12/12/12

Well its that magical day of 12/12/12 thought I should post something. I was just thinking on the way home tonight about what I love about the Christmas season. It's not about the presents or the gifts but the presence  of the people around me and of course Jesus Christ. All the glory goes to Him, I owe Him my life. I was thinking about this as I passed all the houses filled with lights and trees adorned in the windows. Its traditions that have passed by, that won't be amended because people are different and circumstances are different, but you know what Jesus is always the same. Which is something great to count on.

Don't lose hope, because Jesus will give you all the hope you will ever need!

Living with Shadows

Two days ago, I went to this incredible dinner put on by my church for the women. It was themed "the sweetest Christmas." The speaker was my good friend Sarah H, from church. I can only say we met by God's will only, since I don't think anything is just a coincidence. I was told she had a blog, and an almost instant friendship was sparked. But if you ask me, I think it was in God's plan all along for us to be friends. I have learned so much from her and through that Jesus.

Lately, I have been ignoring Jesus. Not that I have been doing it deliberately, but the excuses of  being tired, or simply busy, comes to mind often. Through all this Jesus has been very persistent and finally through the words of my friend, Sarah, I was able to put all the pieces together. 

I have titled this post, "Living with Shadows," because lately that's how I feel. But God tells me a whole other story. Thanks to Sarah, I was able to visualize some images that God has been trying to portray a message for me. So I have been seeing the word "shadows" everywhere. I was originally thinking it was because of what I lacked, such as lack of friends, and lack of support. The definitions of shadow are; a dark figure or image cast on the ground or some surface by a body intercepting light, shade or comparative darkness, as in an area, shadows, darkness especially that coming after a sunset, shelter or protection, and a slight suggestion or trace. While reading through the definitions, did you not picture each description? I did.

My thoughts were wrong, I thought the shadows meant that I was supposed to be secluded, in the dark, alone. Again God shows me that is not the truth. Some days I feel when God can finally share what he is trying to get across. So like I have read in Sarah's blog postings, I imagine Jesus talking to me.

Jesus: Nicole, my child. You have it all wrong. What you are going through is not your fault...it has always been my plan for you to go through this type of season in your life. You seem to forget that when others leave, I don't. Shadows aren't bad things like most people think, for you, I want you to know that you see shadows because of the light you provide. It's not the absence or lack of something, but to remind you who is truly important in you life. 

Wow! Such truth and wisdom! I am so thankful for everything that I have learned over the past few days and weeks and yes, even months. Its hard but relying on the truth can lead to so much more greater things. God is always teaching, just have to give him more time to listen in. I may face trials and seasons of uncertainty, but God is there even in the shadows.