Barbara's Banter

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

After doing a little Christmas shopping at Costco, I smiled at a middle-aged woman who was going in as I was heading for the parking lot. (Actually, I don’t know how old she was because now that I’m over 65 I view the people’s ages in a different light. Let’s just say she wasn’t young.) Anyway, the lady looked at me and said, “Are they any nicer in there than they are out here?”

Hmmmm, I thought. “I’m not sure,” I said, “but I hope I am!”

December is a hectic time of year. Christmas preparations can weigh us down and give us the gloomies. Parties, decorating the house, business mailings, working extra hours, long lines, traffic jams, and family time can take its toll on our nerves and tempers. And then there’s trying to find the right gift for each person on your list. Gift giving can be expensive. However, I think I know a present you can give to everyone you see at this time of year and it doesn’t cost a thing. SMILE!

Smiles are the perfect gift for all genders, all cultures, all languages, all races, and all ages. They can be given to friends, relatives, business associates, and strangers. One size fits all, and they are guaranteed to make a person look younger and attractive.

A smile is the gift that keeps on giving. It benefits the giver and the recipient. Research shows that smiles can change moods, relieve stress, boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, plus release endorphins, natural painkillers, and serotonin in the body.

Smiles are contagious – in a good way. Daniel Goleman, PhD and author of Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships explains a key to understanding this is called mirror neurons. We all have mirror neurons. Goleman says their only job is to “recognize a smile and make you smile in return.” Of course the same goes for a frown. So you choose. Would you rather have people frowning at you or smiling? Did you know even faking a smile can lead to feeling happier?

We can even learn something from babies. A newborn shows preference for a smiling face over a non-smiling face, and babies give special smiles of joy and happiness for their loved ones. Speaking of babies, what about the one this season represents? Jesus came so people would have something to smile about. Before He came, there was no hope. There was great celebration when Jesus was born. “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’” (Luke 2:8-14)

Christmas is about celebrating! It’s all about smiles. You can decorate, party, shop, sing carols, and even spend time with your family, but if you aren’t smiling, you aren’t really celebrating.

Smile! You can do it. It won’t hurt much! It takes no extra time or money. It’s a gift that keeps on giving and comes back to you. I can’t help but think that when we smile at others, Jesus smiles at us.

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

• Smile when you first get up in the morning, even if no one will see you. It sets the tone for the day.
• Smile at people you meet throughout the day, whether they smile back at you or not. It can help set the tone for their day.
• Smile before you answer the phone. It sets the tone for your voice inflection.
• Smile when you hear Christmas music and think about Christ being born. It sets the tone for your spiritual life.
• Smile right before you go to bed at night and thank God for little things that happened throughout the day. It sets the tone for a better night’s sleep.

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

Our brains were designed to be social. Studies show the gray matter between our ears is actually busy every moment, picking up messages and responding. Two-time Pulitzer nominee Daniel Goreman reinforces this in his book Social Intelligence. Goreman says, “The brain itself is social.” Not only that, but mirror neurons actually cause people to respond to what they see or feel. This is why smiles, frowns, and yawns are contagious.

Yet, as relational as we long to be, loneliness prevails. We have more methods of instant communication available than ever before, such as computers, e-mail, the Internet, cell phones, and text messaging – which might be part of the problem. Internet users spend less time socializing one-on-one with others. Conversations take place on phones, but reading another’s body language through airwaves is impossible. And text messaging has created an abbreviated language lacking in the written and verbal nuances once needed to interact with others. Exactly how many BFFs can one have in a lifetime? We might be communicating more through technology but socializing less.

Some of us are our own worst enemies. We retreat from life and have unrealistic expectations, not realizing that loneliness can lead to depression manifesting itself under the mask of withdrawal, anxiety, lack of motivation, and sadness.

Nowhere do loneliness and depression go hand in hand more than during holiday seasons – especially at Christmas time. Some can cope with loneliness during the rest of the year, but Christmas is when people are getting together with friends and families. If someone feels isolated from family members or doesn’t have close friends, loneliness and depression are intensified.

That’s why newspaper and magazine articles, plus countless blogs, are written with helpful hints on combatting the Christmas blues. The major emphasis of these hints seems to be on getting the focus off “self” and on to others. The skeptic might say, “This is easier said than done when I have no ‘others’ in my life.” The answer might be to enlarge the sphere of focus and go find some “others.”

