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Tough Tattoo

TOUGH TATTOO

When my daughter Shelby graduated from High School, I took her to a tattoo parlor for her Grad gift! Call me a bad parent and say what you like, but this is a tattoo that just had to be inked!

During her last year of High School, Shelby’s desire to get a tattoo of the Hebrew word for “endure” kept increasing. She researched Hebrew words, sketched it, had Todd sketch, researched tattoo artists and kept talking about how ‘one day’ she was going to get this tattoo. It wasn’t an if, in her mind, it was a when.

Not Just a Rebellious Teen

This was more than a rebellious teenager’s want for a tattoo to look cool.

You see, graduating high school and getting this far in life, just being alive hadn’t been a cakewalk for Shelby, and at the time of writing the devotion it didn’t seem like it was going to get much easier as an oral surgeon had put Shelby on a soft-food diet for two months to ward off the need for jaw surgery.

Eating mushy foods alleviated her from having to go under the knife but unfortunately didn’t take her pain away, and this is just one of the many health issues she’s had to endure.

Powerful Reminder

Every time Shelby feels like life is too hard like she can’t make it through, she looks down at her wrist and the word Endure. It reminds her of how God’s helped her in the past and gives her the faith to believe she can rise above the current circumstance.

HEBREWS 12:7 encourages us to Endure hardship

Jesus’ knew life wouldn’t be a cake-walk so he put encouragement in His Word to help you face trouble head-on, with strength and resiliency. You too can endure. You can make it through the tough stuff.

Joshua Had to Endure

In Joshua chapter 1, God was empowering Joshua with His words by telling him to “be strong and courageous, and then he’d emphasize it by saying…^“Always be strong and courageous.”

“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous.” (Joshua 1:6)

No Cake Walk

God commissioned Joshua to lead the nation of Israel stuck in the desert for four decades to inherit the land, but it wasn’t going to be a “cake-walk” for them either!

The Israelites had to “endure” a lot of battles to fulfill all of God’s plans for their lives and make it to the Promised Land, so He kept reminding them to “Be strong and courageous”.

I’m so proud of Shelby! Like Joshua and all the Israelites, she’s learned to be an overcomer by living out this verse. She’s strong and courageous, and you can be too! God will give you what it takes to endure, so you, get to your Promised Land!

***Check below to find the link to Shelby’s interview on Soul H2O Radio

PRAYER

Father… I thank-you that you give me what it takes to endure! May I be strong and courageous in all that life throws at me, trusting you will be with me all the way to the Promised Land! In Jesus Name…Amen!
1. Hebrews 12:7
2. Joshua 1:6-7
3. Matthew 24:13/Mark 13:13/Luke 21:19
4. Romans 15:4
Shelby’s Interview on the Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show

Season # 3 // Episode # 54
TOUGH TATTOO
Release Date: 2021-02-06 @ 12pm EST / Podcast releases at 3pmEST.
Replaying Friday 2021-02-12 @ 2pm
Streaming on: joyradio.ca & MyJoyRadio App.
Uploaded as Soul H2O Podcast on iTunes & Spotify Wherever you listen to podcasts.

Shelby’s Blog: http://www.faithandlace.weebly.com 
Shelby’s Blog that tells a bit of what she’s had to “endure” https://faithandlace.weebly.com/blog/what-is-your-cross

ORIGINALLY POSTED: June 23, 2014

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Does Your Presence Bring Peace

Have you ever had friends or family over and their very presence causes your muscles to tense, heart to beat faster and teeth to clench? Maybe it’s not someone in your personal inner circle but a co-worker, boss, customer or client? Everyone knows people who by their very presence shift the atmosphere from peace to panic.

The Scripture Connection

During my morning devotions, I read Matthew 10 where Jesus is sending out his 12 main disciples on a ministry tour, giving them direction as to where they should go for this trip, and instruction on how to manage the financial expense of doing ministry. Remember, these guys left their jobs to follow Christ, some had family to feed and bills to pay. Jesus directed them to look for someone honourable to stay with when they got to where they were going; so much for planning! 🙂 It’s in verse 13 where God got my full attention as I read.

“let your peace come upon the house”
~Matthew 10:13 TPT

I had to reread the verse. Wasn’t it Jesus’ peace they should have been bringing to the people? I even checked few other translations, and this verse is saying that it wasn’t Jesus’ peace the disciples were supposed to bless the people with, it was THEIR presence that was to bring THEIR peace into the host’s home. Immediately, I sensed the Holy Spirit asking me…

Does Your Presence Bring Peace?

