The Christmas season is upon us. How many times have we heard this in the past week? Or month? Why does Christmas start so early? People say we are greedy. Just look at Black Friday! This could be greed. It certainly smells like it. But, could it also be, (unintentionally of course because why would the retailers do anything considerate or positive?), a way to help people in a financial crunch spread their money out over a few months? Then December is not a time of scraping by and bouncing checkbooks? I'm throwing it out there; do with it what you'd like.
Our pastor is talking about advent. Advent means waiting and preparing for the Christ child. It does not mean waiting in absurdly long lines because you ventured into your favorite (and cheapest) store to buy the bath soap you forgot while making your weekly haul of groceries. Seriously, that's not the point.
If we give retailers the benefit of the doubt and a tired cashier a friendly smile even though we had to wait, isn't that more the point? Being patient with an employee who was hired for the Christmas season and hasn't quite mastered the computer may be hard but their appreciative smile is worth it. Believe me, I've been there.
We wait on the Christ child, don't we? Our children can hardly wait. And, let's face it, as adults there is some satisfaction of ripping open the paper and finding what you really wanted for Christmas!
I think about how God waits on us. We forget Him alot and try to handle things on our own. But there He is, patiently waiting for us to listen to Him so we can learn to open up who He truly meant for us to be. A beautiful gift to others and to Him. Reflecting God's goodness and mercy. Loving unconditionally and forgiving easily. Showing His patience to our children, spouse and others. Giving of ourselves as Jesus gave Himself for us. He really is the best gift of all.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Thankful for the Giving
Well, we survived Thanksgiving. It was a good day but always different doing it at our home instead of going to my Mom's. Needless to say, a nap was in order for all of us when it was over.
I started on Wednesday with a turkey breast in the crock pot. Easy enough. Then, started to make the cranberry dressing and realized we really needed a blender for that. Our little shake maker couldn't quite kick it. I thought I had a blender but no matter how long I looked in the pantry it did not magically appear. Bummer. So, my wonderful husband, who had taken the week off, ran to get one.
I then started the pumpkin pie. I realized again we were missing one of the ingredients for that. I'd just like to state for the record, I really thought I was more organized than this for the big feast. I wasn't too upset until I noticed my husband didn't have his cell. Wow... was this a small picture for what was to come on Thursday?
We overslept on Thursday. Not to worry, it's only us I told myself. I asked my oldest to help with the dressing, my middle the sweet potatoes and my youngest the noodles. My husband babied the rolls so long and so well they had better be good, I told myself. Everyone was giving their time and talents to the family Thanksgiving. I swallowed any annoyance and pushed on patiently.
Finally, everything was ready. We had a great time culminating in learning my middle child's newest talent-balancing a marshmellow on the nose. This was after said child had the traditional cheese pizza for Thanksgiving dinner. My life is never dull. And that's okay. The joy is in the giving. The giving of laughter and memories. It's also okay that some things were runnier than usual and drier than usual. But that's life. And I'm extremely thankful for it.
I started on Wednesday with a turkey breast in the crock pot. Easy enough. Then, started to make the cranberry dressing and realized we really needed a blender for that. Our little shake maker couldn't quite kick it. I thought I had a blender but no matter how long I looked in the pantry it did not magically appear. Bummer. So, my wonderful husband, who had taken the week off, ran to get one.
I then started the pumpkin pie. I realized again we were missing one of the ingredients for that. I'd just like to state for the record, I really thought I was more organized than this for the big feast. I wasn't too upset until I noticed my husband didn't have his cell. Wow... was this a small picture for what was to come on Thursday?
We overslept on Thursday. Not to worry, it's only us I told myself. I asked my oldest to help with the dressing, my middle the sweet potatoes and my youngest the noodles. My husband babied the rolls so long and so well they had better be good, I told myself. Everyone was giving their time and talents to the family Thanksgiving. I swallowed any annoyance and pushed on patiently.
Finally, everything was ready. We had a great time culminating in learning my middle child's newest talent-balancing a marshmellow on the nose. This was after said child had the traditional cheese pizza for Thanksgiving dinner. My life is never dull. And that's okay. The joy is in the giving. The giving of laughter and memories. It's also okay that some things were runnier than usual and drier than usual. But that's life. And I'm extremely thankful for it.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Giving Thanks
The holidays are here! The holidays are here! Wow! Whether you are feeling panicked or excited it is time to prepare ourselves. Take a deep breath because here we go!
Usually Thanksgiving consists of going to my parents and gathering the family together to eat and have fun. We visit with cousins, aunts and uncles we don't see that often. My mother hosts it and asks everyone to bring something. I remember the last Thanksgiving both of her parents, my grandparents, were alive. I was pregnant and most of the smells I love were not so inviting to my olfactory senses.
