Celebrating Faith and Friendship

Day 251 of Photo Inspirations -- Celebrating Faith and Friendship -- That's Christmas!

Yes, my photo inspirations for today are these precious women that I do life with. That's what a small group is all about. We share and celebrate each others' victories and we pray and encourage each other in times of need. These women inspire me in so many ways.  

Last night, we had the sweetest time of celebrating this wonderful time of the year. After a yummy "pot blessing" meal (better known as "pot luck") which we do each week, and since this is the last meeting we'll have until January, we reflected on the good things God has done for us in 2015. We heard about babies on the way for children who couldn't conceive before, children's fresh commitment to God and attending church regularly, healing from insomnia, no surgeries needed, healing from feet and leg issues, gift of steady work, healthy grandchildren born, husband having steady work, God meeting the needs of others, etc. As I listened to these praises and thanksgiving words, I thought "When our praises go up, His blessings come down!" That's just the goodness of our Heavenly Father Who inhabits our praises and Who takes pleasure in blessing us. 

Then lots of laughter ensued as we played the Nativity Ornament or Gift Exchange Game. We each had brought a wrapped ornament. You might want to do this fun game with a group -- it's quite humorous and the message of Christ's birth comes through loud and clear. This is the website: http://www.diva-girl-parties-and-stuff.com/right-left-christmas-game.html

God is always speaking to His kids. Fact is, are we always listening to Him? He speaks to us when we're still, and even in the fun, merry-heart times. These photo inspirations are the ornaments we received at the conclusion of the game. One of our ladies' received an ornament that had owls in it. She was so inspired because lately God has been speaking to her about cultivating His wisdom -- the owl represents "wisdom". It was a vivid reminder that God is speaking to her -- not just in her private, quiet times, but right when there's laughter and celebration -- in the unexpected times.

Isn't that God's normal mode of operation. When we least expect it, He shows up. He gives us an illustrated sermon that verifies His Word to us. Jesus lives in His children, so since He is inside us, how could we expect anything less than hearing His voice. From Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone HEARS MY VOICE and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me.”

God in us! How profound is that promise? With God in us, we have a wealth of information dwelling inside us. Having trouble making a decision? Christ can help. He lives within us. Can’t stop worrying? Christ can help. Can’t forget the past and forgive the one who hurt us, or forsake a bad habit? Christ can! And He lives in us. We just have to watch and listen. Emmanuel -- God is with us.