Day 359
*FIRST OF ALL*
I am noticing that even though I am starting the posts on the right day since they are saved as drafts they aren't getting posted until the next day when I complete them. Sorry for the duplicate posts today.
I am a compulsive list maker. I wish I was a compulsive list COMPLETER or FINISHER, but alas for another post :-).
Yesterday was focused on this 10 week schedule to get ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I have really been thinking lately about organization, ambition, completion of tasks, ability to see things through, expectations, etc. Maybe I'm thinking too much??? LOL
Regardless, Mary didn't PLAN to get pregnant by the Holy Spirit. She didn't PLAN to have to give birth to the Savior of the world in a stable. She didn't PLAN to have to run to Eygpt to save her son from Herod's wrath. She just LIVED. She lived every day in expectancy, NOT FEAR. She didn't plan her life away. She didn't make a grocery list or a packing list for the trip to Bethlehem. She RESTED in her faith. She let God and Joseph be her guides and she loved her life. She "TREASURED" these things and pondered them in her heart.
I want to live in the expectant knowledge that Messiah has come and WILL COME AGAIN. I want to rest in my Savior's love, knowing that He became God incarnate for me. I want to stop trying to plan away, be good enough, try harder, etc. I just want to BE AT THE MANGER, as the shepherds who HAD to see the child. Do I just HAVE to see Jesus? Can I live a day without him? Let me confess that there are days that I don't pray. There are days I don't read His Word. There are MANY of these days that come consecutively. My heart's desire is that I would wake up wanting to be with Christ. As the Psalm says "that my heart panteth after Thee". I want to run to the side of the manger just to SEE HIM. I am wishing that his praises would be on my lips instead of complaints, statements of fear or negative sentiments. Help me Lord. I need you and isn't that why you came???
Awaiting,
Janelle
Friday, December 31, 2010
A little organization never hurt anybody
Day 360
So as I am working on my planner for the new year (can you believe it's almost 2011). I found something I would like to use in NEXT year's holiday preparations. In the November issue of Women's Day that I "borrowed" from a Dr.'s office (whoops), I found a GREAT 10 week planner for the holidays. I cut the article out and put all of the necessary plans into my 2011 planner. If you would like a copy feel free to email me. They might have the article archived at the Woman's Day website too.
It was a very challenging yet helpful checklist. Did you realize there is even a way to do layaway for online purchases??? I didn't. Gonna check it out for next year.
In Him,
Janelle
So as I am working on my planner for the new year (can you believe it's almost 2011). I found something I would like to use in NEXT year's holiday preparations. In the November issue of Women's Day that I "borrowed" from a Dr.'s office (whoops), I found a GREAT 10 week planner for the holidays. I cut the article out and put all of the necessary plans into my 2011 planner. If you would like a copy feel free to email me. They might have the article archived at the Woman's Day website too.
It was a very challenging yet helpful checklist. Did you realize there is even a way to do layaway for online purchases??? I didn't. Gonna check it out for next year.
In Him,
Janelle
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Days 362 and 361
So life gets in the way sometimes of blogging....lol
However, what I experienced Tuesday fits in wonderfully with this blog so I'll use it as material. I was blessed with the opportunity to be a support person for Sarah and Justin as she gave birth to Elah Moriah Massey. It was incredibly humbling experience. It is extremely personal to be with someone as they go through that much pain and have many things they face as they bring a child into the world. Sarah did a magnificent job and Elah is just AMAZING. I haven't been able to spend nearly enough time with her, but we DO have a lifetime so I'll share :-)
So here we are still in the liturgical season of Christmas and I'm watching a woman give birth. Having been pregnant on two different Christmas' ('00 and '03) I remember the feeling of "relating" to Mary. We as women do have the ability to empathize with Mary on a certain level. Yet, our own imaginings can't BEGIN to come close to her experience. How can I relate to being EXTREMELY pregnant and riding on a donkey for days to go to a town I've probably never been to just so I can pay taxes???? How can I relate to being impregnated by the Holy Spirit? Could I possibly have a connection to Mary knowing that she was bringing forth the Savior of the world and I have brought forth five of the reasons He came?
*****Side Note**** Once in the grocery store a nice lady commented on JoyAnn and Jesse how precious they were. Her words about my three small children were "Don't they remind you there's a God?" to which I responded "Yes and they also remind me that there's a sin nature!!!". :-) It had been one of those days...LOL
Realistically, rationally, honestly although I have experienced the pain of labor I have NO clue as to what Mary went through. Just watching Sarah I couldn't even relate. I have NEVER had to be induced. I have no idea how strong contractions are on pitocin. I also have never experienced back labor. Each birthing experience is unique, beautiful, and special. I will (as long as God allows) remember what I saw in that birthing room. Watching a delivery and being a support person is vastly different from giving birth yourself. I am grateful to have shared this most intimate experience with the Massey family.
Luke 2:16-19 “So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.”
