Ahhh, do you hear it? The silence of the day after Christmas. Don't you just love this time of year? I certainly do. I could list countless trivial reasons like being able to have special decorations all over my house and classroom...or having special music to play in my classroom and on my CD player at home...or having a month to wear my storage bin full of "Christmasy" shirts and sweaters. But alas, those reasons are trivial...and simply smile inducing.
So, let's go to some stronger reasons. I must confess it's nice to have a two week break from teaching, though it's two unpaid weeks...it's a nice treat just the same. It's great to spend time with my "favorite nephew in all the world". We have our own traditions for this time of year, including buying/wrapping a special "secret" gift for his parents, making "crafty" Christmas presents for the family, and making cut-out cookies which he decorates or instructs me on how to decorate them. It's also a treat to take the time to sit down and actually use the postal service to send out a card to special friends to let them know they're still in my heart though time and distance separate most of us.
OK, let's get real now...those reasons shared are fine and good. However, they don't compare to the true reason for my joy. As much as I love my family and singing songs...and spreading cheer, the reason for my joy is the One whose birth I celebrate. To think that God loved us/me so much that He sent His one and only Son down to live as a man to take the penalty for my sin. It's simply...overwhelming. He loves me...more than anyone could ever attempt to love me. So, for a month, I have every right to sing all the songs I want about His birth and His life. I have the privilege to sing songs that focus on Him whether I'm at home, at school, or at work. Ahhh, the joy of Christmas. But, here's the greatest part...
My tree may be down (yep, my cat Jasper drives me so nuts with the tree that I take it down the day after), my CDs may be packed away (but my new Steven Curtis Chapman CD is playing as I type), and my "Christmas" clothing are back in their storage bin...but the joy remains. The songs...are still being sung in my heart. The true story of Christmas, the birth of my Savior, is never far from my thoughts. And, my careful planning in "collecting" allows me to have a few nativities out all year long...as a visual reminder of the Best Gift I've ever been given...and shall ever receive.
So, my friends, keep the joy of Christmas in your heart with the daily routine that returns so quickly. Sing the Truth of Christmas in your daily songs or thoughts. Kneel before His throne daily, just as the shepherds must have kneeled before the manger all those years ago.
Thank you, Father, for the Best Christmas gift of all...Your Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Thanksgiving...Come and Gone
I realized the other day that I had not written since Fall Break. Yikes! I've thought about it on occasion, but I've chosen to do other things...siting my busy-ness as a good excuse. Is it? Is being busy a good enough reason NOT to do what you feel you ought...what you feel you should? Nope. Of course, being the Great God that He is...He reminded me of that very thing this week during one of my evening devotions.
Psalm 86
11 Teach me your way, O LORD,
that I may walk in your truth;
unite my heart to fear your name.
12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
and I will glorify your name forever.
You see, I missed a very important month. The month of the year that focuses on Thanksgiving. [Isn't it odd how most months have some sort of focus? Oh well, I'll save that for another writing.] Oh well, I digress...go on my journey with me, will you?
This past Tuesday evening, my schedule had me helping Laurie, our pastor's wife, and a small group of ladies decorating our church for the Christmas season. I love Christmas. I love decorating. But...honestly, I thought, "Why did I add myself to this group when I know how busy my December is?" Yes, a very selfish thought...but I thought it nonetheless.
As we were decorating, I noticed the latest edition of CS (Christian Single for all you married readers) on our magazine stand in the foyer. So, I quickly grabbed one and put it under my purse. Then, I started decorating, and...wait for it...I ENJOYED the hour I gave to the task. The fellowship with Mandy, Laurie, Linda, Linda, & Margaret (nope I didn't have a typo...we had two Lindas) was sweet and light-hearted. The decorating was accomplished, and I looked forward to worshiping with my church family in the "festive" environment.
When I went home, I began to read the copy of CS. What I noticed was it was the FINAL copy. Seems the economic condition has hit the magazine...subscriptions are down...so the magazine ends... Well, as I read, wouldn't you know that the "cover girl" was one of their featured monthly writers. The one who writes mostly about the joys and struggles of being single in what seems to be a couple-world. Ahh, how I can connect with her writing. As I read further, I learned that not only does she write for the magazine...but she's also written a book entitled Table for One. Yep, you guessed it, I have the very book on my shelves. So, in honor of Camerin and in memory of CS magazine, I pulled the book on my shelf and started integrating it into my evening devotional time.
