In this month’s blog post, with the Holiday Season right around the corner, I wanted to share a little with y’all about what’s been on my heart. What I have been learning about appreciating and soaking in the everyday moments with those we love. For the quiet, unseen moments with God. And for the little things - like snuggling with your puppy or reading a good book. Holding your loved ones close and thanking God each morning for the gift of a new day. Appreciating every minute of this beautiful, crazy life we have been given to not just live, but to live abundantly and to the fullest. Focusing on what really matters and setting our minds on things above – things that are lovely, pure, and worthy of praise.
I am all about “going for it” and “chasing your dreams,” but not at the expense of forgetting what matters most. Your faith. Your family. Your peace. Your joy. Your appreciation of the quiet silence that comes with centering your life around the beautiful gift of salvation that Christ achieved for us on the Cross.
It is so important for us, as believers, to remember “why” we are doing what we are doing and remember that we are really only working for an audience of one. God alone.
To be honest, I never dreamed or planned of this small creative business blowing up and turning into a full-time job (at least through graduate school) the way that it has. But sometimes, I think God has a funny way of surprising us when we least expect it, and even more so, when we feel the least adequate to handle it.
I think of characters in the Bible like David, Moses, and Joshua. For all three of these Godly men, God called them to something bigger than they ever dreamed of or imagined doing. But I think, sometimes, that’s when God can truly start to move. When we get ourselves out of the way and let HIM move. Because, after all friends, none of this is about us.
But about Him. Only Him.
My daily prayer goes a little something like this - “God, use me today to be a light and shine your light to everyone you place along my path. And let all that I say and do bring honor and glory to your name alone, Oh Lord. Make me more like you, Jesus.”
Through this business and getting to create happy artwork and creative content for so many of you, it has brought me so much joy and purpose. But over and above anything that I do, I am most passionate about helping others learn about the simple gospel of Jesus Christ. The same gospel that saved me and is the reason why I am the way I am today. The same gospel that both a little child and full-grown adult can understand, no matter the age, language, or background. A gospel of love, forgiveness, and truth that changes lives, including my own, and gives us a reason to live for the glory of someone and something so much bigger than ourselves. A gospel that reaches down to meet us right where we are, wherever we are, and brings us closer to our heavenly inheritance as Sons & Daughters of the Most High King, Jesus Christ. A King who died on the Cross for our sins and payed the highest cost because He loved us just that much. All He asks is that we accept Him into our hearts and live for His glory, not our own.
“It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me.” // Galatians 2:20
It saddens me when I hear Christians arguing over trivial issues, when at the core of our faith, Jesus calls us to love and spread the good news to any and every one we meet. Personally, I don’t like to over complicate my faith, but rather, choose to focus only on what truly matters. A childlike faith and trust in a good good father who knows and cares for my every single need before I even say a word. A God who knows me, who sees me, and who calls me by NAME. I look at so many scriptures in the Bible that talk about developing this kind of faith - one rooted in love, kindness, forgiveness, grace, and
trust in someone bigger than ourselves.
“He called a little child to him and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” // Matthew 18:2-4 //
“The Lord protects those of childlike faith…”
// Psalm 116:6 //
There is a worship album by Maverick City Music that was recently released and has been playing on repeat in our home over the last few weeks. At the core of these songs is the plea for us to get back to the simple worship of God that we learned and accepted as young children, and to stop getting so caught up in the things and distractions of this world. If you haven’t already, I highly highly recommend going to check it out on Spotify (or wherever you listen to your music)! The album is titled “Maverick City Vol. 2” and my two current favorite songs right now are “Take Me Back” & “You Keep on Getting Better.” Go listen to at least these two songs and I promise you will be moved by the beautiful and touching lyrics.
Whatever your current relationship with God looks like, friend, I pray that these words will encourage you to stop believing the lies and fears that hold you back from running into the arms of a Savior who loves you and died on the Cross for YOU. Jesus will meet you right where you are and lovingly take you by the hand and lead you step by step as you grow in Him. Like a good father, and like the Good Shepherd that He is.
Jesus wants nothing more than for all of His children to know him personally and to let them know that they are never called to walk through this life alone. So whether this upcoming Holiday season brings joy or sadness for you and your family, I pray in Jesus’ name that you will be filled with a peace and joy that surpasses all understanding. That Jesus will comfort you today and bring you closer to Him through these words. And that you will be able to enjoy sweet, quiet, everyday moments with both God and those you love.
You are so very loved, friend. And Jesus is calling your name, too. Believe it and listen to Him. And enjoy this beautiful, crazy, abundant life He has given you to live. I am so thankful for this community that Emily Mabry Creative has given me to love and pour into through my little corner of the internet, and I pray that God will bless you and your families abundantly this Holiday Season.
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