We made it all the way to the end folks. Today's tip for having a more meaningful Christmas comes from Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God". Just be still and take the time to be with Him. Take time to know Him.
Slight detour. Did you happen to catch this Time article on the Advent Conspiracy? It is an interesting read.
Christmas is an interesting time and provides an interesting opportunity. As frustrating as all the commercial hype is, Christmas is still a time where hearts are open. People who may not normally be receptive to the Gospel may be more willing to have a conversation. Going to church on Christmas seems more likely than other times. In between the many secular Christmas/holiday songs on the radio, you will hear one clearly about Christ. Articles and movies on TV briefly highlight the spiritual unlike other times of the year. Yes, it seems that secularism and consumerism is taking over CHRISTmas, but it also seems we have a greater opportunity to share Christ with others this time of year. Even if they don't celebrate it, in some way they know that Christmas is supposed to be about more than gifts. What will you do this season to make Christ known?
Usually when I see that verse from Psalm 46 somewhere, it is just as I wrote it above. But there is an all important second half..."I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth." In the end, no campaign can take away Christ, at least not fully. God will be exalted. You and I are part of God's plan to reach to the ends of the earth. We need to exalt Him. This season, let the light of Christ shine bright. Invite someone to church with you on Thursday night.
Sharing God's love with another will give your Christmas meaning beyond measure.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tip #11...Knock it Off!!
Do you ever find yourself saying that to your kids?? "Knock it off"? I do. It is my way of telling them to quit the foolishness! Are you caught up in foolishness? Running around like a chicken with your head cut off, wondering how you will possibly get it all done? If you are, I have 2 things to say to you. One...go back and start at the beginning with these meaningful Christmas tips I have been posting. Second...knock it off! Literally. Knock things off your list. Stop the foolishness. I promise the earth won't stop turning, the kids will live, it will ALL be okay.
Kaleb asked me the other day what it meant when people say "what they don't know won't hurt them". We talked about several different examples but it got me thinking about some of the foolishness I get caught up in. No one but me will know I planned to fix 12 different kinds of cookies this year but only had time for 3. They won't know I wanted to get the living room painted but couldn't squeeze it in. Take an honest look at your list. What is essential and what isn't? Give yourself permission to knock some things off the list. Take a deep breath and move on.
I took a few days off from posting because I am working on all these things myself. Taking up time on the computer was one of things I had to "knock off" the last few days. Instead we invited someone over for dinner. We baked some cookies. We spent time together as a family. Yesterday we let a woman cut us in line at Walmart. {{gasp}} Little things, yet big in so many ways. Greg will tell you that I reach a certain point and then my stress spills over. It affects everyone because I snap at people and get agitated at the smallest things. It can get ugly. My goal this year is to never reach that point. The Lord is my helper...and yours!
Kaleb asked me the other day what it meant when people say "what they don't know won't hurt them". We talked about several different examples but it got me thinking about some of the foolishness I get caught up in. No one but me will know I planned to fix 12 different kinds of cookies this year but only had time for 3. They won't know I wanted to get the living room painted but couldn't squeeze it in. Take an honest look at your list. What is essential and what isn't? Give yourself permission to knock some things off the list. Take a deep breath and move on.
I took a few days off from posting because I am working on all these things myself. Taking up time on the computer was one of things I had to "knock off" the last few days. Instead we invited someone over for dinner. We baked some cookies. We spent time together as a family. Yesterday we let a woman cut us in line at Walmart. {{gasp}} Little things, yet big in so many ways. Greg will tell you that I reach a certain point and then my stress spills over. It affects everyone because I snap at people and get agitated at the smallest things. It can get ugly. My goal this year is to never reach that point. The Lord is my helper...and yours!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Tip #10- Movie Time
I heard the other day that Americans now watch an average of 31 hours of television a week. WOW! That is scary. My question is how do people have time to watch that much?? I have no smart remarks to make about TV watching. Rather, I want to talk movies. Christmas movies to be exact.
Do you have a favorite? Most of us have at least 1 that comes immediately to mind. For me it is the Muppet Christmas Carol. "Light the lamp, not the rat!!". If that means nothing to you, you need to go rent the movie. The Nativity Story that came out a couple of years ago was a great one to watch with the family. For kids, such a visual can really help them understand better.
Watching a movie isn't necessarily going to add tons of meaning to your Christmas. I know that. But in the midst of all the busyness, stop for a bit. Pop some popcorn. Gather the whole family up and snuggle in for a family movie night.
That's it. My whole tip for today.
