Seasons of Promise

With spring just around the corner—well, a very long, curved corner in northwest MT—I can’t help but think about the areas in life where I’m looking for spring to come. It’s interesting how the seasons in our lives work together. Some are long. Some are shorter. They often overlap. Some seasons take longer than we think they should and sometimes we can’t wait for the next season to get going already!

I have circumstances that are ready for spring. And I’m hoping it won’t be a “late spring,” the kind that takes a few extra weeks to arrive! I have some promises from God that are yet to be fulfilled. I know in my spirit that fulfillment is imminent. I’m just trying to keep my soul on track. The mind, will and emotions that basically want to freak out and wonder if God’s going to come through in time.

So I take myself back to all the other promises God has fulfilled. On time. In His time, but never late. He has done amazing things. God has answered so many prayers. Countless, really. He has healed me. He has provided for me. And best of all, He has directed my steps and my path. Over and over, He has arranged circumstances to bring me to the next thing He had for me to do, the next place He had for me to be. I’m sure you can look back on many answered prayers as well.

The Nature of God

Sometimes we have to remind ourselves of all God has done so we can take the next step of trust for our future. Especially if the next step is bigger than we’ve taken before. (The phrase, “leap of faith” comes to mind!) God has never failed us. He’s not going to start now. It’s not even in His nature to do so. He IS faithful. He always has our very best in mind. We have to remember, no matter how long the winter, spring does come. Ever year, without fail, the leaves grow back on the trees. The grass turns green. The flowers bloom. Spring takes hold and then gives way to summer.

Encourage your soul that spring is on the way! Don’t let the icy grip of winter freeze your heart to new possibilities and to what God wants to do next. Lift up your head and trust that the Lord has a plan and that it’s a good plan. He won’t let you down. He will raise you up for all to see, a reflection of His glory, of His power and might. He will come through for you. So, stand firm on those promises. Know that this season will change. We can have every confidence because of Who God is.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens … He has made everything beautiful in its time,” (Ecc. 3:1, 11.) The Lord knows exactly what season we are in for every area of our lives. He hasn’t forgotten. We just need to keep trusting Him and moving forward with the things He has given us to do. Spring will yet come.

Only Good News, Please

I think there should be a rule that you can only have good news during December and only good things can happen in December—in honor of Christmas, of course! But that is just not the way life works. Things that aren’t so good happen in December too. People get in car accidents, spouses fight, children rebel, and death steals loved ones.

For me, the doctors broke the good news rule by diagnosing me with another chronic disease: Crohn’s. Not really good news. Not life threatening and it’s something that can be managed—kind of. (Sound like it’s going to need prayer management most!) I’m just at the beginning of figuring this thing out (and I am grateful for really terrific doctors) but it certainly wasn’t the results I was hoping for … from all those icky, invasive tests in November. I thought inflammation was just an inconvenience, didn’t realize it could be so damaging. Who knew?!

Unchanging Truth

But the amazing truth is—any bad news we receive, doesn’t change the good news. Nothing can change the good news that Jesus came for us. And He came to make the bad news better. He came to make a way out of all the bad news that sin brought into the world. He suffered and died to bring us eternal life in heaven with Him. And even now, we have the incredible joy of knowing His Presence. The fact that He is with us, He loves us and He walks with us through all things makes this life not only bearable, but gives us Hope.

Healing, Trusting, Rejoicing

God could heal me in an instant. He’s done it before. (He completely healed me of motion sickness—which is the coolest thing ever! I’ll have to tell you about that sometime.) Or He could ask me to walk through this with Him, leaning on Him and obeying His leading. Either way, I trust Him and I give Him praise. “Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases…” (Psalm 103:2, 3.)

And I rejoice in the good news of His birth! No matter what else happens, He came to save me. There’s nothing better than the One you love coming for you. Through the strangest path and the most unconventional means, that’s what Jesus did when He was born as a baby on earth one night in Bethlehem. Just like the angels said to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy”! (Luke 2: 10)

What are the “not so good” things in your life right now that you can use as reminders of His unchanging good news?

