“Holiday Hope”

I was saying to my husband that it seems there is a tragedy more and more frequently. Thus leaving a lot of the survivors decimated by the challenging aftermath.  Help and healing on many levels is needed, perhaps, now more than ever. 

With this level of regularity, there are more and more survivors being decimated by the challenging aftermath tragedies and difficult times everywhere. Help and healing is needed on many levels. People everywhere are hurting. Even you, the one who is reading this blog right now are probably dealing with an overwhelming circumstance. The Bible says that, “man is born to trouble as the sparks fly up.“ That means we all face a whole lot of troubling issues (from physical, psychological, the emotional, spiritual, etc…) and the challenge is not to wait everything is good in your life to help someone else. 

Many people today feel hopeless.  But, we don’t have to live hopeless lives. We can turn what’s happening to us into something positive that can happen in us as we channel our energy to something positive that can happen through us.  As we approach this holiday season let’s take up our crosses and follow Christ’s example of showing love to our neighbors. Let’s even take it a step further and not just look for opportunities to extend ourselves, but let’s create them. Let’s be the hand that provides hope for those in need. Doing so in what could be a dark time in your own life, can, In many ways, bring light and optimism to you as well. Let’s give hope for the holidays and you’ll be amazed at the amount you will receive in return.

Christmas Lemonade

   It’s not what happens to you that matters most, but, rather, what happens in you.  

My children’s book, “Christmas Lemonade,” is the new holiday classic that punctuates this idea.  It is a story of how I traversed one of my biggest challenges with a community performing arts program.                   During the holiday season one year we were tested on a, seemingly, insurmountable level.  But we persevered and allowed something amazing to be developed in us that made the trial worth every anxious moment.  

   When you face your challenges in life remember that what is developed in you is greater.    Your life is way bigger than any one aspect or moment of it.  Find a way to look beyond yourself/your problem and see the bigger picture.  There is a contribution to be made with your life and each trial can provide fuel for your purpose. 

   Sometimes when you're in need, find a way to give of yourself to someone else who is in need.  It will help take your mind off your problems and focus on someone else.  Helping others not only provides for them, but it also helps you to feel better knowing that you've provided aid.  Also, remember that, "This too shall pass."  What you are going through won't last forever.  You will smile again.

   "Christmas Lemonade," punctuates this theme and is the new holiday classic that I'm sure you will want to read each holiday season to keep you encouraged.

Get your copy on Amazon or at Christmaslemonade.com     

If you happen to know Beyoncé.  Let her know that I’d love her help promoting this book.

Treat Yourself to a Healthy Serving of Forgiveness

Here's a great opportunity to be selfish. Treat yourself to a hefty helping of forgiveness...that is, forgive someone who has hurt you.  We often don't consider that granting forgiveness is for our sake.  Nobody ever truly deserves forgiveness.  But, neither do we.  Granting forgiveness is a great opportunity to be selfish because it is just as beneficial for the person who has been offended.  Don't harbor bitterness it will eat you alive.  

Someone once said that harboring un-forgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the person who offended us to die.  

We treat ourselves to our favorite ice cream, or pair of shoes, or day at the spa, or the newest gadget.  How about we treat ourselves to a huge helping of forgiveness for others.  Go ahead be selfish, you deserve it!