By Jhirvon Starling
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December 10, 2023
As we approach the Christmas Holiday, I find myself reflecting on the things I cherish most in life. My relationship with God and my family are my top priority. As I look around my home, I take moments to pause and thank God for all he his has given me. Each day goes by so quickly, and the time I share with my loved ones is precious. Through the good and the bad, through loss and new beginnings, I look to my help which comes from above, and I give thanks for my blessings. Through all we’ve endured I am grateful for my God’s word and his peace. No matter the circumstance, his words remain the same and he gives us direction on how to respond to every situation in life. In my home, there is a presence of love and peace. It’s cultivated through continuous prayers and the beauty of its decor which my mother is responsible for. My mom loves to decorate and during the Holiday season, she enjoys putting her hands to work displaying her talent for creating beautiful center pieces and other decorative items, throughout our home. For her grandchildren, and those who are kids at heart, we all enjoy seeing these works displayed and remembering the years of Christmas before. For me, I enjoy this part of the Holidays so much because I see the joy it brings. My mother spends this time setting up our home to welcome in others and enjoy what God has given us. Each of my parents strive to provide a place that welcomes all and when you enter our home, you become part of the family. We enjoy having others over to fellowship, laugh and talk about life. These simple acts of love are what I seek to continue to provide for my daughter as well. When I have the privilege of purchasing my first home, I want to abide there with this same peace. Without peace, it won’t feel like home and peace may seem to be a simple thing, but it has the greatest impact in life. As a mother, I take great pleasure in watching my child grow and seeing the goodness of God in her life. Children are filled with so much purity and honest love from God, and this is something I treasure. I don’t just treasure it, but I also take time to continue to teach my daughter of what it means to love and be kind. We don’t always get along with others, but we should show love and kindness. When my daughter tells me about her day, she often expresses frustration over some of the other children’s actions. I remind her, no matter how you are treated, always show love and kindness. I let her know it’s not okay to allow others to hurt or misuse you. I tell her to stand up for herself and remind her it matters how you respond to a situation. We all are works in progress and even though we may mess up by responding the wrong way, we can try to do better the next time and strive to show God’s love. This time of the year is a great reminder of just that. This Holiday season, my mission is to continue walking in love and peace. As the end of this year approaches, it is truly a good time to reflect on our relationship with God. We know this season is to celebrate the birth of Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. The best way to honor him is to draw near to him and his word. I look forward to stepping into a new year with an attitude of gratefulness. I know the plans and works God has for my life are greater than anything I can imagine. Ending this year only means the beginning of another. As I think about this, I am reminded of this scripture, Philippians 3:13-14, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” With this, I am taking time to thank my God for living and dwelling in me. Without Him, I am no one and with Him I am everything! I don’t know what tomorrow brings and I understand tomorrow is not promised to any of us. For this reason, I live each day asking my God to dwell in me and I read His word. As I renew my mind through His word, I am strengthened to walk as child of God, and everything set before me is in His hands. This gives me great hope for my future and days yet to come. I am stirred in my spirit because I feel my God calling me to move closer to Him. This world is ever changing and the evil we see will not cease until His return. It is up to use to press in and look to our God for direction in all we do. We cannot remain the same, but we must grow in God and allow him to set up his perfect love in our lives. In doing this, we make our steps as his righteous children and separate ourselves from the ways of this world. As he pours into our hearts a new hope, we use his word to tell others of the good news and keep ourselves covered in His presence, walking victoriously throughout the rest of our lives. As I write this, I am overwhelmed by his goodness and mercy, that he would yet again look down on me and give me words to speak! I cannot explain how it feels to know God is moving in your heart. It is a feeling of joy, love, and peace. I am excited for what God is doing in my life and I urge you to press in so you can tap into his presence! For each of you reading this I wish you love and great peace. As you spend this time with family and friends, remember our Lord and make time to give Him thanks. As for me, I am confident in this, I am blessed beyond measure because I seek the one who has it all! I know where my help comes from and because of this I can walk in hope. When I think about his good and all he's done for me, this joy that I feel is hard to contain!
