Nyla Kay Wilkerson – Page 66 – Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess

“Amber Eyes” by Author SD Grimm Blog Tour

Posted on January 26, 2018January 24, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Today on my Find a Book Friday blog, I am privileged to be part of the “Amber Eyes” blog tour. Author S.D. Grimm has written a 460 page sequel to “Scarlet Moon” in her “Children of the Blood Moon” thrilling series. Book three, “Black Blood” is expected out in January 2019 and I am eagerly awaiting it. Be sure to join the Facebook party on January 30th for lots of fun and information. The author will be there.

These books are categorized as YA (young adult) fantasy fiction. There is no age limit on the entertainment and enjoyment readers receive from this series. Both young and older adults will immediately be drawn into the creative adventures author Grimm creates. The first book was a wonderful find for me. This one was even better. The author is so gifted that I found myself in the middle of another time and place. My emotions were raw. I was elated and saddened, joyful and frightened, and a multitude of emotions in between. What the well described characters felt, I did, too. I was in the story. It takes a great writer to accomplish that.

In Book One, “Scarlet Moon”, the theme seemed to be love. Love for each other, the land and animals. Relationship love. It opened the day before Jayden was to be married. This book concentrates on choices, decisions and consequences. Doing things that make a difference no matter what happens is hard. Characters have difficult choices to make.

About the book:

“Darkness retreated from the light of the scarlet moon, but has since grown even stronger. The Mistress of Shadows has found a new pawn—one that may be the key to unlocking the door to her underground prison. Now evil threatens to escape its shackles and destroy the land. In the aftermath of loss and betrayal, Jayden’s fight with the enemy still isn’t over. But while she isn’t sure she can stop the Mistress alone, leaving her friends might be the only way to keep them from being consumed by the darkness. With lives hanging in the balance—and no time for error—can Jayden make the right choice?”

Amber Eyes Cover

Ethan needs to release his revenge and use his gift as it is meant, but to what result? Serena must decide whether to heal people or obey the council. One choice will keep her safe but one will not. The Healers also have a choice to make: if they, too, will all aid the Deliverers or continue to conceal themselves. There is a lot going on with Jayden. It is time for her to accept her place as Deliverer, and not just a camp follower anymore. Thea is a very interesting and confusing character. Gifts play a big part in this book, too. All in all this fantasy world is in chaos, needs a Deliverer to help, and there are more to people than meets the eye.

Expect a page turning, twist and turn, action adventure book that you will not want to put down. Romance and relationships are mixed in with the mystery and intrigue. Animal lovers will be thrilled with the interactive parts and gifts written in this wonderful book. I wanted to devour it but at the same time did not want it to end. It definitely gets a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. I would recommend it to teens and up. Younger readers would not understand some of the relationship material or might be frightened. There is an abundance of killing in this. While it is a Christian book, it leans more Old Testament with the violence. It is an emotional roller coaster of a read. This would be a fun book club read. I definitely wanted to talk about it with someone who experienced it, too.

Giveaway:

Amber Eyes Grand Prize Want to dive into a new world? Enter to win a signed copy of both Amber Eyes and Scarlet Moon, a grimmlie dragon of the dragon on the cover (made by the author), a charm bracelet (made by her Captain America), and a $10 amazon card. US only.

Link to giveaway:

http://giveawaytoxols2.com/giveaway.php?sk=45850502048

About the author:

S.D. Grimm’s first love in writing is young adult fantasy and science fiction, which is to be expected from someone who looks up to heroes like Captain America and Wonder Woman, has been sorted into Gryffindor, and identifies as rebel scum. Her patronus is a red Voltron lion, her spirit animal is Toothless, and her favorite meal is second breakfast. She is represented by Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency, her office is anywhere she can curl up with her laptop and at least one large-sized dog, and you can learn more about her upcoming novels at http://www.sdgrimm.com

Sarah Grimm_Headshot Small

Blog Tour:

Monday, January 22nd
– Book Review – Backing Books
– Guest Post – Thinking Like a Fangirl

Tuesday, January 23rd
– Book Review – Sheri Yutzy – young adult author
– Book Review & Interview – Blooming with Books

Wednesday, January 24th
– Book Review – Deeply shallow
– Guest Post – dolphin18cb

Thursday, January 25th
– Author Interview – Unicorn Quester

Friday, January 26th
– Book Review – Sarah, Plain & Average
– Book Review – Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess

Saturday, January 27th
– Author Interview – Jebraun Clifford dream.write.repeat

Monday, January 29th
– Book Review – The Artisan Penguin

Tuesday, January 30th
– Author Interview – Liv K. Fisher
– Review – Reality Reflected
– Amber Eyes Facebook Launch Party!
Wednesday, January 31st
– Author Interview – So Few Books

Thursday, February 1st
– Book Review – Lands Uncharted
– Guest Post – Quills & Inkblotts

Friday, February 2nd
– Book Review – Thinking Like a Fangirl

Saturday, February 3rd
– Book Review – Tricia Mingerink
– Book Review – Blushing Bibliophile
– Book Review – RJ Metcalf

Monday, February 5th
– Blog Tour Wrap-Up – Unicorn Quester

Read A Book: “Devotions for the Hungry Heart” by Shellie Tomlinson

Posted on January 8, 2018January 8, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Did you get a devotional for Christmas? If you are like me, you read more than just one per day. I have one for when I have my coffee, one in the afternoon, and another at night. Design Often I will be given other to add to my library, like this one. “Devotions for the Hungry Heart” is the first book that I have read by author Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, but I am certain it will not be my last. I fell in love with this 20 week devotional immediately and devoured it within a few days. (I know! I couldn’t help myself.) This sweet 272 page hardcover book is published by Shiloh Press. The padded cover is inviting and feels nice to the touch. There are glossy full color pictures which adorn the center which are beautiful and have yummy recipes. I love recipes in books.

In the introduction, the author says, “Whether you have a healthy craving for more Jesus, or the barely discernible taste for a relationship with Him that seems beyond your reach, the glorious truth is that God put that hunger in your heart in the first place, and He is more willing to fan that flame than you or I could ever be.” How is that for encouragement? Do you see why I fell in love so quickly? She had me at “craving for more Jesus.” The older I get the more my soul craves to be closer, near to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This book gave me daily servings of that.

Author Shellie has a very nice style of writing. Her devotions are only one to two pages long, but she loads them with powerful words. The way she writes is smooth and her message just flows easily from the pages into my heart and mind. Using topics that are relatable to us she inspires us in her open and honest way. Reading it is like chatting with a friend, prayer partner, Design or Sister in Christ over a cup of coffee. One that just gets you. I found the author to be witty, humorous, God glorifying, encouraging, approachable and transparent. She taught me what being hungry for Jesus meant. Dividing that up into six topics: Sharing, Needing, Celebrating, Praying, Surrendering and Being Intentional, the author explained in her sweet Southern style. I have continued pondering them long after finishing her book. Have you ever thought what an example of being hungry for more Jesus liked like? Think about it a minute. Better yet, just get this book.

One of the great things about this devotional is that it isn’t dated. Readers do not need to worry they are missing out by not starting it on a certain date. It has daily devotions, Monday through Saturday, that could be started at anytime. There is an illustration along with the scripture and message. A ribbon bookmark is sewn into the book so that your place will be kept. The recipes in the center are from the author’s cookbook, “Hungry Is a Mighty Fine Sauce.” After the devotions, there is a Scripture reference page. Very helpful for future use or when counseling a friend.

This book is definitely a keeper and one to give away. It gives encouragement to all Christians whether you are a new seeker or older seasoned one. Everyone will glean something from this beautiful, delightful food for the soul book. The only problem you will encounter is where to keep it – on the breakfast table or nightstand! Well, that and limiting yourself to one devotion per day. I will be buying many for gifts. A definite 5 star recommendation from this hungry for Jesus gal.

Design

Find a Book Friday: “Isaiah’s Daughter” by Mesu Andrews

Posted on January 5, 2018January 5, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Are you beginning the year with a resolution to read more books? I enjoy books that teach me things, encourage me, strengthen my Walk, and provide a little time away from my day to day life. If you do, too, let me introduce you to one that comes out January 16th. “Isaiah’s Daughter” by author Mesu Andrews is a fabulous Christian novel. I loved everything about it. This paperback by Waterbrook Publishers has a striking cover that immediately took me back to Old Testament times. There is a hefty total of 384 pages that might sound like a lot but they absolutely flew by. This novel was an absolute page turner. I could not put it down and yet did not want it to end. Author Andrews is a truly gifted wordsmith and gently lifts readers out of their chairs to place them smack dab in the middle of her setting. I felt like I was there in Israel and Judah myself.

