Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Reduce, reuse, recycle this holiday season
Everyone sets those well-intentioned goals for the new year. But why wait until then? The holidays are the perfect time to put those New Year's resolutions to good use. We should all aim to take better care of the environment, right? So let's get started... (especially for those of you who are like me and aren't quite done with your shopping yet). :)
Here are five ways to reduce, reuse, or recycle this holiday season.
First, try to buy less. I mean, do you really need a gift for every person you've ever met? Why not stick to a list of your ten closest family members and friends? You can give a cheerful hug to the rest of those fun-loving acquaintances! And when you wrap those gifts, try to reuse one of last year's gift bags that's still in great shape. Or use one that you've already received this year (as long as it's not going to that same person).
Second, give stuff that grows. This could be flowers, fruits, or vegetables. A neighbor recently gave me five pomegranates from her father-in-law's fruit tree. They are so beautiful and I can't wait to juice them. I've been giving people lemons from my own tree in a bag with a red ribbon. In my opinion, you can't beat organic, home-grown fruit!
Third, share some of your talents with those you love. It might sound cheese-ball, but think of Grandma getting a thoughtful missive or poem about the reasons you love her, placed in a reasonably priced frame. I'm pretty sure she'll be fine without another pair of pink slippers. Or if you're into music, sing a song for your special someone. Then give him or her a kiss along with a simple ornament containing a picture of the two of you.
Fourth, re-gift items you already own. Go through your closets and look for some well kept treasures that you no longer want. I have a really nice red-wine print that is in perfect condition. But guess what, I'm not in love with it anymore. The hand-me-down coffee prints from a good friend look much better on my red wall. So now I can gift that one to someone else.
Fifth, give practical gifts to those you love. It sometimes takes away the mystery or the romance (some would say). But I'm thrilled that my husband knows I'd like a new pair of boots, a running watch, and a mini-notebook for my writing on the go. If he's gonna spend a few hundred bucks on me anyways, I'd rather get the things I really need. Wouldn't you as well? So go ahead and tell him or her what's on your list too.
Reduce, reuse, recycle! It's the green thing to do this Christmas!
Here are five ways to reduce, reuse, or recycle this holiday season.
First, try to buy less. I mean, do you really need a gift for every person you've ever met? Why not stick to a list of your ten closest family members and friends? You can give a cheerful hug to the rest of those fun-loving acquaintances! And when you wrap those gifts, try to reuse one of last year's gift bags that's still in great shape. Or use one that you've already received this year (as long as it's not going to that same person).
Second, give stuff that grows. This could be flowers, fruits, or vegetables. A neighbor recently gave me five pomegranates from her father-in-law's fruit tree. They are so beautiful and I can't wait to juice them. I've been giving people lemons from my own tree in a bag with a red ribbon. In my opinion, you can't beat organic, home-grown fruit!
Third, share some of your talents with those you love. It might sound cheese-ball, but think of Grandma getting a thoughtful missive or poem about the reasons you love her, placed in a reasonably priced frame. I'm pretty sure she'll be fine without another pair of pink slippers. Or if you're into music, sing a song for your special someone. Then give him or her a kiss along with a simple ornament containing a picture of the two of you.
Fourth, re-gift items you already own. Go through your closets and look for some well kept treasures that you no longer want. I have a really nice red-wine print that is in perfect condition. But guess what, I'm not in love with it anymore. The hand-me-down coffee prints from a good friend look much better on my red wall. So now I can gift that one to someone else.
Fifth, give practical gifts to those you love. It sometimes takes away the mystery or the romance (some would say). But I'm thrilled that my husband knows I'd like a new pair of boots, a running watch, and a mini-notebook for my writing on the go. If he's gonna spend a few hundred bucks on me anyways, I'd rather get the things I really need. Wouldn't you as well? So go ahead and tell him or her what's on your list too.
Reduce, reuse, recycle! It's the green thing to do this Christmas!
Labels: Christmas, environment, holidays
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
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Song for the Fallen Soldiers
I'm so thankful for our soldiers and their sacrifice, especially to those who have given their own lives for our freedoms. Thank you American soldiers for fighting for us! God bless you and God bless America!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I love the snowflakes falling on my face...
I love the chocolate candies and the roses for Valentine's...
The green you never wore, so I got to pinch you and the roast beef with cabbage that smelled so good.
I love spring flowers blooming all around...the kids chasing butterflies...
and the rainbows that come after the showers fill the skies.
Then the cute cards for Mother's Day that you helped the kids make...they'll always be in my heart, honey, because they meant so much to me.
The picnics that we shared...the green crisp grass that filled the fields.
The hot dogs, cotton candy, and the kettle corn that you loved.
I love drinking iced tea and reading a good book, while the kids ride their bikes and twirl around.
The laughter is so beautiful, like your face that never lied.
Oh, to see your face again. We would love to see your face again.
I would hug you more and kiss you like I meant it every time.
I'd forgive you and I'd say "I'm sorry" first.
I love the new school-year and the smell of school supplies.
Everything is fresh and crisp and full of surprise.
The girls dress up as princesses and Jake defends them well. He's our little soldier, following you since you fell.
November hits and our tummies are full of delight.
Pies, stuffing, turkey, and snow-topped hills are our delight.
Presents begin to pour into the house, too many to count or care.
The only one we really want is the warmth that you brought with care.
Christmas without you, it's too much to bare.
But, then I look into their eyes, and I see you there.
Oh to see your face again. We would love to see your face again.
I would hug you more and kiss you like I meant it every time.
I'd forgive you and I'd say "I'm sorry" first.
Then, it's a new year without you. I feel so lost and so cold.
But, I thank you for the man you were because it made us who we are.
You served and loved and we're forever grateful.
Because of you, we're who we are.
You will always live inside our hearts...forever and beyond.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I love the snowflakes falling on my face...
I love the chocolate candies and the roses for Valentine's...
The green you never wore, so I got to pinch you and the roast beef with cabbage that smelled so good.
I love spring flowers blooming all around...the kids chasing butterflies...
and the rainbows that come after the showers fill the skies.
Then the cute cards for Mother's Day that you helped the kids make...they'll always be in my heart, honey, because they meant so much to me.
The picnics that we shared...the green crisp grass that filled the fields.
The hot dogs, cotton candy, and the kettle corn that you loved.
I love drinking iced tea and reading a good book, while the kids ride their bikes and twirl around.
The laughter is so beautiful, like your face that never lied.
Oh, to see your face again. We would love to see your face again.
I would hug you more and kiss you like I meant it every time.
I'd forgive you and I'd say "I'm sorry" first.
I love the new school-year and the smell of school supplies.
Everything is fresh and crisp and full of surprise.
The girls dress up as princesses and Jake defends them well. He's our little soldier, following you since you fell.
November hits and our tummies are full of delight.
Pies, stuffing, turkey, and snow-topped hills are our delight.
Presents begin to pour into the house, too many to count or care.
The only one we really want is the warmth that you brought with care.
Christmas without you, it's too much to bare.
But, then I look into their eyes, and I see you there.
Oh to see your face again. We would love to see your face again.
I would hug you more and kiss you like I meant it every time.
I'd forgive you and I'd say "I'm sorry" first.
Then, it's a new year without you. I feel so lost and so cold.
But, I thank you for the man you were because it made us who we are.
You served and loved and we're forever grateful.
Because of you, we're who we are.
You will always live inside our hearts...forever and beyond.
Labels: Christmas, seasons, soldier's song, thankfulness
