Hiatus

I'm taking a brief hiatus to settle down after Christmas and to gear up for the New Year. See you shortly in 2009!

Holiday Build Up or Let Down?

Did you have a wonderful Christmas or were you disappointed at the outcome? Were you expecting something fantastic only to receive something mediocre? With all the commercial hype and the push for the best holiday gifts, our expectations are often too big and too unrealistic.

We get so bombarded in our materialistic world that it's hard not to be pulled into believing we need some of this stuff and some of that. We take sly glances at the tree wondering if a gift with our name on it was missed. There has been at least one time when we've opened a package only to fleetingly think, "How could they think of giving me this?"

We will always be disappointed by things, either at the receipt of a gift or as the excitement of it declines. God designed us so that we will never be satisfied with the temporal because we are made for the eternal. Only one true gift will ever satisfy us: the gift of eternal life that Jesus gave us when He died on the cross and rose from the dead to free us from the bondage of sin.

Don't let the empty boxes and unfulfilled wishes get you down. Open God's special gift for you.

Looking to Change

We all have areas in our lives that we need to work on. Whether it’s a temper or our temperament, our shyness or our impatience, we know we need to purge or perfect certain personality traits. The problem comes with our inability to change. Old habits die hard, so trying to change long held behavior patterns gets tiring and discouraging.

There is a solution, however. God can help us. If we submit ourselves to Him, asking Him to transform us and mold us into the person He wants us to be, He will help us. It still can get discouraging because any change in personality is tough; but we can constantly draw on Him for strength, encouragement, and renewal until the transformation becomes complete.

Looking to change something in your life? Ask the Lord for help.

Baking Day

Every year for the last five years or so, my friend’s kids have come over before Christmas to make Christmas Cookies with my kids. Because of some unexpected circumstances, they weren’t able to come on our scheduled date two weeks ago, but they are coming today. Both sets of kids (seven all together) are very excited.

I don’t think it’s the cookie making that excites them the most. It’s more the participation, the cooperation, and the association with one another. Tradition is very strong here. These kids have known each other since they were very little, so there are deep bonds of friendship, even if they don’t get to see each other as often as they’d like.

When the plans were cancelled a few weeks back I was a bit disappointed. Even though I get the “fun” part of making the dough, setting up the work area, and then cleaning everything up, I enjoy their enthusiasm and camaraderie. We play Christmas music, the house is filled with the wonderful smells of baked cookies, and there is much laughter and creativity.

I hope to continue this tradition as long as they are interested and as long as we are able. It adds to the joy of the Christmas season, especially since friendships are a gift from God.

Quick Learner

Are you a quick learner? That was definitely an attribute I often placed on resumes when I wanted potential employers to know that I was willing and able to undertake new projects. I wanted to make myself more marketable.

However, it isn't always easy to be a quick learner when it comes to spiritual matters. Since we aren't perfect, there are many character flaws that God wants to correct. If we catch on quickly, we can surrender ourselves to God's direction so the changing process can begin. But more often than not, we either don't want to identify our problem or we stubbornly resist any change.

God is less concerned about our comforts than He is about our character. If there is something we need to work on in our lives, He will definitely let us know. The more we resist the more God seems to persist in getting our attention.

Take my word for it: if you see a change is necessary, submit yourself to God for correction and direction. I still feel the scars of my stubborn and resistant behavior; scars that would have been non-existant if I had listened to the Lord's calling and warnings.

It's much easier if we let God help us. He loves us and wants what's best for us.
Ask God to help you be a quick learner.

A Little Rain

There is something comforting about the sound of falling rain. Perhaps it’s because it reminds me of warm blankets, freshly baked cookies, a cup of hot tea, and a good book. I especially like the idea of a good book. Of course, yesterday while it rained outside, I had the cookies baking, but I never quite got to the other comforts.

The closest I got was sitting in my cold car with the rain drizzling down as I waited for my son to get out of school. My toes were wet and cold, but the soft sounds cascading on the car roof brought a smile to my face. Falling rain is also nice to sleep to, especially when you are snuggled nice and warm in bed.

The weather is supposed to change today with sunny skies. There is another chance of rain next week before Christmas. I will look forward to the next rain since the kids will be home from school. Maybe I can get them to like listening to the rain, too.

Mid-Week Reflection

"For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

The Toes Knows

It's been rainy and cold here. I don't have rain boots any more (they aren't always needed where I live), so any trips out and about have led to wet tennis shoes and very cold toes.

Even my kids have had to deal with damp shoes. I made them all change their socks the moment they came home from school. There is just something about cold feet, especially the toes, that makes one's body cold all over.

