From Jesus to Santa to comfy plaid pj's

Merry Christmas Eve Eve.  I was thrilled this morning when Mason asked a random question that sparked a conversation sharing the details of the Christmas story.  He was completely under the covers in my bed and said "Why do we have an angel at the top of our tree?".  I asked him if he remembered the significance of the angel in the Christmas story.  He told me he needed to hear the story again.  I took a few minutes to remind him of Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, shepherds and of course the role the angel played in that special time.  After church, we discussed more over lunch with Dad and sisters and talked alot about angels and the star.

What a great opportunity to join in discussion with all of our children with the span of 15 years between the oldest and youngest.  Of course it wasn't long before the topic turned to Santa and the fact that we hadn't visited him yet.   So we cleaned up the dishes and made plans to visit the mall.  It's Christmas Eve Eve and Santa is still sitting on his comfy chair waiting with open arms to listen to the list of those most desired wishes.  He limited Mason to 3 things.  We snapped a few pictures and were on our way.

I remarked at how relaxing it was to walk in the mall 2 days before Christmas and know that I didn't have to buy a thing.  My shopping is done and there was no stress or list or concern of any kind.  We  picked out a pair of shoes and got that favorite Happy Meal and chatted with friends we saw.

Mason told us when he was ready to go.  He wanted to watch a favorite show and put on his comfy pj's.  So today, he got his wish.  I wonder what Santa will bring.  Whether Santa comes or not, I do know that Jesus is here and we will celebrate His simple birth giving Him glory and praise that only He is worthy of.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Live Today

Recently I've shed many tears and fervently prayed prayers for people I've never met.  I can't fathom their pain as I weep for the loss of those little loved ones as well as the families of the courageous heroes we now feel we know so well through the sharing of pictures and stories.   I do know that God knows their pain and I ask Him and trust that He is comforting in a way that only He can.  I pray that in His good time the hearts of loved ones, families, community will heal, not forget, but be healed with a greater love and understanding of God's provision in our times of tragedy.

We live in an evil world.  These times of implorable acts can bring about such panic, rumors and mayheim at times. Our schools have been riddled with rumors and threats, investigations, what-if's and administrators scrambling to find sources, review safety policies and remind students and parents of the safety in schools.  I admit that 95% of the time I feel that the kids are safer in school than anywhere else.  Recent events tend to sway my steadfastness and play on my emotions as a mother.  I am pleased to give my high school-aged daughter the choice and am proud that she chose to go to school and not be afraid.  She is quite aware of what goes on in our world and tends to shield me from what she witnesses locally in an attempt to calm my spirit and desire to protect her.

Then comes December 21, 2012.  So many stories, theories, anecdotes, end of the world weather reports flying all over your choice of social media.....I can't help but smile.  I truly believe the Bible when I read that Heaven and Earth will pass away and that no one knows the hour but the Father.  If it's His choice to end the world today it's not because Mayans ran out of room on their stone calendar or anyone else's prediction, fortune-telling or other farse.  (Just a side-thought:  maybe the Mayans opted for the day-planner or something a little more pocket-sized.)

So we mourn with those who mourn but not as those who have no hope.  For we hope and long for the return of Jesus and we live today, not in fear, but knowing that God has a plan.  He doesn't make mistakes and He will come again.  

"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.  Therefore encourage one another with these words."

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

That's my goal, to encourage.  I am encouraged by these thoughts as we move closer to the birthday celebration of the One that brings the gift of life to all of us.  The word "believe" is used everywhere you look.  If you don't BELIEVE in this gift of life, I  encourage you to seek the His truth today.

We woke up this morning, some may be surprised, others relieved.  Many awoke still racked with grief for those lost or other crisis in their own lives that may not make the headline news reports.  

I choose to accept today as it comes,  each day is different, some are more joyous and/or difficult than others.  I urge you to use your day for good.  Share love, patience and gratitude.  Hug your children or someone you love.  Check on a neighbor.   Smile or wave to a stranger.   No one knows the day or hour of the end of this world as we know it.  All we know is that we have today.  Live it!

Happy birthday Gub!  Enjoy your special day.