The Gift of Joy

Kathy Carlton Willis is wise and witty, and she never fails to encourage readers to choose joy. In this Christmas UPGRADE, she says not to be overcome with stress, but rather, to be overcome with joy!

“You won't find joy gift-wrapped and under the Christmas tree, but it is a gift indeed,” Kathy says.

I (Dawn) have thought much about gifts over this year. Some gifts, we don't really want, but they ultimately bring us the peace we so desire. Kathy reminds us of a gift we all would like to have—the wonderful gift of true, God-given joy.

Kathy continues . . .

Without the birth of Christ which we celebrate at Christmas, there would be no authentic joy.

There might be temporary bursts of happiness, controlled by surrounding circumstances, but there would not be joy.

"These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:11 KJV).

In times of crisis and conflict, joy produces a calm that cannot be explained. It allows a person to be more than just content, but actually excited about living life "out loud."

Joy gives its recipient an assurance that any unpleasant circumstance is only a temporary inconvenience that can be overcome victoriously.

Overcoming Joy Robbers at Christmas

1. Plan well.

One reason joy evades us is because we feel swallowed up in Christmas chaos. Taking time to discuss holiday plans will help prevent meltdowns.

2. Simplify.

We increase our potential for that Christmas chaos because we want to do “all the things” and there’s no way to do it all well. And sleep. We can all admit sleep is pretty important!

So simplify your “want to do” this Christmas season.

3. Reduce expectations.

One reason joy leaves a home is because expectations have entered in. We have unrealistic expectations for others and self. We have unmet expectations because we hope others will read our minds and we avoid communicating needs and wants.

Discuss expectations or eliminate them.

4. Make it about others.

If you want to thwart the joy robber, activate your security system. What is the best prevention of joy theft? Serving your way through the holiday season. It’s not too late to make Christmas special for someone else.

Being others-minded is the best way to bump up your joy quotient!

Joy to the World—and to Me?

When was the last time you sang “Joy to the World” and wondered if that included you too?

Joy can be elusive as challenging circumstances crowd our hearts. Yet, if there’s any time to be joyful, it’s at Christmastime. It celebrates such a gift of love!

Allow the joy of the Lord to fill you so that you are moved to worship Him, surrendered completely.

Our joy increases as we focus on God’s attributes and good works. In the presence of His majesty, we experience the awe of joyful adoration.

The Christmas carol, "Joy to the world, the Lord is come!" is so accurate. Joy came to the world in the form of the baby Jesus. Anything before that time was just an anticipation of the Christ Child's appearance.

We who live after His birth get the full picture—the gift of grace and mercy—rather than having to offer our own sin sacrifices like God's people did in the Old Testament. Christ's life and death give us the completion of God's gift to us, His beloved.

How can we not be joyful, when we consider this?

Earlier I mentioned the KJV version of John 15:11. Look how the NLT words it—“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!”

Let’s break it down.

• When we focus on what Jesus told us in Scripture, we can be filled with joy.
• We will be filled, not with just any joy, but with Jesus’ joy. We get to experience the same joy Jesus experiences. Let that thought sink in!
• Our joy will be so full, we cannot contain it. It will overflow from our lives. One evidence of a joy-filled life is a joy-shared life.

Joy can only come from the One who guarantees salvation, because with that, there is eternal peace of mind. When Christ becomes real in our lives, we begin to pick up His mannerisms, and if Christ is anything, He is joyful.

It is one of those character traits I'm most thankful for receiving. The Holy Spirit living in me whispers joy to my heart and my mind when the outside world seems to be yelling negativity to me.

Joy to the world, and that includes you and me!

Are you overwhelmed with parties, guest lists, gift wrapping, and tinsel this season? Or are you overcome with joy?

Kathy Carlton Willis, God’s Grin Gal, writes and speaks with a balance of funny and faith—whimsy and wisdom. Not many funny girls also have Bible degrees! She coaches others to learn how to remove the training wheels of fear and not just risk, but also take pleasure in the joy ride of a life trusting in God. Her newest book, The Grin Gal’s Guide to Joy, releases in January 2020.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Couleur at Pixabay.