I think this is one way that I can relate to Mary. I too have such wonderfully rich and deep memories of the births of my children. Yes my "story" is different. I have had one unmedicated delivery where I labored in the water and I've had two c-sections. However, I treasure thoses moments and they days surrounding my births. How blessed and "highly favored" we ALL are as women to experience childbirth.
Long post so I'll let this one count for two days...is that ok?
However, what I experienced Tuesday fits in wonderfully with this blog so I'll use it as material. I was blessed with the opportunity to be a support person for Sarah and Justin as she gave birth to Elah Moriah Massey. It was incredibly humbling experience. It is extremely personal to be with someone as they go through that much pain and have many things they face as they bring a child into the world. Sarah did a magnificent job and Elah is just AMAZING. I haven't been able to spend nearly enough time with her, but we DO have a lifetime so I'll share :-)
So here we are still in the liturgical season of Christmas and I'm watching a woman give birth. Having been pregnant on two different Christmas' ('00 and '03) I remember the feeling of "relating" to Mary. We as women do have the ability to empathize with Mary on a certain level. Yet, our own imaginings can't BEGIN to come close to her experience. How can I relate to being EXTREMELY pregnant and riding on a donkey for days to go to a town I've probably never been to just so I can pay taxes???? How can I relate to being impregnated by the Holy Spirit? Could I possibly have a connection to Mary knowing that she was bringing forth the Savior of the world and I have brought forth five of the reasons He came?
*****Side Note**** Once in the grocery store a nice lady commented on JoyAnn and Jesse how precious they were. Her words about my three small children were "Don't they remind you there's a God?" to which I responded "Yes and they also remind me that there's a sin nature!!!". :-) It had been one of those days...LOL
Realistically, rationally, honestly although I have experienced the pain of labor I have NO clue as to what Mary went through. Just watching Sarah I couldn't even relate. I have NEVER had to be induced. I have no idea how strong contractions are on pitocin. I also have never experienced back labor. Each birthing experience is unique, beautiful, and special. I will (as long as God allows) remember what I saw in that birthing room. Watching a delivery and being a support person is vastly different from giving birth yourself. I am grateful to have shared this most intimate experience with the Massey family.
Luke 2:16-19 “So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.”
I think this is one way that I can relate to Mary. I too have such wonderfully rich and deep memories of the births of my children. Yes my "story" is different. I have had one unmedicated delivery where I labored in the water and I've had two c-sections. However, I treasure thoses moments and they days surrounding my births. How blessed and "highly favored" we ALL are as women to experience childbirth.
Long post so I'll let this one count for two days...is that ok?
Monday, December 27, 2010
Day 363
So today I woke up as usual at 5:30am with my precious hubby Nathan. By the fire and in the quiet of the pre-kid madness I finished up the book I have read annually at Christmas for the last 5 years. It is "Shepherds Abiding" by Jan Karon. A part of the Mitford series, it is a delightful read. It always helps to put me in the mood, or keep me there :-).
Although Father Tim (from the book) would think this almost blasphemous to think about, plan, and talk of Christmas year round he would appreciate my love of the blessed, holy days. I think he would also approve of my desire to honor Christmas and it's true meaning. "Indeed, it seemed to be the wont of most people in a distracted and frantic world to blast through an experience without savoring it, or, later, reflecting upon it" (pg. 175-Shepeherds Abiding).
Something I already knew from my days of worshipping in a UMC church is the beauty of the liturgical calendar. Honestly, it's something I miss at Mtn. View. According to the liturgical calendar there is a season that is a pre-cursor to Christmas. It's Advent and means "coming". It starts on the Sunday after Thanksgiving and continues for four Sundays. Each Sunday a candle is lit in an advent wreath that symbolizes something unique. Usually the candles are three burgundy and one pink (the third week) with the Christ candle in the middle being white. So by week 4 you have all but the center candle burning. The Christ candle is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day (depending upon your specific tradition). There are devotions or homilies that correspond with each Sunday in Advent. Also many Advent devotionals have been written. This is a time to prepare your heart, mind, soul and home for the coming of the Christ child. It is a beautiful tradition one that we have honored in our home some years, but I vow to make it an ANNUAL tradition at the Flint home regardless of our curch denomination or preferrence.
Then on December 25th the SEASON of Christmas begins. No Christmas isn't just ONE day. The season extends from the 25th of December through the 6th of January when Epiphany is celebrated. Epiphany symbolizes the Wise Men or Magi coming to honor the Christ Child. It is a time of enlightenment and allowing our hearts and lives to be enriched by an encounter with the KING. This time period also allows for the "12 Days of Christmas". Most people think those are the days leading up to Christmas but they aren't. Isn't it wonderful to know that you don't and shouldn't take the tree down on December 26th. Christmas trees and decorating...that's another post :-)
So I was challenged afresh and anew through the reading of this book to HONOR Advent, Christmas AND Epiphany. I was encouraged to make Christmas special and Holy. I found it wonderfully romantic that in the book Christmas was full of surprises, family and faith. This is the way Christmas should be and often is in our house. Let me explain...Unfortunately I think that Nathan and I have allowed the surprises just to be for our children. Next year I pray that as we exchange gifts that the wonder and surprise of the incarnation can fill our home and even the "grown-ups" can participate in that. Not vicariously by watching our kids open presents, but by creating, planning, purchasing, making, recognizing the beauty of gift giving one to another.
