Unexpected Gifts

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Posted by Martha Wilson, December 5, 2023

Have you ever awakened in the overflow of the previous day's events? That is where I

find myself this morning. Yesterday was filled with six hours of preparation and podcast

recording. It was unlike any podcast days we had experienced before because my co-

host Kim Stanley and I were joined by four other “hope seekers.” We were all excited

about the assignment we had been given, but as we circled the table, I caught a

glimpse of the gifts awaiting us.

The table was filled with cups of hot coffee, books, notes, chocolate petit fours, and

home-baked Christmas cookies. Joy and excitement spilled over the edge of the table.

Gift upon gift was stacked high. The gift of friendship was very obvious. Graciously

included was the gift of being seen, heard, and valued. The gift of encouragement was

abundant. The gift of sharing deep heart thoughts of what we had learned through this

book. The gift of grace and love. The gift of laughter and tears.

But, there was an unexpected gift awaiting us.

One year ago, to date, we had been a part of an early morning Zoom Advent group. We

met around Ann Voskamp’s book, “The Greatest Gift.” That journey had so marked our

lives that we wanted to attempt to share it with many more this year. As you read today,

I hope that you will take time to find the podcast and join in the five episodes of six Hope

Seekers discussing this precious Advent journey. (Click here to listen.)

The Latin word “Advent“ means “coming.” It begins in the Old Testament when the

prophecy of the Messiah's first coming was spoken. All awaited the fulfillment of this

promise.  Every Christmas, we celebrate that God wrapped Himself in the flesh and

came as a baby in a manager. This baby Jesus grew to be a man who made His way to

the cross to give us everlasting life. Now, we await His glorious second coming.

Much of the world celebrates Christmas but completely misses the gift of Jesus, The

Greatest Gift.  Ann’s book helps us to slowly unwrap this most wonderful “love story of

Christmas!”

As the six of us leaned into the microphone, our hearts raced with words that brought

life to us and that we hoped would bring life to you also. The record button was pressed,

and we had no idea that God would come so near. He sat with us and breathed life into

us as we journeyed through 25 days of advent in one sitting. Our hearts raced with

hope. Faith increased, and peace settled within.  Right there, on December 1, 2023,

Christmas came to all of our hearts.

Emmanuel, God With Us, came very near.  It was unexpected, but so much was

received. It wasn’t about presents or decorations, goodies prepared, or families

gathered. It was about Jesus and His great love coming to save us.  His presence was

so obvious that we felt as if we could touch Him. And we did with our hearts, words,

laughter, and tears.

“The Present is His presence, and the greatest present you always have to give is His presence.” (Ann Voscamp)

Let’s be careful not to miss the unexpected gifts this Christmas. Don’t get snagged in

the hurry that you miss His glorious presence. He waits to come near to your heart. To

sit at your table and speak life, hope, joy, and peace into your world.  You may find Him

in a song. A smile or a hug. The sharing of a special treat. A card. A word. A podcast, or

a devotion.

He has come! He is here! Waiting to be seen and experienced.

“So now we pause. Still. Ponder. Hush. Wait.

Each day of Advent, He gives you the gift of time,

 so you have time to be still and wait.” Ann Voskamp

“The Giver becomes the Gift.” Ann Voskamp 

A Burst of Hope Podcast

Free Resources from Ann Voskamp

thegreatestchristmas.com

Martha Wilson is a writer, speaker, blogger and co-host of “A Burst of Hope” weekly podcast. She is the founder and director of Touching Hearts Ministries for women. She has led women to pursue an intimate relationship with Jesus for most of her adult life. She is bold, tender, and transparent as she teaches women to embrace powerful Biblical truths. Martha and her husband, Ed, live in Fayetteville, Georgia, and enjoy their blended family of five children, eight grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. You can connect with Martha at: Facebook and Instagram @TouchingHeartsMinistries or listen to the A Burst of Hope Podcast.

