Stuff

Having less stuff doesn't make me less than; rather, it gives me more freedom, more space, more time and makes life less complicated and more meaningful.

The pursuit of things doesn't enrich me. The pursuit of developing myself to be the best person inwardly--more like Jesus--is what enriches me.

Out with the Old

I don't have the old outfits to wear anymore. I've changed and have new clothes to put on. There's no going back.

Clothing to me is like attitudes. We choose what to wear everyday. Once I've cleaned out the closets and donated or thrown away the clothes that are ruined, too big, too small or that I simply don't want anymore, I can't wear them again. What of attitudes? I can banish the attitudes of self-doubt, criticism, pessimism, cruelty, sarcasm and ridicule. They don't fit me anymore, so why hold on to them? Are they like the old pair of jeans that I'll never wear again because even if they do fit again one day, they'll be out of style. Why not discard the attitudes now like the sweater that itches me? Then I don't have to wonder why I'm so uncomfortable when I put them on again.

A new wardrobe of faith, hope, love, charity, optimism, energy, tolerance, humor, kindness, patience and forgiveness is much more flattering and comfortable. If I accessorize with a smile, I'm sure to make the best fashion statement yet!

January Morning

A strange cloud hangs over me this morning. I feel gray like the skies outside on this gray January day. Piles of dirty snow. Wet pavement. The quiet of a cold, damp morning in Michigan.

I long for the sun and the sound of birds. I miss the flowers blooming and green grass. I wish to look upon blue skies.

A few lingering Christmas decorations at the house across the street mock me. Christmas is over. No more bright lights to shine against the gray.

But what of my light within? Shall I hold it captive? Why not smile and rejoice in the gifts of today? A warm cat on my lap. The comfort of a cup of coffee. Anticipation of seeing friends and family. A loving husband and kids who fill my happy home. A faithful God who stands by me, even in my grumpy moods.

Dark clouds of thought be gone! Now, I hear a bird chirp. I smile to myself.

Special Invitation

I invite you to read my book of winter poems at

Bible Quote

James Chapter 3, Verse 12

"God is the only lawgiver and judge. He alone can save and destroy. Who do you think you are, to judge your fellow man?"

A thought

How confused we become when we only judge our actions by other people's reactions.

We give them the power to judge us and we internalize that judgment.

We say things like, "I can never win. Everything I do is wrong."

We lump together times we are truly at fault with times others have disapproved of our actions because we have made them uncomfortable.

2009

As we close one year and approach a new year, we reflect on where we've been and how far we've come.

Personally, this year has been a journey of trust.

I've learned to rely on God to provide for all my needs. But first, I had to ask. The action of prayer and asking for specific help from God meant that I had to do my part.

I couldn't be like the man who prayed for God to rescue him from drowning but refused the life preserver, the boat, and the helicopter. If I was to ask God, it meant I had to do my part and trust God with the rest. This has been an awesome lesson for me.

Trusting God to provide also meant feeling worthy of receiving God's blessings instead of believing as I always did that I had to earn everything.

With this growth comes the realization that I will never do it 100% perfect, 100% of the time. But when I look back at the year, I see how my faith has increased and my priorities have changed for the better.

Next year will hold even more lessons because I am willing to grow.

Take a look at where you've grown this year and enjoy it.

The new year will present it's own challenges and if we're willing to grow, we will improve--without any resolutions.