30.12.15
Christmas Memories
As apart of my childhood, Christmas probably has the most treasured memories. Memories I hope to experience once more with my daughter and husband. There are smells and sights that bring a smile as I recall the warmth.
My extended family on my mother's side was close. The first and second cousins would gather at my great aunt's house to make Christmas ornaments. Following a recipe of water, flour, and salt to make dough allowed sculpting that was then baked in the oven. Once complete the painting began. My mother still hangs my very first creation, a white gingerbread man with green pants, on her Christmas tree. It usually receives an honorary spot, an artifact that cannot be missed or damaged.
For years when my family lived close to my great grandmother we wondered her property searching for the perfect cedar Christmas tree. My mother was always in charge of decorating Grandmother's tree for the Christmas dinner/Grandmother's birthday party, so we searched for her as well. Cedars are no Fraser Firs therefore discovering a lustrous tree, muchness two, was not an easy task. But I loved hiking through the overgrown family farm stepping on history of a glass bottle or a long ago decade cow skull. My mom and I were dedicated explores and would not disappoint the family.
Then there was decorating the tree. One year I remember mom had just purchased Paul Simon's Graceland and Tracy Chapman on vinyl. We rocked out starting with the lights using the old strands with the threaded glass bulbs then carefully arranged each ornament in its perfect place. When all was finished Mom placed her favorite Christmas album on the turntable and sent me and my sister to bed. She turned out all the lights in the house except for the tree's and I feel to sleep to the Little Drummer Boy sung by a choir. The album has been passed to me.
When visiting my dad's parents it was tradition to drive thirty minutes to see a man's house who knew how to celebrate a festive Christmas. With about an acre of yard property and a loop driveway the place could probably be seen from space due to all the lights. We would wait our turn in line driving slowly hoping to notice a new attraction. Lights, robotics, music, glitter. All the Christmas themes were covered from Santa Claus and Rudolph to elves and presents to the nativity scene. On special occasions my Grandaddy would stop by the owner's house to visit his friend. If it is possible, the inside of the house was more gouty than the outside covered in Christmas lights and tinsel. On the drive home Grandaddy would offer to drive by other homes, but no one could compare to his friend's home.
For several years my parents were apart of a group with church that met in their homes during the week. Around Christmas someone living in a subdivision (I qualify this because the first ten years of my life I lived on a country road) would host a party. Chili was usually the meal of choice. My mother with great patience would make hot chocolate with powder cocoa. To me it took great patience because of the amount of time to prepare the chocolaty treat, but first everyone gathered outside with songbooks at hand ready to carol to surrounding neighbors. There was always looks of astonishment as the owner opened their front door to see a crowd of people singing Christmas carols in their lawn. Then, like the peace of Christmas fell upon them and the beauty of Christ turned their mouth into a smile. After two or so hours of walking in the cold the long awaited hot cocoa beckoned us home.
Probably the only tradition I have continued since my childhood is the Christmas card. My father had once been an art director for an advertising agency, which allowed access to to studios and photographers. Every year out did the previous year. Sugarplum fairies, reindeer, elves, falling Christmas trees. Well, when I was in college I started my own collection of Christmas greetings. Some were misunderstood dressed in a dark hoodie. Others were beloved reuniting the sugarplum fairies as Victoria Secret models with my sister's attendance. My husband joined the tradition as well as my daughter. Every year puzzles the question, "Can they send out another memorable card?"
My greatest Christmas memory turned into tradition was the Christmas Eve candlelight service. At the age of 14 I had declared Jesus as my savior. The following Christmas was magical. For whatever reason my family never attended a candlelight service until 1994. I grew up in the church and was very familiar with Jesus, Joseph and Mary, but as a new Believer the story suddenly had new meaning. After an evening of singing Christmas carols and reading scripture the service came to a close with lighting the candles and singing 'Silent Night.' The only lights in the church were candlelights. A room full of people full of light illuminating their faces. It was glorious. Then the pastor asked us to blow out our candles. Total darkness. The pastor announced this is the world without Jesus. Silence.
