Ana Zugheri

Christmas Card Joy

One of my favorite things about Christmas is receiving Christmas cards. What a beautiful tradition! I came to learn and adopt this tradition about 10 years ago. I particularly love the ones that have a picture of the family who is sending it. I think of all the work that goes into it. If you are a mom, you know—the coordination of the outfits, the timing, the weather, and the perfect photographer. Then choose the best photo and print the cards with ample time to send them out. I appreciate each card I receive.

There is an element of emotion every time I open my mail and find a Christmas card. It makes me feel loved, cared for, and important. My family and I are remembered! I feel that a card is sending a wish, a thought, or a blessing to the one who receives it. It is a sweet greeting, like the one in 3 John 2:

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. (NIV)

I have one friend in particular whose card I anticipate receiving each year. She has an amazing creative talent; not only are her pictures spectacular, but she also writes the highlights of her family’s year in the form of a poem. I find it incredibly beautiful.

I know my friend’s heart and her intention is not to show off, but to share the joy of her family's achievements, to allow us to witness the growth of her kids, to share the adventures they live, and more importantly, the way the Lord has blessed them throughout the year and celebrate with them.

I love how the apostle John gives us a sweet example of celebrating others’ success: It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. (vv. 3-4) Do you feel the love in his writing? It’s just like receiving a Christmas card!

It’s easy to underestimate the power of a simple Christmas card, but it can actually be a form of ministry, not only to the ones we send them to—but to our own hearts. Sending Christmas cards may allow us to check our motives, write encouraging words, and tell people they are in our thoughts and prayers!

John goes on to say, They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. (v. 6) Wow! If people talk about you, wouldn’t you want them to do so in that manner?

You still have some time to get your cards ready. You may not have a professional photo of your family or an expensive card, but all you need is a card that reflects your love. Your card may be the one that will make someone smile because you thought of them, or the encouraging one because you chose the Bible verse they needed to hear, or even better yet, a good reminder that it was for the sake of the Name. (v. 7)

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I’m a Good Person

I became a Christian in my early 30s. Before that, I occasionally went to church, had never read nor owned a Bible, and did pretty much whatever I wanted (as long as I respected my moral values and met my family’s behavior standards).

I was told that as long as I didn’t hurt anyone or steal from others, I was living a good life. I can even say that little white lies and sarcasm were not only accepted, they were encouraged among family and friends.

The jokes between us about our body types, the way we dressed, or our flaws were just normal, playful behavior. Having no restrictions on television or music choices, or where I went for fun, I grew up thinking I surely had the coolest parents and the happiest teenage years.

For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. (1 Peter 4:3 NIV)

Did that sound harsh to you? I know it did to me the first couple of times I read it. I defended myself against God’s Word in this passage many times, thinking, I am not that bad. I’m good. Not only that, but I kept justifying myself and making excuses. I didn’t want to feel judged, and I didn’t want to change my behavior. I don’t know about you, but I strongly believe when God starts the refining work in our lives, it can get a little challenging.

In my experience, the path to righteousness takes time and intention to walk. It begins with awareness, then it goes to conviction, then to practice. It only happens with God’s mercy and grace. I keep veering off, and it is a lot easier to allow the enemy to put guilt and defeat in our heads and hearts than give it to the Lord and try again. Thankfully, God is the only one who truly is good. He is full of mercy, grace, and love. He brings others alongside to help us get back up.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)

I now rely on an intimate group of sisters in Christ, my family, and God’s Word to remind me of the love God has for me. And I persevere.

Following Christ has led me to make radical changes in my life. I have been criticized, made fun of, judged, and even lost family and friend relationships because of my now Christ-like behavior. God has not only made up for those losses, He has blessed me!

If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. (1 Peter 4:14)

Friend, following Christ is not easy, but this is the “good life!” Believe me, I have tasted the other “good” kind. Thanks to God’s Word, I am learning what being and doing good really means. I invite you to seek Him and commit to Him. Allow Him to change your life for good!

So, then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. (1 Peter 4:19)

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Busy Bee

A few years ago, through my leadership coaching certification, I discovered the importance of knowing oneself. Part of my certification was to learn, by taking different tests, several aspects of my personality that dictate my behavior.

I discovered my top five strengths along with my spiritual gifts, core values, temperament, and character traits. I had fun taking all the tests and dedicating time to recognizing their results in my behavior.

