My Wellbeing Upgrade

I've grown to admire Kathy Carlton Willis through the years not only for her professionalism and writing expertise, but also for her authenticity and honest approach to life. In this Health UPGRADE, she invites us to ask questions that can help us be better stewards of our lives.

“This year more than ever, I’m looking for something to change,” Kathy says.

“With so much outside my control, it’s nice to find a few ways I can make a difference, especially starting inside myself.”

I (Dawn) agree with Kathy's approach. It's so easy to make excuses for our lack of progress because of circumstances. But this is not transformative, because God still gives us many choices in our circumstances.   

Kathy continues . . . 

God seems to really be impressing on me to focus on personal stewardship through seeking wellbeing and being well.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying if I do my part that God is going to heal the things outside my control. He does heal, but He often uses us broken.

Regardless, He desires that I take care of the only body, soul and spirit I get on this earth.

I realize some of you have irreversible conditions that will only recover with a God-given miracle. I’m not promising that all your health problems will go away. But we can all experience better wellbeing, and in doing so, we might see an improvement in being well, too!

Oftentimes, it’s a reduced intensity of a physical symptom, or an improved mindset, that gets us through the day.

I believe God wants each of us to do those things within our means to be healthy, such as eating good nutrition and getting exercise. He also wants us to occupy our minds with what is good and virtuous instead of what makes us feel defeated and discouraged.

By taking an active, educated part in our wellbeing, we will show God we’re willing to be responsible to take care of the resources He’s given to us and in us—that’s what personal stewardship is.

At the beginning of 2016 I started a self-improvement program that was so successful I’ve lost and kept off 50 pounds, have gone off of insulin (which doctors said would never happen after being on it so long at such a high dose), and have seen other major health benefits. I still have more weight to lose.

I had a couple years since then with health flares and weight-loss plateaus. Now I’m reevaluating where I’m at, and I wanted to share those questions with you, in case you are working to UPGRADE YOUR WELLBEING this year, too.

Questions I’m asking:

• What does optimal physical health look like for me, even if God doesn’t heal my “chronics”?
• What are “sure things” to help with physical health that are non-negotiables toward physical wellbeing? What have been my excuses for not taking care of these things?
• What are some other ideas that might help with progress?
• What will help me have the “want to”? How can I find joy in it?
• What can I reduce timewise in my schedule to give me more white space and energy to focus on wellbeing?
• What can I do to jumpstart my new dedication?
• What worked before that I can implement again? Why did I stop it? What can I do to make sure I keep with it this time?
• What worked before that I can’t do now? What can I substitute for it?
• What are my challenges to success?
• What would make me feel my best?

Questions to Ask Nightly

Think about your choices.

• How did today’s choices affect my spiritual wellbeing?
• How did today’s choices affect my emotional/psychological wellbeing?
• How did today’s choices affect my physical wellbeing?
• Did I honor and glorify God with my choices?
• Is there something I want to do better next time?
• Is there something I learned from today that will help me moving forward?

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence (2 Peter 1:3 NLT).

We may feel inadequate, unworthy or unprepared, but God will never abandon us where He leads us. His PRESENCE will be with us and His POWER will equip us.

This includes our focus on wellbeing.

God—with His divine power, which is superior to our insufficient human power—has given us everything we need to live a godly life of wellbeing.

What is God leading you to do as you upgrade your wellbeing efforts?

Kathy Carlton Willis is God’s Grin Gal. She writes and speaks with a balance of funny and faith—whimsy and wisdom. Over a thousand of Kathy’s articles have been published and she has several books in her Grin Gal brand. Her most recent book is 7 Trials Every Woman Faces. Kathy is active as a book industry pro, and her coaching group, WordGirls, propels women toward their writing goals. She graduated with honors from Bible College and has served 30+ years in full-time ministry. Check out her Grin & Grow Break video devotions on social media. For more about Kathy, visit www.kathycarltonwillis.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Spencer Davis at Unsplash.

Overcome the Longest Season

Susan K. Stewart has expertise in many areas, and in this Health UPGRADE, she deals with the problem of the "long season" of January 1st until Easter and how it affects so many of us.

“New Year’s Day to Easter is the longest part of the year," Susan says. "It doesn’t matter if Easter is early in March or late in April—it’s long.”

I (Dawn) don't think San Diegans are bothered much by the "long season," but I remember how I felt when I lived back in the Midwest. I remember being a bit depressed every February. Susan explains why that probably happened.