When I was little I remember grownups having clear rubber boots that could be strapped over your shoes for rainy days. They were great because you could still wear your regular shoes and your feet stayed nice and dry.

The weather forecast calls for a few more days of rain. Good thing I have plenty of warm socks to change into!

The Crunch is On!

Time is running out...for sending out Christmas gifts in the mail. I'm making a few gifts this year, so I really feel the crunch. I want to make sure I get everything done so my gifts will arrive on time. All I can do is take care of things step by step. I'm really trying hard to avoid getting too stressed, though, because I want to enjoy the real reason for the season.

Surprise Endings

Funerals are not fun. It is hard to deal with loss and the emotions that come out as we realize a person will no longer be around in this world. It’s tougher when a person doesn’t know the Lord.

My husband and I were expecting such a funeral when we attended one for a relative the other day. But it turns out that because of a variety of circumstances in this man’s life, the relative came to realize that Jesus Christ was his Lord and Savior. The tone of the funeral was sad, but joyful, as person after person came up to testify of his commitment to Christ and how he is now in heaven.

The Bible tells us that God is not willing that any should perish. He wants people to come to Him and accept His free gift of salvation. He will even cause events to happen in a person’s life to get their attention. Too bad many people don’t reach out to Jesus as He’s reaching out to them. They want their own freedom; to follow after their own desires, not realizing that they are only placing themselves in bondage to sin. True freedom comes only when we surrender ourselves to God and His will for us.

I’m glad we found a surprise ending at the funeral. It confirms that God works behind the scenes even when we have no idea He’s doing so.

Routine Changes

For the next week I have to change my daily routine because my husband’s work schedule has changed. It’s nice and difficult at the same time. It’s nice because I get him for a few extra hours without the kids, but it is difficult because my normal writing schedule has to be put on hold so I can give him adequate attention.

We can either stress out and complain about the alterations that come our way, or we can try to have a positive attitude about them. I liked my husband going to the library with me when I needed some research materials. It was comforting having him next to me at the kids’ awards ceremony. It was great going out for lunch, too. Although I have few deadlines coming up, I know these free times with my husband are rare and I want to enjoy them while I can.

Don’t let changes to your daily routine spoil your day. Make the best of them. You might even have some fun. I know I am!

Recognitions

My elementary school children all received awards the other day for several semester achievements. We had honors roll, perfect attendance, and achievement awards to name a few. It was fun to watch them and many of their fellow classmates receive these unexpected honors, and then to see their smiles as their peers and family members gave them a sound round of applause.

I think it’s great that the school takes the time to recognize hard work, dedication, and academic successes. A few years back only about five awards were given for each class. This year they recognized all the students who made improvements, did well on the state testing, had good attendance, and/or had the equivalent of an A or B average. The principal also stated that although not every child would get an award this time, there will always be another chance in the future.

As a writer I don’t always get immediate feedback for my work. I write because this is what the Lord directed me to do, and I must write whether I get open recognition or not. But I love it when the Lord allows someone out of the blue to come up and say, “I read your article the other day and it really touched me.”

It’s nice when people acknowledge our efforts. Whether it’s at school or work, a person feels good when they get a clap on the back or a thumbs up for a job well done. Sometimes, however, we won’t receive any recognitions. I don’t think we should always expect them. We don’t want to get big-headed. It’s too hard to walk through doors that way.

A Word About Christmas Shopping

I like hearing Christmas music in the stores. In fact it seems that more retailers are playing seasonal tunes this year. Even the restaurant my family visited on Sunday was streaming festive music while we dined.

Most of those shopping in the malls are buying presents for Christmas. They are going to wrap these gifts and place them under some type of Christmas tree. Most are not shopping for Hanukkah. Most are not buying for Kwanza. Even Santa says, “Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!”

Why can’t more stores acknowledge that we want to recognize Christmas? Certain retailers are refusing to say Christmas. The closest they will get is saying “Holiday Gifts.” They have every right to advertise this way, but I also have the right to shop where I please. I prefer companies that want my business to the point that they will openly recognize and acknowledge what is important to me. They don’t have to believe in Jesus. I don’t expect them to go to church. But at least get my interest to do my Christmas shopping by admitting that they want my Christmas business.

One catalog I received solved the problem in my eyes. They sold cookies that let you choose “Christmas” or “Holiday” on the tins. At least they are giving people a choice. I plan to give them some business this year.

My Winter Weather

The weather is beginning to cool down. Yesterday the temps were in the 60’s with today’s high topping out at 60 degrees. This is warm by the standards of many cities to the east of California, but for us here in Southern California, this is cold.

