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.
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