Stepping Away from Procrastination.

I am trying to tie up some loose ends before the number on the end of the years' date changes. Paying a last bill for the year, getting a letter out to loved ones, and walking through my memories so I know where I've been and if I need to change direction.Loose ends do not always tie up in a neat bow.

Sometimes loose ends end up being a jumble of knots and straggling hairs! It doesn't matter what they look like but though some can carry on into the new path, others demand an accounting. For me, I like to start the New Year fresh, with a tidy beginning.

The problem lies with procrastination. The longer I put things off, the harder it is to step onto an uncluttered path that has a plan. I suppose I'd better close this blog and get busy with some of those knots! Hope you are able to do the same!

Party Time?

Will you be going to a party for New Years? I will be manning a fireworks tent with my husband. We never were big party goers. I remember only one really big party we attended over the years. I do enjoy celebrating the incoming year in my own way.

I like to ceremonially write out my goals and review the ones from the past year. It doesn't take that long but it brings a sense of completion and satisfaction. I feel joy and peace as I sit before Gods' throne and discuss my life.

I also enjoy sitting down with my husband and sharing with him the goals I want to achieve. I always hope he will let me in on his plans too!

My party is a party of three. God, me and my husband. It is a great time! But if you would invite me to your party, I'd be glad to arrange my schedule and come celebrate with you!

2008 Review

Looking backwards is not always easy, especially if you want to watch where you are going. The only exception might be when we are looking forward into a new year. It is then that we might look back over the past year and take stock of our progress toward our goals, our growth in character and wisdom, and the direction our lives are taking.

Looking backwards can be tricky. Rear view mirrors do not always give a proper perspective, so it is important to take an honest, face to face look at yourself as you truly were in the days of the past year. sometimes my vision of the past is not too pleasant. I don't like some of the snapshots of my memories. but then there are also times of joy and blessing and some of those came because I chose to do the right thing. Either way, I am guided by those memories, to turn onto a new path, or to stay firm.

I'll be reviewing 2008 like the networks review the year, but this will be a personal reflection for my future goals. I want 2009 to look better that 2008! It will take hard work and awareness. It will be a year of trusting God and not myself to complete the good work He wants to do in me. Let get going!

Simplify

I sat down and tried to write out my goals for 2009. It seems I am wanting to accomplish many things a reach many finish lines this year. As I looked over the list I realized that my main goal should be to simplify!

I need to simplify my exercise, relationships, finances, etc., etc. If I could simplify then maybe I would find myself actually accomplishing the greater goals.

So, now to think through how to simplify my life.....that may be a bit more complicated than I think! I'll work on that tomorrow!

Crossroads

In a few days we will celebrate a new year. It is a time when we put away the past and start new with good intentions and high hopes . For the next few days I will focus on writing out goals and determining how I would like to live my life in 2009.

Resolutions? You may call them that but I prefer to call them goals and in a sense I place expectations on myself. My expectations and goals all center around my gift to Jesus. It is what I choose to give Him that sets the boundaries of my choices for the year. So this year I will listen to the message God has for me to receive and to deliver.

Today I read in Jeremiah 6:16 an interesting guide to the setting of my goals. It said: "Thus says the Lord: 'Stand by the roads, and take a look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for you souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'" (ESV) In the Message Bible it says to "stand at the crossroads." I like that.

It reminds me of Robert Frosts poem The Road Not Taken. Which road will I take? God is urging me to look closely and take a trusted way, one that has proven to me a wise path. Poet Frost offers the insight that choosing a road less traveled might make all the difference. I agree. It will make a difference if I pick a path that the rest of the world has shunned but has been traveled by our Lord and His faithful followers, a cross-road.

I do hope to see you on the good way!

Christmas Blessings

May you know Christs' presence in your life and enjoy the blessings that come through Him every day of the New Year! May you have peace, health and provision for all your needs. May you rejoice knowing that your name is written in the Book of Life !

May the Christmas Spirit reside within your heart. Be blessed friends! Be abundantly blessed!

Christmas Expectations

Expectations have climaxed! Tonight is the night! Christmas is here and little children await with excitement for all they have dreamed about. It isn't just children who wait with nervous expectation. Adults look for the wonder of Christmas too.

