**Christmas Is Almost Here – Time to Enjoy Every Moment!**

Can you believe Christmas is just around the corner? It’s only a few days away, and I’ve been soaking up all the adorable ideas for making this holiday extra special. From cozy Christmas movies to fun candy recipes, the season is full of joy and magic.

Have you thought about your Elf on the Shelf ideas? It’s such a fun tradition that sparks giggles and surprises every morning. And don’t forget about your Christmas Eve traditions—whether it’s reading a special story, baking cookies, or lighting candles, these moments create lasting memories.

Speaking of traditions, those adorable Christmas outfit photos are always a hit! Pajama family pictures, in particular, make for cute keepsakes to look back on for years to come.

While all these ideas are wonderful, the most important thing is to truly enjoy the moment. Take time to notice the smiles, hear the laughter, and feel the warmth of being together. Don’t worry about the trash on the floor—the Christmas paper and bows will get picked up eventually. Let the tree stay up a few extra days longer if you want. It doesn’t have to come down immediately. Just enjoy the time with your family, relive memories, and savor the present.

Talk about what’s to come, share your hopes and dreams, but above all, remember why we celebrate Christmas. It’s a celebration of a beautiful baby boy born in a manger—Jesus Christ—who came into this world to bring us peace, love, and joy. All of this is found in Him.

So this Christmas, slow down a little, soak in every smile, and cherish the true meaning of the season. After all, that’s what makes this time of year so unforgettable.

The Journey of Choosing Boundaries and Moving Forward

 

**Is It Okay for Christians to Set Boundaries?**

Many Christians wonder if it’s right to set boundaries. The answer is without hesitation yes! Boundaries are healthy and biblical.

The Bible teaches us about love, respect, and self-control. Jesus Himself showed us how to care for ourselves by withdrawing to pray and rest. 

Proverbs 4:23: "Guard your heart, because everything you do flows from it." This shows the importance of protecting ourselves from being hurt too much.

**Why are boundaries especially important for church leaders?**  

Many pastors and leaders face intense stress and mistreatment. According to a 2017 survey by the Barna Group, nearly half of pastors have considered quitting ministry because of burnout. About 1,700 pastors in the U.S. leave ministry each month, often due to feelings of exhaustion, loneliness, and being overwhelmed.

Even more heartbreaking are stories of pastors who have faced verbal abuse, criticism, and mistreatment from church members. Some leaders are pushed to the point of depression or despair. Sadly, there have been cases where pastors and church leaders have taken their own lives after years of emotional hurt and feeling unsupported. For example, in 2013, Pastor Andrew Stoecklein of California died by suicide after battling depression caused by the pressures and criticism of ministry. His story shocked many and brought awareness of how severe the toll can be.

**Why does this happen?**  Often, it’s because leaders don’t set healthy boundaries. They give too much of themselves and don’t protect their emotional space. Without limits, the stress and abuse can become overwhelming.

**What is the solution?**  Setting boundaries is a way of loving ourselves and our communities. It helps us stay strong, healthy, and able to serve with joy. Boundaries are not signs of weakness—they’re signs of wisdom, love, and obedience to God’s call to care for ourselves.

In summary, if you’re in leadership or even in the pew, remember that taking care of your emotional and spiritual health is biblical and necessary. Setting boundaries isn’t selfish; it’s an act of love—both for yourself and for those you serve.

**And for those in pastoral ministry feeling overwhelmed, remember this encouragement:**  

*“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”* — Matthew 11:28  

Jesus cares about our well-being and offers us rest. Don’t be afraid to set healthy boundaries—**"A decision I have made intentionally, no second-guesses and no looking back."** 

The Journey of Truth: Unmasking Myths Along the Way

 

So-Called Truths

In a world overflowing with information, it’s easy to accept what we hear as truth. From childhood stories to viral headlines, many “truths” get passed down through generations, shaping our beliefs and behaviors. But here’s a thought: what if some of these so-called truths are actually myths in disguise?

Before you take something at face value, pause for a moment. It just might be a myth that’s been accepted as fact all along.

We’ve all been told cracking knuckles will lead to arthritis. But the truth? The sound you hear is caused by gases escaping from joint fluid. Studies show that cracking your knuckles doesn’t damage your joints or increase arthritis risk. So go ahead—crack away if it helps you feel better!

Carrots contain vitamin A, which is essential for eye health. But eating a lot of carrots won’t give you super-vision or make you see in the dark. They help maintain healthy eyesight—but that’s about it. No superhero powers here!

Think lightning only strikes once and then moves on? Think again. Lightning can and often does strike the same place multiple times—especially tall, isolated objects like skyscrapers or trees. It’s more common than you might imagine.

The Moral of the Story

The next time someone shares a “truth,” don’t just accept it blindly. Take a moment to verify the facts. With a little curiosity and critical thinking, you might discover that many of these so-called truths are actually myths that have been accepted as fact.

Just because someone says something doesn’t make it true. Question, research, and verify—your understanding will become clearer, and you’ll be better equipped to navigate the sea of information around you.

