Christmas is not for complaining; it's for Celebrating!

Ever listen to mainstream radio? Sometimes I do in the car on the way home. I can admit that I like some of today's pop tunes and yesterday's rock. Occasionally, I end up on a station that has one of those talk programs. In fact, they provide interesting subject matters and discussion ... but not always.

One of those "not always" times happened recently as I made my way home from another long day at work. This particular time the radio host was inviting listeners to call in and name their biggest complaint, or pet peeve. Unable to turn the dial, I found myself riveted to complaints of the callers. I hate to admit I found myself nodding my head in agreement and laughing out loud. I could relate. Actually, I was relating a little too much.


Then it hit me like a snowball in the face -- splat! This was a program featuring people complaining about EVERYTHING. Tis the Season to moan and groan. I stopped chuckling and hit the off button silencing the next storyteller half way through his tirade.



I occurred to me, once again, how easy it is to complain rather than rejoice and celebrate. We live in a world that easily embraces the negative often ignoring the positive. Granted, there's a ton of not-so-nice stuff happening everyday. Yet, there is an array of awesome happenings if we open our eyes enough to notice them. It's so easy to complain. Talking about what annoys us feels natural. Some call it a good "bitching session." But these so-called sessions have nothing in common with our King's calling.



God instructs us to think about those things that are positive, uplifting, and good. We are to fill our minds with His Word. NOWHERE are we told to have a time of unrelenting complaining. Quite the opposite. We are reminded to give thanks in all things and celebrate the glory of our mighty King. Christmas is when we celebrate the Prince of Peace's arrival, a time to love and share good cheer. Yet, I was instead listening to a popular radio station enlisting people to complain, and enjoying it. Shame on me!



What if instead that same station had invited folks to call in and share one positive, amazing, or miraculous event that had transpired in their lives? What if listeners were instructed to share something positive that happened? What if we were encouraged to list what we were grateful for? What a difference (for the better) the answers to those questions would make.



There's more than enough negativity in our world today. We certainly don't need special public sessions to complain about it. Rather, let us proclaim the goodness of God and celebrate the successes and surprises we are privy to everyday if we look with our "God glasses." Seeing the world through His grace and glory, knowing there is a future far better than our greatest moment on this earth, is more than enough to cause celebration and sing His praises.

Like the princess in the picture above, we can keep our eyes focused on the eternal destiny that will someday be our home, and we can find plenty of reasons to celebrate right now. Tomorrow is the greatest reason of all, the biggest birthday bash of all time ...



Why complain when the Savior Reigns? He is the Ultimate Gift. Let us unwrap His love and live like we know the Greatest King of All. Because we do.



Merry Christmas Princess Warriors.

Tis the Season ... for Chaos or Christ?

Tis The Season ...


Over the past few weeks, I've seen my fair share of kooky commercials advertising everything from socks to sauce pans, tools to Tshirts. One add series has really caught my attention, and not because I enjoy them. In fact, they bug me, a lot! Anyway,these particular TV spots feature a woman who I call The Target Lady. Yes, are Target ads. If you've seen it, you know exactly what I'm talking about. If not, let me give you a little description:

Target Lady is counting down the days to the holiday big sales. She is racing down the isles of the store (Target, of course) pushing a cart as she attempts to get in shape for the BIG DAY. In another add she says she hasn't slept in days. She's standing by mini-model of Target that she's apparently created on her kitchen table. In every commercial she appears overly animated, with eyes bugging, and a maniacal grin stretched across her face. She is a bundle of nervous energy as she waits for her day of shopping frenzy. Her life-purpose is to shop at Target.

Nothing against Target, or any retailer. I just find these commercials very eye opening. In all their exaggerated glory, there are some major parallels to the chaos that can easily reign in everyday life during the Christmas Season.