We all want to know that someone cares. Is there a Santa in my life? Is there really a God who cared enough to come to earth for me? Does anyone really love me? Christmas is a time when those questions may or may not be answered to our satisfaction.

Will our dear one remember me with a special gift or will they fall short of my expectations? Will Santa really come to every good little girl and boy or will there be a few who are overlooked because no one noticed? The only true expectation that has been fully met is the expectation of a Messiah. Jesus did come. He lived and died to give us back what we lost through our sin.

Christmas fills our deepest expectations. We may not know what those might be but in Jesus Christ we are loved, ransomed and fulfilled completely!

Tonight is a night when your expectations can be met. You can know the fullness of His love, His grace, His gift of eternal life! All you need to do is ask and believe. He only waits to hear your request.

Light Saga

We've had a little bit of trouble with our outside Christmas lights this year. They would go on for a short time then blink out, either one side of the house or the other. It makes the house decorations look unfinished and really quite sad.

I envied the houses I went past that were shining and well decked out. It made my poor little display a pitiful sight. I did, however, see a lesson in all of the lights on, lights off drama.

Throughout my day I can shine the light of Christ or I can blink it off letting it hide behind a shadow of anger or ill thoughts towards others. My light can shine before men as a beacon of Gods' glory or I can shut it off to await a moment when I am the one who is shined upon. It is my choice.

A little wiggle of the wires can make the lights awaken and my home to brighten up and reflect the joy that Christmas is all about. It is the same with me. A little twist of my thoughts in the right direction can spark the flame and let my light shine brighter. I would guess that connecting my lights to the source of true light would keep them shining brightly all day long. Oh, that I would run to fix the connection before it is interrupted!

Sore Feet

I've done a lot of walking the past few days. More than usual.

I've been shopping and shopping and shopping. Though shopping is not my favorite activity i enjoyed the exercise of buying gifts for loved ones and moving my body for long periods of time to work off those extra calories!

Last night was our caroling party. We walked the neighborhood and enjoyed the cool night and warm welcomes from friends. Our motley bunch of singers didn't sound too bad this year and the competition for the "Angel Choir" was closer than ever before!

Today my feet ache but I don't mind so much since they remind me of good deeds, and blessings of friends. They also remind me of Jesus' feet. He walked this earth and went miles and miles to spread the good news! Were His feet sore before He went to the cross? I have no doubt that they were!

How lovely are the feet of Him who brings good news!

Hush

The rush is almost done. It will soon be time to hush and listen to the stillness of the night and allow our precious Lord to silence the yearnings of our hearts.

I like to set the mood for quietness by playing soothing music. Instrumentals are best, but a soft voice can also allow my mind to step away from the lists and sit at my Saviors' feet. Like Mary I long to be near Him and in His presence. So I lay aside my Martha apron and draw near.

Hush, hush, listen silent night.
Hush, hush, draw near to Christmas!
Hush, hush, wonder and joy are mine!
Hush, hush, He quiets my heart.
Hush, hush, He is near, God with me!

Gimmies

The Gimmies will get you
If you don't watch out!
The Gimmies are ugly.
You don't want them about.
They get in your eyes
So you want all you see.
They get in your mouth
And shout, "Give it to me!"
And if you don't get it
You whine and you cry
Till we all hear you
And ask ourselves, "Why?"
A sweet little child
Let the Gimmies come out
'Cause having the Gimmies
Is foolish, no doubt!

Fully God, Fully Man

From the beginning, Jesus was fully God and fully man. I wonder how that worked? Did He empty himself of all knowledge of who He was until a certain time? Or did He remain so totally in control that He was able to say "No" to His God-ness?

His words seemed so aware of His position in the God head that it seems impossible that He did not know who He really was, but then He would not have lived the life of a human to the full extent being tempted as we are would He?Such things are my ponderings of his coming as a baby. Will there be similar ponderings when He returns? Will I wonder if His humanness will be so overshadowed by His God-ness? Such a mystery!

Oh, Lord, my Savior, the only true God and true man, You are a mystery that must be pondered. You truly deserve my minds' meditation! Though I may never find the depths of you, may I forever seek to know You more!

Ready or Not

Ready or not He will come! The world wasn't really ready to receive Jesus when He was born in the stable. We probably will not be ready when He arrives for the second time. SURPRISE!!

