Tag: christmas

Barefoot Devotions

A Christmas Miracle

Hannah B.

As I am sitting here reflecting by the tree, I am reminded of a time of my very own Christmas miracle I experienced as a little girl.

Many years ago I was in a church Christmas play but I just didn’t have my lines completely memorized. I don’t remember much about this Christmas play, the part I played, or even the year. This part I am about to tell you, I remember well.

My mom, sister, and I were on our way to the Christmas play but as we reached the top of our long drive way, my dad was parked at the top with his truck. From the back seat, I heard him tell my mom that I didn’t need to see this. Immediately, I knew something was wrong as my dad neared the window of the car. He told me the absolute worst news I ever thought I’d receive. My dog Daisy had been run over and did not survive.

The pain was heart wrenching and I didn’t understand why this had happened. During the complete hysterical meltdown and out of no where, I knew every word to my part of the play. My crying immediately ceased and my mournful cry turned to joyful cry. For a little girl, it was truly a Christmas miracle despite the devastation that was experienced just minutes before.

As life has passed me by, I’ve often wondered if Christmas miracles really happen anymore. This past holiday season, I have witnessed a beautiful Christmas miracle. It started with a chance encounter with one man that changed my life. With my brief encounters with this man, I have learned the true meaning of Christmas and I have learned that Christmas miracles do happen.

This kind hearted man has been living in a tent under a bridge. He is the most genuine and selfless person you will ever meet and when you are in his presence, you can feel his goodness. He volunteers at the local shelter and gives what he can. Our local hotel has given him a place to stay until his housing is official. Although he has experienced a rough time, he has shown me that love, kindness, and giving are free and it doesn’t take much to make a difference.

For the first time in my life, I truly understand the meaning of Christmas. I thank God for placing a stranger in my life as I have witnessed the pureness, sweetness, peace, and joy of the Christmas spirit and the possibility of Christmas miracles.

When the body of Christ works together in unity, amazing God miracles can happen. This my friends, is why it is important to drench every fiber of your being with God’s word so that you may walk in spirit and truth because you never know what miracle you are missing!

Have a Merry Christmas, my beautiful friends!

With all of my love,

Hannah Boyd

Barefoot Devotions

It’s always His best

Hannah B.

Today was one of the most frustrating days I have had in a while. I like to think that I can hold my frustrations together fairly well but today my flesh got the best of me.

When I received news about last minute change of plans that required me to adjust my Christmas Eve plans, I was really upset. My family is coming to visit for Christmas and I wanted to spend as much time with them as possible.

After being upset long enough, I finally prayed and talked to God about my entire day. Almost instantly, I began to feel better because God reminded me of the beginning of the story of His son Jesus’ birth. How did Joseph feel having to pack up his very pregnant wife and return to his hometown for a census that was ordered by the king? We are talking about last minute travel right before the birth of The Savior, God’s son, and our King.

They accepted the change of plans and made the journey doing the very best they could. I couldn’t imagine they grumbled too long since they had to be quick about their journey since Mary was so close to giving birth. They knew God had each of their best interests at heart and trusted in Him.

Just like when our circumstances and plans do not go as planned, we have to trust that our Heavenly Father has our best interests at heart that match His grand master plan for our lives. I know there has been or even will be disappointments that come up. It’s important to be able to continue to walk forward and make the best out of the situation we have been given. Who knows, it could be a blessing is disguise. Don’t forget to open your heart and eyes to look for it.

Be sure to rest this season!

With all my love and encouragement,

Hannah Boyd

Barefoot Devotions

Willing Vessel

Hannah B.

Several weeks ago our town had an event called, “Hope For The Mountains” and during our service, our pastor challenged us to share the flyer in our bulletin with someone to invite them to the crusade.  That day I took my kids to the park and when we were leaving,  we encountered a man and his sweet dog.  It is my assumption that he doesn’t have much as he was stopped to water his dog.  I pulled my bulletin out of my purse and invited him. 

Honestly, I didn’t think I would see him again.  However, I was standing on the corner of the street downtown directing people to the venue and sure enough this man and his dog come walking by.  I excitedly greeted him and he was on his way to the crusade.   He explained that they said his dog could come in and I was so relieved.   I prayed that God would get that man and his dog into the expo center without a problem.   I stood on that corner, ready to just cry, although I was excited, I was overwhelmed that God used me for whatever reason. 

Today, my son cleaned his room, my kitchen, and put away his laundry.  This is very unusual for him.  Getting him to do chores is like pulling teeth.  You can only imagine my surprise when I hear the vacuum cleaner running.  I told him I would reward him for his behavior and actions for being a hard worker.  As I was getting ready to go to Walmart by mysel,  my kids were begging to go but I was not about to take my kids to Walmart at Christmas time.  After some time delay,  the boys and I were in the car headed to Family Dollar.  Why?  Other than my son wanting to look for his reward, I have no clue because I don’t go there. 

As we approach the check out line,  I see the same man with his dog.  I don’t even know who this man is but I have prayed for him since the first encounter in the park.

I knew this was not a coincidence.  This was a divine appointment.  

In that moment,  God spoke.  He was leading me into an answered prayer that I prayed just yesterday,  “God, I’m here.  What can I do for you? I want to know your voice as plain as day and that it can’t be denied or questioned.” 

It was like an automatic download of known facts that I just knew.   I knew the man was thinking about what he was going to sacrifice and put back and I couldn’t let him do that because God told me to buy everything.  I quietly spoke to the cashier and asked him how much the man’s bill was and explained that I would like to purchase everything for him discreatly.  Of course, in the midst of me telling the cashier this,  I have 100 million excuses running through my head. 

