Day Three

Day One: It was Christmas Eve and I woke up out of my sleep in a cold sweat. I was startled awake because of a nightmare. I won't bore you with the details, but it was the worst kind. You know, the realistic kind that you could actually picture happening and thanks to my personal inner night theater, I saw it too. My youngest heard me scream as I awakened.

She yelled, "Are you alright?"

I responded, "Fine! Yes, nothing!" I was coming back into reality as I yelled, "Nothing's wrong! I just had a nightmare!"

"On Christmas Eve? Who does that?" She questioned.

I have to admit I found it strange too. I had been feeling nothing, but overjoyed and simply wonderful.

Day Two: It was Christmas day. I shuttered and yelled as I left this nightmare. This time my youngest didn't check on me. I guess she was over it, but I was still terrified. It was virtually the same dream, except the people were different. And yes, it was the worst kind again. This time it also left me with a sinking feeling in my stomach. It seemed so real. I thought what's going on? Where's my Bible?


Night Two: It was Christmas Night. I was preparing for bed and I placed my Bible under my pillow. I wanted it as close as possible.

Day Three: It was the day after Christmas. I woke up feeling light and peaceful. There was a lovely song playing in my head and I sprung out bed. I felt rejuvenated and ready for the world.

All I'm saying is this, the word of God even unspoken worked a miracle for me. It can for you too, although I suggest finding a verse that speaks to you and speaking it. So goodnight and sweet dreams from me...and my Bible.


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Forgive Yourself

Forgiveness is a topic we tend to mull over. Whether to forgive or not is always a hot topic that's up for discussion. While I'm a huge fan of forgiving someone that has slighted you, that's not what this post is about.

Honestly, no matter how you weigh in on the issue, forgiving other people is easy. The problem usually begins when dealing with yourself. It's rough or down right impossible when it comes to yourself and forgiveness. But I'm here to tell you, you not only deserve forgiveness, you need it to move forward properly.

Make a vow, right now, to forgive yourself for past wrongs. Sure, the little things matter, but I'm talking about the "whoppers." The wrongs that threatened your way of life. The ones that went against your beliefs or were potentially life shattering. Say this out loud in front of a mirror, I forgive myself for ..., then fill in the blanks. Look yourself in the eyes and mean what you say wholeheartedly.

We are supposed to hold ourselves to certain standards, but that shouldn't include harsh judgement. Tweak your perception. You can take the issue seriously and use it to learn without distroying your self image. The inability to forgive yourself for previous indiscretions can turn into self loathing, which of course causes further mayhem.

Pray about it. Thank God for this precious moment and start the next one anew. Everyday presents a chance to become better.


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Happy Birthday Jesus!

Happy birthday, Jesus! And, let me say Merry Christmas to all of you! Let's all take time to remember what God has done for us. It's truly a joyous day filled with ultimate love for everyone.

Join me today in not only celebrating family and presents, but the love of Christ. I'll be praying and giving thanks before anything is unwrapped. I will also be mindful of what today is really about because the reason for Christmas is so important.

How you choose to honor the Lord can manifest in many ways. The how doesn't really matter just as long as you do it. Pause and be gracious. Fill your mind with holy facts and carry them with you throughout your day.

Merry Christmas!


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Merry Christmas!

Alice Benton's Blog wishes you a very merry Christmas! While I sincerely hope that you received everything you wanted, know that you have everything you need. Remember the Christ in Christmas and enjoy your holy holiday!

God bless & enjoy!

What If...

What if you woke up tomorrow and there were no presents? You didn't receive any gifts and couldn't afford to buy anyone anything? What if that Christmas tree you treasure was destroyed? And, your favorite holiday music that put you in a jolly mood was unavailable?


I asked my niece these questions and she said, "That would upsetting, but we should still have a celebration."

I asked, "Why?"

My niece answered, "Christmas is about Jesus' birth. The other stuff is extra."


The point is simple. If you were blessed enough to wake up and have "extra" thank God. And, praise His holy name. Regardless of your particular situation show thanks for the birth of Christ. Remember He is the reason for this season.

Happy holidays and have a merry Christmas!


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Holiday Focus

As the year comes to a close, friends have told me their thoughts are all over the place. They're trying to deal with holiday tasks, but instead, Christmas is handling them. Some are lost in a sugary candy cane heaven, while others have mentioned end of the year woes. They try to move on, but haven't been able to really focus on what's next.

I admit, it is extremely easy to get lost among the trees and mistletoe along with long lines at the store. Sure, you can embrace it to a point, but too much focus on presents and parties can leave anyone troubled.

Have fun, but don't forget the holy part. Remember not to submerge yourself into the splendor of it all this time of year. Yes, the children can still dream of sugar plums. And, mom can lock lips with Santa, but it shouldn't end on that note. Share Jesus, encourage giving and spread joy. Also, make sure you spend time with those you love.