Susan continues . . .

Those were words of wisdom from my credential advisor in college, Dr. Anne Mitchell. Her other pearl was, “Don’t smile until Thanksgiving.”

Dr. Mitchell not only had experience teaching college, but also teaching elementary school. She knew about the ups and downs of classrooms from the front. Truth be told, though, I did catch her smiling once before Thanksgiving.

No matter the educational setting; I’ve found Dr. Mitchell’s maxims to be true. I didn’t understand the comment about the first months of a calendar year until I experienced it in a classroom. Later in our homeschool, the same phenomena held.

Those winter days dragged.

I tried impromptu snowball fights, backwards day, and let’s skip math day. Although these special, often unannounced times were fun in the moment, none relieved the day-to-day SLOG toward spring.

We know the seasons are ever-changing: spring to summer, summer to fall, fall to winter, winter to spring. God tells us in Genesis 8:22, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.”

We know the dark days of winter will pass.

A couple of years into homeschooling, I started doing away with the classroom model of teaching. It wasn’t working for our family.

When our school schedule started to revolve more around our family schedule, I found ways to avoid the dragging winter days.

What is it about the winter months that makes them feel so long?

First, although the days are getting longer, they are still dark with clouds, fog, and storms. Even southern areas are darker.

Second, the dark and stormy days mean less sunshine.

God’s creativity is beyond our comprehension. When he created the sun, He provided more than light. He provided what is needed for plants to grow and humans to exist.

Our bodies respond positively to sunlight. Sunlight releases the “feel good” hormone serotonin in the brain.

Conversely, darkness release melatonin, which helps us sleep. Less sunshine, less feel-good juice running through our brains.

Third, we are not as physically active in the winter.

Even in southern states, the days are cold—too cold to be outside. Because we’re indoors, we sit.

Fourth, our sleep cycles can be disrupted.

As the sun goes down our bodies want to produce our sleep juice, melatonin. Instead, we turn on more lights. Our brain doesn’t know what to do, so it either stays awake or it tries to compensate with increased melatonin.

This increase can cause us to be sluggish during the day.

Finally, a result of being indoors is more screen time.

Even though we try to maintain a regular schedule for school, we aren’t coming and going as much. The substitute has become video games or “educational” programming.

Knowing what causes the long time between New Year and Easter helps us to take steps to brighten the days.

How to Overcome the Longest Season

1. Go Ahead and Get Outside.

Unless there’s a dangerous storm or below freezing temperatures, go outside a few minutes every day.

The clouds don’t stop all of the sun rays from getting through.

Some UV rays filter through the clouds allowing us to absorb some. Even though these beneficial rays are absorbed through the skin, even a few minutes on our faces is beneficial.

Watch the time outside as closely as in the summer. Although sunburn may not be a risk, frostbite could.

In areas where the temperatures can be below freezing, open the curtains wide. Allow as much light to come in as possible. Some families also find light therapy helpful as well. Special lamps can be set up to mimic the rays from the sun.

2. Move, Move, Move.

Let the little ones run in the house. Ask older kids to make up some exercises the whole family can do. Plan at least thirty minutes of movement three times a day.

Exercise not only helps release the endorphins to feel better, but the exercise is also good for heart and muscles. Some local gyms have programs for families to exercise together.

Help your homeschool group plan indoor park days with physical activity. Even walking around a museum or shopping mall is better than sitting.

3. Monitor Screen Time—Set Limits.

With online classes, our children are spending several hours each day in front of a screen.

Afterschool activities can include board games, puzzles, and round robin reading. A rousing game of charades is delightful for little ones as well as adults.

If you don’t want to totally turn off computers or TV, set a time limit. Do the same for yourself.

4. Lower Lights in the House as the Evening Comes On.

This will help maintain our natural sleep cycles. Turn off screens at least an hour before bedtime (those are sources of light as well).

Spend time recapping the day, reading a bedtime story, and enjoying bath time rather than rushing to get everyone in bed on time.

Bedtime is a good time to recall God’s word and recite Bible verses.

5. Be Flexible.

Maybe everyone needs to sleep a little longer in the morning.

Unless your child is in a school program that requires online time each day, go ahead and skip regular schooldays.

If one of the kids is struggling with a subject, set it aside for a couple weeks. It’s hard enough during the brighter days of spring, doubly hard when all of us have the winter humdrums.

Don’t slog your way through the long season at the beginning of the new year. Prepare for it, embrace it, and enjoy it.

What will you do today to brighten the winter months?

