Eight Ways to Beat the Blues at Christmas

Instead of a houseful of kids and their little ones running around laughing, crying, playing with toys and sneaking treats, this year my husband, Jim, and I will be home alone for Christmas. My automatic reaction is to feel sad—but I am glad that all of them will be celebrating the coming of Jesus with their in-laws. After all, we are usually the ones who get that privilege!

But—it’s easy to be sucked down into a “poor me” mindset and play the blues, unless we decide to change our perspective. So here are eight simple ways to help you enjoy the holidays whether you’re physically or emotionally alone. Why not join me and let’s beat those blues which aren’t where God wants us at this special time of the year—or at any time!

Sing. Play music. Listen to the words and join in praising God. Singing is a guaranteed mood lifter and perspective changer. “Sing for joy to God our strength” Ps.81:1.
Smile. Smile at little children. Their harried moms. The older shoppers who are trying to find just the right present. Make smiling your chosen expression (not through gritted teeth, however!). It will make you feel so much better and maybe lift up another lonely soul.
Invite. Is there someone you haven’t had time for this past year? Could you suggest meeting for coffee, lunch, or even over to your home? Perfection isn’t needed—only a loving heart that looks beyond it’s own world.
Rest. Remember all those too early mornings when you longed to just stay in bed? Now’s your chance. Take time to read a book of the Bible or several psalms. Choose a special book, magazine, or television program. Make or buy some once in a year yummy treats and ENJOY this gift of time!
Give gifts to others. Go online and look for simple Christmas recipes. Make peppermint candy or a cranberry loaf and go drop it off at a homeless shelter or place that serves those without a home. Change your perspective from looking inward to looking outward—as God our Savior did when He gave us the most amazing gift of love any one can receive.
Write a list of your blessings. Think back over this past year. Even if it has been one of the most difficult you’ve experienced, ask God’s Spirit to show you where He was present, loving and supporting and guiding you through. He will show you something and lift your heart.
Go to a Christmas Eve Service. Even if you’re by yourself, don’t miss the presence of God amidst the beauty of this celebration. Let your senses feast on the beauty, your ears delight in the music, your heart be moved to new heights of gratitude and love.
Pray about your dreams for 2012. What do you want to see happen in the coming year? Have you thought about changes you want to make? New paths to walk? Write out what comes to mind when you think of taking better care of yourself physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. (See my video: Take Care of Yourself, …….. or check my website on the media clips page).

May your “Home Alone” Christmas fill you with joy and a fresh awareness that Christ is with you, whether you’re surrounded by people or peacefully alone.


Author Bio
Poppy Smith
With her fun personality and passion for communicating life-changing truths, Poppy Smith inspires believers to thrive spiritually and personally. Poppy’s practical how-to messages (in print or in person) uses colorful examples from her own struggles to be more like Jesus. She encourages women (and men, at times) to grow in every kind of situation—whether joyful or painful! Poppy is British, married to an American, and has lived in many countries. She brings an international flair seasoned with humorous honesty as she illustrates Bible truths. A former Bible Study Fellowship Lecturer, Poppy’s teaching challenges women to look at their choices, attitudes and self-talk. As a result, God’s speaks, changing hearts, changing minds, and changing lives.

Poppy Smith

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The Little Things

 Isn't it amazing how the littlest things can irritate us to no end?  I have a Primo Water Cooler/Heater for my drinking water, and its constant rattling sound it makes is enough to drive me to the brink!  Granted, I also have sick kids, a final due in a couple of days, and a ton of Christmas shopping to do, but these little things can be such a drag!  Sorry to be so negative, just had to vent that, and see if I'm the only one or if this is "normal"!  Does anyone else have little things like this that drive you crazy?  Please share!

Teachings about Money

So...I think my son has seen a few too many panhandlers lately. I wish I would have taken a picture, but he drew a picture of an arrow pointing down on a piece of construction paper, and taped it to a stool with it pointing towards a series of bowls and cups. He put this all in the driveway, and told me that he was going to try to get people to give him money. (Im glad we live in a quiet community!) When I told him he needed to earn money, he wanted to know what that meant. I explained that he needed to work for it, so he got a bunch of construction paper, scissors, and tape and proceeded to make stuff. This was his idea of "working". So funny! I need to find ways for him to earn his keep I guess!

The Promise of Deer Run Book Review

The Story Behind the Story: 
How The Deer Run Saga Was Birthed

By Elaine Marie Cooper

 

When I was young and first heard that one of my grandfathers had been a Redcoat during the Revolutionary War, I was somewhat embarrassed. Growing up in Massachusetts had made me proud of our country’s heritage. But instead of finding zealous patriots in my bloodline, my DNA was from an enemy soldier named Daniel Prince!

 

Calmer reasoning prevailed, however, as I thought about the reality of his story. Living conditions in Colonial times were difficult, to say the least. It was a frightening period of our history for both Americans and the British. And in the midst of our nation struggling to be birthed, two people on opposing sides in a bloody war met and fell in love.

 

This story from my family’s history was transformed in my thinking into an inspiring one of romance, unhindered by the politics of the day. It became, purely and simply, a love story.

 

And so was birthed the idea to create a fictional account of actual events. Since the story is from my imagination, I opted to change last names, the names of the communities, and many other details of the time. However, many of the historical events are documented facts.

 

The particular information on Daniel Prince’s military background was discovered thanks to the diligent work of Betty Thomson, independent researcher at The National Archives, Kew, in England. 

 

In book one, The Road to Deer Run and now in the sequel, The Promise of Deer Run, I made every effort to stay true to the colonial times. Descriptions of food, homes, clothing, farming, worship practices, medical care, etc. are the result of extensive research.

