"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion — to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."~from ISAIAH 61 Bible verse for this Blog

APOLOGY to READERS who followed a SEARCH to HERE & didn't find it

On July 18, 2017, I drafted almost 3000 blog posts that I had published since 2008 when I began blogging, rather than edit each one. So if you clicked here from somewhere else and ended up with the post unavailable or error, I am sorry but this is why. It'd be too much work for me to go back and fix them. There's an explanation on 7/19/17 as I'm still learning.

Sunday, December 25, 2022

Preparing Room ... Prepared my Heart


There is so much to say as another Christmas Day & season comes to a close after a beautiful Advent time "Preparing ... My Heart" with Hope, Peace, Joy and Love, while "making space" and "preparing room" {2 other devotionals I completed and enjoyed} for the King of kings & the Lord of lords-I've delighted in reading to learn more about steps I can take to prepare room for Jesus: 
 
John 14:2-3 "My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

... so I have decided to summarize by sharing from


1. "Preparing Room for Jesus is what ultimately saves us." Genesis 3:15 

2. "Preparing room allows us to show compassion to others."

3. "Preparing room allows us to be obedient to what God has planned for us."

4. "Preparing room gives us the space to see & appreciate the humor in life."

5. "Preparing room allows us to hold on to hope and to have faith even when ...
all seems lost."

6. "Preparing room allows us to find the mentors in our lives and to mentor others, too."

7. "Preparing room allows us to love our neighbor as ourselves, even when that requires sacrifice."

8. "Preparing room allows us to love others, even when they're unlovable."

9. "Preparing room allows us to stop comparing our journey to anyone else's"

10. "Preparing room allows us to handle the feelings & the new beginnings of life."

11. "Preparing room allows us to reach down deep & make the right choices, even when it's hard."

12. "Preparing room allows God to get our attention."

13. "Preparing room allows us to lean on God's faithfulness."

14. "Preparing room allows Jesus to fill us with His Presence & strength."

15. "Preparing room allows us to see the light shining in the darkness."

I wish that I could claim that these came from me through my journey, however, I am not the author of these thoughts, the actual author has done exceptional in her Advent devotional book and is one I highly recommend, especially if you are like me & enjoy the classic "It's a Wonderful Life" - this is definitely "... An Advent Journey ..." that will warm your heart as you "make space" and "prepare room" for Jesus in your life. Those were just the first 15 and the rest follow below - I just couldn't choose to only include some. Each one is so good and so impactful, especially as you read the part from the classic the author adds in each wonderful devotion, ending with a prayer & scripture. To me this content makes for the perfect devotional! But I really needed a content page, so I created my own here {kinda like a table of contents for me to go back to specific ones as needed} because I highlighted each of them to reflect personally for my own life. and apply as needed. (lol)

I considered commenting on some of the 25 - my favorites (well, they all are) or the ones that God spoke to me; instead I chose to let each one stand as they are, in hopes that (1st) you'll get this devotional for next year and read it yourself then (2nd) to treasure, like Mary, "these things in my heart" as Jesus continues to prepare my heart and prepare me each day - to be used by God for His glory. So I will just ponder and reflect as I hope you might also in making room for Jesus by preparing your heart to prepare your life to be prepared for an eternity with Him.

[(3rd) I don't want to spoil the richness of this author's words & ruin all that has been written.]

16. "Preparing room allows us to connect with others - to help them & to let them help us."

17. "Preparing room allows us to understand that we will win the long game because we have Jesus."

18. "Preparing room allows God to heal our brokenness."

19. "Preparing room allows us to develop a new perspective."

20. "Preparing room allows us to treasure up the special moments."

21. "Preparing room allows us to receive the fullness of God's grace & the loving grace of the people in our lives."

22. "Preparing room allows us to find God's purpose(s) for our lives."

23. "Preparing room allows us to experience the joy only Jesus can provide."

24. "Preparing room allows us to find fellowship & friendship with others."

25. "Preparing room allows us to receive the best blessings of our lives."

I know as I started out this Advent, I was not at all ready and I questioned what direction I would go to make room this year as I proceeded through Advent and really wanted a purpose and not just a traditional path. I truly wanted to find out all I could to really, truly be ready for Jesus - whenever He may come for me (us) who believe with all our heart in our need for a Savior, Redeemer, Messiah & King!

