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

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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 daysto prepare (our hearts) for the glory of Your birth.Bring peace of mind, body, heart and soul.Remove anything that is causing strifeor pulling me away from You."💖Show me Your Love in times of Peace.Wrap me in Your loving arms.Help me Love othersas You Love meand as YouLove 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 lifeand wrap me in Your loving arms"
I place any and all the places in my life that need Your Comfort stillespecially at thistime of theyearIgive it allto You for Yourtender comfort andloving healing.Ifind Your Lovein Your Comfort alwaysO Lordin this season and wheneverI come to You for Your Comfortsurrounded by Your unfailing LoveYour sweet mercy & gracethat is so aMazing!
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December 21

Love is Found in Seeing Jesus in Others

or 
being Jesus to Others
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"Father God, You created us all differently & uniquely.I long to see the best in others and see You in them.Please restore any brokenRELATIONSHIPSand help me love them as You do."
I submit to You, Lord myRELATIONSHIPSas You reveal each one,show me the restoration needed stilland guide me in the part I have.Keep me vigilant in beingJESUSandshowing His Loveto others.
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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
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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

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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!  

"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 DownatCHRISTMAS
for you and for me!
Added Love Divine to my reading plans
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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?

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 usEqually. God is no respecter of persons. We are each/all created in His image!
Hoping that by the end of this 4th week of Adventmy heart prepared with Hope, Peace & Joynow makes room for moreLOVE
but mainly that I've made space and room forJESUS
(which would include all of them too and more)
Love definitely is a matter of the heart!
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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 DownatCHRISTMAS
for you and for me!
Added Love Divine to my reading plans
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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?

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)

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I will be adding to the following days each day:

December 12 - 17
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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 foundin our sufferings and trials.You may not see it at the timebut trust Him, when you look backyou will see & sense this is whatprobably got you through.Seek God's Peace & Joy in all timesthrough 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) justhand it all to Him today.
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I light the 3rd candle - pink for Joyknown as the "Shepherd's Candle" 

Isaiah 12:6

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

I also find JOY in music

"Sounding Joy"

Ellie Holcomb

"Joy to the World"

Unspeakable Joy at 1:45

Chris Tomlin

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)

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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

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

Isaiah 12:6
The third candle reminds us thatJesus' birth bringsJOYto all who believeinHim

" 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 continuousJOYbetween our everyday struggles?

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

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This post remains posted,but not the onesMon.-Fri.

PREPARING ... with PEACE (10)

Week of December 4 - 10
PEACE

"JOY is Found in the Wonders of This Season"

December 4

"PEACE is Found in the Wonders of This Season"

Isaiah 9:6-7a
Luke 2:13-14; John 14:27; Romans 15:13; Ephesians 2:17; Philippians 4:7
Christmas Peace verses
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I will be adding the following days each day:

December 5

Peace Is Found in the Forgiveness of Sins

December 6

Peace Is Found in the Little Moments

This is a good reminder for this season:
"Slow down. Find peace in little moments. ..."
Take a breath. Close your eyes.
Thank God for His Peace
in this moment.
O Prince of Peace
I thank You for the little moments
when You fill me with
Your Peace.
I love that You are in every detail of my life.
Continue to reveal Yourself to me
in every little moment when I might not notice 
it's You - You touch my heart in so many ways.
I long to be close & meet You in these moments! 
*******
December 7

Peace Is Found in the Trials

Forgive me Prince of Peace
for not seeking Your Peace first when trials come.
I let the circumstances or situation overwhelm me.
Help me to realize that I need to come to You.
It's in the trials that I need You most.
Whenever I face any trial
remind me that I can find Peace in Your arms.

*******

December 8

Peace  Is Found in Serving Others

"There is no greater joy and thus no greater peace for the believer than to experience God. Those serving know immediately and profoundly that caring for another person is not a two-person relationship, it is a three person relationship. There is the one being cared for, the believer doing the caring, and there is Christ. Knowing this is priceless. Knowing this is peace." (notes from a sermon)
"Faithful Father, help me see the needs of those You have placed around me.Give me a heart to love & serve those You lay on my heart."Help me to serve others in peace and find peace by serving others.Remind me how I have seen that when we take the focus off ourselves (or our own problems) and place it on others by serving them,we are filled back up with peace and joy, as You tell us "whatever you do to the least of these, you do for me"Matthew 25:40, 45 (NIV)
December 9

Peace Is Found in Spiritual Growth

"... Jesus, I invite You to shape & refine me in ways that need chiseling.Cut, prune and remove"anything in my life- those things that give no purpose -(no growth)in serving You(and others)I give Youmy heart💙 Make me a channel of Your Peace

December 10

Peace Is Found in Remembering Who You Are in Him

Who am I without You, Jesus Christ!?
Praising You for who I am and all I have because of You!You created me with a plan and gave me purpose.I hold tightly to the truth but often I forget."In a world confused with their real identity,will You boldly declare who I am in You?"And never let me forget.
[if in doubt or you need to be reminded, scroll down my blog past all posts to the endto the declarations in a bell shape & the last image of Who we are in Christ Jesus]

"Breath as Prayer" by Jennifer Tucker
This is my new Christmas ebook! (blog & Advent podcast){sshhh don't tell Santa I peeked - it's in my Kindle, can't help it}

It's a fresh "Breath of Heaven" (song) but "Breath from Heaven" is available from Jennifer Tucker
I think I have foundPEACE in my JESUSrestored
andsome new ways to deal with my anxious thoughts in prayerpast anxiety/occasional panic attacks/ptsd from reoccurring 

Leaning into Jesus'PEACE
***and some
CHRISTMAS songs of PEACE
I thought I might share
"Let There Be Peace on Earth"
but instead I chose this


Prince of Peace

You can return to "Preparing My Heart with Peace" for more
{the main post for PEACE}

If you need more Peace, I encourage you to get
"Peace for Your Journey" (author's blog)
(the book is by F. Elaine Olsen)

"Breath from Heaven"

Jennifer Tucker

{I recommend signing up even though Advent is halfway over}

I have also been enjoying Sarah Young's 7 days of"Peace in Uncertain Times"