Almost Here!

In just one month, this new title from the Sisters in Faith (Wesleyan Publishing House) series will release for sale. I am excited about the message of this book. It is one that I am endeavoring to put into practice in my own life. Keep watching this blog and my Facebook page for more information. And I'd love to hear from you about how God is teaching you to be "simply content."

I plan to have this title available at the Dayton Convention this year. If you would like to pre-order, click here.

bright and new

For those of us who have had a "new birth" in Christ, the making of resolutions can be viewed with a bit of a jaundiced eye. Merely "turning over a new leaf" seems like human effort - just self-help amped up a bit. But, I believe God built into our world natural renewal points. True, they are less significant than one's conversion, but every bit as helpful in our journey toward Christian maturity.

Every person needs the invigoration of a new start.  Whether it's a relationship, a health issue or just a personal goal, there is something refreshing and motivating about wiping the slate clean and starting again.  That's one reason I'm not an advocate for year-round schooling.  I think it does both student and parent good to end one year, take a break and start again.

As 2012 begins, there are 12 months of life to be lived, 365 days of journal pages to be filled, and 52 weeks of challenge, faith and adventure to be experienced. Like me, you may have unfinished business from 2011; it's time to let it go and embrace the bright and new hope of another year. If we can take the risk and keep our confidence in God, we might just find this to be an astounding year of growth and change (in a good way).  At least, that's my attitude today.

Waiting for Christmas (post 12)

Waiting for Christmas is the hardest thing when you're a little kid. When I was little, we used to open gifts on Christmas Eve at my grandparents' house across the road.  Many times, my grandmother hadn't finished her Christmas wrapping before we arrived.  So, there we would sit, in our special places around the living room, waiting for the bedroom door to open and her to emerge, bringing packages galore. It seemed to take forever.

Guess that's what the Jews thought in ancient times (and still think, for the most part). Waiting for the Messiah seemed like it would never end. And for those who don't claim Christ as the Annointed One, the wait goes on.  But, for those who believe, waiting for Christmas is over.  He has come. And no gift has ever made such a difference.  Joy to the World . . .let each of us receive Him.

me and Mr. Clause (post 11)

I met Santa this week.  Welll, that's what I told my kids. It's sort-of a way of describing Christmas shopping.  Got it from my parents. I'm not a Santa Clause hater, by the way, but building him up to my children wasn't something I did when they were younger.  In fact, I recall a funny story when my oldest was just a pre-schooler.  We were in a store around Christmas-time and a nice lady asked her what Santa was going to bring her or something like that.  Ashley straightened her little shoulders and replied in a very matter-of-fact, yet respectful firstborn voice that there wasn't a Santa Clause.  I remember trying to steer the conversation elsewhere very quickly lest this sweet Southern lady think I was a horrible mother for declaring such a blunt truth to my little girl. I guess it's all been downhill from there since my kids haven't really put much stock in him, though they are very eager for presents, no matter the giver. Oh well, maybe I didn't give the old gent very good publicity, but I saw him this week anyway (in a manner of speaking, of course).

too much food; no piano (post 10)

I am overloaded on one hand and bereft on the other. There are more goodies in my kitchen than we can reasonably eat (not that we won't make a valiant effort!)  But there is an empty space in my living room. Soon, there will be a piano there, but as of now, no keyboard is in sight.  Food for the body, but not for the soul.  Now, reknown chefs will disagree, of course.  To them, what feeds the body can also nourish the spirit.  But, for me, this Christmas, I'm missing a piano and no cookie or fudge morsel can substitute.  It makes me realize that ivory, strings and wood can look just as delicious as a baking pan from the oven. And less fattening too!