New Year's Perspective

Recently I was driving through an automated car wash with my 5 year old nephew Ian. As the long red strands of fabric began swishing over my car to clean it he said, ‘It looks like we are in a big bowl of spaghetti!’ ‘You’re right' I said, he laughed and began telling me about his day at school.

I enjoy hearing stories told by young children because they have such a unique perspective. For instance, when the weather report predicts rain I moan because to me rain is only good for wet shoes and feet. However, rain to a child is heaven’s sprinkler system gone haywire. The rain creates a puddle filled playground perfect for jumping and splashing. Children see life from the positive side of the fence—you used to be that way…remember?

2009 has arrived and I challenge you to have a child’s perspective in this New Year. Instead of dreading what your future holds celebrate the fact you know who holds it. Instead of worrying about the economy rejoice that you have a heavenly retirement promised to you. Instead of losing sleep over paying bills be thankful you have a God that is on your side.

Life can be scary but John chapter 14 verse 27 gives us a wonderful promise to hold on to. ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’ Have no fear, instead embrace life wholeheartedly. Try to see this coming year in a positive perspective…a child’s perspective.

Drop Out Moments

In the craziness of this season it's easy to get bogged down and lose sight of the meaning. Recently I was doing research for an article on 'de-stressing' your holiday and came across and interesting suggestion. Among the list was, plan ahead, take your vitamins, watch your budget, and have 'drop out moments'. Hmmm now this is where it gets good.

Apparently there is a certain sect of monks that practice 'drop out moments'. Several times a day, while they are working, a bell will ring and they will stop everything they are doing and simply 'drop out' and focus on their 'god'. A small escape for the mundane tasks of life to a meeting with the Almighty. Wow that spoke to my heart. Among the shopping, wrapping, baking, gifting, and caroling chaos I challenge you to take a few moments out of your day and 'drop out' of reality and 'tap in' to the heavenly. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and share your heart with the Lord. He cares about all the facets of your life and wants to keep in contact with you through all of them. When you cast your cares on him he will cast his love and strength on you.

I think I just heard a bell......(time for you to have a drop out moment!)

Ribbons Of Bliss

And so begins my blogging...