So today is the second day of Christmas and I'm grateful that I don't have a partridge or a pear tree in my home. Our house is TOO full as it is. Once again, another year goes by and we gave AND received TOO much. It's embarassing really. A toy tornado swept through our house and we are in total disarray. We are bagging up broken toys, games with missing pieces, puzzles with missing pieces, etc. to throw away. We are giving away toys, stuffed animals and unread books. It's a good feeling, but somehow it's not enough. My house is a wreck and I pray it returns to it's semi organized state SOON!!!
So enough of that rabbit trail. Two turtle doves...here is some interesting facts about the turtle dove. I wanted to share it with you today.
Doves are a common symbol for love and peace, two Christmas themes. Turtle doves are a common species of dove found in France and England and they were often kept in cages as pets during the Middle Ages and earlier. There are a number of references to doves in the Bible. Turtle doves also migrate to warmer climates in winter and their re-appearance heralds the approach of spring. The turtle dove is species that mates for life, so the giving of two turtle doves could be a way the lover is expressing his intention of love and marriage.
In the Middle Ages and Renaissance England it was common to celebrate the full Christmas season with parties, feasts and the giving of gifts during the twelve days of Christmas. In this carol we see the giving of gifts, references to food that would be included in the feasts and the courting that surely went on as the coming together of large groups of people, especially young and single men and women, provided the perfect opportunity to seek one's future mate. While the other six birds sung about in the first seven stanzas of this song probably ended up on the table as one of the meat courses, the turtle doves would have been delivered to one's lover live and in a cage to be kept as pets for enjoyment. In selecting these particular birds, and a pair at that, the lover probably also intended them as a daily reminder of his desire to become a couple with his true love.
What a beautiful thought a gift for your love representing your commitment for life. I am blessed to have a lover that is faithful to the covenant promise that he made to God and to me. We are turtle doves. I pray that as the season of Christmas continues that I can show Nathan my undying love and that I can reassure his heart that I am his, completely and forever.
I'm still celebrating and I hope you are too. Here's to a love that's made possible only because of Jesus.
Two years ago I had two of my children in the hospital, in the NICU, growing, resting, eating and learning to maintain their own body temperature. I was sore, tired and overwhelmed from my C-section just five days earlier. I felt torn between three kids at home and my new babies in the hospital. Christmas came and went and I hardly remember ANY of it. We were living out of boxes at my mother's house since we were in the middle of a move. It wasn't pleasant, but the kids enjoyed the "holiday" room and had a fabulous Christmas thanks to MeMaw, DadDad, other family members and the love of a home church that played "Santa" for our kids.
Last year was peaceful, pleasant and COVERED with snow. It was magical really. I didn't think it could be topped. We were blessed ONCE again by a church that decided to sponsor our family. This was extrememly helpful because it was our first year trying to buy for five kids. Presents flooded the living room. It was almost embarassing really. Love displayed in boxes, bows and wrapping. We were careful to tell our children that the church had done all of this. We want them to learn to be grateful. Resting, talking, laughing, playing in the snow. It was a very special day.
Today has been a wonderful day. Having two, two year olds at Christmas is a joy. I had forgotten how much fun it could be, really to tell you the truth. Although poor Nathan spent almost one hour straight taking toys out of boxes (those twist ties get ya), putting in batteries, etc. , he was such a good sport. We have power tools, we have cars and trucks, there are tricycles, a skateboard, video games...oh the list goes on and on and on. Once again, I am humbled at the help we received, blessed by the outpouring of love and thrilled that my children could receive almost ALL of what they requested.
