A Christmas Birthday

You can never truly enjoy Christmas until you can look up into the Father's face and tell him you have received his Christmas gift.  ~John Rice


It was a long eight years. Years of hoping, yearning and many times crying over my desire to be a mother.  And then, just when I was least expecting it, I was -- well, expecting!  Oh, the anticipation and planning.  Our child!  I had come to believe in my heart of hearts it would never be.

Melanie Lynn was born on the thirteenth of December.  Holding her in my arms felt so right.  This tiny baby with a head of black hair and brilliant blue eyes captured my heart.  What fun it was to dress her in beautifully smocked dresses and tiny patent shoes.

It wasn't long until her navy Stride Rite shoes were skipping off to school. Where did the years go?  Somewhere between navy plaid jumpers and roller blades my little girl traded her jumper for a skirt and became a teenager.  Oh, how I loved her teenage years!   In the midst of a big move and new school for her senior year, Melanie's navy plaid turned into green plaid and...she fell in love.  Suddenly the familiar plaid was traded for a gown of white and my hands-on mothering was completed -- talk about a tough transition!

It's been such a joy to watch Melanie evolve into a beautiful woman of God.  She chose to be a stay-at-home mother to three growing knights and one sweet princess.  Her home is organized and decorated with care.  She shelters family and friends through entertaining and sweet gifts baked in her kitchen, tucked into mailboxes at church or shared with neighbors and Shawn's employees.  Melanie uses her gift of music to play her violin in the orchestra,  enhance her children's love of music by consistent practice of piano, trumpet and saxophone, and exposure to assorted genres -- singing in a formal community choir, entering a junior competition for voice and instruments, and encouraging them to audition to act and sing in a Christmas production. 

Did I happen to mention the joy this daughter of mine brings to me?  This month as I celebrate this gift of my first-born, I will be thanking my Heavenly Father for Melanie.

                             

Another mother birthed a baby this month -- a Baby she wrapped in swaddling clothes and cradled in her arms.  It wasn't long until Mary's baby was using His tiny broom to sweep up the wood chips in His father's carpenter shop.

Then Jesus' bare feet were clothed in leather sandals and His broom was traded for a walking stick.  He turned water into wine and His hands touched blind eyes and made them see.  He fed crowds of people with the simple meal of fish and bread while His teachings fed their hearts.

This Jesus traded His walking stick for a crown of thorns. His body hung on a cross as the veil of the temple was torn in two.  Because of this, the sins of the world -- MY sins can be forgiven.

Did I happen to mention the joy this Jesus of mine brings to me? This month as I celebrate His gift, I will be thanking my Heavenly Father for the Son He gave so freely -- the Son who has forgiven my sins, and sits at the right hand of the Father interceding for me!

This birth of Christ is so much more than an historic moment; it is the promise of joy! A joy that sparkles in my heart more brightly than the 600 lights on the nativity tree in my living room, the festive motion lights inside the gingerbread train in the kitchen, or the glow of all seven lighted wreaths hanging outside.  Its radiance goes beyond the angel chorus announcing Jesus' birth.  The prisms overflow with the light of a thousand colors, I know my Melanie came to be my child just as assuredly as I know the Christ Child came to be my Savior.

On the 13th we'll be singing, "Happy Birthday, dear Melanie," and on the 25th those words will echo, "Happy Birthday, Jesus... I'm so glad You came."

The Shelter of Rest

We can be tired, weary and emotionally distraught, but after spending time alone with God, we find that He injects into our bodies energy, power and strength. ~Charles Stanley

Last night was our grandsons' school program. Not only did they sing in their group, but both of them played piano duets with their mother. Ethan is 8 and Landon is 6. Like any grandparents, we were excited to be there.

Auntie was, too, and she was the designated picture-taker. She does her job well, but this time when she turned the camera on, I saw the words, batteries exhausted, come across the screen. For a moment I thought it was talking about me. My batteries have sure been exhausted lately.

