Happy New Year!

Ever been interested in New Year's Celebrations and where they came from?  Check out this link from History.com.

Have you ever wondered about the song "Auld Lang Syne" and it's tradition regarding New Year's Eve?  Check this article out and it'll give you some back story.

DO YOU MAKE RESOLUTIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR?

When I was younger I used to think that it was the thing to do. Then every year it felt like I was setting myself up for failure.  As I got older, and a little wiser, I realized that self-reliance is what caused failure in this case and in most cases in my life.  You see, we can't do things on our own.  We wonder why in a culture full of so many brilliant people we are all depressed.  I truly believe, besides all the environmental issues-included the food we eat, that we try too much to rely on ourselves and not enough on God in our everyday life. When we lean on Him, things tend to go smoother.  We aren't AS disappointed in our failures because we know that He forgives and gives grace when asked.  We can start fresh and pick up our cross daily.  Luke 9:23-26

I'm not saying that making new good habits is a bad thing.  Positive change is always a good thing.  What I am saying is that be realistic with your New Years goals. Most people go around stating that it only takes 21-30 days to form a new habit.  Most scientific research has shown that this is mostly untrue. You see it depends on the person, their background, behaviors and circumstances. It can be anywhere from 60 days to 250 days.  That is significantly longer than 3 weeks to a month.  We tend to give up because we rely on ourselves.  In our secular culture New Year's is no longer a self reflection point like it was way back when. It is:  What can I do to make my life better?   

Looking forward to this year, make realistic goals for yourself and your family.  Are their small things you can change daily?  Can you commit to being in the Word more?  How can you make that happen?  More over, how can you ask God to help you make it happen?

As for me?  Well, I am going to try to keep plugging away at this blog and trying to Glorify God with decisions I make on a daily basis.  Ask forgiveness for my sins against Him and others and ask for Help from Him and others.  We only have so long on this world, life is fleeting and worth living, but living well.

So come along side me as I struggle just like others to get into good habits of praying, reading my bible, reaching out to serve and truly engaging with my savior-OUR SAVIOR.

Until next time, God Bless you in this New Year and try to think daily how you can change your life to honor Him and give Him Glory that is so richly deserved.

Thanksgiving-What does it mean to you?

Happy Thanksgiving!

You can check out the cool facts and video about Thanksgiving here at one of my favorite websites, History.com.  I just learned about the tradition for our president at this time of year.  Pardoning a turkey, seriously... like we have nothing better to do.  But alas, we all need a little something funny in our days I suppose.

Now that you may have learned something you didn't know, let's talk about what Thanksgiving means.  It will mean something different for everyone of course.  Those of you reading this from outside of the United States you might have a local holiday that shows Thanks for a different reason. It may or may not have a specific day to celebrate like we do, but the concept is the same.  Giving Thanks for something.  Here is an interesting article I found with some of them.

When I was a kid we decorated for Thanksgiving, we did crafts of pilgrims, indians(and yes I know this term isn't politically correct) & turkeys, we had plays where we dressed up like those things.  Nowadays, it seems like we skip right over this holiday. Schools have Harvest Celebrations. Once Halloween is over we move right into the Christmas season.  When did Thanksgiving become a time when we all just decided to go shopping? 

Our society today is one that rushes from one thing to the next, without resting and taking in the day or the month or even the year.  Those of us, like myself, that want to slow down a little feel overwhelmed.  It's so hard to slow down in this day and age. I wanted to do something special this year for Thanksgiving with our kids, and before I knew it we were a few days away from it and I hadn't prepared anything.  Life just got in the way.

While I am writing this blog post my kids are home from school for the day and they are just playing Legos with each other and listening to music. They seem to know how to slow down and just have fun, I am very Thankful for that.

Here is a link to a free Thanksgiving Countdown printable.  I never thought about this before.  This is a cool idea and something that can used throughout the year, not just at Thanksgiving or whatever holiday you are giving thanks for around this month or when you read this post.

This year Thanksgiving comes with a special meaning for me, it's the year I received benign results from a biopsy.  It really does wake you up to the things for which you are grateful and thankful.  In the midst of the stress of waiting and trying not to worry, these types of things can bring us closer to God.  For me it made me realize how much I don't like to rely on other people and how much I need to in times like these, especially as I get older.

So this year, look around you and Thank God for all things in your life, the good and the not so good. 

