Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas!!!

We hope that you are enjoying your Christmas with Family today!  We sure are!!

Our daily, 'Navigating the rope' posts will resume January 2nd, 2012!  For this next week, take some time and enjoy being with family!  

Coming soon!  

Tips on how to make New Year's Resolutions Last, 

as well as a list of attainable New Year's Resolutions! 

Christmas Family Fun - Week 4

Christmas Eve has always been one of my most treasured memories from growing up.  Even as a little girl, I can remember holding a candle INSIDE a church and watching the wax drip down as my family stood together and sang, “Joy to the World!”  As we grew up, the setting changed, and even various members of our family that were able to attend changed, but the special night remained just that – special!

Whether it was the annual “matching family picture” amongst the poinsettias at the front of the church, or watching my sister and husband have a wax-flicking contest (sound dangerous?  Yes it was…), Christmas Eve was such a special night for us.  It usually consisted of 4 or so services (my dad is a pastor, so of course we attended each service put on at our church!), then heading out for a special family dinner at some restaurant we rarely got to go to.  Afterward, we would head home to open that first “Christmas Eve gift” and snuggle up together while watching a Christmas Classic – more-often-than-not we selected “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.”  Christmas Eve was the beginning of “Christmas” for us, and honestly was just as treasured as the next day!  It was a day that was committed to focus on the real reason for the season, and enjoy time with our family.

For our final “Christmas Family Fun” article, we wanted to encourage you to make the most of this entire “Christmas Weekend!”  There are special Christmas Eve services held in churches across America, which means that wherever you are, there’s a place you can go.  Many of them have candlelight services, but if you’d prefer to keep your kids away from the temptation of a “wax-flicking competition” then there are services that refrain from using candles!  There are more serious-focused services, and for families with young kids (like our own!) there's many “Family-friendly services!”  The point is to go ahead and extend your Christmas Tradition and allow it to start the night before.  Take some time, as a family to enjoy a sweet service full of Christmas Songs and moments to remember why we celebrate this precious holiday in the first place.  Then, head to wherever you’re going and spend some time as a family, making your Christmas Eve just as special as the day to follow!

One last thing….

Christmas is on a Sunday this year, which provides an EXTRA SPECIAL opportunity for your family.  Many churches across America are offering Christmas morning services as well, for you to take time out of your Christmas morning to focus on Christ and his birth.  They offer a chance to celebrate HIM along with others, and embrace that He is our reason to celebrate.  Don’t miss this opportunity to train your family, and teach your kids that Jesus is the REASON we celebrate.  It’s easy to make that statement, and hang that artwork (Jesus is the reason for the season) on our wall, but it’s an entirely different thing to live a life that reflects that.  Sure, the service may mean that you can’t remain in your pajamas all 24 hours of your Christmas Day, but I encourage you not to miss out on such a precious teaching opportunity, because you want to stay in your PJ’s.  Let’s keep the main thing, the main thing, this Christmas – Jesus!

Avoiding Grinch-Like Leadership

At this time of year, it is only a matter of time until you hear the following lyrics played…

You're a mean one Mr Grinch

You really are a heel

You’re as cuddly as a cactus

You're as charming as an eel

Mr. Grinch

You’re a bad banana with a greasy black peel

You're a monster Mr. Grinch

Your Hearts an empty hole

Your brain is full of spiders

You’ve got garlic in your soul Mr. Grinch

I wouldn’t touch you with a

39 and a half Foot pole

You’re a vile one Mr. Grinch

You have termites in your smile

You have all the tender sweetness of a seasick crocodile

Mr. Grinch

Given the choice between the two of you

I’d take the a seasick crocodile

You’re a foul one Mr. Grinch

You’re a nasty wasty skunk

Your heart is full of unwashed socks,

Your soul is full of gunk

Mr. Grinch

The 3 words that best describe you, are as follows, and I quote

Stink, Stank, Stonk

You’re a rotter Mr. Grinch

You’re the king of sinful sots

Your hearts a dead tomato splotched with moldy purple spots

Mr. Grinch

Your sole is an appalling dump heap

Overflowing with the most disgraceful

Assortment of deplorable rubbish

Imaginable, mangled up in tangled up knots

You nauseate me, Mr. Grinch

With a nauseous super naus

You’re a crooked jerky jockey and,

you drive a crooked horse

Mr. Grinch

You’re a 3 Decker sour kraut and toad stool sandwich

With arsenic sauce!