For example, one could: help in a homeless shelter; visit those in a Veteran’s facility; hospital or nursing home; send a care package to a soldier; do random acts of kindness; or invite others who will be alone to your home for a potluck. Visiting the fatherless and widowed is another option (James 1:27). The key is to find people who are worse off than you and give, give, give. Believe it or not, there are people lonelier than you. And a person doesn’t have to give much to be appreciated. A candy cane and a smile can lift someone’s spirits.

If you are invited to somebody’s home, why not accept without feeling like you are infringing on someone else’s family time? You could always go for a while and leave early. Bring a bottle of wine or sparkling cider or a poinsettia. Sometimes it’s easier to refuse an invitation so we can stay in our comfort zone.

Connecting with others and with Christ might make us feel a bit uncomfortable, but remember – solutions to problems usually take us out of our comfort zones.

Consider this… God created us to be relational. Christmas isn’t about gifts; it’s about relationships. Jesus came to be with us. Emmanuel means “God with us.” He wants to be with you and me. As we make a small move towards God, He embraces us with open arms.

I pray that Christmas brings you joy, faith, hope, love, and a step closer to connecting with Christ and others – all the gifts that can’t be bought, even at Neiman Marcus.

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

• One of my favorite Christmas quotes comes from Taylor Caldwell who said, “This is the true message of Christmas: we are not alone!” Repeat this quote often during this Christmas season. Remember, Emmanuel means “God with us!”
• Today, pick a specific person to pray for. Do some little thing for this person to cheer him/her or make life easier.
• Tomorrow, pick a different person to pray for. Do some little thing for this person to cheer him/her or make life easier.
• Try not to complain so much and ditch the “woe is me” attitude. Sure you may have problems, but so does everyone else. Focus on what you have, not what you want. Be thankful.
• Don’t isolate yourself. Accept an invitation. Go to a Christmas pageant. Volunteer somewhere. Call an aging aunt or uncle and listen to them talk about the good old days. Ask God to reveal ways you can get more involved in life!

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

A radio talk show host in our area asked people to call in and tell him what influences your life and fills you up.  Then he added, “…but don’t call me and tell me about Jesus.”  This is just another indication of how many in our nation are quick to reject God.  Yet we are a nation blessed above all nations and all blessings come from God.  Fortunately, God has not rejected us.  He does things for us that we don’t even know about.

Hosea lived during the last twenty-five years of Israel’s existence as a nation.  It was a time of political upheaval, anarchy and bloodshed.  Israel’s spiritual condition had deteriorated.  They were involved in idolatry, adultery, and drunkenness.  Hosea tried to bring them to their senses.  He preached about God’s character, righteousness, omnipotence, and loving kindness.  He reminded them of the covenant they entered into with God.  Then he prepared them for the impending doom of the nation because of their unfaithfulness.

While reading Hosea, one passage got me thinking about all God does for us.  Hosea 11:1-4 says, “When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt…I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them.  I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them.”

I especially love the phrase, “They knew not that I healed them…”

Consider this…Could there be acts of loving kindness God has done for our nation or for us personally that we didn’t know about? How many acts of terrorism has God averted that we didn’t know about? How many times has He protected us or our loved ones that we didn’t know about? How many times has He led, strengthened, encouraged, and comforted us that we didn’t know about?

It’s all so easy to appear self-sufficient, but we must remember every blessing comes from God. The Thanksgiving holiday has passed, but our thankfulness should never cease.  As we thank God for the blessings we see, let’s not forget to thank Him for all the things He does for us that we don’t know about.

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

• Say a little prayer of thanksgiving when you first get out of bed to start your day. Something like, “Thank you, Lord, for another day of life!” It can get your day started on a positive note.
• Many people say grace or a “thank you for this food” prayer before they eat. However, if it is not convenient to do so, you can still say one in your mind. God knows our thoughts.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says to give thanks in everything. In other words, even if things aren’t going well, we can still find something to be thankful for.
• Just because God doesn’t give us everything we ask for doesn’t mean He isn’t actively involved in our lives. Listen to the song Unanswered Prayers by Garth Brooks occasionally.
• Don’t forget to thank God for all the things He does for us that we may not be aware of.

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

When the Israelites were getting ready to go into the land God had promised them, Moses told them they would prosper. They would have food, shelter, money, livestock, and just about anything they could desire. Then he cautioned them not to say, “my power and the might of my own hand have gotten me this wealth,” but to remember “the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth…” (Deuteronomy 8:17, 18)

That’s a caution well worth heeding. Yes, we may work hard, and on the surface it looks like we earn our reward, but our effort would be in vain without God’s blessing. It is God who gives us the resources to accomplish and the strength to endure.