I read a sign a couple of weeks ago that really hit home on this topic. 

Be Thankful for the things we take for granted for they are the things that other people are praying for.

After all, the pilgrims did come to American for religious freedom. If you aren't thankful for anything else, us Americans can still be thankful to be able to have religious freedom where in this world there are so many other countries that don't have this same freedom. If you aren't aware of this then check out my post on Voice of the Martyrs. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Here's a little something from Johnny Cash, it's old school but it's good.  Sometimes going back to the good old days is needed to put things into perspective.

Veteran's Day-Remembrance Day

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they are called children of God
Matthew 5:9

Today we honor our Veterans!

I have a lot of people from my family who have served in a branch of our military. I have a few friends that are currently serving.

I want to take a moment to Thank them for serving. It's hard to even think about where we would be today if we didn't have people who were and are willing to serve to protect our nation in times of war and in times of peace.

And as usual, from one of my favorite sites to share; here is the link to History.com and how this holiday of remembrance came about.

If you've never seen the wreath being placed on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, here it is from 2016. 

You can also check this out: Honor A Vet  with Instagram or Twitter and History.com will donate $1 to TEAM RUBICON up to $25,000.

It is often that we don't think about those that have served our country and what that truly means. We truly are the Home of the Free, Because of the Brave.

There's really not much more for me to say about this, Thank someone you know that has served or is serving.  If you don't know anyone, next time you see someone in uniform Thank them for their service.  It only takes a few seconds.  Be proud of our country and those that serve to keep it free.

Thankful for Hindsight and Wisdom

Does everything happen for a reason?

I often hear this from others and think it myself as well. I don't know.  But what I do know is that we have to learn from our past decisions and experiences, good and especially bad.  

I do know that the bible says in Romans 8:28  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Of course that doesn't mean that the life of a believer will be all good things, just that in all things that happen to us God will use them for his purpose.  For someone who likes control, like myself, this can be a scary concept.  How do I let go?  Well, using Hindsight certainly helps.  There are things that have happened to me, in the midst of them it was like Hell on earth, but when I look back at those times I have learned so many different things from them and can use those experiences to not only have wisdom for the future but also to pass that wisdom down to my kids and others around me who can benefit from it.

There is an Irish saying that goes:

May you have the hindsight
To know where you've been,
The foresight to know 
Where you are going,
And the insight to know
When you've gone too far.

The lyrics of the song below from MercyMe really hit home for me.  If I could tell my younger self not to do certain things to avoid all the pain, would I and which things would I tell myself?  The problem is that if I told myself those things then I wouldn't be the person I am today, and how would I know what I would be like.  So, speculation is just that, coulda-shoulda-woulda...   We never know how the future will turn out, but I know I would like to spare some people, especially my kids certain types of pain that I went through.

Psalm 118:28
You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you.

Werewolves

Ever wonder where the Legend of the Werewolf came from?  Check out this article from History.com and you will read all about it.

Why a post about werewolves?  Well, it is October and in true step with my interest in holidays, I figured I would try something tied into the month.  In October we tend to decorate with scary things, we include harvest related things like scarecrows , hay bales and pumpkins of course, but we also include all kinds of creatures that are known to go bump in the night.  

I was talking to my daughter, who is 8, the other day about Halloween.  She asked how it came about.  Well, I have a post for that here from last Halloween. I explained about the All Hallow's eve and why we dress up today.

So, werewolves.  Are you a person who has a hard time controlling their lust for killing people or animals?  Probably not.  But there are times that our blood gets boiling, right?  You feel the need to lash out, scream and just wanna kill someone(hopefully not for real right?)

Jesus spoke about the 6th commandment. Matthew 5:21-25

21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. 23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. 25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

Anger Management

Gary Chapman wrote a book called Anger: Taming a Powerful Emotion.  My husband read it a few years ago and he said it really brought to light a lot of things for him.

Gary Chapman also has a nice little quiz that shows you where you are at with some suggestions that point to his book.  In an effort to be transparent this is what my results say:
   

You are doing well, but can improve
Your results are indicative of someone who likely handles your anger well in many situations, but there are still times when your anger is handling you. Recognize the areas where you are doing well in handling your anger, but also be cautious that your anger is not getting out of hand in other ways.

