After attending candlelight service last night, another perspective of life was recreated for me. The lit candles were beautifully lit and even more beautiful when lifted as high as everyone could hold each candle. The candles lit up the room as the lights dimmed just as Jesus’ light guides us through life if we let Him.
The service message was clear. Ever since Jesus was born people have been in a hurry. (Luke 2:16) The shepherds hurried to the place where Jesus lay in the manger; and ever since then, people have been in a hurry. However, the reason for the ‘hurry’ has changed over the 2,000 plus years. The pastor pointed out that within the previous 24 hours before Christmas Eve, there had been riots in the streets of Seattle, WA; Jersey City, NJ; Lithonia, GA; Great Neck, NY; Taylor, MI; Toledo, OH; Richmond, CA and many other cities throughout the United States. Were people still in a rush to be with Jesus? No, it was because a new Nike shoe had come out on the market.
What is that all about? People killed by stabbings, hurt by being trampled, pepper sprayed, etc., because a new shoe is available? What in this world is going on? It’s absurd; ridiculous; appalling.
The candles in the church were so beautiful as it represented how Jesus’ light shines for us and shows us how to love, to treat one another, and give us hope as we let Him into our hearts and let His light shine THROUGH us.
Do you feel the light in you? Do you feel the love in your heart shine through your smile? Or your laughter? I’ll admit I have not gone to church in a while and it’s been even longer that I’ve attended Christmas Eve service; but I must say that I’m the one who has missed the blessings by not going.
Keep your eyes on Jesus; not on Nike shoes. Are you missing weekly blessings by staying home on Sunday? Go back to church where the importance of life will be prioritized in the correct order; and where Nike shoes will be near the bottom of the list. Re-prioritize the importance in life: God, family, then work; and all the rest is fluff.
Forgiveness is a funny thing. It warms the heart and cools the sting.–William A. Ward
Everyone has been emotionally hurt in one way or another. Some hurts are deep; some are repetitive and caustic. So how do we decide when to mend and forgive? Have you ever heard a phrase similar to: “Take your time making friends” and “Take even more time in changing them?” Lifetime friends are few and far between and they are invaluable.
My Vision4Families is that people forgive. Let go of the small stuff. Imagine yourself in the universe looking down at earth; is the argument worth the cost? Begin mending relationship that were once important to you and open up the communication lines again. People make mistakes by saying the wrong things. Their intentions are good, perhaps, but the words or actions are taken the wrong way. It does not mean that the relationship is over; it just means that a communication is trying to be made with a loving heart. Sometimes, however, the message is received the wrong way.
For some people, the silent treatment is the action of choice to ‘get back’ at who hurt them; overall, however, they are really hurting themselves. Think of the anger that is held inside. They may justified in staying angry but in the meantime, they are stressing their body out and not even realize it. How does that help the relationship? Others, may stuff their feelings to the point that they hurt so many times that they become angry. And the hurts may not even have been made by the same person but one personjust seems to be an available target.
And children learn what they live. My father was a stubborn man and if anyone made him mad for any reason, he could go as long as 40 years and not speak. I could never understand holding a grudge for so long. Many people were effected such as extended family members. The grudge does not just hurt one person–it hurts families.
Being the Christmas Season, I thought this would be a good time to remember the Bible verse, Luke 23:24: And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
We are being taken over by gadgets—in our work life, home life, and driving life. But law makers are finally getting in the action and making decisions to tell the public—NO MORE!! No more cell phone calls or texts while driving due to excessive accidents and deaths on the highway. Our society is being dictated by being available 24/7 due to these gadgets. What is THAT important?
When are we all just going to say—NO MORE!! Let’s go back to a simpler time. Can you imagine how much extra time and money we would have without cable TV, cell phones, and computers? If we just said, “NO MORE,” what would our lives be like and/or look like? When are we going to say, “I’ve had enough of being pushed around by gadget manufacturers?”
