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“Merry?”

Yes, it’s Christmas. But is it ‘merry’?

To the one who is alone…

To the one who is sick…

To the one who has lost loved ones…

To the one who is wondering if their marriage will survive…

To the one whose family is so very fractured…

It’s still Christmas. And there is joy and peace and contentment. But, you have to search for it.

Think about those shepherds in the field. It’s night and they are the watchmen over the flock. Another mundane and routine night. Perhaps they were grumbling about their home life…their aches…their lost dreams.

Suddenly, there was light and a message from an angel! I doubt one of them said to another, “Nope, I’ll look for the baby tomorrow. No need to search tonight.”

Luke 2 states they said, “Let’s go!” and they hurried to Bethlehem to find the child.

I’m taking sometime today – in the midst of angst, disappointment and in the hard times to search for the baby in the manger. Remember what happened on that first Christmas. “To us a child is born…the Savior of the world.” He is our hope. In Him we find our joy and contentment.

Our lives don’t look like Hallmark movies. But our hearts can always be content when we anchor our hope on Him.

Merry Christmas!

Surprise!

Have you ever had the fun of giving someone a surprise gift? Have you ever bought the food or drink of someone behind you in the drive thru or saw someone struggling at the check out line and told the clerk that you would pay for their groceries?

I’ve heard stories of people (celebrities and regular people) paying off people’s layaway bills or putting cash into products at the store.

Can you imagine the look on the recipient’s face? Shock. Disbelief. Overwhelming joy.

Tim and I have been able to do this occasionally. It’s fun. Rarely do we get to see their faces, though. Most of the time, we hurry along in case someone identifies us. One time, we were able to give a gift of cash through a third party. Oh, I would have loved to have seen the look of surprise and the confusion when a stranger gave them an envelope full of money.

As much fun as it is to give, it is also a joy to receive. We were recipients of an unexpected blessing this week. Someone paid for two months of our grandsons school tuition.

When I received a text notification of the gift, I lost it. And I am not a crier. I couldn’t believe it! I was overwhelmed!

I called Tim and he thought I had terrible news. He knows I rarely cry. We were both ecstatic. We were humbled and joyful and thankful and loved.

God gives us those gifts. From Him are all things and to Him are all things…He deserves the glory.

We all have something we can give. It doesn’t have to be money or something lavish. Being His hands and feet, means letting God use you in ways both big and small. Give a kind word, a smile, some time. Write a note of encouragement – and you don’t have to sign it. Remind someone that they are seen. Ask God. He’ll show you.

Gift of Time

It’s the holiday season. A time of thanksgiving and gift exchanging. A time for family and friends. A time of cooking and feasting. A time of running and running and running.

Today, however, I was given the gift of time. I am overwhelmed with the amount of work I have. Thankful, yet overwhelmed with the volume. I have been working on one particular file for a week! It’s a bear! Meanwhile, other files have piled up in my ‘to do’ box.

I was double checking some documents and was so close to wrapping up this file. I was so thrilled. Then it happened. The website froze and a giant Error message was displayed on the screen.

I checked my attitude and decided to be thankful for the time. I put in a load of laundry. I got something to eat (it was a bit after 11a and my stomach let me know.)

That was productive. But I also just wanted to sit in front of the TV and watch a rerun of some comedy and just vegetate. But then, I remembered Sunday’s sermon.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

God has good things in store for me. He has given me gifts and talents and wants me to use them to bring Him glory.

I have said a billion (maybe) times, “I want to write!” But then my world shifts and things get in the way and I forget my gift.

When doing the Lord’s will, expect spiritual opposition. We can always find an excuse or an obstacle to NOT do what we are to do.

2 Peter 1:3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.

God has equipped his children with everything we need to live out our calling. We are called to use our gifts to point people to Christ, whether it’s 5 people or 5,000,000. We all have a sphere of influence.

The website is functional now. I can finish my work. But first, with the gift of time, I was able to work on my calling.

Use Your Ears

The other day I was chatting with a friend over coffee. We were reminiscing and laughing and thinking of younger days. We have been friends for years. Some years were closer than others.

Somehow we got on the subject of being present at big events. She always makes it a priority to go to weddings and funerals. She traveled a lot of miles over the summer just for such events.

She mentioned that she is still upset that she wasn’t able to make it my father’s funeral. I told her again that it was fine. It was in another state during a busy work season. I had no expectation of her to attend.

“You have never said you’ve forgiven me.”

Wow! That took me back. No, I’m sure I never did say I forgave her because I didn’t think there was anything to forgive. But she needed those words.

And she had been carrying this around for nine years!

I was so thankful she said something and that I could say what she needed to hear! Yes…YES, I forgive you!

