Hiding behind the bushes, Sam and Jennifer hurriedly made snowballs knowing that Ben and Kevin were doing the same. “I’ll throw snowballs at them from here,” said Sam. Grinning like a cheshire cat, Jennifer replied, “Yeah, and “I’ll sneak around and attack from behind!”
The friends laughed as they pelted each other with snowballs until their supplies ran out. “Whew, I’m tired!” exclaimed Kevin plopping down into the snow. “Too tired for hot chocolate and Christmas movies?” questioned Ben. Jennifer immediately took off running, “First one to Ben’s house picks the movie!” she yelled.
For this snowball battle, the kids made a plan. But snowball battles aren’t the only time we need a plan. How about when we face battles in life? We can’t prepare for all of them, but for the holidays we can.
HOLIDAY BATTLE PLAN!
Don’t we all need a plan for battling traffic and figuring out what gifts to buy? What about plans for our hearts? During the holidays our hearts may struggle with rejection, loneliness, financial anxiety or pain from loss.
With Jesus we can form a plan for a joyous season!
So, let’s make a plan and charge ahead!
1. SET LIMITS!
Setting limits decreases anxiety. How much will we spend? How many activities will we attend? Simple, right? In reality not so much, as people prod and cajole us into spending our time and money.
Because limits are important to us, they are important to Jesus as well. By asking Jesus to help us establish our limits, it empowers us to stick to them. With Him, we are stronger!
He gives power to the weak,
and to those who have no might He increases strength,
Isaiah 40:29
2. FINANCIAL STRESS?
Don’t break the bank! Overspending just creates anxiety.
Should you be creative? Homemade gifts are some of my favorites to receive. Investing our time and talents to create something is an expression of love. Besides, who wouldn’t love to receive homemade cookies?
When creativity isn’t the answer, perhaps an inexpensive gift is. I adore the Fahlo app I received one year. It allows me to follow and read about tagged animals, like Mecha the penguin!
However, if you want to give the perfect gift, ask the expert, Jesus! He’s a great gift giver!
Every good and perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,
who does not change like shifting shadows,
James 1:17 NIV
3. SHARE THE LOVE!
Let’s do something for someone less fortunate! By focusing on their needs, it eases their pain and momentarily eases ours as well. Everyone gets blessed!
And I, (Paul), was a constant example to you in helping the poor;
for I remembered the words of the Lord Jesus,
‘It is more blessed to give than to receive,’
Acts 20:35 TLB
4. BE THANKFUL! 1
What can you be thankful for?
How about being thankful for someone who loves you? (Pet’s count!) Spending time with friends, loved ones and pets lets them know that we are thankful for them. It even reduces anxiety, loneliness and reminds us that we are loved and accepted.
So, reach out!
Call someone or better yet, zoom or facetime. It’s the next best thing to being there!
Don’t forget to be thankful for Jesus who loves us the most. Reach out to Him in prayer! Spending time with Him results in peace, strength, joy and a host of other benefits!
Things may not be perfect, but there are always things to be thankful for, even if they are very small. Try thankfulness. It can produce amazing results in our hearts and circumstance.
Giving thanks always for all things
to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Ephesians 5:30
5. RELAX! 2
Don’t get battle weary, relax! Relaxing before a cozy fire, enjoying hot chocolate and laughing at a funny movie is a great stress buster. Let’s not forget to hand all of our anxiety over to Jesus. He’s the best stress buster of all!
Do not be anxious about anything,
but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus,
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
6. GIVE YOURSELF A GIFT!
Wouldn’t you like to give yourself the ultimate gift?
It goes with us wherever we go, won’t wear out and has an everlasting warranty! What is this gift? Jesus! When by faith we believe in Jesus as the Messiah, we receive the ultimate gift of Him who provides us with joy, peace and love throughout the year and into eternity, (John 3:16).
That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus
and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead,
you will be saved,
Romans 9:10
WANT A JOYOUS HOLIDAY?
ADD JESUS TO YOUR PLAN!
REFLECTION
Do you have a holiday plan?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, as I write Isaiah 40:29 and say it aloud, show me how to include You in my plan. Help me to rely on You finding joy as I walk through this season. In Jesus name. Amen.
HAVE FAITH FOR JESUS’ PLAN
Comment!
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*For information on making Jesus Christ your Savior, email me or visit, http://www.peacewithgod.net/
1 Faith For THANKFULNESS – DianeLese
2 FAITH FOR STRESS BUSTERS – DianeLese
Photo girl, Katie Gerrard
Photo penguin, Cassidy Mills
Photo dog/cat, jacLou
Photo sky, Rony Michaud