There is something about the colder weather. You can pile on blankets and get all snuggly in the covers. You can bake all day and not overheat the house. You can pull out the warm sweaters and jackets and be thankful when they don’t smell too musty.

I don’t think I could deal with constant snow as some friends and family have to deal with. I like the snow, but driving in it, shoveling it, and seeing no grass for a few months would not be easy getting used to. The relatives can send me all the winter pictures they want.

Hopefully the temps will remain cool until Christmas. It’s tough singing Christmas carols when it’s 80 plus degrees outside.

Flip Flops

"Flip! Flop! Flip!"

Those were the sounds my shoes were making last night as I was walking in the parking lot of my church to help out with a church function. I wasn't wearing my sandals, though. I was wearing my black flats that were a bit too big.

Normally I wear a half-size smaller, but when I tried on the "correct" size at the store, my toes got pinched. I figured I would be more comfortable with the next size up. Sure I was comfortable...when I was standing still. But when I had to walk, I got, "Flip! Flop! Flip!"

I often buy pads for the back of my dress shoes so my heels don't slip out, but I was in such a hurry to get out the door that night that I failed to put them in. I wonder how silly I looked as I walked. A few ladies I knew were walking right behind me as I made my way to a side entrance. I had to almost walk with a kind of a limping shuffle so the shoes wouldn't fall off as I moved forward. Thankfully I was able to remove my shoes once I got to the area I was working in since only two other ladies were around to see me.

Unlike flip floppy shoes, Jesus's love is a perfect fit. It will completely cover our hearts when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior and allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through us.

Does your life go "Flip! Flop! Flip!"? Are you stumbling when you walk? Ask Jesus to be the perfect fit you need.

Cellular Division

Everyone seems to be enamored with their cell phones. I constantly see people jabbering away anywhere (including in the bathroom stalls!!), or see their fingers flying as they text. I think this is all a bit much.

Don’t get me wrong. I love technical gadgets. But I have to draw the line at talking while on the toilet. How do explain the flush?

I also don’t text. I prefer direct conversation along with polite manners. One woman insisted on keeping her phone conversation at the bank the other week while in front of the teller. I felt sorry for the teller who was being totally ignored while trying to complete the woman’s business.

Every once in awhile I want some quiet. I don’t want to be talking every single second, and I don’t think I’d like having to constantly type my responses (I e-mail too much as it is).

So for all you cell phone fans who take their phones everywhere, have fun. In the meantime, don’t call me when I’m in the restroom. My voicemail will be the only thing that will answer.

Mid-Week Reflection

"God be merciful to us and bless us,

And cause His face to shine upon us,

That Your way may be known earth,

Your salvation among all nations."

Psalm 67:1-2

Following the Leader

Do kids play Follow the Leader anymore? I haven’t seen this game in a long while. It used to be fun following along, doing exactly what the person in front was doing. Of course I think it was more fun to lead since everyone would have to follow me.

Maybe that’s the problem with modern society. There are too many people who want to lead and not so many who want to follow. It’s kind of like the too-many-chefs-spoil-the-broth analogy. Too many leaders cause dysfunction and chaos since there’s no one around to get the work done.

As Christians we need to be followers of Christ. He is our Leader; our Savior. We do well when we follow Him exactly, showing love and kindness and mercy. We get into trouble when we refuse to copy His ways. We stumble (literally and figuratively), make bad decisions, and distance ourselves from the One True God when we put ourselves in the front.

Are you trying to be the Leader in your life? Step aside, step back, and let God take the lead.

Hype of the Holidays

My kids wanted to try their hand at the day-after-Thanksgiving sales, so we got up early this past Friday morning and headed to the stores. Even though the first store we went to had been open an hour and a half, the place was crazy: long lines, rude shoppers, aisle stuffed with too many sales items, and lots of disorganization. After about twenty minutes, we gave up and left. The chaos was not worth it.

We then went to another store that was busy, but not as hectic. We actually could walk comfortably through most aisles (except in electronics), and people seemed more friendly and helpful. But even then we didn’t stay longer than thirty minutes, and only one item we bought was a major sale item.

When we first headed out that morning, my oldest son commented that he wanted to get up early and shop every day after Thanksgiving from now on. His statement changed a few hours later when he realized that the potential prizes weren’t worth the effort. At least next year I can sleep in a bit.

We often don’t realize that much of the glitz and glamour we are shown will only lead to disappointment because it is an illusion. In reality we don’t need most of the things we have. I wonder how much we would actually buy if it weren’t for the flashy sale signs, the carefully scripted commercials, and the multimillion dollar advertising campaigns.

What is of value to you? Make sure you aren’t caught up in the hype of the holidays.