As a young girl growing up and even as a teenager and young adult, I always looked forward to the start of a new school year or a new semester of college.
Yes, I was one of those geeky nerds who actually enjoyed school!
The beginning of a new school year brought the anticipation of newly sharpened #2 pencils!
Clean and crisp notebooks ready to be filled with all sorts of knowledge and facts.
Packages of multicolored fluorescent highlighters!
In younger years, it meant the coolest and most sought after lunch box and thermos sets!
A sixty-four count box of Crayola Crayons with colors such as Wild Watermelon, Cornflower, Aquamarine, Burnt Sienna and Laser Lemon!
And of course a brand new pair of saddle shoes or penny loafers!
No, it wasn't all about the brand new shiny stuff.
I truly did enjoy the learning part of school, and to this day I still enjoy learning, researching, and growing in wisdom and knowledge.
It was the idea of everything being "Spick-and-Span". Pristine. Unstained.
Notebooks still clean from doodle pictures!
No broken or worn down crayons!
No scuff makes on the shiny shoes!
Pencils free from nervous teeth marks!
As we find ourselves at the beginning of a new year, I liken it to having one of my fresh, untarnished, never used notebooks spread out before me just waiting to be filled!
What will I write in my 2018 notebook?
What will you write in your 2018 notebook?
"But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before."
Philippians 3:13
Granted, we have no say whatsoever concerning the trials and circumstances which the Lord may bring into our lives this year.
From this point on I was going to write how we can become bitter or better through life's trials, which is absolute truth. But as I prayed, I had no peace about journeying down that path.
All I heard from this point on was, "Keep it simple, Barb!"
As I continued to pray and seek the Lord over the span of several days, the Lord kept tugging at my heart about sharing something simple, yet helpful and encouraging, for the new year.
I found that simple, yet profound, "thing" to share as I was doing my devotions two days before Christmas.
As I pondered upon this one particular verse throughout the day and prayed more about this post, the Lord made it absolutely clear that this was exactly what He wanted me to share.
"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."
Matthew 1:23
I'm sure, like me, you've read this verse many, many times. But have you ever STOPPED and REALLY read it?
The verse of course is speaking of the birth of Jesus.
But take notice to His name and pay particular attention to the meaning of His name.
Emmanuel
God With Us!
Just STOP
and think about
that TRUTH!
As a believer with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we have God's Spirit living within us! Therefore, there is NEVER EVER a day, an hour, a second, a moment when we are alone!
We may "feel" lonely, isolated and abandoned, BUT WE'RE NOT!
Emmanuel
God With Us!
You may find yourself physically alone due to the death of a spouse.
You may be isolated or homebound because of dealing with a chronic illness or illnesses.
You may have been abandoned at birth by your mother and placed into foster care.
BUT there's good news!
Emmanuel
God With Us!
Friends come and go.
Relationships may dwindle and fall apart.
Unfortunately there is strife and division among family members.
Emmanuel
God With Us!
What comfort!
What joy!
What peace!
A few days ago, we sang the Christmas carol, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel".
Maybe you and I already know the meaning of Emmanuel, but we just need a reminder of its MAGNIFICENT REALITY!
Maybe you and I need to move this AMAZING TRUTH down six inches or so from our head into our hearts!
Let's purpose to write on the first few lines of our 2018 notebook the following words from Matthew 1:23
"Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."
Let's not just remember these words today or the first few weeks of the year, but every single day throughout 2018!
Through the ups and the downs.
Through the smiles and the tears.
Through the joys and the sorrows.
Through the healthy days, as well as those days when chronic illnesses invade our lives.
Emmanuel
God With Us!
What an encouraging and comforting truth to take with us ALL throughout 2018!
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May God Bless You,
Barb
Barbara Ann Camp
January 3, 2018 at 9:03 pmAs I have struggled this past week with Grandpop this has been a Blessed reminder (which I already knew) that I am not alone and GOD IS WITH ME moment by moment. And also with him as he struggles. Thank you for your prayers and encouraging reminders every week. Mom
Barb
January 4, 2018 at 12:13 pmMom, I praise the Lord that the words which He gave to me to share have been a blessing and encouragement to you, especially this past week as you cared "extra" for Grandpop in his health struggles. You are a great blessing to him, and to me ❤❤
I love you and greatly appreciate your words of encouragement
Linda
January 4, 2018 at 2:56 amBarb, this is a simple, yet amazing truth that you have shared. God with us, every moment of every day - it is almost too much for our tiny minds to fully grasp. Guess we need to slow down, and meditate on that one verse and as you say, allow it to move from head to heart.
A wonderful reminder to take into this new year - thank you, my friend!
Love and hugs as always from way across the ocean. ❤️
Barb
January 4, 2018 at 12:17 pmLinda, isn't it such a simple yet most amazing truth! Like you said, "almost too much for our tiny minds to grasp!" Oh, what a powerful God we have!!!
I love you my dear friend and I'm sending you loads of hugs across the ocean ❤❤