In the assessment of this question, I come up lacking. I really don’t want my presence to change the atmosphere in a negative way like the people I mention at the beginning of this devotion. In the past few years, I’ve been doing the hard work of soul healing and now, this year, getting healthy in my body. I believe these efforts are resulting in a more peace-producing Sherry.

I challenge you to ask yourself the same question… Does Your Presence Bring Peace? Allow the Holy Spirit to do a great work in you by letting the peace of Christ becomes so much a part of who you are, that your presence brings peace to the world.

Prayer

Father…I’m thankful that you don’t condemn me, even when I come up short and miss the mark. Jesus, I need your peace to permeate my life and heal my hurts, so I can respond in right ways to people and pass on a presence of peace to the world. In Jesus Name…Amen

Verses to help fill up your well.
1. Matthew 10:13 (similar in Luke 10:6)
2. John 14:27
3. John 20:21
4. 1 Samuel 25:6
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Soul H2O Resources

#musicpic song
Peace Be Still
By: Lauren Daigle at The Belonging Church

Youtube Link
https://youtu.be/dUpKZz0Nm7c

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If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

WHERE YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP MY BLOG WITH OR PLACES WHERE MY WRITING HAS BEEN FEATURED

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Trust That It’s Not The End!

If you’ve been one of my amazing readers since the beginning, you know how I was plagued with computer issues … and that’s a real problem when you write for a living.

Then, when I got a new computer and things were going great with speaking engagements lining up, my computer crashed and it had to be sent away for a month. I had just finished preaching at a women’s event, closed my computer, put it safely in my protective case but when I went to plug it back in… the screen was black.

At times, it can feel like trouble is all around and it just doesn’t want to let up. Amazing things can be going on in your life but when nagging, unrelenting, ongoing issues are happening at the same time, you have to watch, or the negative will override your thoughts and blind you to all the positives in your life… making you feel like it’s all over.

To keep out the negative thinking, you’ve got to…

Trust That It’s Not The End!

Learn From Job

We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.
James 5:11

Job knew what it was like to live with nagging, unrelenting, ongoing issues. He went through a series of losses thankfully the depths of which few have to experience.

Job was heartbroken as he lost all his finances, children, health, and his wife. He suffered great injustices and was then insulted with a barrage of hurtful accusations by his “friends”, who said they came to ‘comfort’ him… I mean, who needs enemies with ‘friends’ like that???

It’s not known how long Job’s sickness lasted but from what I read, He got to the place of complete hopelessness about his life… to the point that he wished he had never been born.

But it wasn’t the end!

As Job expressed his feelings of anger, hurt, depression and hopelessness to God he released forgiveness to those cruel friends and with this act of obedience, God turned Job’s life around. Job 42:10 says,

“When Job prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes. In fact, the LORD gave him twice as much as before!”

When Job’s situation looked unredeemable, God said, it’s not the end yet. From the moment Job forgave those who offended him God began the Job-rebuilding program. People began to bless Job and give him gifts that he was able to turn into wealth. Then, God poured out a double-blessing into Job’s life…and only then, was it the end.

You may feel like it’s THE END, but it’s not. Don’t give up. Trust that God is working behind the scenes to turn your life around. He did it for Job, and I know He’ll do it for you!

PRAYER

Father…I’m so thankful that when I feel things are done and all hope is gone that You restore. Help me to not give up hope and believe the lie of the enemy that it’s the end when you have a resurrection plan in place. God, You are all-powerful and nothing is too hard for You! May I live in the confidence that You are true to Your word, having the endurance of Job…trusting You…TO THE END! In Jesus Name…Amen.

Be encouraged by these quotes today!

Feel free to share them on social media or save them to your computer.
Simply Right Click on the Graphic and Save it to Your Device. Then Share!
You have my permission 🙂

Being a car-girl, I really love what Henry Ford said,

DRAWING FROM THE WELL
1. James 5:11
2. James 1:12
3. Job 42:10
4. Romans 8:28
If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women from our Legacy Works Online Store.

