This year is rapidly drawing to a close. Thought today might be a good day to look back into the past and reflect on childhood memories of the days between Christmas and New Year's Day.
First of all, because my Mother, Grandma and favorite aunts were all FANTASTIC cake and cookie bakers, I will have to confess that during this week after Christmas I was absolutely sated after consuming the variety of "goodies" which had been available all during the holidays. Aunt Rheumell's fresh coconut cake, Aunt Edith's chocolate chips, Mom's gingersnap cookies, and Grandma's applesauce cake vied for "favorite" during the season, but if forced to choose the one I'd hate most to do without, I'd have to say "THE GINGERSNAP COOKIES". Even today, there is still something about smelling the aroma of gingersnaps cooking in the oven that evokes waves of nostalgia.
Out of school for the holidays, there was lots of time to play with cousins who lived nearby....and we did so every day. New toys were shared, new clothes were modeled, and nothing was more enjoyed than spending time at Grandma's with all the cousins....those who lived nearby, as well as those "town cousins" who joined us in the country for Christmas. Our grandfather was not so busy during this season, and we loved it when he'd take us for long excursions in the woods, regaling us with tales of his childhood....causing us to appreciate even more all the goodies and toys which we had received that year! Looking back now, those days would be considered dull by the present generation. But, in reflection, I can see just how much we were blessed by the time and attention shared by our grandparents. "Fun" was "homemade".....those impromptu walks in the woods, creativity encouraged by the writing and presentation of "skits" demonstrating something that had impressed one of us during the year. No television blaring....no addictive computer games....no trips to "the mall" to parade up and down with our friends. Just lots of love and laughter and family bonding as we explored and discovered how wise the older generation truly was.
I really can't remember ever being "bored" during the holidays. Something was always available to do. In addition to our daily chores, we were encouraged to look for ways to bless other members of the family by performing small gestures of kindness that were totally unexpected. Small things....such as clearing the table after a meal (without being told to "help our Mother"). And I'll never forget the year when my Mom brought out the box of scrap fabrics and announced that it was time I learned to cut quilt squares. Cutting the squares and laying them out into various patterns to design a quilt top was creativity at its MAX as far as I was concerned! I could already imagine the many nights during the winter months when I'd sit before the open fire, sewing those squarss into one big quilt top.
Because our house was heated with wood, there was always need to "bring in an armful of wood" to keep the kitchen stove and the open fireplace in the living room ablaze. There is nothing at all more relaxing than lying in front of an open fire, listening to "grownups" discussing world affairs, or, on rare occasions, listening to the radio. Many nights, I'd be awakened as my Dad gently lifted me up from the floor where I had fallen asleep before the fire.
Sound boring? To the average child today, I'm certain it does. But, I cannot help but think the current generation is being cheated! All the memories they will have to draw from are the "hurry, scurry, hustle, bustle" of constant activity during the holidays. I wish it were within my power to take each of my beloved grandchildren back into the past, when "things" were totally unimportant in comparison to the "times" spent with family.
As we say goodby to 2008, let's welcome the New Year with the mindset of the past, and commit ourselves to "being" rather than "doing" during the year to come.
God has the perfect year prepared for us.....let's forget our agenda and follow His!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
CHRIST, THE SAVIOR, IS BORN!
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them a light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest,
as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
. . . . .
For to us a child is born
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:2-3, 6
AND HE'S COMING AGAIN.....
ARE YOU READY?
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them a light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest,
as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
. . . . .
For to us a child is born
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:2-3, 6
AND HE'S COMING AGAIN.....
ARE YOU READY?
Friday, December 19, 2008
PRESENTS OR PRESENCE
When I was a child, the week before Christmas was very exciting. Our house was decorated beautifully, and we spent time with family and friends. On Christmas Eve, I can remember being so anxious for Santa to come and bring gifts.
Bedtime would come, and my parents would tell us that we had better go to bed so that Santa could visit or else we would not have a Christmas. We would hurry to bed but try to stay awake to hear something so that we could catch a glimpse of this jolly old man, who somehow managed to keep all the children of the world’s addresses and requests in order and make his entire trip in one night.
Of course, we always fell fast asleep so we never did see anything or anyone. All we knew was that when we went to bed there was nothing under the tree, and when we woke up there were beautifully wrapped presents everywhere! What fun we had opening them! We squealed with delight as we got things that we had put in our letter to Santa.
As the years went by, we obviously found Santa to be a figment of our imagination but still found the holiday season to be delightful. Instead of waiting for Christmas morning, we began a tradition of opening one present on Christmas Eve. We waited all day in anticipation of that moment. The excitement made me queasy every year for as long as I can remember.
