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Have you joined the Dare to … Challenge?
If not, you are invited to sign up below and join us this next Monday as we do a shorter 3-day challenge for the month of December.
What is the Dare to…” 3-Day Challenge?
I have created a year of monthly challenges that will help us build deeper relationship with God and each other. We will be able to connect, be authentic and build an authentic online engaging community. The challenge will occur the 3rd Week of every month. There is no set time to comment on each days post, just sometime during that day, just follow the instructions and respond to the prompt in the comments under each days post on Facebook.
That’s right, the monthly challenge will primarily take place on the Dare2Hear Facebook Page.
Through this 3-5-day once a month challenge we will first, discover how to take practical steps in our relationship with God to have a real, deep and more intimate relationship with Him. Secondly, we will begin to build authentic community online with one another. Let’s purpose to keep God at the front of our day to day living and not let Him be a “go to God” who is available in case of emergencies.
Each Month we will have a different challenge. These challenges will range from reading Scripture, praying, hearing from God, dreaming with God, believing, having hope and much more. Even though there is a different challenge topic every month –
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Presence over Presents
If there’s one thing this year has taught me as we navigate this Christmas season without my dad, it’s this: It’s all about Presence and not presents.
The best gift you can ever give someone is the gift of your presence. Yes, that’s coming from a “gifts” person! As I look back over this year since my dad got sick, I am grateful that God told me to focus on family. He knew what was coming even if we didn’t. I made sure to spend as much time with my dad before he passed & we fit a lot of life in 9-months.
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We finally got the tree up, but no other decorations were on it for days and days, except for the one in the picture below. I found it to honor the memory of my dad. Since dad has passed, I have been looking for an ornament to put on the tree to remember him by. I was in search of a dove. When my mom, sister and our girls were at the coast after dad’s memorial service I came across a beautiful glass, vintage looking crab ornament with glitter on it, that I thought could suffice as dad’s memorial ornament. However, all the girls including my mom protested. I was told that dad wasn’t a crab and I couldn’t get that ornament. It’s true, my dad wasn’t a crab, he was the easiest going, fun loving guy ever, but the crab would remind me of the beach and therefore remind me of him. I was vetoed and they were right. So, the search continued. I did find a vintage plain glazed white dove at a holiday bazaar which I bought, but it still didn’t seem to be the “one” I was looking for. Until I found this one:
This ornament is not only special because it’s in loving memory, but because it symbolizes why I was looking for a dove ornament in the first place. “On the Wings of a Dove” by Ferlin Husky was hands down, my dad’s favorite song. When my sister and I were little he would sing it to us. When we got to be teenagers, and having troubles, he would sing it to us. When he was working in his shop or driving in his car, he would whistle it, hum it or sing it. The lyrics are pretty simple, and it repeats endlessly, but it was his favorite.
On The Wings of A Dove by Ferlin Husky
On the wings of a snow-white dove
He sends His pure sweet love
A sign from above (sign from above)
On the wings of a dove (wings of a dove)
When troubles surround us
when evils come
The body grows weak (body grows weak)
The spirit grows numb (spirit grows numb)
When these things beset us,
He doesn’t forget us
He sends down His love (sends down His love)
On the wings of a dove (wings of a dove)
On the wings of a snow-white dove
He sends His pure sweet love
A sign from above (sign from above)
On the wings of a dove (wings of a dove)
When Noah had drifted
on the flood many days
He searched for land (He searched for land)
In various ways (various ways)
Troubles, he had some
but wasn’t forgotten
He sent him His love (sent him His love)
On the wings of a dove (wings of a dove)
On the wings of a snow-white dove
He sends His pure sweet love
A sign from above (sign from above)
On the wings of a dove (wings of a dove)
On the wings of a snow-white dove
He sends His pure sweet love
A sign from above (sign from above)
On the wings of a dove (wings of a dove)
On the wings of a dove (wings of a dove)
On the wings of a dove (wings of a dove)
On the wings of a dove (wings of a dove)
That’s why I thought a dove ornament would be perfect. But this heart with the wings. Sure, it could be fitting to memorialize anyone who has passed, but for me and my dad it has significant meaning. This ornament is a reminder that God sends His love as a sign from above on the wings of a dove.
