A Goldilocks Life

It’s Beginning…

The snow began to float down this morning, making the my sixth floor view misty gray. Inside the prospects are warm and colorful as plans proceed for Christmas cookies.

Maybe baking isn’t your thing. Hopefully you’ll be the grateful recipient of a plate of Christmas treats. I know, gluten and sugar and fat content concern us, but maybe take a nibble or two, just to make the baker feel needed.

What I’m really after is more personal than what to add to my grocery list. My husband Steve and I have begun spiritual preparation for Christmas by purchasing an advent devotional from the table at church and even reading it a few times. I pulled out a book from the stack of my want-to-read-but-haven’t-yet to make meditating a more regular practice. All this to say, I want to keep Christ in Christmas this year.

How about you? Please share your thoughts on how we might let Jesus take priority over the busy gift-shopping, decorating, and cookie-baking part of Christmas. It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christ-Mas.

“Jesus is the Light of the World. . . His first coming shines in the darkness,

lighting the path to a relationship with God the Father.”

(From Hope Has Come by The Daily Grace Company)

What Do You Think?

Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. Romans 8:5 NLT

There were times I felt dominated by poor choices, and sin drove me. As a young mom, my temper dominated rather than patience or self-control. I knew the Lord, but I didn’t allow the Holy Spirit to control. I thought I could get my kids in line by my emotions rather than by firm boundaries. It just seemed easier to yell.

I find the word think helpful in Romans 8:5. After all, we aren’t just what we eat. What we think defines and leads us. As the Bible says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7. So how do we think about things that please the Holy Spirit?

First, what we take in makes a big difference. Reading the Bible is a great way to center our thoughts on godly not sinful things. . . really reading it, not just skimming it to check a box to say you did. One way that helps me focus when reading scripture is taking notes. As I read, I write down things that stand out, thoughts that come to me, or whatever the Spirit reveals that I’ve been missing. Create a quiet space with few distractions. I try and read my Bible early in the day, before life gets rolling.

It’s wise to guard what you’re watching on TV or your phone. If your news source, social media, etc. cause you to get riled up or slip into sin, take a break or find different outlets for info or entertainment.

Second, praying gives us a chance to tell God what’s on our minds and hear Him as He leads our thoughts or words. I use 3 x 5 cards to guide me. Others have a daily list. Some friends like to follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Prayer isn’t a magical formula. It is talking to the Lord and listening for His instructions or admonitions. Confess to God right away when He reminds you of sin. Pour out your problems to God—He cares for you.

Find a partner to share with and gain support from. A mature Christian friend will help keep you accountable in areas where you struggle. Just make sure you agree this is only between the two of you. It feels good to tell someone when you’ve messed up, knowing she listens from a place of caring encouragement.

So what do you think? Let’s decide to take steps to end cycles of sin and bring pleasure to God. The Lord promises life and peace. (Romans 8:6)

You Are With Me

Rain fell hard as I sped along the interstate. My vehicle was light and would sometimes swerve on wet pavement, so I slowed down my pace.

Suddenly the car began to spin. My heart leaped into my throat as I drifted toward the center cement barrier to my left.

“I’m gonna die!” I thought. I prayed aloud, “Jesus!”

Driving 55 MPH with traffic all around, I believed my days on earth were ending. My life was in God’s hands. I closed my eyes and took my hands off the wheel.

The car slammed into the center cement. Sliding wildly to the right, I’d be crashing into another vehicle momentarily.

Wham! The car stopped at impact, my chest hitting the air bag. I opened my eyes. Alive! Through the wet windshield, I saw the left front of the car crunched into the low barricade fence on the far right of the highway.

My hands shook as I dialed 9-1-1. How had I missed colliding with another car? I pulled open the Bible sitting on the passenger seat. My fingers trembled and I tore the edge of the page that contained Psalm 23. I read, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”

God was right there the whole time. That became abundantly clear as I assessed the damage and realized the car was totaled but I wasn’t.

The police arrived and offered an ambulance, but I deferred. I felt only a small pain where the air bag had pressed a necklace into my chest. The car would be towed. I explained to the officer my need to be 20 miles south of there where I was scheduled to lead a women’s conference. He went above and beyond the call of duty and drove me right to the door of that meeting place. My profuse thank-yous seemed inadequate.

Do you recall a time you took your hands off the steering wheel of your life and trusted God with the outcome? Like my car wreck, He will bring you through, though not without some loss. Yes, we had to replace our vehicle, but life went on. Do I get a little skip in the heartbeat when the weather turns rainy? You might, too. But God is with us. And that’s enough.

Love & prayers,

Lynn

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