When Your Christmas Plans Go by the Wayside

Yvonne Ortega speaks into women's hearts and minds with truth-laced hope. In this Christmas UPGRADE, she encourages those who find this season a bit of a struggle.

“My new oven doesn’t work," Yvonne said. "The picture tube on the television is dying. I have that intestinal virus again, and it’s Christmas time.”  

This year because of illness, I (Dawn) have my own list of "wayside plans," but I've been encouraged by Christ-followers who keep pointing me back to Jesus. People like Yvonne.

Yvonne continues . . . 

During the Christmas season, I don’t like to rush. That gives me time to enjoy God’s presence and do what I can within reason.

Therefore, after Thanksgiving, I pulled out my planner and scheduled time for writing and speaking projects along with their deadlines.

I also added time for personal tasks, such as decorating the house, sending my annual Christmas newsletter, and Christmas caroling at a local convalescent home.

With my planner in hand, I thought I had everything under control.

I didn’t count on my new oven not working, my new television not being delivered and mounted on the confirmed date, and an intestinal virus hitting me again.

Why did God allow me to spend all that time in my planner when He knew all along what was going to happen?

I’ve learned three things from God’s Word that help me handle the fact that I’m not in charge.

First, I’ve learned that I will finish what I must.

During my quiet time in the sunroom, I complained to my heavenly Father about the oven, the television, and my health. How could I possibly meet ministry deadlines with the chaos in my life?

The Spirit of God within me reminded me of Ephesians 2:10 (NIV), “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

God didn’t need my planner and my detailed daily schedule.

God, who prepared good works in advance for me to do, would help me get them done in His perfect time.

Second, I’ve learned to be content with what I have.

• My oven doesn’t work, but the gas stove does.
• I can still cook and warm leftovers on the stove.
• I can heat water for the ginger tea that soothes my stomach.
• The repairman will come to fix the oven.
• I can be content without a television.
• I won’t die because I miss a few movies on the Hallmark American cable television network.
• I have a stack of books to read, electricity, and indoor plumbing.
• Though I don’t yet have a delivery and mounting date for the new television, sooner or later, I will.

Meanwhile, I can meditate on Hebrews 13:5a (NIV), “Be content with what you have.”

That verse is not an invitation, but rather a command.

Third, I've learned to submit to God's will.

My intestinal virus has disrupted my Christmas season. And yet, it pales in comparison to the disruption in the life of Jesus, who left the glory of heaven to be born as a babe in a manger.

Philippians 2:6–8 (NIV) gives me the right perspective on Jesus’ birth. It reads,

“Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”

Good would come from obedience to that humble birth.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6 NIV).

As a Christian woman living after the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, I can call on Jesus any time. He doesn’t have office hours. I can ask him for his wise counsel, power, endurance, and perfect peace. He will listen and understand me.

At the same time, I will submit to God’s will as Jesus did. I will be a servant to my heavenly Father God as Jesus was. 

What will you do when your plans go by the wayside at Christmas time?

Yvonne Ortega walks with a small footprint but leaves a giant imprint in people’s lives. This power-packed package is an award-winning international speaker and the author of the Moving from Broken to Beautiful® Series through cancer, divorce, forgiveness, and loss. Learn more at www.YvonneOrtega.com. Yvonne’s background as a professional counselor brings a unique perspective into the heart of women. She’s also a speaking and writing coach. Yvonne celebrates life at the beach, where she walks, builds sand castles, blows bubbles, and dances.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Jess Watters, Plush Design Studio, at Pixabay.

Christmas on the Corner

In this Christmas UPGRADE, Life Coach and retreat guide, Letitia Suk, writes about a time when God had a plan for her when she visited her local CVS.

Letitia says, “Most of my God shows-up moments do not happen in church!

