Remember last March, when we thought our lives would be back to normal by May? June at the latest. Okay, July. Could be August. September? Nope.
Now it’s October. The bright blue skies and colorful leaves are as beautiful as ever, but nothing is quite the same this season. Where we go, what we do, who we see, how we connect, and when we travel — even across town — is different now.
Even so, God is the same yesterday and today and forever. His mercies remain new every morning. And He continues to recreate us in the image of His Son.
Here’s one verse to help us stay the course this season:
Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:24
Put on the new self,… Ephesians 4:24
Yes, please. Because I am so tired of my old self. Aren’t you? I’m weary of being that woman who frets and fusses and dithers and delays and keeps planting her stake in the ground with one hand, and then pulling it out with the other.
The Lord knows us well, which is why this is a command, not a suggestion. “Start living a new life” (NIrV), He tells us. “Put on your new nature” (NLT) and “be that new person” (ERV).
I love how He makes it so visual for us. “Enrobe yourself” (OJB), His Word says. “Put on the clean fresh clothes of the new life” (PHILLIPS).
Sister, we know all about clothes. About getting dressed three times in one morning, trying to figure out what to wear. But our spiritual selves? Vastly more significant and a far better way to invest our time and energy.
Help us, Lord. Fashion our made-new selves in a way that’s pleasing to You.
…created to be like God… Ephesians 4:24
This is the new self God is eager to see: the one that looks like Him.
Since we were “created according to God’s image” (CEB) and “made by God’s design” (PHILLIPS), He is providing all the strength we need to lay aside our old lives — the bad habits, the wasted hours, the pointless purchases, the uncharitable thoughts — and step into our new lives, “modeled after the very likeness of God” (VOICE).
He has in mind for each of us a fresh and vibrant life, “which is being created the way God intended it” (NTE). Yes, even in 2020, with all we’re going through. In fact, especially with all we’re going through, we need a restart, a reset, a rejuvenated faith in the One whose Holy Spirit lives in our hearts, remaking us from the inside out.
…in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:24
Okay, both those words give me pause. Can we really manage “the true life that is upright” (GNT) and hope to attain “genuine holiness” (NTE)?
The short answer is no. And yes, absolutely.
No, if we’re depending on our own willpower and effort. Yes, if we trust entirely in God, who alone has the power to produce in us “the righteousness and holiness that flow from the truth” (CJB).
Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase of this verse captures His truth perfectly:
“Take on an entirely new way of life — a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you” (Ephesians 4:24 MSG).
Lord Jesus, please help us. We don’t simply want to be better. We want to be different, altogether new, remade in Your image and for Your glory. Amen and amen.
A new season with my sisters
For eight Sunday evenings, October 11 through November 29, I’ll be teaching The Women of Christmas Sundays@Seven on Facebook LIVE at 7pm ET/6pm CT/5pm MT/4pm PT. Thousands of women joined us the first night. We’d love to see next week!
Not on Facebook? Sunday nights won’t work? No problem. As soon as the live event ends, I’ll post a link on my website that anyone can watch, even if you don’t have a Facebook account. Look for it on this page on my website. Scroll down a bit and you’ll find the latest video link and the printable handout.
Each week’s video will be available to watch for a full seven days, and then will disappear Sunday evening, ready to be replaced by the new week’s teaching.
If you’d like to buy the book, you’ll find it HERE, along with lots of helpful resources. We also gave away five free copies…
On Friday, October 16, I chose five winners to receive an autographed copy of The Women of Christmas. You are still more than welcome to post a comment below, sharing the one good thing you’re looking forward to this bound-to-be-different holiday season.
God bless you, dear friend, every season of the year.
Your sister, Liz
Each day is new. We make it what God guides us to make it! 2020 may not be what we expected, but let’s make the best of it and shine for Jesus.
I think I’m looking forward to a less busy holiday season. More time can be truly spent remembering and reflecting on Who the season is truly about.
