I know many of you are with me in asking, "Wow, where did the year go?" Yet, when I recount all that happened in 2014, I see that the Lord was very busy keeping me About His Work! How about you? What has the Lord had you up to this past year?

As we reflect on another passing year, many of us think about changes we want to make or things we want to accomplish in the coming year. Some call those New Year's Resolutions, but I like to think of them as gifts for Jesus to offer Him at Christmas time.

At our house, we look at Christmas as a chance to celebrate Jesus' birthday--a day that changed the world and brought hope, salvation, and eternal life to everyone who believes in Him. Now that's something to celebrate!

In my Monday Morning Blog on December 8, I wrote about "Celebrate CHRISTmas with a Birthday Party for Jesus."  If this is a new concept for you, you'll enjoy reading that blog post. I also describe in that article how The Thompsons always have the Birthday bag you see in the picture above in front of our Christmas tree and "Birthday Cards for Jesus." Then we offer all our guests an opportunity to give Jesus a gift and write their gift on a Birthday Card and put it in the birthday bag! Then our family prays for each person to follow through on their gifts. Maybe it will be spending more time with Jesus, having a consistent quiet time, starting or joining a new ministry, serving at church, spending more time with family, finding a mentor or being a mentor . . . . Whatever God puts on their hearts.

I would encourage each of you to think about what you're going to give Jesus in 2015, and I would love you to let me know so I can pray for you. If your gift is to eat better or live a healthier lifestyle, remember that I want that for you too. The last Monday of the Month, I write a series on Love Your Body; and praise God, I've heard from followers who have made dramatic changes in diet and exercise, lost weight, and are feeling healthier. You can sign up to receive the blog posts via email at my website. Here is some help to Love Your Body Through the Holidays. 

Whatever way you celebrate Christmas this year, let your light shine brightly and help everyone you meet know that this "holiday" is a Holy Day remembering and celebrating the birth of our Savior.

Merry CHRISTmas and have a blessed New Year,

Janet

PS: Do you need help Lowering Your Expectations of the Holidays and Enjoying Them More?   

PSS: Julie Sanders offers tips on Expecting the Unexpected at Christmas. 

PSSS: If you have a story of what you do to remember the goodness of God, or a time you forgot that goodness, in your life please contact me.

PSSSS: Also please keep sending your stories of being a mentor, mentee, or having the Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry in your church.