Saturday, December 25, 2010
A plant graveyard
The rainfall from last week leaves us all feeling a little bit chilly still. Wasn't it amazing? I knew God would never flood the earth again, but I was starting to wonder. On a positive note, my trees and plants look quite nourished, even though they sang a different whiny tune when they almost drowned from all the pools of water around them.
They got what they TRULY needed though, a refreshing dose of cold H20. They look green and vibrant today in the sunshine, almost hopeful really, which is strange to say about a plant. But, if you are a plant-lover like I am, you know what I mean.
In contrast to those healthy plants, I happened to notice two others as I walked up my driveway to the front door today. Two of my potted hanging plants look like sad members of a plant graveyard. You see, even though they were mere inches from the downpour that came with four days of non-stop rain, they couldn't benefit from the free heavenly drops.
It's ironic that those two hanging baskets missed all of those free "drinks on the house." Even the craziest part of the storm could not reach them under the eaves. So, they could hear it and long for it, but to no avail, they remained bone dry.
With three kids, one dog and a packed holiday schedule, those two plants in particular were a low priority to me; they've been on their way out for awhile, if you know what I mean. To avoid death though, all they needed was a good soaking to catch them up from their season of starvation. But I didn't stop to put those plants under the storm's path.
That's kind of how it is for people who say they just don't believe in God. They can't understand why all of those weird Christian people look so joyful and peaceful all the time. Even when Carrie-Christian gets a flat tire, she's like, "Jesus will bless this; maybe I'll get to help save a lost kitten while I'm stranded here."
It can be irritating when non-Christians simply want to moan and suffer in silence. Just when the pity party gets jamming, one of those wacky believers texts them to say, "(You) can do everything through Christ who strengthens (you)" (Philippians 4:13). But, its perfect timing does actually help to soften the blow from that recent $2000 car repair bill.
When some non-believers hear the Christian-eze around them, it just makes them want to puke. Because it simply doesn't make sense! "To gain your life you must lose it..." What is that, anyways? But the reality is that we all have to put ourselves out there, just like my sad plants... who couldn't. Lucky that we get a choice about where we stand.
When it comes to issues of faith, God certainly doesn't push, pull, or cajole anyone into His presence. If someone wants to stay a member of the "plant graveyard," he or she certainly can; it's totally their call. If a person wants to starve to death, God won't force-feed her because true love doesn't do that. If God demanded our love, would that really be love at all? More like totalitarianism, don't you think?
But He actually does have an awesome plan for each one of us. He wants to bless us and sustain us while we go through our own plethora of storms. But, if we stubbornly refuse to put ourselves under His loving presence, He won't force us. Even if we choose death and drought over serenity and satisfaction, He won't coerce us to join His feast of abundance: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22).
When I compare the watered plants out front to the two hanging ones that still need a drink so badly, the solution seems so obvious. "Drink some water, you dumb plants!" And that's all that some of us need as well, a tall glass of water. Jesus wants to give us a living source of water though, one where we will drink and never be thirsty again. It's the hope of eternal life where we begin to live and grow spiritually from this day forward.
Since the new year quickly approaches, think about which kind of plant you want to be this coming year: the healthy one or the dead one. This post might seem harsh to some of you, but this is my post-Christmas gift to you dear reader. Please accept it as a free gift of love, that cost my best friend His earthly life!
John 10:10 says, "The thief (satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Go for the full life! Live it no holds barred. That's what Jesus did and that's what we crazy Christians are called to do as well! Join the party; you are all invited!
Share your thoughts! We'd love to hear from you. Happy New Year! :)
They got what they TRULY needed though, a refreshing dose of cold H20. They look green and vibrant today in the sunshine, almost hopeful really, which is strange to say about a plant. But, if you are a plant-lover like I am, you know what I mean.
In contrast to those healthy plants, I happened to notice two others as I walked up my driveway to the front door today. Two of my potted hanging plants look like sad members of a plant graveyard. You see, even though they were mere inches from the downpour that came with four days of non-stop rain, they couldn't benefit from the free heavenly drops.
It's ironic that those two hanging baskets missed all of those free "drinks on the house." Even the craziest part of the storm could not reach them under the eaves. So, they could hear it and long for it, but to no avail, they remained bone dry.
With three kids, one dog and a packed holiday schedule, those two plants in particular were a low priority to me; they've been on their way out for awhile, if you know what I mean. To avoid death though, all they needed was a good soaking to catch them up from their season of starvation. But I didn't stop to put those plants under the storm's path.
