Make a Memory

Tis the season to be.....simple? I speak of it often...and yet only through a conscious effort of the heart can I ever show actions of simplicity.

So when the turkey was put away and I knew Christmas was just around the corner....I began to pull out old photos...past memories to reflect on...my children, my mom and dad, friends who have come into our lives from time-to-time...and just what had tied all these memories together was how simple life had been for us....

With a limited budget (nothing changed now) and even more limited time...less was more...and it was looked forward to....gifts were bought for teachers, classmates, "angel trees", and grandparents...all the excitement of the smells of a fresh cut tree to adorn with balls and lights and homemade goodies....

Well, the kids are adults now....busy with their own schedules...establishing their own traditions....where to go and what to include...

It is new ground for me...and so I am making my own traditions....outings with mom and close friends over for a holiday lunch...

Oh, yes, I could not resist decorating the house...a tree, some lights, some greenery here and there....nativities...and snowmen...a wreath to welcome on the gate at the road...

Yet with every act of "doing", a peaceful tug at the heart for what is most important________

"Love came down at Christmas".....a baby born...from heaven's glory to earth....to reconcile all men unto Himself...

A manger...a star...a song....simple beginnings....amazing Hope!


GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST AND ON EARTH PEACE GOODWILL TO ALL MEN

Fall Reflections

I think in order to know where you are, you must first know where you have been... I grew up in a "normal" middle class family. Stable... a father that worked to provide for the four of us kids and a mother who had the "luxury" of staying at home to raise us kids. Yes, I still consider that a luxury... a mother who can choose to be home with her children. Only now, I also consider it a blessing. What was "normal" for our family was rules, respect, laughter, and a sense of connectedness. Not only with each other, but with the small community we lived in. The presence of a strong earthly father made it so easy to understand a loving heavenly Father. I naturally was drawn to a God who loved me and a Savior who could make sense out of all that was unsettled in life. It has been a wonderful relationship for me since the age of 7...and all of my life flows from there.

Read no further if you need a Cinderella storyline... from here to there is not like that. Chubby little grade school girl... who has born the struggle always of a rejection by peers unless I looked, or acted a certain way. By high school, I had become a strong, determined, self motivated young lady... accepted in a "thinner" body...and cautious of people and circumstances and failure. By age 21, I had married and birthed my first son... beautiful, healthy, and happy was. Turbulent marriage. So thankful for inner strength, and the will to stay. After second son was turning 2, the ground collapsed underneath my marriage. I was not only single - again, but pregnant with my last son. The same "misfit" label I felt as a youngster overwhelmed me again. I had no college degree. No money. My faith carried me through a tough 3 years.

I cannot speak for my sons, only for myself. When my youngest turned 2, I married a wonderful man. You might call him the back-up quarterback. He shared every day of three little boys lives. He became a man I could trust... and a man who could hold his own in my heart. I would need that when my dad passed away. You see, for a little while, I thought God had forsaken me. It's now been two years, and I have traced God's hand every step of the way.

I'm in love with my 1-year old granddaughter. The very thought of her brings laughter to my heart. She reminds me God is good... and faithful.. and sovereign. She pushes my faith onward to a new role... and less of me. She finds me exciting... and young... and loving.

It's Thanksgiving... much needed rain falls on my metal roof.. the leaves have turned. Seasons of life - come journey with me...