Tuesday, December 8, 2009

What's Stressing You Out? What Do You Need To Lay Down?

This time of year can be very stressful. As if us ladies didn't already have enough to do, now we have to think about decorating, gifts, parties, Christmas dinner, and on and on. If we're not careful our spiritual lives suffer. Isaiah 26:3 says, " Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee..." . Christmas is supposed to be a time of remembering and celebrating Jesus and His birth anyway, isn't it? If you're finding yourself stressed out, ask yourself if your mind is truly on Jesus? If it is, you should be at peace.
I know that a lot of the stress comes from the added financial burden that comes with the holidays. However, Hebrews 12:1 says, "...let us lay aside every weight...which doth so easily beset us." I'm not saying not to celebrate, but think about what is truly weighing you down. What's getting your mind off of Him? Is there a way you can make things simpler and less costly for yourself and your family this year? Is it really necessary to exchange gifts with all of the people that you do? Are you trying to not look cheap and impress with the gifts you give? Give something inexpensive, but fun this year. I think I'll share some of my own ideas and things we are doing in my next post. Anybody else want to share some of their own ideas?

6 comments:

  1. I needed this reminder right now! Thanks for the exhortation!

    Love in Christ,
    Pam

    P.S. I appreciate you stopping by my blog and commenting!
    The Scripture you quoted is one of my favorites!

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  2. Dear Sharon~
    Thank you for this much needed
    reminder!!

    Many Blessings~ Miss Jen

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  3. Sharon,

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

    My favorite tip for shopping for the holidays is to buy off the clearance sales from the year before. There have been times I've botten lovely items for 75-80% their original prices. I just put them in my "special" gift area and hold on to them until next year! It is fun, frugal and totally knocks out some of the stress of the season.

    God bless you!

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  4. Hi Sharon!

    Just dropping by to wish you a Merry Christmas and a joyful New Year. I'm proud to announce that I did not STRESS the holiday season and kept my focus on the manger.

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  5. Dear Sharon:

    My husband and I decided a long time ago that, since our children are all adults, we would only buy for our grandchildren. This has taken a lot of pressure off of us (smile). We celebrate very simply, not even having a tree, but we do enjoy having a family dinner for those who can come to be with us.

    By the way, thank you so much for kindly visiting my new blog and becoming a "follower"! I am just beginning to explore your blog and I can already appreciate your heart for the Lord and your transparency. Grace and peace to you!

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  6. Same old me: new name new title.

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