Https://youtu.be/xi4OpBMbyGY?si=VVxUubV2lzFHS57k

Home Alone is always one of the first ones I watch during the Christmas season.

While it’s a Christmas movie – it’s also a good lesson on being thankful for what you have.

Kevin wishes away his family in a moment of selfishness.

Then finds himself wanting nothing more than being with them.

The holidays can be hectic and chaotic. It’s easy to miss the real reason they are important.

Jesus was born to save us from sin. Our family and loved ones are a blessing to be thankful for. Our neighbors, coworkers, and those we interact with are to be served with love.

Make it a great day.

Jake

I just like to smile. Smiling’s my favorite. – Buddy The Elf

Elf is a classic Christmas movie, following a similar theme to many others.

Buddy the Elf is a “believer” who believes in Christmas, Christmas Spirit, Santa, goodness, etc.

At first he’s seen as the one who has it all wrong by the cynical people he encounters. His positivity and naivete are laughed at and ridiculed.

Then at some point the tide turns – the cynics are proven wrong and the “believer” proves them all wrong in the end. Their eyes are opened and they see him in a new light – the one who had it right all along.

I try to think of the Christmas season as a reminder of how we should act all year long. If we can remember which values are worth believing in.

That’s it’s better to be nice than to be mean.

That money isn’t that important.

That it is better to give than receive.

That being selfless is better than being selfish.

That service and love and faith and grace are to be valued and put above stuff and pride and greed and selfishness.

Christmas really can last all year long – if we believe.

Make it a great day.

Jake

Conflict cannot survive without your participation. – Wayne Dyer

Dale Carnegie says it this way – the best way to win an argument is to not have one.

We get to choose our reaction to conflict.

With social media and other tools today – there is no shortage of people on both sides of every conflict.

We can choose to respond in love.

To treat others as we would like to be treated.

Because of the person we want to be.

Make it a great day.

Jake

Courage is found in unlikely places. – J. R. R. Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings books (and movies) tell the story of unlikely heroes.

Small folk whose wholesome courage and heart save the day.

It’s a reminder that small things change the tide.

There are a lot of big problems in the world. Plenty to worry and fret about.

Real change starts small. With little moments of courage.

The courage love and be loved by those closest to us.

The courage to hope and have faith with the small and big stuff.

The kindness showed to a stranger.

The helping hand reached out to someone in need.

Make it a great day.

Jake

The most worth-while thing is to try to put happiness into the lives of others. – Robert Baden-Powell

What do you want for Christmas?

I’m sure you’ve heard this a few times already. Or asked the kids or someone else.

Maybe it’s because I’m getting old and have too much stuff already, but I’m really trying hard not to want more stuff.

Happiness for others….now that is something I can get behind.

Let’s all make an effort to forget about what we want. For Christmas. For after Christmas. For next year.

Instead, let’s try to think more about what others want. What would make them happy?

Not in a doormat, put upon, poor me, martyred kind of way. In a selfless, joyful, peaceful, kind kind of way (yeah, two kinds in a row, my old English teachers would be so proud).

Make it a great day.

Jake

PS – For those of us who are Christians – the idea is to replace our wants with what God wants. All the time. Every time. The closer we align with His will, the better – for us.

Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings. – William Arthur Ward

Being thankful is the beginning of a better and more full life.

When we are thankful for what we have we transform our attitude and prepare ourselves for more of the same.

Think of an area of your life where you want to see a change.

Find something in that area to be thankful for.

Maybe an example would help.

Let’s say you wanted to save some money.

First, be thankful for whatever money you do have.

Treat that little bit as if it were a blessing that you get the opportunity to steward.

And then you will have the attitude it will take to start adding more.

Make it a great day.

Jake

One that would have the fruit must climb the tree. – Thomas Fuller

Results require action.

Jim Rohn says "some people are too busy studying the roots when they could be picking the fruit".

It’s easy to get stuck on the "how". To think of the million reasons why it could or couldn’t work. To focus on the process or what others might think.

Instead, get to work.

Get started.

Focus on the fruit.

Make it a great day.

Jake

If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share. – W. Clement Stone

Being thankful is a great place to start because it reminds us that we have something to give.

We weren’t put on this earth to consume all that we can and be thankful along the way. We were made to give.

If you are thankful for all the love in your life, show it and share it.

If you are lucky enough to have a little extra money, give it away.

If you have some free time, find a place to volunteer.

There are many ways we can share this holiday season.

A great place to start is that list you think of over Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday. As you think of what you are thankful for, take a moment to think of a way to share whatever it is you are thinking about.

Our real opportunity to change this place forever lies in our ability to share and give the best of ourselves with others.

What are you going to share?

Make it a great day.

Jake

https://youtu.be/WTJSt4wP2ME?si=QauESz4xsK4uR-7P

Meaghan and I were lucky enough to attend a dinner for GOYA (https://goyaministries.org/).

Hearing the stories of the ministry and the children being helped was a great reminder.

A reminder that we have a lot to be thankful for.

A reminder that darkness and poverty can be met with love and hope and make a difference.

A reminder that a little bit of money and help can go a long way.

A reminder that in the midst of hardship – love, joy, peace and hope can still flourish, in spite of the circumstances.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are upon us. A time when it’s easy to fall into the trap of running around buying things and getting wrapped up in our little world.

Instead, maybe we can send some of that money to an organization like GOYA. Maybe we can spread love and hope to those in need. Maybe we can put aside our own selfishness and let generosity rule in our hearts in its place.

Make it a great day.

Jake

Wise sayings often fall on barren ground, but a kind word is never thrown away. – Arthur Helps

A kind word.

This is probably such an old person thing to say, but it sure feels like the world could use more kind words.

My best thinking right now is that it all starts with us.

Finding ways to say, think and feel more kindness.

To be the kind or person who is known to be a place to go to for kindness.

To be a light in this world.

Maybe we try it for a day. Maybe we shoot for the Thanksgiving and Christmas season to start?

Make it a great day.

Jake