December 1 is TOMORROW. The insanity of the season is upon us.
But it doesn't have to be that way. Let's look at ways to save our sanity during this Holy Season. They are all about SELF CONTROL. A little bit of discipline goes a long way toward enjoying the season rather than becoming quickly overwhelmed.
1. SAVE time in our schedule to allow margin for rest, relaxation, and fun! Save dollars in our bank account to allow us to pay bills, cover household expenses, and enjoy an occasional treat. Save energy in our bodies to allow us to exercise, prepare healthy meals, and enjoy our friends and family.
Simplify our schedules by limiting activities to a few favorites allows us to enjoy festivities without wreaking havoc on our rest. By minimizing TV, internet, and technology, we can allow time for special celebrations instead.
Budget purchases to eliminate financial deficits. Forgo unnecessary expenses such as restaurants or new clothing to allow funds for Christmas gifts and activities.
Stick to exercise routines and healthy eating to promote energy for extra time with family and friends. Indulge in small quantities of your favorite activities, expenditures, and foods rather than overdoing everything and not enjoying anything.
"A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls."
Proverbs 25:28 NLT
2. SAVOR everything the season offers our five senses! Christmas is a feast for the senses. Rather than binging on this feast, slow down and savor each delicious moment!
Savor sights of twinkling lights and festive decorations and smiling faces.
Savor scents of Christmas pine and baking cookies and crisp winter air.
Savor sensations of blazing fires and fuzzy sweaters and warm hugs.
Savor sounds of Christmas carols and squealing children and cheerful greetings.
Savor tastes of savory dishes and salty snacks and sweet baked goods.
"When you're given a box of candy, don't gulp it all down; eat too much chocolate and you'll make yourself sick;" Proverbs 25:16
3. SALVATION of our sanity allows us to appreciate the salvation our Savior came to give. Remember the reason for this celebratory season!
Worship regularly with praises of Hallelujah and Joy to the World.
Devote time to prayer and Bible reading each day.
Read the Christmas story with children, family, and friends.
Share a personal story of how the gospel affects this modern life.
Enjoy Christmas services while celebrating with family or friends.
"So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world."
1 Peter 1:13 NLT
May we remember to save our sanity this season by preventing overwork, overwhelm, and overdrafts. Self-control gives space and time and enjoyment instead.
"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!" Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
Enjoying the season with you,
Dianne
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