As Princess Warriors for Christ, we are reigning real for Christ, fighting the good fight, which actually involves spreading peace. Fighting with peace? Contradictory? No. Part of the armor are The Sandals of the Gospel of Peace. Wearing these sandals demonstrates our readiness to enter the world, as chaotic as it can be, and share the Good News -- Christ's Gospel of Peace. He gives us His peace. (See more info on wearing the sandals)

I don't know about you, but I don't always feel "peaceful" during this hectic time of year. Waiting in long lines and traffic jams aren't typically peaceful scenarios. I don't respond well to drivers crawling up on my car's bumper or grumpy people in line. Yet, as a Princess Warrior, I am supposed to bring peace to the world, and that means instead of yelling at that angry driver who speeds by fist (or finger) raised, I need to pray for him and remember there really is a Reason for the Season and it isn't hitting the best super sales, but hitting my knees in worship of the One who saved me from a life of sin and death. A Savior born in a filthy stable who now sits at the right hand of God in the heavenlies.

I guess if I'm honest with myself, I can admit that I've felt a bit like the Target Lady at times. Not about grabbing gifts, necessarily, but about all that needs (or, I think needs) to be done in order to make Christmas just right for my family and friends. When what truly is most important is celebrating the birth of the Christ and the freedom and peace He provides.

Granted, our world is not at peace, but peace can still live in our hearts. God give us the ability to walk in the world without being part of its chaos. And there are things we can do to keep focused on the real reason for The Season, and our existence, any time of year:

Please consider the Three steps to experiencing God's Peace (adapted from my Pastor, Dave Pauli's sermon last night, titled: Experience God's Peace this Christmas.

1. Learn to walk in the light of the Lord.

a. In His presence - Give God your day. Before your feet hit the ground, acknowledge His lordship over your life. Most of us wake up to worrying thoughts. Our daily to-do list is foremost in our minds. Instead, turn your attention to God, allow Him to direct your daily path right from the start.

b. Choose obedience - It's impossible to experience total peace while clinging to sin. The old saying: If you want the Bible's blessings live the Bible's Way-make a whole lot of sense. 1 John 5:3 (CEV) We show our love for God by obeying His commands, and they are not hard to follow.

2. Become a student of His Ways - Psalm 119:165 (NCV) Those who love your teachings will find true peace ... Spending time with God and learning to "live" His Word provides peace and a ton of other blessings.

3. Let go of conflict - Ephesians 4:3 (NIV) Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 1 Thessalonians 5:13 (NIV) ... live in peace with each other. Colossians 3:12 (NIV) As God's chose people, hold and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

I wish I could share all the stories and examples found in this simple yet highly practical teaching, but I can say one thing, peace involves choices. Choices we as Princess Warriors must make. We must choose to take steps that allow God's peace to reign in our hearts so we can spread it around in our world. Amen! We are, after all, Christ's hands extended to a hurting and often chaotic world.

Together, let's say no to being like the Target Lady and yes to experiencing and spreading the peace of our Lord this Christmas Season and the rest of the year.

The Cracked Mirror

Christmas is almost here. Wow! The birthday celebration of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He truly is (forgive the cliche') the REASON FOR THE SEASON.

I've been so blessed this Holiday Season. My job has provided a number of free tickets to incredible productions like, The Nutcracker, Narnia, and Big Little Things. My daughter and I have flitted from one play to the next, enjoying dancing, music, and drama, three things that delight and entertain us. I've never experienced such a wonderful taste of the arts in Portland. I am impressed. Big time.

One thing I noticed, always, while in the lovely restrooms at these events, was the amount of time women stood looking in the mirror. In fact, I remember reading somewhere (I wish I could remember where and when) that women look in the mirror, or windows, OR anything with a reflection, hundreds of times daily.

What are we looking for? Sure we check our lipstick, smooth down that out-of-place hair, and even wash the lunch crumbs away ... but, I think there just might be something more to our fascination with our own reflections.

Remember the evil queen in Snow White? She had a mirror that continually fed her a lie. For she was most certainly not the fairest in the land even before Ms. Snow White showed her pretty face on the scene. The Queen's mirror had a nasty fibbing streak, didn't it? Leading his wicked ruler to become disillusioned with her reality.

On another level, apart from movie magic, we all have a "mirror," something inside us that reflects back everything good, bad, and in between that has happened in our lifetime. Words spoken, actions taken, mistakes made by us and against us. If we stare into our mirror long enough, we can be certain to see something we don't like. For most of us, our mirrors are cracked. They don't reflect the truth about who we are and who we belong to.