Vince Lombardi said, "Fatigue makes cowards of all of us." And that is true. Everything looks bigger than it actually is. Every problem is magnified.

Here are a few things that help me when I'm exhausted:

1. Spend time with God. When we're busy, our time with God becomes more rote-like. I find if I can spend time with my Heavenly Father, my soul feels refreshed, and that refreshing splashes over to every area of my life.

2.  Take time to rest.  My mornings have been a shame to my Cessna roots.  Gone are the days of rising at 4:00.  I'm sleeping longer, taking a nap here and there and popping the energy vitamins.   When my Dr. told me I needed 10 hours of sleep, I laughed.  I thought we only needed 8 -- and I don't get even that.  But I'm trying to get a few more winks.

3.  Accomplish something. That may see like a strange way to become rested, but if there's something I can cross off my list, it helps me cope. Today it was writing. I've put the last project to bed until after the new year. But sometimes it's as simple as straightening a room or baking the cookies.  

Of course this can also be completed by simply crossing something off your list that isn't important to the grand scheme of things. Will Jonathan's parents really care if the lamp globes were just cleaned? or Will the kids care if I don't make three kinds of fudge? I've found that I often bring pressure on myself doing things unimportant to those I'm doing them for.

4.  Spend time with friends. We are spending the weekend with ministry friends. I may feel too tired to pack a suitcase, but once we get there, I know I'll be able to relax in Sue's beautiful home. She'll have the decorations up, candles lit and our beds ready for rest. Ben will have us laughing and the music RB and Ben play will pull our minds from to-do lists and focus them on the beauty of the greatest gift ever given -- Jesus.

I entered the Christmas season with dreams of a relaxed holiday season. I had most of my shopping finished early, some packages wrapped and the house decorated. But if I'm not careful, all my to-do lists will rob me of the joy of Advent, the beauty of little faces eager to unwrap packages, and the miracle of Christ's birth.  

Let's all take time this week to pull away from to-dos and spend extra time with God. To rest, accomplish tasks and spend time with friends who share our love of the Christ Child. Let's have a real CHRISTmas and honor God's gift.

Linked to

Soli Deo Gloria

Spiritual Sundays

Playdates with God
Whole Hearted Wednesday
Simply Helping Him

Sharing the Shelter #8 and Giveaway

Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves.  

~Eric Sevareid

My Daughters -- who love to shelter!

Years ago when we ministered in Bedford, a mother called our church office. She explained that her husband was out of work and their three young children wouldn't have gifts for Christmas. I don't remember everything she said, but I do remember her sharing that they didn't even have money for laundry soap.

I barely finished repeating the call when I heard our senior pastor, say, "Do it. Whatever you need to get, buy it." Our church families gave and the rest came out of the church treasury as we prepared a wondrous Christmas for this family -- clothes for the kids and parents, toys, cleaning supplies and food.  

It was such fun delivering the gifts. What wasn't fun was the next phone call. The lady's sister was on the line to tell us her sister called every church in Bedford; consequently the children would have a bigger Christmas than any child in town -- and we found out it was true.

I can remember the devastation I felt. Our church families were sacrificial in their giving and I felt like I had wasted their money. I remember what Rev. Sankey told me, "We are required to answer the call, what happens with that is not our responsibility."  

I think we sometimes get calloused by the poverty we see around us. There's always someone to blame -- the parents don't handle their money like they should, the kids don't take care of what they have.  But when we see the need, it's up to us to answer the call. 

That's what some of those who worship with me are doing.  One man donated hats -- nice hats -- for 40 Good News Club children, led by a member from our church works with these precious children on Sunday afternoons and throughout the week. Others have given money so we can stuff the hats with the Wordless Book items, fun socks, pens, candy, etc.  (This after the members sent 70 shoeboxes full of gifts to the children on Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.)