Think about the situations where your anger comes out most often. Is it with loved ones? At work? What happens when you react angrily? Are you a shouter, or do you turn your anger inward? What words do you tend to use? What feelings tend to come out when you’re angry, and how do those feelings find expression, in good ways or bad? Consider the following possibilities for future action:

Action Steps
You would benefit from better understanding the distinction between good anger and bad anger. Definitive (or “good”) anger, as Dr. Chapman describes it, is a normal response to genuine wrongdoing, injustice, or mistreatment. Distorted (or “bad”) anger, on the other hand, is our response to others when we have incorrectly perceived a construed wrongdoing, injustice, or mistreatment. We don’t have all the facts correct in distorted anger. Learn some other key differences between the two responses in chapter four of this book.

Some people look like they have it all together on the outside and rarely appear out of control due to anger, while underneath the façade they tend to simmer with unexamined anger. This “implosive” anger can be characterized by brooding or withdrawal, among other expressions. Dr. Chapman identifies key strategies to deal with implosive anger in chapter six of his book.

Whoops!

Looks like I should read the book huh?  I think we all could use more strategies for anger management in our lives. I'll try to get on that and give you a book review sometime in the next 6 months. No promises though. :)

In the meantime, take stock for yourself here.

Righteous Anger

This article from gotquestions.org talks about righteous anger versus sinful anger. 

The Point?

Take stock the next time your blood gets boiling and before you turn into a werewolf and have blood lust, try managing that anger in an appropriate way.  I know it's hard.  If you look at where you are at in your life and what your triggers are, there are ways to make changes so that you don't get to that boiling point anymore.

Trust that God has a plan for you and that He will come along side you if you ask for his help in this area.

Until next time, try not to howl at the moon too much.

Ephesians 4:26-27

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day

Okay, since I like to write about each holiday I felt like I needed to write a little something about this one and of course learn a little something in the process.  

Did Columbus Really Discover America?

When I was a kid we learned in grade school that "In 1492, Columbus sailed the blue" and discovered America.

Then in Junior High(they didn't have middle school back when I was that age) we had an amazing social studies teacher who really got us all excited about learning about history!  Can you even imagine?  One of the things I remember most about his teaching on Columbus was that he straight out told us "Christopher Columbus was a scumbag!"  Of course being 7th graders , this put us in an uproar of laughter and intrigued us.  He explained that he was a man who was sent to look for gold , ended up in the wrong place and once he landed and found the natives he enslaved them, even cutting their hands and feet off as a typical practice.  I think he got scolded by the principal because one of my classmates told on him.

Well, I've learned a bit more about this since then from various sources.  Ever heard of Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism?  You can check out this article on Khan Academy to understand their meanings.

You see, I have no doubt that what Columbus did was heinous according to today's standards in our culture, but do you know about the culture he was a part of at that time?  How about the culture that he landed into?  His culture were conquerors as most were in those days.  The culture he landed into, natives were at war with each other and one or more of the tribes were cannibals. Let's just say most of us today can not really relate to what it was like to be on either side back then.

Enter in the notion of Indigenous Peoples' Day in some places in this country.  I have no issue with marking a day of remembrance for Indigenous People, but why change Columbus Day, why not just have their own day?   Why keep Columbus Day at all?  Here's an interesting article about Indigenous Peoples' Day.

If you look back at why Columbus Day was instituted in the text of the link at the top of this blog post, you will see that a lot of people originally celebrated it to honor Columbus' achievements and the Italian-American heritage. Then controversy started and other states and countries chose to celebrate it a different way and call it something else.

So, My Point...

Well, I don't really have one.  I do want to say that we as people, not just Americans, have to learn from our past mistakes and those that have come before us.   

When I read the bible it seems very foreign to me, it's violent and the culture is so off.  But when you sit down and research those times and cultures, you understand the context of each book.  Sometimes things make sense and click, other times even when I understand , I can't make sense of what happened.  

But, we learn.  We learn that even with our mistakes God loves.

So, if you have the day off, enjoy it with friends and family.  In the end, it's really just a day off.  Reflect on the past and learn from it.  Find your mistakes and learn from them.  Ask for forgiveness and repent.

Or Maybe I do have a point: There was and is only One who was Perfect-Jesus

Matthew 6:14-15

14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.




I love the below song lately:  It has spoken to me a lot these past couple of weeks when I've struggled with some personal issues.  I hope it speaks to you too in whatever way you need it today.