Do you have a favorite? Most of us have at least 1 that comes immediately to mind. For me it is the Muppet Christmas Carol. "Light the lamp, not the rat!!". If that means nothing to you, you need to go rent the movie. The Nativity Story that came out a couple of years ago was a great one to watch with the family. For kids, such a visual can really help them understand better.
Watching a movie isn't necessarily going to add tons of meaning to your Christmas. I know that. But in the midst of all the busyness, stop for a bit. Pop some popcorn. Gather the whole family up and snuggle in for a family movie night.
That's it. My whole tip for today.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Tip #9- The Christmas Letter
The Christmas cards and letters are slowly starting to trickle into our mailbox. It is the one time of year we hear from many out of town friends and family. I really enjoy reading what everyone has been up to, seeing the photos and how the kids have grown. We hang the photos so it is almost like you are near! We also pray for you as we read them over.
I am going to share one of my pet peeves with you. Ready? Getting Christmas cards with just a signature. Now this does not apply to local people I see regularly or friends/family we keep in touch with. Rather to those who we rarely have contact with any other time. It is such a let down. I am glad you thought enough to send us a card but I want more! How are you? What is new in your life? A signature tells me nothing more than you're alive. Now that I have that off my chest...
The flip side of getting the cards, letters and photos is sending them. I schedule Christmas card making sessions both in Rochester and Ransomville. This year, between the two locations, I had more than 25 stampers attend in October and again in November. I cut and prepared more than 600 cards! Do you know how many I have completed for my own personal use? Maybe 15. I have a bit to do still, lol. For many years now I have put my time and energy into writing a family Christmas letter. It is a task that hangs over my head a bit until I get it done but I have to tell you that I so enjoy writing it. It's like the ornaments. Writing the letter brings back memories. We get so busy with the day to day that it is easy to forget all that we accomplished, endured, overcame, learned, enjoyed, and experienced. Writing our letter gives me time to sit and reflect. Without fail, I am amazed at what transpires in a years time. The many ways we have been stretched and blessed. It is not a bragging session but rather an opportunity to share our lives with our loved ones. For a brief moment I hope to narrow the gap of time and miles that separate us.
I wish I was good at scrapbooking or journaling. I like the concept of both but don't do either of them. This blog and our Christmas letters sort of serve to fulfill both those things. We keep a copy of the letters and someday they may be fun for us to go back and read. Even if I never sent them, I would still write them. They help to remind me that God is faithful. That life is rich. It reminds me to be thankful for many, many things and to offer praise to the giver of those gifts. It helps prepare my heart for the celebration of Christmas.
I encourage you to write a family letter if you don't already. Even if it is just for yourself. Reflect. Be encouraged. Be thankful. Give praise.
I am going to share one of my pet peeves with you. Ready? Getting Christmas cards with just a signature. Now this does not apply to local people I see regularly or friends/family we keep in touch with. Rather to those who we rarely have contact with any other time. It is such a let down. I am glad you thought enough to send us a card but I want more! How are you? What is new in your life? A signature tells me nothing more than you're alive. Now that I have that off my chest...
The flip side of getting the cards, letters and photos is sending them. I schedule Christmas card making sessions both in Rochester and Ransomville. This year, between the two locations, I had more than 25 stampers attend in October and again in November. I cut and prepared more than 600 cards! Do you know how many I have completed for my own personal use? Maybe 15. I have a bit to do still, lol. For many years now I have put my time and energy into writing a family Christmas letter. It is a task that hangs over my head a bit until I get it done but I have to tell you that I so enjoy writing it. It's like the ornaments. Writing the letter brings back memories. We get so busy with the day to day that it is easy to forget all that we accomplished, endured, overcame, learned, enjoyed, and experienced. Writing our letter gives me time to sit and reflect. Without fail, I am amazed at what transpires in a years time. The many ways we have been stretched and blessed. It is not a bragging session but rather an opportunity to share our lives with our loved ones. For a brief moment I hope to narrow the gap of time and miles that separate us.
I wish I was good at scrapbooking or journaling. I like the concept of both but don't do either of them. This blog and our Christmas letters sort of serve to fulfill both those things. We keep a copy of the letters and someday they may be fun for us to go back and read. Even if I never sent them, I would still write them. They help to remind me that God is faithful. That life is rich. It reminds me to be thankful for many, many things and to offer praise to the giver of those gifts. It helps prepare my heart for the celebration of Christmas.
I encourage you to write a family letter if you don't already. Even if it is just for yourself. Reflect. Be encouraged. Be thankful. Give praise.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Tip #8: Be Relational
This weekend we heard about the wise men who traveled to see the baby Jesus so that they could worship him and present him gifts. The wise men gave some pretty incredible gifts didn't they? But God is the ultimate gift giver. He gave us a person in the form of a small baby. A saviour. The gift of the possibility of an eternal relationship with himself. WOW! How can we top that? We can't is the simple answer. But we can use it as a model. We can give loads of gifts, we can spend lots of money but perhaps the best gift we can give is ourselves.