This is our Jesus! I now can say that I am beginning to better know and realize that "preparing room" was always within me and that I just need to put into action all that I have gleaned in His Word, from His life; and much reading of plans and devotionals as a way to grow and substantiate my faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God & son of man (humans) Mary & Joseph.
 
1 Peter 1:13 "Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." NASB

Preparing room means preparing my heart and preparing my mind!

"CHRISTmas is about preparing room."

There is - was - and always will be

ROOM for JESUS

every.single.moment of every.single.day

in this INN

in this place, in the space

I give to Him in my

💓

Remember

every heart's a manger

{fresh in my mind from Max Lucado's "Because of Bethlehem"}

... “Because of Bethlehem, I have a Savior in heaven. Christmas begins what Easter celebrates. The child in the cradle became the King on the cross. And because He did, there are no marks on my record. Just grace. His offer has no fine print. He didn’t tell me, “Clean up before you come in.” He offered, “Come in and I’ll clean you up.” It’s not my grip on Him that matters but His grip on me. And His grip is sure.”― Max Lucado,   Because of Bethlehem "... Let “Silent Night” be sung! Every heart can be a manger. Every day can be a Christmas. The Christmas miracle—a yearlong celebration!"🎄{Amen!} 💓


<><><>


Now to finish off this year - this last week of 2022 with the One Word I was given:

RELATIONSHIP(s)


I hope that you've enjoyed a wonderful

CHRISTmas

and

perhaps like me

you have chosen to better

PREPARE

your heart and life

for more

JESUS

and

less

of

US

"Prepare Ye the way of the Lord"




PREPARED ... with LOVE, JOY, PEACE & HOPE

"Jesus, Happy birthday!*

Thank You so much for being willing to humbly live life here on Earth as a human being, starting as a helpless baby. Your sacrifice means the world to me because it truly changed everything. I can have a personal relationship with my Creator because I’ve been rescued from the chains of sin and darkness. I praise You today and every day! May I dwell on You and share You with those around me on this special day. Amen."

[from Dayspring]

Love is Found in Knowing
JESUS
as my Savior

His Divine Love

Lamentations 3:22 “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.” 

Mark 10:21 “Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” He said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” 

John 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

John 15:13 ”Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 

1 John 4:7-12 "This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us” 



There is no shortage of Bible verses on Love. 

Here are some links:

50 Beautiful Bible Verses about God's Love & Loving Others 
(Woman's Day)

Inspirational Bible Verses about Love

108 Bible Verses about Love

Love 
(search in The Voice version)

Love at Advent/Christmas
(search at Bible Hub)

"God is Love, right? There is a whole chapter devoted to the theme of love. (1 Corinthians 13)  What greater way to celebrate God’s love for us than with these Advent Love scriptures!"

Love is patient; love is kind. Love isn’t envious, doesn’t boast, brag, or strut about. There’s no arrogance in love;  it’s never rude, crude, or indecent—it’s not self-absorbed. Love isn’t easily upset. Love doesn’t tally wrongs or celebrate injustice; but truth—yes, truth—is love’s delight! Love puts up with anything and everything that comes along; it trusts, hopes, and endures no matter what.  Love will never become obsolete. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (The Voice)


Hope, PeaceJoy and Love 
are found in

... the True Meaning of Christmas
... Seeking Rest
... a Heart Full of Thanks
... the Wonders of This Season
... Forgiveness of Sins
... the Little Moments
... the Trials
... Serving Others
... Spiritual Growth
... Remembering Who You are in Him
... The Quiet Stillness
... Giving
... the Sweet Time with Precious Friends
... Hidden Blessings
... a Faithful Father
... Living with an Eternal Perspective
... Our Sufferings
... the Simple Things
... Times of Peace
... a Comforting God
... Seeing Jesus in Others
... All the Fun and Excitement
... the Eyes of a Child
... Knowing Jesus Will Return
... Knowing Jesus as Savior


[*Joy is underlined because the original author of this used Joy for all of them with Prayer Prompts.]

... FOR A HEART POSTURE ... 