Who says you gotta have it all figured out
Who says you'll never feel alone in the crowd
Who says you gotta be like everyone else
Who says?

Labor Day & Contemporary Slavery!

You can learn all about how Labor Day started here with a cool 5 minute video.  Some of these facts I knew and some are new to me.

It's nice that we in the USA get a federal holiday and all, but I often wonder about those countries that still have slave labor and horrible working conditions. Some global estimates state that there are still upwards of 40-50 million people in the world who live in "contemporary slavery" in the 21st century.  This includes forced labor, but also includes human trafficking, sexual exploitation and other forms of illegal enslavement.  I got this from an article I read here.  It's scary to think that we live in a world where this still happens. Even in the "Land of the Free" we have human trafficking.  Here is an article from CNN that talks a little about it.

Okay, I don't want to take away from the fun of a federal holiday, but I wanted to remind you (and myself) that even though the majority of the USA doesn't face the Labor Issues it did back in the 1800s when Labor Day was established, doesn't mean that as Christians we shouldn't be thinking, praying and doing all we can do to change this in other countries around the world.

Here is a link to the US Dept of State on ways to help fight human trafficking locally. 
And of course from one of my favorite go to websites, gotquestions.org, What does the Bible teach about human trafficking?

While we sit back and enjoy our long weekend, our BBQs and for some of us(myself included) the fact that summer is over and school has begun;

Remember this: Every life is of great value, and God loves all individuals.

I pray that all who are enslaved that they know God and be brought out of slavery.

I pray for those that do the enslaving, that their hearts can be changed and open to God's will and desire for all people.

No one is beyond His saving grace.  "Come as you are" by Crowder.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Memorial Day

How do you celebrate Memorial Day?

Celebrate is a weird term when you are talking about something that is supposed to be sobering.  But at the same time, we need to celebrate for the right reasons.  We need to keep the true reason for Memorial day in our minds and hearts while we are having get togethers, BBQs and activities.  

This is a cool video and read about the History About Memorial Day.

Sometimes a little information isn't enough.  Here is a link to some really moving songs that could help you identify a little with what people go through.  Some of these songs move me so much I cry when I hear them.

Take this holiday as a time of reflection that Freedom is NOT free.


Pray for the families of those that have lost to keep us free.  Free for me to write this , free for you to read this, free for you to share how you feel about this with others.  The next time you read about war, conflict, death, destruction, someone's rights being violated, safe spaces, religious values, someone burning or tromping on our flag.... remember that freedom is not free.  Pray.... pray.... Pray!

ALL GAVE SOME, SOME GAVE ALL.

Galatians 5:13

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

1 John 3:16

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.


My freedom is in Christ first and then to my Country.  I love being an American and having the freedoms we have but I don't always like how Americans behave. It only takes one voice.  Join me in praying for our country, turn us toward God.

I AM A CHILD OF GOD-No Longer Slaves song

What is Christmas to you?

We often get caught up in this fast paced world and find it hard to slow down. We also get caught up in it's everyday expectations.  That includes Christmas.  

I encourage you to not get caught up in the commercialism of the season.  Instead, focus on what's important this time of year.. Which brings me to my post question, What is Christmas to you?

I stole this from one of our pastors who talked a little about it this past Sunday.  Have you ever asked yourself what this holiday means to you?  Is it only about Friends, Family, Parties, Food, Gifts?  Or is it something more to you?

I have an issue with this, we are surrounded by so much commercialism and expectation of the season. It really brings me down. Which is why every day during this season I have to re-focus on what is really important to me this time of year, and that is Jesus.

Now, don't get me wrong.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with gifts during this season. But, I think we need to ask ourselves why we give gifts?  Are we doing it out of obligation?  Are we doing it with a giving spirit and heart?  Are we doing it because Jesus is our ultimate gift and we want to show that to others?

I encourage you this season to slow down, re-focus and ask yourself : What does Christmas truly mean to me?  Then ask yourself, what does is mean to those around me? Will this spur a discussion this Christmas for you and yours?

I encourage you to read through the Christmas story again.  Put yourself in each of the peoples shoes(or sandals in this case). 

I pray that this season would bring you peace knowing that the Prince of Heaven came down to be with us. To show us the way and to ultimately show the greatest sacrifice so that we may live forever.

