“Your convictions are only as strong as they hold up under pressure.” — Streams in the Desert devotional

Several years ago, our pastor presented the acronym “H.A.L.T.” while preaching about the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle and sound mind, especially before making important decisions. The sermon stressed the importance of thinking before acting, especially when people experience extreme Hunger, Anger, Loneliness, or when they are Tired.

I’ve never forgotten the acronym — it has indeed become a valuable tool that I’ve used many times before jumping into action or speaking out of impulse.

Hunger. Anger. Loneliness. Weariness — hundreds of studies have been conducted about the effects of these sensations or emotions in the human body. Whether they impact our physical or emotional well-being, no question conquering them or surrendering to the impulses they generate can be the difference between success or defeat, peace of mind or turmoil.

In the fourth chapter of the gospel of Matthew, we find a perfect illustration of how Jesus overcame temptation at a time of great hunger, loneliness and weariness. In that chapter, Jesus had left Galilee after his baptism in the Jordan River and entered the Judean wilderness, where he stayed for 40 days without food or water in preparation for the onset of his ministry. The same account is in the Gospels of Luke and Mark.

In the fourth chapter of the gospel of Matthew, we find a perfect illustration of how Jesus overcame temptation at a time of great hunger, loneliness and weariness.#MondayMotivation #MondayDevotionals #OvercomingTemptation
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After 40 days, the Gospels tell that Satan appeared to tempt Jesus, offering three things: food, possessions and power. With each statement, the devil tried to lure Jesus into denying and disobeying God, at a time when his body was weak. For each temptation, however, Jesus debunked his enemy by quoting passages in the book of Deuteronomy. As a result, St. Matthew writes that Satan “left him, and angels came to attend him.”

The following chapters of Jesus’ story tell the significance of the wilderness experience. Jesus went back to Galilee, where He started His ministry by selecting His disciples, teaching in synagogues and healing the sick. Wherever He went, His miracles displayed the power that could have freed Him from the wilderness temptations and hardships. And yet, because the wilderness had a purpose and obedience was the only way to fulfill it, He chose the “road less traveled.” His convictions overpowered the temptations and weaknesses every time.

The account of the temptation of Jesus has been widely used by writers and preachers through the ages to teach Christians that Jesus modeled the secret to overcoming our weaknesses: God’s word. I wholeheartedly agree that anchoring our hearts in Scriptures is undoubtedly a way to remain committed to obeying him.

But the truth is, many of us have met people who know the Bible and can quote Scriptures like nobody’s business, and yet, have fallen into deep sin, often wrecking their lives and the lives of people who followed and believed them.

I believe that happens because many people underestimate the power of the flesh, often making bad decisions when they’re too weak to stand firm in their convictions or by getting too close to things that have the power to become strongholds in their lives.

People underestimate the power of the flesh, often making bad decisions when they’re too weak to stand firm in their convictions or by getting too close to things that have the power to become strongholds in their lives.
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We all know our Achilles’ heel. We just often choose to ignore it. As a result, if we are not careful, seemingly innocent situations or choices can become mammoth strongholds, with the power to utterly destroy our lives.

Jesus used God’s word to defeat the Tempter. But beyond that, he knew Satan’s objective: to destroy God’s purpose for His life. His confidence that God had a plan was more compelling than any appetite. He quoted Scriptures because its truths were so ingrained in His heart that nothing would sway Him away from his destiny. Likewise, our unwavering convictions may be the only wall standing between giving in to temptation or remaining committed to obeying and trusting God.

Jesus' confidence that God had a plan was more compelling than any appetite. He quoted Scriptures because its truths were so ingrained in His heart that nothing would sway Him away from his destiny. #MondayMotivation #MondayDevotionals…
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There is no question about it: You will be hungry, angry, lonely or tired at some point. When you are, temptations will knock at your door.

Jesus did not wait until Satan showed up to make up His mind — He was prepared for battle. Likewise, it would be wise to decide ahead of time to “halt” before diving into that which can destroy our lives, lest our convictions crack under pressure.

Jesus did not wait until Satan showed up to make up His mind — He was prepared for battle. #MondayMotivation #MondayDevotionals #OvercomingTemptation
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This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, October 24, 2020. Click HERE to see it on the AJC’s website.

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I read a story about James Brown that serves as an excellent illustration on trusting God when we lose control over our circumstances.

