Watching My Daughter...

...with her son...

...leaves me with wordless.

Happy Wednesday!
Renee

(Beautiful photos taken by Kari)

***********************************
Today's musical selection is Away in a Manger.  Enjoy!

In Spite of All I Am

For as long as I live until the day I die I will never, ever understand why God loves me so.  I'm acutely aware of all the ugliness in my life...in my mind, in my heart. 
Even when my intentions are pure and honest I'm more often than not decidedly...unlovable. 

He's wonderfully perfect. 

I am completely imperfect and have nothing to offer Him other than my love, and devotion, and praise.

Yet He loves me. 

And actually He more than just loves-loves me. 

He values me with the fervent kind of love that requires action.  He loved me enough to pursue me, to sacrifice for me...to redeem me. 

He gave His life for me in spite of who I am.  

Reflecting on this unfathomable truth makes me weak in the knees.  And it makes me want to hug His neck so badly!  And while I can't actually do that this morning, maybe I could hug Him through my devotion...my appreciation...my praise. 

God Almighty gave up everything so He could be my everything. 

Hallelujah :)

Over the next couple of weeks I thought I would share some my discoveries in my quest for Jesus-focused Christmas music, and this one makes my heart sing...

...I hope your heart is singing today as well!





Happy Tuesday!
Renee

Jehovah Provides!

Remember back in Genesis when God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac? 

I've always loved that passage. 

I love how committed Abraham was and how he had such faith

that God would make it ok...whatever it turned out to be. 

I love how God provided the sacrifice, thus saving Isaac's life. 

I love how he provided exactly what was needed, when it was needed. 

God provided exactly what was needed, when it was needed.

...and just like He did for Abraham, God provides my everything.  every day. 

I just love Him so! 

Blessing, upon blessing, upon blessing...

The awful, wonderful cross ... permanent redemption

He loves me as I am...weird, messy me

He has limitless patience with me

Neverfailing, neverending faithfulness

His word 

The privilege of prayer

Deep-inside-my-soul joy

Grace...precious...priceless

Beautiful, strength-giving hope

My yearning heart

Warm fingers and toes

Snowflakes tickling my nose

The aroma of warm soup bubbling on the stove

New pictures of my grandchildren

That wonderful, bittersweet, homesick feeling that comes from missing loved ones,

 which comes from the precious gift of having ones to love

Christmas Pandora

My sister and the pumpkin pie given to replace the one I lost

A quick chat about Jesus with my precious baby, all grown up and loving her Lord

The undeserved gift of life!!

Thank you, Lord Jesus

Make it a gratitude-filled Monday y'all...He deserves all our praise!
Renee

(A Thousand Gifts #145-162)

p.s.  If you are looking for an Advent resource for your family, I have been thoroughly blessed by this one that Ann is giving away.