Tip Tuesday: Preparing for New Year's Eve Celebrations

As the year winds down and we begin to plan our countdown celebrations, make a list of activities for guests of all ages. It's not uncommon for families to go out and celebrate with other families, and this way, little Tommy's mom and dad know that he will be entertained playing age-appropriate games with other children while the parents are free to mingle and take part in other festivities.

Be sure everyone knows where the bathroom is, too!

Reflections of 2013

Take Inventory of Your Year 

As 2013 began, I made a few goals regarding this blog: 1) write blog posts daily, Monday through Friday; 2) review 2 books each month; and host more giveaways. I wanted to share with you where I ended the year in relation to my commitment to the Super Mom the Illusion blog and the goals I set for it and myself.

Blog posts in 2013: 207
Books reviewed: 21
Giveaways: 11

My daily blog count should have been closer to about 260 and my book reviews came up three short. But you know what? Even though I didn't reach my goals, I came close. I also accomplished more than if hadn't had my eyes set on a target. I've shared before that one of my favorite quotes is "If you aim for nothing, you'll hit it 100 percent of the time!" 
So set goals for 2014! Don't get discouraged if you didn't reach the goals you set this year. Be proud of the things you were able to accomplish and use those as the foundation of next year's projections.

Blessings!!

One Word Wrap Up

IMAGINE

At the beginning of the year, I chose to participate in a One Word challenge. The idea was to choose one word that would be the focus for all my endeavors for the year. I chose the word IMAGINE! It is such a rich word for me.

• What would I imagine would become of the book I wrote?
• What would I imagine the man who ask my oldest daughter to marry him would be like?
• What would I imagine my first grandson would look like?
• What would I imagine going to my first writer's conference would be like?
• What would I imagine our Christmas would be like? 
• What would I imagine for the next year and all that the Lord has for me there?

There was so much to consider and meditate on that the Lord had for me. And even in all the things I could hope, think or imagine, He still had far beyond what my mind could dream up. It has been a great year of imagining, catching the vision He has for me, and growing closer to Him everyday. 

Did you choose a One Word this year? I'd love to hear about your One Word, too!

It isn't too late if you didn't do that in 2013. You can make a decision NOW, today, to choose your own One Word for 2014. 

ON New Year's Day, I'll reveal my One Word for 2014!!

Blessings!

Putting on the Spirit Giveaway WINNERS!!

Congratulations to our WINNERS:

Jaqueline S
Rachel B
Jan S

I'll be emailing each of you soon with the link to your eBook copy of Putting on the Spirit 10 minute devotions for busy moms!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

TIP TUESDAY (a bit late in the day!)...

Remembering the Reason for the Season

There was a time, not too long ago, that I struggled with celebrating Christmas. It wasn't that I didn't love Jesus or that I didn't want to get in the mood of the Christmas Spirit. I just couldn't get out of the dark place I had allowed myself to go. I couldn't wait for Christmas to be over! It was the worst holiday for me often because we weren't able to get gifts for our children.
During those bad years, we followed our traditions of getting a real tree, going to Christmas Eve candlelight service, and driving around looking at lights afterward. But on December 26th, I would promptly pack up all the decorations, pull the lights off the tree and have one of my sons help me haul the tree out of the house. The rest of the decorations we had put up around the house were soon packed and put away, too. I just wanted to move on to the New Year and be done.
A few years ago, I prayed to overcome that state of depression and the Lord delivered me. Now, I make it a point every year to focus on celebrating the birth of my Lord and Savior, Jesus.
The tip for today is, no matter where you are in your relationships, in your finances, in your haves and have-nots, don't forget why we have this wonderful time of year!

Jesus is the reason for the season!
Keep Christ in Christmas!

Blessings and Merry Christmas!!

Bless You

More Than a Nicety When Someone Sneezes

As I sat writing in my Thursday office (Panera!), someone nearby sneezed. I instinctively offered, "Bless you!" to the gentleman. He thanked me and commented that you never know when you'll sneeze and have a heart attack. How true!  

As is quite typical of me, that comment got me to thinking. What if I hadn't said those polite words expressing a common politeness? What if he needed to hear those words of blessing, not just because he sneezed, but becauase of something I had no idea was going on in his life? What if those words lifted his spirits and were instrumental in him have a better day than had begun for him? 

Our words really do impact the people in ways we cannot fully imagine or comprehend. Our words, when coupled with our faith, can change the course of an out of control car, sickness and disease that would attack us, or even change the course of a war as happened when Rees Howells prayed during World War II! 

I know when I've had an off day or a bad day, an uplifting word from a friend or even a stranger when I hear it and accept it has turned that day completely around for me! I believe that our words have power and that we can change not only our day but the day of those we encounter. 

What can you do or say to someone today that will encourage them?

Blessings!!

Putting on the Spirit eBook Giveaway!!!

How is this for an amazing Christmas giveaway? My friend Katie Hornor at Paradise Praises just released her book, Putting on the Spirit and to celebrate, I'm hosting a giveaway for THREE copies of the eBook!!! We'll start today and on Christmas Day, I'll choose the winners!


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