Right after putting the one ornament on the tree I sat back and took in the view. That’s when our dog Chewy decided he liked sitting underneath the tree. He’s been doing it for the last week as I sit and view the tree remembering daddy. While sitting there, I felt the Lord nudge my heart and whisper, “it’s always been about MY Presence and spending time with you, & less about the gifts and what you do for me.” I know this, but it stopped me in my tracks for a few days and I contemplated the deeper message.
Usually, by now, there would be piles of gifts under the tree, but not this year. Did I mention I’m a “gifts” person? Yes, it’s my love language and I always go overboard searching for good deals and getting gifts for my family. This year however, instead of gifts, gifts and more gifts, we are making memories and doing experiences. We are making it about presence and not presents. Don’t get me wrong, there will still be a few “gifts” and Christmas Eve Jammies under the tree, but this year is all about being together and spending time with each other. It’s about going places and doing things together as we make memories.
We have always purposed to keep Christ the focus of it all keeping His presence at the center and not just during Christmas. Knowing His present to all humanity was His Presence.
So why not follow His example?
The things I remember over the years of the holiday’s aren’t the gifts I got. Ok, except the one time my mom wrapped cash and put it in our stocking with socks and underwear because she didn’t have time to go buy us the fun stocking stuffers. Hahaha, it was a cool idea, but not great implementation, the money ended up getting ripped into pieces as we were tearing into the paper. LOL
When I think of the holidays, it’s the memories of being with family and the adventures of the holidays. The memory of crazy black Friday shopping adventures or hunting for a Christmas tree in the dark with my sister. Thank goodness for flashlights because it got too dark and we couldn’t see a thing. The memories of my dad driving us to Clackamas Town Center Mall in Portland for our annual Christmas shopping trip the Saturday after Thanksgiving so mom could get the best deals. The memories of dad disappearing into the mall bookstore only to reappear later sitting on the bench outside whatever store we happened to be in at the time.
My dad’s motto for this day was like that of the post-office’s: “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays this dad from getting his wife and kids to the mall for the swift completion of their Christmas shopping.” I am not sure how swift we completed anything, but we sure had fun and made lots of memories.
I also remember the memories of baking Christmas cookies and making candy to give out to family and friends. The memories of going to grandma’s house or driving through our towns huge Christmas light display. I remember the memories of going to my Aunt Doris’s house on Thanksgiving and Christmas. It always involved eating, watching movies, playing games, staying the night with all the cousins and families and waking up to a huge breakfast the next day.
In the end, it’s not the gifts, toys or things we buy. It’s the memories we make with the people we love that really matter. It’s about being present and not giving presents. It’s not about the gifts, but remember THE GIFT of Christmas – Jesus.
What are some of your favorite holiday memories?
May we remember, it’s not about the gifts under the tree, instead:
It’s all about Presence over Presents.
PS: I would love to hear what your favorite holiday memories or traditions are. Please share with me in the comments below.
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It know it may seem like a lot to ask, because it takes time. However, if you can leave an honest review after listening, it would really be a HUGE blessing. Each review helps the podcast rank higher and get more eyes. If you’re interested, here’s how you do it:
- Go to the iTunes podcast page for my show – CLICK HERE
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Debbie Kitterman is a natural born encourager who is on fire for God. She is passionate about equipping individuals, so they can go deeper in the relationship with God, reach their God-potential and claim their Kingdom inheritance. Debbie is a wife, mother, author, pastor, speaker and the founder of “Dare 2 Hear,” a ministry that trains individuals to hear the voice of God. She travels to churches internationally and is the founder and teacher of d2htraining.com, an online course designed to equip the believer in releasing God’s heart. Her writing and teachings inspire faith and build bridges for people to believe and expect the impossible. She is also an ordained Foursquare pastor, currently serving with her husband, John, as senior pastor of Restoration Church in Lacey, Washington. Learn more at: www.debbiekitterman.com
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YouVersion 7-Day Devotional
This is a 7-day Devotional you can get on the YouVersion Bible App
I am blessed and honored to have a 7-day devotional on the YouVersion Bible App. YAY!!! It is a great way to kick start the 7- days before my on-line Bible Study starts next week. I would be so blessed if you would check it out and share it with your friends. You can find it here: Be The Gift Someone Needs Today!
