Have you ever created a wish list for Christmas as a grown-up? This year, what I wanted more than anything for Christmas was peace for my family and peace for my heart. As I read over Philippians 4:6-7, God’s command to tell Him what we need really jumped out at me. What I wanted most was something only He could provide. Asking God for what I need became the impetus for My Grown-Up Christmas Wish List. It’s not just for Christmas, but for the whole upcoming year.

As I sat before the tree with its single ornament emblazoned with the word, HOPE, thinking of the trials facing our family as of late, and all the things that hadn’t gotten done in preparation for Christmas, a familiar passage came to mind:

“Don’t worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. TELL GOD what you need, and thank him for all he has done. THEN you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

 

In the past when I read that passage, I had always focused on the not worrying part, and thanking him. But in that moment, when what I wanted more than anything was peace for my family and peace for my heart, what jumped out at me was God’s command to tell Him what we need.

It was a challenge, to be sure, but He was imploring me not to worry, but instead, in prayer, to tell Him what I needed, just as my son had asked when he inquired, “Mom, what do you want for Christmas?” and friends had asked me when they relayed “If there is anything you need, please tell me.” That was the key to peace not just this Christmas, but all year through.

I had already shared with a dear friend that what I most needed was something only God could provide. Now He was beckoning me to ask HIM.

That became my “grown-up Christmas wish list:”

 

For My Husband:

• We believe that he has been healed of his cancer—I want him to see the physical manifestation of that healing.
• I want him to know in a deeper way how much God and I love him, not for what he does but because of whose He is.
• I want him to have the desire of his heart, to find his voice and to share with others what God has done for him.

 

For My Children:

• I want them to know that despite all the things we didn’t do or couldn’t provide this Christmas, that the choices we made were because they are a priority to us.
• I want them to have a spiritual family legacy that they can be proud of, learn from, and pass on to their own children.
• I want them to know who they are in Christ and walk in it, using all the gifts, talents, tools, and weapons God has already given them.
• I want them to know that when storms come (and they will!), to stand on the firm foundation and always stay focused on the One who calms the storms.
• I want them to know that their father and I love them very much, but they have a Heavenly Father who loves them enough that He sent His son to die for them and now walks with them every day.
• And I want Him to guide them on the path He has individually for each of them.

 

For My Friends:

• I want you to know the depth of my gratitude for weeping with us when we weep, and rejoicing with us when we rejoice, and that I want to do the same for you.
• I want you to know that it is my desire to walk along side you in ministry and in life, and to pray with you and for you, expectant for how the Lord will answer.
• I want your days of laughter to be much more plentiful than your days of tears.
• I want you to experience the depth of the hope that prevails because of Him.

 

For My Patients/Clients/Readers:

• I want you to know that you are cared for and that your well-being is my top priority.
• I want you to experience something different when you walk through my doors—I want you to experience Christ’s love.
• I wish for a cure for cancer, dementia, autism, stroke, and all the other illnesses that plague you and bring you to see me, but more than that I want you to encounter my Jesus, The One True Healer.
• I pray you will experience His saving light in your dark places.
• I want more than anything for you to know that because of Him, Hope Prevails!

 

For Me:

• I want to know Him more through the trials we are enduring.
• I want to love my husband better through his courageous journey.
• I want more doors to open for me to be a light pointing others to His kingdom.
• I want to better comfort others with the comfort He has extended to us.
• I want to share the Hope that I know to the very core of my being prevails because of Him, despite our earthly circumstances.
• I want to ultimately hear Him say, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

Each of these wishes may look a little different, and take a slight variation, but when we get right down to it, they all amount to the same thing.

This Christmas and all throughout the year, all I want is a little more of Jesus.

I don’t know what you are wishing for this Christmas and into the new year, whether it’s tangible, physical, relational, or emotional. But He wants to hear it from you! What a joy to know there is a safe place to come and share our inner most desires.

And as we thank Him for the answers, He promises peace to guard our hearts and minds.

Christmas has come to a close but there’s always time to ask God for what you need. My prayer for you throughout the new year is that instead of worrying, you’ll bring your needs to Him, thank Him for all He has done, is doing, and will do, and then enjoy the peace that comes from Him.

Because of Him, #HopePrevails!

 

 

Rest in the New Year

 

Many of us are so busy that we’ve forgotten to prioritize rest! But there’s so much that God can teach us through our resting.

REST is the focus of the upcoming Living Sabbath 2022 Summit, an online 3-day summit happening January 7-9, 2022 with over 25 expert speakers to help us learn to rest better in order to be our optimal selves in the new year. I’m honored to be one of the speakers.

 

 

The unique virtual format of this retreat gives you a chance to fully customize your experience. YOU choose the content that helps you rest, and you can craft your schedule around what restores you.

The Living Sabbath Virtual Retreat is for you if you are:

• Ready to accept God’s invitation to come away for a time of restoration
• Desire to cultivate greater intimacy and a deeper connection with God

Tickets are available now, and there’s a way to join for every budget!

This will be a powerful time that’s sure to refresh your spirit, and I don’t want you to miss out.

Get all the info today and Register at LivingSabbath.com.