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Raise Up

I had been sitting up late, as I often do, with the television watching me as I wrote. An inspiration commercial came on that was playing You Raise Me Up. As Josh Groban's voice filled the air I began to feel up lifted. I've always loved that song. It has a heavenly sound. The commercial was a success because I was inspired.

Usually, when I'm up late at night the television isn't on, but tonight I'm thankful it was. Believe me when I say, I needed to hear that song. I was having one of those moments we all have. I was experiencing a "low." And, yes that was an understatement and in the next second I was being raised up. God is good that way.

We miss the mark sometime. Other times we are simply too hard on ourselves. Whatever your story know that it's okay. We're alright! Continue to find ways to pick yourself up! While God's light is too bright to stand in, always trying to move closer to it. There will be times when we stand still or fall backwards, but we cannot let that stop us...Let Him Raise us up.


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Push

This weekend, I have been pushing myself. There was a great deal that I needed to accomplish and I did, thank you, Jesus. I tested my limits. I was tempted to drop a thing or two, but couldn't. What responsibility should be ditched? None, of course. When I'm committed to a cause I have to see it to the end.

I juggled as many things possible. Unfortunately, there was no time to play. I had deadlines to meet and obligations to fulfill. Thankfully, God gave me the strength I needed to prevail. I constantly prayed and simply kept moving on faith.

I know the price for not handling my business, all too well. I know what and who suffers when I'm not doing what I came to do. So, I push forward and hope that you will too. It isn't always easy to do what's right, but it is necessary.

There will be time to relax and celebrate. And when it's finally time to play, I'm doing it big! But for now, I'm prioritizing and it helps that I'm never alone. God is with me and thank you for being here too.


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'Tis His Season

As I was cleaning out my never-ending closet, I placed some items into a box that I was considering selling. Every now and then, I attempt to come up with ways to get better at spending, saving, etc.. And, while there is nothing wrong with doing that, I thought it's the season of Christ. I should be thinking of ways to help His children, after all, that's the type of gift Jesus would want.

I decided to examine the contents of my ever-growing box and realized that I could bless someone quite easily with it. There were clothes that I hadn't worn even once with the tags on them. There were also shoes that had never touched the ground, among other things. Yes, for now, we'll avoid talking about my obvious wastefulness and get to the point. My things were in perfect shape to donate. And why shouldn't I? 'Tis His season, right? Part of how I will honor God this season is by giving my flawlessly fit fashions to a church or another appropriate organization.

Remember to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Think of ways that work for you to bless God's children because 'tis His Season!


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Extra

I've always been a holiday girl, but this year seems more special. As the holidays approach, I'm feeling their much anticipated arrival in an extra personal way. Their year long debut has greeted me in a fantastic manner and I'm loving it.

I'm long pass making a Christmas list and I've never really been picky about what I get. There are two things that I love about receiving gifts. The first is simply being thought of...yes, I am corny enough to cherish the sentiment and you probably should be too. I don't always get the second treasure, but it's recognizing the mental process found in the present. If you make the connection appreciate that special moment!

This year, I will of course be happy for any pleasant surprises that come my way, but I know what I want. Ironically, these precious gems cannot be purchased. I want to strengthen family bonds and move closer to God. Everything else is extra!


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Christmas' Reason

Christmas has been a magnificiant holiday throughout the years. It's easy to get carried away with all the commercial hype of it. Let's face it, the concentration on obtaining joy makes us feel elated.

Why shouldn't we feel good? I'm certain God intended for us to be happy. I don't think that's questionable, but how we go after it is vital. True joy cannot be purchased and that is what needs to be taught to our children.

There's nothing wrong with Christmas splendor, if it is kept in perspective. The coming of the Lord is what we're celebrating! Stories of baby Jesus should fill your home. Enjoy yourself, but remember Christ before Santa and spread love.


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Determination

You probably know by now that I have been focused on starting the new year right. Well, in order to do that I decided to use the time left in this year as best I could. I wanted to clarify things I want completed before 2012 began, so I sat down and wrote a list. List aren't necessary, but I have always been the pen and paper or fingers to the keyboard/screen type of girl. I use them as a focal optimization point (FOP). It works for me because I have many things on my plate and do not wish to leave certain things undone.

My FOP consists of twenty-five things. Many of which have further detailed specifications to be completed. Most will not be an easy check off, nevertheless, it's what needs to be done from my point of view. As I reviewed my FOP and realized that there was little more than a month left in this year, I quietly panicked.

My youngest walked in the room and looked at my list. Her eyes immediately bulged and she said, "Whoa."

I asked, "Is it too much?"

 She looked at it again and replied, "Not if you're determined."