Brown was taking flight lessons one day when his instructor told him to put the plane into a deep and extended dive. Brown was scared and unprepared for what happened next. The engine stalled, and the aircraft started plunging downward, entirely out of control. It was then that he realized: His instructor was not going to help him at all. “After a few seconds, which seemed like an eternity,” he recalls, “my mind began to function again. I quickly corrected the situation.”

Brown would not have it. He was furious at the instructor and started to vent his frustrations. The instructor did not seem to be bothered by his outburst, and calmly said: “There is no position you can get this airplane into that I cannot get you out of. If you want to learn to fly, go up there and do it again.”

Brown writes: “At that moment, God seemed to be saying to me: ‘Remember this (…) there is no situation you can get yourself into that I cannot get you out of. If you trust me, you will be all right.’”

Fortune magazine’s headlines on April 23 read: “Unemployment rate soars past 20% — and the U.S. has now lost 26.5 million jobs.”

The majority of the 26 million Americans facing unemployment probably met the news of the “reopening” of the economy with a sigh of relief. After all, once “Phase 1” of the COVID-19 recovery plan is implemented, several businesses will reopen, and many jobs should become available.

But to another large portion of the population, the news was not received with the same excitement.

For those who lost loved ones, those who are sick, and many healthcare workers who have witnessed first-hand the deadly effects of this virus, reopening the economy is not their priority. Their perspective is different.

As I think about both opinions, I can clearly understand the concerns and frustrations. My family did not escape the economic impact of this crisis, and I have dear friends and some friend’s family members who are fighting for their lives against this horrific enemy. I truly understand both sides.

But as I was reading my bible this morning, after praying for our country and for wisdom for our leaders, my eyes rested on a verse that reminded me of who is ultimately in control of the world:

“The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes.” Proverbs, chapter 21.

In Solomon’s day, kings possessed absolute, unquestionable authority. Democracy was non-existent, and their words and decisions were perceived as divine. But this proverb offers a different perspective concerning governing authorities. It reminds us that God, not worldly rulers, has ultimate government over the world’s events. Even though they don’t always realize it, every leader in history has been under God’s sovereign control. It is a concept that is hard to grasp, I know, but it’s true, nonetheless. And it should give us pause. Better yet, it should fill us with hope and peace.

Even though they don’t always realize it, every leader in history has been under God’s sovereign control. @AJC #MondayThoughts #MondayMotivation @covid19recovery #Covid19response
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Whether you find yourself reasonably unaffected by the COVID-19 crisis, or your world turned upside down because of it. Whether your heart is filled with contempt toward our leaders, or you applaud the reopening of the economy. Whether you are mourning the loss of a loved one or filled with fear because they are among the sick, will you take a moment today and wrap your mind around the truth behind the lesson James Brown’s flight instructor wisely taught him that day? If you are God’s child, there is no situation that you can get in that he cannot help you get out. Just look back! He has done it before. Remind your heart to believe it once again.

If you are God’s child, there is no situation that you can get in that he cannot help you get out. Just look back! He has done it before. Remind your heart to believe it once again. @AJC #MondayThoughts #MondayMotivation…
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And if frustration against those in power threatens to steal your peace and blemish your testimony, anchor your heart on this truth: God, not kings, is in ultimate control of the universe. Trust him. He is still on the throne.

This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, April 25, 2020. Read it on the AJC Website: Here.

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― Anne Frank, “The Diary of a Young Girl”

I was 14 years old when our school drama director cast me to play the role of Anne Frank. He said there was a poignant resemblance between the famous Jewish writer and me, both in looks and attitude. As I looked at her pictures and started reading her diary, I became genuinely flattered by the compliment. Anne Frank was a pure beam of light. Her optimism, imagination, and grace were both contagious and astounding.

I had recently found out that my father was a descendent of Dutch Jews; therefore, the plight of my ancestors in World War II became a meaningful subject of study to me. In an attempt to better understand the truth about one of history’s darkest times, I read several books concerning the war.

But of all the books I’ve read and movies I’ve watched on WWII since then, Anne Frank’s diary was perhaps the one that touched me the most.

The diary provides the reader with an intense and moving glimpse into the world of this young teenager. Her family fled from Nazi Germany to Amsterdam in 1933. In 1940, Germany invaded Holland, and one year later, when all public schools closed to Jews, the Franks were forced to hide in a secret annex of a house. They remained in their small hiding place and under the protection of non-Jew Dutch office workers for two years but were eventually betrayed and deported to Westerbork concentration camp, and later to Auschwitz-Birkenau. In November 1944, Anne and her sister Margot arrived in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where Anne contracted typhus and died.