Susan K. Stewart, Nonfiction Managing Editor with Elk Lake Publishing Inc., teaches, writes, and edits nonfiction. Susan’s passion is to inspire readers with practical, real-world solutions. Her books include Science in the Kitchen, Preschool: At What Cost?, Harried Homeschoolers Handbook, and the award-winning Formatting e-Books for Writers. Her latest book, Donkey Devos: Listening when God speaks, is scheduled to be released spring 2021. You can learn more at her website www.practicalinspirations.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of gamagapix at Pixabay.

Cut Out the Hypocrisy

Morgan Farr is a rare voice for God in the culture, calling Christians to actually live out the truth they believe. In this Parenting UPGRADE, she addresses the problem of hypocrisy in parenting—not to shame parents, but to encourage them to do what is right not only for their children's sake, but also in obedience to the Lord.

"I have heard it said that character is caught, not taught," Morgan said. "I want my children to 'catch' from me not only a love of Jesus, but also a fear of the Lord."

I (Dawn) could not agree more. Parents make many mistakes—I certainly made my share. The biggest regret I have in my parenting is that I didn't model better the things I believe most. I trusted others to do that for me—Sunday school teachers, Church leaders, Christian friends, etc.

I shared Gospel truth, but often projected a "do as I say, not as I do" livestyle. It was a lost opportunity to influence them for God.

Morgan's call to cut out hypocrisy is rare in today's culture—even Christian culture.

Morgan continues . . . 

If that adage—"Character is caught, not taught"—is true, Christian parents should have the market on grounded, righteous, and well-behaved children who stay in church and don’t waver in their faith, right? 

WRONG! 

According to a 2019 survey, two thirds of church-going young adults leave the church between ages 18 and 22! 

One of the main reasons listed that young people are leaving the church? HYPOCRISY!

As a millennial, I can tell you from conversations with my own friends and family that this is pretty accurate. It breaks my heart.

The family is supposed to be a microcosm of Christian faith.

The father and mother represent the dual facets of God, each having strengths and weaknesses that help to point children to Christ. 

John Wesley—the preacher who founded the Methodist denomination—said, “I learned more about Christianity from my mother than from all the theologians in England.”

Wow. 

I decided to poll my social media connections to get an idea about the main areas where hypocrisy is hurting the Christian family. The three main topics were pornography, debt, and reading the Bible.

Three Ways to Cut Hypocrisy Out of Parenting

1. Dealing with Pornography—Rethinking Priorities

Pornography is a word that makes a lot of people uncomfortable, but it is a topic that must be discussed. 

The statistics about porn in the church are staggering.

• 68% of church-going men view pornography on a regular basis
• 50% of pastors view porn on a regular basis.
• 76% of Christian adults 18-24 years old actively search for porn
• 55% of married men and 25% of married women watch porn at least once a month

All of this while we (rightly) teach our youth to abstain from premarital sex and to enjoy the marriage bed! 

Now before you say, “Morgan, I NEVER watch porn!” — let me ask you, do you watch Game of Thrones? How about Grey’s Anatomy? Friends? The Office? What about the movies you watch and the books that you read? 

This is often where people say, “But that isn’t porn!” 

To which I say, "Nonsense."

Matthew 5:27-18 (MSG) says,

“You know the next commandment pretty well, too: ‘Don’t go to bed with another’s spouse.’ But don’t think you’ve preserved your virtue simply by staying out of bed. Your heart can be corrupted by lust even quicker than your body. Those leering looks you think nobody notices—they also corrupt.” 

We cannot watch shows, read books, and play video games with titillating material and then espouse the virtues of waiting for marriage or remaining faithful in a marriage.

We need to take a step back and rethink our priorities here.

What is more important? Watching that show or teaching our children Christ-like discernment?

2. Conquering Debt—Leading by Example

The Bible teaches us not to have debt—but 80% of Americans are in debt!

Did you know the BIble has more than 2,000 verses dedicated to the topic of money? 

God cares a GREAT deal about how we handle our finances, and yet many Christian families lack a budget or solid financial plans to be able to manage the money God has given them. 

If we are going to teach and instruct our children in matters of finances, we need to take the log our of our own eyes and lead by example. 

There are amazing Christian financial resources to help us get back on track. (For recommendations, don’t hesitate to reach out!)

3. Reading the Bible—Showing Its Importance

How could reading the Bible possibly be considered hypocritical to our children? 

If we don’t actually do it. 

