Living Resolutions

Resolutions tend to revolve around my desire to improve certain areas of my life, resolving to do this or that better...or at all.

I’m actually quite successful in fulfilling my resolutions -- that is, until around noon January 1st, when my bubble inflated with good intentions bursts, thanks to a prick of reality.

In 2012, scripture verses will be the focus rather than resolutions—particular verses for life, writing (see below), and struggles. The verses will change throughout the year, but I prefer a fistful of verses fueled by the Spirit than a dozen “I will’s” of my own.

• Seek first His kingdom. Mt. 6:33 My "job" is to focus heavenward, releasing all the details to God. He has those covered.
  

• The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Psalm 37:23 Every detail? Live in awe of this most remarkable truth.

• He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. Psalm 18:19 Stop limiting God. Too often I settle for cramped quarters.

• Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Romans 12:11 If I want God to bless my work, I must first do the work. Stop hoping and start typing.

How about you?

-photo courtesy of Ligonier Ministries

My Friday Fave - Creating Inspiring Work Spaces

The view was spectacular, the home historical, but it was Carl Sandburg’s corner office upstairs that captured this writer’s heart. I pictured him at work in the wee hours of the morning, wielding his wordsmith weaponry on a black typewriter that sat atop an apple crate turned sideways.

The details of his work space both inspired and intrigued me. What writing utensil did he reach for first? How did he organize the slew of paper filling the slots that surrounded his worn wooden desk? What rituals did he practice, if any, before his fingertips began tapping the keys?

We can learn much from studying the surroundings of those who are successful and it's for this reason I snatch up every issue of Where Women Create...Inspiring Work Spaces of Extraordinary Women.

The Nov/Dec/Jan 2012 issue is no exception. If viewing organized, creative, and successful work spaces inspire you, be sure to pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble.

Photo courtesy of fatquartershop.com

A Calendar is Helpful, but...

A daily planner is a necessity. Think they're the same? Think again!

Ann Voskamp is offering a FREE downloadable daily planner she calls The Day's Draft. It's not your ordinary planner with space to list your "to-do's". You'll have to see it to believe it. Click on the link and scroll down to read her comments on how to use it. Did I mention it's FREE?

Ann summed it up nicely:

If it matters, you make the time.

If it doesn’t, you make excuses.

Reading and Writing and...

If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot. -Stephen King, On Writing

So, how does one strike a balance betwixt the two?

I don't pretend to know, but I have decided to take a pro-active approach in 2012 by devising a reading/writing plan.

Goals:

• Read at least one book a week, rotating reference types with various genres
  
• Write at least one hour a day
• Maximize pockets of time in between appointments and exercising to read through writer's magazine subscriptions
• Keep mini-moleskins handy for serendipitous moments
  

How do you find time to incorporate both reading and writing into your schedule?

Merry Christmas!

Thanks to my talented hubby, a special card is ours to share.
(Click image to enlarge)

My Friday Fave

The room begins pitch black.

Out of the darkness, this song, Immanuel, begins to play.

The Christ candle shares its flame with hand-held candles throughout the room. As the song progresses, the room transforms from dark to light.

Fears melt, hope flickers, and heart-bent knees bow.

Without fail, Michael Card's music has been a part of every Christmas celebration I've planned over the years.

God with us. Oh, what a glorious truth!

Thank You, Jesus.

Kitchen-Driven Tradition

These three little guys nailed it in their most recent commercial: It always seems that the best holiday tradition begins in the kitchen.

So, what’s your favorite kitchen-driven tradition?

I had a tough time coming up with a favorite as both grandmothers were amazing cooks. I wish I’d spent more time (okay, time) watching them whip up their goodies, but alas, I was too distracted by batter-laden spatulas to care.

However, I came up with a winner: My grandmother’s peanut butter fudge. Few things compare to the gritty crunch one experienced with every delectable bite.

Your turn! Do you have a favorite holiday food that stirs up sweet memories for you?

photo courtesy of www.Allergychat.org

Wordless Wednesday - A Cup of Christmas Tea, Anyone?

You're Never a Distraction

Peering from my window I see:

High shadows from children’s swings being swung in the City Park.
Teenagers playing hoops.

A man sitting on a bench alone, head hung low
never raising his head to acknowledge those passing by.
Is his heart as barren as the trees surrounding him?

People drive past -- most at the speed of light, others singing merrily as they cruise by.
Where are they going?
A few spot me perched in my upstairs window and wave, most are oblivious to the fact that a house is standing nearby.

All this while Beef Burgundy simmers on the stove downstairs. No wonder I never finished the post I began two hours ago.

Aren't you thankful the Lord never sees us as a distraction?

Christmas reminds us once a year of dynamic truths that can launch every day to heights never imagined: God is with us. He resides within us. He watches over us. He is intimately acquainted with us. No one knows us better—or loves us more. No one.

