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Messages From a Hope Filled Heart…

/ The WheatandTares / 2 Comments

Day 17

What brings you joy this holiday season?

Is it the gifts piled around the tree?

Is it the distant relatives who come to visit?

Maybe it’s the college kids or military spouses, sons, and daughters who return home for a welcome stay. Maybe it’s the cozy fireplace with Christmas carols in the background. Or maybe it’s the dreams of winter white wonderland coming true on Christmas morn.

For me, I love to have our college aged men home for a few extra days. They may be sleeping late and leaving a trail of items from the front door to their rooms, but I smile and sigh in contentment, knowing “all my little chicks are under one roof” again. They may be grown, but having them close brings the laughter and joy that fills the void when they’re gone away.

I adore watching the “little boy” excitement as they unwrap the presents on Christmas morning. We grab a cup of coffee, search for all the names and distribute well, to watch the smiles and wide-eyed anticipation of many confirmations from the well worn lists that were sent and a few pleasant surprises from under the tree.

I always look forward to the expectancies of Christmas movies, decorated cookies, and holiday baked goods that come this time of year. And I cherish the take-it-slow mode of intentionality we all seem to settle into, knowing the days grow shorter with every passing hour.

All of these wonderful moments bring my joy to overflowing as I bask in the strength and love of our family.

Yet, I do believe my very favorite thing that brings me joy is when we gather on Christmas morning, after all the presents are piled up and the wrapping paper is all tossed, and we read a little story from their childhood reminding us what’s so important about the day…

This is the sweetest little story of Jesus’ birth that we began reading way back when they were just little tykes. It has a wonderful surprise in the very last box to tell everyone what God truly wants for Christmas. And every year, even though they’re grown now, we read and remember Who’s the purpose for the season and what He would like for this beautiful day.

This is it.

This is what brings me such joy in the holidays.

And I hope you find can Him, too…

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:10-12

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

Messages From a Hope Filled Heart…

/ 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…

/ 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…

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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

Messages From a Hope Filled Heart…

/ The WheatandTares

Day 11

Learning to walk away can be both liberating and terrifying.

No matter the conditions, being in dysfunction or toxicity over a period of your life can almost feel comfortable.

It’s the known. It’s the “normal.” It’s the understood.

Stepping out of that can create anxiety, fear and even grief within.

But if you’ve come to that point when walking away is necessary, rest assured it will be good.

Momentarily, it may be uncertain. It may be unpredictable. And it may even feel unsecured.

Yet, the longer you walk away from the dysfunction, the clearer you’ll see.

The longer you stay away from the toxicity, the deeper you’ll breathe.

So, walk bravely through your door to a new tomorrow.

Stand boldly on that threshold between the known and unknown and begin dreaming of the good that may come.

And then, run swiftly toward freedom that is begging you to come.

Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” 

1 Corinthians 15:33

Make no friendship with an angry man,
And with a furious man do not go,
Lest you learn his ways
And set a snare for your soul.

Proverbs 22:24-25

Messages From a Hope Filled Heart…

/ The WheatandTares

Day 10

The Observer

Watch with your eyes not with your feelings…

Listen with your eyes not their words…

Always observing truth beyond what is said and felt.

Honesty is told in a backhanded compliment.

Integrity is revealed in a condescended reply.

Kindness is exposed in a moment of crisis.

Leadership is defined in a flash of tragedy.

Never take their word for it.

Never receive their plight without question.

Always observe. Always listen. Always reason.

Truth is crying out to you.

Just uncover your eyes and ears to understand it.

As in water face reflects face,
So a man’s heart reveals the man.

Proverbs 27:19

Does not wisdom cry out,
And understanding lift up her voice?
She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, beside the way, where the paths meet.
She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entrance of the doors:
“To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men. O you simple ones, understand prudence, and you fools, be of an understanding heart. Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, and from the opening of my lips will come right things; For my mouth will speak truth; Wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; Nothing crooked or perverse is in them. They are all plain to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge…”

Proverbs 8:1-9

Messages From a Hope Filled Heart…

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Day 9

Heal and Move On

Cannot describe this any better.

Forgiveness doesn’t forget the wrong.

Forgiveness only releases you from the person who did the wrong.

Forgiveness only releases you from the prison of pain that the memory brings.

Forgiveness doesn’t wipe away the trauma.

Forgiveness helps you begin to heal, and in time, that forgiveness allows you to see past yesterday and into the future of tomorrow.

Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

Matthew 18:21 & 22

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matthew 6:14-15

Messages from a Hope Filled Heart…

/ The WheatandTares

Day 8

What’s Your Transformation?

