It’s December already. I can’t believe how fast time flies. (It flies even faster as we get older.) In all the hustle and bustle of the holiday, try to remember a happy December when we looked at Christmas through the eyes of a child. Memories and traditions are a big part of our holiday celebrations, starting with putting up a tree.
I remember as a kid going tree shopping. It seemed like Dad always picked the snowiest, coldest day to make the rounds to all the tree lots. We always ended up buying our tree from the lot on the corner of Trumbull and Center in Bay City. It never failed that Mom would pick the ugliest tree. We were definitely the house with the Charlie Brown Christmas tree! One year, the trunk was so crooked that my father had to wire it to the wall – that was interesting. But we kids didn’t care – we couldn’t wait to get it up. Remember helping your parent decorate the tree? I say parent because that was mother’s job; Dad’s job was to sit and watch and to let us know when we missed a spot. An ornament here and there, a sprig of tinsel…we fast grew tired of that project. When it was all said and done, all the ornaments were at the bottom and the tinsel ended up in bunches. Isn’t it amazing that you awoke on Christmas morning to the most beautiful tree!
My husband grumbles and complains every year when it comes time to putting up the tree but I remember my mother’s words, “No complaints, a tree is part of the season. Think of it as Jesus, standing tall and firmly planted, branches spread out to receive us in love. The color green signifies the life force through the year and Jesus is our life source. The lights symbolize that He is the light of the world. The star and/or angel top serves to remind us of his birth and why he came into the world.” I’m sure there’s more to this story that I’ve long forgotten, but I do know one thing, Christmas was never more lovely then when you were a child; we could use a little bit of Christmas all year long…so try to remember a happy December as you deck the halls with boughs of holly! (We’ll talk about holly, later.)
(Tell your friends and neighbors about my blog. Watch for fascinating Christmas trivia right here in this blog. Next writing, I’ll share the meaning of the Christmas tree, how it came to be and how it ended up in our living rooms!)
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
A Time to Give Thanks
Thanksgiving, buried between the over celebrated Halloween and the pre-Christmas holiday seems to get lost. The father of our country deemed Thanksgiving important enough to declare it a national holiday and yet, we seem to pass over it with little fan fare. But to me Thanksgiving is an important time of the year – not because it ushers in the busiest shopping day of the season, but because it’s a time to not only remember the blessings our creator has given us, but to celebrate them.
As Christians it’s easy for us to ask ask ask. And although it’s true we can ask God for anything, it doesn’t necessary mean that He’ll give us everything. (He provides us with the important things) I think prayer is important, but I also think equally important are praise and thanksgiving. God is there for us in the bad times but He likes to hear from us in the good times, too. We need to love him as freely as He loves us, to learn to listen to His still small voice and most importantly, say “thank you” once in awhile for the blessings he has given us. Why not make this Thanksgiving a day of counting our blessings and then remembering to say, “thank you, Lord!”
In case you need a little help: Thank you for family and friends, for health, for the beauty of a sunset and for its glorious rising. Thank you for freedom, for friendship, for liberty – thank you for loving me enough to die on a cross…make your own list and share it around the Thanksgiving table. Happy Thanksgiving!
As Christians it’s easy for us to ask ask ask. And although it’s true we can ask God for anything, it doesn’t necessary mean that He’ll give us everything. (He provides us with the important things) I think prayer is important, but I also think equally important are praise and thanksgiving. God is there for us in the bad times but He likes to hear from us in the good times, too. We need to love him as freely as He loves us, to learn to listen to His still small voice and most importantly, say “thank you” once in awhile for the blessings he has given us. Why not make this Thanksgiving a day of counting our blessings and then remembering to say, “thank you, Lord!”
In case you need a little help: Thank you for family and friends, for health, for the beauty of a sunset and for its glorious rising. Thank you for freedom, for friendship, for liberty – thank you for loving me enough to die on a cross…make your own list and share it around the Thanksgiving table. Happy Thanksgiving!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Resist Chocolate - Read the Word
I didn’t participate in Halloween this year. This means that I didn’t dress for the occasion or pass out candy. This does not mean, however, that I didn’t buy candy. I mean, who wouldn’t buy candy, especially chocolate?
