Reflect

Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty;

not on your past misfortunes of which all men have some. 

- Charles Dickens

Image ~ Caller Herrin'

John Everett Millais, 1829-1896

public domain

Weekend Daybook

Outside My Window...

I noticed robins today in the yard and several were strutting about in the street. It's not even January, but can spring be far behind?

Noticing the sound of...

Christmas carols/songs most of the week. Carols are beautiful, but I've tired of the jolly Christmas songs.

Looking forward to...

Losing the pounds I gained over Christmas. :-/ Gotta get back to walking.

Thinking...

About Christmas letters we received from old friends telling how they're enjoying their grandchildren living nearby. I am happy for them.

In the Sewing Room...

Got 6-year-old Anna's dress cut out from the fabric she chose from my stash when she last visited. She wanted each sleeve from a different fabric, but I think the ruffle sleeves will be alike. I hope she isn't too disappointed that I didn't use the pink star fabric. ;-0  If she lived closer, I would teach her how to sew. Distance is no friend to families. Missing so much. :'(

 
Learning...

To draft a sleeve for a pattern without sleeves. Haven't mastered it yet.

Around the house...

Got all the Christmas decor gathered up into one room. Back into the storage totes early next week.

In the Kitchen...

It needs a good cleaning. Maybe Monday before grocery shopping.

Pondering...
Our pastor's sermon this morning on Psalm 50 and how we tend to think about God. I've been a bit disheartened lately with missing my girls and grandchildren, and I needed what Pastor said today. Going to read it again tomorrow and give it more thought.

Thankful For...

Our pastor who faithfully preaches and teaches the Word.

Brought a smile...

My sister enjoying our drive through the Festival of Lights

Reading...

Just finished The Secret Garden. A beautifully illustrated edition.


At the moment a very good thing was happening to her. Four good things had happened to her, in fact, since she came to Misselthwaite Manor. She had felt as if she had understood a robin and that he had understood her; she had run in the wind until her blood had grown warm; she had been healthily hungry for the first time in her life; and she had found out what it was to be sorry for someone.

- Mary

Hoping that a very good thing happens to each of us in 2019. But we might not even recognize it, dear one, for God's ways are not our own. And as much as we long for our heart's desire, it may not actually be good for all those involved. Denial may be a severe mercy. God knows the beginning from the end. His thoughts are higher than ours. And so...I wait...until...time...is...no...more....

Ordinary Acts

The ordinary acts we practice every day in the home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest.

~ Thomas Moore

Image ~ Reading Lesson, Helen Allingham, 1848-1926

public domain via Wikioo

Merry Christmas

Image ~ pixabay

The First Silent Night

Recommending The First Silent Night to you, a PBS documentary. I guess we could say that we were on a Silent Night viewing binge--we watched three videos on Amazon Prime this week. This is the best of the three. We were aware of the basics of the carol's origin, but the video gives much more background. The scenery is beautiful as well.

The description on Amazon:

Join renowned actor Simon Callow as he uncovers the moving origins of the song Silent Night that has been two hundred years in the making. A story that begins in humble circumstances, ends with the world's most popular carol. Simon journeys to the Austrian village of Oberndorf as well as the city of Salzburg, where the story of the world's favourite carol had its origins.

I Will Enter Thy House

But as for me, by Thine abundant lovingkindness I will enter Thy house,

At Thy holy temple I will bow in reverence for Thee.

Psalm 5:7

Image via pixabay

CCO Creative Commons

 

Weekend Daybook

My Weekend Daybook is intended to offer brief glimpses of my simple life, thinking that my dear grandchildren may one day be interested in knowing little tidbits about Nana.

Outside My Window...
It's sunny bright here today. Cool, but not cold. This is our 4th Christmas here in the South. I'm starting to get accustomed to Christmas without the hope of snow. 

Noticing the sound of...
The sound of Christmas songs from clear, melodic voices of 30-40 years ago. 

Looking forward to...
Our Christmas Eve service with our church family. There is truly only one central theme for us--the birth of Jesus. Emmanuel. God with us.

Thankful For...

God's gift of love that we celebrate at Christmas. Jesus redeems back to God those who believe that He came for that purpose. Otherwise, we are bound for an eternity without Him.

Brought a smile...
Took my mother to an appointment this week. We could hear the doctor before we saw him--his Christmas sweatshirt was laden with large jingle bells. I'm sure he brightened the day for many.
 

Pondering...

"Keep going to Jesus. As you grow in wisdom and self-control, you will become part of a constructive solution instead of a destructive force that makes things worse." David Powlison in Matters of the Heart.

So much better than becoming part of the fray, isn't it? 


In the Kitchen...

Making No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal cookies. My Beloved has discovered this year that he has become gluten intolerant, so baking mostly with oatmeal this Christmas. 

Sharing the recipe:
Bring the following to a boil for one minute: 
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup cocoa

Then remove from heat and stir in:
1/2 cup peanut butter until melted
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix in 3 cups quick (minute) oats

Drop from tablespoon onto waxed paper.
Let stand until firm.
 
Learning...
To bake with gluten-free flour. I've tried a few recipes, but the texture is much different, and I'm slowing learning its characteristics.

In the Sewing Room...

Been using my cutting table as our gift wrapping center. Got that cleared away and am beginning Anna's dress from the fabric she chose from my stash.