Some of these children need clothes.  I wish all of you had a Carisa in your congregation. She has a heart to help and the organizational skills to make it happen.  She's a busy mother of three involved in a million and one projects. But she is answering the call -- not only is she donating her own money to make it happen, she's finding others willing to help.  

Our congregation is not large, yet we are endeavoring to answer the call -- realizing we are here for something larger than ourselves.  Let's find someone to shelter this Christmas -- there are  needy people all around us. It's a good way to say, "Happy Birthday, Jesus!"

Speaking of hats -- Have you read Max Lucado's A Hat for Ivan? It would make a lovely Christmas gift.

Sharing the Shelter 

Do you have a recipe, craft or sewing project, a blog post sure to encourage us, or other sheltering idea you’d like to share? Link up and enjoy the ideas. I like keeping the rules simple:

• Grab my button or leave a text link-back 
• Visit the two blogs before yours 
• Shelter someone!

Sharing the Shelter Giveaway

The giveaway is open to all my readers -- just leave a comment.

Patty from My Mountain Blessings won last week's giveaway.  Patty is a pastor's wife, director of a homeless shelter, mother of three and Nana to five. Yet she still makes time to remind us to take time for Joy this season.  

This weeks giveaway is two hats for you to give to a needy child. Involve your children or grandchildren in the giving--a great teaching experience.

Leave a comment or link-up here.  Linking and commenting will give you two entries.  Edited to add: I'll try to find hats as close as possible to these--unfortunately these are already sold out.

Soli Deo Gloria

Rachel Wojnarowski

Playdates with God

Sharing the Shelter Linkup and Giveaway

What would it have mattered if Christ had been born in Bethlehem. if He had not fulfilled the mission God had for him? He must go the way of the Cross that He might arise with a mighty resurrection.
                                                                      ~Percy F Rockwood

It's been over a month since I've blogged. I was so thankful when Melanie told me last week she had a post ready if I needed it. (If you haven't read it, do.  She has a great gift idea that could be adapted to Christmas, too.) Writing deadlines, a wonderful visit from my parents and Christmas decorating kept me busy. I'm so eager to get back to posting and to visit all your blogs, too.  

Today, I thought I would take you on a journey of my trees.

From where I sit in our office/family room, I can see the grandchildren's snowman tree.  Fiber optic and filled with white snowflakes, blue snowmen teardrop ornaments, foam snowmen made by the grands and chocolate marshmallow treats for when they visit.  Blue snowflake throws are folded on the backs of the chairs and on Pawpaw's desk a snowman plays Winter Wonderland on a decorated miniature piano.

After a quick kiss under the mistletoe, we're in Gingerbread Land.  The tree glows and the gingerbread lights twinkle. We can choose a snack from the cookie jar or a drink from gingerbread glasses gifted from a friend. From teapots to tea towels gingerbread children have taken over my kitchen

On the dining room table tall ruby candle goblets flicker.  A wreath hangs on the open china hutch door that showcases my cardinal tea pot set and other winter cardinal dishes. No tree in here (although the fresh poinsettia might count!) -- but cardinals sit regally, waiting for snow.

The silver bathroom tree is dressed in antique pink and light green, while in our bedroom the heart tree reminds us of the 37 years we've been together.  And...the wall art suggests, "Let's meet under the mistletoe and have a Merry Christmas." 

These trees are all festive and we enjoy them.  But when I enter the french doors into the living room I am enveloped by the Reason for this season -- the birth of our Lord.  Blown glass ornaments hang from the tree, nativity sets grace tables and hearth and music boxes play carols. Under the tree lays a children's book, "The Story of Christmas," waiting for our grandchildren.  

You see, the season is about God's gift -- the gift of His Son.  It's easy to focus on the birth of a sweet Baby, yet the story doesn't stop there.  For I cannot think of God's gift without out thinking of the grown man -- Jesus -- and of His acceptance of His Father's will.  This gracious, sacrificial gift from our God would not have accomplished it's purpose without Jesus' willingness to die for our sins. 