When someone says they are sorry, they are looking for a response from you. Are you forgiving or dismissive, as I was with my friend? I didn’t listen to what she was saying. I didn’t see her not attending an out of state funeral during a notoriously busy time at her work as something to be sorry for. But she did. And I dismissed her.

That is not who I want to be. If I truly want to be a friend, I need to listen.

Fix your eyes.

I’ve been listening to The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale at least once a day every day for a more than a month. If you haven’t heard it, look it up. It’s worth the 32-36 minutes (depending on which version you listen to.)

In a nutshell, he reminds the listener to think. To think about the future, think about your hopes and dreams. To concentrate on good and purposeful goals.

He also challenges to do more than is necessary without expecting anything in return. To work steadily and with a good attitude. To smile and be more friendly.

I have done this for the past few weeks and I have noticed a change. I finished work ahead of schedule. I planned meals and when I would go to the store, I interacted more with friends and with strangers. A smile goes a long way.

It matters what you allow into your mind. It affects your mood, your interaction with others, your self talk and your future. Take a breath and take inventory of your day.

What was the first thing you said to yourself when you woke up this morning? There is a difference between, “I’m thankful for another day and grateful for the people in my life” vs. “Crap, it’s morning.” You can set the tone for your day by changing what goes into your mind.

You know you cannot control other people. You can only control your response. Yes! You are in control. I know that person was just rude to you in the parking lot, but it’s your choice whether to smile and walk off or engage in some hurtful verbal exchange.

This is all influenced by what you allow into your mind.

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8

Are you watching or listening to things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and admirable? If not, find something else. What goes into your mind and heart is usually what comes out your mouth.

Not my plan.

A while ago, I caught myself on Saturday saying things like, “I’ll just do that tomorrow.” Laundry, cleaning, errands, whatever. But I wasn’t resting. So now Sundays are Sabbath – an intentional day of rest. I now do whatever brings me rest on Sunday. It’s been a good change for me.

So one Sunday afternoon, Tim and I had a planning session. We are entering a busy fall season. He has an EMT class once a week and a lot of homework that is due Sunday at midnight. We are both leading small groups, Tim’s class is on Monday and mine is on Tuesday. We both work, of course, and then there are other dinners and trips and fun to be had.

We went through all of the known events and sorted things. We decided when we were going to study, prepare for groups, what routines needed to shift. It was quite productive. Planning always rests my mind.

And then an hour or so later we got a phone call and everything went out the window. A crisis needed our immediate attention.

I don’t believe God laughs when we make plans, contrary to the popular quote.

Proverbs 16:9 We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.

Planning is good and helpful and necessary. But when something comes to disrupt, how should we react? It is helpful to know that God is still in control and whatever the ‘surprise’ is, did not surprise Him. Focus on the good you can see. Be thankful.

I thanked Him this crisis happened during 21 days of prayer with our church. My focus was an intentional hour with Him everyday. I thanked Him that it happened this year and not last year. We have had friends, but we knew we needed counsel and reached out immediately. We wouldn’t have done that before.

Then I saw benefits from the crisis itself – unexpected God moments, great conversations, renewed strength, refreshment. Answered prayers.

His timing. His glory. His purpose. Reminding myself that the Lord is still in control and He is still helping and guiding and leading brought me much comfort.

I may plan my days and try to put my ducks in a row. But when an unexpected chicken or fish or squirrel appears, I know where to put my focus and find peace.

Untitled

I have been exercising my writing muscle daily since July 17, 2022. I begin with – I am a writer. Therefore I write everyday (or some variation thereof.)

For those who are novice writers, this is a big deal. Little by little, day by day getting stronger and stronger. I have enjoyed the satisfaction that this has brought me. Most of my writing (so far) is for my eyes only.

I’ve also been blogging consistently for the past few weeks. That’s another exercise that I have enjoyed. I was challenged with becoming more personal. I like it when I can get a laugh or two also.

But something is off today. I just can’t find my flow and my words are not forthcoming.

We are going to prayer service throughout the week at 6am. Although I am usually out of bed at that time, it’s different having to be dressed with shoes on. I’m overwhelmed with work and have many orders that are overdue. I am cat sitting for friends who are gone for a month. Well, actually, more like hospice cat sitting. She is 19. Laundry has piled up and my stacks are getting taller.

But, then I remember to breathe and fix my eyes. Remind myself that the Lord is my Provider and my Peace. He holds my days. I can rest in Him.

I breathe. I rest. I praise and thank God for who He is and what He has done.

Then, I write.

Lies. All lies.

