Day 12 - Surviving the Holiday Party
21 Day Challenge - Through the Holidays
Cindy Smith
Celebrating the Holiday Season usually involves being around a lot of family and friends. There are a lot of parties that we get invited to by dear friends. Looking at my calendar there are already five events that surround celebrating and food. (Since writing this originally, I have had two more Christ Party invites!)
We like to show people we care by planning to make all the favorite dishes and sweets. My daughters are already talking about when we will make our first batch of cookies. My Mom is wanting to talk about what we will have on Thanksgiving. It is not surprising that being with family and friends at this time can and often does sabotage our efforts to be healthy.
It is so important to make boundaries regarding this time of year. I like to think of the boundaries that I have made with the Holy Spirit as there to help me thrive.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you” — this is the Lord’s declaration — “plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
My boundaries are there for me to have a hope and future. They are for my welfare and not for a disaster. Truly, there have been times when the thought of giving up a certain food has felt like a disaster but with renewing my mind I now see it for what it is a future and a hope.
When I am in the routine of life it is easy to keep these boundaries front and center. When I am out of my routine and surrounded by friends and family, well… Let’s just say I can struggle. I have started by thinking about how realistic some of my boundaries are considering this season.
One of the boundaries I have is limiting sugary sweets. I spent time asking the Lord for wisdom about how to handle all the sweets that I will be around at parties and with family.
James 1:5 says, “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.”
His wisdom will be different for each one of us but He is faithful and will walk us through this time. I think it would be unrealistic for me to say that I will not eat ANY cookies this holiday season.
So, I will make a boundary to limit the amount of what I will eat. Another thing that I think I will find vital is spending time alone with the Lord.
This means that I will need to set a boundary that is not food-related.
It means that I will have a boundary of being alone with Jesus every day, even, or should I say especially when I feel I don’t have the time.
It is so easy to get swayed by our loved ones when we are not plugged into the source of our strength. It will be so easy to go ahead and eat a treat or two that a friend brings me without even thinking about it. The Lord tells us that He will give us what we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
Spending time with Him daily might mean waking up early before family arrives. My in-laws will be here for Christmas but they do not stay at our house. We just do not have the room for them to sleep here.
My boundary will be to get up and spend time with the Lord before they get here each day. This is something the Lord has been calling me to for a while now and I just fight it!
One of the things that I have loved with the Renewing the Mind 101 study is all the wonderful tools. One of the ones I use on a regular basis is writing Scripture Prayers.
They are very straight forward and they can be over just one verse or several. Here is one that uses the verses I have mentioned in this devotional.
Heavenly Father, thank that when I ask for wisdom You give it to me generously. Lord, I can see that the wisdom You have is for me to have a hope and a future. It is for my good. I do not have to face family and friends and the Holidays unprepared and alone. You give me all I need for life and godliness. You are the source of strength to stand firm and not be moved. I give you this Holiday Season and know that as I walk with You I will stay in my boundaries. I do not need to be afraid. Amen.
TODAY'S CHALLENGE
Now you try it! Here are some Scriptures for you to read and use as you write a Scripture Prayer. Philippians 4:13 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Colossians 3:2 Ephesians 2:10 Share in the comments your Scripture Prayers! Love you all!
