DON'T HAVE A NEW YEARS RESOLUTION?

The close of 2009 is creeping in on us like a Chicago wind chill. Only a few days remain on the 2009 calendar.

A thought occurred to me as I ponder the dreaded New Years Resolution. You know we all must have one so you can try to convince yourself and others that you are really committed to some sort of change for your life/lifestyle.

I thought- why not just resurrect one of my previous resolutions. So many unfulfilled intentions. Blown budgets, diets destroyed, gym equipment rusting away. You have said "adios" to the language tapes and c.d.'s and the new business opportunity in a box never "opened for business". The list of "lapses" could go on but I will save it.

So don't labor over putting together a nifty new resolution- just shake the dust off of one of the previous years and truly stay committed to that endeavor.

Let me leave you with a final thought. We are reminded in scripture to "commit your way unto the Lord; trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass" (Ps. 37:5). So go ahead and Resurrect a fallen Resolution and commit it to the Lord who has the ability to help you succeed in 2010!

"IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE"- FOR SOME

I love to watch the Christmas classic, "It's a Wonderful Life". It is rich with so many themes. No doubt that James Stewart played a great part as George. I have been reading many of the posts from my FB friends and it's so refreshing to read so many enjoying family, life and all the specific favorites. Many speak of tantalizing food, their favorite beverage (many are Starbuck's offerings), shopping excursions, sporting events, scads of photos from babies to classic memories. Some speak of how much they love their work while others can't wait to be off for the weekend.

Overall, it seems like my FB friends enjoy A Wonderful Life. That's a good thing! May we be reminded during this time of year when God the Father GAVE His one and only Son to ALL. Truth be told - not everyone has a Wonderful Life. There is social injustice, hunger, famine, homelessness, addiction and needs of every sort abounding. One need not look far to find an urgent need. Not a guilt trip- just a reminder that if you have the ability to respond with compassion, grace and guidance then do so. Maybe this week you can be the one who helps someone else experience "A Wonderful Life" too.

In the end, the most wonderful life is one that has been surrendered to the Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6).

A Merry & Blessed CHRISTmas to All.

Tis' the Season to Be...

Tis' the Season to Be ... well- you fill in the rest.

To be stressed, to succumb to commercialism, to overeat, to go further into debt, to shop til' ya' drop, to avoid certain relatives, to pretend to like a gift when inside you're saying, "what were they thinking?"

Have we considered to spread joy, love and peace. To give to the unfortunate, oppressed, widows, and hungry. To drop something in a red kettle. To spend quality time with family and friends. To serve a need in your community. To take a few days off of work, get some rest, relaxation and maybe even some recreation.

Sounds good to me! My encouragement to you is to not get lost in all the hype and "stress" over it all.

I truly enjoy the Christmas Season! Yeah, the sights and sounds do still enthrall me. The brilliant lights, decorated trees, the Christmas programs, and yes the shopping at the favorite mall- I enjoy it all. How about the manger scene.

Let's be careful not to lose sight of the baby lying in the manger. The good news is that the real Christmas story is not even about Him lying in a manger but rather about Immanuel-God with us. God chose to reveal Himself to us through the sending of His Son. Clothed in flesh-yet Immanuel-God with us.

So my fill in reads like this, "Tis' the Season to Be filled with the reality that no matter what I may go through, what life may take on- that God is with me. He indeed is Immanuel!