Christmas Inspiration

December 17, 2018 / Leigh Ann Thomas / Leave a comment

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).

Oh, what a beautiful season—a time set aside to focus on the incredible gift of Jesus. My prayer is that each of us may enjoy a few quiet moments to worship the One Who loved us enough to send His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

I hope you enjoy the following links to inspirational Christmas reads. Merry Christmas from Heart Undivided!

God’s Sacrifice, My Gift by Marcy Martin

Christmas, Purpose, and Love

20 Simple Ways to Offer the Love of Christ this Christmas by Cathy Baker

Joseph, Did You Know? by Sylvia Schroeder

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:3-7).

Christmas blessings and joy,

Leigh Ann 🙂

(photo from Bing Images)

Merry Christmas!

December 20, 2017 / Leigh Ann Thomas / Leave a comment

Gift Rapt1

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. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end (Isaiah 9:6-7).

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Have a blessed Holy Season as you worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Oh, to Seek the Savior!

December 20, 2016May 8, 2017 / Leigh Ann Thomas / Leave a comment

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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!

December 7, 2016May 8, 2017 / Leigh Ann Thomas / Leave a comment

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 🙂

Oh, To Be Loved…

December 13, 2015February 11, 2016 / Leigh Ann Thomas / 2 Comments

Did you ever long to be loved?

Not just the giddy, silly kind of love—but a love born of knowing and being known. A love so crazy and so deep that you can’t find words to wrap around it…

The kind of intimacy that doesn’t seem to exist in our culture…

We long for another soul to want to know us—and then to love us anyway. I guess the word we look for is unconditional…a type of love not based on performance or quotas or who we know… Continue reading →

Distressed and Beautiful

November 30, 2015October 17, 2017 / Leigh Ann Thomas / 2 Comments

So, I was feeling all “crafty.”

I took plain wooden letters and smeared a touch of Vaseline on the edges (recommended by one of my crafty daughters). Then I spray-painted the letters, let them dry, and wiped off the Vaseline.

Voila! Almost-instant “distressing.” Then I brushed antiquing paint over the top—all to disguise the fact that I bought the letters at Hobby Lobby a few hours before. Continue reading →

Remember the Child

December 2, 2014November 26, 2016 / Leigh Ann Thomas / 2 Comments

What is that sound?
Is it the sound of Christmas?

The ring of cash registers,
The grumbling of overworked, overtired parents.
Cries from children who can’t live without that certain toy…
What is that sound?
Shoppers scrambling for a shot at the best prices
At the best stores.
The seductive lure of advertisers
Blaring out from every radio and television.

The sights and sounds of Christmas…

If we look and listen a little more,
We can see cherub faces, pink from a recent scrubbing,
All lined up to represent characters in a story from long ago.
We can see a choir—rehearsed and dressed in matching apparel,
Singing about a child of lowly birth.
We see a room, alight with the glow of candles…
Inhale the scent of freshly baked goodies,
Delight in the laughter and love of family and friends.

But if our hunger for Christmas is real,
And our thirst for truth runs deep…
Perhaps we could look even closer,
And listen even harder…

Look beyond the gaudy neon signs and glaring lights.
Envision a night of exquisite beauty,
With the only source of light coming from a star-filled sky.
Listen…and hear the shallow breathing of shepherds and
The gentle bleating of sheep.
Feel the emotions of a new father and mother
As their eyes meet, and they silently rejoice in awe and wonder.
Behold the look of radiance on a virgin mother’s face
As she holds an infant soft in sleep.

Reach and touch newborn skin…
Feel the baby’s warm breath on your hand.
And as you touch,
Know that you are touching…
The Son of God.

Be careful…
Don’t lose the vision.
Open your heart and let this most holy of nights
Enter your soul and change you forever.
And when the world threatens to overwhelm you,
And you feel like you’re drowning in the season…

Remember the night…
Remember the sounds…
Remember the love…

Remember…the Child.

For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (HCSB)

For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (HCSB)

Have a wonderful Holy Season!

Joyfully,

Leigh Ann 🙂