When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile. The big question here is why would anyone want to resist chocolate? It’s good for stress. It’s good for the heart – it’s just plain good! I must confess I ate a whole bag of Mounds bars. OK, I also ate a bag of Snickers. I couldn’t help it – it was the new almond flavor.
As a Christian, I have to remind myself that man does not live by bread alone or chocolate, but by the Word of God. And the Word clearly says we should not over indulge. I think I need to go back and reread that scripture again; I’m pretty sure it doesn’t say anything about chocolate. Guess it doesn’t really matter. The important thing is, I need to be deeper into the Word and less into the candy bag.
Ah, and now, Thanksgiving. I won’t think about turkey and dressing and mashed potatoes but I will reflect on things I am thankful for. Top of the list, my children and my grandson! His blessings are many. Perhaps, we should start counting…and name those blessings one by one. I’m sure it will surprise us what the Lord has done!
When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile. The big question here is why would anyone want to resist chocolate? It’s good for stress. It’s good for the heart – it’s just plain good! I must confess I ate a whole bag of Mounds bars. OK, I also ate a bag of Snickers. I couldn’t help it – it was the new almond flavor.
As a Christian, I have to remind myself that man does not live by bread alone or chocolate, but by the Word of God. And the Word clearly says we should not over indulge. I think I need to go back and reread that scripture again; I’m pretty sure it doesn’t say anything about chocolate. Guess it doesn’t really matter. The important thing is, I need to be deeper into the Word and less into the candy bag.
Ah, and now, Thanksgiving. I won’t think about turkey and dressing and mashed potatoes but I will reflect on things I am thankful for. Top of the list, my children and my grandson! His blessings are many. Perhaps, we should start counting…and name those blessings one by one. I’m sure it will surprise us what the Lord has done!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Life's Truths
1.Do not walk behind me. Do not walk ahead of me. Do not walk beside me. Just leave me alone, especially on days when I’m crabby. (And we all have those days)
2. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and leaky tire.
3. Its always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it. (Or, you could buy your own newspaper!)
4. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.
5. Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.
6. Never test the depth of the water with both feet. Keep one foot on solid ground.
7. If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.
8. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.
9. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.
10. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day. (Come on guys you know you do)
11. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably (definitely!) worth it.
12. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.
13. Some days you're the bug; some days you're the windshield. That’s life!
14. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
15. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.
16. A closed mouth gathers no foot.
17. Duct tape is like 'The Force,' It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together.
18. There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works.
19. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.
20. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
21. Never miss a good chance to shut up.
And MY personal favorite:
22. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
Hope you had a good laugh reading ‘life’s truths’ I did!
2. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and leaky tire.
3. Its always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it. (Or, you could buy your own newspaper!)
4. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.
5. Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.
6. Never test the depth of the water with both feet. Keep one foot on solid ground.
7. If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.
8. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.
9. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.
10. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day. (Come on guys you know you do)
11. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably (definitely!) worth it.
12. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.
13. Some days you're the bug; some days you're the windshield. That’s life!
14. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
15. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.
16. A closed mouth gathers no foot.
17. Duct tape is like 'The Force,' It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together.
18. There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works.
19. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.
20. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
21. Never miss a good chance to shut up.
And MY personal favorite:
22. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
Hope you had a good laugh reading ‘life’s truths’ I did!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Mire and Muck
I’ve had a cough now for 6 weeks. Nights without sleep catch up with you and make you cranky. We put my 94-year old father in an AFC home this past week – not an easy decision to make, especially when all the family is not on board with that choice – lack of unity brings lots of stress.
I woke up this morning thinking about my friend, Don, how even in the mist of a storm he smiled. He loved life and no matter what he was going through he always had an encouraging word and an upbeat attitude, truly believing that no matter what was going on around him, God was in control. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for Thou art with me; thy rod and staff comfort me.” He knew without doubt that he would dwell in the house of the Lord forever. That’s how he lived his life. What a great testimony.
When you walk through the mire and the muck of life – look up. You’ll be surprised at what you see. God can lead you to quiet waters and restore your soul; He can guide you to a better place free of mire and muck!
