Author: gaylaburt

It’s never too soon to get ready for Christmas. That is why I couldn’t wait to show you my latest product, Christmas “Love Handles. Each wooden piece features my original watercolor, “O, Holy Night” and is embellished with a vintage drawer pull. They are functional and fun! The perfect gift for everyone!!

Purchasing information can be found on my products page.

A few of you have asked for my recipe for the blueberry fried pies I mentioned in a Facebook post this week. (See the printable recipe below.) I never make fried pies without thinking about my mom. She knew how to make a pretty awesome pie. Just yesterday, my friend, Barbara and I were talking about how we missed our moms. You would think the miss would not be so bad when you are sporting gray hair and looking forward to a medicare card in the next few months. But, the miss never really goes away. When times are hard I miss her comfort. When times are good I miss sharing. I miss her prayers. I miss her hugs…I just miss her.

So thankful for a heavenly Father who has that nurturing, unconditional love that feels like a momma’s love, but even better. This reminds me of the picture of Jesus in Matthew 23:37 as he looks over Jerusalem, weeping for his people.

“…How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me”.

He is reaching for us all today. Longing to gather us close. To have fellowship with us, heal us, comfort us, laugh with us. But so often we look away and refuse His touch. Distracted by life, disillusioned by disappointment, whatever the reason we often fail to respond to his invitation.

I am saying a big “yes ” to Him today. Pull me in tightly Lord. Gather me in with strong, protecting arms. That’s right…just like a momma.

I hope you will make some yummy pies and, while you are doing that, take a moment to say yes to the nurturing, unconditional love of Jesus.

(Just a note about lard. I love the way lard makes my pastries light and flaky. Yes, you can still buy lard at the grocery store. And lard is actually more healthy than shortening. So, give it a try and let me know what you think.)

A child has been born for us;
    a son has been given to us.
    The responsibility of complete dominion
    will rest on his shoulders, and his name will be:
    The Wonderful One!…. (Isaiah 9:6 The Passion Translation)

I remember the year when Christmas lost its wonder. I was in the sixth grade, living in the crazy in-between years that transitioned me from childhood to becoming an adult. My dad had recently come home from a year’s assignment in Vietnam and there was a sense of dis-ease in the atmosphere of our home. As an adult I now realize, that he was suffering from PTSD that manifested in bouts of anger, anxiety, and a general lack of patience with us kids. That year Christmas morning felt different. There were only a few gifts for each of us under the tree, but that was not unusual for us. We never thought slighted or left out about those kinds of things. My dad’s military income did not allow for extravagance, but we never felt that we lacked anything important. I give my mom credit for that. She always had a positive attitude about our military life and viewed our frequent moves and continual readjustments as an exciting challenge.

No, it wasn’t the lack of gifts that caused my disappointment that Christmas, but rather the gifts themselves. I had outgrown my love for toys and trinkets. While I still loved dolls, ( I still do!) I think my very practical mom realized there were other things I needed more. So, that year my gifts included a new purse, a grown up brush and comb set, and a few miscellaneous personal things that an almost-teenager would need for grooming. When the gifts were all opened, I arranged them under the tree, hoping they would look more festive and inviting under the glow of the Christmas lights. I needed them to give back the wonder. I needed them to bring normalcy to my heart that was feeling the uneasiness in our home. But, to no avail. Something inside had shifted. The wonder was not there…and even as a 12 year old, I knew it.

Things are different now. My perspective on life is different. The years brought healing and a sense of wholeness back to our family. I am much older, and hopefully, much wiser. The years have taught me lessons on grabbing the beauty of life when and where I can. I am learning that Christmas (and life) can be whatever I make it and it all depends on my attitude and my faith in God. Not, in the circumstances around me.

If there has ever been a year to challenge that resolve, 2020 has been that year. We have all felt loss and many are struggling to feel the wonder of the Season. In this world of conflict and pain, many have lost the wonder of the miracles around us every day. Some have prayed, seemingly finding no answers. Many are faced with hopelessness, and fear grips the hearts of those who can’t even find the words to articulate the deep sadness they are grappling with.

Today I present a gift to you. A reminder of the miraculous Baby who came on that first Christmas night to a dark, disappointing world. The man Christ Jesus. The Wonderful One.

In the Hebrew, the word wonderful is taken from the root word, pele, which means miracle. So, in that sense, His name means miracle – His birth, His life, His death, His redemptive plan for man. Miracles. Everyone of them.

Just the announcement of His birth, caused a heavenly celebration of wonder as angels danced across the sky and shepherds looked on with amazement. At his birth, miracles were sprinkled across the sky like golden glitter as the Christmas Star proudly led the way of the wise men. The face of a virgin girl glowed with a heavenly blush as she looked upon the face of God – the Wonderful One – the God-Man who would save His people. There was no room for doubt and fear in that lowly stable that night. A dream-filled little mother, a divine child, angels resplendent with glory. The Wonderful Miracle had come.

