6 Reasons Why Worship for the Believer is so important

 WHY WORSHIP?

By Sonya Camille

It’s interesting to be as old as I am and having to admit that I knew very little about worship, but it’s true. I grew up in a Christian home and went to a Christian school most of my life, and sadly, I have to admit that I knew nothing about true worship until recently. While in college, I would witness students or staff lift their hands in worship during certain songs, and because of my upbringing, I automatically assumed they were one of “those” Christians. You know, the Holy-roller, show-boater type of carnal Christian that my church often talked about. I grew up in a highly legalistic Baptist church. Don’t get me wrong; I appreciate the Biblical knowledge acquired and the family-like relationships; however, the time spent unlearning most of the extreme legalism, self-righteousness, condemnation of others, and other nonsense honestly took time and tears. I find it amazing to see many church leaders from my childhood practicing, participating in, or condoning many things that were once frowned upon. The double standards are too many to list, and certainly nothing I care to discuss. But I am well aware that they exist-and, I certainly remember them all.

So my church was one that the founding pastor proudly stated on many occasions that he came from a pentecostal background, and he wanted nothing to do with that. That said, he swung the pendulum in the opposite direction, making even saying amen above a whisper feel as if it were almost a sin. It was quiet. Leaders often mocked, saying don’t lift your hands unless they are clean, which, of course, made everyone self-conscious to do so as not to appear holier than thou, so to speak. But then, who honestly wanted to do anything but quickly sit down after about the third stanza of “how firm a foundation.” The hymns are good songs, mind you, but songs that referenced Jesus but not true worship songs, so you didn’t want to do anything but hurry and get through them so you could quickly sit down. You stood, you sang quietly, and without any thought or emotion, you then sat down. This was how it was-zero connection between the words sung and my appreciative heart that was forever changed as a result of what Christ did for me. That thought alone should have caused at least one person to belt out a “hallelujah” or a “Thank you, Lord.” but it didn’t. And if someone were to say anything, the quick head turns, and hard looks would likely make them never want to do or say that again. Ice-cold Sunday singing that no one really wanted to participate in. No one, that is, except for a few rather zealous older saints or the one pre-selected leader that was in front leading the song from the pulpit. The song leader, well, he did try to liven things up a bit but usually to no avail. That, my friends, is pretty much how I remember it. Perhaps that’s why I liked hearing the choir sing so much-more feeling and more connectivity. Anyway, I do believe some may have wanted to attempt to worship freely, but it was the unspoken, frowned upon that kept most from saying a word, so they didn’t.

Instruments were frowned upon in my church but playing a song on the soundtrack, which had instruments, was permissible. So you sang a hymn. Then another hymn then, sat down to hear a message, and then went home. That was church. Even contemporary Christian music was not highly regarded. I remember, as a young girl overhearing a group talking after church, condemning Sandi Patti for the pants outfit she wore on the cover of her album. Or Andre Crouch for sporting his afro on his album cover and for having the second button on his dress shirt unbuttoned. I kid you not; I’m not making this up. It was condemnation after condemnation. If someone became sick, it was said that it was because of sin or past sins in their lives. If someone passed away, a parent, a spouse, or a child, people were told that God was trying to get their attention for some wrong they did. All of this was, of course, until the said leaders started to experience death, sickness, or hardship; then, the narrative changed quickly. As you can imagine, this all had a huge impact on my ability to worship.

