I look at my life and want to start anew this Christmas season. This past year filled with challenges that seem to knock me down. I wanted to break through, but sometimes I feel that trials broke me.
This Sunday at church a special speaker shared about finding rest in Christ based on these famous verses from Matthew:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)
How do I start returning to Him this Christmas season. I felt I never left. I wrote extensively about this in my New Year post at the beginning of 2018.
From the Sunday’s sermon I learned that I cannot create my own breakthroughs without first surrendering to Him fully. I also have to realize who I am in Christ. I am created in His image. I also have to forgive others as Christ has forgiven me.
Living this Christian life is a constant battle. We start with Christ and we cling to Him. His work on earth did not stop with His birth. He lived to die for each of us. That is the true spirit of Christmas that we must start with.
We also must pray for each other daily and uplift each other in times of trial.
Will you start with me today as seek deeper meaning this season?
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I wrote this post for the 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes and the Write 31 Days 2018 challenge.
You can learn more about the 31 Days of of Five Minute Free Writes 2018 by clicking on the icon below:
The 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes is annual tradition inspired by the Write 31 Days challenge, which takes place every October.
You can see other blog posts by visiting my introductory page: 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes: A Faith Journey. I plan to continue writing this series until each day is covered. This post also begins my yearly Advent series. Thank you for your support.
Now on to our weekly linkup. First, please follow me on your social media. I love to hear from you:
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Next, lets review last week’s linkup.
Last Week’s Top Clicked
And My Favorite Post
It does not happen often, but this week, my favorite post is also the most clicked.
CHRISTMAS HOPE…LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS
This post really resonated with me as I continue my own struggles with darkness this Holiday Season. Like Lesley, I plan to cling to Christ. I can’t wait to read her series this month. I highly recommend you follow her today.
Want to be the next to be featured! Just link up a post and if you are read the most, we will feature you. Also please make sure you link back to our community so others will know about our link up and join in. I will try to make it worth your while to linkup by promoting your posts across my social media networks. I will also pin my most clicked and featured posts to our #LMMLinkup Pinterest Board each week!
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Now, it is time to link up to the Literacy Musing Mondays hop!
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Yes, I will start with you today. I am so sorry your challenges have been many in 2018. Praying for a spectacular 2019
Maree Dee recently posted…How Can You Make a Difference Today? – Grace & Truth Link-Up
Hi again Mary! I wanted to let you know that your post is featured on this week’s Friday Fellowship Link Up. 🙂 Thank you for sharing and stop by to link up again!
Julie recently posted…4 Reminders About Our Heavenly Father (Link Up)
I’m slow getting to the link up this week. But your words are so truthful. We must work hard on the humility part.
Mandy recently posted…When we See as God Sees
Very lovely post. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful weekend.
Patrick Weseman recently posted…Sahara Library Bookstore
Beautiful. Visiting you today from the fellowship friday link up. laurensparks.net
Lauren, thank you so much for your kind words.
And surrender isn’t a one-time thing, is it? We have to do it repeatedly, in most cases. We have a tendency to pick our problems back up instead of truly resting in Him. Thanks for sharing. Most of us, starting with me, can relate!
Donna Reidland recently posted…“Living in Light of Eternity” December 4
Your honesty is refreshing. Makes us feel less alone in our trials and struggles, so thank you for that. As you said, “We also must pray for each other daily and uplift each other in times of trial.” We have to be better about praying for one another. But also, if we are in the midst of a trail, we have to vulnerable enough to share our struggles so we can receive the prayer we need. This is a great reminder of that. Thank you again for linking up at Friday Fellowship!
Julie recently posted…Favorite Christmas Books for Families
I hear you Mary! I agree I cling to Him too & can’t do this life without Him nor have any desire to!
Ahh to have a deeper revelation in Him!
Praying with you 😀
Blessings to you,
Jennifer
Tea With Jennifer recently posted…What does Mercy mean?
Thank you for featuring my post! I’m glad it encouraged you. I love those verse you share. It is good to remember that it’s not all about us striving but that we can come to Jesus and receive his rest!
Lesley recently posted…Christmas Hope… In Unlikely Places
Dear Mary,
Oh, yes, I am joining with you in that deeper surrender to see HIS precious presence in the midst of the storms and trials. He brings us His own beauty right there. And during this Advent Season, there is a special waiting to see Him that can fill us with His hope. I am so thankful for your honest heart-sharing that you offer here. Blessings!
BettieG recently posted…A Gift of Joy
I appreciate being included in some bloggers’ prayers and try to reciprocate. Thank you for reminding us of the meaning of the season!
Laurie recently posted…Runfessions – November Edition
Such an important and relevant truth and verse for this hectic season, Mary! I’m so sorry that you continue to walk through trials of every kind, but I’m grateful that you persevere in trusting and resting in the Lord–pointing others to do the same! Praying for you, my friend!
Those verses in Matthew are some of my faves. Have you read it in the Message version? I just love it!
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Rebecca Hastings recently posted…9 Things I’ve Learned This Fall
So true, Mary , that in this following life we are dependent upon Him even for the first step of focused adoration and thanksgiving for all that His coming has brought to us. Thank you for making the effort, by faith, and for documenting your thoughts here so we could all benefit.
Michele Morin recently posted…Are You Ready to Receive the Gift of Advent?
Michelle thank you so much for you continued support.
Mary Hill recently posted…Where Do I Start To Find the True Christmas Spirit?