We are teaching them that three presents is what Jesus got, so it is MORE than enough for them. I know that we aren't exactly sure how many gifts He received. I also know that the Wise Men did not come to the manger to present their offering. We read the Christmas story with the children annually and we try to prepare their hearts during Advent. There are songs sung, movies watched, stories read so that they might know of God's love for them, that He sent His only Son to be born on Christmas. Yes, I'm aware that Jesus' birth most likely was not in December. I'm aware of all the inaccuracies and myths. I'm also aware of the love, joy and peace that surround December 25th. I am aware that some families don't recognize/support Santa. Our family however does. I know it won't last too many more years, but for now I treasure the joy of watching thier faces light up on Christmas morning knowing that someone brought these treasured gifts FOR THEM. We have taught them that ALL of this is possible only because of Jesus. They know that the only reason we give and receive gifts is to emmulate the gift of Jesus. We have a birthday party for Jesus and we talk about how we can give him our hearts, our wills and our lives.
Today as we found homes for all of new "bounty" we also gave toys away. Something new comes in, something old goes out. We sorted through and threw broken toys away. We bagged up the "give aways". We even did that with the outside toys. It was wonderful. The children know that they need to share of their blessings. We practice this year round (birthdays, when other gifts come into the house). I am always blessed when I see what they choose to share. Although I must admit it always challenges me, because I am faced once again with the fact that we as Americans are spoiled. We own too much, eat too much, spend too much, whine too much, etc. I am praying that in this New Year that I can continue to learn how to "Live simply and give extravagantly". I want our home to be filled with love, laughter, peace, not STUFF. I am a work in process, so my parenting is still growing, changing, developing. I'm teaching my kids and we love learning together.
There will be more presents later today, more family, more sweets and cookies, more love, more laughs, more hugs. In the midst of all of the more...I'm learning to be content with LESS. I want less of me and more of HIM. I want to receive less and give more. I want to eat less, weigh less, own less, OWE less, drive less, watch t.v. less, speak loudly or unkindly less, procrastinate less....get the picture????!!!!
Here's one of my ALL TIME FAVS to help us all celebrate Christmas. Blessings to you and yours wherever you are reading this from.
This song is SOOOOOO appropriate. I ended up having to go to TWO malls yesterday. Not fun, but "necessary"???? That's debatable at best. I was so stressed. It was pouring rain, trying to get five kids into the house. I slipped and fell and hurt my wrist and ankle AND my daughter fell too. So..now I have mud covered clothes and I'm sore and she's sore. All for what??? A visit to "Santa" and some presents we couldn't afford? There were some sweet moments yesterday also, but I sure hope that next year is different.
I wish I was on a sleigh that was taking me away from here. Today I WANT to be away from my five kids, my messy house, my busy life. I'm not in a GREAT mood, but I still love Christmas. Praying I can find peace in all of this.
A family fav "The Polar Expres"...here's "Hot Chocolate".
Today is the Winter Solstice the shortest day of the year. It's been dreary, gray and gloomy. So here's a song that might brighten your day. Two lovely voices.
Today my youngest sons turn two. Happy Birthday James Paul and Jonathan Israel Flint. Born at 33 weeks on December 20, 2009 they completed our family. Blessed that they were born at 4 lbs. 10 oz. and 4 lbs. 11 oz., they only had to stay in NICU for 16 days. They were so tiny when we brought them home. So much different from having an almost nine pounder (Joseph) or even my almost seven pounders (Jesse and JoyAnn). They spent their first Christmas in NICU. Still on oxygen and biliblankets they had a warm tropical Christmas.
What was Jesus' first Christmas like? He wasn't born in a hospital with all the "conveniences" of modern civilization. Mary didn't have the chance to have breakfast brought to her on a tray. She couldn't choose which channel to watch on the t.v. She didn't have to worry about visiting hours. The only visitors she had were shepherds. I don't know if I would have reacted so positively to stinky, smelly people in my room wanting to hold my newborn babes. Not Mary, she was THRILLED to know that the Savior of the world was already being worshipped by those He came to save.
Happy Birthday Jesus. I pray that my gift to you will be one of a contrite spirit, a repentant heart and a submissive will. I come today to offer you my best...my all...my life.
I hope that you have a wonderful Christmas and that Emmanuel touches you in a special way.
Here are some pics of my little guys for you to enjoy...
We had an incredibly busy weekend. Nathan hates it when there is more than one engagement in a two day period. I try to avoid this kind of scheduling, but this weekend it just couldn't be helped. In one weekend we had a birthday party, a family Christmas party and company that came the next day. We also had planned on attending our church for the "Prayer and Preview" service. We didn't make it last night because we absolutely were beside ourselves. Full of junk food, too little sleep, overloaded with sights, sounds and touch, busy minds, and cluttered hearts we stayed home and tried to finish up the weekend with some rest. Joseph and Jesse each lost a tooth last night. So there were tears also. It was a draining weekend.
Please don't misunderstand me. I am aware that we said "yes" to these engagements. We LOVE our friends and family. It was just a lot of noise, too many people in SMALL spaces, and more than we should have attempted. Joseph cried most of yesterday. His stutter was severe yesterday and Jesse ran a low grade fever most of the day. Nathan let me know ONCE again that he does not want to be this busy. Oh I should mention also that Friday night was date night and finishing up the Christmas shopping. TOO MUCH TO DO!
Every year I say "Next year it will be different." I mean well. I try to plan ahead. I make list and have the best of intentions. Every year though Christmas arrives and I don't have MOST of my list "accomplished". I keep thinking that Christmas just "can't happen" unless I'm finished. Each year God lovingly reminds me that Christmas IS going to happen with or without me, AND He also reminds me that Christmas is happening FOR me, TO me, all around me.
I am a selfish, sinful person and I need to be reminded of the beauty, wonder, awe and majesty of Christmas. I am fully convinced that Christmas is NOT supposed to be like my last weekend was. He came that I might have peace, not so I can fit in a catnap between engagements/parties, etc.
Tomorrow night I have the opportunity to ponder on joy. Celebrate Recovery is continuing our advent celebration and there will be almost an hour of music/worship. My heart needs this. My soul NEEDS to connect to Christmas. Speaking of music...here are yesterday's and today's videos. Blessings to you.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Laura Story is in my humble opinion one of the most pure, gifted voices in Contemporary Christian Music. Here is a song that I'm sure most people haven't heard. She doesn't get as much "air time" on our local station as others. Sweet, simple, unadulterated...enjoy Emmanuel.
In the midst of our pain, joy, tears, happiness, fears, growth, strength, weakness, pride, sin, praise, love...HE is with us. I pray that this Christmas you know Immanuel is with YOU!!! If you want to know about Jesus, please ask me. I would love to share what He means to me and how he has changed my life. Merry Christmas.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Today my heart cries out to Emmanuel. My heart and mind race with raw emotion. I feel completely used up, beaten down and rejected. Too much left to do, not enough time, money, or energy to complete the tasks. I lack peace. I am missing the excitement that this season brings. Joy eludes me today. Is there hope for me? Can I find my way to the manger in time?
Yes, I believe my heart CAN find Christmas in time. It is music such as this song that speak to me and help me to realize that the Prince of Peace was born for me. He came to earth that I might be set free from the prison of fear, worry, sadness, rejection and strife. As I continue to seek Him, I can be "Still, Still, Still" in the journey.
I started this blog after Christmas of 2010. It was a glorious time of rest, peace, sharing and blessing. I wanted to capture that feeling and live in that moment a little everyday. I pray that this year I can use this blog for it's originally intended purpose.
In the meantime I pray that you are enjoying the daily choices of music. I pray that your soul has been stirred and that you've drawn closer to Emmanuel every day approaching the 25th.
I so desparately want my children to "get" Christmas. Not the commercialism, bells and whistles, hustle and bustle Christmas, but the peaceful, goodwill to men on Earth, Emmanuel Christmas. I pray that the way we celebrate/observe this season is a representation of God. I hope that they are learning that the birth of Jesus is SO much more important than today's "deal of the day" or most exciting new toy. I pray that as years go by that their "want" lists will grow shorter and their "give" lists will grow longer. I want my children to rest, relax and soak it all in, instead of doing, going, being.
Evidently this is a new movie, just released last month. It is based on a true story. Here is the "Heart of Christmas" as sung by Matthew West.