I am also a wife and mom who works from home part time, with a little ministry on the side. I use my days off to catch up with chores, read a book, or meet with friends and family. I am always doing something—and that is how the combination of those test results describes me—a busy bee.

I used to take pride in that, wearing busyness as a badge of honor, until my lack of sleep, constant distraction, and neglect of some priorities convicted me and brought big consequences in my life.

Thankfully, we have God—and He cares! Seeking His wisdom, I came across Hebrews 4, and that really hit home: Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it (Hebrews 4:1 NIV). We can go on with the chapter, but this first verse says it all.

Who would not want to enter His rest? I think I am pretty good at inviting the Lord to set my days. I am aware of His presence in most things I do, but I have found that His voice becomes louder and clearer when I rest in His presence. When I rest, I become more productive, caring, and loving (just ask my husband).

When we rest in God, we don’t just recharge our energy, we soften our hearts to become more like Him. "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts" (Hebrews 4:7).

It has been very challenging for me to slow down and learn a new rhythm, but the Lord is merciful and forgiving. I still stumble at times, but I have discovered a few tools that have helped me, such as noticing how I’m feeling and catching my thoughts if they don’t line up with His ways. I have a printed-out list of words on my fridge, and having a more detailed vocabulary about how I’m feeling helps me to stop and consult with the Lord. This may seem silly, but acknowledging my emotions helps me go to the Word. And this is what His Word says:

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

Yes, indeed, it does! It judges my thoughts and attitude, and it helps me redirect to what is important for the Lord, not for me. I am now more attentive to my daughters’ conversations; more intentional about spending time with my husband; and I stop and pray for others instead of telling them, “I’ll pray for you” and then doing that later when it’s more convenient.

If you are a busy bee like me, I invite you to take a break and just be!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I thank You for calling me to rest with You. I thank You for slowing me down to hear Your voice better, to refocus on what’s important, and to keep my eyes on You alone. I choose to put the distractions and obligations away for a while and simply rest in Your presence. Amen.

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Digging for Diamonds

It has taken me most of my life to understand who I am and my purpose in life. I had never been very interested in studying psychology or human behavior. I did not grow up in a Christian environment. But it never occurred to me to question my upbringing or culture.

Five years ago, I began a training program to help ministry leaders move from being stuck, to moving forward into God’s plan for them. Little did I know, I was “stuck” myself! I learned a lot during my training, and that sparked my curiosity. I decided to seek professional counseling, receive additional coaching, take several personality tests, read lots of helpful books, and to spend time in prayer.

The first six months of therapy were painful. I had to do some digging where I didn’t want to go. It was a very emotional time with feelings of deep uncertainty, sadness, and anger. I had no idea of all that was waiting to be unpacked and dealt with for me to get unstuck, to find freedom, and—best of all—redemption.

I began to understand the importance of knowing who I am and why I behave the way I do. I like to call my first year of therapy the year of “good-hard.” As I started working on each one of my issues, I realized how my attitudes shaped the way I communicate with others, and that I wasn’t as “good” a person as I thought I was. I learned that certain behaviors can be manipulative, prideful, and sinful, even when they seem innocent: like eye-rolling, speaking before listening, sarcasm, keeping quiet to avoid conflict but building resentment at the same time, and the list goes on!

I didn’t like what I found out about myself, but the good that is resulting is amazing! These revelations have made the Gospel even more real, liberating, and beautiful to me. It’s like looking at a diamond. The Lord is redeeming each one of my issues, He is healing each one of my wounds, and He is showing me mercy and a new way to reflect His light while I wait for the day I see His face. I’ve known Jesus, my loving God, for a while, but through therapy I’ve met Jesus my Redeemer.

The Lord has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm: “Never again will I give your grain as food for your enemies, and never again will foreigners drink the new wine for which you have toiled; but those who harvest it will eat it and praise the Lord, and those who gather the grapes will drink it in the courts of my sanctuary.” (Isaiah 62:8-9 NIV)

In Isaiah 62 God tells us we have been vindicated, we have a new name, and that He rejoices over us. I know now exactly who I am. I believe it, claim it, and share it with you today to encourage you. You have to do some digging to find diamonds.

If you are having difficulties in life, I invite you to seek help. God works through others to show you His redeeming love.

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Goal!

My daughter is in her first year of high school, and she has been playing soccer since second grade. Although there have been some injuries along the way, long training hours, and even some tears and suffering, I love seeing her improve every year. When you live in Texas, there are 107-degree temperatures, but she still must perform. I call that suffering.