Three Days till Christmas … !

All my shopping is done, even for stockings, but I still have a lot of wrapping to do. Today. After I play for a children’s Christmas program practice and prep worship team music for tomorrow morning. Sunday will be full and fun with church, an open house and a birthday party. I’m sure everyone has a busy weekend of Christmas plans and activities.

So now is the time to remind ourselves, as we have said in previous posts, we are body, soul and spirit. Because above all else, after all the preparations, it’s time to remember why we are doing all this and the One whose birthday we are celebrating.

Shh…Silent Night

This weekend, hopefully you’ll plan to take in a Christmas worship service or maybe you’re going to church on Christmas Eve, or both, like me. When we are in that service, we must be fully engaged in the moment. Don’t think about anything left to do or relatives arriving or all the cooking yet to be done on Christmas Day. Sit. Be still. Silent night, holy night.

After all the anticipation of Christmas, which is really the anticipation of the coming of the Christ child, we must not “miss” His arrival by not fully taking it in. We have to quiet ourselves and connect with the One who came to save us.

A Gift for Jesus

In addition to really enjoying church and thinking about the wonder of Christmas ~ that God Himself came as a baby named Jesus to be with us and to save us! ~ we need to ask ourselves a question. One last Christmas gift question: what does Jesus want for His birthday? What Christmas gift are we giving Him?

Jesus wants the same thing we want in our closest relationships. Time together. Some time alone with Jesus is the gift He wants most from us. It’s not that He doesn’t appreciate the things we do this month to celebrate and to make the holidays special for other people, but we must not do all those things and then forget about Him.

The Present of Being Present

The best present we can give Jesus is to be present with Him. Fully present. Looking into His face and thanking Him for coming and enjoying the amazing love He has for us and to say we love Him too. He came so we could have a relationship with Him. So let’s be sure to take some time during these busy days of final preparations to participate in that relationship. Even a few minutes, to quiet down on the inside, to pray and thank Him and love Him, will be the best gift of all.

When can you plan to spend some time with Jesus in the next few days?

Christmas Shopping!

Sometimes I feel like the worst “one for you, one for me” Christmas shopper ever! I get home and there are a number of small items for me mixed in with my gifts for other people. Nothing big and nothing on my Christmas list, of course. But if it’s something I need and it’s on sale, Merry Christmas to me!

Another “Greatest Gift”

There is a gift that is perfect for the “one for you, one for me” shopper. Just like the gift of forgiveness that we talked about previously, it is the gift of Grace. Grace for you, grace for me.

The dictionary gives one of the definitions of grace as “free and unmerited favor.” I also think of it as giving someone space. Space to make a mistake, space to fail, space to be human. Which means, grace is definitely something we need to give ourselves as well as others.

One for You…

This is a great season to extend grace. There’s plenty of opportunities: grace to “that … person” in the parking lot who doesn’t know how to drive, grace to the one who is taking forever at the checkout ahead of you in line, grace to the mother with the screaming toddler when you’re making your last run to the grocery store. We need to give lots of grace to anyone working retail during this busy season. They just want to get home to their families too. Instead of looking irritated in these situations, a smile and “Merry Christmas” can go a long way.

The holidays often mean time with extended family. This is a great time to give more grace. So maybe the relatives have the same political argument every year. Grace to be who they are. Maybe there’s someone who always finds a way to undermine your parenting or insults your cooking. More grace.

One for Me…

But then, do we extend any grace to ourselves? This strikes at the heart of the perfectionist, let me tell you. Grace to not be perfect. Grace to admit we made a mistake (because we are not perfect) and to not keep going over and over it in our head, but to let it go. Grace to not get everything done we have dreamed of doing this Christmas. Grace to let go of past regrets.

Giving ourselves some grace will bring us another gift: peace. When we can let go of some things and give some grace, some space, we will feel relief.

Grace Brings Peace

When we give grace to other people and stop expecting them to act differently than they do, we will have less frustration and anger inside. We will find peace in that moment when we decide to give them grace. Maybe we should try giving them our favor instead of our disapproval. In our hearts and minds, let’s give them grace. Grace for you. Grace for me.

