Friday, December 12, 2008

Christmas Hope and Miracles

This is the season of hope. Of miracles. Christ is the embodiment of what a true miracle is. Born to a virgin. Living life as fully God while fully man. Sinless. He is a miracle and He is OUR miracle. He brings me such hope.

This Christmas there are many things that I hope for. Not things that I am asking for as gifts but intangible things that I hope for. I got to thinking that it's great to have hope, for sometimes that is all that keeps us going. But hoping can often be like wishing. We need to ask. The Bible says we have not because we ask not. That does not mean that we are going to get everything we ask for. But we need to ask!!

In this season of hope - I am asking for some Christmas miracles:
  • physical healing of my body
  • healing for Don's heart (oh, how he needs Jesus)
  • the beginnings of reconciliation between Don and the kids
  • that my heart would be open to all that God is asking of me

God is already at work in our lives in some miraculous ways. Things are happening that I am going to keep in my heart for now, but please know that prayer works. Your prayers are one of the greatest gifts that God has given me this year.

What are you "hoping" for this Christmas? I would count it a privilege to go before the Lord on your behalf and ask for your Christmas miracles as well.



30 comments:

Courtney and the Boys said...

Well put, Sheryl! My friend, Gavin, told me the same thing in relation to my little contest. He thanked me for letting him know I wanted his help with this, and he said if more people in the world did that, it would be a much happier place! We could all help each other out or at least pray for their needs or "wants."

I will certainly pray for yours. As for me? Gosh, I just got everything I wanted! I won that contest, I am so happy with my little family and feel so blessed. My prayer has been answered about having my brother and his family move closer. I guess I could ask for something, though.

I miss my parents so much at this time of the year. I know I can't get them back in this lifetime, but I would like to be able to fully focus on the happiness that this time of the year brings instead of the sadness I feel for missing them. Thank you, my dear stranger friend, Sheryl!!!!! :)

Courtney

Jenn @ Casa de Castro said...

God does know what's in your heart and just how to perfectly meet your needs. I'll continue to pray and wait expectantly for His answers.

My hope this Christmas is that the Lord would bless my dear husband's efforts in business. I've watched him work SO very hard to develop an amazing product that all agree is THE solution to their problems, but none of that work or those comments have produced any income. We NEED the income, and I so want to see my husband's project come to fruition. Interestingly it was born out of our prison ministry as the product is software for specific needs inside the prison system. Isn't it just like God to provide financially for us in this life through the very thing He has called us to do for His kingdom?

Thanks for another great post, Sheryl. Big hugs!

Laura said...

Sheryl,

Great post.
There are many things that I hope for but more than anything I pray to really baske in his presence and for him to reveal himself to me in a way that I have never experienced.
I am so desperate for him.

Laura

Kim@Seasons of My Heart said...

Great post Sheryl! God is moving....he's listening..and he's hearing.

Know that you are continually in my thoughts and prayers.

Myriam said...

Hey Sheryl-

I will definitely bring your requests before the throne. You will be kept in my prayers.

My request is that I continually remain at the Savior's feet.

Have a great weekend and God bless.

Myriam

Kimberly said...

Sherly,

So glad that God is working so many small miracles in your life! I am continuing to pray for you and your family as always! Your friendship is truly a gift!

Love ya much,
KB

Paula V said...

Beautiful, Sheryl. You are so right about how hoping needs to go much further than wishing into asking and believing.

I'm rejoicing with you that you see miracles happening. How sweet for you to keep them in your heart...very tender.

The things you listed continue to be in my prayers.

I would be blessed if you'd continue to go to the throne for my "wishes". I believe you know them before I say them but...
**for my beloved Chris' to have a true heart transformation (free from bitterness, anger, unforgiveness)
**for beloved's heart to be soften toward me and toward what God truly desires
**ultimately for a marriage reconciliation where both he and I are the spouse God divinely destined us to be and to be to each other.

Thanks, sweet one.
You are a gem.
Love,
Paula

Paula V said...

Beautiful, Sheryl. You are so right about how hoping needs to go much further than wishing into asking and believing.

I'm rejoicing with you that you see miracles happening. How sweet for you to keep them in your heart...very tender.

The things you listed continue to be in my prayers.

I would be blessed if you'd continue to go to the throne for my "wishes". I believe you know them before I say them but...
**for my beloved Chris' to have a true heart transformation (free from bitterness, anger, unforgiveness)
**for beloved's heart to be soften toward me and toward what God truly desires
**ultimately for a marriage reconciliation where both he and I are the spouse God divinely destined us to be and to be to each other.

Thanks, sweet one.
You are a gem.
Love,
Paula

UL Cards Fan said...

Beautiful words as always Sheryl.
You and your family remain in my prayers.

My HOPES for 2009 are for Brittany as you already know; for financial stewardship so that retirement can be a reality for Ernie before he turns 80; and for a meeting face to face with our precious SIESTAS.

Thank you Lord for the miracles you continue to provide.

Love, Linda~~

Anonymous said...

It will happen , ye sit will I clam it for you .God bless love sister in Chris vicky

Unknown said...

I will continue to pray for you and your family, that God will meet all of your needs and that He will hold you in his righteous right hand through each and every step.

As for me, my deepest desire is that my children would see God in me and that they will seek God always and yearn for a relationship with him. I so often feel I am failing in the good role model area of being a mommy. I let my temper get the best of me. I get busy and my devotions go by the wayside, etc. Please pray that I will shine for Jesus and be the mom He desires me to be.

Thanks for opening this up for us to bring forward our prayer requests. It means a lot to me.

Pam said...

Thanks for the reminder... even though it has been so long, I need to keep believing... you already know mine. thanks.

Suzanne said...

