Reflecting Christmas; The Introduction

Greetings Everyone,

Here is the Introduction to Reflecting Christmas, our Christmas E-book. This Project is very close to my heart. It's purpose will be to serve as a reminder of what Reflecting the Spirit of Christmas is all about.

As was previously mentioned, we are posting the rough draft of this project here so you can read it and share your thoughts. Throughout the next few weeks, everything offered will be prayerfully considered and in the end, and with God's help, our hope is that this little eBook will bless many. 

The 5 people who give us the most *useful* feed back will receive a digital copy of the completed eBook as a gift once it is finished. Again, I ask that those who are willing, keep this process in their thoughts and prayers. Thanks in advance for your support on this project.

----

 Have you ever heard someone say, “People need to reflect the Christmas Spirit a little bit more?” I have, many times, and usually it reminds me of the film, “The Muppet Christmas Carol.” In the last few lines of this film, the narrator says something about Mr. Scrooge that I believe speaks to this question. It goes something along the lines of “and Scrooge lived in the Christmas spirit all the days of his life.” 

PHOTO CREDIT; www.thefedorachronicles.com

Throughout this version of a classic tale, the Muppets bring in many different aspects of Scrooge’s past to remind him that living selfishly will have its consequences and that there is still time to change. At first, Mr. Scrooge resists in every possible way, but as he reflects on the choices he has made in life, something begins to change and his eyes start to see the damage they have really caused. After the visit from the three ghosts, though, everything changes and Mr. Scrooge becomes a completely different person. 

  This is a great depiction of the impact our choices can have on others. In this new series of devotional blogs, and eventual eBook, we will embark on a journey to highlight the symbols of Christmas and what they mean. There is something significant about the symbols of Christmas that can teach us what it means to ‘reflect Christmas’ in everyday life. Now, it is not the purpose of this series to tell you to live like it's Christmas every day, instead, it is meant to be used as a tool to guide you as you journey to becoming your own 'reflection' the Spirit of Christmas. 

PHOTO CREDIT: www.roofingandmoreinc.com

  It is easy to say, “If you live as though it is Christmas every day your life will be full of joy and love,” but the fact is, life is full of its ups and downs and we are only human. Living each day as a 'reflection' of the Spirit of Christmas, however, provides us with something more to live by. Doing this will not an easy task by any means; honestly, it will take a lot of hard work and devotion. Take a moment to look at the world around you, there is darkness pushing on all sides of the equation and each day comes with new troubles of its own to overcome (Matthew 6:34).

  As you read this series, the intention is to use the different symbols of Christmas to share with you the difference between living life from your own perspective and living life as a ‘reflection’ of the Spirit of Christmas. There as so many aspects, or symbols, of Christmas that we tend to overlook each year and it's time we all took a moment, or two, to stop and explore a little more about what the Spirit of Christmas is truly about. 

  Now, I am not so callous as to suggest that the words in this series are written in stone or that they are the only way to reflect the Spirit of Christmas, but this is a good place to start at least. My hope for you, as we embark on this journey, is simply that you will find a new way to view the Christmas season and that it will bring great joy to your heart (Proverbs 17:22).

Blessings in Christ, 

M.E.

Reflecting Christmas: The Inspiration

Greetings Everyone,

  I know I said I would post the introduction to our new project next, but after some discussion and pray I felt that posting the Inspiration for this project is the next step in this journey. Just about three years ago, Traci and I we given a blessing, beyond what we could ever fathom. We were given our daughter Leyla. Often referred to as 'L'tle Lovable Leyla,' she has brought Joy to many in her short life and I am really excited about what God will do through her as she lives her life. She reminds us everyday that there is something worth fighting for in this dark world and this project has her name all over it.

  But, before I get to emotional here, I wanted to share with you something I wrote last year that could be considered the first attempt at this project. It is an article I wrote for a Church Newsletter at the church I was working for at this time last year. It is going into the finalized version of "Reflecting Christmas" as part of the opening act, so to speak.

Who can believe it? Christmas is only weeks away and God is ready to move in the lives of many. In years past, Christmas has always been a very busy season leaving really no time for me personally to enjoy what the holiday is all about.

For my family, Christmas was all about family and the celebration of our Savior's birth, Even though we had many Christmas’s with little to nothing my parents always made sure we found the Christmas spirit somehow, usually in the form of The Christmas Tree and the reading of The Christmas Story.

As I began to enter into the ministry in some way or another, that Innocent outlook on Christmas began to take a back seat as I saw suffering, pain and sorrow. I felt it was my duty to do whatever I could to help people see what I saw as a child. In doing so, I became too focused on bringing that idea to others that I lost sight of it in my own heart.

Last year that changed, for the first time since I was a child I began to see that innocent image of Christmas again, this revelation came in the form of my daughter, Leyla. Her birth has forever reminded me of the Joy Christmas brings me. Today, I encourage you to search deep within for what truly does the same for you and to embrace that Christmas Spirit as a Child of God.

“O father, may I find again the dreams of Childhood when thoughts of YOU filled ME with peace and I longed to know YOU more. Give ME a faith that trusts YOU implicitly.”

