I can hardly believe another Christmas has come and gone.... I cant say that I have, but most of my friends have already taken down their Christmas decor and stored it away until next year. All of the remnants, the sparkle, the tinsel, the presents, trees, cookies and special candy, all gone..... I can't help but feel a little sad because it came and left so quickly....
The excitement that pushed us to the mall one more time for that perfect gift, is now replaced with trips to Target, for extra storage boxes and lemon scented disinfectant. Gone with the celebration and in with the organization and cleaning... Don't get me wrong, I am all about a nice pantry and a color coordinated closet, but how "magical" is that??..lol.
Why is it that we long for the "magic" of Christmas all year, and then can't wait to put it away and move on to the next big thing....? What is it that we are constantly searching for in our lives that we move through seasons so fast, and never really slow down long enough to enjoy any of them?
The next big thing.... hum, that would be "The Resolution".... What's up with that? What is so important that we have to make a special dinner, write it in our journals, blog about it, form a club, share it with our gal pals over a pricey lunch, we even make vows to our spouses about our Resolution.... Now.... hear me out, I am not saying making a resolution is a bad thing, what I am saying is why do we observe a special time of year, to commit to something we should have been committed to all year long anyway? Think about it... most people make a resolution and it starts Jan 1st, it is blown, out the window, history, kaput by Feb 15th.... 6 weeks, this is a national average....
What if we took on a healthier mind set that went like this.... God wants me to be my best so I can serve him fully... therefore, I vow to be healthier than ever, spiritually, mentally, and physically. I vow to release all I have to God, my family, my finances, my hopes and dreams. I vow to give my worship, thanksgiving, hurts, pains, and all the glory for any blessings that come my way, to God. This year, I will be healthier, I will give more of my time, love, and money than last year (if you only gave $20 last year, you may want to step it up a notch). This year I will reach out to twice as many hurting and lost souls (if you didn't reach out to anybody last year, you need to self evaluate your relationship with God,.....and STEP IT UP A NOTCH) This year, I am going to be all that I can be through Christ Jesus who strengthens me!
What do you think? Do you feel this is unrealistic, or unattainable? Shouldn't we be this way all year long?
Trust me when I say, I have every intention to clean out some closets, to get back to Curves, to cook more at home, and eat out less, to be more frugal with the money God is blessing us with, be a better wife, a better mom, and so on.... I am not bashing a good goal, or commitment.... I am just saying, we need to have our focus straight, and when you focus on God first, you will NEVER FAIL!
Where or how should I do this? Oh, so glad you asked. It is super easy...What if you (if you don't already have a group at your church) get some ladies together,(or even husband and wive couples, or a youth group) and plan some events that will promote this commitment? For example... What about a Ladies Book Club that meets quarterly, to discuss a Godly reading selection? How about a group to reach out and serve the homeless in your community? What about a group of young people, reaching out to the kids in the neighborhoods, schools, etc... to have a monthly event at a park? There are all kinds of ways to serve others while serving God. Just put your mind to it, you'll figure something out... You will be amazed at how Holy Ghost boldness will come upon your life, when you start moving forward with a spirit of servitude.....
Secondly, ask your Pastor, what Missionaries your church supports... make a pledge to that family, and be faithful to your commitment. How much do I give you ask? Only you know what you can afford, but what if you add up how much you eat out, and share only half of the luxuries you enjoy...? Ouch!...huh? Maybe your family is barely making it pay check to pay check... are you a crafty person? Maybe you can start an eBay store (free) and contribute the proceeds to your church or a missionary family...
Last, how many bible studies have you given this year? What if you start a bible study in your home? Choose a night of the week that would work for you and your family, I know it is a commitment and sacrifice to give a night every week.. Start by inviting people from church and then ask them to invite people who need God... you will be amazed at how quickly your study fills up, you will then need to get them plugged into another study where there is room....this is a snowball effect, and super neat to watch!
There are many, many ways to be God focused in the New Year.... you just have to commit and start somewhere.... you can do it!
So, when Jan 1st gets here, and you get ready to make your New Year's Resolution, think about this kinda commitment prayer, think about, how you can keep some Godly Magic throughout the year. Slow down, enjoy the season's God has given you. Don't make unrealistic goals, that are not attainable, and that are not God focused. Be blessed this New Year......
Joy
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