Let’s keep giving the greatest gifts this Christmas season.

To whom can you extend the gift of grace to this Christmas? In what way do you need to give grace to yourself?

Christmas lights, Christmas music, the smells of pine trees outside and cookies baking inside. The beauty of Christmas decorations and presents under the tree – we take a deep breath and sigh, “Ah, Christmas!” Red and green everywhere, bell ringers at the mall, holiday parties – so many things evoke feelings we associate with Christmas. And those feelings come from a part of us called our soul.

We talked in a previous post about taking care of our body this holiday season, but we are beings of body, soul and spirit, and the soul is the seat of our mind, will and emotions.

How is Your Soul?

My organized, list-making manager mind completely takes over in December. So much to do! So many deadlines. It’s a season to be thankful for the higher reasoning powers we have, as we take multi-tasking to a whole new level! But we must not let the mind take over so much that our emotions are ignored.

Sometimes emotions simmer under that surface of activity all December. The funny thing about emotions is they will rise up and grab our attention when we least expect it. If tears come to your eyes during those touching family holiday commercials (and that’s not normal for you,) it’s time to check in with your heart.

Sad? Weary?

For many people, there is sadness with the holidays because of the loss of a loved one, either through death or estrangement. It seems that everything has a deeper impact at this time of year.  Perhaps you need to set aside some time to grieve (it’s ok to feel that sadness) and to give it the Lord again. Release all concerns, hurts or sadness to Him in prayer.

Or perhaps your soul is weary. We can wear ourselves down on the inside through too much stress and activity, either from this month alone or from a longer season of difficulty. As you come to the end of the year and look back, do you feel happy and pleased or disappointed and dissatisfied? Even if we are in a season of joy right now, we must take care to not completely deplete our emotional tanks this month.

Hope! Enjoy!

It’s easy to rush through the holiday season and we are halfway through the month already (and 10 days from Christmas!) But take the time to care for your soul. What do you need right now? What would fill your emotional tank? What would you enjoy?

Perhaps an hour on the couch in front of the tree listening (really listening) to favorite Christmas music might do the trick. Or maybe lunch with a friend would be just the thing. Think about what would be enjoyable and refreshing.

Including Jesus in all our plans and activities will add joy right away. Keep in touch with Him throughout the day. We don’t even have to text Him. He is as close as our thoughts and He hears every prayer.

Let’s plan some time to recharge our batteries so we aren’t empty on Dec. 31^st.

Are you “missing” this holiday season? What can you do to enjoy the moment?

One of the greatest gifts we can give this Christmas is the beautifully wrapped gift of forgiveness. If we’re willing to do the work of giving this gift, both the giver and receiver can be set free.

In this post, I’m not talking primarily about forgiving people for offenses that come up in our everyday relationships: unkind comments or misunderstandings. It’s important to forgive those things, of course, and it’s very important to restore any broken relationships. Maybe this is the season when you can extend forgiveness to someone and mend a friendship. That would be a wonderful gift for both of you.

The Unforgivable

But I’m talking about the deep hurts some of us have stored in a box in our heart’s attic, sealed up and marked, “Unforgivable.”

There are things that happen to us that can be considered “unforgivable.” Verbal, physical, and sexual abuse, all fall into this category. Words from important people in our lives that have warped our view of ourselves. Anything that has hurt so deep, we can’t seem to find the strength to forgive because they were just “so wrong.” And you’re right. They were wrong. And sinful. Perhaps even evil.

The Freedom

But we are still called to forgive. Forgiveness is the only way to freedom. If we don’t forgive, we will harbor a hardness of heart. Bitterness will grow up and choke us with its poison. Even if you agree with this concept, I know what you’re thinking … “But how?”

The Steps

There are 4 ‘A’s that can help us.

1. Acknowledge Forgiveness is a Continual Process. Some people have done so much damage that you have to forgive them over and over. Every time the hurt or offense comes to mind and it still stings, we have to forgive again. And we are in good company. The disciples asked Jesus how many times they should forgive someone and suggested a generous seven times. Jesus said, no, seventy-seven times. In other words, over and over.  (Matt. 18:21,22.)