The thing I’m looking forward to this holiday season is being able to share it with my church family. I have retired from nursing this year, allowing me the time to spend work more at the church and
I couldn’t ask for a better opportunity.
Living GOD inside minded…when the GOD in us shines through…others see His light from within us…I adore when little children and babies stare at me when I’m out in public shopping. The laugh and smile at me…I always ask the parents permission before I interact with the child or baby…I’m never turned down…for a few moments I share GOD’S miracle…my own miracle is 40 years of age now with his own family…two more miracles…my grand daughter and grandson…GOD’S special miracle is my daughter in law…We are blessed by her also…thank you…jb
This holiday season will be different in so many ways, but the one thing that will be the same is the love we have for one another as a family. This year we have a brand new baby in our extended family ( my sister’s 3rd grandchild ) and he is such a cutie pie. My grandchildren are getting older, but as they grow we have the opportunity to share our faith with them in a deeper sense. We will still gather as a family but it may be in smaller settings, but we are still family and we are still children of the King.
I’m looking forward to a more reverent, worshipful Christmas. I’m sure our worship services during this pandemic have become more honoring to God. I’m wishing for a Christmas honoring our Lord instead of worldly things. This will be my first Christmas without my Mother & I’m thankful she’ll be celebrating in heaven.
Just this morning I was praying the very theme of your message. I asked the Lord to continue to work His transforming power in me so that I will be more like Him everyday so others will see Him and not me. I would hate to see this season of life be wasted in hateful negativity.
Thank you for being the vessel God used today to confirm the voice of the Holy Spirit in my prayers. The Lord bless and encourage you as well!
Hubby and I have decided to be snow birds and spend winter at a Christian camp in Florida. So excited but difficult for me to not see our only son and his wife and my sister during the holidays. We feel we are following God’s direction for our lives!
I am looking forward to the Peace… Jesus’ peace…. that comes with the Christmas season. Its been a trying year for sure. Luckily God has been with us all the way and continues to be.
I’m looking forward to being with family, I have 3 grown kids who are married and 6 grandkids! There won’t be as many gifts this year but hoping we can set our sight on Jesus his birth the story of good news!!
I enjoy all of your teachings Liz!!
Looking forward to the new me. I am always working on the inside and growing in God but have began a new health plan and am looking forward to seeing how far I will have gotten on working on the outside and honoring the temple that God created in my body.
This Christmas is a time to look forward to the Blessings of this Holy Season while remembering all those who have lost a loved one to covid, suicide, cancer, drug overdose, or some other devastating tragedy that makes this first Christmas without their loved ones beyond difficult … reach out and be there for them.
I look forward to a Christmas that is different fro. Normal. We usually go over to my parent’s place, but I do not know if we will be able to, they live in a retirement Community.
I think that this Christmas will mean more to us because we will realize how important it is to be with our family and make sweet memories, which is something we usually take for granted. Just being thankful that my family is healthy and able to get together.
I loved your teaching about Elizabeth. I am looking forward to next week.
I remember you from way back…….my first recollection was when I worked at Citizen Fidelity Bank at Mid City Mall drive-in.
Then years went by and I trained tellers and the last branch I worked was Middletown. I waited on your sweet hubby.
I have been to many churches to hear you teach. I just love your books and love listening to you give them life.
Now….my sweet husband has brain cancer and days are tough. Listening to you last night took me away from the tough day I just had. Bless you.
This year, I will really enjoy Christmas because I will get to celebrate with cousins that we were quarantined away from for a while. I am thankful to get to have my whole family together.
I’m looking forward to seeing the faces of my grandchildren on Christmas morning. The joy and wonder in their eyes as they see their packages under the tree!
