Welcome! Nothing says, “Come on in” like a beautiful entrance. Many of you probably have a plethora of decorations for each season and holiday. Several of my friends are supremely talented. The front entrance to their homes is always dressed for the occasion. On my weekly adventures, I get to admire numerous embellishments outside of homes. There are some extravagant adornments even in the tiny town of Nazareth, Texas.

Today we received our first snow. The scenery is breathtaking. As I traveled throughout the southwest area of the Panhandle, I enjoyed seeing the land covered in snow. My favorite view happened when I drove down our street and saw our home trimmed with glorious snow! I could almost hear the words, “Welcome home my child. Come on in”. God’s pure white decorations covered the yard.

Our sweet Lord welcomes us 24/7 with arms opened wide. It does not matter how we feel, what we have done, or where we have fallen short. He desires a relationship with us. More than anything, He wants us to share our lives with Him and walk alongside Him. Isaiah 40:31 says that “those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Our relationship with Him gives us the ability to endure beyond our human means.

When I ponder the words found in scripture commanding us to Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength, I question my own ability. (Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27, Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37) Do I really welcome my Lord into all the areas of my life? Am I fully surrendering my eyes, mouth, heart, soul, ears, feet, hands, mind, soul and strength each moment to the authority of the Lord?

I know I often find myself stopping and asking for the authority of the Lord to take over my thoughts, actions, and words. My prayer is for the evidence of God to be fully visible in all I do so others see the miraculous power of the trinity alive in me. What about you?

As I continue to welcome the winter scene, my thoughts are on the words “WITH ALL”. God loves us WITH ALL that he has. May we strive to love and serve Him WITH ALL of our heart, soul, mind, and strength in order to serve and love others. Whatever your scene might be today, welcome the Lord fully into your world. Father, come on in and make every part of me your home. You are welcome here!