Christmas reminds me a lot of how we live our lives. It’s easy to get others what they want, but rarely are we willing to answer the basics of what we want.

Surprises are more exciting and invites the inspiration of opportunity without needing to be in the know.

Strangely enough, you give what is wanted to everyone else, but struggle to ask for what you need.

Taking care of others is no big deal. But there never seems to be enough room for you.

There are always chains that hold you down.

• Lack of time
• Lack of energy
• Lack of finances
• Lack of motivation
• Lack of support
• Lack of accountability
• Lack of sleep

What if you could wrap up exactly what you need this season?

What would it be?

I would like to encourage you to consider gifting yourself the gift of grace.

The K.I.S.S. ~ Gift yourself grace!

Any time you place a limitation on yourself, the opportunities lessen. You can’t see beyond what you complain about. Excuses rule the roost. All you recognize are obstacles, not opportunities.

The world is no longer your oyster. UNLESS you gift yourself grace.

1. Forgive before scoring. Break the scoreboard on what you’ve done right or wrong, and let your failures be learned lessons in your every day. You’re not going to do everything the way you hoped or wished. But you can keep moving forward so long as your mind doesn’t move backward. “Learn from the past, but stay present for your future.” ~ Kristianne Wargo
2. Presence before grieving. There is a sense of loss when you fail. And in that moment, after the initial emotions are felt, grief sets in. Don’t let your chains hold you down. Be present in order to move forward.
3. Hope before whining. Take AIM for what you want in your life. Leave the complaints and sorrows for another day. See what’s possible in the middle of the mess.

Think about the birth of Jesus. Mary was told she would bare a child, which by the way, was the Messiah, yet she was unwed. How can this be?

Mary could have whined more than she hoped. But she chose to be hopeful in a stressful time that, in those days, was impossible.

But with God, nothing is impossible.

Don’t let your chains hold you down.

“One step at a time leads to miles of greatness!” ~ Kristianne Wargo

PRAYER: May your heart be filled with the joy of the season, for God’s reason is His gift of presence. As failures knock on your door, open it up with a smile of hope. Opportunities abound, so look around. Let your chains fall to the ground. Every day begins with new mercies. Grace gifted by God.

“Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!“