The Perfect Gift

If you are anything like me, you are now searching for the perfect gift for everyone on your list. So I’m making this short and sweet today.
As I "grow up" a little, I notice something more and more: people take God for granted. Lots of kids growing up in Christian schools don’t appreciate the Cross at all. People don’t read their Bibles, even though it’s the one love letter we have from God.

Sometimes I fall into that category of not appreciating. But lately — as I search for the perfect gift for the people I love — I feel like I have already received all that I need. Through His sacrifice, we have all been given "the perfect gift." It is perfect love, perfect freedom and perfect forgiveness all wrapped in one.

Today, I am thankful for the Cross. I am thankful that it gives me a new day. I am grateful that through faith in Him, I am given a clean slate on earth and an eternity of Perfect in heaven.

As you celebrate the birth of our Savior, please remember, the perfect gift is not under the tree. It is in your heart. It is the beauty of knowing mercy and extending it to those around us. It is the beauty of a new day.

May your Christmas be full of joy.

Your friend,
Jen

December 20, 2008

Author: Jennifer

Categories: Faith, The Power of Love

SHARE THIS STORY, Choose your platform:

About the Author: Jennifer

Jennifer Strickland is a wife, mom, TEDx speaker, and former professional model. She is the author of Girl Perfect, More Beautiful Than You Know, and Beautiful Lies, among other books and Bible studies that teach women their worth in God’s eyes. Since leaving the modeling industry, she founded URMore.org, a non-profit ministry that provides resources to hurting women and girls. Her favorite moments are found working on the family ranch with her husband, who she calls “the Cowboy”; in her kitchen, concocting a new version of her famous spaghetti; or spending time with their three precious children.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

At the age of 18, I was recovering from an eating disorder, cutting, and suicide when I read Jennifer Strickland’s book Girl Perfect and it changed my life. At the age of 33, as I travel the world reaching youth for the gospel, this is the only book I recommend to girls who are struggling. The Lord has truly anointed Jennifer’s words through her story, not only to address the struggles of today’s generation of girls, but also to walk them through the healing necessary for victory.

Christina Boudreau

Jennifer is a captivating speaker. She keeps the listener hanging in wonder of what’s coming next! Her presentation is not only absorbing, it reveals the truth of God’s power to heal a wounded spirit.

Barbara Brown

Barbara Brown, Former Stonecroft Ministries Regional Representative, San Diego, CA

“The ‘P’ word [perfection] may be the heaviest burden women bear. All the misguided things we do to attain it can keep us away from what we need most – the unconditional love of God the Father. The Girl Perfect Study Guide gives you a map to the wholeness you were created for.”

Nancy Ortberg

Nancy Ortberg, author and former teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church

“The Girl Perfect Study Guide shatters the lies girls and women believe and points to the ultimate truth, which really does set us free. I am confident that this study will help thousands discover a beauty, purpose, and worth that truly lasts. Thank you Jen for exposing the ‘perfect life’ and inviting girls to experience God’s ‘perfect love.'”

Allie Marie Smith

Allie Marie Smith, Founder of Wonderfully Made

One of the best testaments to what Jennifer is doing for the young girls and women of today is a comment from my eleven-year-old granddaughter: “Grammy, I want to read this book and hear her again. She’s good and I learned a lot.” This is exactly what I experienced from a grown-up perspective when I was introduced to Jennifer Strickland’s amazing story. Read it and see if you don’t get the real story from an icon model and a powerful speaker of truth.”