Of all the Christmas tunes out there, this one is the least likely to give you the warm fuzzies.  Still, the funny little tune is adored as listeners recall the classic book and cartoon from the mind on Dr. Seuss. 

The Grinch would have made a terrible leader as you can imagine.  Here are a few reasons why.

He was isolated.  The Grinch lived atop a mountain outside of town with little interaction with anyone accept for his dog (and even that wasn’t pleasant).  When leaders become isolated from those they lead, the result is a perception that the leader doesn’t care for his or her followers.  Interaction with those you lead is vitally important in order to be effective.

He was bitter.  For some reason, the Grinch was bitter and it defined him.  Bitterness comes across loud and clear to those you lead.  It wears on your team to the point that they will eventually abandon you.  Deal with your bitterness and get rid of it.  When you do, your team will be much more inclined to follow you whole-heartedly.

He was self-focused.  The Grinch did not take into account the thoughts, feelings, and dreams of those around him.  If he did, he would have never attempted to steal Christmas in the first place.  When leaders become self-focused it can become easy for them to use and abuse others.  As leaders, we have to get beyond ourselves.

One positive about the Grinch, he was willing to change.  It took a lot, but somehow his shriveled little heart began to expand.  This can be true of any leader as well.  When we find ourselves displaying Grinch-like characteristics in leadership, it is time for a change. 

If those you lead wrote a song about you, would it resemble the popular Grinch theme song or would it be a different kind of tune?  As a leader, you are responsible for the song your followers sing about you.

It Really Is A Wonderful Life

Old George Bailey was having a “Blue Christmas”.  Frustrated by the hand life had dealt him, he was ready to throw in the towel.  Just as he reached the end of his rope, Clarence (an angel without wings) shows him the difference his life has made in the lives of other people.  The heartwarming tale has been played and replayed each year at Christmas time.  Though the screen shows the telling signs of an aging film as images appear in black and white, the story still relates to millions who tune in each year. 

The reason the message of the film is so enduring is because we all want to know that our lives have significance.  Perhaps because it falls at the end of each year, December seems to be the most introspective of months.  We take stock of all that we are and all that we have accomplished and wonder if it really amounted to anything.  In the end, depending on your measure of success in this kind of introspection you can be inspired or depressed.

It is at this point that we have to realize something George Bailey discovers.  The key to his life’s significance was not getting out of Bedford Falls, making money, or even the success of his little savings and loan.  The key to his success was the relationships he had cultivated with those who really mattered.  At the end of the film, person after person lines up to give some spare cash to help out the down-on-his-luck Bailey.  This is a great symbol of the richness of return that we gain when we invest in relationships.  

What creates a wonderful life is the relationships we treasure with those around us.  Be encouraged this Christmas.  You have surely made the difference in the life of others around you.  If you are beginning to think about resolutions for 2012, think about the relationships you intend to cultivate and grow in the New Year.

