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Posted on 11/30/2009 9:30:13 PM PST by JustAmy
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Oswald Chambers once wrote: “It is not God’s promises we need, it is [God] Himself.”
At Christmastime we often say, “God’s presence is more important than presents.” But the amount of time and effort we spend on shopping for gifts may indicate otherwise.
In certain parts of the world, people give gifts on December 6. By doing so, they have the rest of the month to focus on Jesus and the wonder of His birth, God’s perfect gift to us.
When we say we want God’s presence more than presents from others, perhaps we’re being truthful. But how many of us can honestly say that we want God’s presence more than His presents?
Often we want gifts from God more than we want God Himself. We want health, wealth, knowledge, a better job, a better place to live. God may indeed want to give us these things, but we can’t have them apart from Him. As David said, “In Your presence is fullness of joy” (Ps. 16:11). Presents may make us happy for a time; earthly gifts from God may make us happy temporarily, but fullness of joy comes only when we remain in a right relationship with God.
So, what would Christmas be like if we truly celebrated God’s presence?
Thanks Rus, for the lovely Christmas message this morning!
Hope your visit to Tennessee will be terrific! Its great you will be visiting with family too!
Good Morning Mayor. Thank you for this taking the time, even while visiting family in Tenn, to share this devotional.
Have a great day.
Polly
Oh my Polly, she is just so beautiful. Looks very healthy too! She could have played Lassie! Thank you for posting her picture!
By the way, my first Sheltie was Shallie’s colors exactly! My second one was black and white. Both were precious!
Yesterday when Mel had her to the Vet, they called her a “ Miracle Dog”! People were referring to her as “ Lassie”! LOL
I adore Sheltie’s too.
Gotta get busy....see ya'll later!
Shallie is beautiful Pollywog..
Hello to all.. it is so pleasant to come here & see the lovely graphics, funny humor, enjoy music & catch up a little on your news.
Many of you are on Facebook & that & the Porch are where I now am primarily when on line.. porch is private members only & I simply must keep my stuff limited(dates, places) for stalking reasons (yes still going on) & no NOT a member of FR that I am aware of..
Those there know of the tragic death of a friend’s daughter.. That has truly hammered my spirit. will be getting to NC for funeral.. not sure when as the autopsy etc after a murder does take longer.. I will look forward to seeing those dear friends & hopefully my son even though it will just be a one night get away
Yorkie.. I haven’t called yet.. it will just right now isn’t the right time
MamaBear.. I have something Pet/camping related I want to send you.. please email me your snail mail addy?
Lysie .. I have that painting for you, if you would send yours also?
Mom & pets are well/same.. My pups are my joy & soul it seems. only a few days til the anniversary of Oliver’s death 4 years ago. Still miss that furbaby. Many bumps here but that has been life for 15 years.. Life is still good & God is still sovereign and that is what is important
Hope all can capture the moments of friendship & joy that comes your way. We all know how fleeting things can be. I take much too much for granted all the time.
I treasure my friendships & family..doing some decorating but not much...many holiday parties, concerts , dinner theaters (churches) are on schedule if my energy holds up
mega hugs!
So good to see you whenever you can pop in and play catch-up! Sorry about the horrific death and I pray that the family is able to cope with God’s help. I can’t imagine.....
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Sorry about the loss of someone so dear right here at Christmas time, Dolly! Life is sure tough sometimes but we just have to try to keep on keeping on.
I am trying to do a little decorating but I’m tired before I get started this morning. Overdid it a little yesterday.
Try to take it easy and enjoy your parties, etc. during the holidays. Love ya!
This ia so cute and pretty!
Shallie looks wonderful! It’s a miracle!
It is good to see you Dolly! So so sorry for your friends daughter’s death.
Praying for you as you travel to the funeral.
I don’t have Facebook so still gather here at Amy’s Place for info and friendships..
So sad to hear of your friend’s daughter’s tragic death. My deepest sympathy, Dolly.
Good Morning Meg!
Yes it is even cold in Los Angeles! LOL...down to 49 this morning!
LOL..I’ve lived in Los Angeles and I thought 49 was cold!
(still do)We were down into the 20s.
;o)
What a beautiful girl! Would love to get my hands into that fur! :-)
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