I just heard the news that the louder commercials are going to be banned due to thousands of complaints but it will not take effect until one year from now!?! What is the crazy hold up????? Other things take a week—like the banning of using cell phones in cars. I guess it just depends on who is doing the complaining.
When I was younger, I enjoyed visiting friends and relatives to have dinner, tea or coffee, make cookies, etc.; or sit and play cards or just watch a show on the old, FREE “plug-in” TV. What you got; you got. That’s it.
How much fun are people having anymore? Not enough money, not enough time, no social life, running here and there, no time for the things that matter—friends and family. Who will be the first to start a club—NO MORE GADGETS!!
Or let’s start with a NO GADGET WEEK!! I’m sure that alone would be a challenge for most everyone in our Western culture. Let’s get back to what’s important—each other. Who will take the challenge?
Let’s put Christ back into Christmas. We have gone far too long letting the media, merchants, politics, etc. to run our lives. This is America! We are Free! Don’t let the meaning of Christmas fade out. As Christians, we have been too complacent when it comes to people taking prayer out of schools, taking Christ out of Christmas and saying Happy Holidays. I believe it is because believers are meek, mild and “turn the other cheek.” God did not want us to be this easy going, do ya think? I am not used to fighting wars, the system, the bullies, the politics, etc.; but it is time that we stand up for what we believe–”that God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
Perhaps you don’t believe in: God or Jesus as the Son of God or the Holy Trinity; but you can’t deny that many atheists and agnostics have bent over backwards trying to find fault with the Bible only to become saved themselves by becoming believers as they read the Word. We are social and spiritual beings–that is a part of our balance–to make us whole, to make sense of our life, our world, our family, and our purpose.
Okay I’ll admit—I’m a Baby Boomer which brings back some additional, traditional memories that I believe are also an important part of our society. Remember saying the Pledge of Allegiance in homeroom with the American Flag on a pole as we stood with our right hand over our heart stating the words including “one nation, under God”? While it may have been routine then, it was a part of my heart, my belief, my honor, my privilege; to be a part of the United States of America. After our pledge, we bowed our heads for a prayer lead by the teacher and a few years later, it became silent meditation.
And if you are Angry at God for something that happened in your life, I totally understand. I will share that with you in a few days. Remain faithful and God will heal your shattered dreams and broken hearts. Knock so the door will be opened, seek and ye shall find. (Matthew 7:7)
God Bless you all during this Christmas Season and the New Coming Year 2012 which I believe will be a time of spiritual growth and life adjustments. Getting back to basics is important.
Live with Passion!
Diana
Finances are never a fun topic when a family is trying to get on top of their expenses especially when appliances, cars, etc. are breaking down. The children need money for school, uniforms, field trips, food, etc. and it never seems to end. Here are five basic tips to keep in mind when beginning a family and starting a new home. I’m not going to say that it is easy to follow these basic principles, but if you want to be successful and “make it” in life; follow these simple rules:
Live on one income even if two people are working.
The house payment should not be more than one week’s salary (before taxes).
Car payments should not be more than one week’s salary.
Pay yourself first — meaning that you put 10% of your gross money earned into a savings account–not to be touched at all unless it is a dire emergency.
Ask yourself, “Do I WANT it or NEED it?” Can I live without it one more day?
We want to be successful in all walks of life and we are bombarded with commercials that tell us we need it now to be hip, to be in the group, to be accepted, whatever the subliminal messages are. We need-to-have-it-now syndromes need to stop NOW. Society has brought us to this point and we must stand up and say NO MORE! YOU MUST TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR LIFE NOW for no one is going to do it for you!
As a person grows older, one tends to re-evaluate what is important things in life. What do you value from your parents during your childhood? People from all ethnic groups reveal that it’s not the gifts that we think about first, it is quality time.
