ThinMint

Seeking Him Amid The Humming ​My septuagenarian friend sat across from me, her textured hands cupping a white coffee mug, her crinkled eyes reflecting the Christmas lights that surrounded us. I glanced at her hands imagining they have stories to tell, which prompted me to ask her to share her favorite Christmas memories. Her smile widened as she reached back through time to retrieve the fondest of moments in her esteemed life, faltering when her stories drifted to sadder moments. It seemed fitting to ask if she had any holiday-centered advice. She paused before quietly replying, “Treasure it all, and try not to worry about what you’re not getting done. Being present in the lives of those you love is most important. It’s the family God gifts us that matters.” Her advice has stayed with me for a very long time. I catch myself recalling her words when I am trying to corral the busyness of life or trying to overlook the din and disarray of energetic progeny. I am more in tune with her wisdom when the holiday ‘to do’ list stretches over weeks. It may feel like we are spending time with our family when we are singing, baking, and decorating, and when we are attending parades and programs. But are we wholly present in these sweet moments? More importantly, are we turning to God in the overwhelm? Are we talking to Him as we decorate and bake? Are we praising Him as we cut, wrap, and tape? Ask Him what can wait and what cannot. Ask Him to show you how to be abundantly present in the lives of those you love. Because honestly, what is one more dust bunny?! Seek Him amid the humming and bustle, nestling and abiding in all His complete goodness. May this Christmas bring you more hope and happiness than what your hands and heart can hold.

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety Psalms 4:8

President Trump makes remarks at the Commit to Caucus event in Coralville, Iowa 12/13/23 Posted over at The Liberty Tavern

More Bible Verses: https://dailyverse.in

This is not the exact process that I use, but I do like to bless my house once a month. God bless you!

There’s something about the quiet of my home that beckons me to talk to the Lord. When the husband and children are sleeping, I often walk throughout, quietly praying for divine protection for our home, neighborhood and beyond. I pray over my family, our pets. It’s just me and the Lord. I know He hears the wife and mom in a heart that seeks His. When they are not at home I pray out loud, giddy while rebuking the enemy. I’ve wondered what else I could do from time to time. Tonight, I saw the below post. How do you pray over your home?

Wow, what a time to be alive! To be firsthand witnesses to the mighty things the Lord has done and will do? Humbling. Keep in mind that we have been called for such a time as this. It's an honor that God thinks we are worthy to share The Good News, pray for and with others, and demonstrate the love of Jesus. "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms,” 1 Peter 4:10. Yes, I find it riveting at times to follow current events. However, I do not want to lose sight of What Really Matters. How are you connecting with the Lord lately?

You know, it’s not always about birthdays. Or cake (!). I’m sure you have things you do that bring you joy and peace. And, maybe you get excited about learning something new about your craft. Woodworking? Quilting? Painting? Building models? Photography? What makes your heart smile? My birthday cake was the elephant one. (I’ll leave some cake tips in the comments.) Because it brings me joy and I feel so peaceful when making one, I made the chocolate cake for a dear friend whose birthday is 2 days after mine. In a world that is accelerating towards the topsy-turvy, do the things that bring you joy. After all, God is the One Who places this creativity in us so that we can craft something to make the world a little more beautiful 🤍

Over at Shannon's Gaining Ground, we will be reading Dickens, The Cricket on The Hearth.

President Trump remarks from the New York Young Republican Club Annual Gala (December 9, 2023) posted over at The Liberty Tavern.

Some are wanting to share photos of their Christmas tree and décor. Please do so if you feel comfortable ❄️

Good morning!