We hear a lot about self-esteem and self-image these days. To often we spend untold amounts of money and time on improving our so-called image. We work hard to fix the outside when the blemishes we are really trying to cover are the ones on the inside. Focusing on our self-image can leave us empty or even shallow. I'm not saying we shouldn't be positive and work on improving ourselves. Not even close! But what I am suggesting is that we spend less time in the mirror and more time in The Word focusing on our God-image. That's right. We are made in God's image. In other words, parts of Him reside in us. If we'd take the time to know who He is and what He has to say about us, we'd feel less concerned about some old cracked mirror.

The funny thing is, when we embrace our God-image our self-image improves. Ladies, we are royalty, Princess Warriors, children of the most high God. We are worthy women of God. Listen to what He has to say about us:

And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
My thoughts toward you are as countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalm 139:17-18
Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12

Let's spend less time listening to lies and looking in the mirror, and more time looking to God for our worth. After all, our identity is found in Him.

God loves you. He treasures you. He has adopted you. You are created in His image to do great and marvelous things. Don't believe anything or anyone that tells you otherwise, even the mirror in your mind. Replace the the negative with God's truth and start reigning real right now!

New Beginnings: A New Year

Merry Christmas! I hope you all had an incredible Christmas. We've been in the midst of a snow storm like much of the Nation. Here in Oregon, we've out-snowed all records. I haven't seen this much of the fluffy-white stuff since I was a kid, and that was a few years back.

Being "forced" to stay inside with my family has proven to be a meaningful and highly educational experiences. Seriously, we did great, considering. I bonded with my kids on a whole new level -- a much needed level. I also spent massive amounts of time in God's Word, soaking in His goodness. Sometimes, I think God says, "Enough!" HE wants us to slow down and rest in Him.

When you can't leave your home, well, you start to focus on what's important. If not, you might go a bit whacko, or as we jokingly say "get cabin fever." So, I'll admit, I got a teeny weeny stir crazy today. But, I think I'll be able to drive my car tomorrow. It's been buried under about five feet of banked snow.

As the New Year fast approaches, most of us are looking ahead and planning for a better more fruitful 2009. I'd like to share a previously published article about that very topic. I hope it helps you prepare for your New Year, New Beginning.

New Beginnings -- Written by Carol Van Atta

Amazingly, it’s that time. A New Year is approaching right on schedule — again. This is the time of year so many of us start making resolutions to change a certain area, or multiple areas in our lives. Maybe we have some extra pounds to shed. Possibly, we are committed to changing a specific, harmful behavior. Our infamous New Year’s resolutions range from simple desires to seemingly full-proof-plans for extensive life change. What we all have in common is the hope that something will change, and life will be different (and better) in the year ahead.

Do you have a resolution this year? Or are you like so many people who have done away with their hopes for lasting, life change? Every year, women ring in the New Year with goals to live life differently on some level. However, a few short weeks later, many of these very same well-wishers end up discouraged and filled with shame and remorse over their failed attempts to make New Year’s resolutions come to pass. Who knows? This may be the second, third, fourth, or fifteenth year someone has tried to “kick the habit.” After so many misguided attempts, why would they even want to try again?

That’s a good question. First consider a few additional questions…

• What if every spring, the flowers just gave up on blooming?
• What if the local birds that have migrated to some faraway place just decided to stay put on that tropical island?
• What if the sun chose to hide behind the clouds all summer long?
  Worse yet…what if Christ had not come to earth as a baby or hadn’t risen from the dead?

I don’t know about you, but I sure love fragrant flowers, sweet singing birds are pretty nice, and, oh, how I love that summer sun smiling down on me, but the thought of a Christ, who didn’t defeat death, is downright terrifying. Without His resurrection power, we really would have no hope for permanent life change — ever.

However, He was born. He died. And He most definitely did rise again.

That means this year, this month, today, or even this moment, is filled with hope for a better future…in Him. We don’t have to white-knuckle it anymore. Whatever your “it” might be, you too can turn from your sin, and release it into the capable hands of the ultimate Life-Changer.

When we desire change, we have the perfect example to follow – Jesus Christ. When we are ready to implement change, we have the perfect guide book – His Word. Finally, we have the perfect power source to strengthen our resolve – His Spirit.

