Romans 12:1-2

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2

Happy Thanksgiving (a few days late). This is the time of year we give thanks. Let us always give glory to the One who blesses us. Psalm 75:1 We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near. The most wondrous gift of all for which we should be thankful is our salvation through Christ. 1 John 5:11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. As we step into the Christmas season, and celebrate the birth of Christ, I need to show my thankfulness by my actions, living my life for God out of thankfulness for the redemption of Christ. My focus should be on giving and showing my children through my example. When I keep this in the forefront of my mind and heart, the holiday season isn’t daunting at all.

1 Peter 5:7

Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

Many times I wake up in the early hours of the morning long before my alarm is supposed to beep. I can lay there for hours without being able to fall back to sleep because of my racing mind, thinking, and worrying. Sometimes it’s nervousness, doing something exciting, or a cold that wakes me and keeps me awake. I’ve realized that if I stop thinking about all that’s going through my mind and life and just pray, then I fall asleep quite easily. I pray for each family member, immediate and beyond. I pray for my church families. I pray for those with whom I work, adults and children. I pray for specific church ministries local, national, and abroad. I also pray for missionaries, naming each I know or have heard about through my church and Christian publications. And before I know it, I’ve fallen into a peaceful sleep.

Proverbs 14:7

Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge. Proverbs 14:7

Walk away. It’s what we were always told to do. It’s what I’ve told my own children…..sometimes.

It takes self-control (Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control ) to walk away instead of saying something you’d regret. However, it’s also important to know when to walk away and when to stay and defend what you believe (1 Peter 3:15 and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you). I also remind my kids that if it is an adult, they have to be respectful and listen, honoring those in authority over them, whether they think they are right or not (Hebrews 13:17 Obey those who rule over you).