I am not sure what traditions I want to start or pursue with my daughter. A candlelight service will probably be a must. This year we worked on an advent calendar with chocolate behind each door. The birth and celebration of Jesus will definitely be told. My favorite book thus far has been reading "The Tale of Three Trees" by Hunt/Jonke. As my daughter gets older we will probably do more creative crafts. Whatever we do the most important part is we do it as a family in love adoring the greatest gift of all time- Jesus.
My extended family on my mother's side was close. The first and second cousins would gather at my great aunt's house to make Christmas ornaments. Following a recipe of water, flour, and salt to make dough allowed sculpting that was then baked in the oven. Once complete the painting began. My mother still hangs my very first creation, a white gingerbread man with green pants, on her Christmas tree. It usually receives an honorary spot, an artifact that cannot be missed or damaged.
For years when my family lived close to my great grandmother we wondered her property searching for the perfect cedar Christmas tree. My mother was always in charge of decorating Grandmother's tree for the Christmas dinner/Grandmother's birthday party, so we searched for her as well. Cedars are no Fraser Firs therefore discovering a lustrous tree, muchness two, was not an easy task. But I loved hiking through the overgrown family farm stepping on history of a glass bottle or a long ago decade cow skull. My mom and I were dedicated explores and would not disappoint the family.
Then there was decorating the tree. One year I remember mom had just purchased Paul Simon's Graceland and Tracy Chapman on vinyl. We rocked out starting with the lights using the old strands with the threaded glass bulbs then carefully arranged each ornament in its perfect place. When all was finished Mom placed her favorite Christmas album on the turntable and sent me and my sister to bed. She turned out all the lights in the house except for the tree's and I feel to sleep to the Little Drummer Boy sung by a choir. The album has been passed to me.
When visiting my dad's parents it was tradition to drive thirty minutes to see a man's house who knew how to celebrate a festive Christmas. With about an acre of yard property and a loop driveway the place could probably be seen from space due to all the lights. We would wait our turn in line driving slowly hoping to notice a new attraction. Lights, robotics, music, glitter. All the Christmas themes were covered from Santa Claus and Rudolph to elves and presents to the nativity scene. On special occasions my Grandaddy would stop by the owner's house to visit his friend. If it is possible, the inside of the house was more gouty than the outside covered in Christmas lights and tinsel. On the drive home Grandaddy would offer to drive by other homes, but no one could compare to his friend's home.
For several years my parents were apart of a group with church that met in their homes during the week. Around Christmas someone living in a subdivision (I qualify this because the first ten years of my life I lived on a country road) would host a party. Chili was usually the meal of choice. My mother with great patience would make hot chocolate with powder cocoa. To me it took great patience because of the amount of time to prepare the chocolaty treat, but first everyone gathered outside with songbooks at hand ready to carol to surrounding neighbors. There was always looks of astonishment as the owner opened their front door to see a crowd of people singing Christmas carols in their lawn. Then, like the peace of Christmas fell upon them and the beauty of Christ turned their mouth into a smile. After two or so hours of walking in the cold the long awaited hot cocoa beckoned us home.
Probably the only tradition I have continued since my childhood is the Christmas card. My father had once been an art director for an advertising agency, which allowed access to to studios and photographers. Every year out did the previous year. Sugarplum fairies, reindeer, elves, falling Christmas trees. Well, when I was in college I started my own collection of Christmas greetings. Some were misunderstood dressed in a dark hoodie. Others were beloved reuniting the sugarplum fairies as Victoria Secret models with my sister's attendance. My husband joined the tradition as well as my daughter. Every year puzzles the question, "Can they send out another memorable card?"