His Son

His Word

His Spirit

As we pursue change God’s way, hope for a better future is no longer a dream; it becomes our reality. We truly can experience freedom in our lives today, tomorrow, and forever. In fact, with Christ, we don’t have to wait for another New Year to roll around, or for the big glittery ball to drop in Times Square. His mercy is new every morning. We can pursue our own new beginning right now.

It is my hope the following acronym for the word FREEDOM will assist you as you start your New Beginning-journey. For it is in our relationship with a loving, redeeming God, where we will find the freedom we so desperately yearn for.

F: Follow Him forward

Romans 15:5 (NIV)–May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus…

We are to follow Christ. As we pursue Him and seek to imitate His ways, we move forward in our process of change. No more slip-sliding backwards. When we truly follow Jesus we are on the path that moves forward and upward one step and a prayer at a time.

R: Repent readily

Jeremiah 18:9 (MSG)–But if they repent of their wicked lives, I will think twice and start over with them.

What a great translation! When we repent, God will think again and start over with us. Start over. A New Beginning…exactly what we are seeking. When we admit and repent of our shortcomings, and sinfulness, God is faithful to forgive and make us white like snow. Clean. Fresh. New. Don’t wait another moment – repent

E: Earnestly Pray

Ephesians 6:18 (NLT) Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.

Prayers are incredibly powerful. They are the foundation for any life change we desire. As we earnestly pray, we will find ourselves empowered by the One true Power Source. There is no better time to pray than right now. Let us pray persistently, remaining alert, and consider our Christian brothers and sisters everywhere, after all, we are on this journey together.

E: Enjoy the journey

1 Samuel 2:1 (NLT) Then Hannah prayed:“My heart rejoices in the LORD! Oh, how the LORD has blessed me! Now I have an answer for my enemies, as I delight in your deliverance.

As we travel down the road of renewal, receiving answers from God along the way, we will have a number of reasons to rejoice. Many times we are so focused on the destination; we forget to enjoy the journey. When we take a road trip, even though the driving might be daunting, dangerous, or just plain boring at times, if we take the time to truly see the unique beauty of the surrounding landscape, we may discover the journey can be enjoyed almost as much as the destination. Enjoy God’s journey. He has planned a perfect path just for you.

D: Devour His Word

Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

God’s Word is the ultimate food for our thoughts, nourishment for our souls, and the map we must follow on our journey down the path of New Beginnings. We know when our stomach growls, it is a signal for us to nourish our body with food. So it is when our spirits “growl;” we need to dive into God’s truth and devour His words like the sustaining substance they were created to be.

O: Open your heart and mind to His truth

Proverbs 3:5 (KJV) Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In order to grasp God’s truth, we need to pray for an open heart, and an open mind, to better receive the truth, know the truth, and obey the truth when we hear it. Be prepared to hear the Lord speak. He will.

M: Make new friends and move mountains

Colossians 3:12-13 (KJV) Put on therefore the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

As we walk in godly love for one another, by forgiving, encouraging, and helping, we will find the strength to do what one person alone could never, ever accomplish. Friends, we need the power of the Spirit, and the power of each another. Together, we can move mountains! Often, our New Beginning and long sought after freedom rests just on the other side of the highest peek. But together, we can make it through the roughest terrain. We were never met to “go it” alone. Jesus had 12 disciples. He knew the value of loving and supporting relationships. Let us learn from His example.

As we’ve discovered, change can be challenging, but this New Year, as we journey together down the road to freedom, let’s stay focused on the one guiding us…Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! Happy New Beginnings!

You are not in this alone. Jesus promised the abundant and fruitful life as the result of being filled (directed and empowered) by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit-filled life is the Christ-directed life by which Christ lives His life in and through us in the power of the Holy Spirit (John 15). You can pray a prayer like this to be filled with the Holy Spirit today:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for a New Year, a time of new beginnings and a hope for freedom and renewal in our lives. No matter how many times we may have fallen short of our goals in the past, may we be reminded you are a God of tomorrows. You have a plan to prosper us, and to give us a hope and a future. With You all things are truly possible. May we trust You to do what You do best…love us. I ask that you would instill deep inside every one of Your children a new hope and greater level of trust as we take those first baby steps forward toward our future.