 I have to be transparent with you.  

This was an internal struggle.  In my carnal mind,  I was starting to judge why in the world would someone be buying this?  Does he really need this? I started to think maybe I should just buy half of it.  Maybe I should just buy my stuff and go about my day.  God really started to do a heart check with me and made known to me that the bill needed to be paid in full.  Honestly,  I didn’t have a choice.  It was going to be done.  

It wasn’t my job to judge, make excuses, or even question the man and especially God.  It was my job to listen to The Holy Spirit and the truth God placed as clear as day in front of me.  It wasn’t about the items in the bags, it was about the actions that demonstrated sacrifice, love, and obedience.  It was about meeting a need that was there and needed to be fulfilled.  I tell you this part because when God gives us the opportunity to do something for His glory, there will be evil forces at play.   It’s like a game of Tug of War.  My flesh gave me so many excuses to bail on this assignment from God but because I was intuned with the Spirit and allowing Him to guide me,  I was able to make the right decision and had a strong desire to help this man. 

When I left the store, I sat in my car to make sure he left with all of his bags.  Praising God that he did because he was going home with those bags.  I couldn’t see his face but the Holy Spirit let me know that the man is just trying to have the best Christmas that he can.   

I want to encourage each of you to rest in God this season, don’t let the hustle and bustle take over, be a willing vessel, and allow God to use you.

I dare you to ask Him what you can do for Him.

I’ve been saving this photo for this moment.  I took this right after my second encounter with this man.  Now, I know why. 

Stop and rest in God this season, don’t let the hustle and bustle take over, be a willing vessel, and allow God to use you.

Wishing you the absolute best Christmas this year,

Hannah B. 

Barefoot Devotions

Back to the Heart of Light

Hannah B.

When you look around at the world and maybe even your world, do you see a dark place?  As the season of Christmas approaches, I am often reminded that Jesus was born during a time when people were seeking a King that would eradicate their problems.   The people were living in times of hopelessness and fear under King Herod. I can only imagine that they were feeling desperate for a way out.  When Mary was close to giving birth, Caesar Augustus issued a census that required Joseph and Mary to return to Bethlehem.  While they were there she gave birth to the Savior of the world in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.  The people did not get the King they were anticipating – instead of a mighty king that would take the throne and fix all the issues they faced, they received a baby born in a manager.   Jesus was born to live a life just like we would have to – with trials and temptations as the perfect example.  Although He is worthy enough to be adored, treated, and worshiped like the King that He is,  He chose to live among us to give us life abundantly. 

John 8:12 NIV | 
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Jesus came to give us His light and hope so that we would be able to see in a dark and hopeless world.


John 1:5 NIV | The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.


 Let’s face it!  It’s hard to hold on to hope when you feel like your circumstances are overwhelming and causing despair.  Through Jesus and His perfect sacrifice, he offers us light and hope in all of the circumstances that we endure.  When you make room for Jesus in your heart,  he will see you through all of your circumstances and help you to see your life through His light.   Looking at your problem in the light of God’s power instead of looking at God in the shadow of your problem, will lead to you seeing life for what it is really meant to be.  

Psalm 4:6-7 NIV | Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?” Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD.” You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.”

Heavenly Father, 

Thank you for sending your son Jesus to die on the cross so that I may have life abundantly while on this earth.   Reveal to me any areas in my heart that I have closed off to you so that I may surrender those fully to you.   Even though life feels that it will take me down,  I am so thankful that your light shines through all of the emotions I feel.  Replace them with your truth so that I may see life in your light regardless of the darkness around me. 

In Jesus’ name, I pray,  Amen! 

Personal Reflections 

Where in your life do you need to make room from Jesus?

What circumstances are causing you to feel hopeless?

How can you allow Jesus’ light to shine in those areas of your life?

With all of my love and encouragement, 

Hannah 

Barefoot Devotions

Back To The Heart Of Worship

Hannah B.

An Advent to Remember:  Back To The Heart of Jesus

A new meaning of Worship has been bestowed upon me after learning to rest in Jesus for everyday life.  When you have practiced entering God’s rest and are seeing life through God’s perspective, you will be able to wholeheartedly worship our Heavenly Father the way He deserves.  Your heart, mind, and soul will be full of peace, gratitude, love, and your life will be full of praise that we will want to lay at the feet of Jesus to honor and bring Him glory.

When you have taken quality time to spend with Jesus, your desires, motives, and perspective begin to change.   Stepping into this new mindset will elevate you to another level of genuine worship that is not rushed or out of haste.  You will begin to experience intimacy with Jesus that will be fueled by a strong desire to learn from Him, talk to Him, walk with Him, and get closer to Him wholeheartedly.

savonne

The heart of worship begins with the acknowledgment of God’s love, sacrifice, and blessings.  By giving Him thanksgiving and praise in all things, your life will have a new meaning of living for the King.   In a world that is busy and constantly moving, especially during Christmas, take time to slow down this season. Begin practicing resting in Jesus and worshipping the Savior of the world.  You will begin to see the true meaning of Christmas that will leave a lasting impression on your mind, heart, and soul.

1 Chronicles 16:23-31 NIV
23 Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. 
24 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. 
25 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. 
26 For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. 
27 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place. 
28 Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 
29 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him.
Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. 
30 Tremble before him, all the earth! The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved. 
31 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, “The
LORD reigns!”

Personal Reflection

How is God speaking to you today?

How will you commit the time in building and cultivating your relationship with Jesus?

How can you apply today’s devotion to this Christmas season?

In what ways can you incorporate worship into your daily life?

Entering the heart of worship verse
With all of my love and encouragement,
Hannah Boyd