I recall most of all my mother's near hysteria. She was worried about everything from the meal to my grandparents traveling alone. After one particularly stressful phone call, I sort of wanted to throttle her, at least verbally. Instead, God touched my heart to lift her up in prayer. I felt God telling me, "Remind her to concentrate on giving thanks instead of the stress of Thanksgiving."
I sent her a religious Thanksgiving card and told her that very thing. I even gave a few hints on what she should be thankful for like the health of all of her family members and the fact she'd be enjoying Thanksgiving with both of her parents. Alot of people don't get to share in that joy anymore. I don't know how much it helped but I tried to bring to light the positives.
Now, I need to remember that advice. I'm fine with Thanksgiving. I like to cook and my husband does too. He's a ton of help and so are our kids. But still, I can run into a panic. So, I remind myself to take more than a moment to give thanks. God is good. He loves us. He has blessed us. Richly. We may not understand Him. We may challenge Him. But He does have a plan. To prosper us and uplift us. We just have to trust Him. Not always easy but always right. Be thankful he's got your back unlike any other. Give thanks for that and everything else He's put on your plate this Thanksgiving. Make no mistake-it's there. Right next to the mashed potatoes.
Usually Thanksgiving consists of going to my parents and gathering the family together to eat and have fun. We visit with cousins, aunts and uncles we don't see that often. My mother hosts it and asks everyone to bring something. I remember the last Thanksgiving both of her parents, my grandparents, were alive. I was pregnant and most of the smells I love were not so inviting to my olfactory senses.
I recall most of all my mother's near hysteria. She was worried about everything from the meal to my grandparents traveling alone. After one particularly stressful phone call, I sort of wanted to throttle her, at least verbally. Instead, God touched my heart to lift her up in prayer. I felt God telling me, "Remind her to concentrate on giving thanks instead of the stress of Thanksgiving."
I sent her a religious Thanksgiving card and told her that very thing. I even gave a few hints on what she should be thankful for like the health of all of her family members and the fact she'd be enjoying Thanksgiving with both of her parents. Alot of people don't get to share in that joy anymore. I don't know how much it helped but I tried to bring to light the positives.
Now, I need to remember that advice. I'm fine with Thanksgiving. I like to cook and my husband does too. He's a ton of help and so are our kids. But still, I can run into a panic. So, I remind myself to take more than a moment to give thanks. God is good. He loves us. He has blessed us. Richly. We may not understand Him. We may challenge Him. But He does have a plan. To prosper us and uplift us. We just have to trust Him. Not always easy but always right. Be thankful he's got your back unlike any other. Give thanks for that and everything else He's put on your plate this Thanksgiving. Make no mistake-it's there. Right next to the mashed potatoes.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Thank You God For Our Veterans
This Veteran's Day I did something I have always wanted to do. I took our kids to the Veteran's Day Parade. It was a beautiful day and parking was not difficult. My friend who we stood with told me, "I'm just warnin' you. I get pretty weepy at this parade." Well, that makes two of us.
I thought about my grandfather, my great uncles and cousins who were/are veterans. I swallowed down so many lumps in my throat it was difficult to breathe. Who leaves family and friends and the only home they've known to go to a foreign land and fight for their country? Suffering hardships we can't even imagine so we don't have to imagine living in a country without our freedom. A freedom we all have taken for granted. Who gives like that so unselfishly? A veteran does. And given the chance to do their life all over they'd change nothing. They would serve honorably again and again.
I talked to my kids about the different wars. They didn't understand at first about the men in the blue coats marching in the parade. I told them that was to honor the Civil War veterans because they are all in heaven now. They wanted to know what POW and MIA meant. I explained as best I could about the prisoners of war and the men and women who never came home. I could tell they were really listening because they asked really thoughtful questions. And they wanted more answers and explanations than I could give.
During the parade a veteran caught my eye and said, "Thank you." He was thanking me? No, I needed to thank him. For his sacrifice and service. And though I didn't get the chance, I did thank God. For our country, our freedom and our veterans.
I thought about my grandfather, my great uncles and cousins who were/are veterans. I swallowed down so many lumps in my throat it was difficult to breathe. Who leaves family and friends and the only home they've known to go to a foreign land and fight for their country? Suffering hardships we can't even imagine so we don't have to imagine living in a country without our freedom. A freedom we all have taken for granted. Who gives like that so unselfishly? A veteran does. And given the chance to do their life all over they'd change nothing. They would serve honorably again and again.
I talked to my kids about the different wars. They didn't understand at first about the men in the blue coats marching in the parade. I told them that was to honor the Civil War veterans because they are all in heaven now. They wanted to know what POW and MIA meant. I explained as best I could about the prisoners of war and the men and women who never came home. I could tell they were really listening because they asked really thoughtful questions. And they wanted more answers and explanations than I could give.
