The List of Three

I'm practicing something that will help me be more appreciative.

Before I complain about something, I think of three things I'm thankful for.

By the time I finish the list of three, I've let go of what I was complaining about.

I don't know if it will work every time, but I've got to try.

Want to try it with me?

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, 

since as members of one body 

you were called to peace. And be thankful. -Colossians 3:15

 

Life is Not a Checklist

1 Thessalonians 1:3
We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

I like lists and calendars. Something about the orderly way they help me organize my life gives me satisfaction. I use a program called Scrivener that helps me organize my writing, and I create Excel sheets to help me keep track of editing. Notebooks with check-off lists and the calendar on my phone help me show up where I’m supposed to. Without my notes, there's a great chance I'd forget something important.

As much as I like lists and organization, I can't live my life by checking off boxes. Organization works wonders for a project, like writing a book, but not so much for life. Living life is more about prompts, nudges, crossroads, inspiration, and endurance. Life in Christ includes hope, conviction, the nudges from the Holy Spirit, opportunities to serve, and unexpected joy. If I only stick to my to do lists, I’ll miss out on the blessings.

How about a list infused with hope and joy!

• If you're a parent, take time to play with your kids. If your children are teens or adults, hang out with them. Enjoy making memories.
• If you're married, date your spouse and be attentive.
• If you're single enjoy the adventure God's given you. 
• If you work outside the home, stop and ask your co-worker how their day is going.
• Take the walk, pet the dog, smell the flowers, smile at the folks God puts in your path.
• Sing out loud in church or in the car and worship freely.

My point--God has plans for me. If my head is focused on a check list all the time, I'm going to miss out. Instead I want to live like the Thessalonians who were faithful, and prompted by love and inspired by hope.

Be flexible when it comes to living a life mapped out by God. He has unexpected surprises, if we pay attention.

What do I Love About Christmas?

These are a few (maybe a lot) of my favorite things:

1. A Charlie Brown Christmas (I've watched it every year since it came on television)
2. Nativity Scenes (Indoor and outdoor)
3. Looking at Christmas Lights with my hubby (revisiting the ones we've seen from year to year and discovering new ones)
4. Hallmark Christmas Movies (Yep-I'm that girl)
5. Making cookies with my daughters, grands, and mom! (We make a huge mess, but who cares)
6. Peppermint and Chocolate (in my coffee, peppermint patties, anyway it comes)
7. Our Christmas tree (the wonderful memories in each ornament)
8. Decorations that reflect the beauty of the season (anything winter)
9. Making Christmas Ornaments (always a joy)
10. My grandchildren's Christmas plays (I love these!)
11. Giving gifts (Always fun, sometimes a challenge)
12. Gathering with loved ones (family and friends)
13. The music (I have at least two stations ready to listen to in the car)
14. Reading the story of Jesus' birth out loud, before we open gifts (A highlight for me)
15. Celebrating the birth of Jesus who came to save the world! ("That's what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.")

What do you enjoy about Christmas?