“Prepare and prevent, don’t repair and repent.” - Unknown

ANOTHER Week!

SO excited and grateful to be linking arms with you this month - started the day on FIRE and wanted to share with you!

When you feel overwhelmed, anxious or afraid… Do you stand strong or turn away and hide? It can be tempting to do that when something threatens us or the things we love. It is often, also, easier. Keeping the things we love closer to us. Hiding our wealth + possessions from others. Shutting off our time for others. But, no matter how easy, scripture actually tells us to do the opposite. For instance, Proverbs 11:25-26 says, “A generous person will be prosperous, and one who gives others plenty of water will himself be given plenty. One who withholds grain, the people will curse him, but the blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.”?

?Notice there are no caveats, no exceptions to this wisdom. We are meant to be givers… all the time. In times of fear, anxiety and loneliness, we are challenged to continue to give out of a sense of gratitude toward the One who gives to us so freely and so often. Because we serve a God of abundance, we too can give abundantly, knowing our Father will provide for our needs during all circumstances. ??

Take a look at the many things you’re blessed to own or experience. Offer a prayer of gratitude for them, and ask God to help you decide what should be given to others.

?This Month’s Prayer: God, let me live a life of gratitude. In times of fear, let me trust in You. In times of worry, let me confide in You. In times of loneliness, let me reach out and share Your word to connect + live with others.

?This Month’s Scripture: “Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ (NIV Acts 25: 15-18)

This whole month is a such a blessed and joyful time of year! ?? But we all know it also comes with a whole new level of stress too. All the anticipation all year long has led up to this month. Expectations and excitement are high. Plus, more family interaction ultimately leads to more stress and chaos (even if you get along). ??

?If you are starting to feel the stress and pressure of the holidays, don’t fret!

Remember…?We are celebrating the birth of Jesus, the light of the world. It’s a time for everyone to shine bright and feel the joy. This is why I’m sharing some tips this week to deal with the biggest holidays stressors.

?First off, get organized! ?

??? Make sure all the family, work, school and social events are on are your calendar. Whether you use a phone app, paper calendar, planner, or a combination – get everything written down. This may also make you realize you have overlapping events, so you can make decisions ahead of time.

??? Make a list of things to do. And check it twice.??Sit down when you’re not exhausted or overwhelmed. Look at the calendar and think through everything you need to do for the month. Consider things like cleaning, decluttering or decorating. What do you need to do to prepare for hosting or attending gatherings? Write down menu planning, shopping, cooking and baking that need to happen and when. Definitely don’t forget the family fun and traditions like looking at lights, taking family pictures and sending cards, watching your favorite movie, etc.

?? Make a list of things to buy. Write down all the people you need gifts for, when you need them by, ideas, and a budget. The budget part is key because finances are a main stressor for people this time of year. Getting this organized also allows for easier shopping and to take advantage of deals. Or, you can just go to a gift card site and get cards for everyone according to their interests, for exactly the amount you’ve budgeted. Don’t forget grocery lists for all your cooking and baking!

ROOTING FOR YOU!

#TGIM