 

It has been a personally inspiring experience to write these novels. While the times have changed since the 18th century, the same struggles of their day are our own. Forgiveness, fear, pain, illness, despair, the pain of having a family member at war, the death of a loved one—these are all the battles we contend with in the 21st century. But we also share faith, laughter, love, the excitement of that first kiss, the wonder of looking at a newborn. These are the same joys that we share with our ancestors who are so much a part of who we are.

 

Their journeys are interwoven with our own.

 

My Review:

I read The Promise of Deer Run, by Elaine Marie Cooper, book two of the Deer Run Saga, in about two days. That is saying alot, since I am a mother of two toddlers and a full time student, reading is not something I have a lot of time for. When I agreed to read this to review on my blog, I was a little hesitant, as I am not a big fan of historical fiction, and I haven't read book one. The book, however, sucked me in! The writing in the book takes you back to a different time, a time when ladies were ladies, men were gentlemen, worked hard to put food on the table, and provide. Providing then was a bit different than providing now. If you didn't grow it or shoot it, you more than likely didn't eat it. There was no such thing as welfare, foodstamps or Medicare, and school was a luxury for many, rather than a requirement. This book took me back to this time, and was a quick read. I loved the writing as well as the storyline, and I absolutely can't wait to read book three! I would add this to your must-read list.

About the Author:

Elaine Marie Cooper grew up in Massachusetts but now lives in the Midwest with her husband, her three dogs and one huge cat. She has two married sons and triplet grandchildren who are now one years old. The Promise of Deer Run is dedicated to the triplets and to veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.



This book was received in exchange for reviewing the product. In no way was other compensation received, or did the compensator require a positive review.

Juppy: The Only Baby Walker that Fits in Your Purse!

I received a Juppy for review quite a while ago. I have been so busy, that getting this post done, as well as others, keeps getting put off. It was a joy to receive however, and while it does take some getting used to, it is a great product. I love the size, first of all. It is made of cloth, and comes in a pretty little pouch that the whole thing folds into. It is small enough to fit in a purse, diaper bag, or the back of your car, and is comfortable for baby to wear. If you have ever gone anywhere with baby that you wish you could have taken their walker or swing, this is for you.

The juppy is sooo much safer than a walker. Walkers have already been outlawed in Canada, and there is much negative publicity regarding them in the U.S. I never used them for my children, because of the harm they can cause. The juppy, because it is cloth and fits similar to a diaper does not cause the damage a walker can. And because you are holding it and walking with your child, there is not the danger of the child falling down stairs or something similar while in a walker.

So you heard why its so great for baby, but what do you get out of it, besides being able to carry it with you?  Well, as you can see in the picture above, it is a back saver!  If you have ever walked around holding your baby's hands, you know how it can strain your back.  With the juppy, the straps are adjustable to fit anyone, so your baby and you can go for a walk without throwing your back out of whack!

The only complaint I heard when letting my friends try it out, was it does take some getting used to, but as they say, practice makes perfect!

The juppy is a wonderful product, and I highly recommend it. For more information, or to purchase, please visit their website thejuppy.com

Women of Faith - Over The Top!

The Women of Faith Conference this year was themed "Over the Top" and it truly was, over the top! I had great seats, and got to enjoy the likes of Mandisa, Selah, Andy Anderson, Lisa Whelchel, Patsy Clairmont and many more! I learned some great practical things that I can apply to my life immediately. I learned things that will help me with my relationship with God as well as my relationship with people. Andy Anderson, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Gift, spoke about smiling while we talk, how it helps us relate to others in a positive way. Teaching your sons to shake hands and be respectful, things they can take into manhood.  He said "When you invest in yourself, you can control the return".   He also said that "Fear is a misuse of the imagination God has given you". Another great quote "How we act controls the cookie flow in our life"  Love it! Soo many great insights!

Patsy Clairmont, Author and Speaker, said to be deliberate and purposeful in your legacy - stop blaming others.  Great Advice!  She advised that we should harness our thoughts, refuse any negative thoughts, replace them with pure, lovely, etc. thoughts, and repeat the process!

Lisa Whelchel, child actor and author,  spoke about friendships, making and keeping them as adults. She really spoke to my heart, I have so much to learn from her, and can't wait to get her new book, Friendship for Grownups! She spoke about the difference between being transparent, and being vulnerable.  Transparency is openness with distance, while vulnerability is an open heart.  This has really resonated with me. 

Sandi Patty was there, and both performed and spoke, along with Marilyn Meberg.

The group Selah performed, and their music spoke to me on the first day, their hearts on the second. My new favorite group! Thank you for your vulnerability! There was so much incredible speaking, acting, singing, worshiping! Always such a joy, and such a life changing experience!

Mandisa!

Thousands of people worshiping God!

I saw this in an old Parenting magazine and just had to share....love it!

Top Ten Signs You're a Tuned-Out Mom

1. Gaga still makes you think of a toddler instead of a woman with a zipper eye patch urging you to just dance. 

2.  Pink reminds you of nurseries and tutus, not nose rings and tattoos. 

3.  Coldplay is how your kid learns to stop forgetting his gloves everytime he leaves the house.

4. Black Eyed Peas are alas, tragically unpopular with tweens.

5.  The Pussycat Dolls sound like the perfect holiday presents for your 5 year old niece.

6.  Eminem?  A sheer delight, proven to inspire kids to act more politely.

7.  Vampire Weekend was that time your 12-year old saw Twilight then spent all her waking hours pining for Robert Pattinson (and all her bedtime hours afraid to go to sleep!)

8.  Nickleback is the cry your hear after the supermarket gumball machine fails to dispense the Mike and Ike candies to your preschooler. 

9.  Maroon 5 must be that crayon that replaced Burnt Sienna.

10. Linkin Park sounds like an educational family field trip. Why isn't it in the GPS? 

source: Parenting Magazine