Are you stumbling your way through January? There have been several recent research studies that show the majority of us give up on our resolutions by January 19^th – dubbing it “Quitter’s Day.” For whatever reason/s, it’s difficult for many to change, even when inspired by a fresh new year.

I’m no expert at keeping resolutions, but I would like to remind us all that we can start again…anytime we like. Women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt, who was known for her self-discipline, had her players pound their chest two times and say “Rebound!” anytime they made a mistake. So, I think if you start your day or week poorly, declare a rebound.

Perspective and attitude are crucial to making positive changes. Some of us “bite off more than we can chew” when we make resolutions or goals. Instead we should consider the mantra that “Little by little adds up.” We can start by doing something for as little as five minutes and build from there.

Most psychologists say that it is not what we do once in a while that makes us, rather it is what we do every day. So, rebound – if you need to, and find a new rhythm. If it’s getting up earlier, drinking more water, reading your Bible. Whatever change you need to make is between you and God. Ask Him, and then start small with realistic expectations and watch yourself grow.

Author Ann Voskamp wrote, “You’re not under any obligation to prove your worth … You don’t have to work to become someone better to get to be loved – you’re already loved, so you get to become the someone you were always made to be. You get to do hard and holy things because they are the next thing – to get to the most fulfilling things.” * Whatever changes you might choose to make, I pray that you remember we are all on a journey of grace! And if you’re wondering what inspired this post, well…I’m preaching to the mirror! 

Grace and Peace,
Pastor Cindy

* https://annvoskamp.com/2025/01/savethis-about-resolutions-when-its-hard-to-keep-going

Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

We began our Advent messages last week learning about hope from David in Psalm 25. This week we will study Zachariah’s Song in Luke 1. We’ll see the hope that he demonstrated as he reminded the Israelites that God kept his promises because of his love for them.

As far as we know, Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth were a typical, and probably traditional Jewish couple. Except they had been unable to have children. They surely hoped and waited for a very long time. But at their age, (Scripture’s words, not mine.) they no longer held much hope for having a family.

But then, an angel showed up and his message from God changed everything! There was a prophecy, a pregnancy, and a mute husband! Luke 1:26 begins, “In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy…” Liz Curtis Higgs, author of The Women of Christmas this sentence is proof that God values women because he uses a woman’s pregnancy to mark time.

I think this time of year often makes us reminiscence. Todd and I were talking this week about how it makes us a bit sad that our family traditions have changed. I miss baking cookies and fudge with my Mama and aunts. He misses nearly the entire Olson family gathering for Christmas Day at Grandma and Grandpa’s house.

But just as God changed the timing and the traditions for Zachariah and Elizabeth, sometimes he changes them for us as well. It is OK for us to miss our loved ones who are gone. It is OK to honor the past. At the same time, it is also good to be joyful about the present and the future. God’s love held us then and it will hold us now.

P.S. – A note to help us slow down as we mark the time of Advent. I encourage you to choose your favorite Christmas carol or song and memorize more than the first verse. Then you can sing it to yourself as you mull over the meaning.

Let’s be Changed in our Waiting,
Pastor Cindy

Photo by Mario Losereit on Unsplash

The moment I realized I hadn’t blogged yet this week, God gave me my topic. I was sitting in the spot where I have devotions. I can look through a glass door where I have a row of prisms. That morning not much light was coming through and the prisms were dark in color. I realized they were still beautiful.

And I thought, how like God that is! There is beauty when the sun is shining brightly and there is beauty when days are dim or overcast. Sometimes we have to look more to find the beauty, but it is there if we choose to adjust our view or perspective.

What perspective do we hold is a good question to ask ourselves as we approach the holiday season. A few years ago I read a book by Ann Voskamp called One Thousand Gifts that challenged me to be more grateful. For the year before Voskamp wrote the book, she kept a gratitude journal. She wrote at least three gifts per day – hence 1,000 gifts.

Voskamp uses a Greek word eucharisteo (pronounced you-cha-wrist-tay-o). It encompasses the Greek words charis (pronounced care-us) and chara (pronounced car-uh), the former means grace and the latter joy. It’s the word we get Eucharist from to refer to communion because Jesus used it during the last supper.

Luke 22:19 says, And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” Jesus knew what was coming..that his body would be broken and his blood spilled…and in the midst of it he still gave thanks.

Voskamp says the lesson from this is to see all, the good, bad, and in-between as grace. When we see all as grace (charis) and give thanks (eucharisteo), we then get a deep joy (chara). I pray that for you and me Friends! God Bless you this Thanksgiving.

Grace & Peace,
Pastor Cindy

Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash