A Simpler Christmas...

Eighteen days and counting!  As each December rolls around I find the hustle and bustle of the holidays leaves me exhausted, often sick and very overwhelmed.  As we near Thanksgiving I start thinking about the gifts I want to make, gatherings I'd like to have, traditions I want to share or start and by December 5th I'm done.

I think our society has become so commercialized and instant that the expectations are to great.  Time with family and friends although well intended gets lost in already overstuffed schedules.  Social media although keeping you connected really just eats away precious time and doesn't fill the need to commune with others.  Celebrations are timed and often impersonal as we rush from one event to another.

So during these last 18 days of Christmas, I hope you will step back and unplug.  Sit with a loved, share a warm beverage maybe a cookie or two and get back to a simpler more meaningful time where you can love and beloved.  Remember that First Christmas so long ago when our Lord gave us a Savior, a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes in a lowly manager.  That is the true gift of Christmas, the gift of love.  "For God so loved the world that he gave His only Son" John 3:16.  So who will you share the season with?  Who will you take the time to sit with and enjoy the blessing of relationship with today?

May you slow down and enjoy a simpler way this beautiful time of year.  Christmas Blessings to all!

Give Thanks...

November already and the days are cooler, live is still busy and the days are getting shorter.  Yes, its fall once again.  Often times I think where has time gone but its right here.  Day in and day out, moment by moment life goes on.  I've spent a lot of time on Pinterest...my own little escape.  My virtual world of crafting, decorating, learning and sharing.  I enjoy Facebook because it easily allows one to stay connected with friends and family at any hour of the day.  But what have I come to realize in this technology filled world?  How disconnected we are with one another.  Sure we share, we comment and we know the basics but are we really invested?

Funny how my life seems to go but can I say God has a way of getting my attention.  When I'm merrily going about, getting things done, rushing through life thinking I'm in control, he has a way of giving me time to think.  Time to reflect.  Time to meditate on what is truly important in life.  I lie here sidelined again.  Down for the count recovering from yet another medical obstacle in my life but today I am thankful.

I am thankful that I have a God who loves me and calls me his child.  I am thankful that I have a loving husband by my side and two beautiful children whom are a gift from my heavenly Father.  I am thankful for my parents and that I still get to enjoy their company.  I am thankful for my sister and brothers and all the extended family we are fortunate to have.  I am thankful for faithful friends and an active church body that lives for Christ Jesus.

Yes, it is fall once again.  And yes, there is much to be thankful for!  Is life perfect?  No, we live in a fallen world but if our focus changes from ourselves and our circumstances and we realize the importance of relationships.  We can all find something or shall I say someone to be thankful for.  The Lord God is our rock and foundation.  He gives good gifts to his children.  My pray is that you take a moment from the busyness of life, from your virtual world and open your eyes to the blessings around you.  Share a cup of coffee, enjoy a conversation, give a simple smile or hold someones hand.  Embrace the gift of relationship!

Enjoy your November and Give Thanks!