Earlier this morning, I was outside, enjoying one of the few sunny days during this countrywide quarantine, when one of Anne Frank’s quotes ran across my mind:

“As long as this exists, this sunshine and this cloudless sky, and as long as I can enjoy it, how can I be sad?”

As I closed my eyes, letting the warm morning sunshine touch my face, I listened to the birds’ songs and the rustling of leaves as my two puppies chased each other in the backyard. I thought about the many complaints I have heard since the government shut down businesses and public places, forcing us to stay home with our families. Those thoughts took me back to a young girl who, 80 years ago, was forced to hide, not for one month, but two years, and who still had the hope and wisdom to see beauty and God’s hand in her dire circumstances. The memory of the time her story stole my heart encouraged me to dust off her book and read some of her most encouraging quotes:

“I don’t think of all the misery but of the beauty that still remains.”

“Those who have courage and faith shall never perish in misery.”

“Where there’s hope, there’s life. It fills us with fresh courage and makes us strong again.”

Where there’s hope, there’s life. It fills us with fresh courage and makes us strong again ~ Anne Frank @AJC #MondayMotivation #MondayThoughts #AnneFrank #Coronovirus #encouragement
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We don’t know how long this quarantine will last, how many people will get sick with this dreadful virus, and how many more will die. All we can do is trust God, who is still on the throne. He has allowed this crisis for a reason. While many of our comforts and amenities have been taken away, we should seize this surreal time and enjoy people and things we often take for granted, as well as reach out to those in need. We may not be able to visit them, but we can pray, leave a meal at their doorstep, or send an encouraging text or card.

We don’t know how long this quarantine will last, how many people will get sick with this dreadful virus, and how many more will die. All we can do is trust God, who is still on the throne. @AJC #MondayMotivation #MondayThoughts…
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The question is: Are we choosing to spend this time complaining, criticizing our authorities or trembling in fear, or, like that wise 14-year-old Jewish girl, are we determined to find beauty, gratitude, and purpose in this trial?

“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” — Nelson Mandela

May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears. ~ Nelson Mandela @AJC #MondayMotivation #MondayThoughts #AnneFrank #Coronovirus #encouragement
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This article was originally published on Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, March 28, 2020. Click HERE to read it on the AJC website. 

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But when I started talking about freedom from past experiences, she interrupted the conversation, mentioning the long list of reasons as to why her life was in such terrible shape. She had never felt loved as a child. She had always felt inadequate, insecure. She knew her love relationships would never last. In less than five minutes talking to the lady, the conversation turned from present circumstances to her past experiences. It became clear that she was allowing her past to define her present.

My heart ached for her, as I could relate to her sense of inadequacy and heartbreak. I certainly remember a time when all my troubles were, in my mind, as unchangeable as my past. But beyond sympathy, I felt like shaking this lady out of her trance. She has been caught, just as I once was, in a conspicuous, joy-stealing trap. Invariably, people who do that refuse to take ownership of their current situation, blaming past circumstances and their upbringing for everything bad that happens to them.

I know she is not alone. I’ve met several people with similar stories. From something as simple as parents who had no time when they were children, to verbally or physically abusive parents or spouses, many adults struggle with the weight of past experiences and traumas.

Although I believe God is grieved by what happened in our past, I am convinced he does not expect our past experiences to determine our present and future.
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As a matter fact, I believe he longs to show us that the bad experiences we’ve had can be used to strengthen us and help others. But we must, first and foremost, choose to let go. And, most importantly — we must set the people who hurt us free.

Strange as it may seem, if we are honest, we must admit that sometimes our past becomes a crutch that we drag along as the reason we cannot walk in victory. We justify our insecurities or bad temper because someone hurt us. Or it seems easier to blame mom or dad, the ex-boyfriend or spouse, than to take ownership of our lives, pressing on to a brighter destiny. All along, I imagine God, hands extended toward us saying: “Come. There is life beyond your pain. There is fullness of joy beyond your past. There is a future that is not determined by anything but your willingness to let go and embrace the life I offer you.”It’s not easy. I know it too well. I used my “crutches” for far too many years. They were comfortable to me. But I found out that they were nothing but a trap, designed to keep me from reaching the purpose God had for my life. Once I realized that, I deliberately decided not to use my past to justify the way I behaved toward perfectly good people in my life. It was time to stand on my present, fully and hopeful, if I were to ever find fulfillment. My bad attitudes and impatience had to go. My insecurities and neediness had to leave. And I became determined to conquer them, by God’s grace and power.