Luke 2:6-7
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Merry Christmas vs Happy Holidays

Are either of these pictures offensive to you?  They are both pretty and cute and sweet to me.  I find that this time of year a lot of people share things on social media about how Merry Christmas has taken a hit over the last 20 years or so.  In some ways this might be true, but I think in the most part the whole Happy Holidays thing is not a direct hit on Christmas, it is more of a way to encompass all holidays that are celebrated in December, including New Years.  

I know that a lot of people are cringing right now when they read this.  My point of this post is to tell you that if you choose to say Merry Christmas to someone and they aren't a Christian, more than likely they are not going to be offended.  They are going to see it as a kindness, you are wishing them well.  Especially if they are an acquaintance or a stranger, how would you possibly know if they celebrate Christmas or not.  And, if you are in the United States and a lot of other countries, more than likely they are going to be celebrating Christmas whether they believe in Christ or not.  It has become a secularized holiday and it's been this way for a long time.

If someone says Happy Holidays to you, say thank you and realize that for the most part they are just wishing you well during this season.  They aren't trying to cause you strife by not acknowledging your Christianity.  Kindness is often taken very well by strangers.  You would be surprised by what a smile, a nod, a quick hello or a season's greetings can get from a stranger.  

I encourage you this season to try something out.  Next time you are in the store, grocery store, mall, where ever you shop or go: Say one of the following; Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings and smile.  Switch it up and see how people react.  I am guessing that most of them, if not all, are going to smile back and say thank you, return the sentiment or state something like "you as well". 

Now, you might get some grumblers-some people just don't care for the holidays and they get into a funk this time of year.  If you are one of these people(believe me I've been there and struggle with it every season) try focusing your attention outward to someone or something else that is in need.  You might find that will help your attitude a little.

Focus on the real reason for the season for us Christians.  Maybe it means staying away from all the commercialism. Maybe it means changing up your Christmas song list to something more Christ focused.  It certainly means more prayer and more time in the word.  Enjoy the little things that bring you happiness in this season.  Choose the light and not the darkness.  

We recently received snow here in New Hampshire.  One of the reasons I do not like this season.  However, as I look outside this morning, I choose to see the beauty in it.  It blankets everything so it looks fresh and white.  It reminds me of how Jesus' blood washes us white and clean.

So in this 3rd week of Advent, find Joy in Jesus.  This will look different to each of us. Some it may mean excitement, some peace and others something else.  But know, that no matter your emotions about this time of year, lean on the Joy;

Matthew 9:26

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

And during this season of busyness, crazy politicized greetings, commercialism and emotional upheaval: remember that if you are a Christian, this time of year is really about the birth of Jesus.  Emmanuel: God With Us!  

Why Christmas Trees?

This is our little fake tree this year. Don't mind the mess around it, this is how we live. Also, you see the ghost hanging to the right? Well instead of telling you that it's a left over Halloween decoration I prefer to call it the Ghost of Christmas past.

When do you put your Christmas tree up or do you even have one?  

Depending on where you live and how you were brought up makes a difference on this holiday tradition.

Up until our son was born I didn't really care with finding out exactly what was with all these traditions.  I just went with the flow.  Growing up we would usually put ours up the weekend after Thanksgiving.  Some years it was a fake tree but mostly it was a real one.  It was a constant mess to try to keep the cats away from knocking down the tree and ensuring they didn't eat any tinsel(for cat owners you know what I mean 😉). We had a lot of Siamese cats growing up, my mother used to breed them.  So we did a lot of wrangling at times.

Ever wonder about the history of the Christmas tree?  Here's some information from one of my favorite sites History.com.

However you do this tradition or don't, I wanted to share with you how as a Christian a simple Christmas Tree or branch can exhibit the characteristics of Christ.


***The following are excerpts(paraphrased) from one of my favorite books: Stories Behind The Great Traditions of Christmas by Ace Collins

Even for those who didn't know about or believe in Jesus, in what is now Scandinavia, the vikings would have brutal winters. They would often bring in evergreen branches as a sign of hope and strength to get them through those harsh times. The evergreens not only survived the winter but also seemed to thrive when times were most bleak.  Many other people groups throughout Europe has somewhat of the same tradition. 

