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💡 Try this for the new year
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Hi Reader, I once asked my wife, "What's your favorite part about going to a restaurant." "Eating," she said. We can all relate.
I laughed a little. The response was so honest. It's probably what most people would say. Don't get me wrong. I like eating, too. But my favorite part about going to a restaurant is that time between when I order and when the food arrives. That time of anticipation. The "in-between" time. When I eat alone, I usually do work while I'm waiting for the food. And, as odd as it may sound, this brings me enjoyment, too. So, I'm not only thinking about the meal on its way, but I'm putting that time to good use. But, that aside, during this "in-between" time, I'm thinking about what's to come. You know what I mean...
I'm anticipating. And, for me, that brings enjoyment. I've been in the USA since just before Thanksgiving, and will be leaving in a couple days to return home overseas. I've had a good time "home" with my parents again, experiencing the holiday season and the joys that come with it. I recently ordered a couple restaurant virtual gift cards using airline points, and we used them over the holidays - once at Cracker Barrel and once at Taco Bell. We looked forward to going to these restaurants. And we planned ahead, which helped bring anticipation. So, how does this relate to you and the new year? As you continue in 2025, maybe you're not feeling a whole lot of anticipation. Or, maybe you are. Either way, what is one thing you can anticipate in 2025 that can help you start the year well?
I'm not talking about "wishing away" all the days between now and whatever you're looking forward to. That's not good. But are you looking forward to beginning a project, or finishing one? Continuing a hobby? Sharing time with family or friends? And most importantly... How about your spiritual life? Are you ready to anticipate something great spiritually? Think about this... What might it look like to take your life with God to a new level in 2025? And how can thinking about that help you feel better today? Anticipate that. Thanks for being part of my reader community. John Christopher Frame p.s. If you want to add some free ebooks to your e-reader in January, check out this link to see if there's something you're interested in. I just counted 47 no-cost ebooks. If a friend or family member forwarded this email to you, and you'd like to receive my updates yourself, just click this link and add your email: http://www.johnchristopherframe.com/get-johns-emails _____________________________________________________________________ |
John Christopher Frame.
Join my reader community to see forgotten places in the Bible I've traveled, and to be inspired to better live out your faith!
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Hi Reader, This past Monday, my wife and I walked to my favorite place to eat fruit. I was glad they still had their Christmas decorations up. (Actually, here in Turkey, they're New Year's decorations.) It's a fun waffle restaurant, with huge plastic strawberries hanging from the ceiling, and pictures on the walls of the owner with famous people. There's even a chocolate waterfall. Here in Turkey, waffles aren't eaten with maple syrup for breakfast. They're covered in chocolate and fruit (and...