Tag Archives: Christmas

Jan4

DAY 4 (2014)

Posted on January 4, 2014 by lsgrlr

Run the race, don’t just watch from the sidelines.

I love Christmas decoration. There is something festive and special about them. They make their surrounding feel magical . Today sadly was Christmas decoration removal day. I don’t like this day. Why? Everything goes back to the way it was. I get this thought every year when we put decorations away,” it’s a shame we only use these once a year”. I feel the same way about the “good China”, and about the “decorative towels”. I am so happy I was NOT created to be used only on “SPECIAL” occasions. How horrible would life be if we were packed up and locked away for 11 months out of the year, brought out of exile for one month, then packed up again. Today as I was putting away the ornaments I realized how blessed I am. I can be used, everyday. Just like Christmas decoration I was created for a specific purpose (I believe we all are), but until my purpose is achieved, I don’t have to be put away like ornaments, cutlery or linen. I can go forth, work, build, grow, and move. We are not meant to be packed away, so don’t sit still… Run your race.

“Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table” (Proverbs 14:23).

So what’s my plan of attack? Work while I wait. Avoiding shelves and storage areas 😉 .

Dec25

DAY 359

Posted on December 25, 2013 by lsgrlr

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It’s Christmas my favorite day of the year. Why? Because it reminds me that I have a hope that is unfailing and secure. My prayer for all who read this today is that God’s peace, hope, and love will engulf you eternally. Have a very Merry Christmas.

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6-7).

So what am I thankful for today? A very merry Christmas!

Dec18

DAY 352

Posted on December 18, 2013 by lsgrlr

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Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale Christmas Service 2013 at the BB&T Center.
(Picture by Lisa R.)

Tonight was the Christmas service for my church. It was held at the BB&T center (aka. Panther Stadium). The place was packed (oddly more packed than when the Panther’s have a game). During praise and worship, I had to pause and just take in the beautiful sound of thousands (yes I said thousands) of voices all singing in harmony all praising and thanking God. I had this thought, “Heaven will be just like this.” All of us praising in one accord. Today just a reminder that we are created for purpose. That is to glorify God. Many of us have found the freedom and joy that comes from living our true purpose. Some of us are still searching, wondering why we have it all, but still feel empty. Tonight as I joined in the chorus, I felt joy, peace, and filled. I pray this Christmas we all find and accept our purpose.

“Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (Philippians 2:2).

So what am I thankful for today? Living my purpose.

Dec17

DAY 351

Posted on December 17, 2013 by lsgrlr

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Celebrate the reason, not just the season.

I started to laugh as I was writing the name of my post (those of you who read it yesterday know why). I am super excited. Why? ‘Cause “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”. It is one week before Christmas, which just happens to be my favorite holiday. Because it celebrates the birth of my most FAVORITE person. I try very hard around this time of year to not get so caught in the hoopla that I miss the reason we celebrate. This year I have been especially focused on the “reason” and not the season. I find myself wanting to give, more than wanting to receive (this is definitely God, because I LOVE presents). This perspective has made me less self-centered and more others centered. Another cool side effective is that I find it easier to enjoy this time because I am not bogged down by the hustle and bustle. What’s my point? Christmas lasts for one day it goes by in a blur. Most times we get caught up in the traffic and forget to take time to enjoy the scenery. If you’re running around like a chicken with your head cut off, STOP. Take a breath, enjoy the fresh air, the smiling faces, and the good cheer that seems to abound a little more around this time. Don’t be so busy shopping, and cooking that you don’t get to celebrate.

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

So what am I thankful for today? Celebrating the reason, while enjoying the season.

Dec6

DAY 340

Posted on December 6, 2013 by lsgrlr

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When we focus on the forest all we see are tress. When we focus on the flower, we see the butterflies.
(Daejeon S. Korea, Picture Daniel S.)

Wow, 19 days till Christmas! I can hardly believe how quickly this year has flown by. It was around this time last year I started thinking I need to start writing down the good things, so I can stop focusing only on the bad. Who knew that 350 days later I would still be writing? Today was a long and busy, and at one point I thought to myself, “I want to stop right now.” I was overwhelmed by the amount of work I had to do. But then it hit me, there are millions of people wanting to be overwhelmed with a job right now. We sometimes forget, or are unaware of how blessed we are. We also misunderstand what a blessing is, believing only the very rich, or those with affluence are blessed. No. Sadly, they are just, rich. Blessing comes when you are grateful for even the smallest thing. Here’s a little advice, I am giving it for free (and I could actually charge for it 😉 ), don’t throw away your blessings to gain wealth. Stop looking at what other’s have and you’ll realize you have more than you think. It took me 365 days of being discontentment with what I had and God breaking me, to realize that I didn’t know what I had been blessed with because I wasn’t looking in the right direction. Look around you at family, at friends, at your job. Appreciate what you have been entrusted with. I guarantee you have more than you think.

” And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

So what am I thankful for today? All my blessings (I may not even require a Christmas present this year 😉 ).

Nov17

DAY 321

Posted on November 17, 2013 by lsgrlr

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The box. Time to step out of it.

Today is Sunday we normally have family dinner. I invited my boyfriend, his mom is out of town so he’s all alone for dinner. I made grilled Salmon, with a spinach tomato and garlic topping and Spaghetti Squash (not sure why I told you all that). After dinner we sat on the couch to chat for a bit. Every year around this time I ask him this question. “What do you want for Christmas?” And every year I get the same answer, “Love.” To which I respond, “You have that, now what do you want as a present?” Which usually garners, “I don’t know whatever you want to buy, will make me happy.” Yup, he’s pretty cool. So today when I asked the same question imagine my surprise when he said, “I have been thinking about this a lot lately.” What?!!! You know what you want for Christmas?! I am blown away, only to be further blown away at his actual answer. “This year I’d like you to buy whatever you want for Christmas and then give it away to someone less fortunate.” (Do you guys have stars in your eyes too). Here’s the bad part, I am such a child. Because for a second my first thought was, “Nooooooo. I love Christmas”. I love getting presents. I love giving presents too, but something about someone who loves you picking something out just for you makes me feel, well, special. Then it hit me. Isn’t that what this season is all about? How much more special would it be to give away something I love, after all isn’t that what God did? He gave us His one and only Son as a gift so that we could enjoy eternity with Him. Every now and then the BF really surprises me in an AMAZING way.

“For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

So what am I thankful for today? The world’s coolest boyfriend, of course.