Finally Friday

Mornin' Ladies of Grace!! Hope you are off to a wonderful day! I love today's verse in the Love Dare calendar. I think I've shared this story before, but last year on our way home from Women of Joy, we were going over different verses in the Bible, and saying what they meant to us, when my friends Gina and Stephanie shared this verse with us, but with a new twist! Whenever you are thinking the wrong thoughts, feeling down, getting bitter, etc. You need to Philippians 4:8 it!! I love that, and will never forget it!! We had such an awesome time!

I have to share with you what I've been meditating on, and honestly, I don't think there's anything any more praiseworthy!! As we probably all do this time of the year, I've been thinking about Jesus' birth. Well, I've been reading my commentaries, and looking up other scriptures related, and those that prophesied of his birth. I think we will all agree when I say the greatest miracles happen when babies are born. The GREATEST miracle happened when Jesus himself was born. Have you ever thought about all the people surrounded around that MIRACLE and how they thought or felt about it.

Mary - she was blessed, and she felt so, I'm sure. But, you know she faced criticism and harsh words. Her road wasn't easy.

Joseph- he was blessed. I'm sure he felt betrayed by Mary, and hurt. But, after he was visited by the angel, he understood. But you know he faced criticism, can you imagine his friends, and others mocking him, and teasing him?

Mary and Joseph's parents - did they believe her? Did they feel as blessed as they should have being the "grandparents " of Jesus? You know they also faced criticism.

I'd like to share with you now, some of my commentary from my Life Application Bible.

"Sometimes we think to ourselves, "I'm being obedient, so why aren't things going better?" We face discomfort or inconvenience and immediately think either that we have misread God's will or that God has made a mistake. But watch this quiet couple as they head toward Bethlehem. God did not soften Joseph's bumpy road, but strengthened him. God did not provide a luxurious inn for Joseph and Mary, but brought his Son into the world in Humble surroundings. When we do God's will, we are not guaranteed comfort and convenience. But we are promised that everything, even discomfort and inconvenience, has meaning in God's plan. He will guide you and provide all you need. Like Joseph, live each day by faith, trusting that God is in charge."

"Despite popular Christmas card pictures, the surroundings were dark and dirty. This was not the atmosphere the Jews expected as the birthplace of the Messiah-King. They thought their promised Messiah would be born in royal surroundings. We should not limit God by our expectations. He is at work wherever he is needed in our sin darkened and dirty world."

Ok, now on a lighter note. We all know that facebook has a stalker, right? Well, does Grace have a stalker? I went to Clarksville yesterday, and one of Grace's members kept showing up wherever I went. HMMMMMMMM!! Watch out ladies!! All I got to say, is I'm glad she wasn't taking pictures!! LOL!! Just kiddin' ! It was good to see you, sista!

Have a great day! We have Donnie's work Christmas party tonight. So, I'll be eating some good Paris Landing food. Love ya'll! Have a great one!!