December 2023

Did someone turn up the volume? It seems that everywhere I go, music is blaring, people are talking loudly, (not using their inside voices) and there is just so much commotion. The noise is overwhelming!

Ah, but ‘tis the season. . . with Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the rear-view mirror, maybe we can make time for quiet as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  

Advent is the special four-week season leading up to Christmas. It is a time for intentionally pausing, remembering, and getting our hearts and heads ready for Jesus. During Advent, we reflect on the birth of Christ while simultaneously anticipating Jesus’ return.

Advent, in all its quiet wonder, allows me to see God anew. I make time to sit quietly and reflect, seeing God’s handprint throughout my life, His vibrant handiwork throughout my days, and His small murmurings in the tiniest of moments.   

And that, my friends, is the antidote to the crazy hustle and bustle of our world today.

I hope you’ll make time this Advent season to see what God is doing in you, through you, and around you. We have so much to be thankful for as we remember Christ’s birth as a tiny baby born in a humble manger.  Jesus did something we can never do, He lived a perfect life and died on the cross for our sins. He took the penalty for our sins, reconciled us with God and gives us eternal life with Him.

Years ago, Tom did a lesson entitled, “Why Can’t People Figure It Out” as part of his John: The Essence of Life series.  I am confident you’ll enjoy listening to Tom share this important and pertinent message: 

https://www.prioritylivingaz.org/audio-archives/2009/3/5/why-cant-people-figure-it-out.

As we look to January 2024, marking five years since Tom’s promotion to heaven, we will continue to maintain the PLAZ website, but our outward communications will begin to lessen. Our hope is that the website at https://www.prioritylivingaz.org/ will be a place for you and others to see and hear Tom for many years to come. Additionally, Sharon and I will continue to be available for questions and assistance in accessing Tom’s lessons.

As you’re making end-of-year gifts, please consider giving to https://www.prioritylivingaz.org/donate. Your generosity will allow us to maintain the website for as long as technology allows; and for that, we are very thankful. 

Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas and New Year!