My 2012 One Word: CONTENT

I wanted to do an overview on my One Word 2012 CONTENT and I wanted it to be profound, I wanted to be able to share that I had it all figured out, and that I have victory over contentment in my life. To be truthful, I don't have it figured out, nor do I have victory over it. 

I will tell you that having that word placed before me, I was easily reminded when discontent entered my thoughts, immediately I began to pray and focus on the issue at hand. Did I like it? No, not always. Did I immediately become content? No, I did not. 

God has shown me many things throughout the year, many I have shared through my posts. And there are other things that I didn't share. Here is where I am going to get a little more real, and for those of you that don't know what being real is... well, hang on you will. 

Most,  the biggest reason that I find myself in discontent is because of me. I recently found a box of past Bible studies, and most of the answers to my struggles were with control issues, financial problems, and worry and fear. Each book I skimmed through pretty much held the same theme. Me giving those same things back to God over & over. Which isn't entirely the truth, because if I had really given them to Him the first time..... I would have never picked them back up.  So here I am fighting some of those same battles time  and time again. 

Which then leads to another reason for discontent.... disobedience. Yes, as hard as that is to admit. It is the truth. I know that I still struggle in some of the same areas, because I haven't obeyed the Lord in what He showed me through studies, sermons, and His word. Yes, I am still a work in progress!! He's still working on me!! 

Below is from when I first posted about CONTENT

In looking to HIS WORD I find great peace and contentment. I know that this is a work in progress.

When He gave me this word, He gave me two ways to look at it and work towards it...... 

1. I definitely need to learn to be content with the things that I have, that I am, and who He says that I am.  

2. I that I should never be content in my walk with HIM. I must strive to be more like Christ every day.  

I can say that after a year, I am much better at # 1. He chose me, He loves me with an everlasting love, I am the apple of His eye, I am Redeemed and I can go on & on .....

And as for #2, I am not content with my walk, and I am definitely not wanting to become content in that area. 

I know that I have learned a lot in the area of contentment, and I know that God has much more for me to learn. I know that I have taken baby steps in this area of my life and I will continue to do so. I pray that if you have ideas or ways that you handle contentment, share them with me. If you are struggling in an area, please leave your prayer request in the comments, and I will pray for you. 

Merry CHRISTMAS!

Take time to focus on Jesus.... the one that was born to deliver us all!

Luke 2(Bible Gateway)

King James Version (KJV)

2 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

² (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
³ And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
⁴ And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
⁵ To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
⁶ And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
⁸ And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
⁹ And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
¹⁰ And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
¹² And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
¹⁴ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
¹⁵ And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
¹⁶ And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
¹⁷ And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
¹⁸ And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
¹⁹ But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
²⁰ And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Jesus Our HOPE

 In my previous post, I wrote 

"HOPE that was born on Christmas. In Christ's birth God provided HOPE. Hope to a lost and dying world." 

Those words ring even more true today.

I haven't had words to write about the events of last Friday. Nor do I have them today. Many bloggers, did a day of silence, many shared there heart, many focused on the children, and many shared there HOPE in Christ. And I can only write of what I do know.....

Jesus was born to die for me.

Jesus is coming back to get me one day. 

He will never leave me nor forsake me. 

His promises are true. 

He heals the brokenhearted. 

He loves me with an everlasting love. 

I could write more about Him, because I know He has so much more for me. I have been reminded that I am to focus on the Lord and His promises and not on the evil in this world.

My hope is in the Lord!

I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. Psalm 130:5

 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. Lamentations 3:24

Be not a terror unto me: thou art my hope in the day of evil. Jeremiah 17:17

I have seen the poem below a couple times. It warms my heart, renews and reinforces my hope. Hug your loved ones a little tighter and a little longer. May our Heavenly Father pour out His grace and mercy.

20 Beautiful Children 

‘twas 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air...
they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.
they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
when what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
and as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"come now my children, let me show you around."
excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
and I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf , PA (my hometown)