Yet, she loves the sport, her teammates, and of course, scoring goals. All that hard work has paid off. She was team captain last year and is in great physical condition.

As a mom, I feel very proud of her, but I confess that when she gets hurt, or I feel that the coach is overworking her, “Mama Bear” comes out. I want to baby her because it seems so hard and painful! Thankfully, I have a husband who helps me bring clarity to the situation and reminds me that with that same Mama Bear power, I need to encourage her and speak truth to her. That reminder is also a cue for me to go to the Word, seek the Lord’s wisdom, and implement it. Thank God for His Word, where we can always find that empowerment.

Philippians 3 is one of my to go-to parts of Scripture for empowerment. In this letter from Paul, I find warnings to correct my thoughts, attitudes, and actions. I love how he talks about the success, merits, and credits we can gain through “our own efforts” but at the end of the day, it is suffering that produces endurance. As followers of Christ, our ultimate goal is not to be successful; it’s to be more Christ-like.

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward. (Philippians 3:14 NIV)

It is easy for me to “humble-brag” on the achievements of my superstar daughter. She deserves it, as she puts in the arduous work, but I think I could do some damage by encouraging her with my bragging instead of giving her the empowerment and motivation that Paul shares with us. Do the things you are set to do with excellence, regardless of the outcome, and keep pressing on during the big and hard challenges instead of quitting because it is just too hard.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. (Philippians 3:12)

I’m now mindful when it comes to encouraging my daughter. I pray she continues using the gifts and talents God has granted her and keeps working hard to achieve the things she wants, but also to remember along the way that God is her source of energy and power. I pray she remembers He is using her to show those around her what true faith in Jesus Christ looks like through her challenges, efforts, and successes.

I pray this same encouragement serves us all. May the Lord use our sufferings and successes for others to come to know Christ. May He be glorified by our excellence and sufferings to meet the ultimate goal of eternal life with the Father. Amen.

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Praise Him!

Praise. There are several definitions of the word praise, depending on where you look for it and the context. You can look it up in a dictionary, even go deeper and find the root of the word, but to me, the simple definition is “an action, a feeling, an emotion.”

I was not familiar with this word until I became an adult and learned about it in church when I began my walk with Jesus. In my adulthood, I came to know the Lord and then began to read and study the Bible right away. I was hungry for His Scripture but did not quite understand the language or “church lingo.” So, there was a time when I felt frustrated because I didn’t understand what others were talking about. English is not my first language, so I kept blaming it on that.

Mostly, I spent a lot of time studying and looking for tools to help me. Early on, I remember one of my Bible teachers saying, “It is awesome that you want to learn from devotionals and teachers, learning tools, podcasts, and even pastors in your church, but the ultimate teacher will be the Holy Spirit, through God’s Word. Trust, but verify!”

She was right. It took me a while to find my way to study, understand, and apply God’s Word to my life. Yes, it takes time, but it is so worth it. Praise the Lord!

If you are new to following Jesus, I hope my experience encourages you. Asking the Holy Spirit to guide my reading time is like having a veil removed from my eyes. When I study Scripture, I begin to understand more—and even feel God’s presence right there in His Word!

Praise the Lord! The word praise now has a real meaning every time I hear it, read it, or say it. The Holy Spirit has given me a deep understanding of that term. To me, praise is the action that comes every time I feel grateful, lift my arms, sing, smile, cry, work hard, or obey. Praise becomes the byproduct of a feeling of gratitude under any circumstances. Praise is power!

May the praise of God be in their mouths, and a double-edged sword in their hands. (Psalm 149:6)

I love how Psalms 148-150 instruct us in such a simple way to praise the Lord. I invite you to spend some time on these passages. Praise the Lord as you read, line by line. Let His Word pour over you. You will feel it. For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds (Psalm 149:4-5).

Go for a walk, use your audio Bible, and look around you. Praise the Lord as you watch His wonderful creation. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord (Psalm 150:6).

Praise the Lord! Sing! Rejoice! Scream and shout His glorious name!

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Honoring God Through Food

I love food—all kinds of food. And I especially enjoy an array of colors on my plate. I was born and raised in Mexico, and I'm not alone in believing that Mexico has some of the world’s best cuisine. So, yes, food is important to me.