Well, I hope you enjoyed this 'reflective' Post, next post will be entitled, "Reflecting Christmas; The Introduction" ...

Thanks again for visiting "The Gathering Room"

Stand Strong and continue to believe the teachings given to you... (2 Thes. 2:15b NCV),

M.E

Introducing... a New Project

Greetings Everyone,

I pray that you are all preparing for the upcoming holiday season, and that God has given you all great blessings in the past year. I know God has blessed us immensely over the past year and that while it has been full of great change, He has directed each step we have taken.  

www.pinterest.com

A few weeks ago, I was reminded of an idea that has come to the forefront of my mind for the past three years around this time. This Idea has been to write a book about the importance of living each day in the Spirit of Christmas. Now that I have been focusing more on my writing I have found the time to begin this Project as my heart has desired to do so these past few years. Don’t worry though, I am still working on my other projects, Finding Philemon is coming along great as is my project with Cosmicglory.org,  but this one is weighing very heavily upon my heart and I honestly don’t think I can go another year without putting this project together.

The Elliot Family Christmas Tree 2014, Tucson AZ

 
As I have prayed over this concept the past few weeks I feel I am being lead to entitle the Project, “Reflecting Christmas.” It won’t be too long by any means but it is my goal over the next two months to post a Devotional Blog that focuses on this concept each week or so. In my next post I will present the introduction to this series which will highlight the direction I feel this project will take.  By the time Christmas gets here the entire first draft of this book will be posted to this Blog. I would like to encourage those that read these devotional blogs to leave feedback and offer any suggestions you may have.

I feel so strongly about this endeavor that once we get this project finalized, we will be giving the five people who offer the most Honest feedback and suggestions a free copy of the finalized version. Yes!! YOU READ THAT CORRECTLY!!! 

As this will be a pretty big Project, I am requesting that those that are willing… begin to pray throughout the duration of the next few months as I work on this new Project with Traci and a few others. It’s not going to be easy with two little toddlers running around the house and with everything else we are working on, but I feel this is something that is needed in the world today. I know I will be praying about this Project a lot and that with God’s blessing "Reflecting Christmas" will bring honor to Him, "who is able to do immeasurably great things," 49.3.20 NIV. Thanks so much for your support.  

Thanks again for visiting "The Gathering Room"

Stand Strong and continue to believe the teachings given to you... (2 Thes. 2:15b NCV),

M.E.

"Kodak Moments"

 Have you ever had one of those moments that really put something into perspective for you?  

Those moments are hard to come by now days with all that is being forced upon us.  We tend to get so wrapped up it what is going on around us that we miss those moments.  Today was one of those moments for me.  God speaks to us in the most interesting ways, today it was through a few moments I had with my family, other days it's a sunset and still others it's when he forces you to stop and experience something.

 I spent the weekend pretty sick and tied down to my bed. Today I felt a little better and since I had the day off so I have been spending what time I can it with the family at home.  This morning I spent some quality time with my son, Caleb, playing peekaboo with a blanket, while I was still in the bedroom.  It was something special to see him actually connect with the game.  As we kept playing he began to laugh a great deal, pushing the blanket back at me, as though he wanted to keep playing, so we did.  It reminded me that even though this game is pretty simple and doesn’t take a lot of energy, that it can make a huge difference to him.  It was a treasured time for both of us.

 After lunch we turned Toddler Radio on for our kids on Pandora and it yet again reminded me about how the simple things we do exhibit love.  For those that don’t know Leyla, my daughter, loves to dance in Jubilation. We’ve prayed that over her since before she was born. So usually when we turn on the radio, she is all over it.  I am reminded of the movie “Courageous” but, I’ll save that for another time.  In any case, we danced to a few songs and then as I we sat down for a bit of a break I saw wife, Traci, do the same with a few other songs. While she does this quite often, I watched on with a smile on my face. It was one of those moments that five years ago we’d call a “Kodak Moment.” As I began to write this little post I realized that life is full of “Kodak Moments.” All we have to do is let them happen.  

“Kodak Moments” happen all the time.  They happen in our families, as they did today and they can happen in our faith as well. I have heard them referred to as many things but they all mean the same thing. It’s a moment in which God speaks to us.  In these moments, we are given instruction, encouragement, or even discipline. The reality is, just as it was for me today with my family, that we must take the opportunities to listen and watch for them.  I would like to challenge those that read this to take time to search for these “Kodak Moments” both in your faith and in your life as well. When you begin to do so, don’t be surprised at what you find.

Thanks again for visiting "The Gathering Room"

Stand Strong and continue to believe the teachings given to you... (2 Thes. 2:15b NCV),

M.E.

Connecting Encounters

Greetings, 

  This week has been an eventful week to say the least.  With everything we have begun to pursue in the past 7 months, since we moved to Dana Point, there has been little time to spend reflecting on the giant leap of faith that we took when we left our ministry back in Tucson. The other day as I was walking the property at the resort I work at, for my day job, I began to listen to the waves crashing against the shore across the road.  