As my siblings and I got married and had children, we found great joy in the thought that "Christmas is for kids." We never forgot to give honor and reverence to Jesus Christ, but our joy came from the children’s response to the gifts.
Something changed when Dad died, and then my husband and I were divorced. I still made trips back "home" at Christmas and though it was a two-hour drive, it seemed that my focus changed from Christmas presents to being in the presence of those who I loved. I look back on my Christmas travels, and they were very special times. My daughter and her husband joined us on Christmas morning for "breakfast at Granny's" and we gave gifts that were tokens of our love but the focus had shifted once again when my daughter married and established her own home. Spending time with loved ones and celebrating the birth of Jesus was a priceless present to me.
Then several years ago, as my grandchildren began to come along, I realized how travel with children during the holidays could be such a strain on a family, so I insisted that they establish their own Christmas traditions, and I would join them at their home on Christmas Day. So, I would continue to go "home" for Christmas with my Mom, and after "brunch" with my brothers on Christmas morning would make the drive back to Raleigh for Christmas with my children and grandchildren. Then three years ago, on Christmas Day, in the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice home in Winston-Salem, my beloved Mom went home to be with Jesus.
I no longer feel the anticipation that I once felt about the holidays. To be honest what I have felt recently has been pressure and some discouragement, as I cannot do many of the things I once did—things that I thought made Christmas special. The focus now stopped being about presents and instead about "presence"…people’s presence in our lives and our presence in theirs. Above all else, it has come down to sensing a Christmas "Presence" of peace and love that can only come from Jesus.
It isn’t necessary any more to make a Christmas list, because the things I desire cannot be purchased with money. I am content with what I have, and the only thing that I desire is that sense of wonder and awe I felt as a child—not for Santa—but for My Heavenly Father. When you think about it, in some ways He parallels Santa. He knows all of His children by name. He knows the desires of our hearts and has the ability to visit each of us simultaneously. He does not leave gifts that are perishable but if we will look for Him, He will leave something that is priceless…His Presence in our midst.
There is nothing else I need for my life. Things no longer make me happy, and let’s face it, we cannot look to people for a sense of joy. But His Presence during this holiday season is something that we are all in need of and deeply longing for.
You might ask why God’s Presence is so important to me. Well, the Bible says that in His Presence is fullness of joy, in His Presence there is rest, and in His Presence is peace of mind, hope, and renewal. Most of all, in His Presence is a love deeper than even the deep love of family and friends.
Perhaps you feel the same way today. You may be weary, worn and even hurting deep inside. The pile of presents are there in front of you, but you find no joy, peace, hope, or love. What you need is to take your eyes off those presents, and instead put your eyes on God’s Presence—which He has promised to you even now. He will not withhold any good thing from you…and having His Presence in your life is the best gift you will ever receive.
Bedtime would come, and my parents would tell us that we had better go to bed so that Santa could visit or else we would not have a Christmas. We would hurry to bed but try to stay awake to hear something so that we could catch a glimpse of this jolly old man, who somehow managed to keep all the children of the world’s addresses and requests in order and make his entire trip in one night.
Of course, we always fell fast asleep so we never did see anything or anyone. All we knew was that when we went to bed there was nothing under the tree, and when we woke up there were beautifully wrapped presents everywhere! What fun we had opening them! We squealed with delight as we got things that we had put in our letter to Santa.
As the years went by, we obviously found Santa to be a figment of our imagination but still found the holiday season to be delightful. Instead of waiting for Christmas morning, we began a tradition of opening one present on Christmas Eve. We waited all day in anticipation of that moment. The excitement made me queasy every year for as long as I can remember.
As my siblings and I got married and had children, we found great joy in the thought that "Christmas is for kids." We never forgot to give honor and reverence to Jesus Christ, but our joy came from the children’s response to the gifts.
Something changed when Dad died, and then my husband and I were divorced. I still made trips back "home" at Christmas and though it was a two-hour drive, it seemed that my focus changed from Christmas presents to being in the presence of those who I loved. I look back on my Christmas travels, and they were very special times. My daughter and her husband joined us on Christmas morning for "breakfast at Granny's" and we gave gifts that were tokens of our love but the focus had shifted once again when my daughter married and established her own home. Spending time with loved ones and celebrating the birth of Jesus was a priceless present to me.