I think I see that same Christmas glow when I look in the face of an innocent child as she dances and sings with total abandon. Eyes sparkling with hope, wonder spilling out as she sees the sparkle of the Christmas tree, sure that each brightly wrapped gift holds a box of rapturous joy just waiting to be unwrapped.

I wonder if that is why Jesus said we should all come to Hm as a little child. Maybe, it is because life in our temporary earth-home tends to rob us of wonder as the years go by. We tend to become jaded with each disappointment. Hope wanes as we wait for brighter days that seem to be put “on hold.” We can forget that He came as The Wonderful One. Full of wonder. Full of miracles.

I encourage you, today, to look at your world through the eyes of an expectant child. Let your heart sing again with joy because of the miracle of your salvation. Let wonder fill your soul as you remind yourself of a loving God who chose you. Let hope come alive as you capture the hope that dispels the darkness around you. Expect miracles. See miracles. They are all around us. Our grown-up eyes have just become dim.

Lord, give me the eyes of a child. Let me see your heart of love in the everyday miracles that are all around me. Let me dance with anticipation of all you are about to do in my life. Let my senses come alive with awe of who You are. Don’t let me explain away the supernatural miracle of my life with You. Instead , let me live enchanted by your person, The Wonderful One.

This is a song I love. Maybe you will too.

Just Like A Child, Andy Parks. https://youtu.be/7QxTntAiuDU

Looking for wonderful miracles today. You are loved. gb

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 KJV

I was just a young college student the first time I sang these words from scripture. Our voices rang out from the choir loft with passion and enthusiasm as we performed Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. I am still so moved every time I hear these familiar words.

The prophet Isaiah so accurately spoke of the coming Messiah hundreds of years before the Savior King would be born in a modest stable in Bethlehem. Isaiah listed several descriptive names to illustrate the majesty and beauty of our Lord, but today my eyes are resting on the last name in this verse…The Prince of Peace.

Oh, how we need our Prince of Peace in our world today!

The Prince of Peace. What is the significance of the title Prince? A prince is a royal heir. A prince is sovereign. He has the final word. What he says is all that really matters. In our noisy world let us hear the voice of our sovereign Prince ringing loudly above all the noisy, clammer that destroys our peace. Let us hear with clarity the gentle, but sure, words of our Savior, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John14:27)

When we consider the word, peace, we often think of the cessation of turmoil or chaos. But the original Hebrew word for peace has an even broader scope. This richness of the word, peace is reflected in the Message version of Isaiah 9:6.

His names will be: Amazing Counselor,
    Strong God,
Eternal Father,
    Prince of Wholeness.

I love that He is the Prince of Shalom which contains the idea of wholeness and completeness. Where are you broken today? In what ways do you feel incomplete? Just the idea of a God who loves me in my brokenness and embraces me when I feel incomplete, makes me want to kneel before Him in a puddle of grateful tears!

Our God, our Prince of Peace, offers the completeness I long for. He comes to undo the lies that whisper that I am not enough. He is the supernatural glue that lovingly pieces back together every confusing, chaotic, and jagged piece of my life.

He is the quiet in my Christmas storm, the hope for tomorrow, the rest for today. He is Peace. Whispered softly in my troubled night or ringing loudly in the days of chaos – He is here. God with us. Emmanuel….the Prince of Peace.

Please follow me so you will never miss a post!

You are loved. gb

I have a confession to make! When it comes to Christmas, I am an overachiever. But, not in a good way. I desperately want my dining room table to be lovely and inviting. I need my Christmas tree to look stunning. I fix and re-fix the garland on my mantle while Mary and Joseph watch carefully from the strategically arranged nativity on the sideboard across the room. For some reason, I feel that my Christmas cakes should be extravagant works of art. I try to sense the holiday expectations that each family member has and I strive with great diligence to meet them all.

Are you getting tired just reading this?

As you can imagine all this fuss and commotion takes its toll on me. And I am sure – very sure – that this is not the way Christmas is supposed to be.

So, why can’t I just stop already?

If you are finding yourself feeling like me, worn out, stressed out, and exhausted… maybe we need to talk. I’ve been doing some prayerful self-analysis lately and maybe I can share some insights that are helping me.

#1. It’s a holiday. It comes every year. If this one isn’t picture-perfect, I’ll always have another chance to do it better and hopefully, more efficiently, next time.

#2. My family would rather visit me when I am rested and full of joy. Not, when I am stressed, frazzled, and worn-out.

#3. This year, I may not have the physical, mental, emotional, or financial resources that I have had in the past. That’s okay. I need to be kind to myself and just realize it’s been a tough year. Everybody gets it!

#4. I may not meet everyone’s expectations this year. If I am really honest, those expectations may be me – just deflecting my expectations on them and assuming that is how my people are feeling. I have to remember that, ultimately, there is only One whom I really need to please.

The Word says that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I look to Him for a smile of approval. In the end, that is enough!