I remember that every Sunday, dad would take us for a ride, at least an hour, and we never knew where we were going. He would take different routes and roads we had never been on before; and this is the time when we would “shoot the breeze.” At the end of the drive, we would go out to eat at a place we had usually not been before so it was an adventure for all of us. An experiment one might say. Those memories were special to me; it was TIME TOGETHER.
Mom and dad would also surprise me in different ways. One Halloween, I remember laying down on the couch watching TV. We used the watch Shock Theater and other scary movies so the setting was perfect. And this one particular night, for some unknown reason (it was probably the flicker of the candle), I looked out the window. I looked back at the TV and then looked out the window again–only to scream bloody murder! Mom had carved out a pumpkin and Dad placed it on the window sill. I must have been about 4 to 5 years old but I screamed and they laughed.
At that moment, I probably wasn’t too happy with the occasion but as I look back now, I chuckle at how easily I was frightened. The important thing is that my parents took the TIME to set up a moment of sharing. Yes, at times, it was a funny way of sharing but sharing none-the-less; and these are among my favorite memories. I am sure you all have a few yourself.
As a child, Christmas was magical. The lights, Santa, the reindeer, and Santa making a list, checking it twice; Santa giving presents to all the good girls and boys in one night! Christmas carols, church candlelight service, getting together with cousins, aunts, uncles, and other relatives; eating, drinking, laughing; secret Santas, playing games, making a wish list, going shopping with mom; so many things, so many memories — most of them good.
But as time marches on and as I grew up, my dad gave clues to me that he was Santa. I looked at him and looked at mom with a question mark. He asked me, “You know who Santa is, don’t you?” as he pointed to himself. So at age five and I understood that the presents came from mom and dad, my cousin still believed in Santa. I believe that it was a couple years later that I mentioned that there really was no Santa and my cousin went running off crying. I did not understand that she still believed while I knew the truth for a while.
So when do you tell your child about Santa? In the Western culture, some families don’t pretend there is a Santa but most families do. Choices are many: 1) let other children find out in school, 2) let your child believe in Santa as many years as possible in hopes of having a better-behaved child, 3) tell your child the truth before they find out somewhere else, or 4) let dad play Santa until the child recognizes that Santa is dad! You may add to my list.
But I often think of my cousin and how she was devastated when she learned that there was no Santa. Parents, you know your child better than anyone. Make a plan and decide how you will let your child know the truth without your child getting angry or being hurt. However, as I reflect on my past when I was little, the magic of Santa, Cinderella, Snow White, and Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, all stay within me me.
That magic was transferred in my heart to believe in Miracles. That there may not be a Santa but there is Jesus who performs miracles and saves people who will only believe in Him as their personal Savior.
Live with Passion,
Diana
P.S. By the way, while you are on my site please feel free to check out my shopping page. There are 50 stores from which to buy and window shop from. There are items from books, printing needs to jewelry. It also includes Home Depot for all your shopping needs.
Children very commonly say that they will try to do something; and this is reinforced by many parents and adults who allow their children to accept the idea of trying. Instead. everyone benefits in thinking and saying, “I will.” As one famed track coach used to say, trying allows for failure. If you really want to see change and improvement, then change your thinking to I will and your children will learn and ‘see‘ what they will ‘do.’ This simple skill can change your life.
“I will” is the difference between success and failure. Listen to any successful person when they approach an obstacle. You won’t hear them say they will try and accomplish their goal. They are committed and more than likely you will hear them say, “I will do this.” It may seem like a very small thing but the difference between I will try
I CAN!
and I will; but this one small change can make all the difference in your life and future. You will and you can are key words to help your child develop more positive. “I will” and “you can” messages send a completely different message to your brain–a positive message. It’s okay to tell your kids to try a food, and it’s okay to tell them to try a new activity; but when performing a task, the word try should never be used. I will, and you can are very small words, but in the equation of success, they are very powerful.