This tree is the largest -- signifying the importance trees played in the life of Christ.  He was laid in a wooden manger, assisted His earthly father in the carpenter shop, and preached from a wooden boat. Then, doing the will of the One who sent Him to earth, was crucified on a wooden cross.  Crucified for my sins and yours. My heart rejoices in this truth.  

This morning I paused beside the tree to trace Jesus' life as illustrated in the tree decorations -- the angel's announcement to Mary, His birth, the visit from the Shepherds and presentation of gifts from the wise men. And then my eyes fell on the cross where Christ's story could have come to the end. But it didn't!  He's alive and I am His daughter -- a daughter of the King of Kings!  Because He lives I can celebrate His birth. In the glow of tree lights I bowed my head in worship, singing softly, "Oh come let us adore Him--Christ the Lord!" 

Sharing the Shelter Linky and Giveaway

The giveaway is open to all my readers -- just leave a comment.

Do you have a recipe, craft or sewing project, a blog post sure to encourage us, or other sheltering idea you’d like to share? Link up and enjoy the ideas. I like keeping the rules simple:

• Grab my button or leave a text link-back 
• Visit the two blogs before yours 
• Shelter someone!

Megan Carver from First Comes Love won the giveaway from last  week.  Megan is praying for the servant heart of Mary this week.  How many of you will join her?  

This week's giveaway is Touching Wonder by John Blase and Storytime Stickers: The First Christmas. I think you will love the book and you can shelter your child or one you know with the sticker book.  

Linked to:

Faith Filled Friday

Weekend Whatever

Spiritual Sunday

Soli Deo Gloria
The Beauty in His Grip

My Freshly Brewed Life

                                                

Finding Childlike Joy

 The way to Christmas lies through an ancient gate....It is a little gate, child-high, child-wide, and there is a password:"Peace on earth to men of good will."  May you, this Christmas, become as a little child again and enter into His kingdom. ~Angelo Patri

Sweet Morgan visited with me today.  Even before her mother left the house she bounded to the back door saying, "Mawmaw, I found it!"  Aunt Melodie had sent some Christmas packages and I thought Morgan found them.  Instead, she pulled me into the living room exclaiming, "Look, Baby Jesus!"  She literally bounced from Nativity to Nativity pointing out Baby Jesus in each one."  It was holy ground -- a child's delight in the gift God sent from an overflowing heart of love for those He created.  Three-year-old Morgan may not be able to discuss the theological process of the Son of God leaving His Heavenly home, but she already knows and loves Baby Jesus.

I wonder if this is what Jesus was thinking of when He said, "Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."  If you're like me, the whole Christmas rush of buying, wrapping, baking, writing programs, helping with visuals, decorating, {deep breath} entertaining, taking pictures and creating cards, writing Christmas letters...whew...it all combines to cloud my joy.

As I looked again at the Son of God through the eyes of my granddaughter, I was filled with the joy of the season.  I followed Morgan around and listened to her exclaim over Jesus' bed, the blankies and not one time was she distracted with the lights on the tree, the candles, the gold beads or the angels.  She was focused on Jesus.

Even in the midst of  my duties, I am determined to stay focused on Jesus.  Focused on the gift the God of this world--my God--presented to a dark world.  On the gift delivered by a young Mary. The one delivered in a stable, visited by shepherds, lauded by wise men.  The same gift offered to the world today.  Most of all, I want to cherish the joy.  I want to see the sparkle of falling snow, feel God's love as I choose Christmas gifts for those I love.  I want the words I write to swell with the joy I feel.  I want to host my friends with the same peace Mary showed to those who visited her newborn Son, and as I light the candles, I want to remember the Light who came to shine in the darkness.  

This joy--the joy offered to me by my little Morgan--will color my celebrations.  The Christmas programs will be more poignant, Pastor Clemens' sermons will be more meaningful, and as I sit and see the colors of Christmas dancing in the fireplace, I'll thank God for the child who led me and the Child who came to be my Savior.