“Isaiah’s Daughter” by author Mesu Andrews is a fabulous Christian novel. This paperback by Waterbrook Publishers has a striking cover and is a hefty 384 pages that absolutely flew by. I could not put it down and yet did not want it to end. Author Andrews is a truly gifted wordsmith and gently lifts readers out of their chairs to place them smack dab in the middle of her setting. I felt like I was there myself.

Her latest novel is the tale of a young woman that has been taken into Isaiah’s household. Ishma is adopted by Isaiah and her name changed to Zibah, which means delight of the Lord. Isaiah is a prophet during a time when Israel has become divided in its religion. The North has turned its back on God and now worships false, pagan gods. The South, Judah, has remained faithful to Yahweh. It was a turbulent time.

Reading this book gave me a glimpse into the life and struggles of the Israelites. There was a big struggle between good and evil, right and wrong, worshipping God or the idols. That is why Abba sent prophets to speak to men and turn them from their wicked ways. In her wonderfully written novel, the author tells us the love story of Judah’s King Hezekiah and Queen Hephzibah as well as the love story of Yahweh for His people. It teaches us about the culture and customs of that time. Her book encourages us to put our trust in God now, even as they did in Old Testament times.

Characters in “Isaiah’s Daughter” absolutely come alive because of the writing. They are well defined so that each one is like a new friend that I have just made. Dialogue rings true to what I imagined it would be back then. The book is written in a narrative. I liked that as it made me feel closer to the characters. Not much is written about or know of women from biblical times. Men are deemed more important and recorded. Reading about a woman was nice.

I highly recommend this book. It has so much to offer. If you like romance, history, inspiration, learning, adventure, suspense, intrigue, and having a Bible story come to life, this book is for you. It would be great for a book club. So many things were in it that I wanted to discuss with my reading friends. You will, also. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars. Preorder yours before January 16th to receive goodies!

A Word for the New Year

Posted on January 3, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Happy 2018! The new year is here and brings with it possibilities for all types of good things. Have you done anything to make a change from last year or help this year become better than 2017? I would like to invite you to do something my best friend taught me to do. When you are in your quiet place talking to Jesus, ask Him to give you a word for the new year. Design That’s right, your very own word that offers encouragement or inspiration for the year. Maybe He will give you more than just one. Whatever it is you need, He will give.

For 2017 my word was restoration. My husband had been very ill and had an operation. Abba gave me “restoration” as encouragement that things will be better. Throughout the illness a lot has changed and been lost, so restoration gave me hope that what had been taken away would be replenished through God’s grace and mercy. It would not only be replaced but restored by God which means a full, overflowing measure. My friend received the word “joy” to remind her of the happiness that abounds all around her.

My word for the year 2018 is “family” and I am eager to learn why. Could it mean our family is increasing? The family might not be my immediate family at all but the Family of God. Maybe I will help lead others into His family. Perhaps relationships within our family will change. I have no idea why I received this word, but I am praying about it and the reason. God will reveal it to me in His perfect time.

Are you wondering how to receive your word? First you need to ask. Pray to our loving Savior Jesus and ask Him to provide you with a word. After that be aware. Watch and listen. You will see or hear your word. It might standout in everything you read. For example, if your word is “hope” you may read “hope” in many scriptures or even a billboard. Friends might tell you about a book or song they found and love on that subject. Artwork at a store may have that word in it. A waitress might have a tattoo that says it or even be named Hope. Your word will surround you. Perhaps you will hear your word. In the silence as you chat with Jesus, listen for His voice. It might come as a soft whisper faintly coming to your mind. When you ask and receive, do not worry that you might miss it. If something is meant for you, you will get it. There are no coincidences, just God at work.

Okay, you have asked and received your word, now what. Treasure that word and watch for the lessons it has to teach you. Pray about your word. It should bring comfort, encouragement, and hope to you. You might use it to minister or testify to others. This one little word could change your year and your Walk with God making them both better in more ways than you could ever imagine. Happy 2018. May you find your word, start a new tradition, and have a blessed year.

