December Advent Week 2

Monthly fitness or food or photo challenges have been part of my new lifestyle for the past couple of years. But, it's December and those of the childlike heart await the arrival of Christmas and Santa and presents. The only challenge is to not sneak a peek! There have been eleven challenging months. December needs no challenge. December is expectant. December is celebration. December is the crossing off of days to something grand!

I choose to mark the advent of Christmas and the New Year with words of importance and contemplating how I respond to those words, daily. Will you sit with me to mull these words? Will you allow them to unlock a puzzle box inside your spirit preparing you for the future?

If we should accidentally drop a day, we will not sweat it, but will turn around from our too-busy stride to reclaim the word and the beautiful gifts of God's thoughts He has waiting just for us.

December Advent Week 1

Monthly fitness or food or photo challenges have been part of my new lifestyle for the past couple of years. But, it's December and those of the childlike heart await the arrival of Christmas and Santa and presents. The only challenge is to not sneak a peek! There have been eleven challenging months. December needs no challenge. December is expectant. December is celebration. December is the crossing off of days to something grand!

I choose to mark the advent of Christmas and the New Year with words of importance and contemplating how I respond to those words, daily. Will you sit with me to mull these words? Will you allow them to unlock a puzzle box inside your spirit preparing you for the future?

If we should accidentally drop a day, we will not sweat it, but will turn around from our too-busy stride to reclaim the word and the beautiful gifts of God's thoughts He has waiting just for us.

Say What You Need to Say

Life is too busy to let words of life go unspoken.

I love you. I value you. 

I forgive you. 

Please, forgive me.

Of all of the useless words we let fly out of our face on a daily basis, shouldn't we be purposeful with words? 

• Intentionally building a relationship. 
• Strengthening love with family. 
• Freeing someone's spirit from fears and insecurities. 
• Defusing tension...real or imagined.

Giving someone a "piece of my mind" may seemingly endow them with more than they had. But, will my words tear them down just so I feel better about myself? Life is too unforgiving.

Is it worth it?

Words need to be spoken -or written- to call out that spark of greatness in a younger person's life which they cannot see.

Was there a teacher, school guidance counselor or youth pastor who saw your potential and suggested a profession?

How about an employer or department director who complimented your hard work causing your untapped creativity to surface?

Or, what about that sweet note you received from someone when you were going through a rough spot or grieving the loss of a loved one?

Words of life offer hope. 

Without hope, people give up in despair. 

Words of life give healing to wounded spirits.

Join me in swallowing down pride or insecurities. 

Say what needs to be said.

**Proverbs 15:23