Lifeway conducted a survey in 2017 that showed that 36% of Protestants read their BIble every single day. Only 20% had read the Bible all the way through. 

How can we tell our children to love Jesus and fear the Lord if we aren’t doing that ourselves?

It is crucial as parents to be in the Word—not just so our children will learn but so that we will learn as well. 

Do you know what parenting takes? 

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Do you know how to get those? Galatians 5 tells us those qualities are the fruit of the Holy Spirit. In order to learn these things and have them be an integral part of our parenting, we have to be in our Bible daily. 

SHOWING Jesus to Our Children

Finally, in our interactions during the day, we must show Jesus to our children.

• When we are on a walk in the neighborhood, we can talk about the creativity of God in how He designed nature.
• When a friend is ill, we can stop and pray for them.
• When there is political unrest, we can pray with our children for our country's leadership.
• We can let our children see us worship the almighty God in many ways.
  

We must show our children that loving Jesus and fearing the Lord is a relationship, NOT A SHOW for Sundays. 

What do you want your children to “catch” from you? 

Morgan Farr is a Texas-loving, succulent-cultivating, book nerd. Stationed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this Army wife is learning to train dogs, developing her four young children, and tackling homeschool life… while moving all over the country. Morgan writes about her transition away from feminism and much more at The Forgiven Former Feminist.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Gerd Altmann at Pixabay.

Finding New Freedom in the New Year

Dawn Wilson chose her word for 2021—Freedom. It's a word that is meaningful to her, but also a word we all can embrace no matter our "word of the year." In this New Year UPGRADE, she invites readers to consider whether they are living in freedom.

I had many thoughts for a "word of the year" as I approached the end of December. Certainly 2020 was a chaotic, disruptive and fear-inducing 12 months with COVID-19 and the Presidential election, but I didn't know whether to focus on an antidote to my feelings and attitudes in 2020, or to leave that behind and concentrate on a word to motivate change in the year ahead.

I considered words like Determination, Courage, Contentment, Joy, Focus, Mission, Passion, and Perseverance.

But the word that returned repeatedly to my thinking was "Freedom."

I found that, for me at least, it was a word that encompassed my struggles in 2020 and hopes in 2021.

• I wanted freedom from what held me back and kept me bound up in 2020.
• I wanted freedom to press forward with fresh dreams and motivation in 2021.

People all over the world crave freedom. In the United States, most people revere our Constitution with the Bill of Rights—the first 10 Amendments—that spell out Americans' rights and liberties.

I am a patriot, and I love America. I grieve when I see our freedoms watered-down or destroyed by those who either don't understand freedom's value, or wickedly desire to undermine it.

Here are two of my favorite quotes about America's freedom:

• "It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men." ~ Samuel Adams
• "America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." ~ Abraham Lincoln

In 2021, I will continue to stand for freedom in America—the kind of freedom envisioned by our founders, not the fake "freedom" pushed by those who wish to destroy our country from within.

BUT THAT'S NOT ALL . . .

In my personal life, I need to choose and embrace freedom in many areas.

Pursuing Freedom in 2021

1. Freedom from the TEMPORAL

With more freedom from the temporal I will develop COMMITMENT to eternal values.

It's so easy to get caught up in daily living and forget to live with eternity in mind.

When I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, it was a serious wake-up call. I realized how quickly we can pass from this world to the next. I began making new commitments about my time, treasures and talents.

And that commitment needs to go deeper.

Two helpful questions to ask:

• What fades away? Certainly earthly treasures do (Matthew 6:19-21), but also anything done for our own glory rather than God's (1 Corinthians 10:31). Even the "crowns" we will receive will likely be laid at Jesus' feet—for His glory. God created and chose His people for His glory (Isaiah 43:7; Ephesians 1:4-6), and we are to live in such a way and do good works that God gets glory. (We are so man-centered rather than God-centered. Here's a good article about God's zeal for His own glory.)
• What lasts? It's been said that only two things go from earth into eternity—the Word of God (Isaiah 40:8; 1 Peter 1:25) and people who will enter into either eternal life or eternal death, and will be judged in one of two judgments. So in light of what lasts, how do my priorities reflect these truths of eternity?

My life is short. I want to be more and more committed to eternity and the glory of God.

2. Freedom from TENSION

More freedom from tension means greater CALMNESS.

Part of my day job is gathering news articles online for various ministries, useful for Christian leaders' understanding, writing or speaking. This daily project seldom unnerves or aggitates me—but give me one hour of watching the news, listening to the hype, and I'm suddenly upset and tense!