In the seventh century, St Boniface, a monk from Crediton, Devonshire, England constantly traveled across Europe as a missionary. It has been written that on one of his many treks he came across a group of men that were gathered around a huge oak tree. One of them had a small boy with them that had been selected to be given as sacrifice to the god Thor. When Boniface saw what was happening, he demanded that it stop at once. When they refused, he walked up to the huge oak and struck it with his fist. In an act seen as a miracle, the oak shuddered and fell to the ground. As everything settled, a tiny fir tree became visible just behind where the oak tree has stood tall. Boniface pointed out the fir tree, explaining that the evergreen was the Tree of Life. He explained to them that the evergreen tree that even winter couldn't kill, stood for the eternal life offered to them by Christ. Then pointed out the triangle shape of tree and stated that the fir's three points stood for the Holy Trinity of God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Each of those men supposedly gave their lives to Christ right there where that little tree stood.  Five centuries later this story became legend throughout France and Germany, where evergreen trees were hung from ceilings as a symbol of Christianity. No one really knows why they were hung upside down.

In the 1500's Martin Luther was walking home one dark night and noticed how the stars shined brightly through the evergreen trees. He went home and tried to re-create that in his home by attaching candles to a tree. It is believed that this is how adding lights to the Christmas tree became a tradition. 

For what is Christmas if not about a savior being birthed into the world to be the Light of the world.

John 8:12

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

How do you FEEL about the month of December?

This time of year, especially in the Northeast where I live, it's hard to not feel cold and a little bit off.  We often have fall/winter weather that bounces around like one of those old fashioned bouncy balls I had when I was a kid.  One day it's nice and warm(50s) and sunny and the next day it's biting cold and windy with frost everywhere. Enter in the lack of sun, the change in weather that isn't consistent and the obligatory cold that my youngest brings home from school and presto-the above photo is how I FEEL about December.  Yes, it's beautiful in it's own way. The colors contrast nicely, the change of seasons are a beauty to behold, BUT it makes me feel cold inside.

As a child I don't remember feeling this way until my parents got divorced, when everything went topsy-turvy. There were arguments about who would see who on what days and money was hard for quite awhile after that. Things didn't seem merry and bright like they did when I was about 6.  When people ask me what age I would like to return to, I always think right around 6 would be nice.  When you notice your parents arguments but for the most part you are able to escape into childhood blissfully and play all day long, explore the world from little eyes, show awe in every new thing you see and learn about.  Dance like nobody is watching, or at least don't understand enough to care that someone is watching.  You know that feeling I am talking about?

Holidays became a dark , depressing time of year for me.  I can look back and see that now and see how it has affected my holiday spirit. It's a hard thing to get over and it's a struggle each and every day from Halloween on through New Years.

This is how I really want to feel:

All bright and cheery.  But I know that I am not alone in these feelings, and that is sad.  

So, where am I going with this?

I want everyone who is reading this to understand that if you are like me you are not alone.  If you aren't like me and find brightness and cheer in this season that is AWESOME, just beware that there are others who have a hard time and try to do for something for them to help make them feel better.  Sometimes this means just letting them be after letting them know you are there if they need you and other times it means doing something small for that someone or something you may not know.  Prayer is always a good idea as well.

In this first week of Advent it is the week of Hope.  As a christian we have HOPE and that is something that can be held onto anytime of the year and through any circumstance.  It doesn't mean it will be easier but it does mean that we have something to hold onto until it gets easier.  Jesus is our hope.

1 Peter 1:3

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” 

What can we do to refocus on what's important during this season?

This is going to look different for each of us. Since our son was small we instituted a couple of traditions in our family for this season.  

1. We only give 3 gifts to each child.  One for fun, one for learning and one for spiritual growth.

2. We make either a cake or cupcakes and on Christmas Eve afternoon/night we light a candle and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus.

There are a lot of great Advent Calendars or activities to do with kids or for yourself.  Just go ahead and search for them online.  There are so many it's a bit overwhelming.  So I suggest you find something to fits your schedule and don't stress over if you miss a day or even a week.  Start small and go from there.

If you, like me, struggle with the whole Santa Claus thing over taking Jesus during this season: re-focus on Jesus with your kids.  Santa can be a fun thing and I'm not saying you shouldn't do that whole thing, but if Christmas is supposed to be about Jesus' birth then re-focusing helps.

Sometimes all it takes is getting into a Christmas Devotional and working your way through the scriptures towards the Nativity.  

Right now I am checking out Max Lucado's video devotional for Advent called Because of Bethlehem. You can sign up for the free downloads and check it out here.