Self-Care Is Not Selfish

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Posted by Pat Elsberry, November 27, 2023

As is typical of most women, especially mothers, we are always running around caring for everyone. We have many roles and juggle so many things we could easily work for Barnum & Bailey! Cook. Taxi driver. Social director. Wife. Mother. Lover. Friend. Teacher. Nurse. Cleaning lady. The list goes on and on, and in many cases, this is all on top of holding down a full-time job. Phew! With responsibilities like this, it’s unsurprising that taking care of ourselves falls to the bottom of the list.

It can be overwhelming when we place all of these daily responsibilities on top of an upcoming major holiday. As we begin the countdown to Christmas, the pressure is on, and to add to the mix, holidays can combine joy and sorrow.

If you begin feeling overwhelmed by the weight of everything, permit yourself to take some time for yourself. Self-care is not selfish.

We cannot pour from an empty vessel.

If you’re feeling anxious or the memories of those no longer with you begin to overwhelm you, take a moment to breathe. I’ve always loved Christmas, and I’m grateful that the tough and heavy grief has eased considerably as the years have passed. However, there may still be moments when we need to step back and minister to ourselves. This may sound foreign to you, especially if you’re a caretaker, but making room in our lives for ourselves is crucial. Even Jesus often stepped away to become refreshed as he spent time with the Father.

Over the years, I’m thankful for some “A-Ha” moments the Holy Spirit has shown me. I hope that sharing them will help relieve any burden you may be feeling and allow you the freedom to take a moment for yourself:

My 1st A-Ha moment:

It’s OK if you are not strong, and it’s OK to cry!

It is!! No more swallowing tears and no more Wonder Woman routines! I read a fabulous article based on the Bible’s shortest scripture–Jesus wept. The following is an excerpt taken from “Why It’s So Important that Jesus Wept” by Bethany Verrett:

“Jesus knew the will of God and that Lazarus would be returned to life. He did not weep because

He was uncertain of His ability to do this miracle or because He feared Lazarus would stay

dead. Jesus wept because He experienced and understood the same feelings as the people around

Him.

The Lord Jesus lived a perfect life, overcoming sin, suffering, and even death itself despite being

clothed in flesh and subject to human weaknesses. Despite living a perfect life, standing before a

tomb, He cried. For people, it does show that it is OK to grieve, to process strong emotions and

terrible situations, and to cry.”

Even though Jesus knew Lazarus would rise and live, he cried because he was grieving for his friend. He mourned. He knew what it meant to be heartbroken and crushed in spirit. If crying is good enough for Jesus, it’s good enough for me! If you see me and I shed a tear, don’t worry–it’s all good.

My 2nd A-Ha moment:

Don’t worry about whether your sadness makes others uncomfortable. Embrace your feelings and allow yourself the time to feel. If others don’t understand, it’s OK. Perhaps they may have never experienced loss. If you think about how fortunate they have not encountered such a loss, that leaves one sorrowful.

My 3rd A-Ha moment:

It’s OK to take time for YOU!

Instead of being the last person on your list, we must intentionally focus on ourselves. This means different things to each of us. For me, starting small is always best. When I’m focused on self-care, these are a few things I commit to do:

· Walking each day for 30 minutes. Being outside in the fresh air, looking up at Heaven, brings me peace. My pace may be slow, but I’m not in a race.

· Drink 64 oz. of water. This may seem silly, but remaining hydrated does so much for the body and the mind.

· Begin your day with Jesus, whether reading the Bible, journaling, listening to a podcast, reading your favorite devotion, or simply sitting with the Lord and pouring your heart out to Him. If we begin our day with Jesus, it changes our entire perspective. With Him, we can handle anything that comes our way!

We need to use self-care. It is not an act of selfishness. My faith continues to sustain me, and the time I spend with my Heavenly Father gives me the strength to face each day. For today, it’s one step and one breath at a time.