Don’t believe everything you hear—because some “truths” are really myths in disguise. And remember, the messenger delivering the myth may also be disguised as well.

The Unexpected Curveballs in Life: Embracing Your Journey of Growth

**Catching Life’s Curveballs**

Life is full of surprises, and not all of them come in a straight line. Sometimes, just when you think you have everything figured out, a curveball is thrown your way. These unexpected challenges can feel overwhelming, but they also offer valuable lessons.

Curveballs test our resilience, adaptability, and strength. They push us to grow in ways we never anticipated. Instead of seeing them as obstacles, try to view these moments as opportunities for growth.

Remember, it’s not about avoiding the curveballs but learning how to swing at them. With a positive mindset and a bit of flexibility, you can turn life's surprises into stepping stones toward a stronger, wiser you.

**The Final Journey: A Reflection on Love, Regret, and the Passing of Time**

Imagine being told that someone you love deeply will slip into eternity today. The words hit like a thunderclap, and suddenly your mind is flooded with memories—laughter, tears, silent moments of understanding. You spend every second holding on tighter, acting with tenderness and desperation, trying to make the most of what little time remains. You whisper words you hope will be enough, wishing you could turn back time.

And then, just before the moment arrives—before eternity claims them—you realize with a shock that it’s not just someone you love who is fading away. It’s you. You are the one slipping into the unknown. In that instant, all the regrets flood in: you should have taken that day off work, gone to that picnic, set boundaries you never did, told them how much they meant, loved more freely. But time has run out. The moment is gone. There’s no more second chances, no more words to say, no way to turn back the clock.

In those final seconds, the only thing left is the aching truth—love is fleeting, and life is fragile. And as calls beckons, you realize that perhaps the greatest lesson is to cherish every moment—before it’s too late.

Enjoying the Journey When It Seems As If Everything Goes Wrong

 

You know the type—when it feels like everything that can go wrong, does. One moment, you’re reaching for a carton of eggs in the pantry, only to realize eggs go in the fridge. Classic mistake!! 😂 Then there’s the time you’re driving, the sun is killing your eyes and you can’t find your sunglasses. You drive an hour or so -you look in the rearview mirror, and suddenly, there they are—on your head!

And let’s not forget the frantic search for your phone. You’re digging through bags, pockets, everywhere, only to realize you’re already talking on it. Or that moment at the grocery store when you’re trying to pay, and your debit card isn’t working. Only then do you realize—you’re trying to pay with your driver’s license!

Been there? Yeah, me too. Oh boy, when will this day be over? All you can do is laugh at the chaos and enjoy the journey. It’s okay to laugh at yourself—you’re not going crazy. Maybe you have a lot going on right now, and life feels a little overwhelming. That’s completely normal.

When those days happen, remember to laugh at yourself and take a deep breath. If you journal, write it down. When you have a bad day, go back and read those funny stories —they’ll remind you that it’s okay to not have everything perfectly together all the time. Sometimes, a good laugh is just what you need.

The Sisters' Journey - A Walk Down Memory Lane

**Sisters: A Walk Down Memory Lane**  

Growing up with a sisters is like having a built-in best friend for life. From the moment we were little, we shared secrets, laughter, tears, and a few misadventures that still make us smile today.  

Last night, we were texting each other, reminiscing about the silly things we did, and I found myself laughing so hard—one of those laughs where I was crying. We were reminded of the time my baby sister fell asleep in church and accidentally peed—right there on those old hard wooden pews. Everyone had wet butts, and we all thought Granny had an accident.  

Then there was the time my sister and I got into a fight in the garden. It was so hot, we were so aggravated, and just ready to go home. Instead of calming down, we took it out on each other—and she made me eat dirt!  

And let's not forget the day my baby sister got to experience what it felt like to get into trouble for turning the pages in the Bible too loud during church—though to this day, she insists it wasn’t her. Although, I don't know how you can turn pages too loud. 😂 There was also the middle sister, who got a bad grade in school and then thought she could escape punishment by jumping on the bed—like if she jumped high enough, she could get away from Dad. That didn’t work, of course!

I also remembered how Dad would sometimes slip out of church without me noticing, then come back in and sit right behind me. On the way home, he’d ask what the preacher had spoken about. Let’s just say, I quickly learned to stop talking, pay attention and take notes!  I became the best note taker. 

We laughed so hard, and those moments brought back a flood of memories.  

Thinking about all these moments made me miss my dad so much, but it also made me love my parents even more for what they instilled in us growing up. Those lessons, those laughs, those messes—they all shaped us into the women we are today.  

We got into trouble quite a bit, we were kids. But looking back, I realize those moments—those wild, funny, and sometimes messy times—are what made our family special. They remind me that family is a gift, and the love we share is something we carry with us forever.  

So here’s to my sisters—no matter how many years pass or how far apart we may be, those memories will always warm my heart and remind me of the beautiful chaos and unconditional love we shared growing up.