Thanks Liz. I really needed this. At almost 84, with 4 kids, 8 grands and 7 great grands, it’s still a lonely life. Especially since all but 1 of them live far away. Plus I broke my leg 3 years ago and now use a cane to help me along. This is my 10th year without breast cancer, and I am praising God he led me through it. Guess it’s the loneliest I’ve ever been, living so far from my family. Anyway, forgive me, I just had to talk…and I hope it wasn’t too horrible. But you seem to be a good listener, so I kinda dumped. Praise God you are getting along now that you are recuperating from the cancer that visited you. I pray you will only know the joy of good health! God bless you, dear lady, always.
Hi Liz!
I’m looking forward to the Sunday night sessions!
I’m most looking forward to spending this holiday season with my mom.
I’ve been away for 10 years -moved – but she is now suffering from dementia and has had a rough summer with her health. I came home to be a help to her and thankfully I’ve been able to stay on to help her out as she adjusts to a Nursing Home.
Thank you for this opportunity of a new book!
Happy Thanksgiving from a Canadian fan.
Blessings!
Lisa!
I am praying for a healthy season for my Dad. He has really been struggling health wise but I am thankful he is saved and I know where he is going.
The one good thing I’m looking forward to this Season is a slower pace through the Holidays. Every year I get to January and wish I’d spent the Season more intentionally and slowly, savoring rather than rushing to the next event.
Liz, It is very exciting to follow your lead and become a new person, from the inside out, the one God wants me to be. This is the perfect time to stop putting my life on hold until everything is the way it used to be. I want to live with a new appreciation of what God has in store for us. Thank you for your consistent energy to lift us up and guide us toward Him!
I am looking forward to visiting with family especially my daughter who has moved to Florida with her husband. I miss them so much. It is going to be a new beginning for them also!
I’m looking forward to sharing the Christmas season with my family, which include 5 grandsons, ages 23 months up to 16!
I am looking forward to a bit less stress this season. While the pandemic has its own stress, it has also given much more time for refection and prioritizing. We need more time to concentrate on family and friends. That’s what I intend to do.
As cliche as this may sound, I’m looking forward to Peace and Goodwill to All… with Christ’s Light shining brightly into 2021
I am looking forward to just being together with my family this year. 2020 has been a rough year because I have lost 3 family members within in the space of about 4 months. Two of them from health issues, one from suicide. This year has taught me the value of life and that it is so short. This holiday season I feel blessed to still have the family I do have and I mean to make the most of our time together.
Even though 2020 has been different He has been the same and has helped me be more aware of His strength as I have been learning to walk again . This Christmas I will see family who knew a bigger me and will see the changes He has made in my life.
I am looking forward to finding new ways to safely serve others this holiday season.
Looking forward to the continuing realization that God is enough. With covid beginning strict isolation and still loneliness from husband passing over Christmas season 3 yrs ago, God is showing me more and more who I need first and foremost in my life. And then He will place people in my life as needed. What a wonderful Father I have. Praise Him over and over.
I am looking forward to quiet time at home with my family. My kids attend and I work at a small private school . It’s been very different this fall.
This Christmas I am looking forward to a family music night. My 2 sons collectively play the trombone, electric guitar, drums, and keyboard. My mom plays the piano and I play the flute, and Indian flute. We plan to individually play Christmas songs. God has truly blessed us with the gift of music!
To really be able to focus our mind and our heart on the true reason for Christmas, Jesus is the one and only gift we need
I’m most lookIng forward to the possibility of my entire family being home for Christmas. This is no small feat with two daughters and their families serving in ministry and not really being able to get away especially in this season. And we lam’s I serve in ministry in Hawaii. It will be the first time in 5 years!
I’m looking forward to seeing my grandson. This pandemic year has prevented our visit for his birthday in KY. Skype is nice, but seeing him in person is so much better!
I look forward to seeing my family members who’ve recently moved away.
We are anticipating – with grateful hearts – the miraculous birth of our second healthy, beautiful baby boy this Christmas (his due date)! Hallelujah!