Now, you're probably thinking...why is she talking about Christmas, decorating, and being single when she's writing about Thanksgiving...well, you see, God took all of the above and used it to remind me to be thankful. To never be too busy that I don't take the time to be thankful. Whether it's being thankful for friends to decorate a church with....a magazine which for a while encouraged me in my Christian walk...or the ability and joy God's given me to write. Let's face it...I probably will never write a best seller...but if one likes to write and has something positive to say, they should write...er, I mean, I should write.
Now, as I read the writings of Camerin Courtney and her experience as a Christian single woman, she shares the following challenges. One challenge was to list three things for which I'm thankful every single day. The other was to write 25 positives about myself, which seems a bit odd, but I'm going to attempt it.
So, as I wait here for my "little sister" to call telling me to meet her for lunch, I will begin to meet the challenges Miss Camerin set before me.
Now, since I've missed writing completely in November...I thought I'd go back and write my thankfulness list for those thirty days...
November Thankfulness...
1--My church, Friends having babies (I went to a shower on the 1st), laughter
2--My class, My job, My prayer group
3--My parents, My nephew, books to read
4--Pastor Mike, the Bible, My salvation
5--Enough to eat, Bible study group, scales
6--My recliner, Polar Pops, decent movies
7--Dollar Tree, sisters, breezes
8--The M&M class (Sunday School), Young Love (went to a bridal shower), Friends who can keep me calm when I kill my car's tire
9--Mary Wilson's Taxi service (since my car was in the shop), Mom's cooking, sinus medicine
10--My deacon, Loaner cars that don't smell like smoke, Grandpa (though he's gone, I love him dearly)
11--Bible study discussion, Bam's hugs, Diet Coke
12--Not gaining weight this week, dinner at Mom & Dad's, the possibility of a new used car
13--Brother-in-laws who know about cars, Ashley's fellowship at dinner, a former student who still has positive memories of third grade....7 years later.
14--A greenish Saturn Ion...that doesn't smoke, a CD player so I can sing all the time, a nice sized trunk.
15--The joy of singing praises, sermons grounded in the truth of scripture, an afternoon nap
16--My new computer monitor at work, the excitement of third graders, a warm fleece blanket
17--Joy, peace, kindness
18--The ability to read, the ability to see, the ability to hear
19--Fellowship of friends, Conviction of scripture, Encouragement
20--Angela subbing in my classroom, Angie loving my kiddos, Jungle Jim's International food section
21--Nancy's organization, Kathy's humor, the opportunity to bless children with Christmas presents
22--My church family, CBC Thanksgiving dinner, Thanksgiving Bible verses
23--Molly's Pilgrim, my third grade teacher-friends, a 3-day work week
24--The First Thanksgiving, heat for my house, a new used FREE artificial Christmas tree
25--A nephew to help decorate my tree, my cat's fascination with my tree, family
26--Midnight is calmer, a good day with family, an evening of relaxation
27--The energy of Black Friday, Sherry, Kathy
28--The joy of wrapping presents, an almost finished Christmas shopping list, flannel sheets
29--Being asked to sing in worship, Christmas Offering, sinus headache medicine.
30--Christmas Around the World unit, Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Christmas CDs
Psalm 30:4,5, 11, 12
4 Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints,
and give thanks to his holy name.
5 For his anger is but for a moment,
and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.
11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
you have loosed my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness,
12 that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever!
Gosh! That took some time, but it was sure easy. However, I think I've caused you to read enough for today. Perhaps, I'll take Camerin up on her other challenge later today or this month...
1 Corinthians 15:57-58
57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Blessings to all<><
Psalm 86
11 Teach me your way, O LORD,
that I may walk in your truth;
unite my heart to fear your name.
12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
and I will glorify your name forever.
You see, I missed a very important month. The month of the year that focuses on Thanksgiving. [Isn't it odd how most months have some sort of focus? Oh well, I'll save that for another writing.] Oh well, I digress...go on my journey with me, will you?
This past Tuesday evening, my schedule had me helping Laurie, our pastor's wife, and a small group of ladies decorating our church for the Christmas season. I love Christmas. I love decorating. But...honestly, I thought, "Why did I add myself to this group when I know how busy my December is?" Yes, a very selfish thought...but I thought it nonetheless.
As we were decorating, I noticed the latest edition of CS (Christian Single for all you married readers) on our magazine stand in the foyer. So, I quickly grabbed one and put it under my purse. Then, I started decorating, and...wait for it...I ENJOYED the hour I gave to the task. The fellowship with Mandy, Laurie, Linda, Linda, & Margaret (nope I didn't have a typo...we had two Lindas) was sweet and light-hearted. The decorating was accomplished, and I looked forward to worshiping with my church family in the "festive" environment.