2. Agree to Participate in the Forgiveness Process. The Bible tells us many times we need to forgive and show mercy. Jesus said, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,” (Matthew 6:14.) Notice He didn’t say “if” they sin against you, He said “when” they sin against you. We need to agree that God’s ways are best and yes, we will set our hearts to forgive.

3. Ask God for Grace. He will give us grace. God always wants to give us grace. When we are taking a step of obedience, He is right there to hold our hand and give us the power to do it. “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you,” (Isaiah 41:13.)

4. Articulate Forgiveness. We will make progress faster along the path of forgiveness if we will speak our forgiveness out loud. Even if it’s a whisper, when that person and that heartbreak pops up to haunt you again, say, “I choose to forgive today. I forgive you because Jesus forgave me. I forgive by the power of the blood of Jesus.”

Trust me. These steps will help. Forgiveness will help heal your heart and it will help set you free. Forgiveness is the one of the greatest Christmas gifts you can give to another and to yourself.

Have a lighter heart this Christmas. Forgive.

Is there someone you need to forgive?

For a song to encourage you in this process, check out Matthew West’s “Forgiveness” on iTunes.

Last December 26th, I wrote myself a note. I put it in my Christmas card box and marked it, “Christmas Note to Self ~ Read on December 1^st!” Then I put a reminder in my calendar for December 1^st to read said note.

I pulled it out this morning. It began like this:

My Holiday Downfall

“Dear Erica, It’s December, your favorite time of year. This month you will want to do more than ever. You need to be in good health to pull off this wonderful thing called Christmas. Usually, we feel worse than ever while trying to do more than ever because of one thing: Sugar.

You cannot eat sugar for three weeks and expect to feel good on Christmas. In fact, by Christmas you will feel terrible and be lucky if you don’t get sick. This year, we wound up with neck pain, headaches and upset tummy, just in time for the Christmas weekend.”

Wow. I forgot I didn’t feel well on Christmas. I remembered being really sick in January…and February and I’ve been thinking about how to avoid that. I came to the same conclusion: take care of the body in December.

My Holiday Advice

But, back to my note. I went on to detail some of my crazy schedule last year from doing so much. Early mornings and late nights. Then, I had some more good advice for myself:

“Plan for more sleep, if possible, but definitely drink your water, work out regularly, but most important—eat as low-carb as possible until Christmas Eve. That’s right. No candy ahead of time. Plan to eat some goodies Christmas Eve through New Year’s Eve and then be done. Let’s have a carb week, not a carb month!”

Well, that’s pretty plain talk. But I wasn’t done yet.

“Plan activities. Don’t think you can do four times more than any other month of the year.

• Start Christmas cards right now. Send them early.
• Plan out what baked goods you’ll make and when you’ll make them.
• Shop early.
• Ship early.
• Wrap early!!!”

Notice a theme here?

My Holiday Decision

Ok, this is a good word from my last year self. I’m on it. I worked out this morning, so that’s good. Have to adjust my eating to lower carb, for sure. And I won’t eat any more White Chocolate Peppermint M&M’s. (I only had a few!)

And the “Christmas Done Early” plan is now in motion!

Join me in planning for a happy and healthy holiday. It’s easier to spread good cheer if you feel good and cheerful yourself.

What things do you need to do differently this year? Are you always done with Christmas preparation early or are you wrapping on Christmas Eve?

Thanksgiving is such a great holiday. A time to get together with family and friends—and feast! I mean, give thanks.

The Bountiful Life

The lavish Thanksgiving table that most of us indulge in symbolizes to me the bountiful life that we have. We have so much! So much food, so many material possessions.  Truly, we live in a land of plenty. And though many, many households have experienced financial loss in the past several years, even in our struggles, we are far richer than most of the world.

We have to keep perspective to stay thankful. It’s easy to focus on things we need and areas where our checkbook falls short, but when we think about the 870 million people who are hungry today (source) and who do not have enough food, we quickly realize we are blessed.