Do you like surprises? For me it depends on if I am prepared to be surprised. Yes, I know that sounds like no surprise, but it can be. I am always on guard for birthday, anniversary or Mother's day surprises. I prepare myself for the unexpected and then enjoy the moment when it comes. Every day type surprises catch me off guard and I would prefer they never happen.

Ordinary day surprises make the day very extraordinary, like the snake in the trash can, or being side swiped by a hit and run driver. but then there are surprises in my ordinary days that take my breath away and lift my spirits and my praises to God. I am prepared to see a sunset/sunrise but when it is spectacular I am surprised! I expect to see the moon but when it is an enormous pearl in the night sky I am surprised! When I prepare myself to do the right thing for someone else I am surprised to find the gift of joy for myself.

I am prepared for Jesus' return to earth but it will be a great surprise! Just as He came as a baby His arrival will be an ordinary day that will turn extraordinary!

Surprise me, Lord! Like Simeon and Anna, let me see Your coming! I will prepare myself every day for the surprise of You in my life!

Wish List

Last night I walked all over Walmart to see if I could get ideas for my husbands Christmas gift. I saw some things that I would like to give him but not knowing to what he would give preference made me hesitate. I have asked him to at least give me some clue as to what he would want. He asked me to do the same. It seems to me that after 35 years of marriage we could think of something on our own. I guess what we have learned over those years is that it is wise to ask!

Wish lists were the inspiration for the sermon on Sunday too! What do we wish for from God? A burning bush experience? An angel messenger? A meeting on a Damascus road? Oh that we would wish for the word of God to come alive in our lives! WOW!

Sadly most church going people would prefer that God would stay in His heaven rather than to come close and cause them to change their ways. Jesus did enter our space and continues to ask all people to change. He wants us to believe in His goodness and His love. He wants us to change directions. We must turn away from our selfish desires and follow Him.

Your coming into my space, Lord, confronts me just as the burning bush for Moses, the angel for Mary and the vision of You for Paul. Your Christmas coming continues to challenge me! I wish I will always say "Yes!" to You. I wish Your presence would always be very real to me! May I share Christmas with others every day! Thank You for making Your word come alive in me through Your word!

Little Boys

Watching my 7 month old grandboy, Scott, three times a week gives me a new perspective of God coming to earth as a baby.

The beginnings of life must have been restrictive, to say the very least, for the Almighty God of the universe! Within the confines of a tiny body God wondered at His own creation! He admired the workings of a tiny hand and enjoyed playing with his wee little toes. His mouth explored whatever Mary would allow Him to chew and He savored the pleasures of warm milk from her breast to calm the grumblings of His tummy.

Come to think of it, maybe, just maybe, God did not feel restricted at all. Maybe God knew that the universe not only expanded outward from our human bodies but also inward. I imagine God filled with joy and an ever deepening love for us as He lifted His head, rolled over, sat, crawled and walked for the very first time. Yes, He must have admired His own work and was pleased to again call it good! He must have been delighted to be in a temple in which He would one day reside.

God coming as a baby is a powerful reminder that life is precious and glorious.

Moonlight Pearl

Last night as my husband and I left for our weekly date, we were awestruck by the moon. It was a clear night and the moon was full. It was a beautiful sight.

I could not keep my eyes off the moon. It reflected the sun in a way that reminded me of a huge pearl. Its luminousness was breathtaking! We could easily see the shadows of the lunar terrain, but it did not detract from its beauty. The shadows simply added to the mystery of the clarity and perfection of the vision.

A pearl resting in a vast ocean of deep blue was this moon. It was a gift to enjoy, a touch from the Creator. He made it for my pleasure and so I told Him how much I enjoyed it! And then i remembered about the pearl of great price that Jesus told us about. It was bought through the sacrifice of the merchant who sought it for his own.

I am the pearl that was bought with Jesus' sacrifice, but am I willing to sacrifice for Him as well? Can I say "Yes" to Him as Mary did?

Thank You Lord, for reminding me of Your pearl by showing me the moon in all its glory! you have thought of everything that could delight me and make me happy! I say "Yes!" Yes, I will live my life to please You!

Decorations of the Heart

Christmas houses are all aglow throughout the neighborhoods. Lights sparkle and Christmas characters shine. Inside trees glimmer with lights and glittering ornaments. We seem to go all out for Christmas.