Pat Elsberry is an author, speaker, blogger, and a passionate advocate for parents dealing with grief after the loss of a child. Pat created multiple social media groups focused on providing hope to others who are walking the same path, including her blog, Hope During Loss. Pat facilitates an in-person grief share for women who have experienced child loss, and is also a moderator for Team Sharing, a nationwide peer-led support group for parents who have lost children to substance use disorder. Pat is the author of Beautifully Broken: Finding Hope During Loss, and will soon release her first devotional, Comforted by God. Pat and her husband, Fred live outside Atlanta and have a blended family of 7 children and 5 grandchildren. Her favorite things include traveling, cooking, gardening, dark chocolate, and worship music. You can find Pat on her blog, www.hopeduringloss.com, and on Facebook and Instagram @HopeDuringLoss.

Tables Of Grace

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Posted by Kim Stanley, November 21, 2023

As I type this at my kitchen table, I’m picturing all of the people who will be sitting around it this holiday season.

We’ll have to add more chairs so that everyone can fit. Of course, the chairs don’t all match; that’s another lovely picture of the exquisiteness of these humans around my table.

I can see my beautiful grands fidgeting while trying to wait patiently for their plates to be filled. I love how my grown kids want to sit in the same exact seat they did when they lived here.

There will be many games played around this table with hearty discussions and lots of laughter. And yet, there will be someone missing; someone who left us too soon, whose presence is forever missed at every family gathering.

Because my daughter left us for heaven 5 years ago, it changed the look around our table. Not only is she gone, but her family lives far away and has started over in their new life.

I’m sad for those changes. I miss her in unspeakable ways.

Is it possible to be thankful during the holidays when we are carrying grief for those who are gone? I would say a definite “yes.” It’s possible to live with the ache of loss and fully embrace the joyful moments with gratitude. But, it’s only through God’s grace that it can happen.

I can speak from experience and not from theological expertise; I have been given that amazing grace from the Holy Spirit.

This may be one of the most life-changing things that grief has taught me: It is not only possible, but promised. We can live fully and abundantly, our days intertwined in the sacredness of both joy and sorrow.

To experience lament and grief, for any reason, brings a richer understanding to the brevity of our days here; “for the things which are seen are temporal.” (2 Corinthians 4:1)

To embrace the pain of searing loss is a way to deeper joy.

“The joy of the Lord is our strength.” (Neh. 8:10)

The joy of the Lord; not my joy, but His. The promised fruit of the Holy Spirit that fills us with this overflowing joy is ours in Christ.

You can name your pain, recognize the losses, and feel the hurt deeply. It’s vital for healing.

Otherwise, we’re just hiding behind our fig leaves of fake laughter and “I’m fine” quips. And in the very next breath, whisper a “thank you, God” for every bit of it.

Your Presence has carried us through the darkness, into your glorious Light.

Isn’t that worth celebrating?

The people around my table are lit up with crinkling eyes as they smile with their whole faces, enjoying mounds of food and telling stories, probably on each other.

And we share stories of our sweet Jordan, her voracious love for life and family and friends, her wit and silly jokes, and the way she always had to read the rules for every board game we played.

And it’s all so very good;

Even the salty tears mixed with mashed potatoes.

I pray that you are filled to the brim this Thanksgiving season.

And if you are missing someone at your table this year, I pray you can remember them, talk of them, cry for missing them, and thank God for letting them walk through this life with you, even if for a short time.

And then look, really look, at those who are sitting around your table. Throw your head back, laugh out loud, and enJOY the bounty of the Lord.

Kim Stanley is a worship leader, speaker, writer, and is the worship leader for Touching Hearts Ministries. She and her husband Joe have been in itinerant worship ministry for over 30 years. She is the founder and director of One Thing Worship, a retreat ministry for women that provides sacred time and space to be still and hear the voice of God. She also co-hosts a podcast called “A Burst Of Hope” with Martha Wilson. She and Joe have been married for 40 years; they have 4 grown children, one in heaven, and 6 grandchildren. They live in the south metro Atlanta area. You can connect with Kim on her website, www.joeandkimstanley.com, and on Facebook and Instagram @onethingworship.