This Christmas...

"The only currency that will heal every culture is ceaseless love.” 

~Heidi Baker

For the first time in 20 years, I didn’t get my Christmas cards out this year!!!

Oh I made them alright, designed them on Shutterfly Thanksgiving weekend…

I was definitely on the ball and into the Christmas spirit. 

Cutest pic of the kids ever!

3 weeks into December, I can’t figure out why they haven’t arrived yet...

Apparently I made them, but never ORDERED them.

Oooooooops.

For the first time in 20 years I didn’t bake Christmas goodies for friends and family.

I visualized myself making them many times over, but somehow, it just never happened.

And now here we are, the eve of Christmas…How did these weeks fly by so quickly?

I loved seeing all of the notes that were floating around the web over the past few weeks

reminding us that there are many struggling this time of year,

and how important it is to make an extra effort to be tenderhearted.  

But really, this should be the standard every day of the year.

Somehow, in this ever expanding world of social media,

everybody seems to be quite consumed

with what everybody thinks 

about EVERYTHINGGGGG!

It’s exhausting.

Why should someone else’s opinion

be a factor in how you treat them?

It shouldn’t.

What they think is between them and God.

How you treat them is between you and God.

I’m convinced that authentic “Christianity” looks

very different than what most “Christians” think, 

and I can testify that demonstration goes a lot further than lip service.

“Do everything without grumbling, arguing, so that you may

become blameless and pure…

Then you will shine among them like the stars” (Phil 2:14, 15b)

"You don't have to purpose to see the stars. 

You don't have to convince someone that there are stars. 

In the darkness of night, they stand out as points of light. 

Religion is like that, always trying to convince people that there are stars. 

People don't need to see religion. They need to see light. “ (Gary Keeseee)

Anyone who claims to be a “believer”

but isn’t walking in love, compassion, & grace,

isn’t really walking the walk.

Sadly, that’s often these days.

The collateral damage is exponential…

It’s leaving a trail of destruction,

and the walking wounded are everywhere as a result.

It’s heartbreaking to see, 

yet all the more reason to shine my light even brighter,

And I’m determined to be a part of the “clean up crew."

Sweet Bellas, my one wish for all of you this Christmas,

and every day thereafter,

is that you will love one another.

Fiercely. Without pretense, and without hesitation.

If you err in doing so, better to err on the side of love & grace, every time.

Merry Christmas, and my most heartfelt and sincere wishes 

for a very happy, healthy & blessed New Year.

Keep Shining Sweet Bellas!