Advent Devotional Day 10

Today's lesson was about Immanuel. It was about how an angel told Joseph that Jesus would be called Immanuel, meaning God is with us. The message that "God is with us" has appeared in many places in my life lately. As I struggle with learning (over and over again it seems) patience for God to show me His plan regarding a couple of areas of my life. I keep hearing in different places a gentle reminder that in the midst of my frustration with developing patience, God is with me. I heard it today in Sunday School. I heard it in this devotional. I heard it at a funeral I attended earlier this week. And so this was an easy message for me to talk to the boys about, because it is one that has been on my mind a lot lately.

And as I think about what I'm waiting for God's guidance on (truly simple things in the grand scheme), I think about Joseph and his visit from that angel. Here's a guy who is engaged to a woman, and finds out: (1) she's pregnant; and (2) not only it is not his, it's God's. Talk about trusting God. Wow. But Joseph knew God would be with him, just like he is with you and me today.

Today's ornament is a hand with the word Immanuel on it. A reminder that God is always with us. He sent His son, Jesus to live among us and die for us. He is always walking with us. And the Holy Spirit lives in us. I am trying to remember that when I feel most lost (now is not one of those times by the way), He is right there.

I wrote the word "God" on the boys' arms tonight so that tomorrow when they looked down at their arm, they could be reminded that God is with them.

Max hung the ornament (on a blue light)

Our tree update.

About a decade ago, someone told me about a great way to remind yourself that God is with you, so I thought I'd pass it along. I do a lot of my talking to God in the car. I commute, and I just find that it's a time of silence for me. (it also helps with the road rage...just saying). Anyway, someone advised me to put a little sticky note in my dashboard that says "Invite me to come with you. --God" Of course God doesn't need an invite. He is always there. But He is there waiting for you and me to engage with Him. So the note is really a prompt for me to talk to Him. And I have found that I do so much more since the note took it's spot right next to my fuel gauge about 10 years ago. Try it. Maybe you'll find that the car ride is a great time to share a conversation with the guy who wants to talk to you more than anyone else in the world.

~Miles' Mommy