WHERE YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP MY BLOG WITH OR PLACES WHERE MY WRITING HAS BEEN FEATURED

Endnotes
1. Goodreads Website Accessed: 2018-01-15 https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/838626-everything-is-going-to-be-fine-in-the-end-if
2. Quora Website Accessed: 2018-01-15 https://www.quora.com/Who-is-the-original-source-of-the-quote-Everything-will-be-okay-in-the-end-If-its-not-okay-its-not-the-end
3. AZ Quotes Website Accessed: 2018-01-15 https://www.azquotes.com/quotes/topics/everything-will-work-out.html
This post was first published on January 15, 2018
Revised & Reposted on January 28, 2021

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Tackling The Topic of Suicide

Blue Monday is a serious issue. Researchers have said that the third Monday of January is noted for being the saddest day of the year. The consensus is that there are a combination of factors affecting our mood at that time, bringing us down.

The Reason’s Why

The researchers blame:
- Bad Weather
- Post-Christmas Debt
- Work Stress
- Long Wait For Summer
Getting Worn Down

I don’t know if your family and friend group is anything like mine but I have many in both groups who struggle with mental health issues that in turn, can often create relationship health issues. I’ve had to be the part of suicide watch for too many people. Each time taking a toll on my mental health.

The Effects of Woodney’s Show

To be honest, I believe this has left me with a form of PTSD that was triggered last summer by an event and again while writing and recording this week’s Soul H2O Radio & Podcast show when Woodney Pierre shares the story of her brother’s suicide and how she’s finding hope to heal.

As I talk about in her show, Woodney is comforted in knowing that Jesus understands.

How We Know… Jesus Understands

Hebrews 4:15 says:

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Matthew 26:36-38 says:

Then Jesus went with them to a garden called Gethsemane and told his disciples, “Stay here while I go over there and pray.” Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he plunged into an agonizing sorrow. Then he said, “This sorrow is crushing my life out. Stay here and keep vigil with me.”

Beyond Jesus just understanding, we KNOW that he came to fulfill the prophecies in Isaiah 42:3 and Isaiah 61:1 to bind up the brokenhearted.

Jesus Came To Heal

Matthew 12:20 says:

He won’t brush aside the bruised and broken.
He will be gentle with the weak and feeble,
until his victory releases justice.

Jesus understands feelings of wanting to die and He overcame them so you can too!

Jesus came, so you could overcome!

Christ came to bring you hope and healing, so don’t let your feelings make you feel like a failure and that God is rejecting you. Those are lies from the enemy and not the truth. God loves you and wants to be close to you.

Psalm 34:18 says:

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Thankfully, those who I’ve had to help through times of serious suicidal ideations have made it through to the other side and I’m so very proud of them. They’re all living their best life now and learning how to shut down negative or depressive thoughts so they aren’t tempted to self-harm, bad life choices or suicide.

Through all of these struggles, I’ve learned healthier coping skills that enable me to rise above my times of sadness. Whenever events or emotions are triggered, I go to things that will leave me stronger… not with more problems after I placate the feelings.

Here are some of my GO-TO Coping Skills:
- Deep Breathing Exercises
- Move: Go for a walk, change your position (sitting… then stand)
- Pray
- Read God’s Word
- Read a Christian book that encourages me
- Listen to and inspiring Christian Radio Show or Podcast
- Watch some Great Christian Television or Videos
- Dance
- Put on a funny movie
- Listen to comedy
- Call my counselor (she’s on speed dial 😂)
- Call a friend that will pray with me
You NEED to do something. Don’t just sit in it. Learn from David in Psalms 42:5, 11 and 43:5

Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 42:5 CSB

If you choose to just sit in it, you’re going to have a hard time to get up and as my friend Cheryl Nembhard often encourages, “Get up Sis. You’re a Warrior.”

So, if you’re facing Blue Monday and #BellLetsTalk Day with depression, and anxiety and worry in your way… Here’s some content I’ve created to help you find hope and healing in the One who came to bind up the brokenhearted.

Much love,

Sherry
xoxo

#BellLetsTalk Day is usually the third Thursday of the month (January 28th in 2021). This day was created to help breakdown the negative stigma of mental health issues and donate funds to help.
https://letstalk.bell.ca/en/bell-lets-talk-day

MY MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR YOU

CRISIS MENTAL HEALTH HELP & SUICIDE HOTLINES

If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts and tendencies, please ask for help, there’s no need to face this on your own. You can find hope and healing.

