The Perfect Gift

I've been getting slightly frustrated this week as I've been waiting for an order from an online store. It contains 4 presents for various family members and friends and was ordered at the end of November. This would have been ample time for it to arrive, but then in Central Scotland and across most of the UK we had huge snowfall which has caused chaos on our roads, railways and with our postal service.

I have an admission to make to you...I am a perfectionist. I love things to be 'just right'. I love to be organised. It makes me really happy to be on top of things, to be in control. However, in this instance it's completely out of my hands. I have no way of changing the situation, I just need to sit back and wait for the store and the mail system to catch up after the chaos of the beginning of December. It's out-with their control and it's out-with mine. That's not an easy thing for me to deal with. I don't like things being left in limbo.

There are many passages in the Bible that speak of waiting, of expectation. In Isaiah 9:1 we read,

"Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee...will be filled with glory."

and then in verse 2,
"The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine."

It's not about the 'perfect gifts' that I've chosen for people. Christmas is about the joy that is found in Jesus, He is the perfect gift.

It's just over a week until Christmas Day. In that time I hope you will reflect on the joy in our faith, and in the perfect gift given to us by the Father.

Pauline
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Believe

Proverbs 14:15 The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps

When I grew up, we had next to nothing. My parents were divorced and often did not see my Dad for long periods because of his line of work. Shortly after my Mom's second marriage failed . My mom started school to finish her high school and get a secondary education so she could provide for us. There was never any extra money because of this or that. It did not help my Dad was again married himself and had a family to provide for there. We often went without , during this time we got involved with the local food bank . When i say got involved we did lots of stuff with them. Christmas parties, Easter, and generally whatever else was going on at the time. My Mom did a lot of community service with them because often that was how we got food for the table. The people were always interesting and kinda off balance but it made things special. I think even as a child I believed in God , I have shared my testimony a bit here and there. About how i grew up in a church setting that i no longer believe in. I believe God was always there guiding and directing my sisters and my path.My friend said to me just the other day that she is dreaming of the simple life. Where no one is too busy to help and give of their time or even of their pocket books. To believe to show other by being the evidence of God to show others he does exist. To believe-to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so: Only if one believes in something can one act purposefully.Have a look at this link to a beautiful song or this
song.............................

Stacy



Pauline

Hazel


Kim

Ruth

Crazy Love

I recently started reading a book by Francis Chan titled, "Crazy Love" and I'm 'loving' it! Here's a quick blurb from the back of the book, "It's crazy, if you think about it. The God of the universe - the Creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and E-minor - loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs, and try not to cuss. Whether you've verbalized it yet or not...we all know something is wrong. Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical, solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Because the answer to religious complacency isn't working harder at a list of do's and don'ts - it's falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, you will never be the same."

In reading the beginning of the book I realized that Francis and I have had some similar life experiences, in particular with our fathers. He relates that his emotions about his earthly father often got mixed up with his emotions about God. I understand those feelings and they have often made me struggle with the idea that God loves me. I know He loves other people but really...He's just kind of tolerating me, right? I mean I still sin so much...I don't deserve His love.

The truth is...I don't deserve God's love but for some reason, in His most wise and infinite knowledge, He called me unto Himself. I know that He has because I can see the changes that have taken place in my own heart and conduct. Changes that I would have never made on my own for I dearly loved my sin far too much to give it up for "religion." This alone should cause me to be overwhelmed by His love but...I tend to hold back...to be conservative in my emotions for letting someone really love you is too risky...at least that's how I was raised. But I recognize that isn't a very healthy or right view of God and that is what led me to pick up the book Crazy Love. So far it has been a real blessing...God has used it to soften my heart and to enjoy His love and to allow real change to take place...not just from aquiring head knowledge but as a love and affection overflowing from my heart, a gratefulness for all that God has done in my life, for allowing me to want to really reach and help those around me. It is so good to let go and embrace all that our great God and Savior Jesus Christ has to offer because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything.

I would highly recommend Francis Chan's book, it's a quick and easy read, but full of straight forward talk and honest ideas, based fully on Biblical principals about God, His nature, and His overwhelming love. A love so great that He sent His only Son to die...so "that man might have life and have it more abundantly: (John 10:10). All praise and glory be to our great God!!

Providence

Hello Salt followers, thank you for joining us this week. Happy Thanksgiving to our American readers. Some of our Saltines are very busy at this time of year so we're a little down on numbers this week.