Writing Our 2018 Story

Posted on January 1, 2018January 1, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

We have closed the last page of our life story for 2017. I hope it was a best seller in your eyes. A new year brings a new beginning or book. It comes in with a blank page or clean slate. Are you hoping the year that begins today is better than the one that just finished?
A new year carries endless possibilities with it. I read posts on Facebook stating that New Year’s Day was the beginning of a blank 365 page book for each one of us, and that we should write a good one. Some claimed 2017 to be the worst year on record for them. Others wrote about the things they wanted to improve upon or change starting today.

Let me challenge you. Get a brand new journal and write down an outline for your 2018 story. I know it hasn’t happened yet, but think about what you would like to happen. For me reconnecting with some old, dear friends is very important and long overdue. My Christian novel remains half written so 2018 is the perfect year to complete it. Cookbook #2 is a little closer to being finished but needs work. Any year past, present, and future is the time to deepen my relationship and walk with Jesus. Of course I need and want to get healthier, too. In August 2017 I began a new venture selling a Pampered Chef. It is my hope to improve on that this year. How about those goals? Pages and chapters for me to live and write.

Will you partner with me? We could try it together and encourage each other. Over our blank pages we need to speak and pray positivity. Begin by asking God’s will to be done. Thank Him for guiding and directing. No more “I can’t lose weight, I am stressed and too busy, or it is never gonna happen.” Replace those with “absolutely I will lose weight, there is time, and yes, it will happen!”

Get your inspiration from your Life’s Rule Book or Holy Bible and your Heavenly Father. Design Scripture will give you the help, peace, and strength you need. Remember the verse in Matthew that says “With God all things are possible?” How about in Philippians where it tells us “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Proverbs gives great counsel “Trust in the Lord with all your heart….” We need to commit Bible verses to memory and claim the promises they give.

Keep me updated on your happy story. Working together we can make a positive difference in 2018. We will start with each other and see what trickles down from there. I think it is time to turn a “no” into a “go”! It is exciting to realize that we have the pen and blank paper for our 2018 story, not to mention the best Editor ever. I am ready to start my new story. Are you?

God Has 2018 and You

Posted on December 31, 2017December 30, 2017 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Goodbye, 2017 and hello, 2018! Here we are again. Another year is winding down to a close. Don’t worry. There is a brand new one just waiting to take 2017’s place. Whether this has been your best, worst, or just an average year, it is time to take inventory and plan for the next one. Do you have expectations for 2018 or yourself? A new year is wonderful. It’s like getting a blank piece of paper to begin a new chapter in your story. Exciting, isn’t it?!

Do you have a tradition for New Year’s Eve or Day? Many people start the year with a resolution or two. Not a bad idea, but how many resolutions make it all year? Grand plans and hopes turn to ashes when someone offers a piece of homemade fudge or favorite cookie. Even a 75% off sale and crash plans for saving more money. My hubby made a resolution a decade or more ago that he continues to keep……”to stop making New Year’s resolutions.” Perhaps I should try that one. My resolutions don’t seem to make it very long.

Let me offer another thing to try along with your resolution. One tradition that I love to do is to think about my prayer list. Design On it is usually one item that seems greater than any of the others. If you have a prayer list you know the one I mean. It is the one you give over to Jesus to handle and take to the Father. Then later that day you start fretting over it again and try to tell Him how to work it out. (How silly!) You pick it back up and cannot seem to give it away. The problem is so big and seems unsolvable. Oh, but I have great news for you. God is bigger and more powerful than anything. Period. He is also in the business of miracles.

This is all I do. I will take a piece of paper and jot down that problem which has now become a mountain. When I pray about it now, I completely surrender it to Jesus, throw it in the fireplace and watch it burn. Design As it is eaten up by flames and disintegrated, I give thanks that the problem is out of my hands and into His. I have totally surrendered it. He is doing what needs done according to His perfect will. Before my prayer ends the paper has turned to ashes, tears stream down my cheeks, and my worry has vanished. I am at peace.

Try it with one of your problems that has grabbed onto you and won’t let go. God said not to worry. We can do that only by praying and turning things over to Him. He is good and He is faithful. God won’t let us down. Go into 2018 with one less issue hanging over your head, and with you holding on to Jesus’s hand. Give it to Him. Trust Him. He has this, He has 2018, and He has you!

Design

Book Review: Big Book of Bible Heroes Devotionals

Posted on December 22, 2017December 21, 2017 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Do you read a devotional? Do your kids and grandkids? It is never too early to start the habit of feeding your spirit and mind with the good nutrition it needs. I love giving (and receiving) devotional for Christmas. With the New Year just a week away, it is the perfect time to begin or continue a practice of reading something everyday that will enrich your life and deepen your Walk. Children need this, too.

