“Look to the Lord and His strength, seek His face always.”           1 Chronicles 16:11

Do you ever struggle with prayer?

I do. 

I feel like I don’t have time. There is just too much to pray for and about. 

I feel like I don’t know what to say. It is so hard to get started.

I am just so busy I can’t sit still – be still – long enough.

All very poor excuses.

I know how important prayer is – a time to be thankful, a time to seek more, a time to cry out. Yet, I still don’t do it consistently.

Face it – Prayer is personal. We each have to find what works for us as individuals. 

I have recently been struggling with these thoughts and one evening as I was preparing for a good night’s sleep, I stumbled upon a simple formula to get my prayer life back on track. 

I was washing my face before bedtime, thinking about how tired I felt and how I would love to skip that part of my nighttime routine. Offering myself a little positive self-talk, I told myself how much better it was for me to take a couple of minutes to cleanse my skin and mind before bed. 

That’s when it happened … I made the connection. I need to take at least a couple of minutes (or more) each day to cleanse my soul. 

I thought about how I could apply my nightly practice to my prayer life to make it simple. To get me back in the habit. A simple routine to jump start my prayer life.

Then, I developed this basic pattern to make sure I always have time and make time to pray. 

Here’s how it goes: (Just fill in your own blessings and cares to make it your own.)

Dear God, 

I first want to praise You for all of my blessings both seen and unseen (eyes) my family, friends, a safe home, a good job, rebirth, and the renewal of my spirit.

Because I know (nose) You hear (ears) me when I pray, I lift in prayer my cares and concerns – my needless worrying, my friend’s illness, and the unrest in our world. I ask (mouth) for Your mercy and grace.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

By remembering this simple pattern – eyes, nose, ears, and mouth – you can face every day with prayer.

Start now and tomorrow just Face It (with prayer).

“All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.”   Proverbs 15:15 (NIV)

AYCE – All You Can Eat! 

Who doesn’t love seeing that on the menu?

Even if you don’t think you could, or should, eat until you can eat no more the idea is enticing. It makes you feel like you’re getting a better deal – that the meal will surely leave you satisfied. 

All you can eat – Count me in!

The scripture above from Proverbs, tells us that when you have a happy heart it’s like that all you can eat buffet. The options are endless. The good stuff just keeps coming and you are satisfied. 

What a great reminder of the importance of perspective. When you approach each day in a positive, optimistic way, you only see the best spread out before you. 

A 40% chance of rain today means there’s a 60% chance that it won’t. 

Your glass isn’t half empty – It’s half full. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. 

Facing a challenge without the proper resources? Remember necessity is the mother of invention.

Let your continual feast start today. 

Turn your obstacles into opportunities. Make the most of what is spread out before you. As a result, your heart will be full. You will be satisfied.

Remember to cherish each moment, each day and the good stuff won’t stop coming. 

“Everyone whom the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who comes to me I will never send away.”    John 6:37

As Is.

For Sale – As Is.

Free – As Is.

I love a good sale; however, when I come across an incredibly good deal and I think it is too good to be true, it usually is. 

Like the time I found a popular stand mixer for less than $100 (it’s usually $300+) – I was ready to put it in my virtual cart and proceed to checkout when I realized in very small print it read “factory reconditioned.” Like those great deals you see only to discover the box damaged and marked “purchase as is.” Or that used car, which is an amazing bargain, but it has a few cosmetic imperfections and no warranty. 

“As Is” signals something isn’t quite right. It’s used … damaged … less than. 

When the seller knows something won’t get top dollar, it’s labeled less desirable. So, guess what – it’s discounted. 

Now, I am willing to take some things As Is – those things that that have imperfections that no one else will notice or see. Those appliances that are a scratch and dent deal are my favorite when I know I can hide the imperfection. However, I am selective – some might say picky. 

Through the years, I’ve always heard come as you are regarding church. 

As Is.

But can that really be?

Yes, it’s true.

God takes us As Is. Imperfections and all. Even when some things aren’t quite right. 

When you’re damaged – physically, mentally, spiritually. When you’re less than. 

When you’ve been discounted by this world, God wants you As Is. No questions asked. 

Now, that’s a great deal!

Today, know you are highly valued by God – As Is. 

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”  Proverbs 16:3

Well, here we are again … crossing the threshold into another New Year. 