Add to that voices telling me I need to fear the future, and anxiety can quickly rise.

I will find more freedom by listening to the Prince of Peace and voices of wisdom in the Word of God that bring calmness to my anxious heart, such as —

• Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. ... I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world (John 14:27; 16:33).
• You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you (Isaiah 26:3).
• Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6).
• Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
• And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts... (Colossians 3:15a).

The Lord wants to bring the freedom of sweet calmness into my life, and the more I saturate my life with His peace, the more I will experience that freedom.

3. Freedom from TIMIDITY

With freedom from timidity, I'll cultivate more COURAGE. 

I can't help but think of the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz—afraid of many things though meant to be the brave King of Beasts.

Christians are not meant to cower in fear or shrink back in timidity.

These are days when Christians need more courage. The power of evil increases daily, and we need to stay strong and stand strong.

• Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. ... so that you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand (Ephesians 6:11, 13).
• Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).
• Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith... (1 Corinthians 16:13a).

Freedom from timidity means I will step out to obey the Lord, no matter how uncomfortable I feel.

And it means I will stand up against sin with courage, speaking truth compassionately and sharing the Good News of hope.

4. Freedom from TORMENT

With more freedom from torment, I'll discover greater CERTAINTY.

Satan loves it when we feel tormented. He wants to devour us and accuse us. Tormenting our thoughts about ourselves is one of His strategies. He is a tempter, liar, schemer, and trickster. Part of getting freedom is resisting the devil.

We all have temptations that are associated with our personal torment.

What brings me torment?

Thoughts about guilt over sins I've committed.

Feelings of not being enough.

I so easily forget that I am forgiven (Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 1:9), and that I don't need to be "enough" for God—and indeed, I cannot! I am saved by grace, not anything I've ever done (Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Timothy 1:9).

The Word of God answers torment with two powerful words: "in Christ."

My identity in Christ answers a lot Satan might try to throw against me!

As Dr. Charles Stanley wrote, "Our true identity is defined not by our past actions, but by the Savior's."

God's forgiveness and salvation by grace are only two things I have because of being in Christ. I think that I will study who I am in Christ this next year. Here is an article that is a good starting point, and here is another article.

I believe knowing what it means to be in Christ will bring me greater certainty, greater assurance in my walk with God—and stop the torment!

5. Freedom from THINGS

With freedom from the pull of things, I'll develop more CONTENTMENT.

For the last couple of years I dabbled with rational minimalism, hoping to get rid of excess "stuff." I got more serious about it since Thanksgiving of this year. My logic was that I wanted to go through my Christmas decorations and get rid of everything I no longer thought I'd use. I ended up with four boxes to Amvets! And I still have a lot of Christmas stuff!

I am ready to get more serious about the things in my closets, on my shelves, and in my garage.

It's so easy to become enslaved to things. They can control our lives without our realizing it.

Notice what is on your calendar and how you spend your money—it's an indication of your priorities and what you love.

I know I also want to reduce my possessions for another reason. I don't want to leave lots of stuff for my children to have to weed through in the future.

It's not easy. But Jesus' words help me think with purpose:

"Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions" (Luke 12:15).

I'm making a plan to keep reducing my possessions in this new year. I pray it will give me more freedom to act rather than always being tied up with managing more "stuff."

But I expect it will increase my level of contentment too, as the Holy Spirit teaches me to open my hand and release more. I anticipate more gratitude as I think biblically about what I already have.

6. Freedom from THIEVES

Freedom from "thieves" will spur greater CAPACITY.

What are these thieves?

We all have "time robbers" For some, it's mindless TV watching, even binge watching. For others, it's endless social media scrolling.

When these "thieves" are stopped, we'll have greater capcity, including more time, for creativity and productivity.

For example, I complain that I don't have enough time and strength (because of side effects from my daily chemo pill) to work on the book I want to write. Yet I allow an evening time robber plenty of license to destroy writing opportunities.

Somehow, I need to figure out how to wisely use the strength and time I have to get that book written. I need God's help to know what to do and what I can leave undone.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God... (James 1:5).

Also, instead of letting other people think for me or entertain me through various kinds of media, I need to spend more time in quiet meditation with the Lord, and to allow His Word to form my thinking and attitudes. I need to create more opportunity for godly imagination so I can use and explore my spiritual gifts in ways that will please Him.

I need God to expand my capacity to bring Him glory!