The gift of time and relationship is not always easy. It is often inconvienent. I suspect that is why perhaps we try to buy our way out of it sometimes. But we were made to worship God and to be in fellowship with him and others. We slowly shrivel without that relationship factor.
How can you give the gift of time? How can you deepen your relationships with others or perhaps start some new ones? Don't make it complicated or you won't follow through. Ask me how I know?!
Joshua has become quite the hunter/sportsman. He enjoys going out with my brother to shoot ducks or targets. He practices with his bow in the yard. This year he asked for an Airsoft gun (they shoot rubber bb's and are more for fun than sport). I was unsettled about his request but if you know Josh, you know his list is never long. I don't want to squash is enthusiasm for hunting or being a sportsman but I did not like the idea of a bunch of boys shooting at each other, even if it was just for fun. The boys have Airsoft wars similar to paintball wars. After much thought and discussion, we decided that instead of purchasing the gun he asked for, we would buy a membership at the local sportsman club. Greg and Josh can shoot skeet or trap, they can practice archery or partcipate in a variety of activities they offer at the club. While this will allow Josh to do some of the things he enjoys doing, it is more a gift of time. Father/son time. I think this will be much more meaningful than his original request. It will cost more time than money but money can not buy time.
If there are relationships you really want to invest in, think of ways you can spend time doing something they enjoy. Join a bowling league together, join scouts with your child, take a craft or art class together, join the Y as a family and go swimming together.
Maybe you are looking to do something on a smaller scale for a friend or neighbor. You could invite someone over for dinner. I bet we all know someone who might be lonely this season. Maybe they lost a loved one, went through a divorce, are empty nesters for the first time or they just live alone. What? Your house is a mess? You don't have the time? Then how about dropping by a friends house with a hot pizza and a bottle of soda this week?
Ask God to show you a person or family that you can gift with your time. Don't stop there, ask him to give you ideas for how to give yourself relationally to them. He'll answer and you will be blessed. I know it.
The gift of time and relationship is not always easy. It is often inconvienent. I suspect that is why perhaps we try to buy our way out of it sometimes. But we were made to worship God and to be in fellowship with him and others. We slowly shrivel without that relationship factor.
How can you give the gift of time? How can you deepen your relationships with others or perhaps start some new ones? Don't make it complicated or you won't follow through. Ask me how I know?!
Joshua has become quite the hunter/sportsman. He enjoys going out with my brother to shoot ducks or targets. He practices with his bow in the yard. This year he asked for an Airsoft gun (they shoot rubber bb's and are more for fun than sport). I was unsettled about his request but if you know Josh, you know his list is never long. I don't want to squash is enthusiasm for hunting or being a sportsman but I did not like the idea of a bunch of boys shooting at each other, even if it was just for fun. The boys have Airsoft wars similar to paintball wars. After much thought and discussion, we decided that instead of purchasing the gun he asked for, we would buy a membership at the local sportsman club. Greg and Josh can shoot skeet or trap, they can practice archery or partcipate in a variety of activities they offer at the club. While this will allow Josh to do some of the things he enjoys doing, it is more a gift of time. Father/son time. I think this will be much more meaningful than his original request. It will cost more time than money but money can not buy time.
If there are relationships you really want to invest in, think of ways you can spend time doing something they enjoy. Join a bowling league together, join scouts with your child, take a craft or art class together, join the Y as a family and go swimming together.
Maybe you are looking to do something on a smaller scale for a friend or neighbor. You could invite someone over for dinner. I bet we all know someone who might be lonely this season. Maybe they lost a loved one, went through a divorce, are empty nesters for the first time or they just live alone. What? Your house is a mess? You don't have the time? Then how about dropping by a friends house with a hot pizza and a bottle of soda this week?
Ask God to show you a person or family that you can gift with your time. Don't stop there, ask him to give you ideas for how to give yourself relationally to them. He'll answer and you will be blessed. I know it.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Tip #7 Celebrate Traditions
What memories do you have of Christmas? Is it certain sights, sounds or smells? I bet many of your memories have to do with traditions your family celebrated. Perhaps it was certain cookies your mom always baked or foods she always cooked. Maybe they have to do with rituals you had when you bought or decorated your tree, went to church or opened gifts.