I picked my FOP back up and reviewed it again with my daughter's statement in mind. I am determined, after all, I created this list for a very good reason--positive forward advancement. It will be a little challenging, but I'm going to do what needs to be done. I'm not only finishing 2011 the right way, I'm taking to next year knowing I can do all things with Christ.

I invite you to make your own FOP for positive movement. It may be longer or shorter, but that doesn't matter because it simply has to be right for your life. Once you create it, be determined to see it to the end!


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When Christmas Comes Early

When Christmas comes early consider yourself blessed. It simply means that the coming of the Lord was quickened in ways, just for you. Show praise in recognition of your miracle received.

You may have blatantly asked for something while in prayer. Or pitifully suggested what you knew you wouldn't get only to see it delivered. One thing is certain, God is listening. He knows exactly what you need and when its best time to arrive.

Keep talking to your Father. Express yourself in all the ways you thought you couldn't. Let Him know how you feel. You may not get all that your looking for but you will receive what you need. Remember that God's timing is always perfect.


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Giving Thanks Daily

I had an unusual day. I love it when I experience a day or a holiday in this case that is lovely, but nothing like what I expected. This was the case for my Thanksgiving. I had a plan and even a back up plan, but I was still caught by surprise.

My day turned out to be exactly what I needed. I was happy and so was my family. There was never a dull moment, yet there were definite times of peace. There was plenty of joy to go around, which is just the way I like it.

Everyday should be occupied with giving thanks. Gratitude for God and each other are a special necessity that isn't shown enough during the year. May we all incorporate more praise into our daily lives.


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Thanks

Today, I found it fitting to sort of list why I am thankful. Let me say, I'm not going to record it all because there is too much. I'm keeping it general. Truth be told, there are countless things that deserve thanks in my life. It's not because I'm blessed any more than most. It's because I choose to recognize that...it's all beauty.

I'm thankful for my entire family. I am thankful for my friends, my readers and my supporters. I'm thankful for every new day I am blessed enough to wake up into. I'm thankful for love and the ability to give and receive it. I'm thankful for my life...this life with all of its abundance and absence of such. I'm thankful for God and being able to praise Him in all situations. Last, but not least, I am thankful for you specifically.

God bless you and enjoy your day!


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A Month Before Christmas

A Month Before Christmas

Twas the month before Christmas 

You prayed all through night

Only faith lingered

No hope was in sight

Along came a feeling

As certain as air

Things would work out 

Because Jesus is here

You didn't know how

And were not concerned

Because God works wonders

A fact you have learned

So fill up your heart

With love and some glee

Because God has all answers

Christ is with thee

By  Alice Benton

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At the end of the day, I wanted to be able to say, "Nights like tonight are what champions are made of." I was presented with a specific challenge. It was one I had seen approaching for a while. I thought good I can prepare to overcome it, but I failed.

I had both foresight and the know how, but they didn't help. There wasn't enough focus on how to prevail. The knowledge of things to come wasn't used properly. Mistakenly, acknowledgment was considered the plan when it should have been the first step before becoming armed with the word of God.

When you're lucky enough to see a problem coming be proactive about it. Solve the issue by finding a way to resolve it. Admit there is something you can do...pray.


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Life's Journey

I talk to my mother about life quite a bit. I listen to her intently not only because she's my mom, but she's wise and has much to offer on the topic. She always says, "This is a journey we're taking. You know that right?"

I do know that. I am very aware that I am, as the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary puts it, traveling from one place to another. In fact, these last few years have been the most profound trip I've experienced to date.

Much of this life of mine is uncertain, but I don't need to know everything. God will lead me where I need to be. He knows the path for my life's journey.  

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Balance

Today was an interesting day. It was filled with business and pleasure, as well as family and friends, but it was still somehow unbalanced. While I was able to get everything done that was needed, not one thing went as I figured it would.

There were power moves to appreciate, but I was also continuously let down. That's when I realized that I was allowing others to guide my mood. Yes, I had made some mistakes, but they were not enough to make me give up. I know that mistakes are just challenges I must overcome.

I was being disappointed and thrown off balance because I was leaning on everyone, except God. Don't get me wrong, people are a great source of love and support. And, thankfully, I have plenty of both, but it's God that will bring my dreams to fruition.


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Joyous Morning

Sometimes you find yourself in a funk and wonder why are you there. It seems like an unsolvable mystery, but it's not. There are always things and people that attempt to bring you down, but you don't have to let them.

You have more control over having a joyous morning that you think. It's a mind thing. Decide to be happy...right now! Tell yourself, no matter what goes wrong, I will maintain my joy.

It will be challenging at first, but you can do it. Spend time on things you can control and make them better. Don't waste time on what you can't change. Remain prayerful and do what you've got to do because God can fill you with joy when others cannot.


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