5301 Lake Street
Bridgman, Michigan
"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God."
—Romans 15:7 (NIV)
South Shore Fellowship Christmas Eve Candlelight service will be at WEKO Beach Cafe 6PM Saturday, December 24
Aloha and Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas), December 2011
The other day I read this verse in Psalms 131. "I've kept my feet on the ground, I've cultivated a quiet heart, like a baby content in its mother's arms, my soul is baby content."
To me, there is nothing more precious and peaceful than watching a contented baby in his mother's arms. Just remembering holding our sons when they were babies....their breathing slowing down....feeling the warmth of their little bodies as they began to relax and grow heavy with sleep....makes me feel so relaxed and at rest.
I don't know about you but being at rest does not come naturally for me. I am so easily whipped around in circles by my swirling thoughts....unbelief, fear, anxiety, worry, negativity. I love this picture of a contented baby at rest. I know this is what God wants for me.
Just like this verse implies, I must learn to cultivate a quiet heart. Purposefully carving out time each day to spend time with God is so important. As I read his Word to me I am reminded of what is important. Re-aligning my heart and will to His brings rest. Meditating on his promises brings rest. Joining in worship with David in the Psalms cultivates a quiet heart and once again....I am at rest.
Remember the greatest Christmas gift you and I ever received was not under the Christmas tree. No, the greatest Christmas gift you and I ever received was hung on a tree!
SSF Holiday Dinner
So, as this Christmas season approaches and the New Year looms closer, We wish you a soul that is baby content. Crawl up into "Papa's" lap and spend time just leaning into His love. Light a candle and take a few deep breaths. Stop and watch the sunrise and be thankful for a new day. May we all learn a little more about cultivating a quiet heart.
Aloha Ke Akua,
Jack & Maree
Check out Bethany Nordgren's music video