Christian living

The Love of Counting

/ Leigh Ann Thomas / Leave a comment

wordcloud1In The Joy of Counting, we looked at our counting habits—our urge to count everything from social media likes and friends, to calories and cash.

And how this constant numbering can be burdensome and leave us empty (remember the calories-hating thing?)

But there is good news. Our urge to count is not a defect—it’s an inherited trait from our Creator. We just get a little off track from the intended purpose.

Scripture has exciting examples of God counting and it gives us a beautiful picture of His heart.

In addition to our Creator numbering the stars, He also counts…  Continue reading →

The Joy of Counting

/ Leigh Ann Thomas / 1 Comment

numbersMy toddler grandsons love to count. Chairs, stuffed animals, toys, ears, toes, freckles, trees, stars—you name it—they will count it.

The joy of counting begins early. One-two buckle my shoe anyone?

But somewhere along the way the simple pleasure of numbering gets distorted.

As adults, we place a numerical value on everything—calories, steps, social media likes and follows, friends, points, wins, clients, money, possessions, etc.

Three-four I want some more.

But all this counting makes me feel like I’m…I don’t know…missing something.  Continue reading →

Give Me…Less!

/ Leigh Ann Thomas / Leave a comment

calendar2I turned the page in my calendar/planner and ran my hand over the blank squares. Ah, a fresh start. December’s grid was covered with notes, plans, and obligations, but January was the tip of a brand new year—unadorned with duties and responsibilities. For now.

What will I do with this fresh set of days?

There is one thing of which I am sure—I want less. 

Less worry—and more faith in the One Who created me. Continue reading →

Exciting News!

/ Leigh Ann Thomas / 2 Comments

candlepicOn a warm summer evening, surrounded by candlelight, guitar music, family, and friends, my husband and I witnessed our oldest daughter and her sweetheart pledge their lives and their love to each other.

Twenty months later, as the quiet of the church sanctuary shielded the gathered family and guests from a spring rainstorm, our middle daughter joined hands with her beloved and exchanged their promises of forever faithfulness.

Two weddings in less than two years. Continue reading →

Oh, to Seek the Savior!

/ Leigh Ann Thomas / Leave a comment

treepic1a

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

Father, like the humble shepherds of long ago, may we approach this Holy Season with eagerness and joy. May our hearts leap in worship and adoration to You for the amazing gift of Jesus. And, like the shepherds, may we rise from worship to spread the glorious news with the world: Our Savior and Redeemer is here!

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them (Luke 2:15-18 NIV).

Merry Christmas from Heart Undivided. I pray you have a blessed, Holy Season in worship of our Risen Lord!

Joyfully,

Leigh Ann 🙂

Spread the Word!

/ Leigh Ann Thomas / Leave a comment

treepic2a

Father God, may we never get so consumed by busyness that we neglect to share Your message of this Holy Season. You came—not with trumpets and chariots of gold—but as a tiny infant surrounded by animals, hay, and bewildered parents. What love! What grace! Thank you for the precious gift of Your Son, who made it possible for us to be reconciled with You. We worship You, Father. We love You, Jesus. We thank you, Holy Spirit.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14).

Have a blessed week as you begin celebrating the Greatest Gift!

Joyfully,

Leigh Ann 🙂

3 Myths Christians Believe—Part 3

/ Leigh Ann Thomas / 1 Comment

Part 3: God Is Not Quite Enough  http://wp.me/p2CdBJ-Lw

If someone asked us point blank if we thought God was “enough,” we would say, “Of course! He’s all I need.”

But our lives tell another story.

My marriage needs Jesus and for my spouse to shape up and make me happy.

My children need to know the Lord and to have the latest gadgets, excel in school, and be popular with their peers.

I need the wisdom of God’s Word and the advice of self-help books and that psychologist on television.   Continue reading →

3 Myths Christians Believe–Part 2

/ Leigh Ann Thomas / 1 Comment

true-and-false

Part 1 of this series –> (3 Myths Christians Believe—Part 1)

Part 2:  God Can’t/Won’t Use Me—I’m Too Flawed 

I’m convinced that this is one of the biggest lies/myths Christians believe. And there’s even a touch of pride in believing it—like we’re being all modest and noble: I’m just not qualified. Someone else will do a better job. My past is kind of, um, a mess.   Continue reading →

3 Myths Christians Believe—Part 1

/ Leigh Ann Thomas / 2 Comments

The last days and weeks in the good ‘ole USA have been, um…unusual. Unsettling. Worthy of serious hand-wringing.

Many Christians have soul-sighed, “Oh, for cryin’ out loud. Why don’t those sinners just stop, you know, sinning? Come on, Lord…repair those reprobates and all will be right with the world.”

Which leads us to the first myth or falsehood we as Christians sometimes believe:   Continue reading →