Consider this… When the scripture says, “Remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives….” it is a subtle way of saying, “Give Him thanks!”

When the Pilgrims came to a new land, they had no illusions of thinking their survival was due to their might. Without the help of the Native Americans, they would have perished. Even then, it is said that in the first year they made seven times more graves than huts. Still, when the harvest was in they gave thanks to God. They chose to focus on what they did have and be thankful for it, instead of focusing on what they didn’t have.

So many times we pray to God asking Him for this or that. We focus on what we don’t have. Our wants and needs get blurred. As we approach another Thanksgiving Day, think about this: Saying, “Thank you” to God for what you have could be the most meaningful prayer you could ever utter.

Psalm 92:1 (KJV) “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord…”

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

• Keep a daily gratitude journal.
• If you don’t like to journal, keep a running list of three things you are thankful for each day. Try not to repeat anything.
• Say “Thank you” to each and every person who does something for you. Everyone! Even thank the waiter who takes your order or the guy who bags your groceries. Sure they are getting paid to do it, but a “thank you” from you can make their jobs a little more tolerable.
• Try a little positive meditation. Each night when you snuggle into bed, don’t mentally rehash all the bad things that happened that day, focus on everything that went right – no matter how small. Even in the worst of circumstances, there is always something we can be thankful for.
• For a whole week instead of “gimme, gimme, gimme” prayers, ask God to help you remember all the wonderful things He’s done for you in the past and thank Him. One of the sweetest prayers God can hear from your lips is a heartfelt, “Thank You, Lord!”

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

When our granddaughter Sophia was eighteen-months-old, I remember our delight in watching her learn so many new things like walking, talking, and becoming aware of all the wonders around her. What a glorious age! Of course, with each new feat she mastered or new word she repeated we smiled with great pleasure, clapped and praised her. One day when she did something she thought was praise worthy she clapped, patted herself on the arm, and said, “Good job!”

Her mother laughingly asked, “Do you think we are over-validating?”

“I don’t think so.” I replied. “The more praise, the better.”

It is easier to build strong children than repair broken adults. The word validate actually comes from the Latin word validus meaning “to be made strong.” Strong children are built through praise, encouragement, and validation.

My heart goes out to all the children who grow up without a word of encouragement or any validation. Not only do they feel unloved and unwanted, they are ill prepared to face a world eager to point out all their flaws and inadequacies. When they don’t get the approval of others, they feel unworthy and depressed.

Validation in the Christian life is important as well.

Consider this… Validation for a Christian has a two-fold significance which can be summed up through God’s love and our love for one another.

God’s Love

Fortunately for all of us, Jesus came for the broken and those of us who’ve never been validated. We are God’s beloved children. He loves us. He wants us. He could have anyone on the face of the earth, yet He chose us. He died for us while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8). We don’t have to do anything to earn his approval, respect, or love. He validates us by being with us and living in us. His life in us gives ours great meaning.

Love for One Another

God validates us and we should validate one another. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us to encourage one another and build each other up. No matter what age we are, we desire to be accepted and respected. Let’s not miss an opportunity to let others know they are appreciated. If people have had a positive influence on your life, why not tell them? Even the words thank you can have great meaning when spoken sincerely.

Frankly, I think Sophia had the right idea. I see nothing wrong with occasionally patting ourselves on our own arms and saying, “Good job!” However, let’s not forget to thank God for His help in our accomplishment. And while we’re at it, why not thank all those who helped us along the way. They could probably use a little validation as well.

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

• Use words like “nicely done,” “great job,” and “thank you” often! The words “thank you,” in any language, can be quite validating!
• Actively listen to others and respond positively.
• Learn to communicate, sincerely compliment, and encourage others.
• Accept others for who they are. Acceptance doesn’t mean condoning or approving. It just means people are the way they are and there is little you can do about it except love them anyway.
• Cut yourself some slack. Instead of putting yourself down for the nine things you didn’t do right today, focus on the one thing you did right. Come on… you must have done at least one thing right today????

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

Does God laugh? I think so. Creating the duck-billed platypus, penguin, and giraffe should merit some points on the chuckle meter. Long before animated cartoons desensitized us to talking animals, He made Balaam’s donkey speak. The medical profession has come to see what the Bible told us all along: a merry heart is good medicine. (Proverbs 17:22) Studies show that those who laugh live longer, healthier lives. God created laughter and it is good.