When I was younger, my friends and I would make New Year’s resolutions – lose 5 pounds, drink more water, exercise daily, eat better, and so on. You know how it goes. Generally, those resolutions lasted 4 – 6 weeks – maybe three months max – before they were pushed aside and forgotten.

Later, as an adult, I abandon those empty resolutions and adopted the practice of choosing a verse of scripture from the Bible for the year. Something to read and focus on throughout the year as a means of self-improvement. I liked the positive motivation I gained from my choice each year; however, I again found myself falling into a pattern of either choosing a similar verse each year or just relying on some of my favorites:

This wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. It just wasn’t pushing me to branch out or stretch myself in new ways. That trend ran its course and I found myself in need of something different to find, set, and maintain my focus for self-improvement in each New Year. That’s when I came across the idea of choosing a word for the year. 

Just one word.

I love words. I love the challenge of finding just the right word. I love committing to that word and seeing how I can apply it to different aspects of my life using it in various contexts encouraging growth, reflection, and renewal. I feel like choosing just one-word challenges me to take action, engage with, and apply that word and its meaning. 

In the past, a New Year’s word would just come to me and be my word. I just knew what I wanted it to be. Most recently, it has been the word Intentional … for two years. I had a lot of work to do in that area apparently. This year it hasn’t been as easy to choose. Those words considered include impact, value, identity, vision, and I (I like the challenge of this short word that means so much). 

How about you? Have you made a resolution? Have you chosen a verse of scripture from the Bible? Have you chosen one word? 

Maybe you should consider it. 

You may be wondering which word I picked.

Worth.

I want to be cognizant of what is worth my time, energy, and resources. What in my life is really worth it?

I also want to remind myself of my worth. I am deserving. I am valuable. I am worth it.

To begin my exploration of this word and what it means to me in my life and work, I found some scriptures that support it and give me a foundation for reflection and motivation in this new year:

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”    Philippians 4:8

^“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. ⁷ Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”    Luke 12:6-7

“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” Proverbs 31:10

So, here we are again crossing the threshold of a New Year. A New Year of possibilities and opportunities. Open Doors that are mine to close. What will you do with this gift of the present? What will keep you positive, focused, and motivated as you head into the unknown days ahead?

Just one word may help you sort it out, accomplish your goals, and stretch you farther.

Happy New Year! 

* Jon Gordon, speaker and author of The Power of Positive Leadership (along with numerous other books) is promoting the One Word Challenge. He even co-authored a book about it – One Word that Will Change Your Life. I encourage you to accept the challenge. Choose your word and see how you can use it on your journey through this New Year. 

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him’ …  After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.” Matthew 2:1-2 and 9-10

After Christmas, I like to leave my house decorated into the New Year. My husband is usually anxious to get it all cleaned up, but I always try to stretch it out a little more each year. I tell him I’m waiting for the wise men. (Truthfully, I enjoy the lights on the tree, the time of reflection, and the focus on all that is good, calm, and peaceful.) 

Going into this New Year, I am reflecting on the wise men and their journey. I tried to research how long it took them to find Jesus and how far they traveled. Since the recorded information is a bit vague there are many varying views. Some say it took them a couple of weeks or no more than two months. Some say they traveled 400 miles while others say 700 or 900. One person even tried to apply some additional logic saying that if the wise men only traveled at night which is when they would see the star then it would take them two and a half years for the journey. Wow. Lots of speculation but no real answers. 

I don’t really need the answers. The meaning isn’t in the length of the journey or the time devoted to seeking. The meaning is the journey. It is the act of seeking. 

The wise men set out on a journey with an unknown destination. Focused on a star. They were devoted to following the star. Following it through the desert – no matter where it took them – so they could find their King. 

We each are a bit like the wise men. Out on a journey. Destination unknown. Following what we believe.

What we believe often appears most clear at Christmas. The world stops – or at least pauses – in various ways. The birth is acknowledged. But what happens, when the tree is gone, and the decorations are packed away?

Much like the wise men – we must follow that star! 

The wise men weren’t there for the birth. Their arrival was after the fanfare. But they maintained their focus. They stayed true to the cause – even across the desert. 

As we face the dawning of a New Year, let’s make a commitment to follow the star. Each day. Even through those desert days when we are fatigued and weary.

