Anticipation, Preparing the Heart, Words of my Heart, by A Texas Artist Laurie Pace

Anticipation - Preparing the Heart

In this second week of advent we begin to really anticipate the coming of the Christ Child. No matter what messes remain in our lives, it is time to look above to Him to be set free.

If you still remain head down concentrating on things in the worldly existence, this week it is time to lift your face to God's light. It is shining all around you, but your back is still to Him in your focus on other things. These things matter not in the spiritual realm.

Prepare your life for the coming of this joy. Turn to His light.  Let go of what holds you down and raise your hands in praise to Him. He  holds His grace ready for you to receive.

I learn this from a special woman.  She of all people is trapped in a worldly situation not of her making. She does trust the Lord with all of her heart, and yet she knows she is an advocate responsible for someone's care.


When she gets home at night, she releases it all and turns to God in prayer immediately giving Him all the worries that fill her mind as she journeys through this earthly maze.  If we could all learn to do this we would rest better at night and greet each morning open minded and ready to receive the goodness He has for us.

Words from my heart,
Laurie

Dear Lord,
Through the darkness, we look for your wisdom. we want our hearts to be open to you ready to receive your grace.
But sometimes in these days, our backs are turned to you and it seems that so many things come between us.

Help us to be awake, open and aware of the radiance and glory you bring to our lives.
Help us to be grateful each day for the blessings of family and friends.
May we be peacemakers in our own lives, and in the world.
Let each of us pray especially for the many difficulties facing our country and the world.
 

This as my Advent prayer today.

Isaiah 40: 1-5

"Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her
that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.  A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”