* * * * *

Kids Focusing on Jesus

Here's a few fun ways to focus on Jesus with your children.

Make Nativity cookies together, using this rolled cookie recipe for a fun change.

Read this book together: Grandma's Christmas Cookies. The book is out of print but you can order a used copy on Amazon.  This book is based on the birth of Jesus and includes four cookie cutters of an angel, star, camel, and sheep who are featured in the story.


Reenact the Christmas story using Playmobil's nativity scene or Nativity stickers

Listen to Cedarmont's Christmas Carols -- traditional Christmas Carols sung by children.

Color a free Nativity set using tp rolls.

Other fun free printables can be found at:

Bible Kids Fun Zone
Printable Christmas cards or thank yous.
Road to Bethlehem File Folder Game
Printable Christmas Puzzles

Sheltering in the Silent Night

Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas.  ~ Dale Evans Rogers

Christmas is without a doubt my favorite time of year. I love the lights, the snow, the songs. More than that, I love the wonder of the birth of our Savior. I love the giving to others.

Eleanor Graf is the youth Sunday school teacher where we attend church. She is a fabulous role model and stresses giving to us as a class. During summer months she takes us to an elderly members home so we can weed her garden, then takes us shopping as a group to buy clothes and necessities for the crisis pregnancy center. At the beginning of the year, we adopted a child from Haiti named Angel. We collected an extra offering each week to send the money needed to support him. 

And of course our favorite thing to do during the Christmas season is going caroling to the older people in the church, including those who used to attend but are now bedridden and unable to make it out. Mrs. Graf bakes all sorts of goodies and boxes them up in a beautiful presentation. Then we get all bundled up and head out into the cold! This year we took sparklers to add to the festivities.

No matter how beautiful, or off-tune the harmonies, our friends loved the fact that we took the time to come visit them. Bro. McIver insisted we come in and play his piano--since it never gets played anymore--and sing some more songs. He wouldn’t let us leave until he passed out candy canes to us. He is such a sweetheart, and Mrs. Graf is already planning a trip back later in the year--to give his piano some use and give him some company. The Wallings are another wonderful couple we visited. Every year she refuses to let us come unless we let her make us hot chocolate. And boy, does she make the best hot chocolate ever!

It is amazing the blessings you will receive when you venture out to bless others.  Mom and I have heard several accounts recently of caroling and the effects of the carolers, and carolees…



Just a couple include…

My cousin, Pam, whose little girl was sick on the night they were supposed to attend a Christmas party. She was surprised and uplifted when several of her friends showed up at her door singing fun Christmas carols!

Mom’s friend Jo Dahler recently wrote, “With seven kids in our family after we got too old to get excited to go to bed early in anticipation for Christmas morning we started all going out really late on Christmas eve and caroling to our neighbors and close friends. It got to where they expected it and waited on us. It was so special singing with high clear sopranos and tenors…harmonizing out on those cold clear starry nights. This year on Thanksgiving day we all took Christmas flowers to Mom’s grave and after placing them we all sang those same songs together by her grave that we had sung with her so many times before.”

So you never know! Your song may be the bright spot in someone’s day. Go make a joyful noise! Go spread the joy. Jesus was born to save the world from sin. I don’t know about you, but I think that’s worth telling the world about.  May your days be merry and bright! Merry Christmas!

Tradition for the Grands

Traditions are the guideposts driven deep in our subconscious minds. The most powerful ones are those we can't even describe, aren't even aware of.  ~Ellen Goodman




I can never think or say the word tradition without hearing the Fiddler on the Roof song, Tradition, Tradition!  So much of what we do is tradition--even if we don't recognize it as such.