That's kind of how it is for people who say they just don't believe in God. They can't understand why all of those weird Christian people look so joyful and peaceful all the time. Even when Carrie-Christian gets a flat tire, she's like, "Jesus will bless this; maybe I'll get to help save a lost kitten while I'm stranded here."
It can be irritating when non-Christians simply want to moan and suffer in silence. Just when the pity party gets jamming, one of those wacky believers texts them to say, "(You) can do everything through Christ who strengthens (you)" (Philippians 4:13). But, its perfect timing does actually help to soften the blow from that recent $2000 car repair bill.
When some non-believers hear the Christian-eze around them, it just makes them want to puke. Because it simply doesn't make sense! "To gain your life you must lose it..." What is that, anyways? But the reality is that we all have to put ourselves out there, just like my sad plants... who couldn't. Lucky that we get a choice about where we stand.
When it comes to issues of faith, God certainly doesn't push, pull, or cajole anyone into His presence. If someone wants to stay a member of the "plant graveyard," he or she certainly can; it's totally their call. If a person wants to starve to death, God won't force-feed her because true love doesn't do that. If God demanded our love, would that really be love at all? More like totalitarianism, don't you think?
But He actually does have an awesome plan for each one of us. He wants to bless us and sustain us while we go through our own plethora of storms. But, if we stubbornly refuse to put ourselves under His loving presence, He won't force us. Even if we choose death and drought over serenity and satisfaction, He won't coerce us to join His feast of abundance: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22).
When I compare the watered plants out front to the two hanging ones that still need a drink so badly, the solution seems so obvious. "Drink some water, you dumb plants!" And that's all that some of us need as well, a tall glass of water. Jesus wants to give us a living source of water though, one where we will drink and never be thirsty again. It's the hope of eternal life where we begin to live and grow spiritually from this day forward.
Since the new year quickly approaches, think about which kind of plant you want to be this coming year: the healthy one or the dead one. This post might seem harsh to some of you, but this is my post-Christmas gift to you dear reader. Please accept it as a free gift of love, that cost my best friend His earthly life!
John 10:10 says, "The thief (satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Go for the full life! Live it no holds barred. That's what Jesus did and that's what we crazy Christians are called to do as well! Join the party; you are all invited!
Share your thoughts! We'd love to hear from you. Happy New Year! :)
Labels: faith, family, New Year, rainstorm
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Television-zombie Alternatives
If your kids are anything like mine, they are loving the relaxation of Christmas break. And I am as well. No taxi-racing to the drop-offs and the pick-ups. No gulping down an entire cream cheese bagel in fifteen seconds flat. No panicking to find three sets of matching socks and shoes (well four if you count mine).
And on that topic, does anyone ever borrow their spouse's socks in a pinch? I've been wearing my hubby's socks with my black boots cuz I've been low on clean laundry. I've even borrowed my seven-year-old son's socks cuz his feet are starting to get as big as mine. You know you do that too, so no smirking at me!
As you can see, my coffee has kicked in and I'm writing with fervor, off topic, but energetically to say the least. So, the point of this piece... aw yes, "TV zombies." So, how are your kids doing thus far? It's day #5 but I'd already lost my mind by Monday, to be honest. So much time together. So much whining. So much noise!!! And yet, they are so darn cute and cuddly. I love letting them stay up late and allowing them to sleep in until brunch-time. Snacking all day is fun too! I'm being facetious, btw, my mind is totally intact.
In general, holiday breaks tend to bring out the glory of that amazing black box up in our bonus room, especially when we get as much rain as we've gotten lately. Isn't this weather amazing? So much for my piece last week where I critiqued the summer-like weather we'd been getting. From 85 degrees to this? I'm not sure I'm going to challenge the rain-gods again. But other than our roof leaking yesterday, it has been a total blast. I'm just praying for some lightning and thunder, but I better be careful what I ask for, right?
Since I'm one of those moms who didn't get the dvd player in my brand new swagger wagon, you can probably tell where this is going. Although I love getting a siesta by putting my kids in front of the television for an hour or so, I feel it shouldn't be used as an at-home babysitter option. It's tempting to push the "ON" button in order to catch up on the plethora of Christmas tasks vying for our attention. But try these three television-zombie-alternatives instead.