Then several years ago, as my grandchildren began to come along, I realized how travel with children during the holidays could be such a strain on a family, so I insisted that they establish their own Christmas traditions, and I would join them at their home on Christmas Day. So, I would continue to go "home" for Christmas with my Mom, and after "brunch" with my brothers on Christmas morning would make the drive back to Raleigh for Christmas with my children and grandchildren. Then three years ago, on Christmas Day, in the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice home in Winston-Salem, my beloved Mom went home to be with Jesus.
I no longer feel the anticipation that I once felt about the holidays. To be honest what I have felt recently has been pressure and some discouragement, as I cannot do many of the things I once did—things that I thought made Christmas special. The focus now stopped being about presents and instead about "presence"…people’s presence in our lives and our presence in theirs. Above all else, it has come down to sensing a Christmas "Presence" of peace and love that can only come from Jesus.
It isn’t necessary any more to make a Christmas list, because the things I desire cannot be purchased with money. I am content with what I have, and the only thing that I desire is that sense of wonder and awe I felt as a child—not for Santa—but for My Heavenly Father. When you think about it, in some ways He parallels Santa. He knows all of His children by name. He knows the desires of our hearts and has the ability to visit each of us simultaneously. He does not leave gifts that are perishable but if we will look for Him, He will leave something that is priceless…His Presence in our midst.
There is nothing else I need for my life. Things no longer make me happy, and let’s face it, we cannot look to people for a sense of joy. But His Presence during this holiday season is something that we are all in need of and deeply longing for.
You might ask why God’s Presence is so important to me. Well, the Bible says that in His Presence is fullness of joy, in His Presence there is rest, and in His Presence is peace of mind, hope, and renewal. Most of all, in His Presence is a love deeper than even the deep love of family and friends.
Perhaps you feel the same way today. You may be weary, worn and even hurting deep inside. The pile of presents are there in front of you, but you find no joy, peace, hope, or love. What you need is to take your eyes off those presents, and instead put your eyes on God’s Presence—which He has promised to you even now. He will not withhold any good thing from you…and having His Presence in your life is the best gift you will ever receive.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
IF ONLY IN MY DREAMS
I'll be home for Christmas, again, this year but not entirely. There is an old Gospel song I used to enjoy quite a bit and one of the lines reads like this. "This world is not my home, I'm just a passin' through." The song goes on to say "my treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue." I guess what woke me up in the middle of the night weeping was the thought this song suggests: I'm just not at home in this world anymore!
I had one of the nicest, and yet, strangest dreams about Christmas. It, of course, revolved around family and having them over to the house, and since it was a dream, all my parents and friends were there. I must say it was wonderful. We laughed and told jokes, ate and laughed some more. In the background was the old classic song playing, "I'll be home for Christmas." The only thing was, the song always stopped before the last line, "if only in my dreams." Now I am not here to do any sort of dream analysis, dreams are dreams. This one, though, gave me thoughts of what a Christmas might look like in Heaven, maybe! I mean really, My Mom and Dad were there with my daughter and her family, my siblings and their families and all the aunts, uncles and cousins and grandparents all around me and we were celebrating with Christ, Christmas.
Then as dreams sometimes do, this one took a hard turn that woke me up. We all walked to the door to go outside, and one by one, as all my loved ones, already dead, walked out the door, they were gone. All I was left with was a soggy pillow and the memories of sweet times in the past and of times to come.
I pray that you will enjoy this Christmas with whatever family you have left here on earth. The old song is right, this world is not our home, we are all just passin' through. As for me, I do have treasures laid up, somewhere beyond the blue, family and friends. I also have them here to enjoy and I plan to be HOME for Christmas and not only in my dreams. Remember that because of Christ, we can celebrate Christmas.
I had one of the nicest, and yet, strangest dreams about Christmas. It, of course, revolved around family and having them over to the house, and since it was a dream, all my parents and friends were there. I must say it was wonderful. We laughed and told jokes, ate and laughed some more. In the background was the old classic song playing, "I'll be home for Christmas." The only thing was, the song always stopped before the last line, "if only in my dreams." Now I am not here to do any sort of dream analysis, dreams are dreams. This one, though, gave me thoughts of what a Christmas might look like in Heaven, maybe! I mean really, My Mom and Dad were there with my daughter and her family, my siblings and their families and all the aunts, uncles and cousins and grandparents all around me and we were celebrating with Christ, Christmas.
Then as dreams sometimes do, this one took a hard turn that woke me up. We all walked to the door to go outside, and one by one, as all my loved ones, already dead, walked out the door, they were gone. All I was left with was a soggy pillow and the memories of sweet times in the past and of times to come.