I had a good weekend, but I did not have time to blog. Now I'm under the weather and trying desparately not to drown under the weight of it all. So for those of you that might take the time to pray, would you pray for our little family? Of course between now and Christmas I have several singing engagements, parties, etc. and I feel like a small truck hit me. There is a cold AND stomach virus going through our house simultaneously. The gifts that keep on giving. :-) Enough of my complaining. Here's some music.
An older, more mature version of Sting, but WONDERFUL nonetheless. I like his voice and like the song. Merry Christmas
Little Michael Jackson singing "I Saw Mommmy Kissing Santa Claus". Why??? Who knows, just for fun I guess.
This song/video entertains and creeps me out simultaneously. My daughter asked if David Bowie was a girl...lol. I do appreciate two very different genres mixing for the sake of Christmas and Peace on Earth. I value the new and the old. That's what Christmas is about. Emmanuel came for us ALL.
Francesca Battistelli has an anointed voice and this song is a precious reminder that God "could have left us on our own", but He sent Emmanuel. Merry Christmas to whomever might read these meager ramblings. Blessings to you.
Christmas can be VERY hard on some people. This song speaks to that. Also, Christmas can bring tears of joy, hope and wonder. I pray that you experience the presence of God in a new and beautiful way this year.
This precious lullaby always makes me a little "misty eyed". Think of Jesus, God in flesh, laying in a manger. It's too much for us to think of isn't it? We are so blessed! Merry Christmas.
Doesn't this remind you of shopping at the mall or Walmart and all the cheesy "muzak" you hear this time of year? No matter how hard you try to resist, you can't, you give in and before you know it you're singing along with George Michael. Oh and you gotta love these 1984 hairdos and outfits. What a hoot!!! Happy Christmas and if we pass each other at CVS, the grocery store or somewhere else while singing this song, I promise I'll just smile.
I have a soft spot in my heart for adoption. We were a foster family for Bethany Christian Services for 8 1/2 years. In that time we had 28 kids. Tyler my brother was adopted on his first birthday, but we had been his family since he was 21 days old.
As a believer in Christ and follower of Him I understand adoption as well. I have been chosen by Him and adopted into His family. What a gift. This song by Steven Curtis Chapman is sweet and a reminder that we need to pray for families to be united all over the world. Prayerfully consider fostering/adopting. Blessings to you.
Memories of childhood abound surrounding Christmas. This was one of my favorite specials we watched on television. Also it's nasty rainy today and I'm feeling a little "grinchy" myself. Have a good day.
I have many prayers for my family, myself, my friends and the world this Christmas. Amazing to think that God incarnate, Jesus, had the power to answer all of these prayers and more even as he lay in a manger. Christmas is AMAZING!!! Be blessed today and keep praying.
WOW! I love the line "every moment in the middle make my heart your Bethlehem." A powerful song from "The Story". I'm not too familiar with this product by Zondervan, but this song written by Nichole Nordeman and sung by Francesca Battistelli is powerful. I hope you have a fabulous weekend.
Many spend this day standing in line, waiting, becoming increasingly frustrated, spending too much money, waiting in line, waiting in line, waiting in line...NOT ME!!! I think Black Friday is for the birds. This year I plan to keep my money local. Our family is going to support local business. If there are any "gaps" to fill in then they can be done by online purchasing. Crowds, lines, grumpy people are not my scene. In my humble opinion "Black Friday" and the Christmas rush totally defeat the heart of Christmas. Yes I'm sure there are people that are kind while shopping. I realize that there are GREAT deals, and Christmas music playing in all the stores. I know that some people can't shop online or prefer to be out and about. That's fine for them. I'm just saying that for me and my house we will avoid the mall....lol.
Christmas should be about more than spending, shopping, great deals and standing in line. Christmas should be in our hearts EVERY day, not just "Black Friday" through Christmas. Today our family will make our paper chain to count the days until Christmas. I think we're going to scrounge up our decorations and put up our tree. Nathan and I might even have a date. I do know that today is going to include LOTS of family time and joy. It won't be stressful, rushed or crowded. It will be peaceful and relaxing.
