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Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Recipe for Christmas Joy

Dear friends,

I am setting out with a resolution before the New Year even arrives...A dear artist friend of mine (Kerri Lynne...very talented photographer from NY) challenged me a few weeks ago on the phone about what may be holding me back from the things the Lord is calling me to do.  We spoke about how many times at the root of our complacency are subtle fears, those sly attacks from the enemy to try and keep us from all the potential of what the Lord may want to be doing in our lives.  Kerri and I talked about how we both feel the call to write and I know I have neglected that call...mostly because I'm more comfortable with curling up with my personal journal and pen, rather than holding my laptop and typing away for the world to read my thoughts...

 However, I desire to connect with others through words and to share some of the things the Lord has put on my heart beyond tunes...Words hold the power of life and death.  When the Lord created the world, He spoke it into being.  He spoke YOU into being!  And then He gave us the marvelous gift of language, which we so often abuse and make trivial...but words are so powerful- they can offer truth and healing and hope and encouragement if drawn from The Word.  So I pray that my "Weekly Wednesday Words," which I am setting out now to commit to this year, may offer you, as a reader, some hope and remind you to delight yourself in the most powerful, life-breathing Word of the One who created us.  

Here it goes...a simple Recipe for Christmas Joy!

1. Read Corrie Ten Boom's Corrie's Christmas Memories
2. Bake with someone from another generation, OR try baking across three generations.  If you don't have family to bake with, invite a neighbor over!
3. Pass out candy canes in a public place to strangers
4. Gather 2 or 3 friends and go caroling. JUST DO IT and don't be afraid! The experience may surprise you!
5. Surprise a friend or relative by decorating a bush in their yard with lights ;)
6. When you're in someone's home for a holiday gathering, bring stocking stuffers and when no one is looking, fill their stockings with goodies!
7. Treat yourself to a new pair of slippers, and if you're not a slipper kind of guy or gal, just give them a try...I have a feeling your cozy toes will be hooked.
8. When you are feeling stressed, sing "Joy to the World" as loud as you can
9. Spice up your coffee with eggnog
10. Read Isaiah 7-11 and see how many prophecies of Jesus' birth you can find
11. Watch "A Charlie Brown Christmas" on tv or find it at your local library
12. Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful, keeping an eye out for the miracles that Christ wants to bring YOU this season!

Christmas Joy and Blessings be yours!

Caitlin Jane