After losing both my father-in-law and my beloved cocker spaniel this year, in addition to being a healthcare worker with a first hand view of the struggles of so many with this terrible virus and with the loneliness of being alone while they are so I’ll, the one thing I am looking forward to this Christmas is feeling the Hope & Joy of the Lord’s birth!
One thing I’m looking forward to this holiday season…MORE intentional family time to send off 2020!
Thank you Liz for this opportunity!
What I’m hoping for this Christmas season, is for something new to be birthed in me. A woman who knows who she belongs to and knows she is loved , so I can give that to a hurting world. That I would be open to hear His voice and be willing to say yes.
I’m loving Tuesday’s and Sunday’s .
Thank you for doing this for us❤️🎄
I hope to be with my immediate family for Christmas. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
I’m excited that because of our recent move we are closer to family this Christmas. No more traveling for two days and finally decorating which I haven’t done in years. It’s good to finally be back home! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
This year has brought so many changes to my family. Some not so good. But Liz, I look forward to this Christmas because I hope to be sharing the season with my family. We are expecting my great grand daughter to be born in the next two weeks and we are so excited. Please pray for mama and baby. It’s a high risk pregnancy. I thank God for new mercies each morning.
I watched Sunday night. Loved your thoughts about Elizabeth.
Oh my, we think of Christmas in so many wonderful ways, right? Well Liz, all honesty….there is some sad yet most joyful. I’m so learning, In all we give thanks to God. I give time each morning to reflect and be grateful. You are teaching me that each day is a gift, my sister. I am learning and embracing God’s word (with your help) so that I may be a reflection of Him in what I say and do. I’m excited and eager to recognize the power in prayer and I pray for those in most need…our world leaders..our communities…our array of churches and pastors…our schools, students, teachers, and staff members, and our beloved family and friends. I’m excited to see God’s word work in them. This Christmas, I have no doubt He will do just that, but know knowing more of God’s word in my mind and in my heart-I will be seeing it firsthand in its new beauty…His.
My actions and voice are from Him. Therefore, in a heartfelt effort I hope to see others embrace His endless bountiful love and treasure it’s gift as a precious package…not only at Christmas, but every day and every opportunity. I pray this in his holy name …Amen and Amen.
In this time of turmoil living with the pandemic fears the one thing we can count on is God. He is the one who will never change. The same today, tomorrow and forever! That is why Christmas is so important. It is a time to remember the birth of our dear Savior! I am looking forward to Christmas! A time to celebrate with my family! Something normal in this unusual period we are living in! A time to forget the outside world and live in the Glory of the birth of Jesus! Christmas brings so many wonderful memories! It is exciting to build new ones with my great grandchildren! I love Christmas!
Thank you Liz for all you do and the love you spread.
I am looking forward to a less hectic paced holiday season, giving me more time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Spending time with family.
For years, our family, my siblings, their spouses and children have gathered for a holiday meal. Sometimes as many as 50 of us. It is the only time we make great effort to all be together.
I’m praying that we can make those memories again this year.
Looking forward to just being with family and celebrating the birth of Christ together.
I’m looking forward to a “real’ Christmas season with much less hype. We can still make a joyful noise unto the Lord without all the unnecessary “stuff” that detracts from the reason for the season. My only regret is being unable to hold and hug my great-grandchildren who live out of town. But thanks to God that I can still see them via Zoom.
I’m looking forward to being more reflective with Jesus alone since the Covid has stopped the busyness I want it to be a season of more of Jesus
My husband and I are now retired. He has had serious health issues for the past six years. Our family all lives at a distance, so I pray this Christmas we can have zoom family celebration of Christ’s birth. I remember hearing the quote years ago that “when Jesus is all you have, you realize that Jesus is all you need.” We have truly experienced this in a new way. Praise His Name!
Just GETTING THROUGH to the OTHER SIDE!
