New Year, New Perspective

"I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're doing something." - Neil Gaiman

As we begin this new year, full of hope and promise, we find ourselves making resolutions. The problem with resolutions is that we don't always stick to them, and then we feel defeated. But I think it's a beautiful thing to reflect on how you want to grow in the new year. If you can look at each resolution as a launching point to trying new things and making some simple lifestyle changes, instead of rigid goals in which you either succeed or fail, you can find joy in not only in the end result but the journey! Pray about your resolutions. What does God want to do in your life this year? How can you choose to find fulfillment along the way to your goals? May God bless you in this incredible new year. 

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:19

Journey on!

Worship Like a Child

"The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear!" -Elf

Elf is one of my favorite holiday movies! He is such a positive, happy person and I can't help but smile at him even when he is being naive. He has such a childlike spirit, especially when it comes to Christmas, and I think we could learn a lot from him. 

Jesus, as an adult, told the disciples that he wanted the children to be near him, that their faith was to be commended (Matthew 19:14). There is a beauty and a abandonment in the faith of a child. It is unlimited, spirit-filled, unrestrained, and free. When I think about worshiping God in this manner, I think about how the shepherds must have felt seeing that huge host of angels singing in the sky. I think about Mary embracing her first child for the first time, knowing he would be so much more than she could understand. I think about the wise men bringing gifts fit for a king. The heart of worship...the outpouring of praise that was so great and so overwhelming...what a beautiful scene. Let us take this opportunity of Christmas to knock down our spiritual walls. Let us become like little children. Like the character of Buddy the Elf, let us sing loudly for all to hear. May our praise fill the skies like it did that night in Bethlehem. And may we hold on to that innocence and fearless faith all year 'round.

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14

Journey on!

The Meaning of Christmas

“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!” 
― Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Everyone loves presents. It's such a fun part of Christmas, both to give and receive and see the joy on people's faces when they tear open the paper. I never thought there could be anything greater than being a kid at Christmas, but I have to say I enjoy it just as much being a parent and seeing their eyes light up on Christmas morning. But the joy comes from a place far deeper than a simple package. It comes from the love and joy of being with family. It comes from the generosity of giving to others. And most importantly of all, the joy of Christmas comes from knowing that we are so deeply, profoundly blessed by a God who calls us His own. He gave us the greatest gift in His son, Jesus. The meaning of Christmas is not superficial. It's the love and faith and joy and hope that comes from God and that we give back to God. Thank Him for His abundant blessings today!

"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." Romans 15:13

Journey on! 

Don't Miss the Miracles

"Christmas isn't just a day, it's a frame of mind." Kris Kringle, Miracle on 34th Street

It's easy to get caught up in the busyness and general mayhem of this festive season. And while those things have value, sometimes it's hard to keep our minds focused on the important things. As you embrace the joy of the Christmas holiday, don't let yourself become distracted. Focus your heart and mind on Jesus. Remember his birth...Immanuel, "God with us," wrapped in swaddling cloth and lying in a manger. Praise Him for His majesty and goodness.  Be filled with wonder. Don't miss the beautiful things God wants to speak to your heart through the story of Jesus this season! It takes being intentional and having the right frame of mind to notice the miracles all around you. Be aware, be focused on what matters, be intentional, and be blessed this Christmas!

"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Matthew 1:23

Journey on! 

A Wonderful Life

"Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?" Clarence, It's a Wonderful Life

We've all had moments in our lives when we question our purpose. This quote from one of the most classic Christmas movies of all time touches on such an important point. We may think our lives are mundane, or that we aren't making the impact we hope for, but the reality is that our lives matter greatly. We were put on this earth by a loving heavenly Father who has a beautiful plan for us. We may not notice the many ways in which our lives touch other lives, but they exist, and they matter! 

Think of the story of Jesus' birth. Joseph was a simple carpenter. Mary, a young girl who loved the Lord...but God used their seemingly unimportant lives to do something spectacular! It is through these humble people that baby Jesus had an earthly family. God works in our lives in ways we may not fully understand. He doesn't make mistakes, and He loves us each dearly. He has created you for incredible things! As you reflect on Christ this Christmas season, remember how many regular people had a special part to play in His amazing story. God is working in you all the time, even when you don't realize it. You have a lot to offer this world. Open your heart to Him and His will for your life, and shine His light to the world this holiday season.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 21:11

Journey on! 

The Goodness of God

"A saint is not someone who is good but who experiences the goodness of God." -Brennan Manning

I grew up trying to be perfect. I worried that if I didn't measure up, I would fail as Christian and God would reject me. I kept track of my deeds, good and bad. I lived in fear of not going to heaven. It wasn't until I left home that I learned about the true goodness of God. I had always loved Him, but not believed I was worthy to be loved. And then I discovered that His love for me was beyond measure! I learned that He is good ALL the time, and that in His goodness, I had grace. It doesn't matter what I do...it matters who God is. Not that we should go and sin, but the complete opposite- that we should want to live as our best selves to honor Him, knowing that when we make a mistake, He is there to pick us up and forgive us. Maybe you are struggling to give your life to God because you don't think you can measure up. Well, I am here to tell you that you are worthy, loved, and saved by grace if you only accept Him, not because you are perfect, but because HE is good. Celebrate and appreciate His goodness today, and accept His abundant love for you.

"O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" Psalm 34:8

Journey on!