Christmas Shopping tips from Dave Ramsey

The following post was taken from Dave Ramsey's website, offering "Real Debt Help!"  It's a great reminder as you're trying to finish up purchasing those last minute gifts!! To go to the article on Dave's site, click HERE!  __________________________ We’ve all paid “stupid tax”—making costly decisions with zeros on the end. A lot of those decisions happen when we’re caught up in the emotion of the Christmas season and procrastinate a little too long. Make this year different! Here are the top 10 Christmas shopping mistakes and how you can act differently: Not prioritizing. Instead of getting stressed out with all the parties, baking and shopping, in addition to your normal daily life, set some priorities before you’re bombarded with a million requests. Think about which things are “must do” and which are “would be nice to do.” It’s all right to say no to keep yourself sane. Shopping for gifts is more fun when you’re not completely stressed out. Not using a budget. Before you make a gift list and head to the mall, set aside a reasonable amount of money for gifts. Make a commitment that you won’t add $20 to the fund every week just because you saw something cute that your niece would love. Get budgeting advice here. Using credit cards. Once you have your budget finalized, stay away from credit cards! You will still spend 12-18% more if you use plastic, and you’ll be paying it off come 2009! Doesn’t paying with cash sound more freeing than having a credit card balance looming over your head? You bet. Buying for everyone. Do you really need to buy gifts for every family member and friend you have? That can get overwhelming and expensive for everyone. Talk with them and work toward an agreement to draw names for gifts or donate money to a common cause. Not listening. Listen to the hints your loved ones drop about what they need or want this year. Maybe your Aunt Sally mentioned that she would love someone to help her in the garden, or Cousin Bob keeps losing guitar picks. A thoughtful gift like this will mean a lot. Not having a thought-out list on paper.  If you think you can spend time in “Christmas retail world” without getting distracted by all the shiny toys, you’re in for a big surprise! You’ll be more likely to buy impulsively if you do it that way. Write down what each person you’re buying for would like and stick to the list. Stay focused! Not shopping around. “Shopping around” doesn’t mean you have to spend 24 extra hours running from store to store to save 10 cents. Take a look at your gift list and do some comparative price-checking online before you head out into the retail and traffic madness. This will save you money, time and stress! Waiting until the last minute. Procrastination is not the most appealing gift out there. Don’t find yourself stressed out on Christmas Eve just because you didn’t invest a little bit of time to plan. Forgetting to plan for next year. Throughout the next year, look for outrageous sales on things your loved ones will need. If you time the sales just right and clip some coupons, you could land a major discount on something you were going to buy in a few months for a birthday or wedding gift. Remember to have a list and budget for this, too. Forgetting why we celebrate. If this season becomes all about shopping and gifts, you’ve missed the whole point. People—not things—matter. The miraculous birth of a baby who changed the world is what matters.

Ho, Ho, Health! Lessons We Can Learn From Santa

He may be jolly, old, and a saint but Santa has been taking some serious health risks for generations now.  The following health concerns were taken from “The Huffington Post” which outlined some of Santa’s unhealthy holiday habits.  As they are listed below, perhaps you can relate to a couple of the these concerning fitness trends (I know I could)…

Pulling An All-Nighter – Santa does it once a year.  Who hasn’t done this before, especially at the end of a semester or to get Christmas preparations just right? 

That Heavy Sack of Presents – Hope that he lifts with his knees.

Excess Weight – Enough said.

Overexertion After A Sedentary Lifestyle – For 364 ½ days the guy kicks back while the elves do the work and then he jumps into action.  He’s got to be sore the next day.

Lurking Germs in His Beard – It’s cold and flu season.  Santa has been in close proximity with a lot of kids who sneeze and cough as they list their presents.  Pass the hand sanitizer…

A Lack of Visible Sleigh Safety – Does that thing even have a seat-belt?

Too Many Cookies and Too Much Milk – Not to mention, that milk usually sits out for a while. 

Those Trips Down the Chimney – Black Lung?

A Vitamin D Deficiency – Not a whole lot of sunshine there at the North Pole.

That Thin Red Suit – Santa has got to be a member of the polar bear club.

Traveling Too Quickly – He got to be quick to get to all those homes, but honestly – who is going to pull over Santa?

The Night Shift – Working late is sooo depressing… especially during the holidays.

Santa may be a role-model of Christmas cheer, but probably not the kind of guy you want to model your health habits after.

Read the original article by clicking here!

