Christian Archives - Page 122 of 166

We are too busy. Everybody knows it, lots of people feel it, but not many of us know what to do about it. And this time of year we usually ramp up the hustle and bustle. There are so many things culture – or our own traditions – tell us we must be doing. Shopping, wrapping, baking, decorating, going to parties and events. It can be a hoot, or it can be exhausting. It can be meaningful, or anxiety inducing.

Every year in December, I encourage my yoga students to evaluate their holiday activities and consider eliminating, or revamping, those that don’t bring them joy and peace. And I read a meditation to them. The source or author I have forgotten, so I can’t give credit where it’s due. But I think it still deserves a share here:

This is the beginning of a new day. I have been given this day to use as I will. I can waste it, or I can use it for good. What I do today is important, because I am exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place something I have traded for it. I want it to be gain, not loss; good, not evil; success, not failure; in order that I shall not regret the price I paid for it.

The pastor at the church we attend speaks often of lingering in God’s presence. But this past Sunday he preached on hurrying to linger with Jesus. The second chapter of Luke tells a familiar story to believers celebrating Christmas. Here we read about the birth of Jesus and the host of angels that appeared to a group of shepherds in the field to tell them about it.

Vers es 15 and 16 read, “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about. So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger.” These young men heard the best news the world has ever known – that the Savior of the world came down to earth in the form of a baby to forgive the sins of all who believe.

The Holy Scriptures do NOT indicate that the shepherds sat down and discussed their options, or debated whether or not the announcement was true. The didn’t clean themselves up first or make arrangements with their families. They HAULED IT to be with Jesus. Oh, I’ve been thinking about this message all week.

When was the last time you woke up excitedly anxious to spend time with the Lord? I hope your answer is better than mine. If I’m honest, instead of hurrying to get to Him, I often hurry through my time with Him to get to something else. But when I do linger in His presence – studying His word intently, searching for true meaning – blessings abound. Like one of those plush blankets we wrap up in, His love envelops me when I sit and listen to Him during prayer.

The richness of time with Jesus is better than the most expensive gift given this holiday, because it changes us. And that is definitely worth trading my time. For this reason, and so many others, I’m following the example of the shepherds. I want my rushing to be in His direction this Christmas.

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As I sit here listening to Shelby’s music therapy session and know that within a few hours I will have a houseful of guests, my mind is not much for writing. This may not be my best attempt, but I have failed to set aside time as I’ve cooked and cleaned and made preparations for Thanksgiving. So it’s now or never (for this week anyway).

We observed the time change to usher in this month and we see the leaves changing and falling as we escort it out. And ready or not, the holidays are here. I want to go on record as saying that the first thing I give thanks for is Allie’s release from concussion protocol. The process stressed us all and taught us a lot. And I am not sad to see it go. A sweet friend of our family invited us to her wedding shower and Shelby and I gladly accepted and went. Of all people I know, this young lady is worth celebrating.

Our kids’ school district hosted a viewing of the documentary film Angst and my husband and I thought it important to attend since our youngest struggles with anxiety. A counselor friend of mine insists that most teens today probably suffer as well. The NIH says 1 out of every 3. I recommend looking at this website and seeking out a screening if you know or suspect that a teen you love is affected.

My sweet Mama invited me to a fall luncheon at her church where we heard Rachel Anne Ridge speak. She owns a donkey named Flash and wrote a book by the same name as well as Walking with Henry (another donkey), Made to Belong, and Flash the Donkey Makes New Friends (a children’s book). I squeezed in another lunch with a couple of cherished high school friends and loved catching up. We went to a dinner fundraiser for Allie’s choir as well as one for Hope Squad – a suicide prevention group Allie helps with at school. Whew. All this eating and as I’m writing Thanksgiving is still a day away.

I feel privileged to have added to my yoga teaching schedule two groups of special needs adults. Pretty challenging to instruct, but so near and dear to my heart. I also got to take a dear one to a big doctor’s appointment and provide meals for two others dealing with health issues. God is so very kind to allow me these opportunities.

One of the biggest highlights of the month has been Baylor football. I fall more and more in love with it every fall and getting to go to the game against the University of Texas with my best friend of 25 years was a treat. So much fun to get to see this team, who have fought back from so much, earn their spot in the Big 12 Championship game. Getting to spend the better part of the weekend with my favorite family (other than my own) iced the cake. I even blew up an air mattress on the floor of Patsy’s family’s hotel room for a night. I’m so grateful they let me share in their vacation time.

We took Shelby to see Frozen II and we all loved it. Then the girls and I took in Playing with Fire with my sister and two nieces. It was a weird movie, but I’m still laughing about parts of it. There are so many good movies out right now that I’m not sure how we can possibly fit them in, but I would love to try. But now, I must close and finish preparations for my husband’s family. As always, I love you, I thank you and I hope December treats you well.