Messages From a Hope Filled Heart…

December 11, 2024December 16, 2024 / The WheatandTares / 5 Comments

Day 16

Sending Christmas cards seems to be a dying art, much like writing in cursive and sending a handwritten thank you. Call me “old school,” but I can’t seem to bring myself to stop the tradition. The format may change; maybe it’s a “family letter” one year, and maybe it’s a photo card the next, but it’s still a little note to those we love and care about to tell them we’re thinking of them. And maybe the cost of stamps and cards goes up, and maybe it’s not feasible for everyone to do the same. And that’s certainly okay, too.

But for this season that can get so chaotic and the meaning become lost in the gifts, wrapping, and extra parties, let us all take a moment to send out our love. Let us take a second to tell someone we’re thinking of them. Let us step back from our busy agendas and take a moment to reach out to someone, particularly those bereaved, broken, or alone, to tell them we still care.

Care doesn’t have to be displayed in lights and glitter. Kindness doesn’t have to be portrayed in extravagance or expense. Sometimes, it’s a hug, a smile, a gentle touch.

Our words matter. Our presence matters. And our thoughtfulness means even more. During this season, may we be the Body of Christ He’s called us to be. ❤️

Ps. Notice came: my cards are late…wouldn’t you know it? 🤦‍♀️🙄😂

She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.

Proverbs 31:26

He who speaks truth declares righteousness, but a false witness, deceit.
There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health. The truthful lip shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

Proverbs 12:17-19

Messages From A Hope Filled Heart…

December 10, 2024 / The WheatandTares / 2 Comments

Day 15

Finally got the ornaments on the tree (not pictured). Every piece is a memory, a moment, a milestone, a memento of a time passed, a person gone home, or the little lives we’ve raised who are now grown. This year, it took me longer to want to put them on the tree. Felt a little too melancholy everytime I thought about it, and I just waited till the day felt right. So, today rolling into the second week of December, I decided there’s no better time than the present.
Put on some Christmas tunes and got to work. Now sitting here by the fire before I go to sleep, Bing Crosby is singing, I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” and it lends my thoughts to all the soldiers who are all over the world, away from their loved ones and their homes. I think of those in the war-torn areas, wondering if they’ll ever see home again. And I think of so many who have already had to say goodbye to family, friend, or foe and will never take another breath.
My heart is thankful for the goodness of my God. I am grateful for His grace, His love, and His peace. And I’m praying for all to come to know Him, to find healing, to find hope, and to find the eternal joy and peace that only He can bring. ❤️
…Share the good news with someone this Christmas season. You never know what a difference it might make…

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

John 8:12

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do theylight a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men,that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16

Messages From a Hope Filled Heart…

December 9, 2024December 9, 2024 / The WheatandTares / 2 Comments

Day 14

Becoming Me

Sometimes, we step into the dark; so, we can find our way into the light. It’s not that the dark was where we wanted to be; yet, because of the dark, the light was easier to see. And the light was more welcoming when we saw that we were surrounded by the dark.

When we’ve emerged from the dark, often we find a new person has come forth as well. The old is gone; sometimes, never to be seen again. And a new awareness, a fresh vision, and a whole different perspective has been born.

Not because we planned it this way, but when you’ve gone into the deep and survived, it changes you. You discover who you really are and who you are not.

And you realize who He is, and how much He loves you. You acknowledge how much you need Him and how with Him, you’ll never again be alone.

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Hebrews 13:5

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

1 Peter 2:9-10