I spent 6 years of my youth growing up in Germany where much of the Christmas celebration takes place on Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve service was one of the few times my Dad actually went to church with us. Mom would cook up a really nice meal for dinner and then we would have to get all spiffed up in nice clothes. We lived off base in a small village but would drive onto the base to attend Catholic Mass. When Mass ended (which was by far the longest service ever, lol), we would drive home. It wasn't just any drive home though. We earnestly looked to the skies to see if we could see evidence of Santa's Sleigh. We always managed to see at least one red light blinking in the sky...a sure sign that Santa indeed was in the area (compliments of the Air Force base!). When we arrived home, our tree would be decked out with presents. I remember feeling so lucky that Santa came to Germany first as I knew he didn't arrive in the US until the next day. And clearly it MUST have been Santa because no one was home to put all those gifts under our tree. Years later I figured out it was our downstairs neighbors who were Santa's helpers while we were in church but, as a kid, it was one magical night. We would stay up until the wee hours opening our gifts. I don't recall many of the gifts I received but I hold dear those times of being together, celebrating Christmas.
Traditions are a wonderful thing. They can help us build precious memories. Here are some of my favorite traditions...
1)Yearly Ornament Exchange Party. On Friday night I drove to Rochester to participate in the 10th annual exchange. I started it all those years ago as a way to spend time with friends and kick off Christmas. We have shared some tears but definitely much laughter. With all our moves, the guest list and format changed a little bit every year. This year I was officially only a guest, no longer the host. There were 4 of us on Friday night that have been together from the beginning. I cherish those memories and each year when I hang those ornaments I am reminded of our friendship and faith.
Here is the adorable ornament I got on Friday. Love it!
2)Picnic dinner by the light of the tree. The boys were not yet 2 and 4 when we first started this tradition. At some point before Christmas, we get take out, usually Chinese, set out a blanket on the floor in front of the tree and have a picnic. The only lights on in the room are those on the tree. We listen to Christmas music. We talk. We eat. We enjoy time together. The boys have already asked when it will be this year.
3) On Christmas morning they boys are not allowed to wake us before 7 and the only thing they can open is their stockings. Now they are old enough to make breakfast for the adults and once breakfast is done, we open gifts. It takes a very long time since only one person at a time can open something. We savor this time.
4) Attending the candle light service on Christmas Eve. It is one of my favorite services of the entire year!
5) Each year the boys get an ornament for the tree. I try to buy ornaments that depict something about the year. When Kaleb was obsessed with tractors as a kid, we gave him a John Deere ornament. When Josh played baseball, we got one with a glove and a bat. One year it was Batman, another year a Lego one. We decorate the tree as a family and the boys still enjoy putting up their special ones.
Traditions build memories. They don't need to be fancy. If you have some, keep them going. If you don't, start one this year.
Tip #6-Go to Church!
I had planned to post this tip towards the end as an encouragement to take your family to a Christmas Eve service. I changed my mind.
Tip # 6 for enjoying a more meaningful Christmas is to go to church.
Yesterday the boys and I went to church. Usually we attend the Saturday evening service which is much lower in attendance and more laid back. But for Advent we have a special choir assembled that is singing at the Sunday morning services. Pastor Bill is preaching a 4 week series called the "Advent Conspiracy" and it is good stuff. My heart was so blessed by the entire service. If Advent is a time of preparation, a looking forward to the celebration of the birth of Christ, then I am already on the road. My mind and heart are tracking. I am choosing to take my focus off the "stuff" of Christmas and work on the tips I have been sharing. It wouldn't be right if I just threw out all this stuff and then didn't put some of it in practice myself, right?!
As I sat in church I was mindful of those not present. Perhaps they were sick or traveling. Some of them honestly have trouble committing to church on a weekly basis. Whatever the reason may be (I hope it wasn't to go shopping, lol), they missed out. Truly they did. They missed the incredible worship, choir, and sermon. They missed an opportunity to be in fellowship, to be encouraged. They missed an opportunity to worship God and affirm once again that He is ruler of their hearts.
I still encourage you and your family to attend a Christmas Eve service. If it is not already part of your Christmas routine, start this year! Show your kids that God comes first. That God is the reason we even celebrate. Better yet, don't miss the last 2 weeks of Advent. Go. Prepare your hearts.
On a side note: Are you one of the C&E type church goers, you know, only go on Christmas and Easter? Be different this year, start early. Otherwise it is like only reading the end of the story. You miss a lot of good stuff leading up to the grand finale!
And one last thing...when you go to church, go expecting something. Where two or more are gathered in His name, there He is. The God of the universe is there and wants to meet with you. Don't miss that incredible opportunity.
Tip # 6 for enjoying a more meaningful Christmas is to go to church.