CLICK TO FIND HELP
https://www.sherrystahl.com/crisis-help-suicide-hotlines/

Help & Encouragement From The Soul H2O Blog, Radio & Podcast Show along with Sherry’s Website

Mental Health Related Soul H2O Blog Posts List:
https://www.sherrystahl.com/mental-health-related-posts/

Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show Episodes Related to Mental Health
https://soulh2o.com/mental-health-encouragement-in-soul-h2o-radio-podcast-shows/

Mental Health Resources to help you find hope:
https://www.sherrystahl.com/resources/mental-health-resources/

Episode #53
Hope For The Bruised & Broken
with Woodney Pierre
https://soulh2o.com/53/

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Crisis Mental Health Help, Suicide Hotlines, and Prayer Support

If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts and tendencies, please ask for help, there’s no need to face this on your own. You can find hope and healing.

If you are in crisis, please go to your local hospital or call 911 immediately.

Suicide Prevention Service Hotlines

Call in English: It’s available 24/7/365 days of the year. Call 1-833-456-4566
Call in French: It’s available 24/7/365 days of the year. Call 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553)
Text: Available from 4pm to 12am Eastern Time. Text 45645
KidsHelpPhone Ages 20 Years and Under in Canada. Call 1-800-668-6868
Celebrate Recovery at http://www.celebraterecovery.ca
Celebrate Recovery at http://www.celebraterecovery.com

US National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) at any time day or night 24/7, to talk to someone who understands. You can go online at http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org for more information and help.

PRAYER SUPPORT

If you want someone to pray with you:
In Canada: 100 Huntley Street 1-866-273-4444
In USA: Focus On The Family1-800-A-FAMILY (1-800-232-6459)
Email: prayer@sherrystahl.com

Help & Encouragement From The Soul H2O Blog, Radio & Podcast Show along with Sherry’s Website

Mental Health Related Soul H2O Blog Posts List:
https://www.sherrystahl.com/mental-health-related-posts/

Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show Episodes Related to Mental Health
https://soulh2o.com/mental-health-encouragement-in-soul-h2o-radio-podcast-shows/

Mental Health Resources to help you find hope:
https://www.sherrystahl.com/resources/mental-health-resources/

Episode #53
Hope For The Bruised & Broken
with Woodney Pierre
https://soulh2o.com/53/

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Mental Health Related Posts

Here’s a list of mental health related posts from the Soul H2O Blog that help when your mental health is waning.

Faith & Lace With Shelby
Discusses about my daughter’s cross to bear and God’s grace with a link to her podcast interview on the Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show which just happens to be the #1 listened-to episode!

11 Practical Steps to Help You Control Your Thoughts
Discusses Depression, Anxiety, Negative thinking
This post includes a great download for you to use in your pursuit of mental health.

Defeating Anxiety By Counting Your Blessings
Discusses ways we can combat depression.

Why Experiencing Weakness After a Mountaintop Moment is Normal
Discusses feeling depressed after a spiritual high.

When Valentine’s Day Hurts
Discusses loneliness and heartbreak that can leave you depressed.

Trust That It’s Not The End!
Discusses dealing with negative thinking and struggling when life keeps throwing difficulties your way.

Happy Holiday!
Discusses Burn-Out

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Your Royal Announcement
```
The one who is victorious will, like them,
be dressed in white…
I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but
I will announce before my Father and his angels
that they are mine.
Revelation 3:5 NIV…NLT
```
YOUR ROYAL ANNOUNCEMENT

On May 19, 2018, the world joined in on a truly royal celebration with the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, still Duke and Duchess of Sussex. I thought it was very appropriate that at the same time in Canada it was our annual Victoria Day holiday weekend, commemorating the late Queen Victoria’s birthday.

The monarchy was forefront in the conversations of most everyone as millions watched the marriage nuptials. Across in North America, early morning parties were planned with girls of all ages dressing up in white wedding gowns, attempting to live vicariously through Meghan Markle; a regular girl turned princess.

Here’s a picture of me celebrating the wedding drinking the official royal wedding tea blend 🙂 {Notice the properly positioned pinky}

Even though Harry and Meghan’s wedding did veer from some of the monarchist traditions, the formality of royal announcements was a part of the day. Just hearing, “Oh Yeah, Oh Yeah! All rise. Now entering, the Duke and Duchess of…” makes you curious to see who’s entering. As for me, a girl brought up at the dragstrip, this all seems like a foreign language, but it sure helps me to grasp the weight of these words in Revelations.