“My Big Book of Bible Heroes Devotional” by author Glenn Hascall is a wonderful paperback devotional for children, boys and girls. Published by Barbour, this inspirational 160 page book has a vibrant eyecatching cover with a golden sunburst overlaid with four biblical heroes. Inside are stories printed on thick glossy paper of fifty heroes and heroines from the Bible. Each story is three pages long and written for easy understanding. Readers will find a reference where each story is in the Bible, scripture relating to the story, followed by the story or devotional and a prayer, and finishing up with discussion/study questions to help dig deeper into what was just read.

“My Big Book of Bible Heroes Devotional” includes a multitude of well known heroes and heroines such as David, Mary, Ruth, Daniel, and Samson. There are also some less familiar people included which will teach children their stories, too. This is an educational and encouraging devotional for girls and boys aged 7 to 12. The reading level is 2nd/3rd and the message is not only interesting but thought provoking. This devotional shows kids that heroes are everyday people. God uses and loves us all.

It would make a great devotional for grade school children and even lower middle schoolers. Family devotion time would be a perfect time to read this and discuss the Bible. Each story would make a nice bedtime read, too. Church libraries and classes would benefit from having one. I highly recommend this devotional and have one wrapped up for my eight year old grandson. Start something great for 2018 for someone young. You will be deeply rewarded and filled with joy by the seedsyou are planting today.

What is Your Christmas Tradition?

Posted on December 21, 2017December 21, 2017 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Grandmother’s family had a tradition of playing the Christmas Gift game. Does your family do this? I would love to hear your story of it. Only Grandmother did it and the older I get the more I wish we had kept the tradition alive in our family. Growing up I listened in wonderment as my proper Grandmother turned back into a fun loving girl again. In the game of Christmas Gift, the first person to say “Christmas Gift” earned the first gift, an extra gift, for that day. Grandmother would answer her phone “Christmas Gift” instead of the normal “Merry Christmas” as the majority of people do. She loved that game. It reminded her of her childhood and holidays at home. Research on this game revealed that it could be done for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It started as a custom that was broadly practiced by families from the southern parts of the United States. My Grandmother (paternal) grew up near Richmond, Kentucky and was definitely a fine Southern lady.

My daughter-in-law has German heritage and continues a German Christmas tradition. On their Christmas each year is a hidden glass pickle ornament. The lucky person to find the ornament is supposed to receive a finder’s gift and good fortune for the next year. It is said that these ornaments were first sold in the United States in 1880.

I don’t remember any other specific Christmas traditions. Sure we decorate, make cookies and candy, and visit family. Nothing exceptional or out of the ordinary. We used to have a progressive dinner for my mother and her siblings. That could be a blog in itself. Now things are just toned down.

Toned down describes Jesus’ birth. Nothing elaborate and fancy. Born in a stable with shepherds as messengers to spread the news. Jesus had humble beginnings and taught humility. I looked up the meaning of humble: having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s own importance, not haughty, arrogant, assertive, or proud. Wow – if anyone had a reason to feel important or know He was important, it was Jesus, but He acted like a servant to all. Jesus was not proud, conceited, or arrogant. He did not push people around or assert Himself. Jesus resonated love, purity, goodness, and patience. He taught us what things really mattered. Lessons in riches showed us that our treasures are not here on Earth in things but in Heaven with Him and the Father. His family is our family. We should love and care for them as He wants us.

This year just might be the perfect time to start a new Christmas tradition. One that is pleasing to and lead by Jesus. Pray about it, open your heart and mind. Maybe some type of donation or charity would be for your family. Perhaps buying some livestock, chickens or seed for someone makes your heart sing. If you decide on one, I would love to hear about it. “Peace on Earth and goodwill to men.”

What do you think of when someone says Christmas?

Posted on December 20, 2017December 20, 2017 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Christmas. One word but very powerful. What do you think about when someone says Christmas? Quick….what was your first thought? Family? Food? Cookie making? Decorations? Santa? Gifts? The Nativity?Baby Jesus? There are so many things associated with Christmas. Right?! It takes days to prepare for it. It is the same date every year, December 25th, but some years it seems to come quicker than others for me. This year is one of them, but it is coming whether I am ready or not.

