A New Beginning!

Can you believe it's 2022?  When the Covid 19 Pandemic started at the end of 2019, who would have thought we'd still be in this journey.  All of us have been through a lot. I'm ready for the New Year!   As we begin this new opportunity, what are we going to do with it?  How will this year be different, better, more productive?  What is your goal for 2022?

Isaiah 43:18-19 says, But forget all that, it is nothing compared to what I'm going to do! For I'm going to do a brand-new thing. See, I have already begun! Don't you see it? I will make a road through the wilderness of the world for my people to go home and create rivers for them in the desert! 

2022 is another chance to do something you haven't done before. Begin this New Year with anticipation, excitement and purpose. Enjoy the journey into a New Beginning!

 

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.