Lazy. Cocky. Busy. I’m not sure which adjective describes how I let gluten invade my body; nonetheless, it happened. I have been suffering for three weeks now all because I let my guard down. It’s a tedious lifestyle that requires self-control, a ton of planning, and let’s be honest – missing out. With Celiac Disease, one slip up can wreck havoc on my livelihood for weeks, and that’s no exaggeration.

But it got me thinking. Isn’t this the same thing we do in our relationship with Christ? We get to feeling good. We get in a routine. We get comfortable — and we let our guard down. Before we know it something small, minute, slips its way in and takes over.

Having a meaningful relationship with Christ requires work. A lot of work. We should be so hyper-focused on this relationship that we don’t allow ourselves to get lazy. We can’t afford or allow ourselves to get comfortable. We have to put in the work. We have to practice self-control, we have to plan, and we may even have to miss out on some things. But guess what – having a healthy, meaningful relationship with Christ is so worth it.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” – 1 Peter 5:8

In this filter obsessed world, which one are we looking at ourself through? Which filter are we looking at others through?

The world sees a sin-stained mess, but God sees a refurbished work of art

The world sees worthless, but God sees redemption.

The world sees bondage, but God sees broken shackles.

Let’s choose to use God’s filter – to see ourself and others.

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” – Genesis 1:27

It’s Christmas Eve, y’all!

I love the lights. The music. The cookies. Most of all – I love the traditions. This is good thing that can quickly turn into a bad thing if I place too much pressure on perfection.

I like a plan. I like a list. A few years ago I had to take a step back and really examine myself. If every tradition didn’t go exactly like I thought it should I would get my tinsel all up in a tizzy, and no one wants (or deserves) a cranky momma, wife, sister, or daughter on Christmas.

My focus was in the wrong place.

I had to learn to relax. To just be. To enjoy my family and the fun that they were having.

Christmas Eve shouldn’t be a checklist. Christmas Eve should be a celebration of what was about to come all those years ago – a precious baby boy that would eventually save the world.

This Christmas I pray that we would all treasure this time with our family and friends. I pray that the list makers would relax. I pray that the perfectionists would take a deep breath. But most of all, I pray that our focus would be on Jesus, His birth, His love, and His unfailing grace.

🎄❤️I love y’all. 🎄❤️

The emotions of being a brand new mother. Excitement and fear all rolled up together. It’s all you can think about for nine months. Your body is changing. Your heart is changing. Your life – it’s changing. As emotional as this is for a normal woman, I can’t help but think about the added emotions that Mary experienced while carrying her first baby – a King named Jesus.

First, the shock of a surprise pregnancy. I’m sure she felt some shame because she wasn’t married – and you know – judgmental people. I’m sure she battled self worth. Like really, God. Me? I know she wrestled the what if’s and the how’s. Couple that with exhaustion and a slim bank account and you have a situation that merits a complete meltdown.

But then the baby comes. He wraps His tiny hand around Mary’s finger. He slowly opens and closes His eyes. He lets out a soft cry. And Mary looks at her baby boy for the very first time. This baby boy that will save the world. That’s her boy. The pride. The love. The fear. The overwhelming peace.

And Mary knows. She knows that this baby is destined to change the world. She knows He will love, teach, preach, and lead.

She knows. This child is God. He is Jesus. This child – her child – He is her everything. He is OUR everything.

The emotions stay because she’s a mom. The fear comes and goes because she is human; however, her faith in God and the future that He holds outweighs every other emotion. Because – she knows.

“28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.”

Luke 1:28-30

“She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.”

Luke 2:7

Fruit of the Spirit – Day 9

Self Control

No one fruit is more important than the other, but there is one that can help govern how well all the other fruit is exhibited in your life – and that fruit is self control. Self control is the fruit that says, “Woah, put your brakes on.” Let’s be honest, it really is nice to have that soft reminder whispering into our ear when we are on the verge of making a huge mistake, spouting off, or giving into a temptation that we are trying to overcome.

Self-control is really a daily battle between our flesh and the desire to be Christlike. Every moment is a choice. Every moment we are given the opportunity to be victorious in Christ or to succumb to the the world and its pleasures. Maybe that sounds extreme or harsh, but it is the truth.

Athletes, scholars, performers – they all have one thing in common and that is extreme discipline. They know what it takes and they are willing to make that sacrifice. It may mean missing out on certain things. It may mean having to say no. It will most likely mean living a lifestyle that others don’t understand.

That’s the kind of life I want to live for Christ. He is worth the sacrifices because He sacrificed for us. I want to run that race without stopping. Without turning back. Without being detoured. Self control plays a huge role in making this a daily reality. I pray for Christ to give me the self control that I need to live a life worthy of His calling.

“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” – 1 Corinthians 9:25

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13

Fruit of the Spirit – Day 8

Gentleness – oftentimes associated with being weak – is actually a sign of strength. Gentleness is the power within you that offers kind but true words. Gentleness is soft yet honest guidance and truth spoken from a heart where Christ resides. The book of James states that the wisdom from above is pure and gentle.