Speaking of our Christmas countdown. I've blogged about this every year, but I'll say it again. In our family we count "sleeps". This is a technique learned from our dear sister in law/Tante/Aunt Nathalie Morgan. So here's the PERFECT song for today. It's from a Muppet Christmas Carol. Be blessed whatever you do, wherever you do it (even if it's standing in line). Please know that I totally respect how everyone chooses to spend their holiday season. These are just MY thoughts and feelings. Merry Christmas!!!
Grateful that I believe!!! I believe in wonder, in awe, in dreams, in hope, in sharing the mystery and wonder of life. I believe in Christmas and ALL of it's precious traditions, stories, and purposes. Happy Thanksigiving today. Be blessed.
As originally recorded by Nat King Cole, I love this sweet version by Sara Groves (one of my fav artists). Can you imagine rocking the Savior of the World to sleep? Powerful thought. Be blessed.
I love this group! I don't own this project. Maybe I'll get it this year??? I say that about all kinds of CD's, huh???? This music is just so smooth! I am grateful that I get to be home with my family for Christmas.
Beautiful version of this song by Josh Groban featuring guitarist Andy McKee. If you haven't listened to Andy's music you really should check it out!!! Have a great day.
No I haven't skipped Thanksgiving. It's a legitimate, wonderful holiday. I will be celebrating it with my family and we have wonderful traditions involved in this day. However, I simply LOVE the Advent season and what Christmas means and brings.
Last year was such a special time of peace due to the snow we received. It was a gift. I would love another white Christmas. Yes, snow can be inconvenient. It can be messy and frustrating. Yet, it ALSO can be peaceful, calming, refreshing and makes us all SLOW DOWN.
Enjoy Sarah McLachlan's beautiful voice on this song accompanied by these stunning pics of winter.
I needed a little "Rat Pack" this morning. Hope you enjoy. I love this time of year. What a blessing life is, and to share it with others. It truly is better to give than to receive!!!
A precious song I've never heard. Crazy, but I've never seen the movie "The Preacher's Wife". A beautiful song. I have dreams and goals for my children, but most importanly I want them to KNOW the King!!! Merry Christmas.
Here's one of my favs! I say that often don't I...hahahahahaha! I just love Christmas and all of the music it brings. Be blessed today and always.
I am so grateful that Emmanuel came for children all over the world. Jesus loves children. It's throughout the Scripture. Beautiful song by James Taylor. Have a great day.
Sorry...my blogging was delayed by a brief stint in the hospital. I am so grateful to be home and feeling some better. I will be following up with a doc on Friday. Until then...how about some music?
Here is Celtic Woman with "The First Noel"
Here is one that doesn't have ANY redemptive spiritual value. It's just a precious childhood memory. My mother loved Lynn Anderson and we listened to this Christmas album my entire "growing up" years. I can still remember decorating the tree, hot chocolate, cookies, etc. Just wanted to share it because it was "fun".
One of my new romantic holiday favs. I'm so blessed to have my man with me on Christmas. Praying for those who are separated from loved ones this holiday season. This song is gorgeous!!! "Every Time it Snows" by Olivia Newton John and Jon Secada
This song is one of my ALL TIME FAVS. I love, love, love this and will forever be grateful for the chance to sing it at Mtn. View last year. Grateful for the still, small voice that touches my heart daily. Be blessed.
Perhaps later in the month I'll share a version of this with lyrics/vocals. However, I found this version to be simply lovely. Yes, I like snow. Yes, I pray for ANOTHER white Christmas. There is something so peaceful about snow. Have a good day.
Feeling overwhelmed? Me too!!! Yesterday was a grocery store trip with five kids, a meal at Chick-fil-a, a second trip to the store (by myself this time) and getting all seven of us to church (a little late I might add).
This morning it was a "discussion" with my husband that left me feeling completely and utterly overwhelmed, misunderstood and unappreciated. I need Emmanuel this morning.
So for those of you who know me well you know what this means!!! CHRISTMAS MUSIC! Starting Nov. 1 annually we begin our Christmas music marathon. I must admit that due to my love for Pandora radio I have been listening off and on throughout the year. But, it's GAME ON starting today. We love music that lifts our spirits and really can't we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ every day of the year?