You might be thinking, “What star?”

You decide. What will keep you focused? What will keep you headed in the right direction toward meeting your King?

Is it more time spent in prayer? Is it becoming more active in church? Is it reading your Bible more? Is it devoting yourself to service? 

Before the Christmas lights are gone, while all is calm and all is bright, reflect on the past and leave It in the past. Set your sights on the future and the promise of each new day. 

Find your star.

Spend the New Year following that star and you, too, will be overjoyed!

“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room in the inn.”   Luke 2:7

No room. How well I know that feeling right now. 

With all of those holiday preparations still to be done and time dwindling with each tick of the clock, there is no room for one more thing and no time to get it all done. But, still, here I sit looking for a way to squeeze in one more visit with a friend, one more trip to the store, and just one more dozen cookies yet to be made. 

In the midst of my countdown to Christmas, I did it! I made room to have friends over. I made time to get to the grocery store to be able to prepare a family Christmas feast – or two. I made time to check each gift off my list. I even made time to get my nails done! Wow – isn’t that amazing. A true Christmas miracle … or not. 

No room. 

As I pause in all of this hustle and bustle, I remember two things we told our children as they became teenagers and began to venture out on their own. 1) Make good choices. 2) Leave room for Jesus. Truth be told, as we hurry and scurry through life, I still tell them this occasionally even though they are grown and out on their own. 

And still, no room.

Today, I took time to read the whole Christmas story in my Bible. You know this really isn’t a story about No Room. It is a story about Making Room. 

Make room for Jesus.

A young girl and boy had their world turned upside down and opened themselves for ridicule as they made room for the Christ child. The innkeeper and his wife made room in a manger among the animals to welcome the Savior. The shepherds made room for a journey to see and then share the Good News. The three wise men made room in their minds to embrace this new Truth and follow a star to present gifts to the Wonderful Counselor, protecting Him along the way.

Make room for Jesus. 

Now, we are called to make room for Emmanuel – God with us. 

He is with us. 

So, can we do it this season and throughout the year? Will we do it? 

Make room for Jesus. All year long.

Emmanuel – God with us. 

You can take Him any and everywhere. He was born in a lowly manger and later rose from the grave to sit at the right hand of God, our Father. He’s seen it all. 

Take another look at your plans this week and for the year ahead. Then …

Make room for Jesus. ( … and make good choices!)

Read the full story – Matthew 1:18-25, 2:1-23 and Luke 2:1-20

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger…”                                                                                                        Luke 2:1-7

The scene is pretty much the same after each Christmas celebration and this year will be no different. 

After hosting family gatherings on Christmas Day. We give out our last hugs and wave goodbye as each person drives out of sight. Returning to the family room and eyeing the spoils of the day all I think is, “What a mess.”

Bags of torn paper from those once neatly wrapped gifts. Stacks of dishes in and around the sink with remnants of our feast. Who knows what dried on the counter and those mysterious spots on the floor. Extra chairs pushed about to accommodate all. Trash cans overflowing and random items left behind (a toy, a jacket, a gift that wouldn’t fit in the car). A new water ring on the table.

What a mess.

All of that planning and preparing – the anticipation – and in a few hours it’s over leaving a mess to be cleaned. A good deal of time is spent cleaning, rearranging, and putting things back in order. If I’m not careful, it’s easy to get lost in the tossed aside tinsel. To wonder if it’s all worth it. To focus on how tired I am and doubt that extra effort really made a difference. 

That first Christmas was pretty messy too.

Everyone had to travel to their “own town” to register for the census. (Today ours is done electronically and we still find that challenging.) Throw into the story a young man with his betrothed who is pregnant. (Scandalous.) And then a manger as a baby bed. (Not an ideal setting, especially for our Savior.)

What a mess. 

I am sure on more than one occasion Mary, Joseph, and their families thought, “But I had other plans … I thought this would be different … Is it worth it … What a mess.”

Over the years, I’ve learned to look past the messy and find the magic. The magic of family and friendships. The magic of time well spent in the company of loved ones. The magic of the laughter of the young and the smiles of the old. The magic seen through the eyes of child. The magic of the baby in the manger who came to save us. 

