to set off the panic button so I took the keys away and finished strapping him in. Trying to avoid getting too wet, I closed his door and went to jump in and realized I had placed the keys, with my phone, on the middle console...... and the button he pushed was... the lock button! So there I am, locked out of my car, with my keys, phone, son and my husbands keys, all inside the vehicle, standing in the rain, praying for help! So why do I say all that? To say that even with the failure the day brought, my coffee crunched hair and wet clothes, my family still welcomed me and loved me.

That's our God!! Regardless of your day, your past, your sin, your shame... He still welcomes you to come join Him and He loves every minute of it! And even better, God's love is exponentially greater than any other love we have ever experienced! I could go on and on about His overwhelming love!! Today's reading (in verse 1) articulates that there are some people that do not know they are God's children. They don't know they are welcome at His table because they identify themselves in the world. Dine with Him, friends and let's do our part to spread the word that everyone is already considered God's family! Cover them with love and welcome them, just as Christ offers you!

Today is about family! Your task for today is to help someone in your family with something! Maybe it's helping with a household chore, taking care of an errand for them so they don't have to worry, helping to complete something they couldn't complete on their own, etc.... get creative! Ask God to show you how you can help and what He would have you do in your home today to create that sacred family feeling of love for those in your house.

Here is my little guy getting in on all the fun and helping mommy clean house today!

I decided I would take out the trash (all the way to the dumpster) for my hubby today!

I'm praying for you all and am so encouraged by your feedback. I would love to continue to see pictures and hear how God is speaking to you through this advent challenge.

Day 3

Have you decorated your home yet for Christmas? If you have, you are a step ahead of our family this year. We aren't even going to get our tree until Sunday! I can't wait!!! I love decorating the tree while listening and singing along to our favorite Christmas songs. Ever since I was a wee little one, the first song we play when the tree goes up is Barbara Streisand's version of "Jingle Bells"! If you haven't heard it before... fasten your seat belt and prepare to... well... laugh at me, probably! You can listen to it here if you want to take a trip to the 1960's. 

Anyway, back to decorating... Today, I am going to challenge you to follow a pattern, decorate, and examine your heart! Can someone say, snowflakes? Wait..., what? It had been a long time since I had cut a snowflake out of folded paper, so I ran into some challenges before I finally went online to find a template. Once I had the template it was a breeze. It's amazing how instruction, better yet, detailed instruction can help guide us.... even if it is just cutting out snowflakes. So today, have fun decorating with some cut out snowflakes (you can always use your creativity here and of course let the kiddos make their own unique snowflakes). As you follow the pattern of the snowflake, consider God's detailed instruction, in Exodus 25, to the people of Israel to decorate the tabernacle. 

Personally, I love how the chapter begins in verse 1-2 "The Lord said to Moses, “Tell the people of Israel to bring me their sacred offerings. Accept the contributions from all whose hearts are moved to offer them." As you hang up your snowflakes, examine your Christmas decorations and how they signify your relationship with Jesus. Are our hearts moved to offer everything we have to Him? Are we moved to offer those things that are most sacred to us? God prefaced His instruction, in Exodus, of what would be accepted based on the condition of their hearts. He then gives detailed blueprints as to how to decorate. To conclude the chapter, God stresses the importance of remaining in accordance to the "pattern" shown to them. Just like staying within the pattern of the snowflake, God has given us the ultimate blueprint for our lives through His living Word! His word is something we should always have with us to help us navigate through life. After you hang them somewhere in your home, I hope each time you see your snowflakes, they are a reminder to you of the well thought out detail God has for your life, and the instruction manual He has given us. 

Here's how some of mine turned out!

Today, the cheer is for you, given through God and his amazing love!

Day 2

Great job for everyone that was able to complete Day One!! Wasn't that such a great feeling to leave something for someone and just imagine the smile it put on their face? I love sowing seed for God, because he is always faithful to see it through. So even though we may not have seen the person when they received their greeting, we can trust that God was able to move in their life, in that moment, to some degree... And He used YOU to do that!! Great work!

So, day two!!! Are you ready? Let me ask you a question first... When was the last time to thanked a soldier? Well, if it's been a while, here's your opportunity! Today's task is to hand write a letter to a soldier and send it snail mail for a hero to receive for the Christmas season. We are able to share the love and truth about our Lord and Savior because the brave men and women that defend/ed those freedoms. Regardless of their personal agreement with political decisions, they still stand united for our country with a hope that they are making a difference. Often times they are deployed and far from their families for long periods of time, enduring and witnessing what we couldn't even imagine. So, that is the task for today. Take some time to express your gratitude for their sacrifice and share the comfort of God with them in your own words. You can find more details about where your letters will be going and find your nearest Red Cross, here. Once you write your letter, address the envelope (you can use the one we used listed below also), pray for who will receive it and drop it in the mailbox (the deadline is the 5th).

Don't worry I didn't forget about today's reading. The scriptures today are talking about the generations that led to the birth of our Savior in Matthew 1. The first 17 verses breakdown the lineage of Jesus and the remaining verses illustrate how Jesus was given to the world. While reading the first section, I was reminded how much history and foundation was laid to create the perfect situation for Christ to come. God in His sovereignty, strategically watched over His word to bring it to pass! Have you paid notice to the history and foundation in your own lineage that has paved the way for you to fulfill what God has in you? For some, your past or family history may look broken, but I want to assure you that as you read through the Old Testament, Jesus' ancestors didn't have it all together either (which is why we needed a savior). God knew all along that we would need Him to overcome this world, and indeed we did, through Jesus Christ, the ultimate gift!!

In addition, I pray today you take some time to reflect on just how blessed you really are! Where you live, the freedoms you have, the God you serve, the history you have, and the destiny within you! Amen!?

See you all tomorrow! Don't forget to post about Day 2 using #CheerfulDecember.

Day 1

Let it begin!! Today's task is to leave a special note for someone to find. It can be a hand written note, a drawing of Christmas, or you can use this Cheerful Note our family used. We decided to print out several and conspicuously leave them on cars in well lit parking lots, but you can certainly decide to leave it for a special someone you know, on a neighbor's door, or on someone's desk. We included the information for the advent on our note, so if anyone else along the way wants to jump in on the fun, or post about how they were blessed, they can use the hashtag! 

Today's scripture is Luke 2:21-40 to read and talk about as a family as we begin this 25 day journey of reigniting the reality of this season! In our reading we especially rejoiced in the knowing of verses 30-32 that say: "I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel". Doesn't that just bring peace to your soul? There is a Savior, who brought salvation for all people! 

My prayer for the duration of this advent is that you and your family would have another reason to discuss how great our God is, or rediscover how overwhelming His love is for you. I pray that you will be blessed and be able to be used as a vessel for the working of the Kingdom. In addition, my prayer is that we can bring joy and light to those around us by initiating a smile or a leap of joy wherever this journey may take us.

Here are just a few pictures of us distributing our notes! What joy we found knowing that someone would walk out to their car, maybe after a day at work, or on their way to work, or just a quick drive over to the grocery store, and find a cheerful note waiting to greet them! We prayed for each person that would find the note and had so much fun deciding who (or what car) would be blessed.... wondering, who will it be? How will they react? Will it be blown away in the wind before it is found and end up in someone else's hands that needed it more? Oh how I love the mysteries of God and how he includes us!! 

Cheerful Note Printable

Ok everyone! Your turn! Have fun being a blessing today! I can't wait to see all your #CheerfulDecember posts!