My greatest Christmas memory turned into tradition was the Christmas Eve candlelight service. At the age of 14 I had declared Jesus as my savior. The following Christmas was magical. For whatever reason my family never attended a candlelight service until 1994. I grew up in the church and was very familiar with Jesus, Joseph and Mary, but as a new Believer the story suddenly had new meaning. After an evening of singing Christmas carols and reading scripture the service came to a close with lighting the candles and singing 'Silent Night.' The only lights in the church were candlelights. A room full of people full of light illuminating their faces. It was glorious. Then the pastor asked us to blow out our candles. Total darkness. The pastor announced this is the world without Jesus. Silence.
I am not sure what traditions I want to start or pursue with my daughter. A candlelight service will probably be a must. This year we worked on an advent calendar with chocolate behind each door. The birth and celebration of Jesus will definitely be told. My favorite book thus far has been reading "The Tale of Three Trees" by Hunt/Jonke. As my daughter gets older we will probably do more creative crafts. Whatever we do the most important part is we do it as a family in love adoring the greatest gift of all time- Jesus.
22.12.15
Volunteers
I was raised in the Volunteer state of Tennessee gaining its nickname during the Mexican War to gain Texas territory in 1946. 30,000 soldiers volunteered their services in support of President James K. Polk.
I was fortunate to have parents who lived by example to volunteer their free time and money. My father was active in the church donating time with Sunday school, community outreaches, and graphic designs. He became involved with Prison Ministries befriending a man who though remorseful of his crime still had a debt to pay. My father never met a stranger adopting an international college student, becoming a sergeant father to inner city boys, and offering a helping hand to anyone in need. My mother has always had a nurturing heart. How many times had she opened her home to someone in transition? To a beloved elderly woman recovering from a hospital stay to recent college students just getting started to families moving to a new town.
My parents have been an awesome example of what it means to help our fellow man. Look around and there are organizations, foundations, centers, shelters everywhere depending on volunteer workers to get the job done. No money to donate. No matter because time is just as valuable.
That is my place at present. I have some extra time. I do not want to place my daughter in childcare. If I am volunteering Lucy comes too, right? Besides, I want her to have the exposure. We cannot focus exclusively on ourselves. We need to extend a helping hand or we will become self-centered. I want my daughter to see first hand helping others is much more rewarding than constantly seeking self-contentment.
After the whole Planned Parenthood video scandal I realized encouraging people to voice defunding the program is not enough. (Since this is my blog I get iterate my opinion. If Planned Parenthood is so important and precious then it should have no difficulty acquiring private donations to keep it operating, just like all the pregnancy centers manage to do. It simply is not ethical it use tax payers' money, most of whom disapprove to fund this organization.) I needed to get involved. A local pregnancy chapter called The New Life Center reaches out to women who have chosen to continue their pregnancy. There is focus on education and resources. Most importantly it is important to show the mother and father they are loved and they are not alone in the journey. The local support through churches and dedicated volunteers is astounding. There is no end to the amazing generosity. I feel very blessed to assist and know such loving people.
Then, rather by accident my daughter and I started volunteering at our closest animal rescue. After a few adjustments we now one evening a week clean the rooms and feed the cats. Lucy has taken quite a fancy to the cats throwing a ball to draw a prancing kitty's attention or scooping food for them. Again, the amount of help and support the shelter receives is astonishing. Day after day, week after week volunteers come in clean poop and pee, mop, groom, feed, and love these furry creatures with nothing in return apart from the satisfaction a life is being saved.
That is how it goes in this country. Volunteers trying to make the world a better place. Whether for a campaign or an endangered habitat. For recycling or disease/cancer awareness. Bee clubs or quilt clubs. Libraries or education. For refugees or rehab meetings. Bike rallies or homeless outreaches. There are medical aid, missionaries, and humanitarian efforts. All necessary. All driven by love and concern. It is one more reason that makes our country unique. It is one more reason we should cherish our humanity.
I was fortunate to have parents who lived by example to volunteer their free time and money. My father was active in the church donating time with Sunday school, community outreaches, and graphic designs. He became involved with Prison Ministries befriending a man who though remorseful of his crime still had a debt to pay. My father never met a stranger adopting an international college student, becoming a sergeant father to inner city boys, and offering a helping hand to anyone in need. My mother has always had a nurturing heart. How many times had she opened her home to someone in transition? To a beloved elderly woman recovering from a hospital stay to recent college students just getting started to families moving to a new town.