Yesterday the boys and I went to church. Usually we attend the Saturday evening service which is much lower in attendance and more laid back. But for Advent we have a special choir assembled that is singing at the Sunday morning services. Pastor Bill is preaching a 4 week series called the "Advent Conspiracy" and it is good stuff. My heart was so blessed by the entire service. If Advent is a time of preparation, a looking forward to the celebration of the birth of Christ, then I am already on the road. My mind and heart are tracking. I am choosing to take my focus off the "stuff" of Christmas and work on the tips I have been sharing. It wouldn't be right if I just threw out all this stuff and then didn't put some of it in practice myself, right?!
As I sat in church I was mindful of those not present. Perhaps they were sick or traveling. Some of them honestly have trouble committing to church on a weekly basis. Whatever the reason may be (I hope it wasn't to go shopping, lol), they missed out. Truly they did. They missed the incredible worship, choir, and sermon. They missed an opportunity to be in fellowship, to be encouraged. They missed an opportunity to worship God and affirm once again that He is ruler of their hearts.
I still encourage you and your family to attend a Christmas Eve service. If it is not already part of your Christmas routine, start this year! Show your kids that God comes first. That God is the reason we even celebrate. Better yet, don't miss the last 2 weeks of Advent. Go. Prepare your hearts.
On a side note: Are you one of the C&E type church goers, you know, only go on Christmas and Easter? Be different this year, start early. Otherwise it is like only reading the end of the story. You miss a lot of good stuff leading up to the grand finale!
And one last thing...when you go to church, go expecting something. Where two or more are gathered in His name, there He is. The God of the universe is there and wants to meet with you. Don't miss that incredible opportunity.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Tip #5-Banish the Scooge...Decorate!
This one may be more for me. Everytime we have moved, which has been 8 times in 15 1/2 years, I have to reinvent my decorating. Each house and space is different and sometimes things don't work in the new space like they did in the old. Once we moved to this house my umph to decorate flew south and honestly has yet to return. I have a bit of a love/hate thing going on with our house. If I could live in the kitchen I would. The rest of it...not so thrilling. I have finally decided that life is too short to live in a house you don't like so slowly we are tackling the rooms I have issue with. We are 95% complete on the boys bathroom spruce up. A little bit of paint goes a long way.
It has all spilled over into Christmas decorating and my attitude has been rather Scroogish. I am aiming to improve things this year. Why?? Because...
...I love to watch the boys unpack "their" box of ornaments. I give them an ornament each year and when they are grown they will have a start to their own decorating.
...I love the memories that come to mind when I place certain ornaments on the tree
...We have the most precious nativity set, given to us when we left Parkminster Pres in 2001. It is one of the best gifts we have ever been given. The woman who selected it has since passed away but every year when I set it up I am reminded of her, the church and the ministry that took place there. Even though decorating has been sparser the last 2 years, that set always made it out of the box!
...we laugh about the time our tree lost all its needles the day after we bought it or the time the tree fell over, scattering ornaments everywhere just before people came for our open house.
...we enjoy family togetherness when we put up the tree, hopefully creating new memories
We purchased a nativity set early on in our marriage. One way we help the boys anticipate the birth of Jesus is by stashing the baby Jesus figurine away until the 25th. The empty manger is a reminder of what is to come. We have never done the birthday cake for Jesus thing but that is another great way to celebrate. These are just a couple of ways to help younger children grasp that Christmas isn't just about presents. Rather that it is about the greatest gift, the "presence" of Jesus in our lives.
So, put on that Christmas CD, heat up some hot chocolate and scatter some decorating joy around your house. Enjoy recalling memories from years past. Be reminded about how richly you are blessed. Make new memories as you go. Weave those threads into a meaningful tapestry this Christmas.
It has all spilled over into Christmas decorating and my attitude has been rather Scroogish. I am aiming to improve things this year. Why?? Because...
...I love to watch the boys unpack "their" box of ornaments. I give them an ornament each year and when they are grown they will have a start to their own decorating.
...I love the memories that come to mind when I place certain ornaments on the tree
...We have the most precious nativity set, given to us when we left Parkminster Pres in 2001. It is one of the best gifts we have ever been given. The woman who selected it has since passed away but every year when I set it up I am reminded of her, the church and the ministry that took place there. Even though decorating has been sparser the last 2 years, that set always made it out of the box!
...we laugh about the time our tree lost all its needles the day after we bought it or the time the tree fell over, scattering ornaments everywhere just before people came for our open house.
...we enjoy family togetherness when we put up the tree, hopefully creating new memories
We purchased a nativity set early on in our marriage. One way we help the boys anticipate the birth of Jesus is by stashing the baby Jesus figurine away until the 25th. The empty manger is a reminder of what is to come. We have never done the birthday cake for Jesus thing but that is another great way to celebrate. These are just a couple of ways to help younger children grasp that Christmas isn't just about presents. Rather that it is about the greatest gift, the "presence" of Jesus in our lives.