One thing that keeps me sane and grounded instead of frenzied is to remember it is Advent. Do you participate in Advent? Advent Season is in the end stages now so I have had twenty days to get my priorities in order. Christians start December 1st preparing their hearts and minds for the true meaning of Christmas. Even if you did not begin December 1st, it is never too late to jump in. Reflecting on God is what I do first. What better place to start than with God for anything? Think about the powerful Maker of everything deeming we needed help here on Earth so He came down as a baby. Living life among us, Jesus changed our lives forever. Literally, He changed our eternity.

Our Father, Creator, God Almighty came to Earth not as a royal prince, waited on hand and foot. Oh no! He came to an everyday couple, lowly not affluent. Everything did not go what we think of as perfect, but it went according to God’s plan. The couple was out of town with no place to stay when Mary’s labor began, and they were allowed to take shelter in a stable or cave along with animals. Mary had her baby away from home, friends, and midwives to give birth amidst animals. That was God’s plan. His plan also included His Son being beaten and crucified later in life. Jesus made a bridge between God and man. We are now able to go straight to our Heavenly Father and ask for forgiveness for our sins. Our debts have been paid by the Lamb of God. No more sacrifices are necessary. Jesus opened Heaven’s doors for us. He set us free and it cost us nothing. We just need to receive His gift, believe He is God’s Son, and repent of our sins.

Take a few minutes out of the hectic, Christmas rush today. Stop wrapping presents and baking cookies. Give shopping a break. Grab a cup of hot tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Find a quiet place to sit where you won’t be disturbed. Spend some quiet time with your Creator. The One that cared enough about you that He sent His Son to Earth to give you salvation is waiting to hear from you this Advent. Let Him help you prepare your heart. Don’t stress and worry that things are not getting done. You don’t need to spend hours in prayer. Let the Holy Spirit guide you. Even if it is 3 or 5 minutes it will be well worth it. Spending time with God in prayer will reward you in ways you could never imagine.

Is it Better to Give, Receive or Both?

Posted on December 15, 2017December 14, 2017 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Have you finished your gift shopping? Christmas is right around the corner. For me it seems like one day the leaves were just beginning to turn and then poof….it’s time to wrap Christmas presents. Let’s talk about presents. What is your view on gift-giving? Are you more of a giver or receiver? Which gives you more satisfaction and joy? Perhaps you like both. I do. Giving gifts is a privilege, and getting them is a real treat. I love how it makes me feel to know someone cared enough to spend time on me. I feel loved.

It gives me great delight to choose and buy the perfect gift for people I love. I have a chance to reflect upon that person, his/her life, and our relationship while I peruse a variety of things. A lot of thought and time goes into each purchase. Many times prayer does, also. I strive to make the person receiving my gift surprised and happy, but most of all loved and special. I want them to know that I pay attention to their lives, that they are important.

“I’m not a fan of gift cards…”

That is why I am not a fan of gift cards. Why do people just trade money with each other? In essence, it isn’t a gift exchange. To me it is basically saying “you aren’t adequate to choose something for me.” Gift cards are the most impersonal gifts next to slipping money in an envelope. Harsh words I agree, but it has been heavy on my heart and mind for a long time. Don’t get me wrong, there is a time and place for both money and gift cards. However, each and every holiday is a bit too much.

Unfortunately for some, gift giving has evolved into a chore and not an act of love. Not me, I thrive in showing my love through gifts and not gift cards. My spirit is crushed when I hear “let’s draw names to cut down on expense”. Money shouldn’t be a problem in gift giving. There are many gifts that can be made. It really is the thought that counts. One year my son made every gift he gave. That was over twenty years ago and we are still talking about it. Gifts should come from the heart, wrapped in love. They should relate to others that we thought about them during this Season of Miracles and Love. They should let others know how important they are to us, as important as a teacher or mailman. They should build memories, happy ones.

Gifts should not make Christmas stressful. Gifts should make it happier for both giver and receiver. Think about the very first Christmas. “Joy to the World.” Jesus was the gift to us. A miracle gift of love. Sent from God to all of us. He wasn’t sent to make our lives harder or stressful. No, not at all. He was sent as our Savior to set us free! Jesus taught and spread love. He paid our debt and gave us the best gift of all. Eternal life. Yes, I love to give and receive gifts. His gift just happens to be my favorite one. How about you? Have you accepted His gift?