I pray that you will enjoy this Christmas with whatever family you have left here on earth. The old song is right, this world is not our home, we are all just passin' through. As for me, I do have treasures laid up, somewhere beyond the blue, family and friends. I also have them here to enjoy and I plan to be HOME for Christmas and not only in my dreams. Remember that because of Christ, we can celebrate Christmas.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
MEMORIES......
"They can't take that away from me."
We are living in increasingly difficult days. The current recession has everyone wondering if we'll ever recover from this period of financial loss. I, like everyone else, am feeling the effects of higher prices at the grocery stores....and am rethinking my Christmas giving this year. It seems like a sin to spend money on "things" to give to others, when those things are usually not what the recipient would have chosen, doesn't need, but doesn't want to hurt your feelings by not using/wearing the gift!
Thinking back over past years, I can remember "leaner" days when we had far less than we have today. I can remember the hours and days spent making gifts for those near and dear to me....a frilly party apron for Mom, a cross-stitched pillow case for Grandma, robes and knitted slippers for the kids, jars of home-canned jellies, pickles and relishes for those brothers who always looked forward to receiving them, homemade cookies for those precious neighbors. "Little" things by today's standards, but gifts from the heart, made with love, and bathed in prayer for the person for whom they were being made!
As I look back, I recall the greatest gift of all....the reason we celebrate Christmas....the birth of our Lord and Saviour. Somehow I think that He would tell us that the most valuable gift we can give this Christmas season is TIME. Perhaps, no doubt, it is because as I have aged (75 years old this year!), I have mellowed and reflect on how much visits, phone calls, and cards from friends mean to me. I received my first 2008 Christmas card yesterday from dear friends who live in Vermont. They were the first people we met when we moved to Raleigh in 1956 and we spent many hours working, playing and worshiping together. Although they left the area almost 20 years ago, it's a joy to hear all about what's been happening in their lives for the past year.
Although I DO MISS spending time with extended family during the holidays, I know that our hearts are attuned to the meaning of the holiday. And we can all look forward to future days when the pain of arthritis, fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, and dimming eyesight won't prevent us from celebrating TOGETHER again, for we will have new bodies, and will be in the presence of our Lord and Saviour Jesus.
So, for those of you who are reading this who think that you really have nothing to celebrate this year, I admonish you to "turn your eyes upon Jesus", bow down and confess your sin and ask forgiveness. I guarantee that if you do that you can look forward to Christmas with the knowledge that "THE BEST IS YET TO BE"!
We are living in increasingly difficult days. The current recession has everyone wondering if we'll ever recover from this period of financial loss. I, like everyone else, am feeling the effects of higher prices at the grocery stores....and am rethinking my Christmas giving this year. It seems like a sin to spend money on "things" to give to others, when those things are usually not what the recipient would have chosen, doesn't need, but doesn't want to hurt your feelings by not using/wearing the gift!
Thinking back over past years, I can remember "leaner" days when we had far less than we have today. I can remember the hours and days spent making gifts for those near and dear to me....a frilly party apron for Mom, a cross-stitched pillow case for Grandma, robes and knitted slippers for the kids, jars of home-canned jellies, pickles and relishes for those brothers who always looked forward to receiving them, homemade cookies for those precious neighbors. "Little" things by today's standards, but gifts from the heart, made with love, and bathed in prayer for the person for whom they were being made!
As I look back, I recall the greatest gift of all....the reason we celebrate Christmas....the birth of our Lord and Saviour. Somehow I think that He would tell us that the most valuable gift we can give this Christmas season is TIME. Perhaps, no doubt, it is because as I have aged (75 years old this year!), I have mellowed and reflect on how much visits, phone calls, and cards from friends mean to me. I received my first 2008 Christmas card yesterday from dear friends who live in Vermont. They were the first people we met when we moved to Raleigh in 1956 and we spent many hours working, playing and worshiping together. Although they left the area almost 20 years ago, it's a joy to hear all about what's been happening in their lives for the past year.
Although I DO MISS spending time with extended family during the holidays, I know that our hearts are attuned to the meaning of the holiday. And we can all look forward to future days when the pain of arthritis, fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, and dimming eyesight won't prevent us from celebrating TOGETHER again, for we will have new bodies, and will be in the presence of our Lord and Saviour Jesus.
So, for those of you who are reading this who think that you really have nothing to celebrate this year, I admonish you to "turn your eyes upon Jesus", bow down and confess your sin and ask forgiveness. I guarantee that if you do that you can look forward to Christmas with the knowledge that "THE BEST IS YET TO BE"!
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