December has a way of hijacking our calendars if we aren't careful. Today, being the 1st, is your opportunity to play offense, not defense. Look at the next 31 days. Where are the "Have to's" and where are the "Want to's"? Remember our boundary principle: Every "Yes" to a "Them" obligation is a "No" to a "Me" or "We" opportunity. If your marriage or your mental health is in a fragile spot, you have permission to say "No" to the extra party, the cookie exchange, or the travel. Protect your core. Question: What is ONE thing you are intentionally saying "NO" to this month to keep your sanity?

The world says today is for rushing, buying, and doing. We say today is for Resting. Yesterday required a lot of emotional output. Whether it was amazing or draining, your "social battery" has likely been depleted. In our framework, we have to refill the "Me" bucket before we can move effectively into the Christmas season. Challenge: Resist the urge to launch immediately into the next thing. Wear the sweatpants. Eat the leftovers. Take the nap. Thought for the day: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." — Matthew 11:28. Rest isn't laziness; it's a spiritual discipline. Question: On a scale of 1-10, how full is your energy tank today?

We are officially transitioning from Thanksgiving mode to the December rush. Before we turn the calendar page, let's anchor ourselves back in the "He" (Spiritual Health). It is so easy to let the "Them" (obligations, parties, shopping) crowd out the "He" in December. But peace is not found in a perfectly executed schedule; it is found in a centered soul. "Be still, and know that I am God." — Psalm 46:10. Notice it doesn't say "Be busy and know," or "Be perfect and know." It says Be Still. Action: Before you check your to-do list for next week, spend 5 minutes in silence or prayer. Ask God: What do You want for me this December?