Have you had the opportunity to read my new book “The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement: Hearing the Words of God for others.” ? This book is about learning to hear the voice of God in our own life so we can respond to those God bumps and little nudges He gives us on a daily basis. God is calling us to be agents of encouragement and to be the gift the worlds needs today.
We live in a time, where those around us are in desperate need of a real encounter with Jesus and in need of encouragement. We are called to encourage one another daily (Hebrews 3:13), and to build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). My book will teach you how to step out and do just that.
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Debbie,
What a lovely tribute to your dad and the ornament is perfect considering his love for that song. I loved your comment by your dad about getting the women-folk to their Christmas shopping. May you be surrounded by loving memories of him this Christmas and may God draw close to comfort your still aching heart.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Thank you Bev!
Part of what is helping me walk through this season is remembering all the fun times and all the life that was lived between the dash of his time here on earth. I loved my dad’s attitude about the shopping trip too. I think he secretly enjoyed it because he got to spend hours sitting on benches people watching, talking to strangers and in a bookstore. I appreciate your prayers for comfort to my heart. Thank you and Blessings in return.
This is beautiful, Debbie, and for me, this is the first Christmas we’ll spend without gathering the whole family together as one son and his wife have moved to Colorado. We’re missing that gift of presence with them, and yet the love stretches across the miles (along with a box of fudge and Christmas cookies from Mum…).
Thank you Michele! It is hard with things change and family moves away, isn’t it? I like that even though you can’t gather as a whole family, you are still stretching that love and presence across the miles. I am sure they are enjoying a taste of home and knowing Mum loves and misses them. You are making some new memories and doing the most you can as they are so far away. Merry Christmas Blessings to you all.
Presence is so important, and so often neglected. It’s all too easy to wrap up things and think that makes up for it. But the best thing we can do is just choose, right now, to be present with our people.
You are so right Rebecca! So important, often forgot about. I have been guilty of it myself some years, but not this year, putting things back in their proper priority. 🙂 Blessings
Debbie, I remember that “Wings of a Dove” song! Of course it has much more meaning for me now. Thank you for the reminder to linger in God’s Presence.
I’m tickled to be linking up with you!
Hi Richella!! Welcome & I am so glad to have you here linking up today! Thanks for joining me/us. You are most welcome for the reminder to linger in God’s presence and I am so glad someone else remembers the Wings of a Dove song besides me! YAY Merry Christmas
The ornament is lovely, as are your thoughts here. Praying for you as you have the first Christmas without your dad. laurensparks.net
Thank you Lauren. I thought the ornament was perfect to remember dad with. I appreciate your prayers. Most days are good, but then “whoosh” a memory comes flooding in and I am a puddle. But such is the journey of loss and grief. laughing and joy one minute, crying and mourning the next. Blessings
Love the ornament! I hadn’t thought of that song in years but it does go well with your idea of a tribute to your dad with an ornament on the tree.
May you feel special comfort during this season!
Thank you Jerralea! I am so glad someone esle besides me remembers this song. I thought it was such a God thing I stumbles across the ornament in the store when I did. It’s totally fitting for dad…. and now I have that song stuck in my head too. LOL
I love your ornament, Debbie. That’s a fitting piece to remember your dad. 🙁 I remember the first Christmas without my parents in 2010. It was a hard year. It does get easier, but you never, ever forget that someone is missing. I’m so grateful for the memories I have of great times spent with them. It’s wonderful that you have memories as well.
Thank you Lisa! I am so glad to hear that even though he will always be a missing piece, that it does get easier. I am so grateful for the memories I have of our times together. They are gifts I am cherishing for sure. Blessings
I love that song. I know that song; used to sing it all the time.
Thanks for the memory. I’m singing it now.
Nylse, YAY!!! That is so awesome that you know the song too. Sorry if it’s now stuck in your head for a few more days, but at least we’re in good company and not singing it alone. Blessings
Such beautiful words. Thanks sharing them. Always get uplifted here.
Thank you Patrick!