Live with Passion! Diana
P.S. By the way, while you are on my site please feel free to check out my shopping page. There are 50 stores from which to buy and window shop from. There are items from books, printing needs to jewelry. It also includes Home Depot for all your shopping needs.
We have all been stuck in a rut; things are not going well, you have been brain-washed; and you’re so overwhelmed you have nowhere to turn. Everywhere you turn, you feel hopeless and lost. What to do? Change your thinking. You can turn around anything in your life if you just change your thought process. Instead of saying ‘I will try,’ say, ‘I will.’ Og Mandino, was homeless, penniless just a bum on the street with nothing positive in his future. One day Og stumbled upon a copy of Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. After reading the book, Mr. Mandino began to change his thinking and he started to realize that his prior thinking was only leading him into a deeper hole.
Create Your Own Reality
Mr. Mandino rose from the depths of nothingness to become a very successful individual traveling the world and eventually became the editor of Success magazine. Og Mandino is just one example of a person who changed his thinking and changed his life. You can too. How you view things becomes your reality and nobody can change that but you. The easiest way is to change your thoughts is to view yourself as successful and you will be successful no matter how you are right now; YOU are on the road to change. The same result will occur if you view yourself as unsuccessful; you will be unsuccessful. Don’t you really want change your life? Then start right now and change your thinking to positive thoughts to get where you want.
Christmas is a time for renewal — a time to forgive. Put aside your pride, hurt feelings and reach out to each other with love. I love the phrase: Treat your friends like family and your family like friends. Life is too short to hold on to harsh and angry attitudes.
There is nothing like family in our lives. Sure, family members make us mad, things are said that are hurtful; but when it comes right down to it, family is where we turn in times of crisis. Or at least, family is where we should turn.
I know of a family that when the couple got divorced, the children stopped talking to the father. Hearts are broken, not only for the father but also for the grandparents and extended family members. Children–reach out to your parents; they are just people who have make mistakes, not intentionally. The anger should not continue forever–forgiveness is imperative for positive mental and physical health.
Parents, think of when your grandchildren get angry because of some event and due to circumstances, they do not speak to you for decades. You may think that will never happen to you for you know better, etc.; but no one can predict the future.
Then there was a wedding and the father was not invited–because of hard feelings that happened 20 years ago? Marriage is a one-time, sacred event and your father is not invited? The father is denied the honor of giving you away to a man who will care for his daughter. That moment can never again be captured. The hurt is deep. A sacred moment that can never be Don’t you know that giving you awayWhat could be so hurtful that for that many years, communication is blocked only to continue to fuel the fire of anger towards family.
Forgive. Hug. Love your parents for the healing is most powerful when all of you are alive. It is so much easier to put away your pride now. Yes, easier, than to wait until your parent or worse yet, your child, has died.
Forgiveness is powerful for all and a valuable lesson. Remember that however you live your life, so will the next generation live their lives. Someone has to end the pattern of hurtfullness and love and forgive.
recreated for me. The lit candles were beautifully lit and even more beautiful when lifted as high as everyone could hold each candle. The candles lit up the room as the lights dimmed just as Jesus’ light guides us through life if we let Him.
However, the reason for the ‘hurry’ has changed over the 2,000 plus years. The pastor pointed out that within the previous 24 hours before Christmas Eve, there had been riots in the streets of Seattle, WA; Jersey City, NJ; Lithonia, GA; Great Neck, NY; Taylor, MI; Toledo, OH; Richmond, CA and many other cities throughout the United States. Were people still in a rush to be with Jesus? No, it was because a new Nike shoe had come out on the market.
shines for us and shows us how to love, to treat one another, and give us hope as we let Him into our hearts and let His light shine THROUGH us.
Keep your eyes on Jesus; not on Nike shoes. Are you missing weekly blessings by staying home on Sunday? Go back to church where the importance of life will be prioritized in the correct order; and where Nike shoes will be near the bottom of the list. Re-prioritize the importance in life: God, family, then work; and all the rest is fluff.