During the parade a veteran caught my eye and said, "Thank you." He was thanking me? No, I needed to thank him. For his sacrifice and service. And though I didn't get the chance, I did thank God. For our country, our freedom and our veterans.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
God's Driving Lessons
When our oldest started Driver's Ed., my dad made the comment that my husband would be the teacher. Slightly miffed, I rose to the challenge. True, my husband does have the patience of a saint (because he basically is one) but I was out to prove I could be a patient teacher of driving skills extraordinaire too.
Out we went and I am slightly pleased to say I only screamed four times. Mostly because the other children were in the car and I didn't want to lose everyone at once. My husband on the other hand, yelled alot. Where did that patience go? Left it in the ditch we almost landed in I'm guessing.
Acquiring the minutes for license acquisition was grueling. Finally we got there. Driving through construction was done fairly well. Driving through anything went fairly well. So, we were off.
Prayers were said. Test taken. License received. Now about that car... My mother-in-law said when they drive somewhere alone the first time, oh how you will pray. She was right. Especially after the horrific video we had to watch about new drivers and fatal accidents for our insurance. I cried during the whole thing. The interviews with the parents reduced me to the fetal position. I informed our new driver, "There will be no joyriding. Whatsoever." I received a solemn nod and a "Yes m'am." Oh, if said newest driver to our family knew the stuff I used to pull!
God, I know, will ride with our child. His driving lessons speak to the driver's heart, soul and head. It is my hope and prayer they will listen. Isn't there a song, "Jesus Take the Wheel?" This has become my mantra. And I know He will.
Out we went and I am slightly pleased to say I only screamed four times. Mostly because the other children were in the car and I didn't want to lose everyone at once. My husband on the other hand, yelled alot. Where did that patience go? Left it in the ditch we almost landed in I'm guessing.
Acquiring the minutes for license acquisition was grueling. Finally we got there. Driving through construction was done fairly well. Driving through anything went fairly well. So, we were off.
Prayers were said. Test taken. License received. Now about that car... My mother-in-law said when they drive somewhere alone the first time, oh how you will pray. She was right. Especially after the horrific video we had to watch about new drivers and fatal accidents for our insurance. I cried during the whole thing. The interviews with the parents reduced me to the fetal position. I informed our new driver, "There will be no joyriding. Whatsoever." I received a solemn nod and a "Yes m'am." Oh, if said newest driver to our family knew the stuff I used to pull!
God, I know, will ride with our child. His driving lessons speak to the driver's heart, soul and head. It is my hope and prayer they will listen. Isn't there a song, "Jesus Take the Wheel?" This has become my mantra. And I know He will.
Friday, November 5, 2010
God's Chicken Noodle Soup
Has anyone ever noticed that when mom is sick things don't stop? I mean we may be able to catch a cat nap but lying in the bed all day is usually out. Unless the Angel of Death is hovering visibly in the corner of the room where the rest of the family can see him/her, you're still on duty. Interesting because when anyone else in the family is sick, mom's schedule becomes null and void. She becomes nurse mom able to leap to get the vomit bucket in a single bound and get everything else done too. She looks good in her red tights though the cape can become a hazard. Bullet deflecting bracelets like Wonder Woman's aren't really practical unless you want them covered in mucus or vomit or something even worse.
I have some viral thing at the moment. I've learned that though my kids love me and my husband really is a great help, I'm pretty much on my own. I have been napping in the afternoon. I've learned that I have to take care of myself. When my husband gets home he'll help where he can as will my kids. I do appreciate that. Some women don't even get that. It's sad to me what some spouses expect from their wives. No understanding follows. So really, I'm blessed. When I had surgery a few years ago my husband took off. And today he brought me flowers. Yes, I am blessed.
I guess my message is to take care of yourselves when you are sick. Don't feel guilty about frozen pizza for supper or piles of unwashed laundry. Unfortunately that laundry isn't going anywhere. And as for the lack of sympathy, know God is there beside you. Pray for yourself and your family. Sometimes I think it scares them when we are sick. Supermom is down for the count? Unfathomable! Who will make my lunch and iron my shirt and bring my forgotten library book to school? Remember the battle is not ours; it is the Lord's. And His chicken noodle soup is the sweetest you've ever tasted.
I have some viral thing at the moment. I've learned that though my kids love me and my husband really is a great help, I'm pretty much on my own. I have been napping in the afternoon. I've learned that I have to take care of myself. When my husband gets home he'll help where he can as will my kids. I do appreciate that. Some women don't even get that. It's sad to me what some spouses expect from their wives. No understanding follows. So really, I'm blessed. When I had surgery a few years ago my husband took off. And today he brought me flowers. Yes, I am blessed.
