A Beautiful Mess
Embrace Your Story
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
Moments of Peace
Ahhh...rest. Who wouldn't love a day of rest? But let's face it. Mothers don't really get a day of rest. If we rested, who would fix breakfast? Ho would get the children ready for church? Who would do the laundry so your son can wear his lucky socks for the game on Monday?
No, there's not a lot of rest in a mother's schedule. But, that's not really the kind of rest this verse is talking about. The rest mentioned in this verse is the kind of rest that only Jesus can provide. Resting in Jesus means feeling secure in Him and allowing His peace to fill your soul. That kind of rest is available to all -- even mothers.
So, in the midst of the hustle and bustle of your life (even if you're elbow deep in dish water), you can rest in Him. Start by meditating on the Lord's promises and His everlasting love for you. Make a mental list of the things in your life that you are thnkful for, and praise God for each one. Allow His love to overwhelm you...and rest.
Today's Devotion: The Most Important Christmas Choice by Tracie Miles
"Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.'" Luke 2:13-14 (NLT)
Tis' the season to be merry... and stressed. Although it should be a season of peace, this month can often make us feel more tangled up inside than a messy string of Christmas lights.
Some people dread the hustle, bustle, and emotional rustle this time of year brings, knowing that irritability, loneliness, or depression will threaten. While there are others who may love the Christmas season, but worry, busyness, family conflicts, and unmet expectations take their toll.
In either case, we have a decision. We can choose to get bogged down with stress or we can choose to bow down in worship.
Scripture gives us a beautiful picture of praise in Luke 2:13-14. When Jesus was born, an angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds sharing the good news. Then many other angels joined together and praised God.
"Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.'" (NLT)
That's not the only place the Bible records angels worshipping the Lord. In Hebrews 1:6 it says, "And when he brought his supreme Son into the world, God said, 'Let all of God's angels worship him.'" (NLT) And Revelation 5:11-12a says, "Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders. And they sang in a mighty chorus." (NLT)
Angels serve as role models of worship. They bow down before Jesus. They shout with incredible joy as they sing songs of praise. Through worship, angels spread the news of God's glory and exhibit holy reverence. Angels intentionally and deliberately spend time praising God.
Keeping Christ in Christmas is more than just a cliché. It is an intentional act of worship. It requires a heart of adoration, much like the angels had. When Jesus is the focus of our holiday, we're centered on His love, peace, and joy.
This prompts us to be His hands and feet to others in need. When worship fills our hearts, it leaves little room for aggravation in long lines at the store. We focus on what Christmas is truly about—the amazing gift of a Savior—rather than stressing out over buying the perfect presents. We exhibit grace to someone when we'd rather do otherwise. Worship turns our attention to giving thanks to Jesus for all He has done, rather than letting stress strip His joy from our hearts.
And it might even mean joining in with the heavenly chorus to sing praises to Him, even if we can't carry a tune!
The holidays can bring a flurry of heightened emotions and can often result in an unhealthy level of stress which can prevent us from engaging in worship and praising the One we are supposed to be celebrating.
There will be lots of choices to be made during the month of December: where to serve, what gifts to buy, and how many events to attend. The most important choice we can make is to worship and sing praises to our Lord. For His gift. For His love. For His peace.
And when our hearts are at peace, our holidays can be too.
Lord, I choose to intentionally worship and praise You during this Christmas season. Help me stay focused on You and Your goodness. Amen.
Craft: Painting Cork Boards
Supplies: 6"x 6" cork board tile, acrylic paint, tape, paintbrushes, hot glue, ribbon, anything else you wish to decorate with
Purpose: To create a posting board, mouse pad, or coasters for home use
Directions:
1. Decide which project you would like to do. If you want to do coasters decide whether to paint or cut first.
2. Lay tape if making stripes, or paint at will
3. Let dry for 30 minutes. Remove tape if necessary.
4. Use hot glue to attach ribbon or twine
Note: If using as a posting board, you can place it in a frame or attach removable 3M wall mounts to the back.
What's Ahead: December 19th
- Dirty Santa Gift Exchange (participation is optional): if you would like to participate just bring a $5 gift, something that you wouldn't mind taking home
- December is Secret Sister Exchange: Bring a gift for your secret sister if you didn't bring it today
- Steering Team is responsible for food
- The Grove Staff Members will be joining us for lunch!!! A great opportunity to get to know them!!
Cream of Chowder Soup (serves 4)
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup diced bacon
- 4 medium potatoes, chopped
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups water
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups cream-style corn
- 2 12-ounce cans or 1lb 4 oz package of frozen corn
- 2 teaspoons salt
- Pepper to taste
- 2 cups half and half or light cream, scalded
Preparation:
Saute bacon until browned and crisp; add chopped potatoes and onions.
Add water, corn, and seasonings; cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
Stir in half and half; heat through but do not boil.
*May add carrots for a little more flavor. Soup goes well with cornbread*
MOPS at The Grove
The Grove Baptist Church
12300 County Line Rd.
Madison, AL 35756
Pastor: Ross Clemmons
Children’s Pastor: Lottie Partridge
Phone: 256-233-2080
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