Praying that you receive all you ask and so happy to know that things are happening for you.

For me, I pray that my marriage will continue to be strengthened, that I will figure out what to do about my daughter's issues, and that I will draw closer to God every day.

God bless you!!!

Amrita said...

Dear Jesus bring healing to Sheryl 's body, hermarriage and Don 's heart. Let this season be atime of renewal for this precious family.


Sheryl thank you for praying for Jeremy. I got word from him that he was doing better.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sheryl,

I pray that God will continue to restore to you all that the locust has taken away from you. I pray for complete healing in your body and restored relationship with Don.

Please pray for me. I lost my job two days ago and am not sure what the next step is going to be. Also pray for my friend, Neil, that God would touch his heart and bring him into a personal relationship with his Savior.

Thanks and God bless you.

Kim

Anonymous said...

Sheryl

What beautiful words. I am happy that you continue to see God's hand in your life.

My wishes....

* growing my relationship with God
* stability for my family
* good health for my family (in particular, my little boy)

Take care!

Denise in Texas

Joyfulsister said...

Hi Sheryl..
God knows, he sees, and he really really cares about your hearts desires and I hope that he will bring each to pass according to his will and in his time. You have been so faithful in your prayers for your family, never give up on hope.

Jennifer said...

HOPE--it's one of my favorite verbs. Glad to see that Jesus is working steadfast in your life.

much2ponder said...

Thank you for stopping by my blog. I can feel a genuineness about you...is that even a word?

but seriously, you heart shows through in your writing and I enjoy reading your thoughts. I will be back to read again soon:)

Angela Baylis said...

I'm hoping (praying) for perfect peace! I am praying that you have healing and there is some serious business going on in Don's heart! ...and for your kids! He is our only hope. I changed the top of my blog to say that I am Believing God to do the utterly impossible. I'll pray it for you, sweet sister!
Love,
Angie xoxo

Anonymous said...

Sheryl, hello!!! sorry I havent stopped buy in a while. It is so good to here the hope and promise in your voice!!!
May all your prayers be answered this Christmas!

as for me, Iam praying that God will bring healing and restoration to my loved ones and release them from the bonds of addiction.

I walk a narrow road through valleys deep, in search of higher ground on mountains steep and though I walk alone I just keep pressing on for I am guided by The Faithful One!
susan
grammyshouse-susan.blogspot.com

Amy said...

Sheryl, my name is Amy. I read your comment on Much2Ponder's last post, and I just wanted to stop by and say hi!

I have had a very difficult year health wise, and the thoughts you shared on that blog comment really spoke to me.

I read the post and went to leave a comment, and then I saw your words, and they were almost word for word what I was thinking myself.

We have had most of our "friends" fall away, and it hurts. But God has brought so many new people into our lives that have made up for our "losses" by leaps and bounds. It hurts though, to feel forgotten, by people we thought we our close friends....like family even.

But like I told Pat, that old saying rings true in my life. "God never closes a door without opening a window." And the blessings that I have received through the window have been amazing!

Anyway, I just wanted to say hello!
Take care and God bless,
Amy:)

Anonymous said...

what a beautiful post!
thank you so much for sharing :)
praying for you!
love ya
jill

my miracles i am asking for are:

complete healing from panic attacks, all my fears and agoraphobia.

my husband's salvation.

my husbands family's salvation.

restored relationship with my father and his salvation.

to be able to homeschool my daughter Kaitlyn :)

for us to have another baby.

Cheri' said...

Sheryl,
Thanks for stopping by my blog and for the comments you made. I am pretty new at all this, but am so blessed when I read blogs like yours. Hearing your heart for God and how you are handling what you're going through is very encouraging to me!

Whenever I think of Tammy -- which is quite often these days I will also pray for you and the things you mentioned in your post!

May this Christmas be filled with the favor and blessings of God for you and your sons!

Beverly said...

What a beautiful post for Christmas..."hope" truly hold us together sometimes, and thanks for reminding us to "ask". Wonderful!

Unknown said...

Sheryl,

Feel free to steal away. I took it from an email I received.

Things are difficult but I'm working through them.

Looking forward to the close of 2008!

SherylDean

Susan said...

Sadie,

You have a gift. God is using you from your perch. Of that you can be sure.

Thanks for asking. For me, clarity and gratitude. I'm having some joint pain and other symptoms associated with this phase of life. ah well.

Also, for our oldest daughter - - direction and that she will know God is her father.

Thank you, Sadie.
Love, Lila

Laura said...

My prayers for Christmas is that my parents would experience God's presence in a way like never before. They are in the midst of a struggle physically, emotionally, and financially. What Satan may want to do and thinks that he can destroy my family well I have news for him. NO WAY! So right now, we are holding on to him, our Abba's hand. HE is guiding us all the way.

Anonymous said...

sheryl,
you seem like such a loving warm hearted person. im so glad i found your blog. or maybe iwas led to it by our all knowing seeing loving father. i have been married to a man i truly love for only 1 and 1 half years and the problems we have seem too big. sometimes the heartache doesnt seem worth it. we arent kids, hes 55, im 49, its both our second marriage so were bringing tons of baggage to the marriage. most days i feel like i could just walk away. but i know this is not what god wants for us, its only the easy way. please pray for me and bill. and i will be in prayer for you and don and your beautiful children.

Sheryl said...

i don't usually comment on my own posts, but i feel compelled to. first of all, thanks for allowing me the privilege to pray for all of you. i take it very seriously. we will see God move!!

secondly, to anonymous (just above here) - i am glad that God led you here. i will be praying for your marriage and please know you can email me any time. i am not full of wisdom but i am willing to listen.

dsmoerdyk@sbcglobal.net