What Not to Say: Opening Christmas Gifts

Don't say that!

We've all been in awkward situations when it comes to Christmas gift-opening time. If you've lived past four-years-old, you've probably received something you hate. Or worse, you've given something that someone else hated, and they make it known to everyone in the room.

Here are just a few funny (but helpful) little tips to remember when giving/receiving gifts this year:

The Giver:

1. I got it at Goodwill
2. It was way out of my price range, but you wanted it.
3. I found that in a lost/found.
4. I left the price tag on there
5. You have such expensive taste.
6. You're cheap to buy for
7. Do you mind trading with so and so? She likes your gift better.
8. I spent X amount on it.

The Receiver:

1. How much did you pay for this?
2. I don't like this. Did you get a gift receipt?
3. That's it?
4. I like her gift better. Do you mind if I trade?
5. I got the worst gift.
6. You can't afford to buy something like this.
7. This isn't the one I wanted.
8. I didn't want a gift.

So, remember your manners. If someone around you says one of these phrases or something similar to them, do your best to change the subject and move on to the next gift!

Overcoming Fear with the Word

I love to sing. However, since I was 15 years old, I have battled a major fear issue with singing solos. I can't pinpoint the exact moment this fear began to grow, but it has stuck with me since then. I sang in several groups in high school and one in college, but when it came to asking me to do solos, no sir.

A few weeks ago, my father asked me to sing a gorgeous soprano lead/solo in the most lovely arrangement of Silent Night. For weeks, I have been dreading the day I would sing it with my family. Well, today was the day.

I woke three times this morning (at 1, 4, and then finally 5). Each time I woke, my mind immediately shifted to the performance and I began to feel sick and clammy. I rose out of bed and went to the office to practice for the next three hours.

I then sat on my couch and began to pray earnestly--pray that God would finally release me from this deep-rooted fear or pray He would make me lose my voice this morning so I couldn't sing (funny, I know). But really, I wanted peace.

I was reminded of Isaiah 26: 3 (You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you: because he trusts in you.). Okay, God. How can my mind stay on you while my heart is beating out of my chest? I then asked my wonderful hubby to pray with me that God would indeed keep me in perfect peace.

During the songs leading up to Silent Night, I felt the butterflies flutter intensely and my heart pounded so hard that it was all I could hear. Then everything was quiet. The music had stopped and it was time for my a capella ensemble. "Oh, God. Give me that peace you promised". My high, starting note was played to cue me to begin singing alone into the silence.

All the sudden, I heard this bold, crystal clear voice singing "Silent Night, Holy Night". It was me! I felt so filled by the Holy Spirit, that throughout the rest of the song, I smiled joyfully at the congregation (not staring face down onto the sheet music like I promised myself I would do to avoid eye contact).

It was as if the Lord was right next to me saying "April, I will keep you in perfect peace. Trust me." It is only by His strength and grace that I was able to sing so confidently today. I give Him all the glory & praise for giving me strength to overcome my fear.

In Heavenly Peace,
April

The Universe is Unfolding

On Monday, three people I love working with lost their jobs due to a lack of donations. To say the least, the morale in the office has been the pits on so many levels. While their jobs cease to exist for the time being, the workload on the remaining few has instantly and heavily increased.

Frankly, I strongly believed I was going to be unemployed today. But, the Lord obviously saw fit for me to stand in the gap during this time. I still don't feel worthy to stay, but stay I will.

While it has been hard to sort out my feelings on this sudden change, I came across a poem "Desiderata" written in 1920 by Max Ehrmann.

I found it encouraging and uplifting. Below are a few excerpts...

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God and keep peace in your soul.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

So, here's to having faith that all things work for good and for the glory of God. Keep peace in your soul.

Change: How Exciting!

Things are changing. In the not so-distant future (i.e. tomorrow), life will be different. I don't know what that looks like, but I can genuinely say that I am not fearful. When I was first presented with the impending and ambiguous news to come, I wept for grief. Grief because life would not be the same. Now that I've had a few days to process and prepare, I welcome whatever will come (it's going to come anyway).

One verse that I've kept especially near to me of late is Isaiah 43: 2-3
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you pass through the rivers, they shall not sweep over you. When you go through the fire, you will not be burned. The flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...

If you've been reading my blog posts, each centers around the fact that I've been focusing a lot lately on what I've done these past seven years and wonder what the next seven will hold. I know the Lord has been preparing me for change--I've expected it.

So, today, with my spirit lifted and with full confidence in Almighty God, I am ready to face whatever lies before.

Thank you God for giving me a sense of humor, for blessing and guiding me, and for being the Constant in an ever-changing world. To You be all the glory, praise and honor.

Singing in my soul,

April

Put one foot in front of the other

If you want to change your direction...
A good way to start is to stand

These are lyrics from a Christmas movie I've watched since I was a little girl. The song is entitled "Put One Foot in Front of the Other".

As I was talking with two very special friends of mine over lunch yesterday, I asked a specific question to one regarding what her time-line is for a goal she has. In discouragement, she said that she wanted to succeed, but that she probably would not try.

I felt led to encourage her to stand and take the first step to begin a journey she has wanted to make for probably most of her life. It is not important to share what the nature of her personal journey is. The bottom line is, you'll never get to where you're going if you don't start.

A little over two years ago, Philip & I started a financial journey--we actually sat down and mapped out how long it would take us to be debt-free. Seven years is what we calculated. Even though "life happens" and we've hit some financial bumps, God has still honored our goals and has given us strength for the journey.

About 18 months ago, I weighed the most I have ever weighed in my life. It was discouraging. Like my friend above, I had tried a few things, but never seemed to see real and lasting results. I almost settled for just accepting the lie that I was going to be increasingly fat--it must be my lot in life.

Then one day, a co-worker simply gave me a link to a website that would help me track my calorie-intake (for free!). Pessimistically I said "counting calories doesn't work". He then said "Well, I've lost 45 lbs doing it". Intrigued, I signed up for an account and began that day. Nearly two years later, I have lost 30 lbs and have kept it off. I still have to log my food--but most success (spiritual growth, money, weight, starting a business) never really has an end point. It is an on-going, methodical process.

What journey do you want to start today?
If you want to change your direction...
A good way to start is to stand