This is how I decided to use this for

PREPARING MY HEART

and knowing that

my heart is

PREPARED

with

Love

Hope

Peace

JOY

JESUS, OTHERS, YOU


that's Jesus first, Others second, the Yourself

for sure you cannot forget yourself

because you must be preparing

and taking care of God's gifts

to you & in you

given 

to pour out and for His purpose & plan

for you 

so that

YOU

ARE READY

for

JESUS' COMING


 "Love is a gift; a gift from God. At Christmastime, we as Christians believe that God's greatest gift of Love IS Jesus, the Savior of the world."

John 3:16

Lighting the Candle of Love with all the Rest and the
"Christ Candle"
in the center of the wreath

John 1:14

<>

Jesus' Love
shines ever so brightly
through
YOU
if you let
HIM

Jesus' Love Came Down
for you and for me
to pour out
His Love
to
EVERY.SINGLE.PERSON
and continue until
JESUS
RETURNS
for you
&
them

<>

Have you given your heart to Jesus?

Have you prepared your heart
and are you ready
if JESUS comes
today
for
you

for your loved one?

for the stranger on the street?


How can you show God's Love to others in need 
this Christmas and throughout the years to come?

Hope, Joy, Peace, Love
be yours & your loved ones
Merry Christmas!
~ Peggy ~


*when I read this prayer in "O Holy Night" YV reading plan provided by Calvary Chapel (FLA), I knew it was the exact prayer that I wanted to pray on Christmas Day & share here. 




Saturday, December 24, 2022

PREPARING ... with LOVE (24)


Week of December 18 - 24

LOVE

December 18 

 Love "... is Found in the Simple Things"

this actually, originally read

"Joy is Found in the Simple Things"

His Divine Love

Lamentations 3:22 “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.” 

Mark 10:21 “Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” He said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” 

John 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

John 15:13 ”Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 

1 John 4:7-12 "This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us” 



There is no shortage of Bible verses on Love. 
Here are some links:

50 Beautiful Bible Verses about God's Love & Loving Others 
(Woman's Day)

Inspirational Bible Verses about Love

108 Bible Verses about Love

Love 
(search in The Voice version)

Love at Advent/Christmas
(search at Bible Hub)

"God is Love, right? There is a whole chapter devoted to the theme of love. (1 Corinthians 13)  What greater way to celebrate God’s love for us than with these Advent love scriptures!"

(suggested readings on Love for this week)
  • Reading 1: John 3:16-17 
  • Reading 2: John 15:9-13 
  • Reading 3: 1 John 4:7-11 
  • Reading 4: 1 John 4:17-21 
  • Reading 5: 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 
  • Reading 6: 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 
  • Reading 7: Ephesians 2:4-7


<><><>

I will be adding to the following days each day:

December 19

Love is Found in Times of Peace.

and might I add 

Found in Times of Joy & in Times of Hope

"Lord, please grant me peace as we come into these last few days
to prepare (our hearts) for the glory of Your birth.
Bring peace of mind, body, heart and soul.
Remove anything that is causing strife
or pulling me away from You."
💖
Show me Your Love in times of Peace.
Wrap me in Your loving arms.
Help me Love others
as You Love me
and as You
Love 
each of them.
Love others through me.

"For God so Loved..."


December 20

 Love is Found in a Comforting God

"You are my greatest source of comfort, Oh God!
In times of stress or grief, I know You fully control my life
and wrap me in Your loving arms"

I place any and all the places in my life that 
need Your Comfort still
especially at this
time of the
year
I
give it all
to You for Your
tender comfort and
loving healing.
I
find Your Love
in Your Comfort always
O Lord
in this season and whenever
I come to You for Your Comfort
surrounded by Your unfailing Love
Your sweet mercy & grace
that is so aMazing!

<><><>

December 21

Love is Found in Seeing Jesus in Others

or 

being Jesus to Others

<>

"Father God, You created us all differently & uniquely.
I long to see the best in others and see You in them.
Please restore any broken
RELATIONSHIPS
and help me love them as You do."

I submit to You, Lord 
my
RELATIONSHIPS
as You reveal each one,
show me the restoration needed still
and guide me in the part I have.
Keep me vigilant in being
JESUS
and
showing His Love
to others.

