Enjoy the Holidays!

I really love the Christmas season. It may sound like a cliche, but there seems to be a different spirit in the air. People are more kind and generous; families and friends get together. Special foods are shared. But sometimes when we try to plan the "perfect" events, we get too stressed to enjoy them.  As Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year's Eve are quickly approaching, here are a few tips I've shared before with a little help from BabyCenter.com. They may make your holidays more fun and less frantic.

Scale Back:  Unless you have a lot of household help, it can be difficult attempting the perfect Martha Stewart ambiance. I mean, who really needs a wreath made with fresh cranberries? Simple decorations can still be festive.

Simplify Gift Giving: Since my family is growing and our budgets are shrinking, we decided to draw names this year; literally picking names out of a hat. We've agreed spending more time together is better than spending more money.

Collaborate on Festivities:  Ask holiday guests to contribute to the party. Let them bring hors d'oeuvres or a dessert to your holiday event so you won't be responsible with all the cooking.

See the Holidays Through the Eyes of a Child: Most children want your presence instead of a present. Making memories like singing Christmas Carols as a family can bring more delight than a fancy toy. 

Give Yourself a Break: It may be difficult to find time for yourself, however, try. If you relax, your children, family and guests will be relaxed too.

Enjoy the Holidays!

The Next Chapter

Recently, I started reading this amazing book entitled ROAR Into the Second Half of Your Life (Before It's Too Late). It's written by Michael Clinton.  The word ROAR is actually an acronym for R - Reimagine yourself; O - Own who you are; A - Act on what's next; R - Reassess your relationships. What makes the book so refreshing is it's target audience is people 40 years and older.  Most books I've seen with a theme of "planning for the future" rarely include people of  that age. We're categorized as getting ready for retirement, not reimaging ourselves.

 ROAR doesn't just focus on your next job, but what you want to do to fulfill your true purpose in life.  Playing with the grandchildren is great and having that weekly yoga class is fun. But, why should the year of your birth dictate when opportunities have come to an end? You can still move to a new city, find love or learn a new language.

I believe your story isn't over. No matter your age, it's never too late  to write the next chapter of your life.  In fact, it could be the best one yet!

Member of Your Family

I grew up with the most adorable black poodles.  We first got Lady as a puppy, she was gorgeous and so smart. After she had a litter of puppies we kept one of her daughters; we named her Penny. These poodles slept in our beds, they traveled with us, they had special diets, sat in the grocery cart when we went shopping and they went to the groomer every month; coming home with painted toe nails and a bow in their hair. They were the true definition of Fur Babies. I loved them so very much. Even though they passed away many years ago, it still makes me sad that they aren't here anymore. Now we have a male, cream colored poodle named Chase. We love him too.

Dogs may not be for everyone. But according to the American Kennel Club, there are science-based benefits to having a dog. Dogs make us feel less alone, are good for the heart and they help us with our stress.  Maybe that's why animal shelters have had so many customers during the pandemic. 

Genesis 1:25 says, And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

Pets can be a blessing for your heart and for your health as long as you make the right fit. Visit your local animal shelter to find the newest member of your family.

Naming That Tune

American singer and songwriter Bill Withers was a great musical artist. His song "Lean on Me" was an R & B hit; winning a Grammy. It's also one of my favorites songs. Some of the lyrics are: When you're not strong, and I'll be your friend. I'll help you carry on." Those inspirational words sound like a Gospel song; giving you hope to believe you are not alone. What kind of music encourages you?

Psalms 95:2 says, Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise!

Inspiration can come from all kinds of music. Hearing your favorite song on the radio, a music app or on vinyl can transform your mood and your mind. Listen to what you like. Enjoy naming that tune.

The Help They Need

During the early days of the Covid 19 pandemic, many of us were held up in our homes. Everything changed in an instant; our work, our home life, our routines. I  missed going to the gym, because exercise helps with my physical and mental health. The pandemic affected all of us in different ways. It even affected our children.

According to information published on the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Beyond getting sick, many young people's social, emotional and mental well being has been impacted by the pandemic. 

1 Peter 5:7 says, Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.

Let's realize adults and children struggle with the challenges that have been caused by the Covid 19 pandemic. Find more resources to help the children in your home, school and community at CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

Get the help they need.