Of course God has standards. Regrettably, people can pollute humor to something crass and crude. So when I speak of Christian humor in this article, I am not referring to vulgarity. God doesn’t stoop to such levels and neither should we. However, we as Christians could probably lighten up a bit.

Christians are a rare breed when it comes to laughter. Just the knowledge of Jesus Christ as our Savior should fill us with joy, but actually Christians can be some of the biggest fuddy-duddies around. Sometimes we want to determine what should or should not be funny for everyone else. That’s what happened when I was attending a Christian college.

Each year the music department presented a program. One time they did a parody about opera. A girl sang a comic aria while she answered the phone and talked to her boyfriend. It was pretty funny, but the administration wasn’t laughing. Most of their experience with arias came from Handel’s Messiah and Mendelssohn’s Elijah – religious compositions. They equated this genre of music as spiritual. Their narrow view limited their ability to see the humor. Unfortunately, the music director got in BIG time trouble over this comic aria.

A few years ago, I had an opposite experience at a Women of Faith Conference. Here we had 5,000 women of all sizes, ages, styles, nationalities, and denominations gathered under one roof listening, singing, and praising God together. Christian humorist Chonda Pierce had us all doubled over in laughter at ourselves and our denominational quirks. How refreshing! If we don’t believe God has a sense of humor, just think about all the different denominations and their ideas or foibles.

Thank God our salvation does not depend on whether we sprinkle or immerse, bring casseroles or hot dishes to potlucks, use old hymnals or sing new songs, fund raise with bake sales or bingo, clap our hands or keep them in our pockets, drink alcohol or teetotal, sit in pews or chairs, change too much or not at all, use bread or crackers for Communion, and/or raise our hands to praise God or stay seated when we sing Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus. If it did, we’d all be doomed.

Consider this… Jesus had a bit of a merry outlook on life. He enjoyed himself. He had wit and a keen sense of humor. How else would He come up with examples like a camel going through the eye of a needle and getting a wooden plank out of the eye? (Matthew 19:24; Matthew 7:3) He even jokingly nicknamed James and John the “sons of thunder.” (Mark 3:17) Jesus used humor to get points across, but sometimes we don’t recognize it because it’s not funny today. Just like today we think certain expressions are funny, but the ancients would not. The Bible is full of metaphors, irony, hyperbole, paradoxes, and exaggerations for effect. In many ways, that’s what cartoons are all about – illustrations for effect.

It’s unfortunate when our limited view affects our ability to laugh, especially at ourselves as individuals or even as a denomination. Of course we are not to be deliberately offensive with an “in your face” type attitude. However, true Christians aren’t supposed to get offended over every little thing either.

Maybe it’s better to accept our differences and laugh about them. In other words, sometimes we just need to “get thou over it” and get on with serving God.

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

• Read Proverbs 17:22 often: “A merry heart does good like medicine …”
• Lighten up!
• Smile!
• Laugh!
• Don’t judge and condemn others just because they do things differently than you do.

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

People come in all shapes and sizes with diverse genetic, cultural, geographical and family backgrounds. Because we are all different, our preferences and points of view may vary. Different does not necessarily mean wrong, it just means “not the same.” God created us that way.

Since we are all “not the same,” we have strong opinions about what we like and don’t like – in all areas of life: the color and cut of our hair, the clothes we wear, the music we listen to, the foods we eat, the books we read, the cars we drive, and so on. The list is endless. You might call this our style. We all have a certain style. There is nothing wrong with that. In fact, God gives us the freedom to develop our own unique and distinctive style.

However, if we aren’t careful sometimes our style can lead to faulty thinking. The danger isn’t so much in knowing what we like; the danger comes from wanting everyone to like what we like or even worse, thinking we know what God likes. Though we might not admit it, most of us secretly think God likes what we like and hates what we hate. Those who set up their style as God’s standard have a tendency to judge others who don’t measure up. Sometimes, if given the choice, people choose style over substance.

We should never confuse style with substance. Let’s take a church setting for example. Some might focus more on what people are wearing, the vocal quality of the speaker, or singing their favorite song than on Christ. Believers meeting together to draw closer to God can take a back seat to personalities, appeal, and presentation – or for want of a better word – style.

Style is a haircut or wardrobe. Substance is realizing God looks on the heart not the outward appearance. (1 Samuel 16:7) Style is how mellow or upbeat the music is. Substance is worshipping God by focusing on the lyrics sung. (John 4:24) Style is tradition and ritual which is totally different than doctrine. Substance is internalizing and actually living the word of God. (Matthew 4:4) There is nothing wrong with style, if you don’t confuse it with substance.