<>

December 22

Love is Found in All the Fun and Excitement

I often forget to enjoy & have fun!

"Reignite that passion inside of me."

Let me truly enjoy You, Jesus

in each moment 

this season

<>

December 23

Love is Found in the Eyes of a Child

that's for sure


"Lord, I want to experience this sweet season 
through the eyes of being Your precious and beloved child. 
Remind me of Your Love as I celebrate the birth of Your Son"
Jesus
<>

December 24

Love is Found in Knowing Jesus Will Return

Hebrew 9:28

This gives me so much Hope, Joy and Peace!

Thank You Jesus!

My heart's waiting in anticipation expectantly!

I think it is better prepared now.

I'm ready! EmojiEmoji 

 "Love is a gift; a gift from God. At Christmastime, we as Christians believe that God's greatest gift of love was Jesus, the Savior of the world."

Lighting the Candle of Love

which is perpetually lit by Jesus every day

that we shine for Him, I pray

John 3:16

Jesus' Love

shines ever so brightly

Jesus' Love Came Down
at
CHRISTMAS

for you and for me!

Added Love Divine to my reading plans

<>

How can you show God's Love to others in need this Christmas and throughout the year?

What Christmas Carol or song or hymn reminds you of God's Love?


Sunday, December 18, 2022

PREPARING MY HEART this ADVENT with LOVE (18)


Week of December 18 - 24

LOVE

December 18 

 Love "... is Found in the Simple Things"

this actually, originally read

"Joy is Found in the Simple Things"

His Divine Love

Lamentations 3:22 “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.” 

Mark 10:21 “Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” He said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” 

John 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

John 15:13 ”Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 

1 John 4:7-12 "This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us” 



There is no shortage of Bible verses on Love. 
Here are some links:

50 Beautiful Bible Verses about God's Love & Loving Others 
(Woman's Day)

Inspirational Bible Verses about Love

108 Bible Verses about Love

Love 
(search in The Voice version)

Love at Advent/Christmas
(search at Bible Hub)

"God is Love, right? There is a whole chapter devoted to the theme of love. (1 Corinthians 13)  What greater way to celebrate God’s love for us than with these Advent love scriptures!"

(suggested readings on Love for this week)
  • Reading 1: John 3:16-17 
  • Reading 2: John 15:9-13 
  • Reading 3: 1 John 4:7-11 
  • Reading 4: 1 John 4:17-21 
  • Reading 5: 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 
  • Reading 6: 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 
  • Reading 7: Ephesians 2:4-7

For me, Love is not that simple. Yet I must agree that Love is found in the Simple Things!

Loving God is simple for me! Loving people is a bit more challenging.

Loving those closest to us is even more difficult.

Being God's Love to a broken world is the most needed yet the least done.

Loving as Jesus loves us is meant for all people regardless ...

It is time for us to 'Love One Another' - that is meant for the stranger & to those closest to us
Equally. God is no respecter of persons. We are each/all created in His image!

Hoping that by the end of this 4th week of Advent
my heart prepared with Hope, Peace & Joy
now makes room for more
LOVE

but mainly that I've made space and room for
JESUS

(which would include all of them too and more)

Love definitely is a matter of the heart!

<><><>

This week I will be

Preparing my heart with Love!

I will be adding to the following days each day:

December 19


December 20


December 21


December 22


December 23


December 24


 "Love is a gift; a gift from God. At Christmastime, we as Christians believe that God's greatest gift of love was Jesus, the Savior of the world."

Lighting the Candle of Love

John 3:16


Jesus' Love

shines ever so brightly

Jesus' Love Came Down
at
CHRISTMAS

for you and for me!

Added Love Divine to my reading plans

<>

How can you show God's Love to others in need this Christmas and throughout the year?

What Christmas Carol or song or hymn reminds you of God's Love?




