Hey there…

Hey there,

It’s been a little while since I’ve last checked in with you. How’ve you been?

I bet if I was sitting across from you at a cozy little coffee shop you’d have some big things to share.

It feels like over the past few years we’ve been bamboozled with big things.

I’m sure we could bring up some blessings that have dropped into our lives (I know I’m grateful for those) but I’m also sure we could bring up some deep hardships, loss, transitions, and trials we and our loved ones are going through too.

There are a lot of people I know and love that are going through hard things right now. Broken relationships, job loss, a scary diagnosis, sickness, difficult decisions, and mourning the death of a loved one… just to name a few.

As we make our way through December, and before jumping into 2022, I just want to remind you that it’s ok to dig into where God has YOU right now, give yourself some grace, and take care of your heart with Jesus’ help.

As the pace and demands of the day-to-day pick up here at the Christmas season, it’s ok to take some breathing time. I’m choosing the events that bring me joy, serving where I feel most led, and giving grace to myself and others with making plans.

The thing is, we aren’t built to hold all of the pain, change, and constant tension life throws our way in one minute and then be expected to be footloose and fancy free the next.

I think this Fall has been a time of metamorphosis and transition for me from the past to the new and unknown and is probably why I have felt kind of “off” more often than not.

I’m reminding myself to keep rooting in where God has me in this moment and that has helped me to not feel overwhelmed about the unknowns of next year.

Where has God placed you this December? Who are your closest relationships? Where are you working? Where are you going to church?

How is your relationship with Jesus?

In a time where change is cool when it’s convenient and opinions are not hard to find, remember there is no perfect way to celebrate the holidays ahead, no perfect workplace, no perfect church, and no perfect family.

We grow where we sow and our relationship with God, just like with our loved ones, is enhanced by how much we put into it.

Are you digging into the Word on your own time, praying consistently, and asking Jesus for His help?

Please don’t rely on your preacher to grow your faith for you, your friends to have the best advice for what you’re going through, or your job to provide for all of your needs.

We need Jesus. He is there for us in ways no human can understand. He is equipped to lead, guide, and counsel us.

We just have to let Him.

So I’m looking around where He has me this December and remembering what is truly important.

I think we’ve all learnt what is truly important these past few years.

If you’re hurting this season, struggling to make a decision, or feeling somewhat disconnected, you’re not alone.

Will you go to God with me, lift up in prayer those we know and love who are hurting, be softer with each other over the next few weeks, dig into His Word for our own wisdom and understanding, and take it all in one day at a time?

I can think of no better way to end a year.

Love,

Mandy