Farmhouse Christmas Blessings

I have a tradition that I started 5 years ago during some difficult times. Every December in the stress and emotions that comes with the Christmas season, I pause (selah) and listen for God to speak a word in my heart. Something better than a New Year’s resolution, to carry me through the next year! 

The Christmas season can be difficult for many reasons, and I know God doesn’t want me hurting at this special time, or ever. 

My pause settles my spirit and forces me to quiet myself to hear Him. 

 

The first word God laid on my heart for 2019 was Strength, and along with that was this scripture Proverbs 31:25-26 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

I can't tell you how many times these words were whispered to me throughout the year, in my studies, in sermons, in my prayer time and devotions. God strengthened me that year more than I could have ever imagined. 

Isaiah 55:9 As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 

2019 was a difficult year, but a beautiful year as well! I was drawn in close, I wrestled with God and I experienced all His blessings! God encouraged me in these words in every circumstance I faced that year, building my character with each one. 

Romans 5:3-5”And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.“

As I reflect on all that God brought me through, all the prayers that He answered, as I continued this new Christmas tradition, I prayed for my word and scripture for 2020 and it was “Hope” and the scripture given along with it was.

Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. 

I was excited to soar and to see what God had to show me in 2020! I had much Hope in the Lord!

But again, 2020 was another tough year. 

God does not promise no pain, He does promise He will never leave us. We are called to pick up our cross and follow Him. 

We lost my father-in-law that year and that brought us here. To the farm he grew up on.

Another Christmas tradition I used to enjoy, was making homemade gifts. What is better than a gift made from the heart, Right!

Here are a few of my favorite things I’ve made.

Some kitchen gadgets, a light fixture for my new office out of an antique funnel and a bit of glam and my favorite nightstand made out of an antique shipping container box.

If you receive a Hand Made gift this Christmas, you're receiving more than just an object. You are receiving hundreds of hours of failures and experimentations. You are receiving days, weeks and months of frustration and moments of Pure Joy. You aren't just receiving a Thing: you are getting a piece of their heart, part of their Soul, a moment of someone's life. So when receiving handmade rather than store bought know in your heart that someone Loves you a Lot!

I hope that you are Blessed this Christmas season. May you pause and hear God whisper into your heart.