thankful Archives -

It’s a New Year – Raccoon’s Pillow Says It All

It’s January—time to make some changes. Once again I vow to do better, work harder, and complete projects. In a few weeks, I’ll barely remember my resolutions, let alone keep them. How about you?

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19

This verse spoke to me today. God is doing a new thing. God is doing …

Beginning the year with a list of resolutions to accomplish on my own strength is futile. My good intentions and resolve last about as long as it takes to open the refrigerator door or flip the TV channel. Resolutions call on me to be better and to do more.

Suppose this year, I quit trying to do this and improve that and simply allow God to do a new thing in my life.

As I write this, it is day 5 of the new year and I have already found an element of freedom. I am not trying to accomplish goals on my own strength. I am enjoying a real sense of God at work in and through my life in a new way. My focus is on Him and not on myself.

Click here for a biblical perspective on how to set your goals for the year.

Instead of making one or more resolutions that would soon fall by the wayside, I asked God to change my direction; to give me a word to focus on for the year. My focus word for 2024 is “thankful”.

Being thankful is not something I have to “do”. It is something I choose to “be”. When I squeeze into that outfit one more time, I can choose to BE thankful I have choices. I can BE thankful I can dress myself; BE thankful I can live at home; BE thankful I have food in my cabinet.

Please note: I am not living in la la land! I do have goals, serious goals for the week, month, and year. But, my focus is on God and how He wants to accomplish them through me as I thank Him for opportunities, guidance, wisdom, and clarity.

I want to challenge you to do what I did. PRAY. Ask God for your word for the year (or week or month). Let Him change your focus each day and enjoy all that He has in store for you. Write your name in Isaiah 43:19; make it personal. Allow God to do a new thing in your daily life. He loves you so much; allow Him to direct your paths each day.

I am thankful for YOU!

Hugs,

Please leave a note so I can pray for you on your journey.

Christmas came early this year, I am sure of it. Holidays are often stressful times for caregivers. We may not be able to follow traditions, give as we usually do, or keep everything going smoothly.

Giving can be a big struggle at Christmas. We often are stretched to the limit on finances, time and energy. There is not time to shop or the money to buy what we want.

Here are some simple ideas to move you and your household into the giving spirit without the stress.

First, take a minute to be thankful for what you do have; for life and freedoms, for air to breathe, water to drink, eyes to see. Be thankful you can be there for someone else in their time of need.

Second, be cheerful about establishing new traditions if need be. Life is full of changes, make them fun and exciting. Simply say to friends and family, “We are celebrating differently this year.” It may mean pot luck family meals instead of you doing all the cooking. It may mean spending much, much less on gifts this year.

Third, plan ahead to be a lavish giver this season. (No, it is not too late to plan ahead-see quick shopping list below.) We know from experience that is more blessed to give than to receive, so go for it. Here are some fun things to have on hand so you can be a cheerful giver in trying times.

Cookies. Just one cookie in a small sandwich bag tied with inexpensive curly ribbons can be an encouragement to the clerk at the store. Purchase cookie mix or slice and bake when on sale. Package them soon and tie with ribbons so your resident “mice” will know they are spoken for!
Candies. I keep a bag in my purse of hard candies (pretty ones for the season) and give them out to people I meet. It may be a couple in McDonald’s or the weary lady waiting in line at the counter. Add a sincere smile and a “God bless you” and you have made someone’s day special.
Little ‘pass it on’ cards with cute pictures and sayings. These are usually found at the book stores priced at just a few cents each. Again, I watch for the sales and keep a big stash in my bag. Giving, after all, is always in season!
Fix some gifts with an herb tea bag and 2 or 3 hard mints.
Note cards. When cards are on sale, I buy several boxes and have them ready. Three or four cards with envelopes and tied with a ribbon make a quick, useful gift. If possible, invest in stamps and add them to the envelopes.

Here’s your quick shopping list: box of sandwich bags (fold flap kind), big bag of pretty candies; cookie mix or slice and bake; herb teas or cocoa mix. And if time permits, visit the book store for ‘pass it on’ cards.

I give gifts to everyone who serves us from the trash man to the mail carrier and the guy that brings our propane. And, I spend very little money. I always carry a stash of gifts in my bag (not just at Christmas time either.) Now you will have a gift for each person who enters your home.

Hugs,