Are We There Yet?

So, are you there yet? At this season of the year, have you reached the point of near-exhaustion? Are you approaching calendar overload? Need a little simplicity? Need to slow down? Does this sound like an impossible dream?

I've got a suggestion. Actually, it's God's suggestion. Recently as I was scurrying around in my Bible, I was hit right between the eyes with a verse, which led to another, which led to another, and … well, a couple of principles from the Word might help us all quit striving and start resting:

  • Isaiah 43:7 – created for His glory.
  • Matthew 6:33 – an astounding promise.
  • Galatians 6:10 – a motivational check-up.
  • Hebrews 4:10 – a worthy desire.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:31 – a biblical work order.

God has called you to your ministry, but not your misery. A balanced life is His idea; a frantic one is ours. I've listed below 8 great books for this Advent/Christmas season. (Books are a big part of my life, and I'm always compelled to talk about them!) Some are devotional in nature; some are more meditative “coffee table” kind of books; and some are just great stories. I hope you can get to know, or get reacquainted with at least 1 or 2 of these over the holiday season. If they help to unwind some stress and re-focus your thoughts over the next couple of weeks, then so much the better.

  THE WONDER OF CHRISTMAS – Derric Johnson
  THE CHRISTMAS BOX – Richard Paul Evans
  THE GIFT – Hughes/DiCianni/Botts
  IMMANUEL – Ann Spangler
  THE NIGHT OF THE CHILD – Robert Benson
  GOD IS IN THE SMALL STUFF (at Christmas) – Bruce & Stan
  THE GLORIOUS IMPOSSIBLE – Madeleine L'Engle
  THE CHRIST OF CHRISTMAS – Calvin Miller

By the way, somewhere there's a nap with your name on it.
 

Posted in: Christmas, Encouragement, Seasonal Resources

Marty Parks

Marty Parks

Marty Parks is a composer, arranger, orchestrator and producer with over 900 songs and arrangements in print. His work is represented by major choral print publishers around the country. He is a frequent conference leader and workshop speaker whose first devotional book, Quiet Moments for Worship Leaders, came out of his own experience in reflecting on the word of God, and out of his passion to see the same developed in others. His work, as well as current projects, activities and appearances, can be found at martyparks.com.

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