So, put on that Christmas CD, heat up some hot chocolate and scatter some decorating joy around your house. Enjoy recalling memories from years past. Be reminded about how richly you are blessed. Make new memories as you go. Weave those threads into a meaningful tapestry this Christmas.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Tip #4 Be Selflessly Generous
Perspective. Sometimes I can get to feeling sorry for myself. I bet you never do that, right? Then I see someone in need or pain. My perspective changes. Going to Romania changed my perspective. A lot. Being here in Ransomville has changed my perspective.
Sadly, I often go through my days with shades on. Those shades of selfishness or busyness that keep me from seeing those in need around me. Sometimes I wear them on purpose. Again, probably not something you do, but I will be honest and tell you I do. It is easier not to see the need and pain because then I don't have to do anything about it. Not something I am proud of.
You've probably heard that saying "God ain't finished with me yet." Boy am I glad that is a fact! I have asked Him more in the last couple of years to show me things. Show me a need I can do something about. He is so faithful to answer. Sometimes it is as simple as a card, other times it has been a Wegmans gift card, other times it is a matter of paying someone a visit. Since this is obviously not a natural part of my being, I have to be intentional about giving selflessly. It is something I want to become better at and I want to model it to my boys.
Giving selflessly brings tremendous joy. The opposite of what we may think sometimes. My mind tells me I will be inconvenienced if I do x, y or z. I don't have time. Or money. But when I do it anyway, the return is always greater than my inconvenience. It is in those moments that God whispers to me, He blesses me. My perspective is changed.
How can you be selflessly generous this Christmas? I have a few ideas...
-buy a Biosand filter for a family in Africa. It only costs $85. You can impact a family with clean water for 20 years! We are doing this at church and hope to be able to purchase 10 filters, maybe more. I am so excited to support our friends in Jars of Clay with this project. I posted about it here if you want to read more.
-sponsor a child though Child Care Ministries
-volunteer at a food pantry this Christmas
-ask your kids if they know someone at school who could use help this Christmas. You will be surprised what they know about parents being laid off of jobs, illness, divorce situations. Talk about ways to help and do it as a family.
Ask God to show you a need and how you can meet it. I promise you it will change your perspective and give greater meaning to your season.
Sadly, I often go through my days with shades on. Those shades of selfishness or busyness that keep me from seeing those in need around me. Sometimes I wear them on purpose. Again, probably not something you do, but I will be honest and tell you I do. It is easier not to see the need and pain because then I don't have to do anything about it. Not something I am proud of.
You've probably heard that saying "God ain't finished with me yet." Boy am I glad that is a fact! I have asked Him more in the last couple of years to show me things. Show me a need I can do something about. He is so faithful to answer. Sometimes it is as simple as a card, other times it has been a Wegmans gift card, other times it is a matter of paying someone a visit. Since this is obviously not a natural part of my being, I have to be intentional about giving selflessly. It is something I want to become better at and I want to model it to my boys.
Giving selflessly brings tremendous joy. The opposite of what we may think sometimes. My mind tells me I will be inconvenienced if I do x, y or z. I don't have time. Or money. But when I do it anyway, the return is always greater than my inconvenience. It is in those moments that God whispers to me, He blesses me. My perspective is changed.
How can you be selflessly generous this Christmas? I have a few ideas...
-buy a Biosand filter for a family in Africa. It only costs $85. You can impact a family with clean water for 20 years! We are doing this at church and hope to be able to purchase 10 filters, maybe more. I am so excited to support our friends in Jars of Clay with this project. I posted about it here if you want to read more.
-sponsor a child though Child Care Ministries
-volunteer at a food pantry this Christmas
-ask your kids if they know someone at school who could use help this Christmas. You will be surprised what they know about parents being laid off of jobs, illness, divorce situations. Talk about ways to help and do it as a family.
Ask God to show you a need and how you can meet it. I promise you it will change your perspective and give greater meaning to your season.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Tip #3: Give More
I know I just told you to spend less. No, I am not losing my mind. Tip 3 for how to enjoy a more meaningful Christmas is to give more. I didn't say go buy more, I said give more.
Remember that "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." -John 3:16
God gave the ultimate gift. He is the mac daddy of gift givers! He has modeled giving in the greatest sense of the word.
How can you and I give more? By giving gifts of kindness. Give gifts that spread the joy you have because you are a child of the King!
Do you bake cookies? Make an extra batch and share it with a neighbor.
Do you like to craft? Encourage your kids to help you make a card or gift for someone.
Smile at the tired cashier at the grocery store.