If we are to call ourselves Christians, then we automatically have to be becoming something that in the past, we were not. If we aren’t, then why claim to be a Christian?

Anything you read about Christ will show you that He constantly brought the questions of change to the heart and mind of everyone He met. It don’t matter if it was the woman at the well or the blind man on the roadside. He didn’t encounter people to help them remain the way they came.

So, why would we ever placate to those who want to proclaim Christianity; yet, they demand to remain in their sin? Why would we accept the pressure of rewriting Scripture to help someone feel better about their sinful lifestyle? Why would we try to stretch theology like a pretzel to create a narrative that is too far away from Truth simply to show someone we “love” him or her because otherwise our disagreement is received as hate speech?

My following of Christ created within me a desire to seek His Truth and to become more like Him, not more like myself or this world. If I desire to remain the same or to be more like this world, then, why don’t I just do it? Why would I ever demand someone else to change their belief system to accommodate mine?

If we want to be more Christlike, then, let’s do just that. If we want to be more like the world, then there is no one, including God making us to do otherwise. (He never makes us serve Him, change for Him, or live for Him. He only invites us to because His ways are better.)

So, if we are to claim ourselves to be Christians, then let us live as one. One described by Christ Himself and those who followed Him and who wrote about Him…

Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

1 John 2:3-6

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:1

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.  For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Matthew 16:24-26

Messages from a Hope Filled Heart…

/ The WheatandTares

Day 6

I will…

I watched this trailer today, coupled with this new song titled, “I Will.” It’s so moving and truthfully, convicting, and began a series of questions within my heart and mind…

Often as Christians, we sing songs like this with bold, declarative statements of Christiansese: “I will,” “I surrender all,” “Tear Off the Roof (to get to You),” and “Champion;” yet, I then see the conflicts within the Christian culture, and I wonder are we really ready to give our all? Are we truly at the place where we’d do all it takes to be in His presence and to share the gospel to save a life, even if it cost us our own?

If I’m honest, I’ve struggled with this question numerous times; so, I’m not pointing the finger as if I’m ready and you’re not. But that doesn’t void the validity of the question. My personal struggle and prayer that I’d be ready doesn’t nullify the urgency that we all should be searching our hearts for this answer.

There will come a day soon when the liberties we now enjoy may not be so welcomed. There will come a day, maybe not as far off as we might think, that grabbing a Bible, going to church, or freely sharing the gospel with someone on the street corner might not be overlooked by those who can arrest us, charge us, and take our very lives.

And we need to be prepared NOW for that probability. We need to be searching our hearts NOW. We need to be allowing God to refine us of the self preservation in which we live and drawing us closer to Him to become the soldiers of the cross whom we claim to be in this present day, rather than live under the pretenses that we might be that person.

If we don’t prepare now, we will never become tomorrow what we aren’t becoming today.

So, let me end with these heart checks. It’s not for me to know, but I’d love to know maybe you struggle with these honest questions, too.

Yet, if for nothing more, my prayer is these questions will awaken your soul to any slothfulness that might hiding in the recesses of your heart. My prayer is these might cause us all to do a deep heart evaluation and “report for duty,” if you will, to a King who is coming to take His children home and Who has commissioned us to win the lost because He desires to take more than just you and me…

When’s the last time you invited someone to your church? And they came?

When’s the last time you shared your faith with someone who doesn’t know Him?

When’s the last time you prayed the “sinner’s prayer” with someone and watched God transform their life?

When’s the last time you discipled a new convert? And stuck with him/her through the highs and lows of their faith)?

When’s the last time you saw someone veer from the Truth, and you confronted them with that truth?

When’s the last time you saw someone living in sin, and you confronted them of the wrong and the dangers of it to help them see the Truth?

https://youtu.be/kKBQrWWX570

…and the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Acts 2:47

And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.

Acts 2:40-43

Messages from a Hope Filled Heart…

/ The WheatandTares

Day 5

Thoughts on my heart today…

What brings you joy? I’m not talking about the happy go lucky, goofy smile you plaster on while your heart is shattered. I’m not talking about the stoic half grin you portray as darkness closes in. I’m talking about the deep down, overwhelming joy that overflows into that guttural laugh that can’t be quenched. I’m talking about the pure “spring in your step” that only gets lighter when the rain begins to fall.


That kind of joy is everlasting. That kind of joy isn’t man made. That kind of joy can’t come from any other source but in the depths of your soul where faith is born. That kind of joy can only come from the One who created you, loves you, died for you and longs to redeem you and take you to eternity one day.
That kind of joy is worth everything you’ve got.

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

John 10:10