The Olympics have taken my heart this year. I so very highly respect the athletes and their incredible dedication! Their determination! Their expertise! Their joy!

The individual events are great, but it’s the team events that inspire me. Their coordination and communication are impeccable! I have learned so much from watching them whisper last minute encouragement or direction before an event! And then of course, to share in their hugs and victories makes us all feel like we are winners!

It reminds me of my walk with Christ – and with the body of Christ. Am I cheering others on in this journey – or am I a solo event? Whose team am I on? Do we share the same goals? And what does “our” win look like? Team JESUS!

“I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all His holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.” Philemon 1:4-6

Sharing multiplies the joy and lessens the sorrow. It adds ideas and divides burdens. 

Life is better shared! Let’s celebrate the gift of sharing! What are your favorite times of sharing? Let’s keep the list going….
a funny reel
a smallllll bite of my chocolate chip cookie
an Olympic win
a prayer request
a secret
worship songs

“Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”  I Thessalonians 2:8

Turning the other cheek and going the extra mile should be considered Olympic events! Did you ever try to do it – and succeed? Like the athletes, we must be committed to life long training and fierce determination in order to win at this game called life.

But we can’t do it on our own. We need Superhuman strength! Literally! We can not maintain healthy relationships based on our own abilities or will. We need God’s secret ingredient – and God wins every time!

“I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love”  Philemon 1:9

Have you been stretching any muscles this week shoveling mountains of snow? Or has this January been stretching your time or money or energy or patience?

God loves us so much He doesn’t want us to stay the same. HE never changes, but He wants us to continually be molded and shaped in to the image of His Son!

Let’s mark this season like a box of salt water taffy – pulled and stretched in to the sweet aroma of Christ!

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”  Hebrews 12:11

I’ve learned from social media that we are supposed to be “wintering”. The shorter days and frigid temps should cause us to slow down and rest. Well, young children rarely “winter”, so that option is out for parents. Companies refuse to “winter”, so bills still need to be paid. And our health cannot “winter” or we won’t be well in the springtime!

Many enjoy the hope-filled season of springtime or the high energy season of summer. What about the proverbial season of empty nesting? Or the longsuffering season of being a caregiver? Do we fight them? Do we wish ourselves out of them? Or do we seek the Lord through them and accept them?

“Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him” Psalm 37:7

United

United We Stand…Defeated We Stand – I made this version up as I reflected on the sad state of PA football this weekend! Eagles fans unite in their green and black and white jerseys…and now in their end of season blues. Steelers fans unite in their black and gold and Terrible Towels….and now in their end of season blues.

Defeated we stand….united!

I call that a win! 🙂

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5,6

Epiphany – Today is the day on the calendar that some people remember the Wise Men presenting gifts to Jesus. I’ve been reading this passage of Scripture almost every day this Christmas and God is sharing some simple but insightful phrases:
“they went on their way”. Matthew 2:9 – What way is God sending me?
“they were overjoyed.” Matthew 2:10 – How’s my attitude?
“they bowed down and worshiped Him” Matthew 2:11 – What am I bowing down to?
“theyreturned to their country by another route.”  Matthew 2:12 – Am I in step with the Lord so I know which way to go?

I love that the Wise Men didn’t do this alone. God gave them each other. May our new year journey be like the Magi…one step at a time….together.

“Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life.”  Psalm 143:8

Here we are. New Year’s Eve Eve. I can feeeeeel the lists starting….
Diet this!
Declutter that!
Work out here!
Organize there!
Do this more!
Do that less!
More rest!
Less stress!
Etc
Etc
Etc.
We jump from hectic holidays to guilt inducing new year expectations. It’s exhausting!

What does God expect of us? Put your lists through His filter and find rest. Try less and trust more. Do less and devote more. 

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Behold: Attentive wonder

Pause

Watch

Perceive

Respond

May the One we behold be our greatest gift this Christmas!

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and they shall call His Name Immanuel (which means, God with us).”  Matthew 1:23

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”  John 1:29

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God”  I John 3:1

One week from today it will be Christmas Eve! And then one week after that it will be New Year’s Eve! Ready or not – here they come! How will you spend these days….Excitedly looking at the whole? Or surviving each one?

Depending on your traditions and schedule, there may be a LOT going on these next two weeks. Or maybe this season of life finds you alone and filled with sorrow. Who will meet your needs this Christmas? What life hack will help you get it all done?

God is the perfect gift for everyone everywhere!

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.” Lamentations 3:22-24