Choices

I am listening to the song "Jesus Calling" by 33 Miles. I don't think that I've mentioned this one before, but if I have, oh well. About three weeks after I came back from Dallas, 33 Miles sang at the church that I attend. The lead singer had me crying very quickly when he asked if anyone felt like their life was falling apart. He then mentioned that he had lost two of his grandparents this past spring, and he really missed them. Then he asked if we realized how short life was. My response in my head was, of course I do, duh. The group then proceeded to sing the following two songs. Jesus Calling and One Life to Love. Like I said though, I'm listening to "Jesus Calling". I heard a line in the song that I don't remember hearing before, and believe me, I've listened to this song lots! "And how you see your circumstance is all about a choice". How true is that. I could look at my circumstance and complain about how awful it is, or I can look at my circumstance and remember that God has a plan in all of this. It is my choice.

It is also my choice as to whether or not I have a good Christmas. I usually spend a few days prior to a certain "special" day worried about how I will handle that day. What I have found is that the actual day is far better than the days leading up to it. Go figure. But, that's what I have done once again this week. The thing is is that no matter how you slice it, Christmas will be difficult, but I am going to try my hardest to choose to enjoy it. I need to focus on what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown. Not focusing on who I lost this year but remembering that without Christ we are nothing. Without Jesus coming as a baby and then going to the cross to save sinners, I wouldn't know for certain that I will see Jared in heaven again. But I can rejoice that I will see Jared again because God saw fit to send His son as a baby to a young woman named Mary. She accepted God's will for her life without question and I should do the same. This was her response found in Luke 1:46-55, the Magnificat:

46 And Mary said:
"My soul exalts the Lord,
47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior."
48"For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;
For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.
49"For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
And holy is His name.
50"AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION
TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM.
51"He has done mighty deeds with His arm;
He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.
52"He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
And has exalted those who were humble.
53"HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS;
And sent away the rich empty-handed.
54"He has given help to Israel His servant,
In remembrance of His mercy,
55 As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and his descendants forever."

I like verse 49, For the Mighty One has done great things for ME!

If I don't post again until after Christmas, I'll cover my bases now and wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Love,
Beth