Christmas Family Fun - Week 3

When I was a teenager, I was in love with young kids!  Babysitting was the joy of my heart, and I eagerly looked forward to my weekends, because it meant that I got to spend hours having fun with little kids, and one family in particular completely stole my heart. 

I started babysitting Abbey, and Luke when Luke had just been born, and walked through life with those sweet kids for years.  I was there when they even added their 2 twin brothers into the mix!  I was so sad when I left for college, and knew that my treasured moments with them would be minimal, but loved the time I was able to spend with them!  We would go to the mall and ride the 25-cent rides, share chick-fil-a, and even see Santa together!  Such great memories!

One memory in particular, that I cherish, and will never forget, is the first time we took them, along with their family to a live nativity scene.  A local church in our area made an annual tradition of setting up a little manger scene, and filling it with what appeared to be several students in their ministry acting out the characters.  To an onlooker quickly passing by, it seemed to be no big deal, but to sweet little Luke, it was an early “A-ha moment.” 

We walked through the luminaries, leading the way to the manger, and upon arrival to the nativity scene we sat down in the grass and stared at Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus.  Watching it through little Luke’s eyes was precious, because as Luke saw Jesus for the first time in that manger, he looked at me, then at his family, then back at Jesus, and said “Awesome God!”

Luke got it.  He understood that it didn’t matter if it was a bunch of teenagers playing dress-up, and a doll baby rather than a real one, the picture being portrayed was one of our “Awesome God.”  He knew that this picture was one that would change our world forever…. truly, Awesome.

We’ve talked earlier this week, about being sure to make the main reason of Christmas (Jesus) shine through in your own heart.  Today, as we talk about a Family Tradition to begin in your own home, I want to encourage you to do just that.  Why not find a picture of a nativity scene, or going to a “live” one, and bringing your family.  Slow down from the hustle and bustle, and take some time to really concentrate on what Christmas is all about.  While there, remember to not just take them to see it, but in the car on your way back home (or wherever you’re headed), take some time to talk about what that baby in the manger really means.  Take the time to teach them about their “Awesome God.”

Have you brought your kids to see Santa yet?  How about making it a tradition to see the baby in the manger that has changed our world forever?  It’s nice to see a jolly old man in a red suit, but even better to see a picture of our “Awesome God.”  Go ahead and plan it!  You’ll be glad you did!

Isn't There Anyone Who Knows What Christmas is All About?!?!

It is December 14th. By now you have been completely immersed in the Christmas season.  You have no doubt done some Christmas shopping.  Perhaps you have even attended a couple of Christmas parties.  With the big day still 11 days away, we can already begin to feel the effects of the season wearing us down.  One comedian recently wrote, "Having trouble deciding what to do with the next 4 minutes. Listen to the song Christmas Shoes or slam my face against the pingpong table."  He has obviously had his fill of holiday tunes.

At this point maybe you feel like joining Charlie Brown yelling out, "Isn't There Anyone Who Knows What Christmas is All About?!?!"In the classic Christmas cartoon, the frustrated Peanut member cries out for meaning.  Listen to the words quoted by his buddy Linus in response...

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:8-14 KJV)

This Christmas season, don't miss God who came as a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes laid in a manger. He came to bring peace and good will toward men... Including you! 

Christmas Family Fun – Week 2

“That is not for you, Mr. Browning”

These are the words that I hear every year when I go to take a cookie, tear off a piece of desert bread, or grab a homemade candy.  If I’m truthful, I know that these goodies are not for me but it is hard to control yourself when you have a plethora of Christmas treats all around you.  This is the scene in our home every Christmas.  Starting in early December our kitchen becomes a Christmas distribution center.

Admittedly, I am not the baker in our home.  I’m more like the kid at the end of the old “Shake N Bake” commercials.  I do my part and at the end announce – “And I Helped!”  The head chef at the Browning residence is none other than my wife Beth.  (I know… good looking and a brilliant cook?!? Some guys get all the luck!)  At this time of year, our little family gets baking so that we have a delicious treat for our neighbors, acquaintances, and others. 