He was there for me. With loving arms, God wrapped me in a love that I had never experienced before. His love was so deep and unconditional that it slowly erased all unforgiveness, pain and insecurities that had haunted me for years. It happened one step at a time, as I surrendered each burden and chose to forgive. Only then, after choosing to deliberately leave the past where it belonged, was I able to receive the healing, peace and joy that set me free.

This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal Constitution on Saturday – October 27, 2018.

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In one of his writings, he tells an amusing story about Gen. Stonewall Jackson’s campaign through the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia during the spring of 1862. The incident supposedly happened when Jackson’s army ended up on one side of a river when it needed to be on the other side. The only way to get that accomplished was by building a bridge. Jackson engaged his engineers to plan and build the bridge, and the gentleman retreated to start planning. In the meanwhile, Jackson shared the immediate need with his wagon master, telling him of the urgency of the matter: The wagon train should get to the other side of the river quickly. Without hesitation, the wagon master started gathering logs, rocks and fence rails, and started building a bridge.

Long before the break of dawn, Jackson was awakened by the news that all the wagons and artillery had crossed the river. He was astounded to find out that the wagon master had managed to execute the project on his own. “Where are the engineers and what are they doing?” the general supposedly asked. The wagon master’s only reply was that they had spent the night in their tent, drawing up plans for a bridge.

Whether the story happened exactly as told by Dr. Gambrel or not, its significance nevertheless reminded me of a principle that I have grown to appreciate and believe in:

Sometimes, faith without action is no faith at all.
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I believe that, for many people of faith, this concept presents a true challenge. I have heard stories of people diagnosed with terminal diseases and who believed that they must reject all scientific treatments, relying only on supernatural healing. Entire denominations reject medical assistance, claiming that the healing will certainly come if one’s faith is strong enough.

I don’t intend to judge the sincerity on anyone’s faith by any means, but I firmly believe that God uses different methods to bring about healing and deliverance. Sometimes, he acts alone. Miracles happen, and we did not do a thing. However, more often than not, we are required to do our part.

I personally believe that often doing something is the greatest act of faith. Simply because it requires that we believe in ourselves as well.

Even as I type this article, my faith is being tested in that regard. I have received an assignment which has become very difficult to complete. I have gathered the “logs, rocks and fence nails,” but honestly do not see how I can build that bridge to cross the river successfully. I know, however, that this is exactly where my faith is being stretched, tested and strengthened once again: Will I keep on working and trusting God to guide me to the other side, or will I cross my arms and not move until I see his hand at work?

Saint Augustine, one of the most important Christian theologians and philosophers of the first century Roman church, gives me the answer: “Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.”

Augustine’s words challenge me. Because as I look back, I certainly remember times in my life when God acted in miraculous ways — times when I did not lift a finger and yet, deliverance, provision or healing came. But I have also witnessed many times when doors were opened, but not before I knocked; healing was received, but not until a doctor’s hands were at work; and dreams were fulfilled, but not until I did my part.

Indeed, I believe there is a time to pray and be still … and then there is a time to pray and act. Both require faith. Just as it happened to the wagon master in the story, let us remember that sometimes the miracle only comes when we put our hands to work, and start building that impossible bridge.

This article was originally published in Patricia’s Column for The Atlanta Journal Constitution on Saturday, June 9, 2018.

Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you. ~ Saint Augustine
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For the past several years, I have been in constant prayer about some mothers I know and their children, whose relationships are filled with unforgiveness, separation or constant conflict.

In each of these situations, I can easily understand the motives behind the estrangement: overbearing and controlling mothers, children who neglect or disrespect their mothers, mothers who hurt their children deeply, whether by actions or with harsh words.

Thoughtless actions … selfish actions … intentional or unintentional deeds that create a wedge between two flawed human beings, nonetheless bearing a void in a person’s heart that cannot be replaced.

As a mom, my heart hurts every time I pray for these mothers. I cannot imagine not talking to my children for months, or years. As a daughter, I often understand the anger and certainly the void it creates, because it was my own for many years. And in each case, I can clearly see that God put these ladies in my life because I can somehow relate to their stories.

