A Hallelujah Chorus

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                                                                              Source: via Sarah on Pinterest

 

Will you join me today in meditating on some powerful Scripture?  Not sure if you have ever had a chance to study the Old Testament prophesy of the birth of our King Jesus–many many many years before the actual event. It puts me in a state of awe to read verses in the Old Testament and see them fulfilled with the life of our Messiah, Jesus. It leaves no doubt in my mind that our God has grand plans and He follows through with them.

One such passage of Scripture paints a beautiful picture of the character of Jesus: Isaiah 9:6. I grew up in a very traditional church where the formal choir and orchestra performed Handel’s Messiah each Christmas season. There is something to be said for the formality of choir robes, large orchestras and  a chorus of singers desiring to lift up the name of Jesus in traditional hymns. It leads me to a more reverent posture as I worship my Lord.

I invite you to read this Scripture and take a look at the two videos below. Afterword if you don’t have the Hallelujah Chorus stuck in your head, I will give you your money back. (wink, wink).

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

 

For Unto Us A Child Is Born from Handel: Messiah

Hallelujah Chorus from Handel: Messiah

 

I’m wondering if you are ready to embrace Jesus as your…

~Wonderful Counselor. This is no end to His wisdom and authority. An authority and power coupled with His WONDERFUL grace, mercy and love. Will you submit to Him as your Wonderful Counselor?

~Almighty God. There is no other besides Him. He is the beginning and end; never changing. Due all of our worship and praise. Will you acknowledge the Lord as your ONE and only Almighty God –– handing over all other people or things that you put on a pedestal above Him?

~Everlasting Father. He desires to be your protector, to cover you with His presence as your daddy. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Will you let Him wrap His mighty arms around today?

~Prince of Peace. In a world of uncertainty where we look left and right: wars loom and injustice reigns, our God never relinquishes His control. He is the author and creator of Peace. In His ultimate timing peace will reign and prevail. Until then, will You trust God’s plan for His creation? Will you allow Him to pour peace into your daily happenings as your Prince of Peace?

 

This special child born in Bethlehem in a humble stable, was given to US.  This special King then died on the cross for each and everyone of US; taking on our sin and pouring out forgiveness. This Lord of Lords then rose from the dead for US; death could not hold Him in the grave because He is more powerful and He is LIFE. We are all welcome to call Him Wonderful Counselor, claim Him as our Almighty God, love Him like an Everlasting Father and be covered in His Princely Peace. It takes claiming just one more name of Jesus over our lives: Savior. It takes us submitting to Him as King as we hand over our sin to Him asking for forgiveness.

Have you ever asked Jesus into your heart as your Lord and Savior? He will change your life, your perspective and your eternal path. If you have yet to pray the prayer of salvation –– to pray to ask Jesus into your life –– join me in these words below. If you have prayed this prayer in the past and are living out the Kingship of Christ, I invite you to read this prayer as a memorial of the time when Jesus transformed your heart and took over your life.

Father God, I desire to worship You as my Lord and Savior. I desire to hand my life over to You and claim You as my King. Forgive me of my sins, Lord. I accept that You died on the cross for me and I submit to you as my savior. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus. Show me how to love and serve You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Did you pray this prayer for the first time? If so, leave a comment and I’d love to follow up with you via email. Or click on the button above that says Contact Sarah and let’s chat some more.

 

Now go, sing that Hallelujah Chorus all day with joy and reverence in your Heart for the special child that was born unto us that Christmas morning.

Out On Your Own: An Interview

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I’m super excited to bring in my friend Ruth Rutherford. You all might already be familiar with Ruth from her awesome blog, I Kissed My Date Goodnight.

I met Ruth this past summer at a conference and we instantly connected. As we were talking about life as a 30-something, I instantly knew I needed to have Ruth come on over to LIVE IT OUT! and share her story…or part of it. Ruth was so gracious to take sometime to answer some questions about the topic we covered in Stress Point: Out On Your Own. Take a look at what Ruth has to share.

~Ruth, can you give us some background on your personal story in how you moved “out on your own?”

I was born and raised in New Jersey, where I also attended college. The day after graduation, I packed up my car and drove to Music City, U.S.A. (that’s Nashville!) where I settled for five years. After that came a short stint in Austin, Texas, and now over two years in Washington, D.C. So, I’ve been living on my own for quite a while. My parents encouraged it from day one. They’ve never been the types to think living at home until marriage is the “only way” or the “Christian way.” I always know I have a home there if I want it, but they encourage my independence. After all, my dad left Argentina at 16 years old and came — by himself — to America. Daring, if you ask me!

 

~What was your biggest struggle or fear? How did you overcome it?

A couple years ago I was laid off from a job, and that was a tough time. As a single person, you bear all the financial burden. I can’t just depend on a husband to pay the bills until I find another job. I ended up shacking up at my parents’ house for a while until a job came through. It was humbling. They were generous and loving, but that didn’t make it any less embarrassing. But I think the lesson learned is that just because we’re single doesn’t mean we don’t have a support system. It’s important to reach out to family, friends, and church communities in times of need. That’s the Church in action!

 

~The challenging economy these days makes it difficult for many young adults to launch out from under the wing of their parents. Do you have any tips for my readers in how to overcome the financial stress of moving out on your own?

The economy is rough, that’s for sure. I know so many who are unemployed right now or struggling to make ends meet. My main advice is to be wise AND adventurous. Be wise: Don’t rely on credit cards, save up for emergencies, don’t borrow for things you don’t need, work hard, and pray. (Can you tell I like Dave Ramsey?) But… be adventurous, too!: Move out, get a cheap apartment, get roommates to split the rent, live without cable TV for a while, learn how to cook cheap, delicious meals, and PRAY!. You can do it! Heck, I had FOUR roommates and TWO jobs when I first moved to Nashville! Focus on the stuff that living on your own offers — independence, freedom, fun. The other things will work out over time. God is faithful like that.

 

More about my friend Ruth:

Ruth Rutherford studied Journalism at Rutgers University and has spent over a decade writing and ghostwriting for various authors, publishers, and publications. She currently works as a writer and editor for a large government consulting firm in Washington, D.C., and continues to blog about her dating adventures at ikissedmydategoodnight.com. She’s passionate about facilitating a healthy, realistic conversation about Christian dating, and helping singles of all ages realize the amazing adventures we’re called to lead — with or without a ring.

 

Ok…so…wasn’t that awesome advice?! Would love for you to share your thoughts about the topic of Moving Out On Your Own.

Leave a comment…let’s chat!

The LIST

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Whohoo! Friday!!

As we are coming off the Thanksgiving holiday and moving into the Christmas season, I think it is easy to get caught up in the busy-ness of life. I thought this week we might take some time to reflect on the blessings God showers on our lives. This helps us to stay grounded and keeps us from the whole “grass is always greener” frame of mind.

So, here we go…here’s my LIST: Things I L.O.V.E. about my life.

~I love that I get to work from home…sometimes in my comfy track suit sans make-up. (Not always a pretty sight!)

~I love that I get to connect with women all over the globe via the words that God gives me to write in books and on this blog.

~I love that I have a husband who loves Jesus.

~I love that the winter time (non-humid weather) affords me many good hair days.

~I love that I have a corner in my house that has all “girly” pinks, purples, turquoise, etc Christmas decor.

So this list is by far not exhaustive. I could (and should) list more and count my blessings on a daily basis.

Your turn. Take some time to LIST what you love about your life. Silly or serious. Really try hard to list as many as you can come up with. The longer the LIST, the BETTER!

Can’t wait to see your LIST! Go for it…leave a comment!