NEVER an Option

 One of my favorite movies is the Untouchables.  This 1987 film is based on the life of American Prohibition agent Eliot Ness as he tries to take down Chicago crime boss Al Capone.  You might wonder what would attract a Mom to this movie about the mob. A well-written script, handsome characters and great acting are part of it. One memorable moment in the film comes when Ness is challenged by a friend who admits that bringing Capone to justice won't be easy and then he asks him, "So what are you prepared to do"?

That same question can be asked of all of us when times get hard; the job, the kids, the finances. How can we keep looking up when things appear to be going down?

Psalm 31:24 (ESV) says, Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord.

Believe life is worth fighting for, because Giving Up is NEVER an option.

Enjoy the Journey

As I look at my daughters who are now in college, it's unbelievable to see how quickly they have grown. I think about the days when they were born; toddlers taking their first steps. Now they are independent adults charting their own paths. But as I reminisce, I must also realize that's what life is all about. You don't stay in the same stage forever.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.

Sometimes I may romanticize about those early Mommy days. Still, I miss when my daughters were younger, discovering new things.

But no matter which phase we are living, we must enjoy the journey.

Better Than It Appears

Have you ever had an eye floater? It's like having spots in your vision. When you try to look at that floater directly, it seems to get further away from your view.

Life can be like that too. You can see that new job, loving relationship or rewarding opportunity in the corner of your eye, but when you turn your head to get a better look, it goes out of focus.

Romans 15:13 says, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope.

Keep reaching for that goal, that dream no matter what it may look like. Stay positive and stay strong. Because your vision may be better than it appears.

A New Name

There are two well-known brothers in my community whose last name is Wise. And that name fits them perfectly. One is a Pastor of a large church; the other is a talented Musician and College Professor. Their children and grandchildren are just as gifted. That Wise name really represents who they are. That made me think: What does my name say about me?

Genesis 17:5 says, God told him, I am changing your name. It is no longer Abram (Exalted Father) but Abraham (Father of Nations) for that is what you will be. I have declared it.

Maybe you don't need a new car or a new wardrobe to define who you are. Maybe you need a New Name!

 

Act Like a Child

Take turns; don’t hit others; sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. That’s what I tell my Preschoolers in class every day.  Maybe we need to remind adults too, because in today’s climate, it looks like children have better manners than the grown-ups. We see too many adults behaving badly. Aretha Franklin shouldn’t be the only person talking about R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

Matthew 7:12 says, So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

The bottom line: Treat others the way you want them to treat you. Instead of telling an unruly adult to act their age, maybe we should tell them instead to act like a child.

Stay in Touch

 Since the Pandemic began, it’s been a challenge being separated from family and friends. But technology can keep us connected during this weird abnormal time.  See your loved ones online by hosting a virtual gathering.

Here’s a few tips:

1.       Make a Plan: Select the theme of your event

2.       Send Invitations:  Hosting 20 people or less makes the event more intimate

3.       Make an Agenda: This lets your guests know what to expect

4.       Keep the event fun and flowing: Everyone can’t speak at once & one person can’t dominate.  Remember: You control the mute button!

5.       Afterwards, learn what worked and what didn’t: Plan for a future gathering!

Enjoy new ways to stay in touch.

A New Foundation

When I was a little girl, as my family celebrated New Year's Eve, I remember my parents saying, "Time really flies!" As a child, it felt as if the time from the first day of school in September to Christmas took forever! Now that I'm older, I understand what my parents meant. The years are quickly passing. That's why it's crucial to plan and build the foundation for your life every year.

2 Timothy 2:19 (a) says, God's firm foundation stands.

Make sure your new year has a:

1. Fitness Foundation:  Set realistic goals and find the best way to make healthy choices. Go to the gym or get a fitness app on your cell phone and workout at home.

2. Financial Foundation: Be a good steward of your money. Speak to a financial planner for professional help.

3. Future Foundation: You're never too young or too old to plan for your future. What are your hopes and dreams? Share your desires with a family member or a trusted friend to keep our vision on track.

For more inspiring messages like this one, get my latest Christian Devotional: Mommy Matters: Why every little prayer makes a BIG difference! Available for purchase on Amazon.