Ruth here with the theme of Providence. I have been reflecting recently on God's timely provision of a home to our family and how he truly does meet our every need. So often we get a little confused and think our 'wants' are our 'needs' and may even spend time praying for things that our Heavenly Father know will not be right for us. I recently heard a sermon where the preacher said sometimes God answers yes, no or later. However what we can be assured of is the promises God does give us. He has made eternal provision for us. Through his Son we are provided for in the most crucial way possible, and although there are promises about our practical needs...

Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:7

there is an even more precious promise...

"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. ²In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? ³And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. ⁴And you know the way to where I am going." John 14:1-4

We hope you will join in with our theme this week, please let us know if you do!

Ruth

Hazel



Pauline

Stacy

Reflecting on change

Following on from the 'transformation' challenge that Pauline set last Thursday - and, by the way, that challenge is still current, so we would love to see you design something for it - I'm continuing to reflect upon 'transformation'.

We all go through various changes in our lives, from childhood, through adolescence into adulthood - eventually becoming middle aged and later on, senior citizens - I now fall into that category. Of course, sadly for some an early death denies them the later stages of life.

But we also go through changes of circumstances - relationships, career, health, friendships, where we live etc. And, apart from personal changes, there are many changes going on around us, most of them outside of our control, but they affect our lives - changes in society, in government policies etc.

As our 'transformation' crafting testified, Jesus is transforming Christians - we are 'new creations'. I know that He still needs to make many more changes in me even though I've been on the Christian pathway for many years.

But amid all this, I am so thankful that, despite all other changes, God Himself is unchanging. 'Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever,' Hebrews 13:8 is one of my favourite verses - I know that I can depend upon the One who never changes, whatever I face in life.

Transformation

Before I introduce this week's challenge, we have some Design Team news - Julie and Tanis are stepping down from the team after having been involved in SALT for a long time. We're all incredibly sad to say goodbye to them, having been inspired by their thoughts on the challenges and having enjoyed the fellowship we've had on the team. Thank you to both of you for everything you've done for the SALT blog, for your insights on the challenges, and for the friendship we've been able to have with you.

We hope you will join with us in wishing Julie and Tanis every blessing. Hopefully they will both keep in touch with SALT, maybe even joining in a challenge every now and then!

__________

As we've moved rather rapidly from summer to autumn and almost instantly (in Scotland anyway!) into winter, I've been thinking about the seasons and how seamlessly we move through the year and each stage of the transformation. As Christians, we are transformed by God, we are new creations when we allow Christ into our lives. We read in 2 Corinthians 5, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come". In our relationship with Christ we leave behind our old selves and are transformed by His love. Dave Bilbrough's worship song speaks of us being new creations,

I am a new creation,

No more in condemnation

Here in the grace of God I stand

My heart is overflowing

My love just keeps on growing

Here in the grace of God I stand.

And I will praise you God

Yes I will praise you God

And I will sing of all that you have done

A joy that knows no limit

A lightness in my spirit

Here in the grace of God I stand

As we move from our current season (which season it is will depend where you're living so I won't assume everyone is getting as cold as me!) I pray that we will find joy in the transformation taking place both in nature and in ourselves.

Remember to link to your blog in the comments section if you are inspired to create something on the theme. I hope you will consider taking part and letting us see your work.

Pauline

Hazel


Lythan
Kim

Ruth

Still thinking about Priorities....

I think Priorities is the theme of my year!

Still seeking and searching for wisdom and growth in this area. It's a busy life, this life of ours. Somehow chaos and stress seem to be the norm - I see it everywhere I look. And it's NOT the life God wants for us.

He wants us to have peace. And He wants our lives to be purposeful, to have goals, to have direction - all to bring glory to Him.

I was reading through this devotional, and just LOVED the way the author expressed these thoughts...

We first need to remember our purpose in this life, and evaluate our priorities. If we fill our schedules with things that have nothing to do with our purpose – if they don’t bring us closer to our goals, then we run around in chaos, being busy but pointless! If we’re not making the important things priority, then we are out of balance.

Jesus paid a very high price to reconcile us back to God, to make peace and give us an abundant life. He is a God of order who never meant for us to be too busy to enjoy the simple pleasures He offers, which lead to contentment, joy and peace. Complicated lives prevent “simple freedom”. It really is that simple.

Dear God, please help me get my life and home organized. Help me make it simple, not complex and complicated. Help me understand what matters most and enjoy life on earth the way You want me to. In Jesus’ precious Name. Amen. 

(excerpt taken from http://womenbygrace.com/womens-devotions/simplify-your-life/)