After reading Luke 2:1-7, look past the mess and find the magic – the miracle. The miracle revealed when the angel announced to the shepherds … “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12)

Life today is the same as long ago. We have to train ourselves to look past the mess, find the magic, and expect the miracles. The miracle found in a family reunited or a good medical report or the gift of another ordinary day. Miracles come in all shapes and sizes. All we have to do is listen and look. 

Today and every day – Embrace the mess. Find the magic. Expect the miracle. 

As we move closer to the end of 2022 and find ourselves in the middle of the advent season, I am reposting a series I posted last year because they are some of my favorite messages that capture the feelings of the season for many of us. I will start with more original posts in the New Year! Enjoy this season. Happy Reading. Merry Christmas!

“I looked at the earth, and it was formless and empty, and at the heavens, and their light was gone.”                                                                                                                 Jeremiah 4:23 (NIV)

I reclined in the chair admiring my work. The color-coordinated decorations were just right. Everything perfectly scattered among the branches. I thought to myself, “This is a beautiful tree.  Good job!”

Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw it … a bare spot. A space totally void of decoration. No glass ornament. No festive bow. Not even a twinkling light. How could this be? A flaw in my perfectly beautiful tree.

I contemplated moving an ornament but that would create a different bare spot. I checked the box of decorations and all of the ornaments for the tree had been used. Unable to find a solution at the moment, I decided the bare spot wasn’t so bad. Right? It would take too much rearranging to try to fix it so I decided to leave it. It was near the back of the tree so no one else would notice.

The Christmas tree is beautiful and I love to sit and admire it in the quiet, dark morning. Yet, each day when I sit down to gaze upon it, I get this feeling that something just isn’t quite right. 

It’s that bare spot. 

I just can’t ignore it. My eyes drift directly toward it each time I pause and take in the sights of this beautiful season. Yet, it is hardly even noticeable.

If you were to visit my home today I bet you wouldn’t be able to spot it. But, I know it is there. 

A bare spot. An empty space.

Our lives during the Christmas season can be similar to this tree. We try to put it all together with everything just right. Yet, there is still a bare spot, something that is missing. An empty space in our tree of life. 

Some bare spots are new. It wasn’t there last year. Then, as hard as we try to fill the void there just isn’t enough stuff or fluff to fill in that space without leaving a gap somewhere else. 

Other bare spots appear each year. They may shrink over time as we collect new things to replace what is broken, lost, or missing, but the original tree will never be the same. 

Sometimes our bare spots are clearly visible to everyone and others we cleverly hide by turning things just to hide the void.

How can this tree be so full yet still empty in that one spot? 

How can I be so full of life yet still feel incomplete?

As hard as I try each year (really each day), everything can’t be just so or always put together just right. No tree is perfect. No life is perfect. We all have a bare spot. But each tree is still beautiful. Our lives are still meaningful. 

Don’t let those bare spots keep you from celebrating the season. Let God help decorate your life and fill in some of those bare spots and embrace the others – you know, the ones that are just part of your tree. 

If you doubt God can fill your void, read Genesis 1:2, “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the spirit of God was hovering over the water.”  

Just look at the heavens and the earth. God did a pretty awesome job starting with nothing. When we feel formless or empty, He can certainly work wonders with us. 

He is hovering over you now. Let Him fill your bare spot!

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”     Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)

Looking across the table, my view was clouded as I peered through tear-filled eyes. Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly laugh anymore, one of my dear friends brings me to tears with yet another spontaneous, humorous comment. Yes, tears … Tears of joy. The best kind. 

To borrow a phrase from a male friend of mine who said it best, “Girls just wanna do lunch.” Nothing makes us happier than a long lunch with girlfriends (usually at some unique place) to catch up, decompress, and share our inner most thoughts, feelings, victories, and defeats. Just to treat ourselves and laugh until we cry. To be validated and reaffirmed by those people whose opinions we value … those who can relate to us … those who love us. No matter what … at ALL times. 

From watching my husband, I think the guy version of this comes in the form of fishing, hunting, sporting events, and working on cars – manly stuff like that. For us girls, it’s just lunch. Throw in shopping, going to a play, or something like that and it is just the cherry on top. 