John records in Revelations 3:5 that if you are a part of those who are victorious by overcoming to the end, three things will take place.
1. Jesus will dress you in white; symbolizing our right-standing with God through Christ. Since your position now is a daughter of the King, you’ll be dressed like one.
2. Jesus will write your name in permanent marker, never to be blotted out of the Book of Life.
3. Jesus will make, YOUR ROYAL ANNOUNCEMENT!
Jesus will introduce you to the Father and His angels! To think that Jesus is going to announce your entrance into heaven is mind-blowing! Who are we that Jesus, The Son of God should give us such a royal announcement?

Through your faith in Christ: you are adopted into THE royal family, you’re an heir, holding the position of a son, as a daughter of the King of Kings! That’s why you’re worthy of such an honour! In case you’re still finding it hard to believe, this truth is confirmed at least three times in Scripture. Jesus himself says in Matthew 10:32 and Luke 12:8 ” Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father in heaven.”

In case you’re still finding it hard to believe, this truth is confirmed at least three times in Scripture. Jesus himself says in Matthew 10:32 and Luke 12:8

“Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father in heaven.”

As I studied this verse in the original Greek I became completely overwhelmed with wonder of God’s grace and His goodness. When describing those who will be introduced by Jesus, the words are translated in our Bible versions as one who overcomes, conquers or is victorious. The original says they are those who “subdue (literally or figuratively) conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory”¹.

Let the knowledge of WHO you are, your royal identity as a daughter of the King and the future hope of, YOUR ROYAL ANNOUNCEMENT help you to be a victorious overcomer, conquering whatever this world throws your way!

Prayer

Father, I thank You for Your awesome gift of grace. You give to me what I don’t deserve. Open my spiritual eyes to see myself as Your child, a worthy heir and daughter of the King. Help me to overcome so I make it to the day Your son introduces me to You! In Jesus name…Amen.
1. Revelations 3:5
2. Matthew 10:32
3. Luke 12:8
4. Luke 10:20
Royal Video

Here’s an interesting video to watch of Her Majesty the Queen of England and the royal family being announced just for a luncheon! Such pomp and circumstance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eBYUOKQOnE

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

Footnotes:
1. https://www.godrules.net/library/strongs2b/gre3528.htm Website accessed 2014-10-06
YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP WITH:
MONDAY Monday Meditations – Laura J. Davis, Soul Survival – Donna Reidland ,
TUESDAY Cheerleaders of Faith #RARaLinkup – Kelly Balarie,
WEDNESDAYCoffee For Your Heart – Holley Gerth, Word Nerd Wednesdays — Liz GiertzTHURSDAYHeart Encouragement Thursday – Crystal Storms , Chasing Community – Barbara Bradford OttingerFRIDAYDance With Jesus Linkup – Susan B. Mead, Grace and Truth Linkup – Arabah Joy, Counting My Blessings – Deb Wolf, Fresh Market Friday – Crystal Twaddell ELLEN’S PICKS– Ellen Graf-Martin

*Revised post on 2021-01-08, originally from 2014-10-06 & 2018-05-22

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Grandma’s Christmas Cookies

Getting Grandma’s Christmas Cookies From a Friend

https://youtu.be/jY_4JGFLqfo

Here’s my Christmas Message for you! I hope if encourages your heart to know how much God loves you that He GAVE! May it inspire you to give as even little gifts have huge impacts!

Gram’s Christmas Cookie Recipe

Click HERE to download a Chocolate Yum-Yums Recipe.

We Give Because He Gave

“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.
John 3:16-18 The Message

The Brave Christmas Women & Brave Christian Women Series

Soul H2O – Devotions

Hear are devotions to read and podcasts to listen to as you take time to relax this Christmas holiday.
Soul H2O – Radio & Podcast Shows
Click on the image to listen to access the Show Notes & Listen to the Episode or Subscribe to Soul H2O on whatever podcast platform you use.
#itunes #spotify #googlepodcasts #anchor #podcasts
GET WEEKLY REFRESHING

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Celebrating The Women of The Christmas Story – The Senior Citizen

Still wondering who the Senior Citizen is?