If you haven't read the Mitford series you really should. Savor each book. Enjoy the characters and allow their lives to enrich your own. When you get to Shepherds Abiding I KNOW you'll love it. Be blessed. Be encouraged. Keep celebrating loved ones. Christmas isn't over. IT'S ALIVE!!!
In Him,
Janelle
Although Father Tim (from the book) would think this almost blasphemous to think about, plan, and talk of Christmas year round he would appreciate my love of the blessed, holy days. I think he would also approve of my desire to honor Christmas and it's true meaning. "Indeed, it seemed to be the wont of most people in a distracted and frantic world to blast through an experience without savoring it, or, later, reflecting upon it" (pg. 175-Shepeherds Abiding).
Something I already knew from my days of worshipping in a UMC church is the beauty of the liturgical calendar. Honestly, it's something I miss at Mtn. View. According to the liturgical calendar there is a season that is a pre-cursor to Christmas. It's Advent and means "coming". It starts on the Sunday after Thanksgiving and continues for four Sundays. Each Sunday a candle is lit in an advent wreath that symbolizes something unique. Usually the candles are three burgundy and one pink (the third week) with the Christ candle in the middle being white. So by week 4 you have all but the center candle burning. The Christ candle is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day (depending upon your specific tradition). There are devotions or homilies that correspond with each Sunday in Advent. Also many Advent devotionals have been written. This is a time to prepare your heart, mind, soul and home for the coming of the Christ child. It is a beautiful tradition one that we have honored in our home some years, but I vow to make it an ANNUAL tradition at the Flint home regardless of our curch denomination or preferrence.
Then on December 25th the SEASON of Christmas begins. No Christmas isn't just ONE day. The season extends from the 25th of December through the 6th of January when Epiphany is celebrated. Epiphany symbolizes the Wise Men or Magi coming to honor the Christ Child. It is a time of enlightenment and allowing our hearts and lives to be enriched by an encounter with the KING. This time period also allows for the "12 Days of Christmas". Most people think those are the days leading up to Christmas but they aren't. Isn't it wonderful to know that you don't and shouldn't take the tree down on December 26th. Christmas trees and decorating...that's another post :-)
So I was challenged afresh and anew through the reading of this book to HONOR Advent, Christmas AND Epiphany. I was encouraged to make Christmas special and Holy. I found it wonderfully romantic that in the book Christmas was full of surprises, family and faith. This is the way Christmas should be and often is in our house. Let me explain...Unfortunately I think that Nathan and I have allowed the surprises just to be for our children. Next year I pray that as we exchange gifts that the wonder and surprise of the incarnation can fill our home and even the "grown-ups" can participate in that. Not vicariously by watching our kids open presents, but by creating, planning, purchasing, making, recognizing the beauty of gift giving one to another.
If you haven't read the Mitford series you really should. Savor each book. Enjoy the characters and allow their lives to enrich your own. When you get to Shepherds Abiding I KNOW you'll love it. Be blessed. Be encouraged. Keep celebrating loved ones. Christmas isn't over. IT'S ALIVE!!!
In Him,
Janelle
Sunday, December 26, 2010
So What is This Blog About?
Day 364:
This blog is the result of a brainstorm I had today while semi-resting on this snowy after Christmas day. EVERY year I find myself wishing that I had prepared for Christmas a little better, a little further in advance. I think of things I would like to do differently (like budget appropriately). Visions of a clean, decorated, peace-filled home fill my dreams. I wish that Christmas didn't come and go so quickly. Thoughts race through my head of how I wish that I could walk in the peace I find on Christmas day YEAR ROUND. I thought "well why wait till next year?". Why can't this be a reality?
In the words of Ebeneezer Scrooge as penned by Charles Dickens " I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." During this "year" long journey I will share recipes, ideas, journal entries, purchases, goals, etc. and daily recognitions of CHRISTmas. Should be a lot of fun!!! I'm looking forward to it.
Grateful for Emmanuel,
Janelle
This blog is the result of a brainstorm I had today while semi-resting on this snowy after Christmas day. EVERY year I find myself wishing that I had prepared for Christmas a little better, a little further in advance. I think of things I would like to do differently (like budget appropriately). Visions of a clean, decorated, peace-filled home fill my dreams. I wish that Christmas didn't come and go so quickly. Thoughts race through my head of how I wish that I could walk in the peace I find on Christmas day YEAR ROUND. I thought "well why wait till next year?". Why can't this be a reality?
In the words of Ebeneezer Scrooge as penned by Charles Dickens " I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." During this "year" long journey I will share recipes, ideas, journal entries, purchases, goals, etc. and daily recognitions of CHRISTmas. Should be a lot of fun!!! I'm looking forward to it.
Grateful for Emmanuel,
Janelle
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