You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Psalm 139:1-3

No Hoops Required

“She’s so cute...and she hasn't even done anything yet,” a friend said after seeing Piper’s most recent picture.

My response? “She doesn’t have to.”

As the words fell from my lips, the Lord whispered neither do you.

Piper doesn’t have to speak, smile, or giggle to win more of my affection. She has my heart clinched tightly in her tiny fist—no matter what. There’s nothing she could do to make me love or accept her more.

As God’s children, we’ll find ourselves both delighting and grieving the heart of our heavenly Father—but His love for us? It wavers not.

Jumping through hoops of perfectionism, perhaps unknowingly, in hopes of gaining more of God's love or attention will eventually bring us to the point of exhaustion. Refreshment, rest, and a deep abiding joy is ours when we choose to embrace that which is already ours as a Christ follower—God's unfathomable, magnificent, and unconditional gift of love.

No hoops required.


1 John 4:9-10 “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (NIV)

Wordless Wednesday - A Shabby Chic Christmas

When Practical is Powerful

I'm a bonafide multi-tasker.

Who else could belt out Joy to the World while nearly mowing down a couple exiting the local Bi-lo?

The expression on their faces coincided with a gentle shoulder tap from the One who didn't become flesh to hear me sing about Him—but rather for Him—by remaining in tune with the Spirit.

Since that fateful night in the Bi-lo parking lot, I've been reminded just how powerful the practical can be when I am:

• Igniting my prayer life before the engine, asking God to reveal divine opportunities in living out His joy, mercy, and love to those driving too slowly, the rude and weary waitress, or the woman who plops down 20 items in a 10 item lane.

• Stopping for pedestrians at the malls, Target, Walmart and alike. (No doubt the couple wished I'd been enlightened on this one a bit sooner.) Better yet, stop and smile as you wave them on, assuring them they're not an intrusion on your day, but a divine appointment. It's also the perfect opportunity to pray for them as they make their way ever-so-slowly by your car.

• Going the extra mile for Salvation Army bucket volunteers by picking up a bottled water for them in addition to your donation. If it’s nippy outside, consider delivering a hot cocoa from a nearby place, thanking them for their willingness to volunteer for the benefit of others.
  

• Smiling. Sharing a warm hello. We never know who needs it the most, but God does (the beauty of God's providential prompts!)
  

It matters not if any of the above actions are reciprocated. What matters is that we take every opportunity to impart God's joy instead of simply singing about it.

Christmas in This Old House

Our house turned 100 years old this year.

There are some things I truly love about this gray-haired lady:

• Character oozes from its nooks and crannies

• Stories told of those married in our home way back when

• My writing nook upstairs
  

While I enjoy this old place year-round, it's at Christmastime, when she decides to don her bows, fresh fir, Shiny Brites, and greenery that I love her the most.

What brings a smile to your face upon walking into your home during the Christmas season?

My Friday Fave

My favorite time of the year? Any time the family is in town together...like this weekend!

Brandon and Megan are in from Ohio, Zach and Sarah are close by...and oh by the way, Piper is here. :)

The celebration begins a little early this year, proving that Christmas is not limited to a date on the calendar, but rather, a moment-by-moment hallelujah dance to be received and enjoyed.

Thank You, Jesus.

Wordless Wednesday - A Sign of the Past

Funny How a Baby Changes Everything

Piper's First Parade

I’m a party-pooper when it comes to parades. Given the choice between watching the Macy's parade or cleaning crusty breakfast dishes, I break out the rubber gloves.

Funny how a baby changes everything.

One casual mention of Piper attending her first parade and I’m in the car before Brian has the opportunity to pop another piece of puzzle in place. Our fold-out chairs are left in the dust, but we don’t care. After all, what’s two hours of standing when one is dodging missiles hard candy being flung from floating contraptions, or breathing in toxic fumes from “unique” cars when Piper is nearby?

Funny how a baby changes everything.

Two thousand years ago, another Baby changed everything. One day, He will lead a triumphal procession, one in which we’ll no longer be spectators, but participants—victors in Christ!

Funny how a Baby changes everything. Every day. Every moment.
Thank You, Jesus.

My Friday Fave Saved for Saturday

Creating holiday traditions is one of my favorite things to do—and this was especially true when the boys were growing up.

Setting up a family puzzle on December 1st and working on it till Christmas was one such tradition. Some years it was a hit, other times, not so much. Brian and I, however, decided to revive the tradition by beginning a puzzle on Thanksgiving night. Since then, we've completed two and we bought two more today.

You may giggle at the sight of our puzzle table but it too is immersed in memories. As a little girl, I often cozied up to the corner of my grandparents olive green card table on a Friday night, watching them play Setback with friends and family. Salted nuts, bottled Cokes, and a ton of laughter were served up on a platter.

During the holiday season, the olive green card table now takes its place in our den, bowed legs, peeled paper, and puzzles on top. We wouldn't have it any other way.

Care to share one of your favorite family traditions?