Dear CCPC Family,

I'm not sure I remember how the comment came up in our conversation -- perhaps we were commiserating about gift-giving, the stress of the holidays, or looking forward to the new year, but it caused me to stop and relfect: "I am just trying to simplify my life." It is not a new thought nor one that you or I perhaps have never said. I think I made that "resolution" just a few years ago.

This is the season for reflecting and looking ahead to a new year. What are your resolutions? As 2008 approaches, are you promising to exercise more, eat less, find a new job, spend less, get organized, learn to "just say no"? The latter promise has always made me bristle a bit -- not the idea of cutting back, but the use of the word "just." You've heard or used the phrase -- just do it. "Don't think about it -- just do it!" Just implies practicing the discipline of saying the word "no" without taking time to think, or consider feelings, needs, or consequences. It brings the same satisfaction as checking off the boxes on the "to do"list -- done! I even had a close friend who, when our children were in elementary school, would tell the PTA board when asked to take a position, "I'm not doing PTA this year -- only on even-numbered years." She had devised a way to feel ok about just saying "no" regardless of existing needs. Simplify seems a more appropriate and reasonable resolution. For me, simplify implies thought, consideration, priority setting and hopefully prayer.

As we look forward to a new year, a new beginning, I pray that we will all find ways to simplify our lives, re-ordering our days according to God's will and purpose, placing Him at the very center of our lives.

As your list of resolutions for 2008 grows longer, take a breath, sit back and pray, asking God for His guidance, wisdom and peace. That's my plan. Who knows? It could be that simple.

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk
in darkness but will have the light of life."

Marshal Ray
Associate Director of Music Ministries