Fresh Start?

Funny how we set New Year's resolutions and goals so many do not finish them and many don't even start them.

Yes there are big things we tend to focus on: stop smoking, weight loss, money, get organized, make more meaningful relationships. All great things that are not easy to achieve in the time we normally allot for this New Years resolutions. We need to break these things down into obtainable goals and remember each one of these goals are things that are a lifestyle choice not a once a year choice.

Of course we all want to be financially sound, fit and healthy, with lots of meaning relationships living in a house organized my Peter Walsh.  Yet how do we go from where we are to the IDEAL we set up on January 1st?

We could to set up smaller goals to start. Commit to the new lifestyle. Make S.M.A.R.T. goals. Find an accountability partner. List can go on and on.

I would like to challenge you before you set any ideals for next year, you take a day or even a week to pray on what God's ideals for your next year are. I have found all the goals and dreams I set up seem to start out with a bang and fizzle quickly.

When I lost my 50 lbs (and have kept off). several years ago, I had tried everything! Then when I gave up and talked to God about it, something clicked and then lifestyle change started. It was not about the goal it was about the change in my spirit that made all the difference. I let go of my fears and worked toward a lifestyle God put on my heart.

That is how all my lifestyle changes have stuck, I found God's plan. I believe with all my heart that if God is with me in any change it is possible. Not easier, but always with much more wisdom then I bring to the table (or dare I say - even more wisdom than Pinterest can bring)

My prayer for you as we ring in this new year: May God be your guide in all you do. And may God's favor rest on the plans and steps you take this year.

Are you a naughty little monkey?

Monkey's hanging from the dining room chandelier. 2015

Every year in the month of December we do a different kind of "Elf on the Shelf". We use a stuffed penguin that teaches about Jesus everyday. It is so fun and I look forward to the themes and creativity it takes to keep it fresh. This year I chose Christmas songs to be the focus. So everyday the penguin (named Pete) does something to reminder her of a Christmas song then he sends an email with a quick lesson and a video of the song.

Now many people are anti things like this for several reason, one being too much work. This year I have learned something from my little penguin friend. I have discovered that I learn from him too. I know it sounds funny (and in truth it is). Since every night I write a lesson on Jesus, I have come to the conclusion of how little I spend thinking about the simplicity, depth and creativity of our God. Taking time every day to make God's love real to an 8 yr old in her language with a song theme, has done wonders for my faith. 

For example last night the penguin did "Christmas Monkey" from her favorite Christmas movie "A Very Monkey Christmas" starring Curious George. Now this brilliant idea came late in the day and I thought of hanging the monkeys from a chandelier.  Super cute idea, then it came time to send the email  - oh no!!! What does this have to do with God?

God is so gracious to me as He gave me a thought. We are all naughty little monkeys who need forgiveness and do not deserve God's love.

To be honest it was humbling as I wrote her simple email and sent it. God loved me enough to give up His son and I spend my time swinging from the chandeliers in life not paying much attention to His sacrifice.

May we all take time this Christmas season and let the every day "chores" (like my penguin Pete) show us God's grace and favor in our lives! 

Tis the Season

What does this season mean to you? I know the right answer...Jesus. But the truth is, you see what is important to you when you look through you calendar and bank account.

When you look close into you finances you will see what is important to you and your family. Every year I tell my daughter Christmas is about giving and then you look at your checkbook (or for me my amazon account) is a hard truth to see. It is not always pretty or fun to look at where you are really spending you money. If you had to share your bank account with a friend, would you be proud of what is in black and white? For me I think of my missionary friends who sacrifice so much would I be ashamed of my spending.

Monkey see, monkey do. Our kids see how we spend our money. They see how we give! They learn our values (and learns their values) by watching us. Will remember that toy giving to another child in need more than the toy they get to add to the pile of toys they have?

Our 12 days of giving tree! 

Time!!!!!!!!!!! How do you spend your time this season. I am not saying in a soup kitchen or on the street handing out blankets. Let's look at our every day. Are you stressed about getting stuff done? Are you taking time to make memories or are you working very hard on making things perfect? I am no where near where I would like to be on this. It is such a hard balance of making memories and getting stressed about making memories. Are you spending time running around or with family? If you say family is first, are you spending your time with them.

God is my first priority, but am I making Him my focus this season. Are we attending church services or standing in line to see Santa? This is so hard in our world. Jesus is the reason for this season. Yes we have a nativity and a Jesus birthday cake, yet is that really what I want my daughter to remember about Christmas. I want her to know this holiday is the reason I have HOPE for my daily life. Jesus coming to earth is the reason for my hope.

I hope you are challenged to be more aware of your actions this season. Have fun and make memories. Spread the hope to the next generation!

1 of these things are not like the others...

What in your life is "not like everyone else"? We are all different and we are so judgmental of people when they are different from us. In my opinion it's because it makes uncomfortable.

I know that there is a huge sigma with having an only child and that adoption "should be" the fix. Yet again every family is different and you should only go down the "normal" path if that is the path God has for you.

My 2015 Christmas ornament 

Do you try to do the norm just to not argue or feel like a weirdo? Is that what is best for you?

Is it time to embrace the "nerd" within (or the single adult, mom of an only, you fit you you are here)? I am learning to embrac lots of truths about myself this year that make others uncomfortable.

I have embraced my family of 3. We are quirky and we have a ton of fun! I have embraced my curves, even if they are in not "normal" places. I have embraced my love of most things sci-fi.

What do you need to embrace about yourself that make others uncomfortable? I have many more things to embrace. God will continue to work on me. I have a great adventure ahead of myself and my family of 3!

Merry Christmas to all my fellow nerds! Go forth and Embrace the nerd within