Here’s another of The Sycamore Podcast interviews. Listen to Larry Speir interview Dusty Reynolds, the Director of The Sycamore Network, on how to make 2007 the best year ever.

Just click on this link to listen.

Timothy Satryan of Wilmington First Assembly of God offers ten rules to make 2007 truly a happy new year!

1. Today I will not strike back
If someone is rude; if someone is impatient; if someone is unkind . . . I will not respond in like manner.

2. Today I will ask God to bless my "enemy"
If I come across someone who treats me harshly or unfairly, I will quietly ask God to bless that individual. I understand the "enemy" could be a family member, neighbor, co-worker or stranger.

3. Today I will be careful about what I say
I will carefully choose and guard my words, being certain that I do not spread gossip, slander or malign anyone in any way.

4. Today I will go the extra mile
I will find ways to help share the burden of another person. I will find ways to make life more pleasant.

5. Today I will forgive
I will forgive any hurts or injuries that come my way. (I will also work to forgive injuries that have been inflicted upon me in the past)

6. Today I will do something nice for someone, but I will do it secretly
I will reach out anonymously and bless the life of another person.

7. Today I will treat others as I wish to be treated
I will practice the golden rule -- do unto others as you would have them do unto you -- with everyone I encounter.

8. Today I will raise the spirits of someone who is discouraged
My smile, my words, my expression of support, can make the difference to someone who is wrestling with life.

9. Today I will nurture my body
I will eat less; I will eat only healthy foods; I will thank God for my body.

10. Today I will grow spiritually
I will spend a little more time in prayer today; I will begin reading something spiritual or inspirational today; I will find a quiet place (at some point during this day) and listen to God's voice!

One of Elvis Presley’s biggest hits was “Blue Christmas”. The reason it was such a big hit is that it hits a nerve for many people. Emotions that we keep at bay during other times of the year tend to surface during this season. For many people, the Christmas holidays aren’t a celebration, they’re a time of tension, disappointment, loneliness, and frustration.

What causes the blues?

Unrealistic Expectations. We want everything to be just perfect. We want perfect gifts, perfect decorations, perfect parties, and perfect family. Of course, none of those items will ever be perfect.  We will get gifts we do not want, we will buy a Christmas tree that dries out in two days, someone will spill the red punch all over the new white sofa, and the kids will act like spoiled brats.

Financial Pressures.  We want to have “the best Christmas ever”. We spend more and more on gifts, entertaining and travel. Our Visa cards get over-worked and we know we are going to pay the price for all this in January. We worry; but, we keep right on spending.

Busy Schedule. The weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are full of things demanding our time. We have shopping to do, parties to attend, Christmas cards to write, and people to see. All of which go on top of our already busy schedule.

Family Pressure. Have you ever thought about why you only see some of your relatives once or twice a year? It’s because you can’t stand being around each other. So we wouldn’t you expect to have some family conflict at Christmas. You are just continuing dealing with the unresolved issues between each other.

The Cure

The Apostle Paul had a good word for us. He said, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)

In other words, change the way you face Christmas this year. Don’t fall into the same old traps. Do things differently this year. Rethink your expectations. Reign in your spending by setting a budget and living up to it. Do not overbook yourself. Say “no” more this year. And, avoid the family conflict.

Let this Christmas be different. Let this Christmas be “the best Christmas you ever had.”