See the INTRODUCTION FOR THIS SERIES in the #SoulH2O post two weeks ago Celebrating the Women of The Christmas Story The series is talking about how each of the #ChristmasWomen were:

CARRIERS – OF THE PROMISE & PRESENCE OF GOD

THE MIDDLE-AGED WOMAN – ELIZABETH was the first Christmas Woman celebrated. I talked about how she protected the promise of God. Last week celebrated THE TEENAGER – MARY discussing how she was willing to be inconvenienced to carry the promise and very presence of God, Emmanuel: God with us.

Read on to learn about our last Christmas Woman everyone’s been wondering about…

THE SENIOR CITIZEN…

Since I’m totally breaking my format for #SoulH2O devotions with this series, I decided to share the whole of Anna’s story with you (a whopping 3 verses) because so many of you have commented or sent me messages saying you can’t wait to see who the Senior Citizen is. This lets me know that many of you don’t know who she is, so you probably don’t know her story and she’s absolutely a woman worth celebrating!

The Prophecy of Anna

“Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.” Luke 2:36-38 NLT

Anna is the last of our Christmas women. She was the only woman who didn’t carry a physical baby in her body, but there is no doubt in my mind that she carried the promise and presence of God to the people in her day.

Anna knew what it was like to face hard times. She was widowed at a very young age and never had any children. During Jesus’ time, women who weren’t married didn’t hold much value in their society so this fact lets you in on how “unimportant” Anna could have seemed to many in her day, but Anna was a prophet. She spent her days serving in the temple, worshipping God with fasting and prayer.

It was out of this lifestyle that she heard from God and shared His messages to His people.

There’s so much that sticks out in my mind about Anna, but the words waiting expectantly from Anna’s life-story just jump out at me and Christmas really is a time when people are found waiting expectantly.

WAITING EXPECTANTLY

For centuries children on Christmas Eve have hung stockings by the fireplace and struggled to fall asleep with nervous anticipation of what Santa will bring in the morning. My kids were no different than the masses.

In order to help my kids be able to fall asleep on Christmas Eve I started a tradition where they were allowed to open one gift at bedtime. That gift was always a pair of new pajamas and a book. Not the most exciting gift, but it created the atmosphere I hoped for. Brandon and Shelby would change into their PJ’s and were allowed to read their new books before lights out. The PJ’s made for nice pictures on Christmas morning and the books helped them fall asleep.

Waiting expectantly on Christmas Eve is pretty simple for kids since they know the next morning is Christmas day and they can see wrapped presents under the tree.

The way Anna and others waited expectantly for the promise of God to be fulfilled wasn’t so easy. Anna had been waiting for about 60 years. She was doing all the right and good things while waiting but she had been waiting for oh so long! She never gave up hope waiting for the promised Emmanuel, the Messiah…JESUS to come.

Maybe you’ve been waiting a long time for your promise. Maybe you feel like too much time has passed and you need to “move on” or “give up”. I pray Anna’s story restores your hope and gives you faith to believe. Know that at Christmas and always, God keeps His promises and fills you with His presence while you wait.

Prayer

Father…I thank You that you’re not like Santa doling out gifts I don’t need. You make promises to me and fulfill them in Your perfect timing. You know exactly what I need and what’s best for me. Help me to trust You and Your timing. May I live with a special expectancy this Christmas carrying my Promise from You and Your Presence within so I can share it with the world when my promise is ‘born’. In Jesus Name…Amen

ANNA CARRIED THE PROMISE AND THE PRESENCE OF GOD…
I WANT TO BE LIKE HER.

Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Christmas Series- The Brave Senior Citizen & Brave Cyndi

During the Christmas season, were running The Brave Christmas & Christian Women Series. Episode 50 is Part2 of The Brave Senior Citizen & Brave Cyndi. In This Series, were Celebrating The Women of The Christmas Story and a few of their contemporary counterparts.

Cyndi Desjardins Wilkens isn’t a Senior for a long time but an author and quadruple amputee who shines the light of Christ at Christmas and every day throughout the year!

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

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If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

WHERE YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP MY BLOG WITH OR PLACES WHERE MY WRITING HAS BEEN FEATURED

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Celebrating The Women Of The Christmas Story – The Teenager

This post: Celebrating The Women Of The Christmas Story – The Teenager Post was Shortlisted for The2017 Word Awards in the Category of Article-Inspirational/Devotional and WON!!!!!

