We taught our children from a young age that although Santa and Rudolph (pretend characters) are so much fun to read stories about, there is One who truly came to the earth. His impact on history has changed our history. At our dinner table, the youngest child still gets to unwrap the baby and place him in the manger on Christmas Eve. #créche

In fact, Jesus came to strengthen us with boldness to approach God’s throne to ask for mercy in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:14- 16 14Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.) #trinity #oneGodthreepersons

Treading on high places happens when we can lift our eyes and be truthful with the Father. Treading on high places is not a mystical experience but may require using our imagination for good (see the simile below…”feet like the deer’s”). #HolySpiritinsight

He makes this happen. In spite of my brokeness.

He makes me perform good works with compassion and care, especially to those I hold dearest in my heart. #highestplace

He makes a miracle happen in broken families who need to find strength and courage in the midst of strife. He encourages the exhausted young mother in need of a discernable touch of true love. He inspires the defeated father who has given all for his children only to realize they have taken him for granted. He gives the struggling child, who may have physical limitations, great hopes and dreams along with support from others to accomplish them.

How do ordinary people endure extraordinary adversity? #hindsfeetonhighplaces – Teresa #uRmystrengthmylovingGod #Psalm59:17

Habakkuk 3:19 (ESV)

God, the Lord, is my strength;
he makes my feet like the deer’s;
he makes me tread on my high places.

Although I cannot be responsible for how others choose to live, there is a point of feeling liable when I embrace them in their lifestyle without question or concern for those affected.

If my efforts to raise concerns are in vain, unable to convince them of healthier choices, I must hold fast to what I have.

Trusting the Father seems like a small thing to possess but the proof is in the pudding that what God says is true.

It eliminates my frantic need to uncover “deep” mysteries behind what is unraveling. It’s pretty simple. For without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).

Jesus Christ the Lord is the author and finisher of my faith (Hebrews 12:2), meaning His completed work on the cross allows me access into God’s grace (Romans 5:2).

Don’t be overburdened with the worries of those who have opened doors that should have remained shut.

Hold fast to what you know: that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). As fickle as people can be, I can still hold on to that which remains true.

God’s patience means my impatience at times but in actuality it may mean my life lived out faithfully. What was meant to be a stumbling block around my ankle is being untied for good.- Teresa #freetolove

Revelation 2:18-29 (ESV) bold added

¹⁸ “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.

¹⁹ “‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first. ²⁰ But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. ²¹ I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. ²² Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, ²³ and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works. ²⁴ But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden. ²⁵ Only hold fast what you have until I come.

²⁶ The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, ²⁷ and he will rule^[a] them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. ²⁸ And I will give him the morning star. ²⁹ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

Visiting Uganda in 2018-2019, I was extremely humbled by the beautiful people who showed us such generosity in the midst of their daily struggle.

One of the children (at the school we were visiting) had severe malnutrition. I watched as he observed the team of millenials laughing and playing with the children. He watched with such intensity that the wonder and joy he felt was barely contained by his smile. He had no thought for his own well-being or lack of. He was experiencing a delighted moment of being right where he wanted to be at that moment in time.

He didn’t come back the next day or the next but the image of his eyes filled with excitement that first day still haunts me with grief for the children of our world. How little effort it took to make him smile. How great his physical need yet how content his heart. How much he taught me about being present in the moment. #giftoflife #receiveit

What if I remember to look to God that way on a daily basis? Will I forget about my own miseries and revel in the miracle of Jesus, coming to live among us?

When my heavenly Father provides the Holy Spirit comfort for my needy soul, do I look in awe into His face and smile at the goodness of God? – Teresa #captivatedbyHisglory #trustingHismercy

Psalm 123:1-4 (ESV)

123 To you I lift up my eyes,
    O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
² Behold, as the eyes of servants
    look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maidservant
    to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the Lordour God,
    till he has mercy upon us.

³ Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us,
for we have had more than enough of contempt.
⁴ Our soul has had more than enough
of the scorn of those who are at ease,
of the contempt of the proud.