After time with friends, I always feel renewed, rejuvenated, refreshed – don’t you? I also generally go home wondering-  how did I get to be so lucky? To be surrounded by such witty, beautiful, intelligent women. Why do they put up with me? With my whining, complaining, and insecurity. What in the world do they see in me? I am one high maintenance friend. Down-right needy. And I know it.

After returning from a recent girls’ day outing, I began to wonder how is it that friendship is such a powerful force? How does spending just that small bit of time with friends have such a positive, powerful influence on our lives? To get an answer, I decided to see what the scriptures say about friendship. 

Through reading, I realized that God made us this way on purpose. He made us for friendship. 

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!”   

    Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 

He never meant for us to do this alone. God puts people in our lives to lift us up along the way. That support can be physical, emotional, and spiritual. In turn, we are to be that kind of friend to others.

God showed us how to be a best friend. He showed us how to listen, to love unconditionally, and to serve. He tells us:

“Greater Love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”               John 15:13

He showed us that too when He gave up His own life for our sins. 

To lay down your life for a friend can be done in different ways not just through the ultimate sacrifice. You “lay down your life” when you drop everything to go be with a friend when there’s an emergency, when you set aside time to be together, when you take time to pray for them, through random acts of kindness, when you listen without interruption – you get the picture.

I can think of numerous ways my dear friends have done this for me over the years. Each time adding support, love, joy, and worth to my life. I am truly appreciative and thankful for that. I just don’t say it enough. 

Today – take time to thank a friend. Remember God reveals Himself and His love for us through those angels in our lives. We are stronger together.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”   — Proverbs 27:17

On Monday, we said goodbye to one of our fur children, Goliath – a chiweenie who joined our family almost 17 years ago. As you can imagine, we are devastated and his passing leaves a huge void in our hearts. I am thankful for the many wonderful years we had with him and appreciate all that he added to our lives. He was a small dog with a huge heart. I am reposting this devotional in memory of our sweet Goliath.

“But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.” 2 Thessalonians 3:13 (NASB)

For some reason, when I read this scripture this phrase comes to mind: 

I am dog tired. 

Are you familiar with this saying? I have heard it used for years by family and friends and I have used it myself on occasion. I imagine being “dog tired” is a lot like growing weary from doing good.

Just think of all the faithful, four legged friends out there who eagerly greet their owner each and every day – day in and day out without fail. Dogs are always happy to see you, eager to please, and overcome with joy to come when you call (I wish it were the same with cats and children!). 

Dogs generally spend their days in hard play and service to their masters. They provide unending love, companionship, and enjoyment for millions of people. No wonder they are dog tired! 

Yet, I tend to look at my precious pooch and think, “Boy, you’ve got it made!” On some really difficult days I have wondered what it would be like to live like my dog. No pressures. Great accommodations. Now I realize I couldn’t have been more wrong. I never really considered how hard it would be to be pleasant and excited every time I saw my owner – all of that tail wagging – and drop what I was doing to tend to his needs. Wow! What selflessness. I think we can all draw wisdom from our four legged friends. 

With this in mind, I read this passage and compare my own weariness with that of the fur people around me. Then, I don’t think I should be weary at all. I wonder – Am I really doing all of the good that I can? Do I serve my Master faithfully the way that I should? Am I the companion I should be? Probably not. If I were a dog, my owner would have probably taken me to a shelter by now or at least considered it. I imagine he would tell the folks at the shelter, “She’s too lazy, stubborn, and set in her ways.”

On the other hand, I also notice this scripture does not put limitations on doing good. It doesn’t say doing good to others. It merely says doing good. So don’t leave yourself out! We have to take care of ourselves. Run. Play. Rest. Within their lives of service to their masters, dogs take time to enjoy the basics: running through the grass and leaves, playing with their favorite toys, and catching a nap when they can. Shouldn’t we do the same? I believe this would help us not grow weary as quickly. So, what’s your favorite toy? A hobby? A way to relax? If you don’t have one, you should acquire one. It might mean you are working too much – take it from someone who knows. 

First things, first. We must always remember what, or I should say who, comes first – our Master. My dog drops whatever he is doing when I call and comes running. We should do the same when God is calling. Make sure you take care of your relationship with Him first. 

Serve the Lord with the same energy and enthusiasm a dog – a good dog, the world’s best dog – serves his owner. And the next time you are dog tired, go to the Master and curl up with Him. He will care for you and you will be renewed.