Resolutions Made and Broken

I’m a sucker for New Year’s resolutions. I really just can’t seem to help myself. The new year unfolds before me like the blank pages of a journal (another one of my weaknesses) and for a few moments I think I can do anything.

Here’s a small list of past resolutions…

1) I resolve to get up early every morning. That one lasted about a day. I’m notorious for not being a morning person. I’ve tried everything. I put the alarm clock in another room…turned it off and went back to bed. I bought an automatic coffee maker…ignored it and stayed in bed. I placed chocolate on the alarm clock to bribe myself…ate it and went back to bed. Sigh.

2) I resolve to use a planner every day. You’d think being a writer I would like jotting everything down in a planner. What I’ve discovered is that I love the idea of a planner. I just don’t like to do the work. I’ve bought little planners, big planners, cheap planners, and expensive planners. But a couple of weeks in, I’m done. The only time I’ve stayed faithful was to my Franklin Covey in college. At my wedding shower, people wrote down advice for Mark and I on little slips of paper. One said, “Mark, if you want to regain control of the marriage just take her planner.”

3) I resolve to keep a food diary every day. I actually made it to about July with this one last year. I had a little spreadsheet in Excel. (I confess that I only use Excel as a glorified word processor. I don’t know how to do calculations with it. I just like typing things in the little boxes.) I gave up the food diary when I realized I wasn’t learning a whole lot, except that I eat an excessive amount of granola bars. Of course, this has been true since childhood. In third grade I was in a beauty pageant. The big interview question at the end was, “What’s your favorite food?” Everyone else said “pizza” and I said “granola bars.”

It all comes down to a very bad word that starts with an M—maintenance. I don’t really do anything every day except eat, sleep, and brush my teeth. I love to start things but don’t like to keep them up. Don’t get me wrong, I’m no slouch. I just tend to love the idea of something more than the reality of it. Maybe this year I should resolve not to do anything consistently. I might actually be able to keep that one…but not every day.

Christmas Open House

Every year DaySpring has a Christmas Open House. Each department decorates, serves yummy food, and we all wander around and visit each other. We laugh, eat way too much, and get very little work done for an hour or so. One coworker of mine called it "Christmas trick-or-treating."

The editorial department decided to have a chocolate fountain this year. In this photo you can see senior editors Ann and Susan indulging with me.

The funny and famous Jon Huckeby was also celebrating with a special guest, his son Keenan. As you can see, Keenan was especially fond of the marshmallows.

I asked Jon if he had a Christmas cartoon to share with you as a little gift. So you are the very first people in the whole, wide world to get a sneak preview of his Bible Tails Christmas 2009 art...

© 2009 DaySpring Cards

From all of your friends at DaySpring--We hope your Christmas week is full of laughter, love, and sweet memories!

The Meaning of the Snowflake

 

I’m writing from my kitchen table this morning and there’s a dusting of snow outside. It reminds me of a piece I wrote last year…

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The Meaning of the Snowflake

Every new snowflake comes to the earth
as a picture of our Saviour’s birth,
because they are sent from up above
and remind us of God’s care and love.
Each one is so intricate and small
because Christ sees the details of us all,
and just as two are never the same
the Lord knows and calls us each by name.
Snowflakes gently cover the world in white
and hide what’s unlovely from our sight,
showing us how He covers our sin
and gives us His grace when we come to Him.
So may every snowflake bring Christ to mind
and in every bit of white may you find
a reason to celebrate anew
and a reminder of His love for you.

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You can read the story behind The Meaning of the Snowflake at the DaySpring Christmas Shop.

Do you have a favorite Christmas poem, song, or story? If so, I’d love for you to share it as a comment or send it to me at holley@dayspring.com.

The Battle Within

In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Romans 8:37

I've been thinking about the term "friendly fire." It describes a situation in which a military group unintentionally causes harm to its own forces. This type of loss seems especially tragic because it's unnecessary and makes victory even harder to attain. When I see it in the news, I shake my head and wonder, "How could that happen?" Yet as battles rage within me, I often engage in friendly fire as well.