I haven't written in this blog for MANY months and had planned on deleting it, but I thought I would bring it back around. Who knows for how long, but there are special thoughts that pertain to this holiday that I want to record.
So from now until Christmas I will feature a different musical selection that our family enjoys. I hope it brings a smile to your face and lifts your spirits. Blessings to you as we prepare to enter into the "Most Wonderful Time of the Year".
This is a new song I found a few weeks ago while surfing YouTube. I really like her voice and found this song sweet. As I drink my coffee and listen to the sounds of my kids I imagine what that star must have looked like.
This is how I feel during the holidays. I ALWAYS feel behind. I have a husband, five children, blogs to compose, a house to maintain, children to educate, oh and a relationship with God to cultivate...lol (not in that order of course). I am ALWAYS behind. I could do 3 or 4 loads of laundry a day and STILL not keep up with it all.
This feeling of being overwhelmed is NOT simply a holiday phenomenon, but I do feel it more intensely during the months of November and December. I am praying that 2011 will be a year of PEACE. That's my theme word this year. My dream, hope and goal is to experience deep, lasting and life changing peace. Peace is used 429 times in the King James Version of the Bible. Think it's important to God??? :-)
I am going to keep working on plans and implement ideas to make the holiday season this year PEACEFUL. Got any suggestions? Let me know!!! I have had a peaceful few days due to the snow and the fact that it has made us all rest.
Wanting to experience the Prince of Peace year round,
Tonight Nathan and the kids made cannolis using one of the recipes from the book the kids bought Nathan. It is the book written by "Buddy" the Cake Boss. I must admit that they were NOT good. No offense to my lil' chefs, but they just weren't what I was thinking. Honestly they were a texture nightmare. Nathan did the mixing and we used premade shells. Maybe that was it. These shells, although not expired, tasted as if they had been in an old fallout shelter since the cold war. YUCK! Maybe we'll try again, maybe not. However, the experience was sweet. This makes me think about baking and cooking. I really would like to do more baking during the holiday season and give them as presents. We received QUITE a generous amount of goodies for Christmas. Why is it that people only bake and give in December???? So the kids and I are going to change that. Year round we are going to cook, bake and bless others with our goods. Why not? Who doesn't like receiving something warm and yummy. Also I want to learn to bake and make healthy foods. I have plenty of time to research, learn and practice during the next 12 months. There is something special about spending time together as a family in the kitchen. I pray we can do it more often.
Day 350:
It's snowing AGAIN!!! We got 2 inches overnight and will probably get another 1-2 today. Many people I know don't like the snow. They complain. They fuss. They wish it away. Granted snow can cause delay, frustration and dangerous driving conditions. However, snow does one thing that is glorious in my humble opinion. It makes people slow down. Physically, mentally, emotionally. I wish that more people were able to view snow days as a chance to rest, relax and regroup. Yes I know that I don't have a job outside of the home. I don't have kids in public school. I can't "relate" to some reading this blog, but I am grateful for the chance to rest whenever I have it.
One of my favorite memories from the Christmas season of 2010 was the opportunity to sing Winter Snow at the church Christmas program. This song talks about exactly what I mean when I say that we should REST during the snow. We should REST in our relationship with Jesus and recognize his grace as the Winter Snow. I'm gonna share it (again if you read my other blog) and pray you are blessed.
Today I realized once again that I am the "unlovely". It wasn't the homeless woman at the convenience store. It was ME.
On the way home from Upward Cheer leading practice the kids (Jesse went to watch his sister) wanted to stop at the F & J and get a Gatorade. As I pulled into the parking lot I noticed her. She was as disheveled as usual. Yet tonight she was alone. She usually walks several feet behind her partner/mate whatever he is. She was smoking and talking to herself quite loudly in an indecipherable language. I made the hasty decision NOT to get out the car. As she begin to walk toward me I was filled with fear. I locked the doors and pulled out quickly. I tried to explain to the children why we couldn't go into the store. JoyAnn and Jesse are familiar with this lady. She walks all over Swannanoa. JoyAnn speaks kindly to me and says "Momma, she's just poor. Maybe there was something you could have done to help her."