Gratefulness is Good for You

We have much to be thankful for, so we need to actively give thanks. This is a great time of year to be reminded how valuable a grateful heart is. It’s the perfect time to start a gratefulness journal to jot down 3-5 things a day, or even every week, for which we are thankful.

Studies show that gratefulness will literally make us “happier and healthier.” It will improve our outlook on life and encourages positive interactions with others. “Recent studies have concluded that the expression of gratitude can have profound and positive effects on our health, our moods and even the survival of our marriages.” (For this source and more info, click here.) That’s a lot of benefits for just saying, “Thank you, Lord.”

Although it shouldn’t surprise us that there are such positive results from a grateful heart because God’s ways are always life-giving. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (I Thess. 5:18.)

Thankfulness in Hard Times

In all circumstances. Sometimes it is hard to give thanks. Sometimes the heartache and stress in our lives is overwhelming, but if we will choose to give thanks, the Lord will bless us for our obedience. Thanking God in and through and for everything will lift our eyes to where they need to be and we will be reminded that we serve a good God who cares for us.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (I Chron. 16:34.)

May your heart be happy and light this Thanksgiving as you look up and give thanks.

*I’m giving thanks in all things this holiday, even though my family won’t be together. My daughter is in Hawaii (where she lives) and my oldest son is visiting friends in South Dakota. Most importantly, my husband is away at work, but my youngest son is here with me and we have a large, wonderful extended family to give thanks with and I am so grateful for that.

What are you giving thanks for? What are you giving thanks for in spite of…?

Love It!

Yep, I admit it. I like the hearts, the red and pink, the candy (Of course! Any excuse for chocolate will do) the cards, the flowers—I think we need to get into the jewelry aspect a little more—ha, ha!

February is often called the “month of love” and that reminds me right away of God’s love. The only reason we have love to give each other is because of the love God has given us. What could be better than a whole month where we remember and think about the love of God? At least the first half of the month, there’s no escaping the pink-hearted holiday.

Think About HIS Love

It may take a shift in focus, however, to have Valentine’s be a trigger to think on God’s love. The 14^th of February is more designed for celebrating romantic love between a man and woman. I remember in high school, feeling such longing to “have a Valentine.” I so wanted a “someone” that would be “all mine.” I never did have a Valentine in high school, but my very own Valentine was so worth the wait.

There’s nothing wrong with celebrating our sweetheart and our God-honoring romantic relationship. God wants us to celebrate each other and the mate He brought into our life. That’s His plan. This wonderful love was His idea!

Falling in Love with Him…

But let’s remember that our capacity to love, our true understanding of love, any freedom we have in love all comes from God, for “God is love.” He is the Originator, the Author of Love.

During this month of love, as we celebrate the love in our life, let’s take the opportunity to fall in love with God all over again as we remember His goodness, His faithfulness, His caring, His sacrifice—His tremendous, overwhelming, down-through-the-ages-and-still-for-today—LOVE for us!

What are some things you can point to in your life that make you feel loved by God?

(Check the comments. I’m going to answer this question first this time!)

It’s absolutely incredible what Jesus did—that He came and confined Himself to a human body, that He was willing to enter the restrictions of that physical body, to the point of starting as a baby. He could have just appeared on earth as a full-grown man, but He came helpless, dependent, just like we are. He grew up, through all the awkward stages of childhood and adolescence. He became a man, all the while subject to the laws of this earth. He was hungry. He was thirsty. He needed sleep. He was tempted “in every way” just like we are, and yet was without sin.

Son of God. Son of Man. Emmanuel. God with us. God walking around on earth among us. Jesus came out of love to show us the way to the Father, to show us the way to live, to show us the way to true spiritual freedom—to show us that He is the Way.

It’s one of the best things in the world to know that we aren’t alone. We know that God is always with us, every day. He hasn’t left us. He still understands. And He still reaches out to us in love saying, “Come. Walk with Me. I am the One you need.”

God is with us…and God is for us.

How does it make you feel knowing God is with you today?