Make Room For Peace This Season...

Greetings, Dear Friends!

Susie Larson here...

And to those visiting, I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way. Each month I give away a $10.00 Starbucks gift card to someone who posts on my blog. So leave a comment, share a story or insight, and just maybe you'll win a jolt of java for you and a friend! 

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As most of you know, I have a radio show,Live the Promise with Susie Larson The program now airs 6 days a week! Join us every weekday from 2:30-3:00 CST, and on Saturdays from noon to one, KTIS AM 900, on the Faith Radio Network, or listen online at: www.faith900.com We've had some amazing guests and some powerful dialogue. Hope you can join us!

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Now on to my topic...

This morning I had a great conversation with my sister. We talked about our bursting-at-the-seams task lists along with our desire to enjoy a better pace, a deeper peace, and a few sacred pauses this season. I'm not sure how you do it, but I'd like to share a few ideas that have worked for me over the years.

Remember, the holiday season only lasts a few short weeks. Typically we cram in our already crammed schedule, a bunch of parties, an 'ought-to' cookie exchange that we don't particularly enjoy, and a handful of other activities that make us more tired than joyful. 

Now granted, maybe a cookie exchange is the just the thing that brings you joy. Well, then, that's the very activity you should make time for in your schedule.

But, as Believers in Christ Jesus, as followers of our Most Sacred King, we must make room for HIM this season. We must not be at the mercy of the commercial craziness all around us! Just how do we engage in a better pace, embrace a deeper peace, and pause long enough to marvel at the works of God?

Here are a few ideas...

Postpone: Chances are, you've made for yourself an impossible task list this holiday season. Are there engagements you can postpone until after the holidays? Are there tasks that can wait? Can you make a few calls thereby making a little more room in the Inn this season? I encourage you to do just that.

Plan NOT to have Plans: Right now, before the month gets away from you, mark of at least one (better yet, two) nights a week where you plan not to have plans. Let your children miss practice, tell your church committee you need to be home this week. The world will go on even if you miss a meeting or two. Of course, you want to fulfill your responsibilities to others, but if those responsibilities take you away from Jesus, you might want to make some adjustments sooner than later. I promise you, you won't regret making extra room for Jesus this holiday season.

Practice the Pause: Every chance you get, stop in your tracks and take a brief moment to pause, to be still and know that our God is the One and Only, the True Almighty, the Lover of our Souls, and the Maker of Heaven and earth. Look around you and see His handiwork. Embrace the gift of living in a free country where you can lift your hands and praise Him in public, without fear for your life. Sit by the Christmas tree with a cup of cider and exhale; thank Him for your warm home and comfortable bed. Practicing the pause is excellent for your health and even better for your spirit. Cease striving and know that He is God!

Determine now to make room in your life, in your heart, and in your holidays for the Prince of Peace. I promise, you won't be sorry!

So, what do you do to make the holidays a sacred season? I'd love to know!

~Until Next Week

Comments

[Judy Gallagehr]

With all of the parties that go one and the shopping we have made it a tradition to have a great family dinner on Christmas Eve. We take turns each year and that person does the entire evening even the movie---the phones are not answered the TV is off (usually the crackling fireplace in the DVD player) It has been such a great thing to look forward to even more now that the kids are both away at college, this just gives us great quality time to "catch up" and look back on the year, the ups and downs, and give praise to God for getting us through and making way for another year.Judy

[Beck]

Excellent reminder Susie! I love to meditate more than usual this time of year. The snow and early darkness help me nestle in and reflect on this holy time. I love sharing it with my kids too. We love reading books and listening to music that encourage conversation about God's gift.

[Tom Stuart]

Thanks Susie! A great reminder that we can have joy and contentment in the journey and do not have to wait until the destination. The challenge I often face is learning to live in the moment and savor the season that God has me in. Cultivating a thankful heart, as you say, goes a long way in helping us accept and make the most of our present season in life.

[Susie Larson]

Dear Beck,

Your post gives such a description of the beautiful side of winter. I struggle so during the winter months (the cold weather hurts my body and I miss being outside in the warmth of the sun), however, there are seasons to nestle in and this is one of them. May God give you plenty of sacred moments this holiday season! Bless you, dear.

[Susie Larson]

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the post! And isn't that the truth? We so easily default to overdrive mode and miss the gift of the present moment. May we all slow down and embrace His grace and faithfulness right where we live. Blessings to you, my dear friend and pastor!