Freedom in the New Year can mean different things to different people. I'm excited to discover what freedom could mean in 2021—what it might encourage or change.

When you think about "freedom" in your own life, what thoughts or words come to mind? Maybe one of those words might be the springboard for your word for the year... or maybe you'll choose "freedom" too!

Dawn Wilson, founder and President of Heart Choices Today, is a speaker and author, and the creator the blog, Upgrade with Dawn. She is a contracted researcher/reviewer for women's teacher and revivalist, Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, at Revive Our Hearts, a blogger at TrueWoman.com, writes wiki-type posts at  Christianity.com, and is a regular columnist at Crosswalk.com. She and her husband Bob live in sunny Southern California, and Dawn has traveled with Him in Pacesetter Global Outreach. They have two grown, married sons, three granddaughters and a rascally maltipoo, Roscoe.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Daniel Reche / Fotorech at Pixabay.

Hope for Humanity

Pam Farrel is writing and speaking much about hope these days, and in this Christmas UPLIFT article, she reminds us about the truth of scripture regarding the hope God offered to humanity in Christ.

Pam asks, "Is this Covid-chaos causing internal despair, discouragement or depression? Is the persistent pandemic producing anxiety, angst or anger?"

Yes, I (Dawn) have seen so many crazy emotions spring up during Covid-19. But we don't have to let our emotions rule. God has an answer for us!

Pam continues . . .

Ever felt like this?  

• You drag yourself in the door. Your arms are loaded with more work than you feel you can possibly ever get done, so you drop the burden of books, papers, briefcase, files, and bags in the middle of the floor.
• You don’t even bother to turn on the light because you don’t want to look at the state the house is in.
• You’re not sure if you want to take a long, hot bath or just skip it all together and collapse on your bed fully dressed.
• You are hungry, but making anything to eat seems like such a bother.
• Your head is pounding, your heart is racing, and your body aches.
• You are sick of coffee, sick of people, sick of demands, and sick of life.
• Everyone seems to need a piece of you: family, friends, neighbors—people you dearly love, but at this moment, it seems overwhelming to move to help them.
• You want to lock all the doors and unplug from all the phones, social media and e-mail; but even that seems like work. You simply lean against the wall and slide down, collapsing in a heap on the floor.
• Your head buries itself in your knees and you wrap your arms around yourself because you could really use a hug. You want to cry, but you’re even too tired to feel.
• You are sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Something needs to CHANGE!

Change is the good news of the Christmas story.

Each Christmas, I speak at holiday events (now virtual) on “The Christmas Light.” Using an Advent wreath and candles, I weave a message of inspiration based on Isaiah 9:6:

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

This verse has been popularized by Handle’s Messiah concerts where, during the Halleluiah chorus, the audience stands.

Are you looking to the Messiah for hope today?

In the time of Isaiah—just as now—people carried desperately heavy burdens. They needed a Savior.

When life seems impossible, heaven sends help:

And the angel came to her [Mary] and said, “Rejoice, favored woman! The Lord is with you.”  …:

Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God….You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will call His name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.

Mary asked the angel, “How can this be, since I have not been intimate with a man?”

The angel replied to her: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.

Therefore, the holy One to be born will be called the Son of God… For nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1: 29-37 HCSB emphasis added).

Jesus, the Messiah, truly is HOPE for humanity!

What do you want the Christ to accomplish in YOUR life?

Ponder Christ’s names below:

Wonderful Counselor:  An astonishing advisor

Mighty God: The Almighty God: a strong, heroic, warrior Champion

Everlasting Father: The First and Forever Father of All

Prince of Peace: Ruler, Captain, Chief, Commander of perfect peace and prosperity.

Which name of the Messiah will you hang your heart on to move forward? CREATE a piece of art or buy an item symbolizing the name you select.

When your heart feels heavy, thank God for Immanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23).

Pam Farrel is the Co-Director of Love-Wise and author of 52 books, including the newest 10 Best Decisions a Single Mom Can Make. She co-authored a book about hope, Discovering Hope in the Psalms: A Creative Bible Study Experience that can build your hope in God in 2021.

BONUS—Download these gifts from Pam to enrich your holiday: 

• Winter Wonderland Traditions to Bless Your Relationships;
• A devotion inspired by Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament: Creative Bible Study Experience on How “the Zeal of the Lord” Breaks the Burden (Isaiah 9:7) you may be feeling; and
• The Farrel family’s Christmas Dinner and Dialogue devotional, based on Isaiah 9:6.