Being gentle means that we know God’s words, thoughts, and actions are better than our own. It means that when we want to overreact we will choose to pause and let God react instead. It takes strength to speak the truth. It takes even more strength to do it in a manner worthy of the calling of Christ. Being harsh or having a condescending spirit turns people away. If we turn people away then we will never grow the Kingdom of Heaven. Never.

The news is full of stories where people were quick to anger. They reacted to situations in a manner that quickly landed them in a predicament that had them spinning out of control. Don’t allow the world to let you spin. Instead let God hold your tongue and heart steady. The Bible tells us to be constant in prayer – this is why. With God within us we will be ready to extend grace and gentleness instead of judgement and wrath. The world needs grace. They need to see grace. They need to experience grace.

“Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.” – Galatians 6:1

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” – Colossians 4:5-6

“Gracious words are a honeycomb,

sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” – Proverbs 16:24

Fruit of the Spirit – Day 7

Faithfulness

What does it mean to be faithful? A few descriptors of this fruit: dependable, reliable, trustworthy, and persevering. There are many people in the Bible that possess this noble trait, but noone encompassess faithfulness like Jesus. When times were tough, He didn’t waver. He didn’t give up, and He didn’t give in. He held steadfast to what He knew was right, and He fulfilled His promises to a lost and dying world.

Another amazing example of faithfulness lies in the fact that while we are sinners God doesn’t give up on us. Even though we mess up, disappoint, and revert to the flesh time and time again, God stays true to His word. He doesn’t leave us or forsake us.

Just as God is faithful to us, we need to be faithful to Him – in serving, in worshipping, in cultivating a relationship with Him, and in fellowship. This is something we should intentionally work on every single day.

Without faith we cannot be faithful. The closer we draw to God the stronger our faith will be. From the small things to the big things, we will know without a doubt that God has it all in His hands. And no matter the outcome, we will honestly be able to say that it is well with our soul. We will keep going, we will keep growing, and we will trust God throughout it all.

“”Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments;” – Deuteronomy 7:9

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” – 2 Chronicles 16:9

Fruit of the Spirit – Day 6

Goodness

Integrity. Character. Morals. Virtuous. Justice. Truth. All of these words are associated with goodness.

As a Christian, the desire to do right – even when others are not watching – should burn within us like a fire. Although we are human and make mistakes, we should be extremely passionate about doing the right thing. We should be zealous about living a life resembling Christ’s journey on this Earth.

Sometimes the choices that we have to make won’t be easy. In fact, they will be downright uncomfortable. Living a life worthy of Christ means sticking up for others when noone else will, telling the truth, being selfless, and sometimes it means being separated from everything you’ve ever known.

Goodness is a choice, and it means choosing right over wrong. Every. Single. Day.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8

“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” – Romans 12:9

The best description of kindness can be found in Philippians 2:3-4: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

Kindness is love manifested through outward acts of selflessness and mercy.

That’s what Jesus did. That’s what God is still doing today.

In a society consumed with activities that cause us to be in a constant state of “hurry” – our lists are long and our fuses are short. Kindness is often pushed to the back burner, which is the exact opposite of where it should be placed on our list of priorities.

Kindness is a catalyst. It’s a spark that can literally change someone’s outlook on life. One small act of kindness could be exactly what someone needs just to get through another day. I don’t say that lightly. Thankfully the Holy Spirit can and will guide us. If we listen, if we stay in close communication with God, we will feel Him nudging us when it’s time to show someone the love and kindness of a Savior that truly cares about them.

We are the vessel; God is steering the boat. We just have to go.

This holiday season I urge all of us to listen. To take notice. To let someone in front of us in the line at Walmart. To tip the waitress extra. To send a handwritten note. To help. To be patient when we are out and about. To smile.

Let’s be kind.

“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.” – Luke 6:35

“Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart.” – Proverbs 3:3

Fruit of the Spirit – patience

Patience

Patience can be defined as the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset. The opposite of patience – aggravation & agitation.

To me, patience is fully trusting God while being in a state of limbo – without working yourself into a tizzy because things aren’t panning out the way that you thought they should. There are so many people throughout the Bible that exhibited patience over and over. For example, Job, Jeremiah, and Moses. We can also look to Elizabeth for a lesson on patience. She waited for years – years – for a baby. She never gave up. She kept her cool. She kept her composure. She stood faithfully on God’s promise, and He delivered.

The world looks toward selfish desires to fulfill the longings of their heart, and they want these desires fulfilled right now. As Christians, we need to remember that God’s timing is key – not ours. He sees the big picture. We also need to keep Christ in the forefront of every detail of our life. I truly believe that if God is our number one desire, then all of our desires will in fact be fulfilled.

Not only do we need to be patient with God’s timing, we also need to be patient with one another. The thing is that we mess up every single day, but God still sticks around – and He does not have to. As followers of Christ we need to display that same type of love (agape) and patience for others. The book of James tells us to be slow to speak and slow to anger. This is key when dealing with loved ones and strangers alike. If patience is a virtue, then my prayer is for God to guide me and grow me in this noble trait.

“Be always humble, gentle, and patient. Show your love by being tolerant with one another.” – Ephesians 4:2

“The Lord is good to everyone who trusts in him. So it is best for us to wait in patience—to wait for him to save us—And it is best to learn this patience in our youth.” – Lamentations 3:25-27