Before Ethan, our oldest grandson, was born, I decided that I wanted a tree the grandbabies would love to see each year.  I love elegant trees, so I do have one in my bedroom that conveys the same.  But for the "big tree" I decided on a Nativity theme.  It's such fun to see the kids delight in each ornament on the tree.  They love to discuss the Christmas story, find the wise men, point out Baby Jesus and listen to the explanation of why a cross is on my Christmas tree.  

Some of the pieces have portions of the Christmas story inscribed on them.  This year Ethan will be able to read them all, and I'm really anticipating the joy of hearing him.

I seem to be unable to pass up a Nativity (I think Emily counted nine in the living room).  We have a small wooden manger a friend made for me and small porcelain figures just for the kids to move and play with.  I want them to enjoy all the Nativities as a way to emphasize how accessible Jesus is to them at all times.  They shake the big globe and turn on the music boxes as we read the books about the real reason for the season.

Yes, Shawn and Melanie have taught the childen the true meaning of the holiday, and it warms my heart to know they love to come to MawMaw's house to be intrigued by the myrid of Nativity scenes.  This year Ethan will quote the first part of Luke 2 with his class at the school Christmas program.  They won't be just words -- they will come from his head and his heart as the most treasured part of Christmas -- the birth of our Savior.

This post is linked to Twelve Crafts Till Chrismas: Traditions

All Wrapped Up

The best of all gifts under any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.  ~Burton Hills





Many of us are fully aware of the differences between men and women.  Take this scenario:  A man does not get excited about shopping for things he needs let alone just something extra and fun.  A woman does get excited about just the necessities, and anything above or beyond that is glorious.  Let's say you needed a shirt.  I am sure in the end you might have purchased the shirt, and possibly a matching skirt and beautiful shoes to complete the look.  And maybe a purse...  You see, women get wrapped up in every detail of what we are doing at that precise moment.



Melanie speaking at Woman of Worth

 Well, gifts tend to be the same.  Men seem to unwrap their gifts with little emotion and barely crack the teeniest smile when they finally reach the gift.  Now a woman, let's see...She comments  on how long the box might be, or possibly how cute and dainty the little square box appears.  Next, she exclaims how beautiful the wrapping paper is---"Better not tear it...ooh what a perfectly matched ribbon and bow, and look!  There's even an ornament attached to the top--I love it," she exclaims.  Have you noticed we haven't even made it to the actual present yet?  Yes, this scenario gives us a glimpse into the fact that women are different than men.  One man found out the hard way.  He shared his story: "I made a terrible mistake last Christmas.  My wife made me
promise that I wouldn't get her a fancy gift.  And I didn't."  Oops.

Now, I understand, not every woman is the same.  But what I am trying to point out, is, that no matter how many different types of women we have right here, we all enjoy something well thought out, crafted carefully, and displayed beautifully.

You might ask, "What if I enjoy looking at a beautifully wrapped gift, but have no desire to have more glitter on me when done wrapping than on my freshly wrapped gift?"  Or you just might not be as creative as your friend.  You feel like Leslie Grimutter who said, "Sometimes imagination pounces; but mostly it sleeps soundly in the corner, purring."  So what kind of ideas are out there for me?

Glad you asked!  I have some store-bought wrap that is more expensive and also some inexpensive -- who says beauty needs to cost a lot?  All you need is your mind.  Listen to what Dr. Seuss wrote in his book, Oh, the Things You Can Think.  "Think left and think right and think low and think high.  Oh, the thinks you can think if only you try!"

Do we need expensive wrapping?  Did Jesus come into the world with the whistles and the bells and trumpets announcing His arrival into this world?  No, He was lain in a lowly manger bed.  So simple, yet so elegantly planned and just right.

So you ask, Why go to all that bother?  Hang on.  God also enjoys beauty.  After all, He was the One who created the world and all that is in it.  Take this scene:  After Jesus was finished suffering for our sins on that cross, God chose to make a beautiful eye dazzling production--in the form of thunder and lightening.  Talk about catching your attention!