This month on my blog I am going to try to share some ideas and thoughts with you. I am going to give myself a lot of leeway, so if you don't see many posts you'll know why.  But keep an eye out on my Facebook page as I might share things there instead of an entire blog post I've written myself.

Below is a song by Hillsong that really touches my heart this time of year.  My wish is that one day I can be bright and cheery like the photo above, but until then I will be more like this burning fire and I can still say that my HOPE is in JESUS.

Thankful for Jesus as my Savior

What are you thankful for?

As Christians we are called to prioritize God in our lives.  I find this very hard most days as I get caught up in the day to day grind of just life.  That being said, I always want to make God a priority, but follow through is hard.

With November and Thanksgiving here in the states, it's a reminder of all the things we should be thankful for.

My top reason I am thankful: God sending his Son, Jesus, to save us all.  Covering past, present and future sin.

If you are reading this and haven't fully committed to your beliefs, it may be time to dive deeper and find out what's holding you back.

Part of believing in a savior is knowing your need for him.  Do you realize how far from God you truly are and how much you need a savior?  I do, most every day I realize this fact and I am so grateful for his continuing Grace.  

When you are saved it's by faith alone, not Jesus AND, just Jesus.

That being said, we are called to move away from sin, leave those sins behind. To repent means to do a full 180 degrees, turn around.  As believers we should show some type of change.  Change isn't needed to be saved(except for the repentance aspect), but it certainly is a way to show that God is sanctifying you.

This topic is a big one, and I'm not going to get into it too much.  I will give you some good articles to read if you want to dig deeper.

How can I be Saved?

What is Sanctification?

Finally, if you are saved, how to you share that with others?  Check out my blog post here about sharing your hope in Jesus.


John 17:14-19

14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.


There are so many awesome songs about being saved, but today Forgiven by Crowder really spoke to me.

Thankful for Freedom of Religion, Freedom to Pray

Yesterday's post I put a link in to Voice of the Martyrs.  There are so many places today where you can't openly follow Jesus , to do so is to suffer persecution or even death.

I have a VOM calendar pinned to the wall next to me and I'll be the first to admit that I am not an on fire for prayer kind of person most days.  I have it there as a reminder to do just that, pray and most days I still don't.  I want that to change, so here goes putting it into practice today.  It's not that hard, it doesn't take a long time, but yet my selfishness gets in the way.  Do you see a theme here?

Anyway, today's prayer is for Myanmar, where a front line worker asks "Pray that I would be the man of God that He desires."  Oh such a prayer as this is so simple and I should be asking that daily for myself as well.  Knowing God's will can be complicated sometimes, other times it's written out for us in the Bible as clear as day.

Will you pray with me today for Myanmar and this front line worker, we may never know who he is , but God knows him and His heart?

....  Who else needs prayer around you?  Family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, people you see walking down the street next to you, people driving in front of you... there are endless people to pray for, pick one today and go from there.  Don't forget to pray for yourself as well.  Don't know how to pray, God lays out the foundation for it in The Lord's Prayer.  I never really liked reciting the Lord's Prayer because it felt very impersonal to me, that being said, knowing it allows to me to understand HOW God would like to see us pray.  Need more info on this, check it out here.

Who can you pray for right now, and for what?

1 Thessalonians 1:2
We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.

Thankful for Worship Music

I don't know about the rest of you, but for me, Worship music helps me to be in tune with God.  I know, that sounded corny.  There is something about tuning into a radio station needing a pick me up, only to find the exact right song playing for what you need. I was looking back at music I've listened to through the years and I've found something interesting.  When I look at what I listened to, I was very much affected in one form or another by what was going on in my life at that time and how I was growing or not growing spiritually.

Music reaches into my soul like nothing else seems to. There is this connection that I can't explain.  It wakes me up, it helps me feel, it allows some form of release.  Music helps me to pour out my feelings.

I am not a natural music talent in any form. I have managed to pick up a few things and pluck a string or two, or blow a note or two, I can even sing a little, but I am so far from being capable of anything good.  That being said, when the right song is playing, it doesn't matter what I sound like, it just moves me.  There are some songs that I just can't shake off and some that hit me so deep I can't even sing them.  There are others that help me shout things to the rooftops.

Right now there are a lot of those rooftop songs, but one of them is below.  What is your shout it to the rooftop song?

Psalm 147:7
Sing to the Lord with Thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp.