12 Days to a Better You, WE, and Good Cheer by Christmas

During this busy Christmas season, we tend run on hyper speed. Try slowing down a bit.

Day 12 – Read Psalm chapter 1. Make a list of all the tasks you need to accomplish until Christmas. Prioritize what’s most important. Do you really need to complete the entire list? Planning and preparation will dodge potential stress-freak days before Christmas. Remember the goal is a stronger you, relationships, and peace.

Day 11 – Read Psalm chapter 8. Spend some time outside looking at God’s majesty. Even if it’s only five or ten minutes. Think about your loved ones and offer a prayer of praise for each one. If you are married concentrate on your partner’s good qualities and what your most thankful for in the way God molded them.

Day 10 – Read Proverbs chapter 14. Think of people who you want to spend time with and calendar time. It’s very easy to let the festive season sneak away from us and not spend time with people who enrich our lives. Schedule some extra time with your spouse or best friend for fun.

Day 9 – Read Proverbs chapter 15. Send off a quick email, letter or text letting someone know how much you appreciate them. Thankfulness and appreciation for the people God has blessed us with will increase our joy and give us a surge of good cheer.

Day 8 – Read Psalm chapter 13. Find a quiet place and ponder any challenges or grievances you may have. Name them and then leave them at the foot of the cross. God hears you. God sees you. God loves you. Forgive whomever you need to forgive. Hold no bitterness. There is no room for resentment in a thankful heart.

Day 7 – Read Proverbs chapter 16. Grab a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate in a busy establishment and sit. Stop. Watch the hustle and bustle all around you. Muse over, Proverbs 16:9, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” Even just a few minutes of stopping will refresh your soul.

Day 6 – Read Proverbs chapter 17. Create space in your house. Go through your home and see what you can give away and bless someone else with. Throw out the junk you’ve been sitting on for the never used “just in case I need it” stuff. Offer to clean something for your spouse.

Day 5 – Read Psalm chapter 24. Watch a Christmas movie with your spouse or someone you love.

Day 4 – Read Psalm chapter 42. Call your mom. Or call your dad. Or an in-law. Or an aunt or uncle or cousin. Think of someone who would want to hear from you and make a call and make their day. Considering others brings joy to the heart.

Day 3 – Read Psalm chapter 46. Whatever further preparations need to be made relax and meditate on what God says in Psalm 46:10, “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God.’” Focus on what’s most important. Focus on God’s love and the people you love. If you’re married, express to your spouse your love for them.

Day 2 – Read Psalm chapter 71. Take a walk in the evening with a loved one [husband/wife] and look at the Christmas lights. Let him/her know how much you enjoy spending time with them and that you are looking forward to more time as you celebrate Christmas, and especially the upcoming year.

Day 1 – Read Psalm chapter 92. Attend a church service with your family. Hold hands with your spouse. Be thankful. Anything on your “to do” list that didn’t get done WHO CARES?! Be still. Enjoy your family. TAKE IN all of God’s blessings.

Make way for a better you by Christmas. Follow this 12-day action count down, and not only will you enjoy richer relationships, but you’ll have joy and good cheer in your heart.

Have a blessed Christmas!

Fondly,

Lu

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