Perspective

 Perspective: the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance

How often do you evaluate your perspective on something? The last few months it has been something that I have done frequently. Constantly looking at a situation to determine if I am giving it the appropriate amount of emotion.

The glass of water I spilled... not a big deal
The mailing of Christmas cards on time... it will be okay
Letting my kids eat too much sugar... it won't make a difference here and there

Telling people about the love of God... big deal
Making an effort to talk to the people I care about... important
Thanking God for every day He gives me... worth it

Christmas season is always full of stress (for me at least). Stressing about the presents I need to buy, coordinating family functions, getting all the cute pictures, etc. I always feel like I'm running 5 different directions, and not giving anything my full attention. Then I always feel like I'm not doing enough, not meeting the expectations of the world. 

But I want to share something with you that I have realized, it's okay. You can say no to things that aren't bringing joy. You can skip out on Santa pictures or Christmas crafts. You don't have to fake happiness with people who aren't good for you just because they are family. But you should thank God for everything you have. You should hold close to those you love. You should do things that fill your cup. 

This life we have right now is not guaranteed. Anything and everything can change in a moment. I don't mean to sound morbid during a season of joy, I just want you to know that your joy may look different than other people's, and that it's okay! 

Here is my suggestion to make the most of your Christmas season:

First and foremost, thank God for the life you are getting to live. For the family and friends you hold dear. For the house you have, the food on your table, and all the small things.

Second, focus on the things that bring you joy, whatever that is. 

Third, be sure to get to church for a Christmas service. Whether that be on Sunday for a traditional service, or a Christmas Eve celebration. You won't be disappointed that you went. 

Lastly, love those around you. Hold close to the people who are most important. Tell them about the love of Jesus. Show them the love of Jesus.

I pray that each of you have a Merry Christmas! 

The Season of Giving

Christmas season is practically here! 'Tis the season of giving, right? But how many times do we turn it into the season of wanting? Or the season of envy?

In our service today, our pastor talked about the Christmas season. And it got my wheels spinning, so naturally I decided to write (or type) it out. 

We have always been told that Christmas is a time to give. And while a good portion of us do that, it is usually not the sole thing we are doing. While we are out shopping, we are looking at all the things we want to have. Then with social media, we scroll and see what everyone is getting for Christmas, and the envy or jealousy arises. I'm not calling any certain person out, I'm speaking to all of us. 

A lot of us are doing things to give during the Christmas season. Churches are gathering Christmas Child shoe boxes, schools are doing angel trees, Christmas carols are being sung at senior citizen homes. And all of these are good, no, great! But can we give more? Can we give differently?

Over the last 6 months, I have been having a constant reminder that what we have in our daily life is such a gift. Our family, house, friends, church, health, all of it is such a gift. And we seem to simply forget how much God has given us. 

When was the last time you truly thanked God for being where you are right now?

When was the last time you truly thanked God for having good (not perfect) health?

When was the last time you truly thanked God that you have the ability to share the message of Jesus?

Isn't that the best gift we can give everyone?! What item can you buy that is greater than the gift of our Savior? What gift is more spectacular, amazing, or impressive than a relationship with Jesus? And why only think of giving during this season? 

Have I offended you yet? I kind of hope so because if I have, then your wheels are spinning too 😉

So here is my challenge to you - 

1. Stop and truly thank God for everything you have. Don't be concerned with what you want, because it can all be gone tomorrow. 

2. Reach out to those around you and see what you can give them. It may simply be a meal, or a hug, or a prayer. But it may also be the most important gift of their lives. 

I hope you are having a giving season - and if you are a person needing the love of Jesus - reach out to me. I would love to share everything I know (but trust me, I don't know it all)

Have a Merry Christmas everyone ❤