A Goldilocks Life

Joyous New Year!

We’ve been saying it and hearing it: “Happy New Year!” It’s what we do. My ministry colleague Janis sent an email that challenged that sentiment. She wrote,

“May 2023 be far beyond a “Happy New Year.” May it be a year of joy as we serve Jesus. . .”

The difference between happiness and joy is that happiness depends on the circumstances in which we find ourselves. For the follower of Jesus, joy is a fruit of the Spirit. It is a gift that lives within us, a choice we yield to. God lets us tap into joy, along with the other fruit or virtues—love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, recorded in the Bible in Galatians 5:22-23. Joy is produced by the Holy Spirit in us, not by that job promotion or friend’s compliment.

As I sped along the dark, wet road to my son’s so we could spend his Christmas gift cards, I planned to fill my tank (gas is cheaper where he lives) before I picked him up and headed out. My tight schedule including a grocery pick-up time expiring at 6 PM. Full tank – check. But he was delayed by fifteen minutes. I could’ve puffed in impatience, checking the dashboard clock constantly. Instead, God reminded me of the audio book chapter I wanted to replay in preparation for a writing project. That delay proved a joyful respite from worry by absorbing riveting writing.

My prayer for 2023 is that we will experience joy and satisfaction in fulfilling the plans God has for us by always listening to Him. This year, let’s choose joy!

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)