A Christmas to Remember December 2022 |
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SCRIPTURE FOCUS: Luke 2:8-19 |
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That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” |
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When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. Luke 2:8-19 NLT |
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The shepherd’s story mattered–––it still matters. And we celebrate it every year. I love this. Profound, isn’t it? God sent the proclamation of the birth of His Son, the Savior of this world, through majestic angels, to the ears and eyes and hearts of lowly shepherds. Not kings. The shepherds’ livelihood was guarding sheep. Ordinary. No one special. Unlikely according to the world’s standards. This is so comforting. God has an unlikely tribe–––a tribe He chose. A tribe He knew would be willing to tell everyone their story. And their story carried down through the ages and you and I, since we can remember, have heard this life-changing story, still bringing hope to the world today. |
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I love the way our holy God is so accessible to whoever has a heart to hear Him and respond to His amazing gift. The gift of His Son, Jesus, born, then given, for us. Do you have a story about this Savior, Jesus, you can share with whoever the Lord sends your way––the one who has a heart to hear your story? You, too, can be a life-changer one heart at a time, no different than the shepherds. What a privilege we have. |
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What Can I Buy … fill in the blank … for Christmas? |
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Still searching for a life-giving Christmas gift––a gift that will make a difference in hearts? My new book, just released last month, Holy Interruptions: When God Taps You on the Shoulder, is available on my website. A signed copy, including free shipping, will be mailed out within 1 day. It’s also available on Amazon. Both options available below. NOTE: Many men have read my book as well, and I’m receiving amazing comments and reviews telling me how much they love it and how the Lord is using it! Maybe it makes them understand us better as women? Who knows!
I’m so blessed. |
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The Heart of My Husband Concerning My Blog and My Newsletter |
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This morning my husband, Bobby, came in while I was writing. He began to describe what he’d love to see happen with my blog and monthly newsletters. He shared his idea and hope with me, (a desire I already have in my heart). “How amazing it would be if you’d hear from many more readers. It would be so special to know what the Lord is doing in their hearts!” So here's the plea: |
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Calling all readers! What’s going on in your heart? What is Jesus showing you? I’d so love to hear from you. Not looking for fans. Looking for an authentic, organic tribe. Real people. Souls I get to know and begin to do life with. Sharing our lives and stories with each other. Want to start now? If you want to take a few minutes to email me, here’s a quick list you can send me. Answers below are a few of mine. |
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What are your 5 favorite things about winter? |
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These are a few of mine: Early mornings, still dark, with my coffee, seedy toast (done toasty), Jesus, and my Bible
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This quote helps me know it’s ok to be me and open my home without worrying about perfection: “People aren’t longing to be impressed. They’re longing to feel like they’re home. If you create a space full of love and character, and creativity, and soul, they’ll take off their shoes and curl up with gratitude and rest, no matter how small, no matter how undone, no matter how odd.” Shauna Niequist |
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A Peek into January’s Newsletter |
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The Power of Scripture-Based Affirmations What Word has God Given You for 2023? Starting Your Year Off Right––Goal Setting with God Life-Changing Business Meetings My Ongoing Journey Through Limiting Belief The Continual Joy of Life Transformation
… and more… |
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Are you already a blogger? I’m accepting guest bloggers for the New Year. If you’re interested, send me an email and I’ll be in touch with a few questions and a schedule for January and February. I would love to hear what the Lord is doing your hearts. My first sign-up is MY HUSBAND! Keep your eyes open for his blog on debbiedufek.com in January. |
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Merry Christmas to you all. Praying your holiday will be full of grace and all Jesus knows you need it to be. Let’s all purpose to be present. Time and warm conversations and listening are the best gifts we could ever give to anyone! I look forward to starting the New year off together. It’s exciting to think about what the Lord has planned for us all for the upcoming year. 2023! Can you believe it? On this journey together, Deb |
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