I guess my message is to take care of yourselves when you are sick. Don't feel guilty about frozen pizza for supper or piles of unwashed laundry. Unfortunately that laundry isn't going anywhere. And as for the lack of sympathy, know God is there beside you. Pray for yourself and your family. Sometimes I think it scares them when we are sick. Supermom is down for the count? Unfathomable! Who will make my lunch and iron my shirt and bring my forgotten library book to school? Remember the battle is not ours; it is the Lord's. And His chicken noodle soup is the sweetest you've ever tasted.
Monday, November 1, 2010
God's Treats
Well, it was the usual Halloween rush for us. A quick dinner. Running our oldest to a Halloween party. Getting costumes we thought were ready together. Buying a bit more candy just to be sure. Finding a way to encase the dog so she doesn't scare the trick-or-treaters. Crazy fun!
Until I moved up north, I'd never known people who didn't celebrate Halloween. I've met adults who find it scary and want nothing to do with it. I was in a Bible study with a woman who really went off on it. I felt a little attacked. So I told her, "Like anything else, Halloween is what you make it. Make it scary and it will be. Make it fun and you will have tons. We make it a time for fall, beautiful colors, pumpkins, gourds and candy corn. We thank God for the farmers and their hard work all year round. We thank Him for a good harvest. Of all the scary costumes out there, there are so much more that are funny, pretty or strikingly original. My favorite? An outhouse!" She just glared at me. Oh well.
I don't mean to make fun of anyone. You don't like Halloween then that's your choice. I do get people who are scared by it. But, there's a small part of me that enjoys that. I have great memories of trick-or-treating in my small hometown. Going to friends' houses and favorite teachers. My grandparents was always the best. Can you say "Motherload" ? Because they sure could!
As we got older it was haunted houses and haunted woods. And some other stuff I plead the fifth on.
However you feel about it, I like to think of the religious significance of it. Being a huge fan of Martin Luther we celebrate Reformation Day at church. That's when Big Marty nailed his 95 theses on the church door. Didn't go over too well. I guess that makes us the protesters of the protester. Groovey.
Our Catholic friends celebrate All Hallow's Eve and All Saints Day. I believe my celtic ancestors brought the tradition over. They believed the hobgoblins were out on the 31st and dressing like them would keep them unawares and the humans safe. Good plan really.
This year I really reflected on God's treats as a bunch of kids sang, "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" when I opened the door. How cool is that? Totally broke the two piece candy rule on that one! It made me think about Christmas. There was a chill in the air afterall. It made me think of all we've been blessed with. Enough for a pretty good life. Enough to buy costumes for our kids and candy for the neighborhood kiddos. To laugh and love and even get some exercise as we retrieved candy. Seeing some incredibly creative costumes and talking to friends. Though few things compare to chocolate, God's treats far outweigh anything I can think of!
Until I moved up north, I'd never known people who didn't celebrate Halloween. I've met adults who find it scary and want nothing to do with it. I was in a Bible study with a woman who really went off on it. I felt a little attacked. So I told her, "Like anything else, Halloween is what you make it. Make it scary and it will be. Make it fun and you will have tons. We make it a time for fall, beautiful colors, pumpkins, gourds and candy corn. We thank God for the farmers and their hard work all year round. We thank Him for a good harvest. Of all the scary costumes out there, there are so much more that are funny, pretty or strikingly original. My favorite? An outhouse!" She just glared at me. Oh well.
I don't mean to make fun of anyone. You don't like Halloween then that's your choice. I do get people who are scared by it. But, there's a small part of me that enjoys that. I have great memories of trick-or-treating in my small hometown. Going to friends' houses and favorite teachers. My grandparents was always the best. Can you say "Motherload" ? Because they sure could!
As we got older it was haunted houses and haunted woods. And some other stuff I plead the fifth on.
However you feel about it, I like to think of the religious significance of it. Being a huge fan of Martin Luther we celebrate Reformation Day at church. That's when Big Marty nailed his 95 theses on the church door. Didn't go over too well. I guess that makes us the protesters of the protester. Groovey.
Our Catholic friends celebrate All Hallow's Eve and All Saints Day. I believe my celtic ancestors brought the tradition over. They believed the hobgoblins were out on the 31st and dressing like them would keep them unawares and the humans safe. Good plan really.
This year I really reflected on God's treats as a bunch of kids sang, "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" when I opened the door. How cool is that? Totally broke the two piece candy rule on that one! It made me think about Christmas. There was a chill in the air afterall. It made me think of all we've been blessed with. Enough for a pretty good life. Enough to buy costumes for our kids and candy for the neighborhood kiddos. To laugh and love and even get some exercise as we retrieved candy. Seeing some incredibly creative costumes and talking to friends. Though few things compare to chocolate, God's treats far outweigh anything I can think of!
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