I (Dawn) know what Letitia means! Sometimes, I almost missed ministry opportunities because they didn't exactly look like "ministry."

Letitia continues . . .

The season of Christmas is filled with the FAMILIAR. Takes so much decision fatigue out of a usually overbooked season to know what’s coming next.

Take Christmas Carols for example. Whether we hear the tunes as the soundtrack of the mall or blasting on our car radios, we can usually sing right along—familiar.

Hard to like a new Christmas Carol, right?

This story doesn’t change either.

Everyone knows the parts, the characters, the set, what happens next, who says what, the beginning and the end. Go to a Nativity play in any part of the world and you’ll recognize the plot.

Want a fresh perspective? Get inside the story.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night (Luke 2:8).

These guys weren’t going angel hunting or trying out for a part in the Greatest Story Ever Told. They were just going to work that night. 

They kissed their wives goodbye, grabbed their midnight snack and walked to work. Probably a lot like you did today, different line of work,

• Zechariah was doing “his priestly duty.”  Why? Because he was a priest! Just like you do duties associated with your jobs.
• Joseph was sleeping.  Doesn’t get much more mundane than that!
• Mary was likely doing chores of some sort.
• The Magi were doing their astronomy because that’s what Magi did.

What are YOU doing each day? Count on it that God will bust in on your world at any time and place.

God intersects with our world exactly where we are.

Like the time I stopped into the pharmacy after work. Don’t you do that too?

On my way into the store, my eye caught a $20 bill on the ground. At first. I thought it was fake, but it was a very real $20 bill.

Right away I heard something like, “Don’t get too attached to this—it is not for you.” My interest was piqued!

The sound of crying was more obvious that the carols. A very distraught international college student who was informed the clinic closed a little early. Too late for her to be seen despite her desperate pleas. She broke down. I headed towards her and heard the story.

She was a vocalist with a performance the next day and a very sore throat. She was hoping to get to the clinic, get treatment and sing the next day. (Aren’t we all hoping for something?)

She had borrowed $20 from her roommate for the cab to get there and now, the clinic had turned her away.

She had no treatment, no $20, no ride home, and no apparent options.

I thought she had a valid point and pounded on the clinic door to plead for her. They wouldn’t reopen for me either.

I got the manager involved and he was kind and offered me 20% off any purchases. I wasn’t the one who needed help.

With no other plan, I invited her into my car and drove her home. On the way, I told her about the $20 and gave it to her.

She seemed a bit incredulous. Me too.

Feeling bold, I offered to pray for her. Maybe because she was trapped in my car, she agreed and mentioned no one had ever prayed for her before.

I have no idea what happened after that as I never saw her again, but somehow, I think she got her treatment after all.

God knows where you are at all times. Expect that He will use you in mostly familiar settings.

From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places that they should live (Acts 17:26).

In those places, he will tap you on the shoulder and invite you into something bigger.

Especially this time of year, look around and listen.

You are about to step into the story.

How has God used you in a familiar place?

Letitia (Tish) Suk invites women to create an intentional life centered in Jesus. She is a blogger and author of 100 Need to Know Tips for Moms of Tweens and Teens, Getaway with God: The Everywoman’s Guide to Personal Retreat, and Rhythms of Renewal. She is a speaker, personal retreat guide and life coach in the Chicago area. Visit Letitia at her website.

Graphic adapted,

A 'Recipe' for Christmas

In this Christmastime "UPLIFT," Sally Ferguson shares how to let go of a "perfect" Christmas and create something far better.

"Family traditions are at the top of my list," Sally says, "including handmade ornaments, my mom’s famous egg nog, Christmas cookies, and pies made from scratch.

"But, the list has snowballed, leaving me in a frenzy!"

Frenzy. Yes, I (Dawn) know that word. It's not something compatible with the "peace" that's supposed to be a part of the Christmas season, is it?

Sally continues…

When did life get so complicated?

Browsing through my parents’ wedding mementoes, I found the gift list in Mom’s handwriting. In 1956, an appropriate gift was a set of doilies. Today, we would supplement that gift.