My parents have been an awesome example of what it means to help our fellow man. Look around and there are organizations, foundations, centers, shelters everywhere depending on volunteer workers to get the job done. No money to donate. No matter because time is just as valuable.
That is my place at present. I have some extra time. I do not want to place my daughter in childcare. If I am volunteering Lucy comes too, right? Besides, I want her to have the exposure. We cannot focus exclusively on ourselves. We need to extend a helping hand or we will become self-centered. I want my daughter to see first hand helping others is much more rewarding than constantly seeking self-contentment.
After the whole Planned Parenthood video scandal I realized encouraging people to voice defunding the program is not enough. (Since this is my blog I get iterate my opinion. If Planned Parenthood is so important and precious then it should have no difficulty acquiring private donations to keep it operating, just like all the pregnancy centers manage to do. It simply is not ethical it use tax payers' money, most of whom disapprove to fund this organization.) I needed to get involved. A local pregnancy chapter called The New Life Center reaches out to women who have chosen to continue their pregnancy. There is focus on education and resources. Most importantly it is important to show the mother and father they are loved and they are not alone in the journey. The local support through churches and dedicated volunteers is astounding. There is no end to the amazing generosity. I feel very blessed to assist and know such loving people.
Then, rather by accident my daughter and I started volunteering at our closest animal rescue. After a few adjustments we now one evening a week clean the rooms and feed the cats. Lucy has taken quite a fancy to the cats throwing a ball to draw a prancing kitty's attention or scooping food for them. Again, the amount of help and support the shelter receives is astonishing. Day after day, week after week volunteers come in clean poop and pee, mop, groom, feed, and love these furry creatures with nothing in return apart from the satisfaction a life is being saved.
That is how it goes in this country. Volunteers trying to make the world a better place. Whether for a campaign or an endangered habitat. For recycling or disease/cancer awareness. Bee clubs or quilt clubs. Libraries or education. For refugees or rehab meetings. Bike rallies or homeless outreaches. There are medical aid, missionaries, and humanitarian efforts. All necessary. All driven by love and concern. It is one more reason that makes our country unique. It is one more reason we should cherish our humanity.
It can be glory.
Genesis 3:7
Then their eyes were opened, and they both realized they were naked.
Genesis 3:22
Then the Lord God said. "The man has become like one of us, since he knows good and evil."
While meditating on these words I wondered could is it possible with the commandment to avoid the forbidden fruit God was trying to protect us from the harsh truth- we are no where near God's equal. He created us as his children for companionship. He wanted a loving relationship where all our needs are provided. Could the first sin, instead of disobeying God, actually be mistrusting him? We have convinced ourselves God wants to have dominion over us as an overbearing king. When in truth he never meant for us to realize our inferiority, our inequality.
It might be similar to an adopted child accidentally learning his parents are not his biologically. He suddenly feels estranged. He feels an outsider. I think for Adam and Eve eating the fruit of knowledge revealed how lowly they were and abruptly shame was experienced while in God's presence. However, the adopting parents love their son. They have invested time and resources to the child. God adores his creations and wants to have daily interaction and community. He wanted to lavish provisions and encouragement, but for man that was not enough. In trying to gain greater knowledge man learned how superior God is and how minute man is. That mistake created sin that could not be within God's presence. His glory simply could not all it.
Tough love, discipline, sacrifice were grafted into humanity until the solution could redeem his people. Jesus' goals once more no matter how great his deity and how obscure our rank shows he still loves us and wants to be a father and friend.
Over time we have found new gods, but proving our self-worth, relevance, continues to be our demise. God is not this power hungry blood thirty demon we are deceived to believing. The same lie for thousands of years repeats itself over and over. In trying to prove our higher intelligence and superiority to archaic mythology the truth repeats itself. We do not have all the answers. We can not visualize the whole spectrum. We are not masters of our destiny. How much longer, how many more sacrifices will it take to convince his creation they we are made in love and he will do anything to rescue his children. We do not have to fight God to prove our rank. He has lifted us higher than we deserve. In combating him we only create a wider wedge just like Adam and Eve removed from his presence.
However, Jesus is our solution to regain admittance before the presence of God allowing our design to be complete. Once again, God sent our salvation, not as an all powerful king or extravagant dominating ruler, but a humble unassuming servant. He was a leader by serving first. Not in riches lavished with gold or expensive stone. He used his hands, whether building or healing, and reached out to anyone who would listen. Jesus, the great I am, brought himself down to our level to love and restore.
We will not understand him. The big picture will probably not be clear, but God has his reasons that are perfect and true.
Then their eyes were opened, and they both realized they were naked.
Genesis 3:22
Then the Lord God said. "The man has become like one of us, since he knows good and evil."
While meditating on these words I wondered could is it possible with the commandment to avoid the forbidden fruit God was trying to protect us from the harsh truth- we are no where near God's equal. He created us as his children for companionship. He wanted a loving relationship where all our needs are provided. Could the first sin, instead of disobeying God, actually be mistrusting him? We have convinced ourselves God wants to have dominion over us as an overbearing king. When in truth he never meant for us to realize our inferiority, our inequality.
It might be similar to an adopted child accidentally learning his parents are not his biologically. He suddenly feels estranged. He feels an outsider. I think for Adam and Eve eating the fruit of knowledge revealed how lowly they were and abruptly shame was experienced while in God's presence. However, the adopting parents love their son. They have invested time and resources to the child. God adores his creations and wants to have daily interaction and community. He wanted to lavish provisions and encouragement, but for man that was not enough. In trying to gain greater knowledge man learned how superior God is and how minute man is. That mistake created sin that could not be within God's presence. His glory simply could not all it.
Tough love, discipline, sacrifice were grafted into humanity until the solution could redeem his people. Jesus' goals once more no matter how great his deity and how obscure our rank shows he still loves us and wants to be a father and friend.
Over time we have found new gods, but proving our self-worth, relevance, continues to be our demise. God is not this power hungry blood thirty demon we are deceived to believing. The same lie for thousands of years repeats itself over and over. In trying to prove our higher intelligence and superiority to archaic mythology the truth repeats itself. We do not have all the answers. We can not visualize the whole spectrum. We are not masters of our destiny. How much longer, how many more sacrifices will it take to convince his creation they we are made in love and he will do anything to rescue his children. We do not have to fight God to prove our rank. He has lifted us higher than we deserve. In combating him we only create a wider wedge just like Adam and Eve removed from his presence.
However, Jesus is our solution to regain admittance before the presence of God allowing our design to be complete. Once again, God sent our salvation, not as an all powerful king or extravagant dominating ruler, but a humble unassuming servant. He was a leader by serving first. Not in riches lavished with gold or expensive stone. He used his hands, whether building or healing, and reached out to anyone who would listen. Jesus, the great I am, brought himself down to our level to love and restore.
We will not understand him. The big picture will probably not be clear, but God has his reasons that are perfect and true.
6.12.15
Thankful
Thankful for my gracious heavenly father.
Thankful for Jesus' love and undeniable sacrifice.
Thankful for my adoring husband.
Thankful for his provision.
Thankful for an enthusiastic daughter.
Thankful for daily lessons ending with smiles and giggles.
Thankful for health that allows to me to thrive.
Thankful for family continually to support.
Thankful for prayer that offers healing.
Thankful for Jesus' love and undeniable sacrifice.
Thankful for my adoring husband.
Thankful for his provision.
Thankful for an enthusiastic daughter.
Thankful for daily lessons ending with smiles and giggles.
Thankful for health that allows to me to thrive.
Thankful for family continually to support.
Thankful for prayer that offers healing.
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