Thanks for your encouragement! You are such a blessing and I so enjoy listening to how you bring the Bible to life. I’ve seen you in person at America’s Keswick and at Sandy Cove and left truly inspired. Regarding this study, I don’t have the book but joined your study on FB Sunday evening and was blessed. As we are entering the Christmas season, I would like to stay focused on why we are celebrating and reel my thoughts in from all the distractions and concerns – especially this year. I’m looking forward to how you will be unpacking the women in your book and bringing them to life for me. Thanks for all you do! ❤️🙏🏻
After a year of anxiousness, trials, blessings, I’m looking forward to “all is calm, all is bright”. Basically the “calmness “ that comes late on Christmas Eve and the joy of celebrating Christmas Day. I normally long for the way things were on those days in the past, but this year, I’m changing my focus. I love the celebration of the baby Jesus and the hope it reminds me of.
I would so love to win this book!!
I am certainly in a season of change that I have been asking, begging actually God for. I guardian a 77 year old special needs woman since 2013. I am tired and weary. She has become difficult to care for and honestly I am ready to have my house and freedom back. This all sounds harsh but deep inside she is probably ready for a.change as well. Whether I win this book or no I would appreciate prayers as we transition into this new season of a REALY empty nest!
Blessings
Judy
I am looking forward to being able to relax and enjoy the real reason for this holiday. I will miss not being with my family but yet I wouldn’t have them without God. Bless you this new and different season also Liz!
As past Christmas tree farmers most times during the season it would get hectic for us. I want to remember the true meaning. I want to get back to the basics.
Hi Liz and company! Thank your for “Sundays at Seven”! God is helping me re-focus on Christmas from frustration, to Him. If I win the book, I have someone in mind that will be “gifted” your book. And, she will probably get it anyway! ;>) Blessings to you!
Thank you for the encouragement!
This Christmas season, I am looking forward to spending time with family, and my first Christmas as “Nonna” to our first granddaughter!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas!
I am looking forward to a new and different Christmas season – one that may not include family presence due to distance. Stripped away from all the “activities” and travel, I look forward to the stripping away of all the glitter and crowded schedule to a simpler reflective season. Getting back to the true reason of celebration and remembrance – the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. What will that bring? What will that mean for me, for our family, for our marriage, for our church? While I will miss the time with children and grandchildren, (oh, will I miss that!), I sense that God will speak differently into my life and heart. Sundays at seven will be the beginning of a new season and new “traditions!”
Quiet time to focus on Jesus – the true meaning of Christmas – minus the hustle and business.
God’s faithfulness to me, even in these different and changing times!
My prayer is “let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me” (not my words, it I love this chorus)…
Honestly, I’m not sure. I tend to not look ahead and try to live each day. A “poopy” answer, perhaps I need to look ahead, and find things to look forward to. Mosrly I look forward to having time alone to refresh, re-energize, spend time with family and friends.
I am looking forward to the birth of my grandson. A child we have prayed for through infertility issues. I’m grateful for the Lord’s timing. It’s such a blessing to have a new life to look forward to in this season of disappointment and loss.
One good thing I’m looking forward to: we’re still celebrating the birth of our Savior. The one who came to earth, took in my sin, sacrificially died on the cross, the rose again three days later so I could live with him for all eternity. He is still God and he is still good.
Oh Liz! Iam so excited about this Thanksgiving & Christmas!!! With so many of the “just gotta do” things curtailed I’m looking forward to having the time to delve into & meditate on what I’m thankful for, what Christmas means to me, & the impact of the one little baby’s birth on my life & all mankind…
The opportunity to immerse myself & family into Advent, something I’ve never felt we’ve been able to do fully…
To love on, pray with, pour into, and celebrate with those closest to me!
This Christmas may be different, but it’s going to be Glorious!❤🙏😊
Liz, I thank God for this word from Him through you. I related so strongly with:
Yes, please. Because I am so tired of my old self. Aren’t you? I’m weary of being that woman who frets and fusses and dithers and delays and keeps planting her stake in the ground with one hand, and then pulling it out with the other.
I pray I can focus on the Lord in a fresh new way this last quarter of 2020, and obey Him and become more of who He created me to be.
