I have known this dazzling daughter of the king for over 10 years. Rosa has always been one of the most happy and positive people I have ever met. Even while going through a significant health challenge, she had nothing but a beautiful infectious smile and a laugh that is so true it brings joy to share with the world. I am privileged to call her my friend.
She has taken her health issues and turned back to God. She had done her research, gone back to school to become a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and is focused on teaching others how to live healthier, cleaner and happier lives. To bring people to true health, they need to be good with God. She has been challenging her friends during this season of “crazy” and “too much” to some simple challenges to keep us focused on what is important. Our families, our faith, our peace with God are what we really need to be thinking about. We all know this simple truth but in December it can get lost a little bit between the gift giving, tree searching, cookie baking, carol singing events that overwhelm us every single year.
Her 5 days of challenges were great. Our family had been practicing them for years. I am sure you do too. One of them is a favorite for me to assign my kiddos for school. You need to write down who you are.
I am a daughter of The King. I am loved. I am chosen. I am of value. I am seen. I am thankful. I am wanted. I am thoughtful. I am kind. I am a servant. I am beloved. I am known. I am vulnerable. I am a good mom. I am faithful. I am a survivor. I am growing. I am blessed. I am healing. I am…you get the idea.
You know how it is so easy at first, but then it starts to get a little difficult. It is a good exercise to remember that you are of value and needed. It is the statement of who you are. Something about putting a pen to paper and actually committing it to the moment really can change things in your heart. She also had us write out things we are grateful for. I want to challenge you to try either of these two uplifting exercises. Be creative! They don’t have to be lists. Draw a picture, sing a song, dance it on Instagram Live, whatever your creative outlet is, express yourself. Give yourself just five minutes. Its not to make something better than anyone else. It is just a gift to yourself this Christmas. One that, if you allow it, will warm your heart. There is no cost, only time, and it is really special how the Lord will continue to show you through the next few days just how blessed you are.

Lifting prayers that you will find joy during this new CHRISTmas season. May you find more gifts than you even knew you had. May your soul warm as you praise His holy name. May the lights of the season be a dim reflection of the light the Holy Spirit fills you with and may you share that light with gladness as you travel through life today and always. Be blessed my friend.