Now don’t get me wrong, I love gifts and gift wrapping and the giving of them.

The first Christmas over 2,000 years ago, the only gift given was a baby.

Two years later, visitors brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. But the gift of a baby represented something very personal. God gave the gift of Himself.

When someone hands you a gift and waits expectantly, do you decline to open it? No, you rip off the paper and squeal with delight over the thought for you.

God wants us to enjoy the gift of relationship. The Bible tells us to taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8), and when we reevaluate our high expectations of the perfect Christmas, we are able to decelerate and focus on His goodness.

Maybe the best recipe for Christmas is to keep it simple and personal.

Give of yourself to others. Spend time looking into people’s eyes instead of talking at them. Take time for reflection and worship. Ann Voskamp calls it, “keeping the sane and sacred of Christmas.”

Worship leader, Anna Hodge, says, “Sometimes I think we need a little help to slow down, open our hearts, and clear out the debris that keeps us from drawing near to God in an authentic and life-changing way.”

Do you need to halt, ponder, and seek God? Reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, to gain perspective.

Eliminate unrealistic expectations, and seek things that make Christmas special.

Now, my recipe may look different than yours, but a common ingredient we can all add, is to have fun!

Isn’t fun highly overrated? While Christmas is portrayed as a romantic holiday, our reality often portrays loss of loved ones, job loss, loss of a home, or another loss. Life doesn’t always go the way we expect. So how can we trust that God will sustain us?

When our recipe is faithful obedience to Christ, we can count on His sustaining power in uncertain times. 

• Look for ways to serve.
• Make time for people.
• Create special memories for others.

When your attention is given to people, the trappings of Christmas become less important.

Author Patricia Raybon says there is a secret to generosity; to get more, one must give. We find our own joy by giving to others!

Author Myquillyn Smith says life doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful.

“I realized that although immaculate looking homes are pretty in pictures, when I’m actually in one… I’m wondering if it’s okay for me to move the pillow out of the way to sit down. I… miss the real purpose of being there: connection.

"There is beauty in the imperfection… Imperfections put people at ease. Once we learn to accept and find beauty in the imperfections, we are free to take a risk in our home and create the home we’ve always wanted.”

What can you do to let go of a perfect Christmas and instead create a home known for the warmth cultivated there?

As a newly married, I learned from a friend that Gingerbread Cookies were the perfect tradition. So I proudly carried that recipe into life as a young mom.

It was not quite the fun I had imagined, when my toddler decided to decorate the ceiling, floors and counters with powdered sugar and flour.

• Find what works for you and make it your own.
• When things happen that are out of your control, turn that into a celebration, too.

We can’t predict the weather changing our plans, but we can build a fire in the fireplace and roast hot dogs. Create special memories with what you have been given.

When dealing with the FRENZY of Christmas, FOCUS on the true meaning and create Christmas FUN.

Whether sledding as a family, delivering fruit baskets to shut-ins, or watching The Grinch three times in a row, whatever secret ingredient you add to your holidays, keep it simple and personal. And may the gift be returned to you, with love.

How do you replenish yourself during the December rush?

Sally Ferguson lives in western NY with her husband, her dad, and a partridge in a pear tree. Actually, it’s a bluebird in the backyard, but this is a Christmas post. Together, they are looking for a recipe for Christmas that will include all the grands! (Sally laughs with her grandchildren, right.)

Sally’s coloring book, What Will I Be When I Grow Up?, is a look at sharing God’s love with others through the platform He’s given you. If you’re a baker, then tell people Jesus is the Bread of Life! Visit Sally at www.sallyferguson.net.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Susanne Jutzeler at Pixabay.

Christmas: He Lives!

As I (Dawn) think about this Christmas, I can't help but think of people all over America, all over the world, who are without joy and hope. Yet I am also overwhelmed by the gracious gift God gave to humankind.

The offering of salvation. The opportunity for total transformation. The power of the Gospel to change everything!