The past week I've been fighting a cold, going through some challenges professionally, and dealing with some personal issues in my life as well. One morning a coworker invited me to pray with her. I shared my frustrations and she said, "You're called to be a warrior." Tears came to my eyes and I said, "I know but right now I'm just tired. I don't feel like fighting anymore." She gently placed her hands on my shoulders and began to pray for me.

As she did I sensed the Lord whispering to my heart, "I am for you. When you come against yourself, you side with the enemy." I knew instantly what those words meant. When I don't feel good or get discouraged, I begin an inner barrage against myself. I launch lies like, "You're not good enough. You're letting everyone down. You're a disappointment to God." Each word wounds my heart further until I feel utterly defeated.

At the end of Romans 8 Paul asks four important questions:

If God is for us, who can be against us?

Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen?

Who is he that condemns?

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

All of these are intended to be rhetorical questions with the answer "no one." But I've realized my answer to those questions is often "me." God has defeated our enemies, given us victory, and made us more than conquerors. But because of free will, we can still choose to be against ourselves. When we do so, we fight on the enemy's side—whether we realize it or not.

I'll probably still struggle with the "friendly fire" that sometimes rages within my heart. But I'm learning that in this too, God has given me victory. Merriam Webster's dictionary says to conquer "implies mastery of" and while I may be my toughest opponent, God isn't giving up on me. He isn't giving up on you either. We may never fight a military battle or face persecution like the early church, but we are still warriors in the battle for our hearts and minds. May we have the love, grace, and courage to live out the victory that is already ours.

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Lately I've been winning battles left and right

But even winners can get wounded in the fight

People say that I'm amazing

Strong beyond my years

But they don't see inside of me

I'm hiding all the tears

They don't know that I go running home when I fall down

They don't know who picks me up when no one is around

I drop my sword and cry for just a while

'Cause deep inside this armor

The warrior is a child

─Twila Paris, The Warrior is a Child

Christmas Cards and Confessions

Hello Everyone!

I'm sorry I haven't written much lately. I've been battling a yucky cold. As much as I wish it weren't true, Dayquil and inspirational messages just don't mix. Until my brain goes back on duty, I wanted to share an article I wrote with you. It's a little guide to what you can write in Christmas cards for all of those (like me) who find the task a bit daunting. I hope you enjoy it and I'm praying all of you are warm and well today.

To read the article, just click here.

Christmas Contest Winners

Thanks so much to all of you who entered the Jesus is the Gift Christmas Contest! Excerpts from each of the winning entries are posted below. If your entry was chosen, please e-mail your address to holley@dayspring.com. I was blessed by every word you wrote and I pray all of you are blessed too!

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My husband recently died of brain cancer and loneliness set in. Jesus has become so real to me because He has seen me through many tough times. He has come into my heart in a brand new way; I long for Him to be by my side. I can't physically see or feel Him, but He is with me, holding my hand, wrapping His arms around me and telling me He Loves Me. He is my husband, my friend, my Savior. - Karen S.

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The first thing that popped into my head when I saw your question is the fresh perspective on grace that I have received this year. I am in awe of the grace and mercy I have personally received. I KNOW I don't deserve to know Him and to have eternal life, but by His grace and mercy, I do know Him! Now THAT is an amazing gift. We learned yesterday at church that the only gift that people truly need is Jesus. I am so thankful that I received that Gift! - Katie D.

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Day after day, this year, every year since I grasped the gift of Jesus, Don't give up, I chant. When I stumble, Jesus lifts me; I know He bears the pain for me. My lungs fill with breath He created and I know the struggle is temporal. The binding draws tight sometimes, but I don't give up. I just don't. I'm "certain of what I do not see." (from Hebrews 11:1) - Kathleen W.

