Stress Free Christmas?

Christmas is NOT supposed to be crazy.........but it is.

Christmas is NOT supposed to be stressful........but it is.

Christmas is NOT supposed to be hurried.........but it is.

Christmas is NOT supposed to be hurtful........but it is.

I bombed this Christmas...big time. I waited too long, therefore, having to be hurried, therefore having to be stressed, therefore having no paitence with family and having to be hurt. ARGH!!!

Why does this happen? For me, it is because I'm terrible with planning and thinking things through. I'm the, jump now and ask questions later (I actually think the last minute craziness would be cool.....UNTIL I have to actually go through it...Ahhhh). And you would think I would actualy employ the help of my thinking cap wearing husband. He's what I'd like to call the "Heavy Duty Thinker". He thinks too much for me at times, and maybe that's why I hesitated to ask for his help - because the control freak in me wants to JUST GET IT DONE!

Ok, enough rambling......... What to learn - right now - even three days away from Christmas??

• We CANNOT do it all on our own!
• We MUST employ the help of our loved ones - MUST!
• We MUST plan ahead (and if you are like me, GET SOMEONE to help "map out" a gameplan)!
• We CANNOT leave God out of our day's.....No matter how busy!
• We CANNOT starve our soul - no matter how busy & short for time!
• We CANNOT forget that Our God gives us grace and mercies anew EACH day!
• We CANNOT forget that the enemy wants to derail and side track us; especially when we screw up. DO NOT believe the lies!
• And most importantly, We CANNOT forget the TRUE reason for the season. Jesus was born (for you and for me)!

Mommies, your family is counting on YOU to keep face, to keep steadfast, to stay on track. Do not let one screw up derail you! I am here to tell you that I've screwed up COUNTLESS times, even have given up a few (embarrased about that, but will not stay shut any longer); but thankfully, God has picked me up, dusted me off and reminded me that there is absolutely NOTHING that I can do to warrant His FREE gift, His Love for ME, & His promises for Me.

Let's not take this all on by ourselves, but seek those that can rally around us and help us in the areas in which we are weak. May the next three day's be filled with peace for you and yours!