This Christmas, I’m looking forward to following my theme for 2020–paring down. I’ve rediscovered the joy of simplicity, the beauty of individuality, and the restfulness of home. I plan to put up only my Christ-centered decorations and focus on the Christ Child who lay helpless in a manger when he deserved to rule in a palace.
Every year we take my parents to see the production of A Christmas Carol at a local theatre. We were so sad we’d have to miss it this year…
then they announced they are performing this year to small (masked) audiences outdoors at the property of a historic homestead in area. My mom was so happy to know they can safely attend; she cried when I told her. We’re all looking forward to it.
I’m looking forward to a simpler holiday season, a season in which family and friends will be embraced and love will abound. A time in which the reality of our Savior will shine upon the hearts of all!
Thank you for another beautiful post. You are greatly appreicated. The first hour of The Women of Christmas study flew by. Stay safe, blessings to you.
I am hoping we can return to church to hear God’s love and forgiveness through His Son. I am hoping we can be together as small and large families. I am looking forward to when we claim no fear (from sickness, death, and earthly rulers) in Jesus and live in His blood purchased freedom. God bless and keep us all this season.
What a lovely post, thank you! I am looking forward to more family & friends coming to Christ, and cherishing the time spent together over physical gifts.
I am so blessed to find you on FB. I join you every Tuesday, and now on Sunday at Seven. My sister, who I haven’t see. In 9 years. Is a widow now, and I want to give her your book, Women Of Christmas. It is wonderful to hear you talk about Elizabeth, like I’ve never heard before!
Loved this verse and your insight into it. One thing I like to remember about holiness is that one of the meanings of “holy” is to be set apart from the world. If we realize that each and every day, righteousness and holiness are not as difficult/impossible to perceive. God setting us apart from worldly things is the first step in our achieving (with God) the righteousness and holiness He desires for us.
I’m looking forward to the focus being more on Christ and Christmas than on politics and virus stuff, (hopefully anyway). I think Christmas will be different this year, but that can be good if we let it because maybe it will help us remember there would be no Christmas without Jesus Christ. Thank you Liz for this post and for all your encouraging posts.
I’m definitely looking forward to having my daughter and her husband with us this year that’s bound to be different. For years they’ve lived so far away and this past June they moved home with us. It’s bern quite an adjustment with the transition because with brought along with them their 2 fur babies who aren’t little. And my parents also live with my husband and I and our “little” fur baby. So that makes a full house of 6 adults and 3 dogs! I am so grateful for family and so happy to celebrate this Christmas season with everyone close. 😁
A simple Christmas with more emphasis on Christ- the reason we celebrate afterall
I ad9re Chr9st and Christmas! He brought light into this world and He brought light into my heart and life.
The lights and decorations of Christmas, which may seem very secular and worldly to many, are a celebration of Christ for me. For a few weeks, “All is bright”; sparkly and shiny. A time when much of the world celebrates in unity and shows more kindness, generosity and grace to each other.
I especially anticipate this Christmas as a reminder to me that Christ IS and always will be the Light of Christmas and my life.
No pandemic can rob me (us)of that!
I’m looking forward to seeing my youngest son and his family at Christmas time. They usually manage to come for a visit during Christmas week. It’s really all I want.
Thank you for the reminder to trust entirely on God. I love the flowers too.
Thank you, Liz! I’m looking forward to a slower pace and focusing on what’s important. Letting go of the “shoulds.”
Trying to remain positive about left knee replacement surgery next month. Doing Thanksgiving and Christmas shopping early. The surgery will be slowing me down, but I am blessed by the Lord and grateful to have a family whom I know will be so helpful!
One thing I’m hoping to be different is my husband taking a more spiritual role and leading our family to experience a Christ centered Christmas.