I acknowledge that I have been directing my own life and that, as a result, I have sinned against You. I thank You that You have forgiven my sins through Christ’s death on the cross for me. I now invite Christ to again take His place on the throne of my life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit as You commanded me to be filled, and as You promised in Your Word that You would do if I asked in faith.

I now thank You for directing my life and for filling me with the Holy Spirit.Help us to resist temptation and to rise above our difficulties as we work together to serve You, to serve others, and to find freedom at last. In Your name we pray, amen.

Let it snow!

Friends, the countdown to our Savior's birth has begun. In a few short days, we will celebrate the birth of Jesus.

It is so easy to take His birth for granted. We've heard the story a million and one times, and for many of us (I'm guilty, too) we get pretty comfortable hearing it. We tend to forget just how miraculous of an event His birth truly was. His birth, subsequent death and resurrection marked the beginning of a whole new age. For the first time in history, every person, gentile and Jew alike, could approach God with a freedom and confidence found only in relationship with Christ. Every man, woman, and child became worthy, because of Jesus, to become part of a new family, a royal priesthood, a holy nation -- a new generation of believers.

Christmas is the ultimate birthday celebration, offering hope for the future and forgiveness for our past mistakes. As we countdown the days to His birth, let us remember that Christ is who makes it possible for us to reign real as His princess warriors. Who we are, is all about Who He is.

As I sit at my computer, a snow storm is raging outside my window. The fury of nature pounds and screeches just beyond the walls of our home. Thankfully, we are protected from the freezing temperatures and icy landscape.

This sight reminds me that in Christ we are surrounded by His love and protection. We are safe from a howling, harassing devil who would like nothing better than to destroy us. Just as I am safe from the storm in my home, we are all safe from satan when we are covered by Christ. Have you wrapped yourself tight in His love, power, and protection? Do you take as much time preparing to use the Sword of His Spirit -- His Word -- as you do planning for the Big Freeze?

There is no better time than right now to cozy up with Christ, basking in His glory, and reading His love letters to the world -- to us. Imagine yourself trudging through huge snow drifts in subzero temperatures, with an icy wind clawing at your face. Brrrrrrr.....

Now picture a warm light in the distance. As you draw closer, that light becomes a man. A man with his arms open and waiting to wrap you in heated blanket. You would be foolish not to run into those waiting arms.

So? What are you waiting for? Run, sisters, run! Wrap up in Jesus right now. Pour youself a cup of steaming cocoa or coffee and open your Bible. Re-read the Christmas Story with new appreciation. That little babe in the manger came to rescue us from the chills of life and the fires of hell. And all He wants for His birthday is our love and acceptance of His open arms. Receiving His gift is the greatest gift of all. Let us remember to unwrap it every day. Amen!

http://sermoncentral.sermonspice.com/videos/22206/what-child-is-this

Please watch the above video for a reminder of God's Greatest Gift -- Jesus Christ.

Another Christmas Reminder

I heard a story about a woman who was doing her last-minute Christmas shopping at a crowded mall. She was tired of fighting the crowds. She was tired of standing in lines. She was tired of fighting her way down long aisles looking for a gift that had sold out days before. Her arms were full of bulky packages when the Elevator door opened. It was full. The occupants of the Elevator grudgingly tightened ranks to allow a small space for her and her load. As the doors closed she blurted out, “Whoever is responsible for this whole Christmas thing ought to be arrested, strung up, and shot!” A few others nodded their heads or grunted in agreement. Then, from somewhere in the back of the elevator came a single voice that said, “Don’t worry. They already crucified him.”

We need to remember who is responsible for the whole Christmas thing. It is all about how God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son so that who ever believes in Him might have eternal life. John 3:16
-Author Unknown-

I don't think I need to add another word to that little story. God bless you. Merry (almost) Christmas!

http://sermoncentral.sermonspice.com/videos/3838/12-crazy-days-of-christmas


Take the time to watch the above clip in its entirety. The scenes change. The ending is priceless. If you think your Christmas Season is full of challenges! All in all, though, this stuff is so minor compared to the 'BIG THINGS" in life. However, and believe me, I know; 12 days of this would make me nuts, too.