Saturday, December 17, 2022

PREPARING ... with JOY (17)


Week of December 11 

JOY

"Joy is Found in the Quiet Stillness"

and so is Hope, Peace (for sure) and Love

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness;  He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17 ESV

{that loud singing might just disrupt the quiet and many verses on JOY seem to shout or be loud}

22 Bible Verses about Joy

Woman's Day also shares 
22 Bible Verses about Joy to Lift Your Spirits
(with the bonus of images)

<><><>

I will be adding to the following days each day:

December 12 - 17

<>

December 12

"Joy is Found in Giving"

December 13

"Joy is Found in the Sweet Time with Precious Friends"

December 14

"Joy is Found in Hidden Blessings"

December 15

" Joy is Found in a Faithful Father"

December 16

"Joy is Found in Living with an Eternal Perspective"

December 17

"Joy is Found in our Sufferings"

perhaps this sounds as difficult as day 7 
"Peace is Found in Trials"

however, it is true that God's Joy and Peace are found
in our sufferings and trials.
You may not see it at the time
but trust Him, when you look back
you will see & sense this is what
probably got you through.
Seek God's Peace & Joy in all times
through all our circumstances.

"O God, my heart can be so heavy at this time of the year when I reflect on the past. There are painful events that resurface & lead me down a path that is dark (sad, lonely, regrettable, etc.) and triggers mixed emotions. Please draw near in these times. Lord, be my Peace.

Let God carry you (carry this burden for you) just
hand it all to Him today.

 <>

I light the 3rd candle - pink for Joy
known as the "Shepherd's Candle" 


Isaiah 12:6


If you need more JOY, 
I recommend Carol McLeod Ministries
YV plansor her Joy Life TV
I've enjoyed her teachings & plans at Christmas & Easter.

I also find JOY in music

Ellie Holcomb

Unspeakable Joy at 1:45
Chris Tomlin



Sunday, December 11, 2022

PREPARING MY HEART this ADVENT with JOY (11)


Week of December 11 

JOY

"Joy is Found in the Quiet Stillness"

and so is Hope, Peace (for sure) and Love

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness;  He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17 ESV

{that loud singing might just disrupt the quiet and many verses on JOY seem to shout or be loud}

22 Bible Verses about Joy

Woman's Day also shares 
22 Bible Verses about Joy to Lift Your Spirits
(with the bonus of images)

<><><>

I will be adding to the following days each day:

December 12 - 17

December 12

"Joy is Found

December 13

"Joy is Found

December 14

"Joy is Found

December 15

"Joy is Found

December 16

"Joy is Found

December 17

"Joy is Found

 <>

I light the 3rd candle - pink for Joy
known as the "Shepherd's Candle" 


Isaiah 12:6

The third candle reminds us that
Jesus' birth brings
JOY
to all who believe
in
Him


 " Father God, We give You glory for Joy! For Jesus! Thank You for sustaining us through difficult times. The hard parts of life are impossible for us to fully understand. Your ways are not our ways, nor can we search Your thoughts or purposes. But we can trust they are good, because You are good, Father. You took precise care in crafting each of us, and know us intimately and personally. This has been an emotional year, Father. You see us, know us, care for us, and are close when we are brokenhearted. Thank You, for Your presence and Your compassion for our hearts and our lives. We love You, and place You at the front of our minds and top of our priorities. We are grateful for the Joy we have in Jesus. Joy to the world. In Jesus' Name..."

"God, help me to embrace the type of joy that comes from knowing You are in control of the things happening around me. I believe You will bring good from it. Help me to have the kind of joy today that isn’t dependent on my circumstances. Amen."

Some of us need to rediscover JOY in our lives!
JESUS JOY

Joy unto the World - The Afters



It's time to open the Gift of

JOY

In this season of

CHRISTmas

let's

make space & time

to celebrate

all

the reasons that

we have to be

JOYFUL

Let's EMBRACE

JOY


Help us to have real

JOY

as we focus on

JESUS


What's the next step you need to take 
to experience the fullness of Joy?


Where (or how) do we find God's continuous
JOY
between our everyday struggles?


What is the secret to living full of
JOY?
"The Secret of Continuous Joy"


<>

This post remains posted,
but not the ones
Mon.-Fri.



To my faithful visitors;
all of you who spend your valuable time here with me
I do appreciate you so much!

Thank you for taking your time to visit!

Love, Sweet blessings & Hugs!

DIOS TE BENDIGA
GOD BLESS YOU

always

Peggy