Perhaps she was right. Maybe I could have helped her. Granted I feel as if I made the right decision regarding my safety and the safety of the children on a dark, freezing night. She obviously was drunk or stoned or both. Maybe she is mentally ill. I know her soul is troubled. But it DID get me to thinking about opportunities I might have in the future to help her or others who are in need. Am I willing to love the unlovely? Am I willing to go where they are and to share with them love, warmth, physical nurture and the love of Jesus?
Isn't that was Emmanuel came for? Isn't that what Christmas is about? My heart is full tonight as my head hits my nice, soft pillow in my warm house. How will I look for or handle opportunities to love the less fortunate, mentally ill, homeless, needy and unwanted people in my community? Lord, help me to be aware of this need and give me grace to teach my children to love those people too. Because YOU DO!!!
So how can one honor Christmas year round but take down the decorations? LOL...hahaha
It was TIME. This year we had to put a small, four foot tree ON our dining room table so the boys wouldn't get it. It was "cute". Not the tree I would have loved to have, but it served our purposes. Nonetheless, it took up almost our ENTIRE table. Which was frustrating because that is where home school happens and we couldn't eat meals together at the table as a family. So yesterday we began to take down all of our decorations. Not nearly as much fun as putting them up in my humble opinion.
This got me thinking. I mean I was putting baby Jesus in a box. OK...its a stretch, but how many times have I done that metaphorically and spiritually? How easy it has become for me to compartmentalize my life. I mean I don't allow Jesus to permeate and participate in all areas of my life. There is Jesus...you can find him at church of course. You can find Him in Bible study. You can find him in deep discussion at LIFE group. Yet, he's harder to find in dish washing, diaper changing, homeschooling, loving my family, driving on the interstate :-), dealing with bill collectors....see what I mean? If I say I love Jesus and am a follower of His teachings AND call Him Lord of my life why can't I see Him, hear Him, feel Him in everything I do? I try to do things in my own power and strength. I want to worship Jesus at the manger when it's full of wonder and awe, and I want to worship Him at the cross and tomb as he became the redeemer and atoner, but I don't want to worship him when it might have been an ordinary day. Did Jesus ever have an ordinary day??? Or was EVERYDAY a miracle because He walked in His Father's footsteps?
Lord, forgive me for not allowing you to have every little nook and cranny of my heart. Forgive me Lord for STILL trying to do things on my own even after ALL of these years. I repent Lord and ask that you would give me grace to worship you in the ordinary. To allow you to be present in ALL things. Maybe as a reminder I'll keep the baby Jesus figure from our nativity out this year and I'll randomly put it in different rooms as a reminder that He's with us. He TRULY is EMMANUEL!!!
I've touched on this before, but I'm sure Mary's life was NOT what she expected. She had other plans, other dreams. Don't get me wrong her life was BETTER than she would have or could have EVER imagined. It just wasn't what she planned.
I'm there today. I really am. Here I am in this house with my FIVE kids (I wanted 2 or 4). I am a stay at home mom and I have a degree in Music Education. I thought I would be an elementary music teacher. We live in my Papa's house. I thought we would own our own home with a nice, tailored yard. I quite frankly feel as if I'm wasting away today..that the last decade has been wasted. A shell of myself sits in this house wishing things were different. Sad, but TRUE!!!
How I wish that today I could pray the prayer that Mary did as found in Luke 1:46-55 "And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and myspirit rejoices inGod my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant...forhe who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name,And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever." My heart is wishing for peace. Today Christmas seems far away and Emmanuel seems as if His arrival was for everyone, but me.
God please change my heart. Please change my plans. Break my heart and make it more like yours. Forgive me for my pride and mistrust. I love you and WANT to change. Keep me close to you today.