  It was a very peaceful moment for me, as I was experiencing this peace, I began to reflect upon all that we have been pursuing since we moved.  I was touched to think about all that God has shown us,  I was amazed at the connections I’ve been able to build with my writing webhost and I was in awe of the comfort we have found since moving here.  It’s hard to believe that we have only been here for these 7 months. 

  While I pondered these things, I also began to feel a sense of loneliness, so much so that I texted several of my loved ones. Upon sending these texts I realized that in a lot of ways I had begun to leave them behind in pursuit of this vision God had given us. I had not kept in contact with those from my past that I care about as much as I should,

  This revelation, in turn, helped me realize that I can’t forget where I came from.  Our past, in its entirety, is part of who we are. As I write this I had intended on using another scripture but my thoughts have led me to this passage, Romans 8:28-20 NET...

“And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose, because those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”

  All things work together in our past, present and future for the good, or bad, of who we become. Whatever you are chasing, whether it be a dream you believe came from God or your own selfishness has, and always will, a connection to the past and to your future. The challenge that will remain through it all is staying true to who you are meant to be. You see, even though I have not kept in contact with my loved ones, or others, the impact they have had on who I am today and who I will become will always be there. Here is something to think about...

“God is the embodiment of the past, present and future. Your life, whether you like it or not, is full of wondrous encounters that play a part in who you will become, even though you may lose touch with these encounters, the impact they had on you will always be there, working hand in hand with God to mold you into what you were meant to be.”

Thanks again for visiting "The Gathering Room"

Stand Strong and continue to believe the teachings given to you... (2 Thes. 2:15b NCV),

M.E.

Infinitely Wonderful

Greetings,

Life is full of amazing and wonderful reminders of God’s Glory.  Sometimes we are so focused on what is going on that we forget to look for these reminders in our daily lives. Today during my devotional time I read a quote from Jesus Calling that sort of hit a mark…

I am with you and all around you, encircling you in golden ray of light… Because I am infinite; I am able to love you as if you and I were the only ones in the universe. Walk with me in intimate Love steps, but do not lose sight of My Majesty.

These are powerful words aren’t they? For me they are a great reminder of how God’s Glory is revealed in the world around us. It is quite an amazing thought to think that God has so much love within that he can love each of us as though it were only He and them in the entire universe. To think that this love is offered to each of us through ‘encircling rays of sunlight’ is an amazing way to remind us that God is ‘with us and all around us’  There are times when we overlook this because of our inability to focus on growing in God.

Right now my family and I have tons of stuff going on and it can be very easy to lose sight of where God is at in everything. It is becoming harder each day to make sure we spend the time we need focusing on our own spiritual growth, let alone that of our children. Even though they are still young we strive to give them the chance to grow with God. It may be hard for them to understand exactly what growing with God is all about but, there is something they can grasp at least.

Honestly, I find it hard to believe that anyone could love our children more than we do but the beauty in knowing that God’s love is infinite is a great reminder of that. God’s love is by far one of the most meaningful reminders of God’s Glory and to know that each day his love for my children, and even for my wife and I as individuals, can help us grow in understanding of the love and of our faith, is in itself, infinitely wonderful.  As you go through your day today, find ways to remind yourself not to lose sight of ‘His Majesty’.

Thanks again for visiting "The Gathering Room"

Stand Strong and continue to believe the teachings given to you... (2 Thes. 2:15b NCV),

M.E.

Undivided Wondering

Greetings, 

Have you ever had one of those days where you just simply wonder about everything?

  Those days have been crossing my path a lot lately. I haven’t been wondering about my existence or the meaning of life more about everything that is going on in our lives right now.  We have so many different things happening right now that sometimes I simply can’t keep up. All of these things though are not as important as making sure I spend my time in the word and with my family.

 

  Sometimes we as human beings can let the worries of this world take hold of our thoughts and our emotions, thus leading to a divided heart. Scripture states, “Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name." (Psalm 86:11 NIV) This passage is a reminder that we need to pay closer attention to the things we let wonder around in our minds. It may not always be big things that cause us to wonder or worry about all that is going on in our lives; sometimes the small things can cause the biggest divisions.

  The world can weigh heavily upon our shoulders and when our plate is full the burden can be very hard to hold on too. We are again advised in scripture to "cast your burden upon the Lord and he will sustain you." (Psalm 55:22a NASB) This gives means that we can give our wondering hearts to him. Recently, I have been working these two verses into my daily life more and it has been quite an enjoyable learning experience.   There have been moments when I have had to take my wondering thoughts to the Lord that have been difficult and others that I have been surprised by. Each moment I have given my thoughts and emotions back to Him, in the end, have been enlightening.

  Here is a challenge for those that read this blog. Take a moment to give your wondering thoughts and your worries to the Lord today. Let Him come in and embrace your heart. When we let God do this He begins to take those thoughts that can bring division away and this produces an undivided heart. 

Thanks again for visiting "The Gathering Room"

Stand Strong and continue to believe the teachings given to you... (2 Thes. 2:15b NCV),

M.E.