I woke up this morning thinking about my friend, Don, how even in the mist of a storm he smiled. He loved life and no matter what he was going through he always had an encouraging word and an upbeat attitude, truly believing that no matter what was going on around him, God was in control. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for Thou art with me; thy rod and staff comfort me.” He knew without doubt that he would dwell in the house of the Lord forever. That’s how he lived his life. What a great testimony.
When you walk through the mire and the muck of life – look up. You’ll be surprised at what you see. God can lead you to quiet waters and restore your soul; He can guide you to a better place free of mire and muck!
Friday, August 6, 2010
A Mouse and a Mouse Trap
A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package. "What food might this contain?" The mouse wondered. He was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap. Retreating to the barn yard, he proclaimed this warning "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"
The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it."
The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The pig sympathized, but said, "I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured you are in my prayers."
The mouse turned to the cow and said, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The cow said, "Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose."
So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap—alone! That very night a sound was heard throughout the house -- the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey.
The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did no see it; it was a venomous snake whose tail was caught in the trap. The snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital. When she returned home she still had a fever.
Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup. So the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient – the chicken!
But his wife's sickness continued. Friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig. But, alas, the farmer's wife did not get well... She died.
So many people came for her funeral that the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them for the funeral luncheon. And the mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness.
So, the next time you hear that someone is facing a problem and you think it doesn't concern you, remember ---
When one of us is threatened, we are all at risk. We are all involved in this journey called life. We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another.
You may want to send a note to everyone who has ever helped you out… Let them know how much they mean to you. Better yet, send them this article! Remember, each of us is a vital thread in another person’s tapestry. Our lives are woven together for a reason. One of the best things to hold onto in this world is a FRIEND! (Thanks to my Internet friends for sharing this story with me)
The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it."
The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The pig sympathized, but said, "I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured you are in my prayers."
The mouse turned to the cow and said, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The cow said, "Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose."
So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap—alone! That very night a sound was heard throughout the house -- the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey.
The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did no see it; it was a venomous snake whose tail was caught in the trap. The snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital. When she returned home she still had a fever.
Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup. So the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient – the chicken!
But his wife's sickness continued. Friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig. But, alas, the farmer's wife did not get well... She died.
So many people came for her funeral that the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them for the funeral luncheon. And the mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness.
So, the next time you hear that someone is facing a problem and you think it doesn't concern you, remember ---
When one of us is threatened, we are all at risk. We are all involved in this journey called life. We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another.
You may want to send a note to everyone who has ever helped you out… Let them know how much they mean to you. Better yet, send them this article! Remember, each of us is a vital thread in another person’s tapestry. Our lives are woven together for a reason. One of the best things to hold onto in this world is a FRIEND! (Thanks to my Internet friends for sharing this story with me)
Sunday, July 18, 2010
The Power of One
Edward Everett Hale said, "I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something I can do."
One song can spark a moment;
One flower can wake the dream.
One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald spring.
One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts a soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea;
One word can frame the goal.
One vote can change a nation,
One sunbeam lights a room.
One candle wipes out darkness,
One laugh will conquer gloom.
One step must start each journey;
One word must start each prayer.
One hope will raise our spirits;
One touch can show you care.
One voice can speak with wisdom;
One heart can know what's true.
One life can make the difference;
You see it's up to YOU! (Poet unknown)
I thank God that He uses individuals like you and me to do His work on earth. Maybe we’ll be the ‘one’ person to make a difference in someone’s life.
Thanks to my Internet friends for these words of wisdom.
One song can spark a moment;
One flower can wake the dream.
One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald spring.
One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts a soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea;
One word can frame the goal.
One vote can change a nation,
One sunbeam lights a room.
One candle wipes out darkness,
One laugh will conquer gloom.
One step must start each journey;
One word must start each prayer.
One hope will raise our spirits;
One touch can show you care.
One voice can speak with wisdom;
One heart can know what's true.
One life can make the difference;
You see it's up to YOU! (Poet unknown)
I thank God that He uses individuals like you and me to do His work on earth. Maybe we’ll be the ‘one’ person to make a difference in someone’s life.
Thanks to my Internet friends for these words of wisdom.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)