Overwhelmed? or Overjoyed?

Matthew 2:10  When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

Is there great joy in our hearts and homes as we celebrate the birth of Christ?

Are we OVERJOYED or…OVER WHELMED??

It seems to me that December can be a Blurrrrrr…if we aren't careful! So much to DO! Family...Friends...School...Church...

Baking...Christmas cookies, Grandmas recipe for fudge_

Decorating… the perfect Christmas tree, lights, ornaments_

Shopping… finding bargains and waiting in line to get them . Spending hours wrapping.

Programs… Choir, school, singing, learning lines, costuming (finding 3 bathrobes for the wisemen!)

Although Christmas is meant to be a joyous season, many struggle with depression and discouragement during this time of the year. Let's take time each day to focus on how much we are valued and loved as children of God. The holidays are merely a season, but God's love and compassion for us are permanent. It is a great time to share with others the LOVE of Christ and the true meaning of Christmas as well!

We all know that “Jesus is the reason for the season”!  Do not let it just be a line we see on a Christmas card.

1. Let's spend as much time seeking God's heart as we do shopping for the perfect gifts.

2. Let's take as much time preparing our hearts to be aware of others and their needs as we do decorating our homes to make Martha Stewart proud!

3. Let's  be OVERWHELMED by His goodness to us and not by all that has to be done!

Remember way back in the 70's when everything was decoupaged? I remember making many "treasures" by burning around the edges of pictures or wedding announcements, They would then be glued to wood and coated with decoupage! Viola' a masterpiece! (these can be found at most any thrift store!)

I was thinking of that today and wondering if we shouldn't "burn" some of our EDGES.....bitterness, unforgiveness, stress, worry....and then "decoupage" it! Once the decoupage was painted on...it was pretty much sealed forever!

Thanksgiving is Thanksliving!

Thanksgiving! What a wonderful time of the year....a time to reflect on all that we are grateful for as the year draws to a close.

May previous Thanksgivings may flood to our minds as we smell the turkey roasting or the pumpkin pie cooling on the counter....of grandma's house, relatives that we only see at holidays and fun catching up!

No matter whether the turkey is moist or dry...whether the pies and cookies were the best...even if Aunt Helen forgot to make her infamous fruit salad.....its the gathering of family and friends that make the holidays!

As we gather together, spend time enjoying each other...for many that were with us last Thanksgiving are no longer here. Lets give thanks and spend time showing our heartfelt love for friends and family!