For over two decades, my relationship with mom was superficial, at best. As a child, my mom was not very present, and when she was, she was hardly the nurturing kind. As my parents’ marriage started suffering and ultimately ended up in divorce during my teenage years, our relationship became even worse. For far too long, I had a mixture of contempt and indifference toward my mom. The outcome was a heart filled with bitterness and anger, and a deep sense of unfulfillment that constantly spread to all other relationships in my life.

It wasn’t until I turned 25 and became a Christian that I started understanding the depths of God’s forgiveness and grace, and my own condition as a completely flawed human being, that I could finally open my heart to let God heal the pain and ultimately restore our relationship. Today, we live as two happy, redeemed souls, restored and renewed, and bound together by a deep love and appreciation for each other. It’s nothing short of a miracle. Really.

Earlier this week, as I thought about this column, one of God’s commandments in Scriptures crossed my mind: “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” The fifth on the list written in the book of Exodus, this well-known commandment is the only one which contains a promise. God promises that, if we honor our parents, we shall have a long life. But as we dive into the intrinsic meaning of these words, I believe there is more than what meets the eye: Honoring our parents not only pleases God, but it also translates into living a more fulfilling, better life. A life that is more infused with peace, contentment and completion.

For most of my readers, Mother’s Day is probably filled with love and gratitude, honor and joy. I am forever thankful to God that today I am also found on that list, both as a mother and as a daughter. But for my readers who are estranged from their mothers, even if for very good reasons, my prayer is that you will find it in your heart to mend the broken bridges, reach out to the woman who gave you life or raised you, offering the same grace that you wish to receive when you fail.

I was studying the Old Testament not long ago and had a wonderful revelation. In the Hebrew language, the word for “compassion” comes from the root word, “womb.” It’s the picture of birthing something new, or giving someone another chance. I don’t think I came across that insight by coincidence.

As we celebrate this Mother’s Day, may we extend love and compassion to the one who carried us in her womb, or raised us as if she had. May we mend bridges if need be. May we learn to love our mothers with more grace and less judgment. May we honor our mothers, that we may have peace, and find life at its very best.

As we celebrate this Mother’s Day, may we extend love and compassion to the one who carried us in her womb, or raised us as if she had. May we mend bridges if need be. May we learn to love our mothers with more grace and less judgment.…
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This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal Constitution on Saturday – May 12, 2018.

The post This Mother’s Day, Give Mom Forgiveness, Compassion and Grace {The Atlanta Journal Constitution} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

From visionary director Ava DuVernay, Disney based this epic production on Madeleine L’Engle’s acclaimed classic. The story takes the audience across a dimension of time and space, in a feast of flawless visual effects that left me dazzled, from beginning to end. But behind the dance of colors and masterful display of technology, the movie is filled with meaningful lessons. It is a story about discovering one’s strength by embracing our individuality and flaws, and overcoming fear and darkness by the power of love.

Meg Murry, the main character, is a problematic middle schooler who struggles with the typical insecurities that come with adolescence, heightened by her father’s sudden disappearance. As she joins her gifted brother, a school friend and three celestial guides on a journey through the universe in search of her father, Meg must face her weaknesses in order to harness the strength to defeat the darkness that is quickly enveloping the universe.

At a point in time, when the kids are getting ready to cross to a new dimension, the three guides cannot follow them. That’s when each of the guides bestows a special gift upon the children. Mrs. Whatsit, the flamboyant, comical guide played by Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon, gives Meg a gift that makes the audience chuckle.

“Meg, troubled, problematic Meg — to you, I give you your faults. You’re welcome,” Mrs. Whatsit says.

The irony of the statement lies behind the fact that we hardly consider our flaws a gift. Rather, our tendency is to reject them, hide them and strive to change what we don’t like about ourselves. The plastic surgery industry knows it too well. According to an article by the Business Insider, Americans spent a whopping $8 billion on plastic surgery in 2016. Now, there is certainly nothing wrong about desiring to look better or striving to overcome our flaws. But when it comes to our personality traits, the truth is — many of what we consider flaws are simply strengths that need to be harnessed for good.

I think about one personal trait that, for many years, haunted and sabotaged my relationships: my tongue.

God gifted me with a love for words. According to my mom, when we traveled to my grandparents’ house four hours away, 2-year-old me would start either singing or talking when we backed out of our driveway and would not be quiet for the entire journey. As a teenager, I was involved in debate club, poetry and theater. I was the president of my class from sixth grade through high school. If you needed someone to represent the students, my hand was up in the air. Count me in! I was always ready to present my case.