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My wife and I are working in Saudia Arabia with our eldest son who finished a degree in seminary. And during summer time in the Philippines, my three other children with excitement, come to Saudia Arabia for a visit. JESUS' presence in our FAMILY is the best gift we have this Yuletide Season. Let’s welcome His coming with joy and praises. Although we don't openly celebrate this holiday in this country, I greet you with Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year and May God Bless Us All. - Gregorio D.

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As each day approaches, JESUS is the first thing on my mind. He is the first one that I talk to each day as I get my child ready for school. He is the first one that I think about as I face my day as she is gone from my home for the first time. Going to school, facing all that she encounters without me for the first time. I can't do this alone, He is the one that carries me through this first time journey, and then I can release my child in His care to encounter her first time journey too. - Terrie M.

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Jesus always makes a difference in my life. My husband was a Veteran and Pearl Harbor Day was significant to him. He went to be with Jesus on Pearl Harbor Day Dec. 7,1984. Pearl Harbor day is more significant to me and my family now. We could not have handled his death as well without Jesus. - Janie S.

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Jesus is the only constant in a world of uncertainty. This year I experienced the breakdown of a dear friendship, painful problems with both my children, and walking my elderly parents through a disaster. Because of the Gift of Jesus, I can stand up on the inside. I have hope for the future when the world caves in to fear. He not only holds my hand to keep me steady, He holds my heart to keep me strong. Jesus is my champion. - Jeanette L.

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The world has gotten a little harder and many people surrounding me have been impacted. My daughter just got divorced so my husband and I went from empty nest for the first time to taking her in and our two small grandchildren. I have gotten out of my comfort zone and rely on God to give me my next assignment with a joyful heart. No longer am I inconvenienced but am willing and able to be the Lord's outstretched hand. It is all because I have the gift of Jesus dwelling in my heart. - Deborah B.

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Ever since my hubby went to be with the Lord, Jesus has been holding my hand. My boy who is only four knows Jesus too and our lives revolve around him. In every circumstance be it good or bad we must praise and thank Him and ask Him to give us strength and patience. There are days when I wake in the morning and I feel really down but when I look to Jesus and my son I know my purpose in life is to glorify Him and to lead my boy (Matthew) in the Lord's way. Thank you, Jesus. - Rose W.

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As a shop owner ( scrapbooking), my ministry is to my guests. I often find them coming in to say “You pray, right?” Then they share they just found out they have cancer, or their mother just died, etc. Without Jesus at the forefront, I would be just another clerk. Having Jesus as my social security has made all the difference in the way we look at our lack of profit. When life gets shaky, I ask Him to bring in someone to whom I can give encouragement, and they end up encouraging me! He sustained our business in a year when we should have gone under. I am blessed, so that I can then bless others. - Linda S.

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For more Christmas inspiration, check out The Generosity Experiment - a new blog by an amazing and anonymous friend of mine.

"Jesus is the Gift" Christmas Contest

It's December 1st and Christmas is on its way! I had the privilege of writing the Jesus is the Gift devotional journal you see on the left. It includes twenty-five devotionals as well as Scriptures, reflection questions, prayer prompts, and ways you can make a difference this Christmas season.

You can win a copy of this devotional along with almost $50 of other Jesus is the Gift products in a special contest! Just respond to the following question in 150 words or less:

"How has the gift of Jesus made a difference in your life this year?"

Send your answer to me at holley@dayspring.com by December 7th. The first five people to answer will win automatically. Five more will be chosen based on writing and inspiration with the help of the DaySpring editorial department. Winning answers will be posted to the site on December 8th.Please note that all entries will belong to DaySpring and may be edited. I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

To thank you for being a reader, you'll also receive 25% off for any purchase you make on Dayspring.com or StudioDayspring.com by December 12th! Enter "Holley25" when you check out.

You can share the contest and your discount with all of your family and friends by forwarding this if you're a subscriber or by using the "send to a friend" link at the top of the online page!