I wrote about yesterdays celebration. It was a glorious time of sharing, laughing, eating and gift giving. Don't get me wrong I am blessed to have given AND received, but I don't think my family realizes just HOW much stuff we already have and HOW much more stuff we have to fit in this house. Since we can't get rid of any people (hahahaha) we MUST get rid of stuff. That's what today is about...clearing space. So there is a family rule of when one new toy, movie, piece of clothing comes in one goes out. I wish I could say that I'm always RIGHT on top of this and enforce this rule diligently, but alas, I don't.
Well we woke up a little later than usual and it was very nice. We decided not to attend church today. We have been finding homes for all of the gifts we were given. The kids have been working on their room. I have been working in the babies room and kitchen, while Nathan has been cleaning the bathroom. I mean REALLY cleaning. There is more to be done today, but we all took a lunch break and I wanted to jot down my thoughts while I had the time. There will be a grocery shopping trip and a meal out at Cheddar's together later today. Nathan is treating us!!! How fun!
There is a spiritual lesson though in the midst of all of this cleaning. It isn't "cleanliness is next to godliness". I think that's a crock anyway. What's going on here at least in MY heart and mind is that we need to find a home for what is important. Yes we are "downsizing" our physical home, but why? I am trying to teach my children to appreciate what they have, to be good stewards to give, save, spend and to not take more than you need. I am trying to instill in my children to love the things of the Lord and NOT the things of this world. So....if old, too small, not needed, broken things, unused and unwanted items take up space in our closets, rooms and hallways what does our heart look like????
I have clutter taking up space in my heart. I would love to tell you that Jesus sits atop his throne right in the middle of my heart and that the path to worship Him is clean, clear and free of the debris of life. It isn't. I am consumed with the daily grind. I am overwhelmed with life. I do not find time to sit at His feet as I did in past days. I am too busy looking at the things that keep me from Him instead of focusing ON Him and walking past the clutter. I need to have a "clean sweep" of my heart as to make a path to my king. I miss HIM!!!
Yes I want a clean house. I cry almost EVEY day at the condition of my "lived in" abode, but when was the last time I wept over the lost time with my Lord? I am so blessed. I have so much...TOO much. God I repent that I have not worked on keeping my heart clean and free of clutter. Forgive me Lord for allowing the things of this world take precedence over You. I am so sorry. Please give me the grace to change. Holy Spirit give me the desire to seek the face of my Lord first and foremost EVERYDAY.
In 2011 I am GOING to make more room in my house, de-clutter and clean. I am ALSO going to make it a priority to clean my heart and make MORE ROOM FOR JESUS!!! How can I live an abundant life if I am stuck in the mire of my "stuff"???? Help me Emmanuel!!!
Here is Vs. 1 of a Christmas Carol that speaks to my heart on this issue
Thou didst leave thy throne
And thy kingly crown
When thou camest to earth for me,
But in Bethlehem's home
Was there found no room
For Thy holy nativity:
O come to my heart Lord Jesus;
There is room in my heart for thee!
Bryan Duncan does a WONDERFUL arrangement of that carol.
Today (1-1-11)was spent with family and friends. We were celebrating Christmas. The wonderful yet large amount of snow prevented our previous get together. I always treasure when our family is together. This was our third Christmas without Nannie. Her presence was missed as usual. I surely wish she could have met James and Jonathan.
The holidays can be VERY hard for some people. Thinking back to times past can often bring mixed emotions. Good memories can bring smiles and tears. I have so many friends and loved ones who were mourning the loss of someone at Christmastime.
I can't reflect on this though without focusing on the HOPE that we have in Christ. This blog is about Christmas!!! God sent his only son Jesus to be born Emmanuel. The story doesn't end there though. Christ was born so that he could live a sinless life, be hung on a cross, die and RISE AGAIN ON THE THIRD DAY. Christmas is about life AND death. Praise God for His gift. My loved ones who have gone on before me are in Heaven celebrating Emmanuel and waiting for ME!!!! Isn't that a glorious thought? I can't wait to be reunited with my faith family in glory. Thank you God for sending the Lamb of God.