Some in biblical times had a problem with this as well.

People didn’t like John the Baptist’s style. He was a bit of a recluse and lived in the wilderness. He dressed funny and had strange eating habits. (Mark 1:4-6) He seemed a little severe and stark. Many didn’t know what to make of him so they called him demonic. (Luke 7:33) They didn’t like his style so they rejected his substance – the message of Jesus Christ.

Christ was the opposite of John, but many didn’t like his style either – especially those priding themselves on having “godly” standards. Christ was not a recluse. In fact, he came eating, drinking, and joining in the midst of life at that time. (Luke 7:34) He associated with everyone including tax collectors, prostitutes, scribes, and sinners, so they called him a glutton and a drunkard saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax gatherers and sinners?” (Matthew 9:10, 11; Luke 5:27-30) In other words, “You need to change your style.” Because they could only see His style, they missed His substance – His message of mercy, grace, compassion, and forgiveness.

Sadly, today many would rather debate whether or not Jesus turned water into wine or grape juice (style) instead of being amazed by the miracle itself – and even more amazed by the miracle maker (substance). If examined honestly, we would probably find most church divisions come to pass because of style, not substance.

Consider this… As we grow closer to God, we realize substance is more important than style and with God’s help we learn to differentiate between the two. After all, styles will come and go, but Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

It’s all right to have preferences, but do not think your preferences are God’s preferences.

Do not look down on others who are different from you or don’t share your point of view.

Do not look down on sinners because, believe it or not, you are one.

None of us want to be criticized, so practice being less critical of others. Sometimes it’s best to keep our opinions to ourselves because it isn’t our opinions that count, it’s God’s!

Ask God to help you differentiate between style and substance.

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

One of my favorite scriptures is Psalm 118:24: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” That means every day is a brand new gift from God. Each new day is full of opportunities and possibilities. It’s another chance to hold loved ones near, to enjoy creation, to praise and worship God. And we are commanded to rejoice and be glad IN it – not in spite of it or after it’s over – but IN it!

There’s no denying that some days are good and some are not so good, but there is always some positive aspect to be found. Our job is to search it out! Far too many rob themselves of appreciating today by living in regret of yesterday and fear of tomorrow. Let’s face it – yesterday is gone and there is no guarantee for tomorrow, so today is all we have.

So how can we make the most of each and every day the Lord has made and given to us? Here are few suggestions…

• Be glad! Find something, anything to be happy about! (Psalm 118:24)
• Rejoice! Give God praise and worship no matter how we feel! (Philippians 4:4)
• Be thankful! Find something, anything to be thankful for! (Colossians 2:6-7, Psalm 95:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:18)
• Stay in constant communication with God. Say short prayers all day long. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
• Laugh at least once every day! (Proverbs 17:22)
• Notice and enjoy a little of God’s creation. (Psalm 8:1-4)
• Think good thoughts and the best of others! (Philippians 4:8)
• Don’t worry or fear! Worry and fear cannot solve problems. (Philippians 4:6, Psalm 56:3-4)
• Turn problems over to God! (Philippians 4:6)
• Trust God! Whisper the words “I trust you Lord” often. (Proverbs 3:5, Psalm 34:8, Psalm 62:8)
• Keep minds focused on Jesus! (Isaiah 26:3, Hebrews 12:2)
• Savor God’s love. Nothing can separate us from God’s love. He is with us always. (Romans 8:38-39; Matthew 28:20b)
• Remember, it’s not about us; it’s about God. So do everything for His glory. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Consider this… This is the day that the Lord has made. Throw your loving arms around it and embrace it! It is a gift from God.

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

Just for today, find at least one thing to be thankful for.

Just for today, think the best of others.

Just for today, whisper “I trust you, Lord” all day long.

Just for today, say short prayers all day long.

And tomorrow… do it all again!

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren 

A few years ago I got a speeding ticket on my way to church. I held God personally responsible for this. God could have caused the police officer to look the other way, issue me a warning instead of a ticket, or even be on a different road. And when the policeman stopped me, could not God have displayed a halo around my head so the officer would know I was about my Father’s business? After all, I was on my way to church – which was a good thing. I had to be there early to help with worship – which was a good thing. I was late leaving the house because I was working on our church newsletter – which was a good thing.

Amazingly, the policeman seemed to be totally unimpressed with my good works. He was more concerned with my safety (or his ticket quota, but I prefer to think “safety” because I was definitely speeding). As he placed the ticket in my hand and bid me “God speed” (his feeble attempt at humor), I thought I heard the voice of God saying, “Sloweth thou down!” And I am not a person who usually hears voices.