Life definitely changed on Sept 19th when I came down with Covid19. Praise God, Everyone else in our home has tested positive. God has been with me every step of the way. What I’m looking forward to the most for the upcoming holiday season is complete healing from the virus for everyone who has contracted it, and pray for God to eradicate the virus throughout the world. What man intends for evil, God will turn to good. With Him, all things are possible.
I meant to say everyone in my home (4 adult family members–3 generations) have tested negative twice. How I praise God!
Liz, I’m so looking forward to all of our families gathering together for Christ-mas and celebrating with joy, fun, laughter, lots of international meals (we all enjoy cooking.) And also celebrate our togetherness and all our blessings!
There is so much to be thankful for…!
I am looking forward to a less commercial Christmas. Less shopping, less hustle and bustle. Just a quieter season to reflect on the TRUE meaning of Christmas with those who are most special in my life. God is good!
I’m going to start Advent early, to give myself more time to prepare my heart. Not my house, just my heart, from November 1 to Thanksgiving. Then the decorations can be put out, but for a few weeks it will just be internal preparation.
I enjoy your work and look forward to hearing you this Sunday evening.
I am looking forward to all the little things coming this season. I hope to make it special in lots of small ways for all my boys. I think this is a good year to create some new traditions and new memories!
Christmas will be different this year. After 34yrs of marriage, it will be our first time alone (our family ((2 kids, 1 SIL, 5 grandchildren)) live a 3-day drive away and then you have to quarantine 2 wks upon arrival and 2 wks upon return. My hubby’s holidays don’t span that much!)
I’m just not looking forward to Christmas yet. I try so hard to make plans that are exciting but what’s exciting without family? This year, after 14yrs of raising our grandson, he will be spending his Christmas with his Mom and family. (I’m glad he’s there) but life is different here – so many changes this year!!! At the beginning of the year when everyone was saying 20-20 Vision for 2020 … well, my spirit was saying “20-20 FAITH vision for 2020. Little did I know how much faith was required in this year. I’m holding on for dear life to that little mustard seed. My knuckles are white! lol …and I’m trusting God for a Wonderful Life, a White Christmas and a season for (Just the Two of Us!) Love the play on words. hehe Here’s to a wonderful, colorfilled Autumn to you Liz. May God’s colors wrap around you like a cozy blanket – filling you will warmth, peace and love. Hugs (ps I miss the video and your exuberant personality.)
Most of the Christmas events we usually attend have already been cancelled. This will definitely be a stripped-down Christmas, but I find I am looking forward to a simple Christmas…just like the first Christmas!
I pray that the Season and its meaning, will truly live in everyone’s hearts and minds. Our Celebration is quieter each year as family members pass away and the rest of us get older, but we hold onto a few traditions anyway, and will continue to do so. May God Bless us ALL ~ Thank YOU Liz, for continuing to make us laugh, and uplifting us ~ My Best, Becky
Thank you Liz for your kind offer. I have the book, and enjoyed it thoroughly but I just wanted to tell you how much you inspire me and theses verses especially have touched my heart. Praying Ephesians 4:24 prayer with you. I need Jesus everyday. God bless you and your ministry!
Oh Liz! Iam so excited about this Thanksgiving & Christmas!!! With so many of the “just gotta do” things curtailed I’m looking forward to having the time to delve into & meditate on what I’m thankful for, what Christmas means to me, & the impact of the one little baby’s birth on my life & all mankind…
The opportunity to immerse myself & family into Advent, something I’ve never felt we’ve been able to do fully…
To love on, pray with, pour into, and celebrate with those closest to me!
This Christmas may be different, but it’s going to be Glorious!❤🙏😊
Since this crazy season of COVID and unrest in this country, our four children are taking more time to call and stay connected. I am looking forward to more stronger bonding time with our children whether we are in person or on the phone during the holiday season. We feel a closeness (our love for each is increasing) that wasn’t there before. We are all careful and want to make sure we are all safe. Stay safe and strong in the Lord.
