Perspective - Christmas

In the wake of overwhelmingly tragic events last week, it has taken me many days to process how I was feeling.  Immediately, I was so sad and angry.  I was angry for the needless loss of innocence and life.  I prayed for the families of everyone lost - everyone.  The whole event in Newtown, CT is impossible to understand.  Even if we knew all of the details, every thought in the shooter's mind, it still wouldn't make sense.  As I thought about the little lives cut short and the brave teachers who tried to save their children, I cried along with many of you, I know.  Feeling at a loss for what to do, I turned to a God who is still perfect and still in control - even in a world that is spinning out of control.  I prayed and continue to pray.

I know that God is in Newtown.  He was present during the shooting, heartbroken, but ready to welcome home those souls.  Why He didn't intervene before it happened is something I cannot understand, except to say that He has given us free will.  He is not a "cosmic puppeteer" pulling strings and controlling us.  He is a loving Father, calling us to love Him, to love Jesus and to love each other.

It is Christmastime.  It's a time when evil should not happen.  Yet, evil is exactly what made Christmas necessary.  Injustice never takes a holiday.  Sin, which is so much of what evil is, separates us from God - has created a chasm that we cannot cross, a debt that we can never pay.  God, in his incredible mercy, sent Jesus to be the sacrifice necessary to pay the debt that we all owe - to redeem us from ourselves, to snatch us from the claws of the enemy.  His child, God's Son, is the perfect sacrifice for every sin, the substitute for every sinner.  But He does not force us to accept Him, we must choose Him.  At this time of the year, it is more important than ever to look at the Christmas story with fresh eyes and realize that Jesus' birth was part of God's redemptive plan for all of mankind.

Nothing you have done is too big to be covered by the blood of Jesus.  The babe in the manger is the same man who died on the cross to bring you home to God.  I pray for those in Newtown, that this Christmas they will find comfort, peace and healing in the arms of the Perfect Healer.  I pray for You and for Me too - that this Christmas we would remember, or know for the first time, that the arms of God are open and waiting for us to enter into the relationship that will bring salvation, peace, and serenity far beyond what we could ever know apart from Him.

Merry Christmas!

Love Yourself, Valentine

Valentine's Day is one of those made-up holidays, you know.  Not that I'm totally cynical and I'm not giving them back if my sweetheart gives me flowers or a gift...come on.  But, it's really a good time to think about loving yourself.  Yes, you should think about others and you should totally give love away, but you should also take a moment and give some love to yourself.  February is American Heart Month, so do something good for you! 



Here are five ideas:

1. Nourish your body: Eat a really healthy meal, something with lots of color and flavor and nutrients.  This will give you energy for the rest of your V-Day.  ;)
2. Be mindful about food: Visit a farmer's market or spend some quality time in the produce department of your local grocery - pick out something special for yourself, like a perfectly ripe avocado, sweet juicy pear or a beautiful ruby-red pomegranate.  Or, treat yourself to a whole plate of deliciousness like the one here.  Eat it slowly.
3. Spend time with a friend: Make a call, drop on in or schedule a date with a friend.  It doesn't have to be romantic, but it does have to be with someone you love.  <3
4. Practice self-awareness: Write yourself a love letter.  Imagine what you would write to you, if you weren't you.  Sounds crazy, but it's a great activity.  We are often much more loving to others than we are to ourselves, so practice a little grace with yourself.
5. Move your body: Take a walk, go for a run, swim or jump rope.  Whatever you like to do to move your muscles and feel alive...do it! Your heart will be happier when it's pumping and your feet will be happy to be useful. 
   

Bonus - Connect with God: Give yourself permission to be still.  Relax.  Meditate on love, pray and give thanks for the love in your life, connect with the source of all love through Jesus Christ.  Jeremiah 31:3