While we are talking about the grocery store, let someone get ahead of you in line.
Bring the bell ringer a hot cup of coffee and thank them for what they are doing.
If you have the means, plow/snow blow out someones driveway when it snows. Better yet, make it someone you don't know.
You get the idea, right? Find ways to spread cheer and kindness. Nothing too complicated but it does require some thought and intention. Giving thought to someone else means you aren't absorbed in your own schtuff, even if just for a short while.
And maybe, just maybe, you will make them wonder...why are you so cheerful? Something is clearly different, what is it? That may lead to a conversation. Maybe you will share with them the real meaning of Christmas and the joy you have because of it. Just maybe.
Remember that "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." -John 3:16
God gave the ultimate gift. He is the mac daddy of gift givers! He has modeled giving in the greatest sense of the word.
How can you and I give more? By giving gifts of kindness. Give gifts that spread the joy you have because you are a child of the King!
Do you bake cookies? Make an extra batch and share it with a neighbor.
Do you like to craft? Encourage your kids to help you make a card or gift for someone.
Smile at the tired cashier at the grocery store.
While we are talking about the grocery store, let someone get ahead of you in line.
Bring the bell ringer a hot cup of coffee and thank them for what they are doing.
If you have the means, plow/snow blow out someones driveway when it snows. Better yet, make it someone you don't know.
You get the idea, right? Find ways to spread cheer and kindness. Nothing too complicated but it does require some thought and intention. Giving thought to someone else means you aren't absorbed in your own schtuff, even if just for a short while.
And maybe, just maybe, you will make them wonder...why are you so cheerful? Something is clearly different, what is it? That may lead to a conversation. Maybe you will share with them the real meaning of Christmas and the joy you have because of it. Just maybe.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Tip #2 Spend Less
So, we have already made it through Black Friday and Cyber Monday. My email box is being flooded with internet offers to the tune of 30-50 a day. The adds are taking up more space than the news these days. Spend, spend, spend. Rock bottom prices, unheard of deals. How can we resist? The pull is great, isn't it?
Then there are the kids. Kaleb started his wish list months ago. Joshua got savvy this year and cut and pasted pictures into a word document just so we know exactly what he wants. His own mini Christmas catalog if you will, complete with prices and descriptions. The commercialism has our kids very hyped up. I can already feel the anticipation growing. I get daily reminders of how many days are left until the "big day". Oh the pressure and guilt that creeps in at the mere thought of disappointing them.
The statistics are staggering. The billions spent on gifts. The months spent paying off the bills. You know that finances are one of the biggest stressors in life, right? Bad finances lead many into divorce. I never completely shake the stress of finances, and it is not for lack of trying...really hard. Sometimes debt is unavoidable despite our best efforts. Christmas overspending however is completely avoidable. Don't do it! Commit yourself to spending less this year. Commit to staying within your means.
This year I took out my Christmas money in cash. No credit cards. It is helping me not to overspend. I know what I have and when it is gone.
One of my good friends from high school has 6 daughters and lives on a modest budget. Several years ago I asked her how they handle Christmas. What she told me has stuck with me ever since, though I can not say I have been able to follow her lead. She said that Jesus received 3 gifts according to scripture...gold, frankincense and myrrh. If 3 gifts were good enough for the baby Jesus, then 3 gifts were good enough for her girls. Each one received one large, one medium and one small gift. Period. Imagine if our kids knew that in advance. That would take care of a lot of the expectation end of things. And I imagine we would find fewer gifts tossed in the corner just days after Christmas. I love the connection to the nativity as well.
Another mom I spoke with only allows her kids to have 5 items at a time on their wish lists. That is a great idea! If you want to add something new, something else needs to come off the list. WOW! Decisions, decisions.
It is not just about spending less. It is about not getting eaten up by the greed monster. That ugly greed and stuff monster that clouds our ability to embrace the real Christmas. The real Jesus. Gifts are not bad. I really enjoy giving gifts. And receiving them too, who doesn't?? Just make them a part of your Christmas, not THE focus of it. Chose to spend less, stress less, in order that you can focus more on having a meaningful Christmas.
Kind of ironically, the next tip will be on giving more. Huh? Stay tuned.
Then there are the kids. Kaleb started his wish list months ago. Joshua got savvy this year and cut and pasted pictures into a word document just so we know exactly what he wants. His own mini Christmas catalog if you will, complete with prices and descriptions. The commercialism has our kids very hyped up. I can already feel the anticipation growing. I get daily reminders of how many days are left until the "big day". Oh the pressure and guilt that creeps in at the mere thought of disappointing them.
