Gateways to Joy

"Where are you?" I love how Ann asks this question.  How she opens up the chapter with it.  It certainly wasn't what I was expecting. This question involves participation on the reader's part.  I feel like she is saying to really take part in the advent of the Mesiah we need to know, where we are? Ann says, "Our fall was, has been, and always will be, that we aren't satisfied in God and what He gives."  Ouch. Lord knows this is true of me, and sadly often times, I can feel justified in feeling this way.   What about you?  Where are you? Jesus is calling for you Where are you? Today the writer invites us to sing a worship song or Christmas carol {or two or three}, and invite Him to come and be with you. Here's your moment to reflect: 1.  What would you say if God called out to you now, "Where are you?" 2.  What does it mean to you that God seeks you out and finds you when you are far from Him? 3.  What places deep withi...

Yesterday, I forgot to go over the reflections of the days reading with you.  Can you believe I am sick! My children seem to think it's funny because I never, ever get sick.  I'm always caring for them, but now they are having to care for me. Anyway, moving on to day 2 of the greatest gift: Today's reading comes from Genesis 1:1-5, 26-27 Ask yourself: "What could you create today with a gentle heart of love {a letter, a treat, a surprise}?"   Then . . . Create something out of your love. A moment of reflection: 1.  What causes you to pause in wonder? 2.  What does it mean to you that you were made out of the overflow of God's love? 3.  Think of three people who are not easy to love.  What would it look like to love those people with God's love? ****** I would love to know what you all created or even better see pictures of it.  Do me a favor please.  If you are participating in reading the book or following along ...

For the next 24 days my family and I will read, "The Greatest Gift," by Ann Voskamp.  After going through the book, I wasn't sure if my children would be able to understand Ann's poetic writing, so I somewhat broke it down in plain English, just a bit, that way I wouldn't have to keep going back asking them if they understood and rereading certain parts. What I wrote for them, I've decided to post here for those of you who are interested in going through the daily readings, but for whatever reason can't afford to get the book.  I'm also sharing because I want to open the door for other's who are participating in the daily readings to have a place where we can collectively get together and share our stories and pictures.  For that reason I've added a link up.  Also if you are interested there is a private Facebook group which has started for those who are reading the book.  You can go here to their page and request to participate. ...