#5. When it’s all over and this Christmas is just a memory, that is what my family takes with them – memories. Memories of too much to eat, mountains of torn wrapping paper, and disheveled bows. Memories of funny stories, spontaneous giggles, warm smiles (maybe hugs….do we all have to socially distance?), and a sense of presence. The presence of those we love. And His presence. After all, His presence is the reason for all the presents. He came so we can know what love really looks like. He was the ultimate Giver.

I have a few boxes of decorations still sitting in my dining room. I left them there, just in case I decide that I need to do a little more holiday embellishment before the family comes. I determined today that I am going to put all that extra stash of ribbons and bling back in the attic. Enough is enough.

I have also determined that my Christmas focus is shifting – shifting to the One whose gaze is the only one that matters. I am choosing to be intentional in this resolve to look to Him. I am choosing to hold on to the peace and joy found in His presence. There in His presence, I find strength and proper perspective. There I inhale the life-giving breath of heaven.

Jesus came as a lowly babe in a simple manger. No froo froo. No bling. No sparkles….just the twinkle of a star to lead the way. Lord, lead us to You this Christmas season.

(For the next few days, I will be posting some thoughts about the beautiful names of Jesus in an effort to celebrate Him with greater reverence and deeper faith. I hope you will share these moments with me.)

You are loved. gb

I hope you dear readers will indulge me today. The cool weather and fall colors stirred me to create. Hope you enjoy. I made a downloadable copy of this below. I have also included a download for a greeting card with this graphic on the cover. Feel free to download and use them to bring some Autumn joy. Blessings!

gb

Sometimes there are more questions than answers. We did everything that we thought was right. We prayed prayers right out of the Word of God and used up every Christian cliche’ we could find. Still, the answer has not come. Or, if it has come, it certainly looks nothing like the answers we prayed for.

It is true; there are lessons to be learned in the crucible of waiting. It is often during the long wait that robust faith becomes chiseled into the foundation of our souls.

I have also found that there is often a haunting loneliness in the waiting. Even if we do have others that have prayed and believed with us, it is rare to find that one who will continue to stand beside you when the answers are, seemingly, held back for months or years – when faith is tried over and over again.

When you find that one, cherish them; they are a true gift from God.

Recently, during one of those seasons of waiting, feeling cruelly isolated due to Covid, the Lord gave me fresh insight into a particular scripture that has often soothed my troubled soul. It was just like the Lord to breathe freshness over the familiar word and cause it to come alive in a new way for me.

As I often do in times of crisis, I began to meditate on Psalm 37:25,
“I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” These words of David were probably written when he was an old man, looking back on the faithfulness of his God.

As I mulled over this scripture, I was reminded of the table of bread in the Old Testament Tabernacle. It was called the table of “shewbread” or the table of “presence.” In scripture, the word “bread” is often a type or symbol of the presence of the Lord. For example, the town of Bethlehem (the place of Jesus’ birth) is also called the House of Bread. There is a rich typology associated with many of the details of the Tabernacle and the Old Testament that link them to the New Testament and to our Lord in particular. (This is a beautiful study that we won’t have time to cover in this post.)

When I looked at Psalm 37:25 with this new revelation in mind, the scripture came alive to me.

As children of God, we are His “seed.” The children of God never have to beg for His presence. He is always anxious to spend time with us; to nurture us; to lavish His love on us.

So, I read the scripture again with fresh vision.

“I have never seen the righteous forsaken, nor have I seen His “seed” (children) begging for His presence.”

It is His joy to be with you, my friend. When He said in Hebrews 13:5 that He would never leave us or forsake us – He meant it!

It is His delight to walk with you through the unknown paths of your life. He desires to hold you as you question the unanswered prayers. He even wants to sit with you in the silence as tears bathe your face because of suffering that seems so unjust and cruel. Even if the answers do not come – He does. And He is enough. It sounds oversimplified, but it is true.

The Lord isn’t always about giving us answers. He wants us to realize that He is more than our deepest hearts desire. He is the healing we long for. He is the peace we have sought. He is the joy we so desperately need during the long hours of waiting.

When others have prayed with you and counseled you until they have grown weary, He has not. Isaiah 40:28 reminds us of that very fact.
“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.”

We won’t soon forget the empty shelves when Covid lockdowns were first mandated, will we? One of the staples that was hard to find was bread! Loaves of bread disappeared as quickly as stores could restock them. There were even shortages of yeast and flour as home bakers tried their hand at making their own bread.

I am so thankful that the Lord’s presence is never in short supply. He is always ready to fill your empty soul with His bread.

Do you remember the Passover communion the Lord shared with His disciples the night before He was betrayed? When Jesus took the bread, He broke it and handed a piece to each of His disciples. (Luke 22:19) Today He offers His bread to each of us. Abundantly, lavishly. His presence.

The missing link is us. We just need to quiet our hearts and still ourselves long enough to sense His nearness. There is no need to beg. Just look for Him. Reach out and touch Him. He is here!

You are loved! gb

Leave a comment or prayer request below and let us share this journey with you.