The good news is, Jesus lives.

Jesus is as alive today as He was in that manger.

That does have the potential to change everything in our lives—better than the best "upgrade" you can imagine! Our hope is in Christ, "because He lives." (Don't miss the song at the end of this post!)

Though my blog is all about upgrading our lives, I hope you understand it's not about becoming "better" to win brownie points with God (Ephesians 2:8-9).

We will never be made right with God through good intentions or works.

God's plan to save us does not encourage our comparing ourselves with others or becoming a person God never intended us to become. He has a unique plan and gifts for each of us, and it begins by receiving His free gift of salvation in Christ.

We are saved only by God's good grace; and an authentic Christian is "accepted in the Beloved" (Ephesians 1:6).

I don't know how that makes you feel, but I know what it stirs in my heart.

I am profoundly grateful for God's mercy!

I rejoice today—

1. Because Jesus was willing to lay aside His glory and come as a tiny babe in Mary's womb (Philippians 2:7; Luke 2:1-20).
2. Because Jesus obeyed the Father in Heaven perfectly, even to the point of going to the cross (John 12:49; 14:31; Hebrews 5:8; 10:7; Philippians 2:8).
3. Because Jesus died on the cross as our substitute (Isaiah 53:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18).
4. Because Jesus rose again to certify our victory over Satan and death—HE LIVES! (Acts 2:24; Romans 6:5-10; 1 Corinthians 15:54; Hebrews 2:14-15; 2 Timothy 1:8-10; Revelation 20:14)
5. Because Jesus lives forever as our great High Priest, Lord and King (Hebrews 7:24-28; Isaiah 9:7; Philippians 2:11; Revelation 19:16).
6. Because Jesus is coming again to receive us unto Himself (John 14:3).

The truth of the Gospel message is this: Only God can change our hearts.

When God UPGRADES us, we become more like Jesus.

• We desire to know the Father and His will (Colossians 1:9-12).
• We want to trust Him and obey His Word (Proverbs 3:5-6; Luke 11:28; John 14:15).
• We make intentional, wise, biblical choices regarding our thoughts, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors (Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 4:8; Galatians 5:16; 6:7-8; Colossians 3:17; James 1:5).
• Thus, we cooperate with the Father in the sanctification process—we desire to be holy because He is holy, and we grow spiritually. (Ephesians 1:4b; 1 Pet. 1:15-17).
• And we anticipate Christ's second coming (2 Timothy 4:8; Titus 2:13).

Though we think it all began with the baby in the manger, our "upgrade" really began in the heart of the Father long before the arrival of Bethlehem's Babe: 

"... he [the Father] chose us in him [Jesus] before the foundation of the world..." (Ephesians 1:4a).

He has blessed us in Christ and adopted us according to the good pleasure of His will "to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved [Jesus]" (Ephesians 1:3-6).

Take a moment or two today and talk to the Father.

1. Say thank you for His mercy.
2. Say thank you for Jesus, our Savior.
3. Commit to renewed holiness.
4. And take some time to praise the Lord for "his glorious grace."

We often sing “He Lives” at Easter, but I am taken by how it fits the Christmas season too!

"God sent His Son, they called Him Jesus...."

And He's coming again!

Because He lives, we can face anything.

Here is a beautiful song sung by Joni Eareckson Tada and Gracie Rosenberger—women with great disabilities, but also great purpose and joy. In “He Lives,” Joni and Gracie rejoice in the victory and hope we have in Christ. I pray this music will touch your heart and encourage you today.

Christmas Blessings to you!

Dawn Wilson, founder and President of Heart Choices Today, is a speaker and author, and the creator the blog, Upgrade with Dawn. She is a contracted researcher/reviewer for Revive Our Hearts  and a writer at Crosswalk.com. She and her husband Bob live in Southern California and have two grown, married sons, three granddaughters and a rascally maltipoo, Roscoe.

Graphic adapted, courtesty of Kevin Carden at Lightstock.