First, hit the 99 Cent Only store or the dollar bin at Target for some inexpensive treasures. Buy your kids a few coloring or doodle books, some markers, or a puzzle. My husband recently bought our kids an Indian figurine set for super cheap and all three kids have played together with it for hours this morning. I've heard very little fighting, just a little bit of arguing, and mostly lots of peaceful chitchat. I'm literally blown away that these tiny plastic figures are favored over the flat-screen upstairs.
Second, look for stuff that's already in your house. Just take your Christmas tree for example. Are there some plain ornaments that your kids could enhance? Get some puffy paints out (you can get these at a local craft store like Jo-Ann or Michaels) and let them decorate some of the drab silver balls. Encourage them to draw swirls, stars, and Christmas phrases.
Another project involves old magazines or junk mail, paper, scissors, and glue. Let your kids cut out pictures and words and paste them into a collage. You could even give them specific themes: Christmas, animals, or the great outdoors. Younger kids might need help from you with the cutting but should be able to glue the pieces on by themselves.
Third, to avoid tv-zombie-hood, read together. Gather books from around your house or stop by the library and pick up two arm-fulls. You could even play hide-and-seek in your family room where you and the kids take turns hiding the books. Once the books are found, you or the older kids can read the books out loud. Younger kids can look at their picture books to keep their attention.
If your kids are are "too cool" for this, set up a groovy reading station with snacks and fun music where they can read independently. When push comes to shove, if your kids demand television over reading, then bribe them. Tell them that if they read five books, you'll buy them some ice cream or a pack of gum later today.
Everyone's a tv-zombie sometimes, but we should aim for more over the break. One or two days of zombie-hood are acceptable, but after that, it's time to engage your kids with some brain-food. You don't want to return them to their teachers in a vegetative mental state. Let's keep them sharp over the break and enjoy the quality time together as well. Keeping it real. Share some of your kid-friendly screen-time alternatives. We'd love to hear from you. :)
And on that topic, does anyone ever borrow their spouse's socks in a pinch? I've been wearing my hubby's socks with my black boots cuz I've been low on clean laundry. I've even borrowed my seven-year-old son's socks cuz his feet are starting to get as big as mine. You know you do that too, so no smirking at me!
As you can see, my coffee has kicked in and I'm writing with fervor, off topic, but energetically to say the least. So, the point of this piece... aw yes, "TV zombies." So, how are your kids doing thus far? It's day #5 but I'd already lost my mind by Monday, to be honest. So much time together. So much whining. So much noise!!! And yet, they are so darn cute and cuddly. I love letting them stay up late and allowing them to sleep in until brunch-time. Snacking all day is fun too! I'm being facetious, btw, my mind is totally intact.
In general, holiday breaks tend to bring out the glory of that amazing black box up in our bonus room, especially when we get as much rain as we've gotten lately. Isn't this weather amazing? So much for my piece last week where I critiqued the summer-like weather we'd been getting. From 85 degrees to this? I'm not sure I'm going to challenge the rain-gods again. But other than our roof leaking yesterday, it has been a total blast. I'm just praying for some lightning and thunder, but I better be careful what I ask for, right?
Since I'm one of those moms who didn't get the dvd player in my brand new swagger wagon, you can probably tell where this is going. Although I love getting a siesta by putting my kids in front of the television for an hour or so, I feel it shouldn't be used as an at-home babysitter option. It's tempting to push the "ON" button in order to catch up on the plethora of Christmas tasks vying for our attention. But try these three television-zombie-alternatives instead.
First, hit the 99 Cent Only store or the dollar bin at Target for some inexpensive treasures. Buy your kids a few coloring or doodle books, some markers, or a puzzle. My husband recently bought our kids an Indian figurine set for super cheap and all three kids have played together with it for hours this morning. I've heard very little fighting, just a little bit of arguing, and mostly lots of peaceful chitchat. I'm literally blown away that these tiny plastic figures are favored over the flat-screen upstairs.
Second, look for stuff that's already in your house. Just take your Christmas tree for example. Are there some plain ornaments that your kids could enhance? Get some puffy paints out (you can get these at a local craft store like Jo-Ann or Michaels) and let them decorate some of the drab silver balls. Encourage them to draw swirls, stars, and Christmas phrases.
Another project involves old magazines or junk mail, paper, scissors, and glue. Let your kids cut out pictures and words and paste them into a collage. You could even give them specific themes: Christmas, animals, or the great outdoors. Younger kids might need help from you with the cutting but should be able to glue the pieces on by themselves.
Third, to avoid tv-zombie-hood, read together. Gather books from around your house or stop by the library and pick up two arm-fulls. You could even play hide-and-seek in your family room where you and the kids take turns hiding the books. Once the books are found, you or the older kids can read the books out loud. Younger kids can look at their picture books to keep their attention.
If your kids are are "too cool" for this, set up a groovy reading station with snacks and fun music where they can read independently. When push comes to shove, if your kids demand television over reading, then bribe them. Tell them that if they read five books, you'll buy them some ice cream or a pack of gum later today.
Everyone's a tv-zombie sometimes, but we should aim for more over the break. One or two days of zombie-hood are acceptable, but after that, it's time to engage your kids with some brain-food. You don't want to return them to their teachers in a vegetative mental state. Let's keep them sharp over the break and enjoy the quality time together as well. Keeping it real. Share some of your kid-friendly screen-time alternatives. We'd love to hear from you. :)
Labels: Christmas break, family, kids, television
Saturday, December 18, 2010
"Unless Jesus comes back first..."
I love kids. Their perspectives are so sobering, especially when it comes to issues of faith and hope. My five-year-old daughter loves to talk about death, which might seem strange. But even that pensive topic becomes exciting because of her young and optimistic outlook.
Her plethora of questions about death, such as, "When I'm forty-seven, will you be dead?" or "When you are one-hundred-and-ten, will Grammy still be alive?" are ongoing. But her introspection always reminds me of the promise that we have in Jesus.
In my most gentle voice, I usually say, "Well, when you are that old, I will be really old..." or "... by then, Grammy will be in heaven with Jesus." AND THEN my daughter says, "Unless Jesus comes back first."
You see, she actually believes that He might come back during our lifetime. And why shouldn't she? No-one knows the day or time, remember? The Bible tells us that we should be ready at all times, but do we take that challenge seriously?
That truth means we are to live today as if He might actually come back today. Perhaps He will return tomorrow or maybe even on Christmas Day? In light of these thoughts, let's cling to the things that truly matter, like our families and friends and their walk with the Lord. Let's pray together and study His Word.
Time certainly flies by like each passing breath, but let's not fear death. It has no sting, remember? Sickness will come into your life at some point just as the storms arrive to water the earth. But, let it strengthen you as you press into His power.
Let go of old hurts as well; move on towards God's peace because He can't wait to see you face to face sometime very soon. In that moment, He will take away all of your pain. That means that you can forgive your trespassers today since His love for you is even greater than the hurt that they have caused.
So what would you do if Jesus came back today? Would you be ready to head off to heaven? Would you be done drinking your coffee, paying those bills, cleaning that tile, or wrapping those fun presents? You might have to leave that dish baking in the oven... you know... or that load of laundry turning in the washing machine.
Since Christmas is approaching, let's take a few moments to sit with the Lord, Jesus. Let's rest in His arms and rejoice for what lies ahead: a heaven where there are no tears, no suffering, and a place where every wrong will be righted.
Slow down to hear from the Savior and take a minute to sing to Him. It is His birthday after all! Share your thoughts about heaven and hope. We'd love to hear from you! Merry Christmas! :)
Her plethora of questions about death, such as, "When I'm forty-seven, will you be dead?" or "When you are one-hundred-and-ten, will Grammy still be alive?" are ongoing. But her introspection always reminds me of the promise that we have in Jesus.
In my most gentle voice, I usually say, "Well, when you are that old, I will be really old..." or "... by then, Grammy will be in heaven with Jesus." AND THEN my daughter says, "Unless Jesus comes back first."
You see, she actually believes that He might come back during our lifetime. And why shouldn't she? No-one knows the day or time, remember? The Bible tells us that we should be ready at all times, but do we take that challenge seriously?
That truth means we are to live today as if He might actually come back today. Perhaps He will return tomorrow or maybe even on Christmas Day? In light of these thoughts, let's cling to the things that truly matter, like our families and friends and their walk with the Lord. Let's pray together and study His Word.
Time certainly flies by like each passing breath, but let's not fear death. It has no sting, remember? Sickness will come into your life at some point just as the storms arrive to water the earth. But, let it strengthen you as you press into His power.
Let go of old hurts as well; move on towards God's peace because He can't wait to see you face to face sometime very soon. In that moment, He will take away all of your pain. That means that you can forgive your trespassers today since His love for you is even greater than the hurt that they have caused.
So what would you do if Jesus came back today? Would you be ready to head off to heaven? Would you be done drinking your coffee, paying those bills, cleaning that tile, or wrapping those fun presents? You might have to leave that dish baking in the oven... you know... or that load of laundry turning in the washing machine.
Since Christmas is approaching, let's take a few moments to sit with the Lord, Jesus. Let's rest in His arms and rejoice for what lies ahead: a heaven where there are no tears, no suffering, and a place where every wrong will be righted.
Slow down to hear from the Savior and take a minute to sing to Him. It is His birthday after all! Share your thoughts about heaven and hope. We'd love to hear from you! Merry Christmas! :)
Labels: Christmas, faith, family, Jesus
Monday, December 13, 2010
Sloppy Christmas Season
We picture Christmas in all of its elegance with rich colors and textures. We also assume that our homes will reflect the pristine beauty from the Crate&Barrel or Pier One catalogs. And while I love the delicate ornaments flooding those stores, my tree is 80% loaded with home-made kid ornaments instead. I guess I could decorate two trees, dividing the imperfect from the flawless, but that's so not me. I prefer my kids' artistic sparkles and their excessive use of Elmer's glue.
My life is sloppy, tree and all. As I look around my house, I see my son's Santa hat on my kitchen counter from his school play yesterday. I see an adorable kid-decorated gingerbread house on my kitchen table and a delicate Santa candle out of my kids' reach next to my (not so white) toaster oven.
A few feet away from it lies one of my favorite childhood mugs that crashed to the floor earlier this week from a zealous hot cocoa drinker. I'm still optimistic that my husband can glue it back together. Crowding the fake garland up my stair-rails are fluffy red Santa hats and stockings, not exactly "hung with care." More like, "flung with flair" by my four-year-old.
I love the paper Advent chain that sits next to a pile of school papers and magazines as well. Each day (well, we usually forget and catch up every two or three days) we cut off the next green or red link in anticipation of the last yellow link which will be cut off on Christmas morning.
I could keep it out of sight because it's big and clumsy looking, but why? It makes me remember that we're actually in the Christmas season because we certainly can't tell from this beautiful weather lately. Is it December or July because I'm getting confused (not that I'm complaining, only wishing we could have ditched our school-duties and raced off to the beach instead)? Apparently we are supposed to get some rain later this week, but I'll believe it when I see it.
Christmas magazines cover my two coffee tables and catalogs arrive by the hundreds. I'm not sure I needed five catalogs from the same company within two weeks; maybe I'm just a tree-hugger though. The cute pictures of puppies and bows nestled with flannel bedding sit as "innocent" reminders of my very incomplete Christmas list. At this point, I basically can't order from the catalogs without getting penalized by the $40, 2-day shipping, so what's the point anyways?
We finally knocked out a couple of gifts this past week, but I'm so jealous of those people who are done Christmas shopping by September. Truth be told, isn't that a little bit strange? It's way too organized for me... to be honest. I like to get people gifts that are actually from the season that we're currently in... even if it's like 85 degrees out. My sister can wear the pink scarf I bought her with one of her black tank tops and like it, darn it. :)
I'm still anticipating a cookie-baking day when it cools off again sometime over the next week or so. When we do turn that oven on again, I'm certain we will have plenty of edible creations that look like footballs and clouds instead of angels or Christmas trees. But, as long as they have some yummy frosting, (time to actually get out my favorite red mixer) I'll eat whatever cookie shapes the kids make. And I'll dote on their beauty as well, especially my four-year-old's plethora of princesses and ballet slippers to come.
Remember to chill out, even in this warm weather; enjoy the season no matter what Weather.com says. If friends pop by to share some coffee or some fruitcake, don't freak like a psychotic nut-ball to make your downstairs look perfect. Chances are that theirs doesn't look any better than yours anyways. Let them see what a "real" house looks like. They'll take their shoes off, plop down on your leather couch, and actually relax with you, instead of feeling like they are visiting a museum (you know what I'm talking about).
Take time to read your favorite Christmas stories and to rent those classic holiday DVDs like "Miracle on 34th Street" and "A Christmas Story" as well. You've seen them a hundred times, but you should watch them again tonight... instead of going crazy trying to write up that lengthy Christmas letter. Just do the picture-card instead. It saves time; plus, that's what everyone really wants anyways. As a mom of three kids, I rarely have time to read all of those updates (not that I don't loooooooooove them, of course).
Before you know it, we'll be celebrating New Year's and listing out all of those beloved resolutions... yet again. So, while it's still 2010 and we have a week and a half left until Christmas, order that scrumptious peppermint mocha from Starbucks (oh my gosh... they're so good it's dangerous); and if it stays warm outside, just order it iced instead.
Remember to get lots of whipped cream too. Diets are totally illegal for the whole month of December. Didn't you read the memo at the top of your in-box earlier this morning? Eat a few extra calories now before you get all freaked out starving yourself in January. Tis the season, remember? Don't forget to get a little sloppy and save some of the serious stuff for the new year.
One of our favorite traditions is to watch a kid's movie before bed on Christmas Eve. I can't wait until my kids open up "How to Train Your Dragon" and "Despicable Me." I'm not super pumped about "Barney's A,B,Cs" but my littlest will do back-flips over it. Hopefully she'll fall asleep first, which sounds so mean, huh? Just keeping it real!
Blessings to you and your family. Share some of your favorite Christmas traditions. We'd love to hear from you. :)
My life is sloppy, tree and all. As I look around my house, I see my son's Santa hat on my kitchen counter from his school play yesterday. I see an adorable kid-decorated gingerbread house on my kitchen table and a delicate Santa candle out of my kids' reach next to my (not so white) toaster oven.
A few feet away from it lies one of my favorite childhood mugs that crashed to the floor earlier this week from a zealous hot cocoa drinker. I'm still optimistic that my husband can glue it back together. Crowding the fake garland up my stair-rails are fluffy red Santa hats and stockings, not exactly "hung with care." More like, "flung with flair" by my four-year-old.
I love the paper Advent chain that sits next to a pile of school papers and magazines as well. Each day (well, we usually forget and catch up every two or three days) we cut off the next green or red link in anticipation of the last yellow link which will be cut off on Christmas morning.
I could keep it out of sight because it's big and clumsy looking, but why? It makes me remember that we're actually in the Christmas season because we certainly can't tell from this beautiful weather lately. Is it December or July because I'm getting confused (not that I'm complaining, only wishing we could have ditched our school-duties and raced off to the beach instead)? Apparently we are supposed to get some rain later this week, but I'll believe it when I see it.
Christmas magazines cover my two coffee tables and catalogs arrive by the hundreds. I'm not sure I needed five catalogs from the same company within two weeks; maybe I'm just a tree-hugger though. The cute pictures of puppies and bows nestled with flannel bedding sit as "innocent" reminders of my very incomplete Christmas list. At this point, I basically can't order from the catalogs without getting penalized by the $40, 2-day shipping, so what's the point anyways?
We finally knocked out a couple of gifts this past week, but I'm so jealous of those people who are done Christmas shopping by September. Truth be told, isn't that a little bit strange? It's way too organized for me... to be honest. I like to get people gifts that are actually from the season that we're currently in... even if it's like 85 degrees out. My sister can wear the pink scarf I bought her with one of her black tank tops and like it, darn it. :)
I'm still anticipating a cookie-baking day when it cools off again sometime over the next week or so. When we do turn that oven on again, I'm certain we will have plenty of edible creations that look like footballs and clouds instead of angels or Christmas trees. But, as long as they have some yummy frosting, (time to actually get out my favorite red mixer) I'll eat whatever cookie shapes the kids make. And I'll dote on their beauty as well, especially my four-year-old's plethora of princesses and ballet slippers to come.
Remember to chill out, even in this warm weather; enjoy the season no matter what Weather.com says. If friends pop by to share some coffee or some fruitcake, don't freak like a psychotic nut-ball to make your downstairs look perfect. Chances are that theirs doesn't look any better than yours anyways. Let them see what a "real" house looks like. They'll take their shoes off, plop down on your leather couch, and actually relax with you, instead of feeling like they are visiting a museum (you know what I'm talking about).
Take time to read your favorite Christmas stories and to rent those classic holiday DVDs like "Miracle on 34th Street" and "A Christmas Story" as well. You've seen them a hundred times, but you should watch them again tonight... instead of going crazy trying to write up that lengthy Christmas letter. Just do the picture-card instead. It saves time; plus, that's what everyone really wants anyways. As a mom of three kids, I rarely have time to read all of those updates (not that I don't loooooooooove them, of course).
Before you know it, we'll be celebrating New Year's and listing out all of those beloved resolutions... yet again. So, while it's still 2010 and we have a week and a half left until Christmas, order that scrumptious peppermint mocha from Starbucks (oh my gosh... they're so good it's dangerous); and if it stays warm outside, just order it iced instead.
Remember to get lots of whipped cream too. Diets are totally illegal for the whole month of December. Didn't you read the memo at the top of your in-box earlier this morning? Eat a few extra calories now before you get all freaked out starving yourself in January. Tis the season, remember? Don't forget to get a little sloppy and save some of the serious stuff for the new year.
One of our favorite traditions is to watch a kid's movie before bed on Christmas Eve. I can't wait until my kids open up "How to Train Your Dragon" and "Despicable Me." I'm not super pumped about "Barney's A,B,Cs" but my littlest will do back-flips over it. Hopefully she'll fall asleep first, which sounds so mean, huh? Just keeping it real!
Blessings to you and your family. Share some of your favorite Christmas traditions. We'd love to hear from you. :)
Labels: Christmas, family, kids
Monday, December 06, 2010
A moment
No matter what you are going through, at least you are still alive. You might feel dead sometimes because of life's overwhelming struggles.
But, when push comes to shove, you can be thankful that you are still alive today. No-one besides God Himself knows what tomorrow holds.
So for now, let's be thankful for the day that we're in. Let's have gratitude no matter how crappy things get in this crazy world. For in this moment, we get to be a part of this day and the wonderment that it holds.
The sun rises anew today. The moon casts its cool glow upon us. The stars twinkle brightly in a song to the universe around them. The ocean's tides ebb and flow as our hearts beat to their own melodic tune.
You never know if you'll be here to complain about tomorrow because your clock might stop ticking tonight. So instead of dreading the fear of hurts and sorrows or the mysterious unknown, let's be thankful for the moment that we're in.
No matter how devastating your circumstances get, keep your eyes upon the moment that you are in, for all we have is one moment and then we are gone!
Keeping it real! Share your thoughts. We'd love to hear from you! :)
But, when push comes to shove, you can be thankful that you are still alive today. No-one besides God Himself knows what tomorrow holds.
So for now, let's be thankful for the day that we're in. Let's have gratitude no matter how crappy things get in this crazy world. For in this moment, we get to be a part of this day and the wonderment that it holds.
The sun rises anew today. The moon casts its cool glow upon us. The stars twinkle brightly in a song to the universe around them. The ocean's tides ebb and flow as our hearts beat to their own melodic tune.
You never know if you'll be here to complain about tomorrow because your clock might stop ticking tonight. So instead of dreading the fear of hurts and sorrows or the mysterious unknown, let's be thankful for the moment that we're in.
No matter how devastating your circumstances get, keep your eyes upon the moment that you are in, for all we have is one moment and then we are gone!
Keeping it real! Share your thoughts. We'd love to hear from you! :)
Thursday, December 02, 2010
dualisms
Self identity is a complicated topic. Not just who we are and the game pieces we play on the chess-board, but the difficulty of the contradictions within those definitions. For example, I am simultaneously a mom, a wife, a daughter, a sister, and a friend. Now, I am starting to sound like Jorge Luis Borges' essay called, "Borges y yo," which discusses the variety of roles we fill using the metaphor of hats. But, aside from the Hispanic literary reference, I want to dig deeper, even than Borges' journey many decades ago.
Why is it that as a mom, I can feel peaceful and anxious on the same day, in the same ten minute period even? Why as a wife can I feel incredibly blissful one moment and passionately irate the next? My role as a daughter produces feelings of undying faithfulness in an instant but those of bitter frustration the next. As a sister, I am likely to sense a deep blood connection one month and a sibling rivalry the next. As a friend, I can feel irritable by one response and compelled by her next.
These contradictions can leave me confused to say the least. I think PMS and hormones are mostly to blame. But all kidding aside, even my male audience would agree that emotions can be a dangerous thing. What then do we base our definitions upon? Upon our feelings? Or, upon the commitments we have made over the years to the truths we believe? What about our faith that pulls us into a deeper calling, even more-so than our five senses at times?
For me, my belief in God takes part in this battle of dualisms as well. If I depend upon my feelings when it comes to faith, I can become perplexed about God too. His goodness fills the verdant garden, producing the sweetest oranges and grapes while simultaneously... His idle response to man's evil lurks passively in the shadows as well. For just outside of the garden, a murderer kills an innocent victim. And beyond that scenario, the gentle scent of a rose petal rests upon a peaceful breeze while a violent wind blows down a small village far, far away from there with its incessant attacks.
Most people have problems with the "problem" of evil and the "problem" of suffering or pain. If you've studied even one ounce of philosophy, you know this to be true as well. And yet, it leaves me hoping for more. For the world beyond this one. Where injustices are righted. Where faltered dreams and failures are restored. Where death has no sting. Where sickness has no bite.
Can we hope together for the heaven that awaits us? Is Jesus really preparing a home for you and for me regardless of how we feel about our circumstances now? If so, it should affect the way we evaluate our feelings; and it should certainly determine the way we define ourselves in our current roles. We should see them through His victorious lens, where justice and truth win in the end. But, it's not always easy!
As a multi-faceted being with a plethora of roles rotating round and round like a revolving door, I am challenged amidst these dilemmas. And yet, I am not defeated. My favorite verse from high school comes to mind: "I can do everything through (Christ) who strengthens me!" (Philippians 4:13). I can be a mom at all times, while also balancing my role as a wife, daughter, sister, and friend. I can feel flustered about the goodness and the evil that co-mingle around me on a daily basis. I can feel joyful and sad about the same person or circumstance. I can cry and laugh simultaneously.
And I can even feel mad at God for His slow response to the inequities that we all face. It is okay. It is allowed. We are human now, but will one day be fully transformed into His image. We are of two natures still... but are constantly being renewed into His perfection and into His glory! We can face today and its dualistic nature because we are not alone! We have His help at all times. "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7).
Keep the faith! Share your thoughts here. We'd love to hear from you. :)
Why is it that as a mom, I can feel peaceful and anxious on the same day, in the same ten minute period even? Why as a wife can I feel incredibly blissful one moment and passionately irate the next? My role as a daughter produces feelings of undying faithfulness in an instant but those of bitter frustration the next. As a sister, I am likely to sense a deep blood connection one month and a sibling rivalry the next. As a friend, I can feel irritable by one response and compelled by her next.
These contradictions can leave me confused to say the least. I think PMS and hormones are mostly to blame. But all kidding aside, even my male audience would agree that emotions can be a dangerous thing. What then do we base our definitions upon? Upon our feelings? Or, upon the commitments we have made over the years to the truths we believe? What about our faith that pulls us into a deeper calling, even more-so than our five senses at times?
For me, my belief in God takes part in this battle of dualisms as well. If I depend upon my feelings when it comes to faith, I can become perplexed about God too. His goodness fills the verdant garden, producing the sweetest oranges and grapes while simultaneously... His idle response to man's evil lurks passively in the shadows as well. For just outside of the garden, a murderer kills an innocent victim. And beyond that scenario, the gentle scent of a rose petal rests upon a peaceful breeze while a violent wind blows down a small village far, far away from there with its incessant attacks.
Most people have problems with the "problem" of evil and the "problem" of suffering or pain. If you've studied even one ounce of philosophy, you know this to be true as well. And yet, it leaves me hoping for more. For the world beyond this one. Where injustices are righted. Where faltered dreams and failures are restored. Where death has no sting. Where sickness has no bite.
Can we hope together for the heaven that awaits us? Is Jesus really preparing a home for you and for me regardless of how we feel about our circumstances now? If so, it should affect the way we evaluate our feelings; and it should certainly determine the way we define ourselves in our current roles. We should see them through His victorious lens, where justice and truth win in the end. But, it's not always easy!
As a multi-faceted being with a plethora of roles rotating round and round like a revolving door, I am challenged amidst these dilemmas. And yet, I am not defeated. My favorite verse from high school comes to mind: "I can do everything through (Christ) who strengthens me!" (Philippians 4:13). I can be a mom at all times, while also balancing my role as a wife, daughter, sister, and friend. I can feel flustered about the goodness and the evil that co-mingle around me on a daily basis. I can feel joyful and sad about the same person or circumstance. I can cry and laugh simultaneously.
And I can even feel mad at God for His slow response to the inequities that we all face. It is okay. It is allowed. We are human now, but will one day be fully transformed into His image. We are of two natures still... but are constantly being renewed into His perfection and into His glory! We can face today and its dualistic nature because we are not alone! We have His help at all times. "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7).
Keep the faith! Share your thoughts here. We'd love to hear from you. :)
Labels: daughters, dualism, faith, friends, moms, wives
