After my "meltdown" yesterday, so many of you gave such encouraging and loving comments, I just had to let you know how much that helped me. I would like to apologize for ever making the comment that I hated myself...Please know that I truly don't feel that way. Perhaps I should have said that I hate the way that I let the stresses of this season get to me every year...and I am truly working on making some changes so that next year this won't happen again. Your thoughtful words of understanding truly blessed me.
So, this morning, in the first light... as soon as I could see my way clear to "hit the road", I took off for my annual "shop til I drop" day, and am so thankful to say that God heard my prayers (and perhaps yours as well) and I was able to get everything accomplished that needed to be done...and it was done with a sense of perfect peace...God was with me...He truly cares about these details of our lives that cause us such frustration...and He gives us the strength we need to keep going even when our weariness is of our own making.
On the way home I was listening to the Christian radio station (JoyFM), and the following song was playing. I had to look it up when I got home so I could hear it again...and I thought you would enjoy it as well. "In the First Light" by Todd Agnew and friends. Be sure to listen all the way to the end...this is so powerful...
After listening to that one this other song by Todd Agnew came up on the YouTube, "God With Us", and it is another powerful song that blessed me as I sat here trying to write to you and share these thoughts...
So, in the midst of all the turmoil and stress, God has reached down to us once again...to show us His love and compassion and power...to remind us that He came to save us and give us PEACE...Peace of mind, heart, and soul. He is truly Emmanuel, God with us!
Here is the next song, Son of God, by Michael W. Smith... again proclaiming "Immanuel, Our God is with us!"
If you are feeling frazzled and weary tonight, it is my prayer that you will reach out to this baby, this Savior, This KING, Emmanuel, God WITH US, and be blessed and comforted. What a difference a day makes...especially when God is with us!!
Thank you again, dear friends, for your thoughts and prayers. Also, thank you for your prayers for my friend Sharon. She began her chemotherapy actually today...and God has been blessing her with so many beautiful events happening to encourage her. God is with her...and your prayers mean so much. Thank you. Here is the link to her Caring Bridge site, if you'd like to follow her journey. https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/sharonwatson Thank you again.
Time for bed...so I'll say good night sweet friends. Not sure if I'll be able to do the "Friday Foto Friends" post tomorrow...we shall see what tomorrow brings.
Good to hear that things are looking up for you. On Sunday a theme in the sermon was asking for God to put his peace in our heart. I find that very helpful.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, Terra...asking God daily for His peace is always a good place to start the day. Wonderful advice...one that I need to remember as well. Thank you, and God bless you dear friend.
DeleteThank you for sharing these beautiful songs! My day also was better with more peace inside. Thank you for your kind words in your reply. So many events in our lives get us down, and the enemy takes advantage of it with no slacking. I'm a 'new' pastor's wife (we'll be married 6 years next month) and sometimes it's a difficult adjustment to a new life. Thanks, Pam, for being an inspiration in your posts. God bless you and your family this Christmas!
ReplyDeleteOh my dear Carol...I am an "old" pastor's wife (married 48+ years, and over 30 years of ministry), so I can totally understand your "sometimes difficult adjustments". The pastoral ministry is a totally different world than what our friends sitting out in the pews can understand. My heart goes out to you, and may the Lord continue to grant you His peace and strength for each new day. By all means, don't let the enemy get a toe-hold in your life. He's very greedy and wants to take over, but JESUS has overcome the world and that old devil...so just tell the devil to take a hike when he comes knocking at your door. Praying for you during this, the busiest of all seasons in the ministry. God is with us...Emmanuel!!
DeleteGlad to see you are in a better space today. Yes it's amazing what a difference a day makes, especially when we bring Jesus into it. I love the music in this post, thank you :)
ReplyDeleteAnd a big thank you also for the prayers for my Mum, she is doing so well and says she feels the best she ever has in her life.
Christmas blessings,
Diana
Such wonderful news about your sweet little Mum!! That is a wonderful Christmas present for YOU as well!! God bless you way over around the world...and may your Christmas be merry and bright! I know it won't be white, right? Neither will ours be white, but it will be joyous! Thank you for your kind words.
DeleteBeautiful!!
ReplyDeletePam: I am thankful you are feeling better. I enjoyed the songs by Todd Agnew, especially the one entitled God with us.
ReplyDeleteSuch gorgeous songs! I'm so glad that our gracious God has renewed you in heart, mind and soul, Pamela. He never fails!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!