The statistics are staggering. The billions spent on gifts. The months spent paying off the bills. You know that finances are one of the biggest stressors in life, right? Bad finances lead many into divorce. I never completely shake the stress of finances, and it is not for lack of trying...really hard. Sometimes debt is unavoidable despite our best efforts. Christmas overspending however is completely avoidable. Don't do it! Commit yourself to spending less this year. Commit to staying within your means.
This year I took out my Christmas money in cash. No credit cards. It is helping me not to overspend. I know what I have and when it is gone.
One of my good friends from high school has 6 daughters and lives on a modest budget. Several years ago I asked her how they handle Christmas. What she told me has stuck with me ever since, though I can not say I have been able to follow her lead. She said that Jesus received 3 gifts according to scripture...gold, frankincense and myrrh. If 3 gifts were good enough for the baby Jesus, then 3 gifts were good enough for her girls. Each one received one large, one medium and one small gift. Period. Imagine if our kids knew that in advance. That would take care of a lot of the expectation end of things. And I imagine we would find fewer gifts tossed in the corner just days after Christmas. I love the connection to the nativity as well.
Another mom I spoke with only allows her kids to have 5 items at a time on their wish lists. That is a great idea! If you want to add something new, something else needs to come off the list. WOW! Decisions, decisions.
It is not just about spending less. It is about not getting eaten up by the greed monster. That ugly greed and stuff monster that clouds our ability to embrace the real Christmas. The real Jesus. Gifts are not bad. I really enjoy giving gifts. And receiving them too, who doesn't?? Just make them a part of your Christmas, not THE focus of it. Chose to spend less, stress less, in order that you can focus more on having a meaningful Christmas.
Kind of ironically, the next tip will be on giving more. Huh? Stay tuned.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Meaningful Christmas Tip #1
Welcome to December! Does the mere thought that we are in the month of Christmas make your heart skip a beat? Do you immediately start going through your mental list of what needs to get done in the next 25 days? For the last 2 years I have thought about the stress of the holidays and how to balance it with celebrating the real Christmas. The Christmas that honors the birth of Christ, not the commercialism our society has made it into. To be honest, I have not been too successful. But I want to keep trying. I also have a lingering question...am I doing a good job teaching my boys about the true Christmas? So, I am working on some practical ideas to help me and my family more fully embrace Christ this season. Maybe you find yourself in a similar place. If so, this is as much for you as it is for us. Will you join us in this journey?
Tip #1: Advent Devotions
Advent is a time of preparation. This preparation is not the kind that involves getting your shopping done, cookies baked, cards sent out on time and the like. This is a preparation of the heart. A time of anticipating the birth of Christ. A time to reflect on the amazing gift God gave us when he sent his son to walk the earth and become the sacrifice for you and me.
One way to do that is with devotional readings specifically for the season. You can find Advent devotionals in bookstores. Your church may give them out for free (ours does). You can find resources on-line. You can simply walk through the New Testament narrations found in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. If you have kids, try to find readings that are easy for them to understand.
Take a few moments after dinner to read a devotion and share your thoughts around the table. It doesn't need to take long but it will model to your kids that this time is special. That we are chosing to spend time focusing on Jesus, anticipating his birth, preparing for a celebration.
Advent started on Sunday so it is not too late to get started! If you want some help with scriptures, check out this article from Focus on the Family from 2000. It also gives ideas for incorporating an Advent wreath into your celebrations. Ahhh, dinner by candlelight. Who cares if what is on the plate is mac n cheese?? Candlelight automatically makes things more special!
I'll be back tomorrow with tip #2.
Tip #1: Advent Devotions
Advent is a time of preparation. This preparation is not the kind that involves getting your shopping done, cookies baked, cards sent out on time and the like. This is a preparation of the heart. A time of anticipating the birth of Christ. A time to reflect on the amazing gift God gave us when he sent his son to walk the earth and become the sacrifice for you and me.
One way to do that is with devotional readings specifically for the season. You can find Advent devotionals in bookstores. Your church may give them out for free (ours does). You can find resources on-line. You can simply walk through the New Testament narrations found in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. If you have kids, try to find readings that are easy for them to understand.
Take a few moments after dinner to read a devotion and share your thoughts around the table. It doesn't need to take long but it will model to your kids that this time is special. That we are chosing to spend time focusing on Jesus, anticipating his birth, preparing for a celebration.
Advent started on Sunday so it is not too late to get started! If you want some help with scriptures, check out this article from Focus on the Family from 2000. It also gives ideas for incorporating an Advent wreath into your celebrations. Ahhh, dinner by candlelight. Who cares if what is on the plate is mac n cheese?? Candlelight automatically makes things more special!
I'll be back tomorrow with tip #2.
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