In the past, I never paid much attention to what food really did to my health. Instead, I just enjoyed the amazing satisfaction of trying new flavors and eating whatever I wanted—things like chocolate. I joke sometimes, claiming to be a chocoholic. I love chocolate! I even have a T-shirt that says, “I am a certified chocolate taster.” I confess, I could have even fallen into the trap of making food an idol.

So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that “An idol is nothing at all in the world” and that “There is no God but one” (1 Corinthians 8:4, NIV).

That was until my last annual checkup, when I received some concerning news. I am pre-diabetic. Unfortunately, I have seen the terrible consequences of this illness. Diabetes runs in my family. So, this news has dramatically changed my perspective on food. I now understand the gravity of the situation and the need to be mindful of my choices. My doctor provided helpful guidelines to help me manage my diet and avoid the diabetes zone. I tried them all. I joined a program that helps me see food as a source of energy, rather than as a pleasure or reward system, and I even got a wellness coach.

However, in this journey toward wellness, I overlooked an essential aspect: inviting God into the process. I forgot to seek His guidance, His grace, and my trust in His love to make this lifestyle transformation for His glory. In 1 Corinthians 8:6, we are reminded that everything comes from God, and we exist for Him: "yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live".

Including God in my wellness plan changes everything. I am now learning to enjoy food while being mindful of my limits. I have two daughters who inevitably may also be genetically predisposed to this illness. Thus, teaching them to eat healthy—and honoring the Lord through our food choices—became a priority.

Though we have the freedom to enhance and be creative with the food God has provided, living in a more natural and wholesome manner aligns our choices with God’s intent. It is a way to honor the Lord. I want to help my daughters break the chain. And as much as I love chocolate, and my girls do too, chocolate is now a sometimes treat in our home.

Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall. (1 Corinthians 8:13)

My issue may be with food, but yours or someone you know might have a problem with alcohol, drugs, TV, social media, etc. How can we be more conscious and help others to glorify God with a healthy mind, body, and spirit? How can we tear down idols? We can start by taking 1 Corinthians 8:6 to heart, paying close attention to the last half: "there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live".

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Popping My Bubble

I live in the suburbs of Houston, Texas. Our city has grown tremendously in the last couple of years. With all the development happening in our area, I rarely have the need to drive downtown or closer to the city. I joke sometimes, saying that I like to stay in my own bubble.

It is important to grow, learn, and contribute to your community. For years, I was very involved with the schools, churches, and agencies in my community. I used to volunteer a lot and participate in as many social events as I could. I firmly believed that by doing so, I was teaching my daughters a few Christlike character traits—such as having a servant’s heart, being responsible in taking care of our community, but most importantly, using those opportunities to share the Gospel with people around us. All of this became something natural for our family.

One of the biggest things I enjoyed was helping our church’s first-time visitors. I loved walking alongside people that were not just new to the church but new to the faith. I became very comfortable with the way I was carrying out the Great Commission, all inside my bubble: a familiar place, a place where I felt safe, and a place where I met people like me.

I’ve learned that once you feel comfortable doing something, it might be time to get uncomfortable again—to “pop your bubble”—to be obedient to God’s purpose for your life.

God gives us a good lesson about this in the book of Acts, chapter 11. In this passage, we learn about Peter sharing the Gospel with the Gentiles. These people were different from him. He was also visiting a place that might have been pretty uncomfortable for him. Peter was talking to people outside his bubble. Later, he is questioned by his peers about this unlawful act. He tells them that he is being obedient to God’s command and sharing the Gospel without reservations. As a result, the Gentiles received the gift of salvation.

When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life. (Acts 11:18)

Before Covid, my family and I decided to get uncomfortable and pop our bubble. We loaded up our truck every Sunday and drove very early in the morning to the opposite side of town. We brought Sunday School to a community that looked very different from ours. It was a place that looked nothing like our suburbs. We found children without any parental supervision. They were hungry and had never heard of Jesus before. They were outside our bubble.

So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way? (Acts 11:17)

We have gotten uncomfortable a few other times after that. Sharing the Gospel may be uncomfortable to us, but I strongly believe God honors that obedience, and equips us for it. As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning (Acts 11:15). Through our discomfort, He saves lives.

How can you get uncomfortable today? What person can you share the Good News with who does not share your bubble? What are you waiting for?

~

Ana

Zugheri

More from Ana Zugheri

More from Ana Zugheri