I’m looking forward to a simplified, less cluttered-and-stressed family Christmas, just Raph, Rosie, and me–and eventually gathering with my in-laws for New Years, or just a couple of days after Christmas Day.
I’m hoping to take more to heart my Advent devotions(personal and family ones), and put more heart into handmade gifts this year to friends and family–and mailing things out to those we won’t be able to see in person.
I’m looking forward to getting together with friends and family over Thanksgiving and Christmas — all within the boundaries of the Covid rules, of course. But still, I want to at least have that much the same as it was in the past. Being with friends and family at the holidays is important. I’m on my own most of the rest of the time, and this will help make the holidays more “normal” than they otherwise might be.
This Christmas will have less guilt as we won’t be able to go all the places we’ve had to visit in the past. Less pressure on gift-giving. I will spend more time sending out Christmas cards with real messages in them. Christmas dinner will be smaller and less complicated as it will only be close family. At 77, I need to take this respite and focus on the Reason for the Season. I hope your Holidays are the happiest yet.
I am looking forward to a less harried holiday season with time to focus on what really matters.
I am looking forward to not running around buying all the things and focusing on relationships.
Oh wow! I am so excited this season for Christmas. It will be the 1st year in 20 that I will not HAVE to work. But I also am very somber because it is the 1st year my mother will not be with us. She passed away Dec 21, 2019. BUT she will celebrate it with Jesus again this year! Last year is actually the 1st year without her, but we were so busy with arrangements and in our sorrow that we didn’t celebrate Christmas. BUT this year we WILL celebrate the birth of Christ! We WILL celebrate the gift he has given us through his birth and ressurection.
This holiday season, I want to reflect more on how great God really is and appreciate the fact that he has NOT left us during this trying time. He will always be there for us no matter what. I want to spend more time in prayer during Advent, thanking God for the gift of his son.
I am praying for Peace and Goodwill for all this season! And asking friends and family to give a gift to a local charity in their area in lieu of giving to me. Spread kindness and share God’s Love in a hurting world. I read Liz’s Women of Christmas book last year for my Advent devotion – what a blessing!
One good thing you’re looking forward to this bound-to-be-different holiday season is seeing my 85 year old Grandma and spending time with her. She has been on lock down at her retirement facility since March and has had no visitors. I will get to see her in November Lord Willing and the creeks don’t rise. I have missed her so much.
I LOVED YOUR “TRUSTING GOD THROUGH CANCER” INTERVIEW. WOW, YOU REALLY HELPED ME A LOT, IN SO MANY WAYS. THANK YOU! I ALSO AM ENJOYING YOUR TUESDAY, FRIDAY AND SUNDAY GET TOGETHERS.
GOD BLESS YOU!!
Nancy, Temecula Wine Country
(I know you like to see where we’re from😀😀)
First of all Liz, you are looking fabulous! I want some of what you have! ha! You are definitely “a life renewed from the inside”, but it’s also reached your outside. 😉
I so loved this post today…this encouragement was just what my heart ordered!
Thanks for these beautiful fall photos! I so enjoy all your wonderful photos!
I’m excited for the whole Christmas month of December! The decorations, the trees, the lights, all the Christmas deserts, the manger scenes and the story of the birth of our Savior makes everything right with the world – even in 2020!
Bless you Liz!
Dear Liz,
I so needed to read these precious words this morning. To be made new in the image of God in His righteousness and holiness. Thank you for the reminder that it is His work and not mine as I submit to Him.
Blessings to you, dear Liz!!
I am thankful that through all the craziness, we have more time to sit in His Presence and grow closer to Him. Pray that I take that opportunity.
Christmas 2020 will not be different in that the trees and sparkling lights will still go up and no one can steal the message that LOVE CAME DOWN AT CHRISTMAS!! I love the candlelight passing to one another that we will do with our family if not at church’s door listen to our son recite the words of the birth of our Savior. Gods Love is the SAME as ever!!
Trying to print handout for Week 4 and it is not available that I can see?