Love Like an Ocean

"God's love is like an ocean; you can see the beginning but not the end." Rick Warren

Today, be fully aware of God's presence. Know that He is walking with you as you go to work. Feel His strength in you as you climb your mountains. Embrace His peace in the midst of your daily chaos. Feel His love as you enjoy the blessings of this day. And take this moment to thank and praise Him for being such anamazing, wonderful God.

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1

Journey on! 

The Intimacy of Gratitude

"Come to Me with a thankful heart, so that you can enjoy My Presence." Sarah Young, Jesus Calling

Thanksgiving is a time of reflecting on all the many blessings God has given us. But it is also a time of drawing closer to Him. As you thank Him for who He is and what He has done in your life, you focus your mind and heart on Him. And when your focus is laser-pointed on God, you will feel yourself drawn closer and closer. Feel His arms around you, holding you. Experience the glory and beauty of His love. When you respond to God with gratitude, you notice even more of His goodness. It is a wonderful cycle of adoration, gratitude, and intimacy. This Thanksgiving, don't just make a list of your blessings...immerse yourself in the glory of the Lord. Let Him draw you close and whisper life-giving messages to your heart. Use this special time as a reminder to draw close to Him and give thanks ALL year long. 

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." James 4:8

Journey on!

Fall Blessings

I love this time of year. It is a time of change. Even here in the deep south, you can see some colors changing in the trees as the sweltering heat of summer cools into a breezy, autumn reprieve. The beauty of God is evident in every season, but I especially love experiencing it in fall. As you embrace the new season, breathe in His beauty. Notice the colors in the sky. Breathe the cool, fresh air. See His provision in the animals collecting food for winter. Feel His comfort in a steaming cup of cocoa. Appreciate His protection in a warm blanket or a crackling fire. Where do you see God in autumn?

"One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD And to meditate in His temple." Psalm 27:4

Journey on!

Peace or Chaos

There are some important issues being discussed in the world today, and some others that seem incredibly unimportant; but with any trending topic, there is always conflict. These differing opinions became more vicious and pronounced with the invention of social media and comment sections. Even though we all may enjoy being able to connect to others online, there is often chaos happening. We don't find ourselves arguing rational points on both sides, but rather mud-slinging and name-calling. People aren't interested in helping others see their point of view, they just want to fight. Do you find yourself caught up in this online or in your daily life (in the real world)? If you find yourself feeling angry, think about whether the issue is really important. If it is, what are some constructive ways you can make a difference? If the internet is getting you worked up over pointless things, take a break! Remember that while anger itself is not a sin, how we react to that emotion can be. Ask God to give you wisdom, patience, and self-control this week. Chose peace instead of chaos.

"A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel." Proverbs 15:8

Journey on!

Peace and Control

The things that cause me the most anxiety in life are usually things that I can't control. I can't control what someone thinks of me, whether or not I get a promotion, whether this doctor appointment is going to go well. I can't control a storm. I can't force people to make decisions I want them to make... 

There are entirely too many things in life that are out of our hands, so why do we stress about them? We need to remember that the God who created us and loves us and calls His own IS in control. When we can look at these situations in our lives and remember that He has His sovereign hand over all of them, we can find peace. Peace in uncertainty. Peace in disappointment. Peace in the waiting room. Peace in everything. What areas do you need to give over to Him today? Take a breath, let it out. Cast your burdens on Him (1 Peter 5:7). Be at peace.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid." John 14:27

Journey on!

Pure at Heart

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10

We learn so much everyday, but there is still so much growing we need to do. Sometimes that feels discouraging, but it can be an opportunity for God to do amazing things in your life. When we run to Him for forgiveness, He gives us abundant love, grace and compassion. When we look to Him for guidance, He gives us wisdom. Allow God to work through you by continually asking Him for renewal and strength. None of us can do this life alone, and none of us are perfect people. But God can do amazing things through us if we allow Him to. Ask God to renew your spirit today.

"The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves." Zephaniah 3:17a

Journey on!

Do What You Can to Love

"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can." John Wesley

We are faced with a lot of dissention and "choosing sides" right now in our country over a number of topics. It's hard to know the right things to do in these circumstances. 

But instead of being the loudest voice...instead of screaming "I am right and you are wrong..." what if we chose to open our eyes, open our ears, our hearts, and our minds? What if we truly looked at things from others' perspectives? What if we choose to have uncomfortable but respectful conversations about what it's like for someone different than us? What if we chose to pay attention to injustices done, even if they don't happen to us? And then what if we chose, not a "side" to shout from, but rather a position of love? What if we stopped tearing each other down and letting the media feed the frenzy...and just treated each other with love and respect. We don't have to agree on every point to LOVE. We don't have to agree on every point to VALUE others. To care. To respect. To comfort. To ask, "How can I help?" Surely we can all do that, whatever our views. How can we change the conversation this week to one of love?

"Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow." Isaiah 1:17

Journey on! 

Contentment and Happiness

"Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have." -unknown

Sometimes it feels like if we could just have more, we would be happy. If only I could have a better job, or a better house, or a spouse, or a child, or more respect... if only I could acheive more in life...the list goes on. We all have deep desires in our hearts. Those dreams have purpose. It isn't that we should let our dreams go, but we also shouldn't wager our entire happiness on whether or not those dreams come true for us. God has a plan for our lives, and we have to find a way to be content with his timing. It's not easy. But we can't have peace and joy in this moment of our lives without understanding patience and contentment. Look at the blessings you have and be thankful. Trust God and know that if what you desire is truly God's will, it will happen someday. Ask Him to give you patience to wait on Him.

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Philippians 4:11

Journey on!