Anxiety vs. Peace

Ever since Saturday, where I did a craft fair selling my "junk", I've been feeling anxious. It was exciting talking about the art of crazy quilting and getting people to buy my stuff, but it was also stressful. Why? I mean, I spend all year stitching stuff, and try to sell it in one day. Truly, my mind was not focused on God's business. No. But, my it's also not sinful for me to be selling my stuff.

But I've been feeling anxious. Been reading 1&2 Peter and learning about proper thinking, but it didn't seem to apply. I prayed good and hard last night for everything: for my neighbors, for people in town, for my kids, for my home and DH. I finally fell asleep.

Then this morning, I got the answer. I thought I was making my kids sit down and get some "wisdom form the book of Proverbs, but I'm the one who got the "swift kick". Then again, I got another smack from Colossians 3!! It was great. Maybe, in a way, I'm a bit of a masochist. Being put in my place, where I'm supposed to be, is a good place for me. Being in a stupid selfish place really sucks. Sin, and selfish thinking brings anxiety. Here are the verses from Proverbs and Colossians. Maybe you'll get out of them what I did.

Proverbs 28:25-28
A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them, receives many curses.
When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.

Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:1-2
Since then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above. Not on earthly things.

Tis the season for earthy things. Tis the season for greediness. Tis the season for me me me and then myself, and then me again. Tis the season for tinsel, sparkle, Oooooh-la-la!! Tis the season for sweets, cakes, and candy. I get all caught up in it all. That is where my anxiety is coming from. Go, go go! Hustle bustle!! Buy, sell, fun, "make ones spirit bright!!" Decorate he tree, make the lists, and put out the lights. My spirit is getting all fed up with it all already, and it's only December 2nd. I'm tired of listening to it all. My goodness!!

Then I went preaching at my kids this morning about thankfulness, that we're not going to have as many gifts this year, and that we need to think of others instead of ourselves. What I've gleaned from these Scriptures this morning is:

1. Trust the LORD. Don't be greedy.
2. Be thankful.
3. Jesus Christ is the reason for this season. Set our minds on things above!!
4. Have a lot of family time this season and give to others who are in need.

I have a seasonal devotional book that's absolutely great if you love to bake or cook. It's called 31 Family Devotions for Christmas. It's written by MariLee Parrish. I have absolutely no idea who she is, but I just may have to Google her to see what she's all about. Anyhow, it's got devotions for 31 days, recipes for the season, and great fun times. When my boys get home from school, we're gunna make the first recipe in the book: Banana Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake. Mmmmmm! Doesn't that sound great!! And I just thawed some smashed banana just yesterday. I have a baggie of chocolate chips in the pantry, too. We'll bake it, cut it in half, and sent it to a neighbor. We're gunna share so much love this season. My boys are going to be thrilled with all the love that's going to come out of our house. This season, I want my home to be exploding with thoughtfulness, Charity, and love for others!! To be a light on top this mountain. Doesn't this sound like so much fun? I think so.

May grace follow you. May we raise up our children to love others, to know the LORD, trust Him, and not be greedy. Now I am at peace. This season will be a party of love.

Grace to you!!