When I went home, I began to read the copy of CS. What I noticed was it was the FINAL copy. Seems the economic condition has hit the magazine...subscriptions are down...so the magazine ends... Well, as I read, wouldn't you know that the "cover girl" was one of their featured monthly writers. The one who writes mostly about the joys and struggles of being single in what seems to be a couple-world. Ahh, how I can connect with her writing. As I read further, I learned that not only does she write for the magazine...but she's also written a book entitled Table for One. Yep, you guessed it, I have the very book on my shelves. So, in honor of Camerin and in memory of CS magazine, I pulled the book on my shelf and started integrating it into my evening devotional time.
Now, you're probably thinking...why is she talking about Christmas, decorating, and being single when she's writing about Thanksgiving...well, you see, God took all of the above and used it to remind me to be thankful. To never be too busy that I don't take the time to be thankful. Whether it's being thankful for friends to decorate a church with....a magazine which for a while encouraged me in my Christian walk...or the ability and joy God's given me to write. Let's face it...I probably will never write a best seller...but if one likes to write and has something positive to say, they should write...er, I mean, I should write.
Now, as I read the writings of Camerin Courtney and her experience as a Christian single woman, she shares the following challenges. One challenge was to list three things for which I'm thankful every single day. The other was to write 25 positives about myself, which seems a bit odd, but I'm going to attempt it.
So, as I wait here for my "little sister" to call telling me to meet her for lunch, I will begin to meet the challenges Miss Camerin set before me.
Now, since I've missed writing completely in November...I thought I'd go back and write my thankfulness list for those thirty days...
November Thankfulness...
1--My church, Friends having babies (I went to a shower on the 1st), laughter
2--My class, My job, My prayer group
3--My parents, My nephew, books to read
4--Pastor Mike, the Bible, My salvation
5--Enough to eat, Bible study group, scales
6--My recliner, Polar Pops, decent movies
7--Dollar Tree, sisters, breezes
8--The M&M class (Sunday School), Young Love (went to a bridal shower), Friends who can keep me calm when I kill my car's tire
9--Mary Wilson's Taxi service (since my car was in the shop), Mom's cooking, sinus medicine
10--My deacon, Loaner cars that don't smell like smoke, Grandpa (though he's gone, I love him dearly)
11--Bible study discussion, Bam's hugs, Diet Coke
12--Not gaining weight this week, dinner at Mom & Dad's, the possibility of a new used car
13--Brother-in-laws who know about cars, Ashley's fellowship at dinner, a former student who still has positive memories of third grade....7 years later.
14--A greenish Saturn Ion...that doesn't smoke, a CD player so I can sing all the time, a nice sized trunk.
15--The joy of singing praises, sermons grounded in the truth of scripture, an afternoon nap
16--My new computer monitor at work, the excitement of third graders, a warm fleece blanket
17--Joy, peace, kindness
18--The ability to read, the ability to see, the ability to hear
19--Fellowship of friends, Conviction of scripture, Encouragement
20--Angela subbing in my classroom, Angie loving my kiddos, Jungle Jim's International food section
21--Nancy's organization, Kathy's humor, the opportunity to bless children with Christmas presents
22--My church family, CBC Thanksgiving dinner, Thanksgiving Bible verses
23--Molly's Pilgrim, my third grade teacher-friends, a 3-day work week
24--The First Thanksgiving, heat for my house, a new used FREE artificial Christmas tree
25--A nephew to help decorate my tree, my cat's fascination with my tree, family
26--Midnight is calmer, a good day with family, an evening of relaxation
27--The energy of Black Friday, Sherry, Kathy
28--The joy of wrapping presents, an almost finished Christmas shopping list, flannel sheets
29--Being asked to sing in worship, Christmas Offering, sinus headache medicine.
30--Christmas Around the World unit, Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Christmas CDs
Psalm 30:4,5, 11, 12
4 Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints,
and give thanks to his holy name.
5 For his anger is but for a moment,
and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.
11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
you have loosed my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness,
12 that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever!
Gosh! That took some time, but it was sure easy. However, I think I've caused you to read enough for today. Perhaps, I'll take Camerin up on her other challenge later today or this month...
1 Corinthians 15:57-58
57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Blessings to all<><
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)