The devil, our enemy, has one goal. Since he knows our salvation is secure, his goal is to make us ineffective while we are alive. If we don’t promote the Gospel and point people to Christ…if we aren’t unapologetically enthusiastic about Jesus and what He has done for us through the cross…if we aren’t seen as different from the world…the enemy has won the battle. (He still loses the big one.)

His mission is to kill, steal and destroy. He does this through lies. Jesus called him the father of lies (John 8:44.) I know this to be true. And yet, I have believed the lies for many years.

I had friends throughout school and college but when I moved, I didn’t really keep in touch. I am an introvert and used that to agree with the enemy that I didn’t need relationships. I was okay on my own. (Lie #1)

I married Tim and three teenagers. I rarely spoke life over them because I was convinced that I didn’t know what I was saying (#2) because I didn’t have any biological children.

When we would attend church, I would walk quickly by people with my head down. I would busy myself with tasks and not engage. I had nothing to offer people. (#3)

If people knew me and knew what I had done (or didn’t do) or what I said or what music I listened to or what cuss word I said, they wouldn’t want to know me. (#4) This was my lot in life – to be mediocre (#4) and to work through the condemnation (#5) that God had for me.

At our first small group in Highlands, people were hugging each other and smiling. I hated small talk and would disappear or busy myself with my phone. I could always appear pious with a Bible in my hand.

I asked one of the ladies in the group if I was going to have to become a hugger to stay in the group. I don’t like that, I said. That’s not me. She came very close to my face (all up in my personal space) and said, “I will pray for you.” Oh my goodness! I wanted to run far far away.

But I know that she did. Things didn’t shift overnight. But they did shift.

The Lord revealed to me the lies that I had believed. I found who I was in Christ and who He created me to be. Here is the truth.

I am God’s child. (John 1:12) I am complete in Christ. (Colossians 2:10) I am free from condemnation. (Romans 8:1-2) I am created in His image. (Genesis 1:27) I have a future that is good and was planned by my Creator. (Jeremiah 29:11) And another BIG one – Jesus came so that I (and you) could have life – an abundant, amazing life. Or, as The Message paraphrase states, more and better life than (I) ever dreamed of. (John 10:10)

Think on purpose the TRUTH about who you are in Christ. In Him is your confidence. This is truth. And the truth will set you free. (John 8:32.)

Self-control…what?

When I was a child, I remember going to the grocery store with mom. We would occasionally buy treats and I remember her making me wait – not only until we got home, but also until after dinner before I was able to have a cookie or two.

Now that I do the grocery shopping, I have found myself elbow deep in the treats before I even get out of the parking lot. I’m usually the only one who will partake in the treat so it’s not like anyone is getting my germs. But, seriously, I can’t even get out of the parking lot before the bag is opened.

The Bible does speak of self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 – But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. That last one gets me – especially when it comes to food.

I don’t know why it is so difficult for me to take food (chocolate) in moderation. I have fasted from it for a short while. I usually can control myself in public. But when I am alone with dark chocolate sea salt caramels – or even M & M’s, I am ravenous and lose control.

Whether it’s eating, exercising, planning, spending, internet browsing – it is easy to lose control.

But God (best words!)… He wants us to continually pray (1 Thessalonians 5:17.) We need to continue to crucify the flesh – bring it under control of the Spirit. And that requires us to be aware of what we are doing. Peter calls it being sober minded (1 Peter 5:8.)

I am learning (ever so slowly) to take inventory of my thoughts and to shift my focus to God and to pray. To communicate with God constantly. He wants me to bring EVERYTHING to Him. I have the fruit of the Spirt – one of which is self-control. Lord, help me continue to submit my flesh to Your Spirit.

The Sounds of Silence

Is your world ever completely silent?

It’s 6am and Tim has left for the office. I’m in my office with no music or screens on. But, I can still hear things.

Xena, the wonder dog, is dreaming. She makes noises that sound as if she is scared or anxious.

The refrigerator just cycled through making ice.

There is a car nearby that apparently needs to idle for awhile and then the engine needs to be revved up six or seven times before it can be driven.

And then there is mom. Let’s just say I can tell she is still in bed.

My quiet time is rarely silent. But, it is a most precious time.

A time to breathe, to think, to write, to be still. A time to praise God, thank God and ask God. Probably my most favorite time of the day.

If you are running from the time your feet hit the floor, how do you feel when you finally collapse into bed? Can your mind shut off automatically as you drift into a peaceful deep sleep where you awaken refreshed and renewed? Probably not.

And some days are like that. But even in the midst of the most hectic day, search for a time when you can get away from the noise, the screens. Even if it’s five minutes in the sunshine – just you and nature – it will refresh your soul.

You must be intentional with your time. Start with the sounds of silence.