Our little Christmas baking tradition serves a couple of purposes…

First: Family Baking Bonding Time.  If you don’t take yourselves too seriously in the kitchen this can be a really fun time.  You can talk, laugh, and enjoy some dedicated family time to doing a project together. You don’t have to be an expert baker.  (The first year we made sugar cookies.  That is the sources of the picture above.  Those were decorated by Beth… Somehow we lost the picture of the one’s I decorated.  Go figure.)  Just download a free recipe and have fun while you make it together.  Everybody can participate.  Beth oversees ingredients, I mix, Caleb pours in various ingredients, and the dog takes care of anything we drop on the floor.

Second: Sending Christmas Cheer to Those Who Are Near.  We’ve tried to make it a habit of dispersing our Christmas goodies to neighbors and acquaintances.  When I worked for Chick-fil-A I would bring in platters of cookies for my co-workers. We’ve trekked through the snow to bring loaves of Chocolate Chip Bread to new neighbors.  Bringing these treats to others is a good way to opening the door to some Christmas cheer and maybe even sharing the true meaning of Christmas with others.

WARNING: If you are going to give away something you bake, make sure it tastes good first.  In our home, I have the glorious burden of taste testing what goes out the door and into the lives/mouths of others.

So carve out some time this Christmas season to make some treats.  Your family, your neighbors, and your taste buds will be glad you did.

Christmas Family Fun - Week 1

Christmas is hands-down, my most favorite time of the year!  I love looking at the creative ways that people decorate their homes (inside and out!), I love listening to Christmas music, drinking hot chocolate by the fire, and I even love walking around the mall enjoying all of the exciting “hustle and bustle” as people try to find that perfect gift for a special someone.  I’m ashamed to admit that I even look forward to ABC Family’s 25 days of Christmas, so that I can watch the hokey ‘Original Christmas movies’ that they produce!  Yes, it’s truly the most ‘wonderful time of the year’!

One of my sweetest memories from growing up, was the special Christmas traditions we adopted into our family.  Things like going to the candlelit Christmas Eve service together, all color-coordinated, or riding around the car to see the beautiful Christmas lights are just a couple of the treasured memories I hold close.  This week, as I was thinking about what to write on our blog for Family, I had the idea of sharing some fun family activities that involve a Christmas theme!  So, with hopes of helping you to get into the Christmas spirit and make special family memories within your own home, we’ll be giving you a great Family Fun idea to try out each Friday in December!  So without further adieu, here’s our first family ‘fun’ idea! J

Since our very first Christmas being married, Steve and I have tried hard to remember that this sweet season is all about Jesus.  With that being said, we know of a lot of people who could use His help in many areas of their lives.  Perhaps we knew some friends that needed wisdom in making a decision, or just needed help as they were struggling through a tough time.  Maybe it was someone that we just wanted to pray that God would bless them incredibly or grow them up to love Him in a way that allows them to be used to change the world.  Whatever or whoever it was, we have tried very hard not to get so caught up in the great festivities, that we forget to keep our focus on the person who we’re supposed to be celebrating in the first place.  So here’s what we did….

We bought a piece of red and white poster board from Wal-Mart and went to work.  We cut out shapes that looked like stockings, and each night, would pick someone to pray for.  After praying for them, we would write their name on the stocking and hang it in our home.  It may seem like a small thing, but it became a daily tradition, and something that helped us keep our focus on the real “reason for the season!”  This year, we’ll be doing this same tradition, only allowing Caleb to join the mix!  Each night, before he goes to bed, we’ll spend time praying for his teachers, his friends, and the many people in his life that love and pour into him!

December 2nd has just arrived!  Why not start today, and spend the next 23 days leading up to Christmas Day praying for others!  What a difference something as simple as a little “prayer” stocking can make!