It wasn’t until I heard the most impactful message on worship from my current pastor that the light bulb, for the first time, went off. I got it for the first time, which literally brought me to tears! It helped that my church during worship isn’t fully illuminated- which I absolutely love. No one is looking around, so I felt protected. I felt less judged and oddly protected in the darkness, with only the stage where the musicians and worship team stood being lit. No eyes on me or others, and for the first time, I felt free to worship without fear of condemning eyes looking at me. It also helped that I was new to this church. I was in a state of, shall I say, needing much healing due to extreme brokenness as a result of losing my sweet, Godly mama. My heart was broken, and I wasn’t in a good place at all. I needed a Word or two or maybe three from the Lord. So I sat in the back. My adult children were off doing their own things, and I was content not knowing a soul and sitting in the darkness by myself with my Lord. Most Sundays during worship, I lifted my hands and cried, and no one saw me, so I felt safe. Songs like I speak Jesus by Charity Gayle (see link below), All Hail King Jesus by Bethel Music & Bethany Wohrle, Champion by Brandon lake, Same God by Elevation Worship, Give me Jesus by Upperroom, Christ be Magnified by Cody Carnes and House of Miracles by Brandon lake were just a few of the worship songs that my church worship team sang. In my heart, I cried out to my creator for help-I needed it. I cried because I so desperately want to be closer to him, and I needed to feel his presence. I lifted my hands and sang along with the worship team, reading every word on the screen, even if I knew the words. Singing to the Savior of the world who loves me and was holding me at one of the lowest moments of my life. I lifted my hands, I sang as loudly as possible, or sometimes I couldn’t sing at all and could only lift my hands as tears rolled down my cheeks. I worshiped the God of my salvation and the lover of my soul. And for the first time in my life, the chains fell off, and I was free to Worship my Creator in Spirit and in Truth.

So, my friends, that’s my background. Or at least a part of it as it pertains to this post on worship. I thought I would kick off the new year with this post. Why? Because it all starts with Jesus! And you can not talk to Jesus, walk with Jesus, or ask for blessings in this new year unless you first give God what He desires and deserves- your total praise and your worship!

I am convinced that you can not live the life God desires for you to live until you learn to worship God freely without inhibitions. Until you learn the why, as I did (shout out to my current pastor), you likely will continue to be chained by your past thoughts on worship or your personal inhibitions relative to worship. If you, for just a few moments, closed your eyes, lifted your hands in surrender to God, and sing to him as if it were just you and he in the room alone, it will change your relationship with God in the most amazing way imaginable. Listen, worship isn’t foolishness, wild acts, or confusion. Worship isn’t attention-seeking. It is the most intimate moment between you and your God. It’s now almost two years since my mom’s transition to heaven and one year after hearing the most powerful and impactful message on worship, and although not completely healed, I am healing and in a much better place than I was a year ago. Healing is a process, and the journey is different for each person. I do feel like my heart can smile again. I am excited to serve again, and my worship is one of gratitude and thanksgiving to the One who both saved my soul and made me whole. My friends, He is worthy!

6 Reasons Why Worship for the Believer is so important

1. WORSHIP GOD BECAUSE OF WHO HE IS.

God is the Creator of the universe!  He is the beginning and the end. We worship Him because of who He is. He is God the creator who has revealed Himself in both science and history, and the two subjects are intertwined. He is the omnipotent Creator and Redeemer of mankind. He is God the Trinity; God is one Being in three Persons-the Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, and God The Holy Spirit). God is Love. God is the eternal, supreme being who created and preserves all things. God is worthy of our worship!

2. WORSHIP GOD BECAUSE OF EVERYTHING HE HAS DONE FOR US.

God created mankind, the earth, and its inhabitants; therefore, we worship Him.

We also worship God because if by faith,  you accept Christ into your hearts as Lord and Savior, if you confess with your mouth that you are a sinner, that you believe that Jesus is Lord and that God sent him to earth to die on the cross for your sins, was buried and rose again on the third day, according to scripture; then, by faith, you are saved. God sent Jesus to die on our behalf so we might be free from sin.

3. WORSHIP GOD BECAUSE HE COMMANDS US TO WORSHIP HIM.

In John 4, We are told in scripture that God is seeking true worshipers and that those who worship God must do so in both spirit and in truth.

4. WORSHIP GOD TO BLESS GOD AND HONOR HIM.

We do not worship just because we enjoy the emotion or sensation of doing so. Worship makes us feel good, but that is not to be our primary motivation for worshiping God. We worship God because He desires us to do so. It pleases God when we worship him.  

We are beneficiaries of worship, but that shouldn’t be our primary motivation to worship. Our motivation to worship should be greater than that. True worship is never self-serving or self-centered.

Remember, Worship. Is not primarily for us. Certainly, we benefit from it, but worship is, first and foremost, a selfless act of reverential love toward the Almighty God.

5. WORSHIP GOD BECAUSE WE LOVE HIM.

When our relationship with God means much to us, we worship Him wholeheartedly. We will desire to worship him in complete adoration, exaltation, and appreciation. Because we love him, it will be impossible to hide our feelings for him, and as we fall deeper in love with him and have a closer walk with him, worship will be part of our daily interaction with the God we love and serve.  

6. WORSHIP GOD TO DRAW NEAR TO HIM.

When we worship God with music, we find God’s presence.

In Psalm 100, we are taught to come into God’s presence with songs of joy and to enter His gates with thanksgiving, praise, and rejoicing. We are told here to be thankful and to bless His name as we enter his courts.

God becomes enthroned by our praises. Psalm 22 says that God is holy and that He sits enthroned upon the praises of Israel and that He inhabits the praise of his people. He desires our praise, and when we praise, God comes.  James 4:8 says Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. God is worthy to be worshiped!

My thoughts:
Friends, God seeks to have His way in literally every area and every aspect of our lives. This isn’t to strip us of our free will, nor is His desire to directly control our actions as if we have no free will; but when we yield our will to His, He has the freedom to work in us in ways we could never imagine.

The Holy Spirit lives in our hearts when we become believers, and His power is shown in our thoughts, actions, and in our interactions. The most amazing part of this is recognizing and knowing that our great God steps right into our worship and that He magnifies Himself through it. So, the next time you are singing in church, the next time you are praying with a friend or family member, or even the next time you feel the call of God to do something with your life, know that your God will literally step right into your worship and work His amazing power through it. Friends, remember this, while you are worshiping your God, the amazing presence of God the Almighty will inhabit your heart and shine through in your worship. That is pretty incredible! Follow the link below to one of my favorite worship songs.

WORSHIP IS:
-Worship is ESSENTIAL to spiritual survival
-Worship is a NECESSARY PRELUDE in the preparation of our hearts to receive God’s
Word.
-Worship is REQUIRED-it is required before entering the presence of God in prayer.
-Worship is PERSONAL- it is a time of personal self-reflection in the act of complete
surrender to God.
-Worship is POSITIONAL- it is reverential.
-Worship is SUPERNATURAL- it is a supernatural communication between God and man.
-Worship is an act of DISCIPLINE-it is a time to block out all distractions and focus solely on
the awesomeness of God.
-Worship is INTIMATE- A time of personal one-on-one time with the Almighty God in the
most vulnerable way imaginable.
-Worship is an EXPRESSION OF LOVE & OBEDIENCE- it shows that you are willing to set
aside everything in your life that is not in alignment with God in
acknowledgment that God is above everything in your life. It is an act of complete humility in surrendering your will to God.
-Worship is an ACT OF SURRENDER- an act of reverential surrender to God. Raised
hands, bowed head, or falling to your knees during worship
signifies complete and utter submission. Worship is an act of
total surrender to the Most High God.
-Worship is AN ACT OF LOVE- an act of showing and receiving love from God
-Worship is ESSENTIAL TO LIFE

Psalm 100
-Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
-Serve the Lord with gladness: COME BEFORE HIS PRESENCE WITH SINGING.
-Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
–ENTER INTO HIS GATES WITH THANKSGIVING, AND INTO HIS COURTS WITH PRAISE: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
-For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting, and his truth endureth to all generations.

*****

My prayer is that as you draw closer to God, you will become completely free, as a true worshiper, to worship the God that you love in spirit and in truth. He desires your total praise. He is worthy!

SANTA IS MAKING HIS LIST AND CHECKING IT TWICE, AND YOU SHOULD DO THE SAME

Holiday mental health checklist
10 helpful reminders to help combat Anxiety & Depression this holiday season

By Sonya Camille

1. REMEMBER- Remember why we celebrate this holiday. Remember that it’s not about the gifts, the entertaining, the Christmas parties, or the grand holiday meals. Instead, it’s about
   reflecting and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, creating memories, and loving others.
2. PROJECTING IS YOUR WORST ENEMY- Try not to project ahead. -Try to slow down and enjoy the small and large moments this holiday season without focusing on what you have to do next. Shorten your to-do list and realize that if everything does not get done, your tomorrow will still be filled with extraordinary, memorable, and loving moments that will last a lifetime. live in the moment and be present in the moment. Your loved ones will remember the memories and that you were there creating memories with them. Give yourself permission to let some things go, and try not to pressure yourself to do more.
3. EXERCISE- it’s incredible what exercise and movement will do for
   your mental health. Carve out time each day for a minimum of 20 minutes of exercise. Remember, even in a colder climate, you can walk in place in your home or turn on Christmas music and dance.
4. DEVELOP A HOLIDAY BUDGET- Set a budget and stick to it! Be creative with gift-giving, and remember that it’s the thought that truly counts. Remember, if someone makes you feel bad about the gift you gave them, then perhaps they didn’t deserve to be given a gift. Instead, surround yourself with others who have a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving, and I assure you, they will love whatever you decide to give them-even if your gift to them is a lovely note or card and the ultimate gift of your time.
5. PLAN DOWN TIME- set aside time to rest, visit with friends and family, shop, bake, or do whatever you enjoy. Enjoy time alone with loved ones while sipping hot chocolate and snuggling on the sofa with your favorite throw or blanket. Listening to Christmas music by the fireplace and Christmas tree is great for your mental health.
6. EAT HEALTHY- I know it’s hard! Enjoy the holiday treats but do so in moderation. In between those holiday treats, make great healthy choices.
7. SERVE, SERVE, SERVE- Phillippians 2:4 says, “Look not every man on his things, but every man also on the things of others” Serving and ministering to others is KEY! Take time out of your schedule to serve in your community or church. Serving will help you get your eyes off yourself, your situation, and your feelings and allow you to help someone in need.
8. GET FRESH AIR- Whether cold or hot outside, make sure you go out and take a few much-needed breaths of fresh Air. Fresh Air is great for your mental health.
9. QUIET TIME- Give yourself quality quiet time each day. Take 15-20 min each day to sit, focus on belly breathing, listen to music, meditate on scripture or read. Quiet your mind and be still in the quietness.
10. PAY ATTENTION- If new or worsening symptoms last for more than two weeks or if you at any time experience suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm or violence toward others or yourself, please seek the help of a doctor or trained professional immediately.
    • For more tips on how to manage stress and depression this holiday season, please visit the link below: https://cordiallycamille.com/?p=2314

By Sonya Camille 

MY 29TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY IS DECEMBER 18TH 

& 

IT’S MY TURN TO PLAN OUR ANNIVERSARY TRIP

Here’s the thing, I always need more time, but I’m always running out of it. I know that doesn’t make sense to many of you, but it’s true. The interesting thing is, as much of a professional procrastinator as I am, I always get evv-err-y-thingg on my to-do list done. My problem is I can’t plan early enough to alleviate the tremendous stress that late planning causes. Not sure if it’s a curs…well, I won’t speak that word-but whatever it is, it does leave me asking, “is it a, a something (insert word I shall not say), or is it just me?” 

Last year my husband planned a fantastic anniversary getaway for him and me, and it was perfect! So now, it’s my year to plan. But first, I’ve got to figure out how to one-up him in just a few days of actual planning time. We are competitive in every way imaginable, and although it causes me tremendous stress, I actually do love it! As I type this, my husband is waiting for his instruction package, which would list every detail of our getaway, but little does he know, I haven’t purchased a dog-on thing for our trip yet-I have yet to even start planning. Lord help me!

My anniversary prep is a whole thing that takes a lot of time. Trust me, It’s worth it, but the time it takes to prepare in the middle of my insanely busy schedule is the problem. In short, I need time to prepare for my time with my guy. I wouldn’t dare go to our sexy getaway without checking the following off of my “sexy weekend with hubby” To-Do and To-Pack checklist. 

Here’s the list, my friends.

What To-Do and What To-Pack In Preparation For A 

♥️ VERY SEXY 💋  

WEEKEND GETAWAY with YOUR LOVE

Que soft music…

– GET YOUR HAIR DONE- Y’All! For black women, getting our hair done is a thing. It’s a whole thing! Not to suggest that other ethnicities do not need to get their hair also done, but we sistas must make sure that our hair is on point at all times. It’s no secret that it takes us a bit more effort than what my non-afro ethnic friends must endure. It’s very likely that I’ll return from my trip with my flat ironed hair reverting to its natural state of curls, but at least I’ll start the weekend off with a sleek blowout (iykyk).

Girlfriends, no matter your ethnicity and how you rock your style, keep it fresh and clean. Get a fresh cut or maybe a new style. A trim, a blowout, new fresh braids or locs, if that’s what you’re sporting, is good. If you are wearing your hair naturally, grab some new products for that fierce natural that you’re rocking if you’re sporting a natural. Listen, whatever it is, and whoever you are, keep it fresh. Actually, friends, keep everything fresh! Take the extra time- it matters! Also, men, you are not off the hook here. Please, for the love of your wife, get a haircut; we like that!

– NAILS, NAILS, NAILS!– Soft hands & soft feet are a must! Don’t even entertain the idea of going away with your person without a fresh manicure and pedicure. No rough, no tough, and definitely no crust- that ain’t cute, and it sure ain’t sexy. Quick side note, friends, please pay a few extra dollars to get gel or dipped nails on your fingers and toes. It lasts much longer—Plus, who has time to sit and wait for their nails to dry? No chip, dip, or gel is an absolute must, so get it, please!

-GET A FEW SECRETS- You must pick up 2-3 little Victoria’s Secret secrets (wink, wink). No granny, nothing ladies-jammies or birthday suits! A matching undie set with a cute little silky robe is also acceptable. Here’s my secret to you, if you surprise him with a secret, he won’t stop smiling, so give it a try!

-SMOOTH IS SEXY! Keep it smooth, my friends! No fuzz, No hair! Only smooth arms and legs, ladies. Body waxing is the move, and If you’re still shaving, shame on you! Consider waxing, or howbeit painful; threading also yields great results.

-MY GIFT- I stress about this every year. What do I give the man who already has everything? His answer each year is the same. He says the same thing every year: “Sonya, you’re the only gift I need,” Such a super sweet thing to say. But I want to give my hubby a well-thought-out, tangible gift. I want to give him a thoughtful, unique gift that will make him smile for hours after receiving it. Picking up the perfect gift is the goal, but the pressure mounts to find that gift Ummm, tomorrow since we leave in a few days. Just kidding, his gift is the first and, at this moment, the only thing I have so far. So again, I say, “Lord help me!”

-SMELL GOOD ALWAYS!- I do not understand, nor will I ever understand, how some people refuse to bathe/shower daily. No judgment if you are one of those “I only shower every other day or once a week, chicks.” Whew, I can’t even… you know, we’ll put a pin in that one for now. That’s another subject for another blog post. So what I will say is this, in preparation for your weekend trip, pick up 1-2 new body sprays from Victoria’s Secret or Bath & Body Works. Something soft and sweet. Perfume (for me) is too strong. No matter which sprays you select, you really will be thankful that you grabbed a few little something, something and that your “somethings” are tucked away in your travel bag. You can thank me later.

-COUPLES GAMES- This is the best, and it’s so much fun! Pack A couple of games and play them together on your special weekend—such a fun way to keep things fresh and fun.

SET THE MOOD-Pack Candles, a portable speaker, chocolates, real or artificial rose petals, or whatever you want to pack to create a romantic setting for you and your guy. Many hotels have honeymoon or anniversary packages where the staff stages the room for you before your arrival. So you can arrange for the hotel to set up the room for you or you can do it yourself. It doesn’t matter, just as long as you get-er-done!  

-CHILL TIME- My husband and I love to chill out, watch a movie, and order room service, so remember to pack your HDMI cord and the laptop computer just in case the hotel doesn’t offer movies that you would be interested in watching. Cuddling and movie time in bed with the love of your life is, as they say, the literal bomb!!

Well, my friends, that’s a few things on my list that I decided to share. Some things are not for the blog and are me and my guys little secret but this list should help you get started. Now, for the planning. Pray for ya girl because I have alot to do in a very short amount of time and still look cute when it’s time go. We only have a short weekend since we both must return to work. So, I’m exploring the idea of renting a cabin in the mountains somewhere: in Colorado, California, Tennessee, or elsewhere. Let the planning tonight begin!

I asked a friend of mine for a few suggestions on places to go for the weekend, and she suggested Savannah, GA. Since I’ve never visited Savannah, GA, I decided to look into it. My friend even gave me this insainly fun idea of pretending to have a, what do they call it now? Oh yes, a sneaky link with my guy.
So for anyone who does not know what a SL is… here ya go. So, a SL is where I would send my husband an address to meet me- could be a restaurant, a park, museum or a hotel lobby. Honestly, it could be anywhere. Since we will travel separately to meet, she suggested we add to the fun of it all and pretend we are strangers meeting up somewhere. Good girl movie drama stuff… (I’m literally laughing while typing this). She told me to act as though we were strangers and slip him my room key after dinner. Role-playing at its finest, lol! Isn’t that great? Why do I love the idea of this so much? Should I do it? How funny would that be? If I were to do something like this, I would definitely go all out by putting on one of my sexy dress and high heels and maybe trying my hand at an accent of some sort- yup, I’m just that goofy. And since I truly feel as if I could have been an amazing Hollywood actress, I would have fun getting into character for my mans and ham the whole thing up. Why not, right? I’m not sure if I’ll take her advice this time, but if I do, rest assured that I will do it up big. Regardless, Anniversary #29 will be one neither of us will ever forget!  

I do have to share with you that my sweet friend is the cutest and quietest pastor’s wife ever. You would never think this suggestion would come from her, and I LOVE THAT! Ladies, keep it spicy and sexy! Have fun and do whatever you want with the love of your life! What did I say earlier? Keep him smiling! And always keep it classy! Although I have never pretended to have a sneaky link with my man… yet (lol), I have, in fact, done plenty of other “fun” things many that I’ll of course, keep between him and me, but we do have fun! Please email me a few fun (not to personal) things that you do with your love to keep things exciting and spicy and I will compile a new list for the follow-up blog post.

My friend like me are always doing the most– perhaps that’s why we are such close gal pals. Just remember friends, all is fair, in love and marriage! Keep it spunky, keep it classy and keep your person smiling! 

 Signed,

Cordially keeping it Spicy for my love or maybe Cordially Always & Forever with him Y’all-He’s all MINE♥️

Anniversary getaway edition!

Kisses 💋

STRESSED & DEPRESSED
THIS CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SEASON?
YOU’RE NOT ALONE 

10 Tips on how to turn stressed & depressed into
Joy & Peace
this Holiday Season
By Sonya Camille

JINGLE BELLS ARE RINGING EVERYWHERE

This season is noisy. Jingle Bells are ringing on every corner, in every neighborhood, and on many homes. Also, the holidays include many activities, sights, and aromas, such as baking Christmas cookies, decorating gingerbread houses, and attending ugly sweater parties. Christmas lights and decorations are everywhere. And it wouldn’t seem like Christmas without the numerous gatherings of friends, family, and co-workers. And let’s not forget about the many fancy dinner parties that everyone throws. Celebrations and festivities are everywhere. All of these are among the many traditions of this busy season. But, let’s face it, only some agree that this is “the most wonderful time of the year.” Studies have shown that this time of year is far from Holly and Jolly for most. But why?

THE HOLIDAY SEASON CAN BE A TRIGGER

The cold hard truth is that the stress and anxiety of the holiday season can trigger many depressive disorders and sadness. Cooking meals, shopping, baking, entertaining, and the seemingly endless and constant cleaning can be just plain overwhelming.

The Christmas songs and the beloved Christmas Hallmark movies do not help those struggling to make it through this season. Movies can be a sad reminder that one’s reality differs from those depicted in love-filled films. Life isn’t always like what’s shown on the big screen; it often is not. The death of a loved one, loss of employment, a breakup, relationship issues, caring for a sick loved one, a divorce, a horrible diagnosis, and financial struggles can leave those struggling to feel helpless, hopeless, alone, unworthy, unloved, and afraid. Life is hard, and this season can be overwhelming. The suffocation felt during this beautiful time of year can make getting through this season challenging. 

If you have been feeling this way lately or know someone who has, this list may help to turn your stressed and depressed into Joy and peace this season.

Hey little Drummer Boy! Roll the list, please!……

1. Surround yourself with positive family and friends. Spending time with those
   you care about can uplift your spirits. Remember that time is a gift-cherish your time with the ones you love and who care the most about you.
2. Be mindful of your budget. Don’t spend and shop impulsively. Remember, it’s not
   about the presents, it’s about the people in your life-love them. 
3. Take care of your body. Your own mental and physical well-being needs to be a
   priority. Remain active. Exercise and engage in enjoyable activities. Studies show that exercise has known anti-anxiety and anti-depression effects, so make time for your workout. Take a walk around the neighborhood, a walk around your downtown area to look at the holiday lights and displays, or a walk in the park will help. If it’s too cold to go outdoors, walk on your treadmill or turn the tv on and walk in place while you watch your favorite Netflix series.
4. Replace negative thoughts with thoughts of gratitude.
5. Serve and Volunteer- Give to a charitable cause. Knowing that you’re making a
   positive difference in a stranger’s life can comfort you. 
6. Your diet matters. There is a direct connection between what you eat and your
   mood. Enjoy holiday treats but in moderation. Good nutrition is essential when you’re stressed. Resist overdoing alcohol and sugary items. Instead, bring a veggie tray or healthy treats to the party. You are what you eat. 
7. Get Rest. Take small moments, as necessary, to sit. A quiet moment to sit still
   and reflect. Even through difficult times, there is much to be genuinely thankful for in your life. Having a heart of gratitude brings joy. Also, ensure you get the proper hours of sleep each night. Rest affects your mood, so get more z’s, my friend. 
8. Resist the urge to compare yourself to others. Judging yourself against
   neighbors, co-workers, social media, or friends is pointless. There will always be those
   that have more than you do. Conversely, there will always be those without as much as you. So, focus on yourself with a heart of thankfulness and gratitude. Count your blessing. It may help to write down all of the many blessings in your life; as the song says, “name them one by one.”
9. Don’t worry about how things should be or how you imagined they should be.
   It’s ok to relax and enjoy the sweet moments even if you didn’t get the new table setting or
   family PJs this year. Create memories and be actively present in the small
   and large moments of this holiday season.
10. Ask for help and trim that list down! No need to do it all yourself; ask your family or a
    friend for help. Also, not just the tree needs trimming. Trim the list for baking,
    cooking, or shopping this year. Protect your peace!

Bonus: Consider help. If you’ve tried everything and you feel as if your sadness
is impacting your way of life, consider getting help from a professional. Seek
assistance from your primary care provider or therapist if you recognize any
changes in your mood, such as low energy, no drive or motivation to do things,
increased sadness, diet changes, or sleep disturbance.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
This world has many opinions on how one should ultimately obtain joy and happiness. From money, the big house, the new car, the latest and greatest of everything, and vacations to achieving social status, obtaining a successful career, possessions, and material things. Many feel that if only they had that special someone to do life with, certainly happiness would follow. Sadly, the search to find meaning, happiness, fulfillment, peace, joy, and contentment can only be found through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

If you feel like something is missing in your life, that there is a void that can not be filled, and if you, no matter how hard you try, can’t seem to find Joy and Peace this season, then my friend, Jesus is the only answer. Nothing and no one else will fill the void. No one can give you the happiness you are seeking. Think about this, If things, money, or possessions gave the joy that most seek, then wouldn’t there be more truly happy and content people in this world?

Possessions, just like people, will come and go. They will break or get lost, or they will fail you. In other words, people will come and go, they may abandon you, leave you, or abuse you-but God, my friend, is the only one who can give you the JOY you seek. He will never leave you. God will never abandon you or abuse you. And God is the only one that can fill that deep, lonely void in your life that money, possessions, and things can not fill. 

Above all, if you truly want a fulfilling, meaningful life and a life full of JOY and PEACE, then Jesus is the only way! Jesus is the answer! John 14:6 “Jesus said, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

I pray this helps someone today! God bless, and Merry Christmas to you all!

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