What decorations can we display throughout the year to tell others that we are Christians and Christ is born in us? I've thought about it, and I think the best ornament on our lives is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. His presence is seen in our love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. It is true that against these there can be no law.

Fighting City Hall that makes laws against the decorated civic buildings for Christmas is fruitless if we do not bear the fruit of the Spirit year round. Oh Christians, let us decorate our lives daily with His presence! He will make us to shine like stars! (Phil. 2:14-16)

Scrooge

There is a Scrooge for every person every Christmas season. It could be health related, financial, emotional, relational or many other places in our lives.

The question is, can we overcome bad news from Scrooge with the good news of Christ?

According to John 16:33 we can! "I have told you all this so you may have peace in me. (What did He tell us? The Good News!) Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

So there, Scrooge! You cannot take away our Merry Christmas. You cannot spoil our Christmas joy. We will not become like you!

God bless us , every one!

Christmas Love

If there is one message that sums up Christmas I think it must be love. Christmas began because God loved us. That is good news!

Love is good news because love seeks the best for us. Yes, love isn't always easy, in fact it can be the most difficult thing we do. When we love someone we look for ways to give them the best of ourselves and we want the best for them. Sometimes that takes mercy and gentleness but other times it takes sacrifice and discipline. God entered the world prepared to give both.

The first Christmas brought to us God wrapped in humanness and filled with love. True love is the good news we receive when we accept the Christmas gift that came as a tiny infant. His true love for us is the best news we will ever receive!

Checking the List

Shopping. Wrapping. Baking. Decorating. Partying. What is missing? Checking over my to-do list for a Merry Christmas season I sometimes forget one of the most important items on my list.

Actually that one item includes a list of its own. Visiting with Jesus doesn't mean whispering a prayer on the run out the door. It includes, quieting myself, sharing my heart, listening to His wisdom, enjoying His presence, giving Him first place in my day all through the day.

I have a very good reason to put Jesus on my list, because He has put me on His list! He makes me a priority! He listens to every prayer. He cares about every need. He is always with me. Most importantly He has put my name in the Book of Life through His own sacrifice!

Today I will not only begin my day visiting with Jesus, I'll share my entire day with Him, good and bad. He is the reason for the season, the reason for every season of my life.

Believe!

Most adults do not believe in Santa Claus, to them he is a myth that is meant for children only. Children place their whole trust in the myth that Santa will bring them whatever they wish. Once it is discovered that he sometimes fails to fulfill expectations they stop believing.

Today I read in scripture some passages where God asks why His people stopped believing in Him. Sounds a bit familiar, doesn't it? There are plenty adults who believed in God as children, but because they were not granted all they wanted from Him they turned their hearts away from the belief that He exists and is good.

Disappointments are the pins that pop the balloons of belief. A belief in Santa or God that disappoints will deflate our hopes and cause us to choose a path that seems safe but will lead to loss, and a hardened heart. Why do we think we should have whatever we want? Why do we think that a wise, good and loving God should answer every prayer on our terms? Is it possible to believe in a good, loving and wise God even if He never answers a prayer in our favor? I think we must say "Yes!"

God exists without our needing Him to exist. He is because He is God! Our unbelief does not cause Him to change or become a myth like Santa. We can believe in God!

Just believe!

St. Nicholas Day

Yes, there is a Santa. I believe he lives in heaven because he believed in Jesus as his savior. He was Bishop Nicholas. He had a generous spirit and loved children. It is a bit sad that his memory is now limited to a fantasy man who indulges children and adults with their every desire.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good Santa movie, song and pretending with children. My imagination comes alive by the idea of a toy land workshop and cheerful giving to all children. There is still much good that can be gleaned from the fantasy of Santa. But there can be so much more to learn from the real man.

From my readings about him, he was a humble man. He had a heart for the poor and yet he insisted that poverty was no excuse for bad behavior. He spread the good news of the gospel by his actions of grace filled giving. He did it all not for his own glory but for the glory of God.

Santa is someone we can emulate. We should be balanced givers and generous to the poor. December 6th is the day he is honored and hopefully God is glorified in the remembering of Saint Nicholas' life!

Homemade Sparkles!