In our busy world, it’s hard to slow down. I guess this was a problem in Biblical times, too. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” The reference here would be more toward, “Just relax because I have everything under control,” or in today’s vernacular, “Chill out!” However, I think it’s reasonable to stretch the thought into “Sloweth thou down, O Busy Bee, and thinketh not that you are above the law just because you doeth some good things for me.”

Moses gave the same concept in Exodus 14:13-14 when he told the people “Fear not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD…” Sometimes we get so busy, we can’t see what God is doing.

When some hear the Biblical phrase “Be still,” they think of a calm admonition, whispered in hushed tones. Those of us who’ve had children might think of it as a parent grabbing an overactive kid, locking eyes with him or her and saying, “Can’t you be still for just a minute and listen to me?”

Consider this… “Being still” does not imply limiting our mobility or being stagnant Christians. But rather, “being still” means not to get so caught up in what we’re doing that we lose sight of the greatness of God. In other words, “Sloweth thou down a bit” and see God more clearly. After all, it’s all about Him – not about us.

And who knows? That speeding ticket could have slowed me down just enough to save my life. The Lord does work in mysterious ways!

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

Plan some quiet time with God in your day. This is above and beyond your prayer time. Just 10 minutes or so to meditate on God, His greatness, His love, etc. without distractions can do wonders on your outlook on life.

When you are frazzled, take a few minutes to just breathe in slowly and deeply. Think about some things you are truly thankful for.

Practice leaving about 10 minutes earlier than you think you should for appointments. Most of us have a false concept of how much time we really have to get somewhere. This alleviates stress. There’s nothing wrong with being a few minutes early or even on time for a change.

Try sitting in silence or walking in silence without distractions.

Turn your troubles over to God; He has everything under control so just “chill out!”

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

Are you religious? People make a huge error thinking that Christianity is a religion. It’s not so much a religion as it is a lifestyle. Religion is what you believe but Christianity is what you live. It’s something you do.

When people become followers of Christ, their lives are no longer their own. (1 Corinthians 3:23) They automatically become witnesses! (Acts 1:8) Others look carefully at the Christian lifestyle, so Christians are actually witnessing for Christ whether they want to or not. We Christians have quite a responsibility. What kind of witnesses are we?

Christians are the salt of the earth. (Matthew 5:13) Are we full of zest for the life we are called to live?

Christians are the light of the world. (Matthew 5:14) Do we light a candle in this world or do we curse the darkness?

Christians are friends of Christ. (John 15:13-15) Do we understand the meaning of friendship in our relationships? Can we keep a confidence?

Christians are not under the law but under grace. (Romans 6:14, 15) Do we know when to make an issue out of something and when to let it pass?

Christians are partakers of the sufferings of Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:2-8) How do we handle trials when they come our way? Christians aren’t promised a life without thorns or thistles.

Christians are a letter. (2 Corinthians 2:2, 3) When people read what is written on our heart, do they know more about a loving God?

Christians are a sweet aroma. (2 Corinthians 2:15, 16) Do we smell of fragrant perfume or reek of B.O? Do we need a spiritual bath?

The main reason people do not become Christians is because they know one. By the same token, the main reason other people do become Christians is because they know one. Maybe we should ask, “How do people feel when they are around me? What do people see when they look at us?” I’m not talking about perfection but reflection.

When we look in a mirror do we see wrinkles? Baggy eyes? Double chins? Scars? God doesn’t see that and He wants us to see what He sees…a reflection of Himself. (2 Corinthians 2:15,16) Do we reflect the fruits of the Holy Spirit or the works of the flesh? (Galatians 5:19-25) Do people see a glimmer of the reflection of God when they look at us?

Consider this… Do we profess to be religious? That may not be enough. For example, John said that just saying we love God but not showing it to our neighbor puts us on dangerous ground. (I John 4:20) On the other hand, doing something for others is the same as doing it for God. (Matthew 25:24-46)

You’ve heard it said a million times, “You have to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.” Remember, religion is something you believe but Christianity is something you DO!

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

Remember that actions speak louder than words, so talk less and do more.

Ask for God’s help to reflect His love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance in your life. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Stop cursing the darkness (complaining) and light a candle. Pray about it and see if there is anything you can do to help.

Perfection is overrated and not achievable. Don’t strive for perfection. Do the best you can with what you have.

If you fall down, get back up and walk that walk!