But my strength quickly became a shortcoming as an untamed tongue brought about hardship and broken relationships. Soon I started hating my “gift.”

It wasn’t until many years later, after becoming a Christian, that I understood that God did not want to change my personality traits. He says his children are “fearfully and wonderfully made” — flaws and all! He just wanted me to surrender my weaknesses and allow him to transform them. In my case, he added two key elements to the gift he had given me: wisdom and discernment. Words without wisdom and discernment can start wars, damage relationships and break spirits. But when they are infused with wisdom and discernment that come from God, they are like a healing balm and a directing compass for those around us. He also taught me the value of holding my tongue — a truly priceless gift!

Words... infused with wisdom and discernment that come from God, are like a healing balm and a directing compass for those around us.
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Indeed, our greatest flaws have the potential to display God’s work and glory to the world. They keep us humble. They keep us dependent upon him. And it is when we acknowledge them and allow God to harness them that they can become our greatest gift.

What is your Achilles heel? Has one of your personality traits become your greatest stumbling block? Could it be that God is waiting for you to surrender it so that he can turn it into your greatest gift?

This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal Constitution on Saturday – April 28th, 2018.

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One of his most acclaimed essays is titled “Acres of Diamonds.” It was written before Conwell became a pastor, and published in book form in 1890 by the John Y. Huber Company of Philadelphia. He delivered this message over 5,000 times around the world starting in 1900 and until his death in 1925. According to Conwell, the inspiration for the famous essay occurred in 1869, when he was traveling in the Middle East. It was told by an Arab guide hired by his expedition in Baghdad.

The story is about an ancient Persian, Ali Hafed, who owned a large farm, where he had orchards, grain fields and many gardens. He was wealthy and content. One day, however, he visited a wise man from the East, who told him all about diamonds and how wealthy Hafed would be if he owned a diamond mine. That night, “Ali Hafed went to bed a poor man,” writes Conwell. He became discontent with his possessions, and started craving for a mine of diamonds. It wasn’t long until Hafed sold his farm, left his family in charge of a neighbor, and started searching for the precious stones.

Hafed traveled around the world, squandering his wealth in his quest for more. Finally, broken and despaired, Ali Hafed committed suicide, never finding the mine that he so longed for.

One day, the man who purchased Ali Hafed’s farm led his camel to drink water from a brook. As the camel lowered its head to drink, the farmer saw a light flashing from the sand beneath. He reached down, pulling out a stone. Holding it in his hands, the stone started reflecting all the hues of the rainbow. The farmer had accidently discovered the mine of Golcanda, the most affluent diamond mine in history.

Ali Hafed died in a strange land, poor and desperate, while the wealth that he searched for was right under his nose, so to speak.

The Christmas season is upon us, sending most of us into a frenzy of activities and shopping. I read numerous blogs every Christmas season, written by frazzled moms, filled with good advice and designed to legitimately attempt to help us stress less and truly enjoy the “most wonderful time of the year.” For Christians, it’s a time to celebrate God’s love to mankind through Messiah’s birth, and our love for each other.

This year, however, as I read Ali Hafed’s story, I could not help but think about how the holiday season has changed since my childhood, when life was simpler, and people were content with less.

Even though my father was an attorney, our Christmas list was comprised of one or two items. We counted the days to open the gifts we longed for all year, and cherished them for months or years to come. A doll. A bicycle. A remote-control car. Simple gifts that were like diamonds to us.

Today, Christmas calls us to exchange perfectly good cars for the latest models, smart phones that are still working for newer ones. Our children feel entitled to the latest video games, and we rush to oblige.

In the meantime, family get togethers are often filled with tension, because relationships are neglected all year. Bigger homes are jam-packed with trinkets, and yet, discontentment reigns. Many of us have more than ever before, and yet, we go to bed poor.

In an attempt to find that diamond mine, we forget that the lush land that God has already given us has everything we need. We just need to stop looking elsewhere, believing we can find happiness in bigger, newer or better things.

I am not rich, by any stretch of imagination. Not as the world sees it.

Oh, but I am! So, this holiday season, I am determined to cultivate the land God has given me, and find contentment, right where I am. For just as in Hafed’s story, the greatest gifts I’ll ever need are already right under my nose: my Savior’s love, my precious family, and faithful friends.

This article was published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC) on Saturday – December 9, 2017.

Could it be that the best gifts you could ever ask for this Christmas are already right under your nose? Read Patricia's column for the @AJC - The Atlanta Journal Constitution
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