I am up to my ears in glitter and warm fuzzy fur! Yes, I am creating gifts. I do it not only in lean times but in prosperous times as well. I sometimes think my homemade gifts are not well received. That makes me sad and yet I still give gifts that comes from my own hands, heart and imagination.

Homemade is a warm and inviting word but I find that my humanness is drawn to the glitter and warm fuzzies of gifts made on an assembly line with no heart. My soul and spirit, however, long for the gift that touches my heart. Christmas could be a homemade celebration with just a little glitz and cozy touches if only I would change my heart. Would it then feel more like the first Christmas?

The picture of a tiny newborn sleeping in a manger is a vision of heavenly homemade gift. God gave us a present of the most wondrous kind and asked a simple maiden to deliver Him to the world. how do I receive this gift? Would I prefer a powerful miracle worker? Can I find pleasure and satisfaction in the love-created gift of Jesus in a manger and dying on a cross?

A Chill in the Air

The one thing that upsets me most at Christmas time is grumpy people. I do understand that not everyone celebrates the holiday, but it seems to me that being a grump won't make the holiday disappear. For the grump it may even make the days to go by more slowly!

I have something that usually can warm up a chilly heart. I offer them a smile, sometimes accompanied by a kind word. I know it works because it works on me!

If you are a grump, I'll offer you a smile now. If you have a smile to share, pass it on! It doesn't cost a thing! Let's make this a Merry Christmas!

Time to Listen

I have a Christmas Caroling clock. Each hour it chimes a different Christmas song. The first few days of hearing it I am surprised and delighted to think about the song and the words reminding me to celebrate with joy! My attitude is lifted by those sweet chimes.

It isn't long, though, before I tune out those sweet refrains and ignore the joy they offer. My attitude is one of hurry and finish my list of things to do. I don't stop and enjoy the moment! How very sad for me, and for those to whom I want to be a witness . Time passes by so swiftly and I can miss those little prize moments when God whispers to me. Could He be offering me His love, joy and peace in the middle of a hectic and sometimes difficult life?

It seems to me that is exactly what He did when He came 2000+ years ago! He announced the times through a star and angels. He whispered His coming through the starry night and shouted His arrival through the chorus of angels. Do I listen for His quiet voice or do I ignore it and forget He is near?

He is near! He is here in my heart! He lives in me! The music only reminds me that it is time to listen! I need to hear His voice! Not only during Christmas, but all year through!

Tree Lights

I have spent the last three days trying to get my Christmas tree decorated. I've really been just working on getting the hundreds of multicolored lights up and running. I still have about a fourth of the tree left to cover, then we begin hanging the ornaments.

Our tree is lovely to look at and for me it also is symbolic of the body of Christ that glitters with the light of Christ radiating from each person. The tree symbolizes Christs death on a cross, but for me it also is a visual of all believers who come to the cross to find the hope of salvation. It is ever green for our hope of everlasting life. It is shaped to point us to the heavens where our God rules and reigns! Christmas trees are a beautiful reminder that Jesus will return to gather His own to Him.

We can only wait for the second advent by keeping watch. It is time to ready ourselves. It is time to celebrate the past coming of the infant Jesus and wait in expectant hope for our Victorious King!

The time dedicated to decorating the tree can become an act of worship. May God be glorified in my thoughts and in my actions as I joyfully share the witness of a holy Christmas symbol.

Potential

What potential do I possess? That is a question posed to me during church yesterday. It got me to thinking.

The word potential implies a possible power. Within each of us God has placed a possibility to do something. We possess a power within us that can make a difference in the lives of others if only it is released. We each have potential!

What is my potential? I have had moments when I was certain, but most often I struggle to not only find my potential but to experience it! I guess the experiencing is most important. It is in the doing that potential is transformed into power. In the release it is no longer a possibility but a sure thing!

Recently a couple of young people have approached me about their potential. They are searching for their power and purpose. I had to admit that I, too, am searching again for my power and purpose, my potential. So how are we to find it? Prayer is a wonderful beginning. After prayer we should push through our doubts and fears and practice what we know we are able to do. In that practicing we may peer into our potential and release the power inside of us, the power of God that is unique to us.

It is time to pray, push through, and practice. May our steps of faith provide the spark that will ignite our potential into the power You, Lord, have given me. May the world know You through me!