It was also featured on the #GraceandTruth #Linkup by Aimee Imbeau

I hope that one day, this will be what inspired the book!

See the Introduction for this series in the #SoulH2O post Celebrating the Women of The Christmas Story and the devotion on the first Christmas Woman, THE MIDDLE-AGED WOMAN – ELIZABETH discussing how she protected the promise of God.  The series is talking about how each of the #ChristmasWomen were:

CARRIERS – OF THE PROMISE & PRESENCE OF GOD

Read on to learn about today’s Christmas Woman…

THE TEENAGER – MARY

“And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her..”
Luke 1:38 ESV

For most of my life, I’ve had a skinny, scrawny type of frame. My ankles and wrists are not much bigger than a small child’s, but that all changed when I was pregnant.

This picture was taken the night I went into labour with my son Brandon. I’m not sure if my hair or pregnancy belly is larger??? I will say there was a shadow behind me from that cheap camera I owned.

Being truthful, I don’t think there was anything left small on me at that point. My feet had swelled, my lips felt blown up, my face was puffy…nothing was comfortable anymore. Sleep seemed unattainable.

Trying to find a comfortable position with a yoga ball attached to my tummy was impossible. How I gained over 50 pounds for a baby who was just 9 pounds 9 ounces doesn’t make sense (if it weren’t for all those bacon-cheese hotdog cravings I fulfilled).

I can attest to the fact that carrying a baby was inconvenient, uncomfortable, stretching, tiring, and yet…the most wonderful time of my life!

MARY – The Pregnant Teenager

I imagine it was similar, but a whole lot more inconvenient for Mary. Teen pregnancies aren’t often easy. There’s a certain stigma High School aged girls face when they announce they’re pregnant. I doubt Mary had it in her school planner to get pregnant, especially by someone other than her fiancé.

How do you explain it to your family and friends that ‘you’re not pregnant because you’ve done something you shouldn’t’, it was because you allowed the God who created the universe to use your womb?

Nothing about Mary’s pregnancy was convenient, comfortable or easy; yet this teenager accepted God’s plan for her life with the words,

“I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

No, but God don’t you know how hard that is…don’t you know what that will cost me…don’t you know what people will say…don’t you know what Joseph will say…he may leave???

Mary was carrying the promise and the very presence of God – Emmanuel, God with us inside her womb and it cost her.

Carrying the promise and presence of God isn’t convenient, easy, or comfortable, but it will be the most incredible adventure of your life; if you yield to God’s will, done God’s way.

It’s impossible to carry a baby without getting stretch marks but oh, it’s so worth the scars. Be like Mary; willing to be inconvenienced so you can carry within your heart the promise and the presence of God, so that through you the world will see Emmanuel, God is with us!

Prayer

Father…I’m overwhelmed at the thought that YOU want ME to carry Your promises and Your presence to the world. I don’t feel worthy and I’m afraid of the cost. I’m sorry for trying to take the easy-way-out. I open my heart and my life to You. I’m willing like Mary to carry Your promises and Your presence, so the world may know YOU, no matter the cost. In Jesus Name…Amen

I’m willing to be inconvenienced to carry the promise and the presence of God to this world!

You can find the full story of Mary’s involvement in Jesus’ birth Within these portions of Scripture:

Luke 1:26-38               An Angel Meets Mary, Jesus Birth Foretold
Luke 1:39-56               Mary Visits Elizabeth
Matthew 1:18-25          Angel visits Joseph
Matthew 1:27          Emmanuel: God With Us (Prophesied in Isaiah 7:14)
Luke 2:2-6                   Mary gives birth to JESUS: The Promise & Presence of God

Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Christmas Series

During the Christmas season, were running The Brave Christmas & Christian Women Series. Episode 49 is Part2 of The Brave Teen Mom & Brave Single Moms. In This Series, were Celebrating The Women of The Christmas Story and a few of their contemporary counterparts. PeggySue Wells is an author and speaker who hosts an online ministry for Single Moms at SingleMomCircle.com

GET READY FOR NEXT WEEK’S #SoulH2O Devotion in the Series THE SENIOR CITIZEN

WANT WEEKLY REFRESHING?

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

WHERE YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP MY BLOG WITH OR PLACES WHERE MY WRITING HAS BEEN FEATURED

This devotion was originally posted on December 12, 2016.

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