 














 
Around the house...
Plaid bows at the foot of the stairs for Christmas.

   














Thinking...
That smoking used to be the posh thing for women to show they've come a long way, baby (or so the ads proclaimed). Now it's drinking wine. (Even while quilting. Now, wouldn't that be a tragic way to ruin a beautiful, handmade quilt!) Many have paid more for their glamor than they expected. It seems there's always something that promises an identity. When, in fact, the opposite is taking place. Controlled by the nicotine or controlled by the alcohol. Always searching. Seeking only what Christ can provide.

Reading...

"Having begun the journey down the path of gender confusion, where does it end?

"What if a person does not feel like a person at all. Instead, they feel like an animal, or a mythical creature? This actully happned when a man had his nose and ears removed in pursuit of transformation.

"We live among a dis-integrated people in a disoriented culture. Most people are not integrated in their thinking and, therefore, are not integrated in their living. They can rationalize whatever works for them in the moment because they have no belief in, nor relationship to, anything or anyone who is not malleable. Ethics are situational and everything is negotiable. Everything is fluid including their identity, relationships, and moral behavior."


- Carmen LaBerge in Speak the Truth: How to bring God back into every conversation

Here for a Reason

Sharing a recent article with you that alludes to the Book of Esther. You know how it is when we've had something on our mind for awhile--our antenna is more sensitively tuned to it. Andre Seu Peterson reminds us that in God's providence, He placed us here in the 21st century. She goes on to suggest a couple of things for us to consider as we move into the new year.

Her first suggestion reflected our own church youth group, for which we are grateful. Our youth pastor is one who seriously trains our students. And he refers to them as 'students' and not as 'teens.' We don't have a teen subculture in our church. They are trained and they minister, not only in our church and in our city, but across the country and across the sea. And from what I can tell, they have a lot of fun doing it. It's the kind of environment we would have loved for our daughters to have had growing up.

Andre's second suggestion regards personal piety--"no more sloppy Christianity," for the days are evil. I would also add to her suggestions--Be intentional about being conformed to the image of Christ. It doesn't just happen, but it's what we're here for.

For those whom He foreknew, 

He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son.

Romans 8:29

 
Click here to read  "Here for a Reason" by Andre Seu Peterson

Image via pixabay

However It Is Given

I read a short story in which the author had been pining that her husband usually doesn't get her anything for Christmas until she tells him what she wants. Or she buys it herself and puts a tag on it from him because, after all, he pays for it. She usually chooses her own gift, wraps it, and puts it under the tree. But she doesn't really like this approach to getting a gift. She wants him to think of something for her himself and put it under the tree nicely wrapped. I think we all understand her feelings.

A gift connects two people in some positive, heartfelt way. While choosing a gift, thoughts are about the person we're giving it to, their interests or perhaps their need. We have that person on our mind during the giving process. The gift is in some manner an affirmation of the person receiving it.

The author writes about the time her husband surprised her with a special gift and made that a Christmas she remembers with fondness. Yet, in spite of all the brooding over her husband's usual way at Christmas, she wanted her friend to pick out a gift for herself. At least she was honest enough to say that she had neither the time nor the energy to do the shopping. But she did want to give a gift.

I'm wondering, how is this any different from her husband's manner of giving? It's okay for her. Not okay for him. We all have our blind spots, double standards, unfulfilled expectations, call them for what they are. Why is it that we so often fail to see ourselves with the very foibles we accuse others? We so often attribute positive motivations to what we do ourselves, yet interpret those same actions in negative ways when someone else is the doer of them, especially when it affects us personally.

While the emphasis at Christmas is on giving generously, it's also a time of receiving graciously. Receiving can often be just as much a virtue as giving--if we receive with a grateful heart that in some form or fashion, we are the object of another person's positive thoughts. Even if it's ever-so-slight. However awkwardly they may be expressing it, and however it may not rise to our expectations.

Image via Pixabay

Christmas Read Alouds for Children

Christmas isn't far away, and then there are the 12 Days of Christmas afterward that can be a great time to remind children about giving and caring about others, or just Christmas fun reading. Sharing a podcast ink with you today from Sarah MacKenzie of Read Aloud Revival. She's sharing her favorite Christmas novels and short stories for reading aloud. Of course, the older children can read them themselves, or read to the younger siblings.

To go to Sarah's podcast, just click here. You'll find a treasure of other podcasts and articles as well!

Just Like Another Person

I'm reading a biography on Augustine and sharing an excerpt with you today. I've not thought of the Bible quite this way before, but it's a beautiful way to think of it.

As Augustine saw it, philosophy is ultimately reductionist because it tries to explain with the mind things that go beyond the mind’s competence. Christian faith, on the other hand, embraces the mind but leads the believer to appreciate a truth that is higher. Personal knowledge is more immediate and more flexible than rational deduction, because it can handle the paradox of knowing and not knowing at the same time. An idea is an end in itself—you either understand it or you do not. But a person is a mystery that you have to keep penetrating more deeply and that, like God, can ultimately be known only by love. The beauty and wonder of the Bible is that it is not a philosophical system but a personal revelation from God. It makes sense in the way that all personal relationships do. At one level it compels us to enter into the experience of which it speaks, but at another level it contains mysteries whose depths we can never hope to plumb. In other words, it is just like another person—real and yet impenetrable at the same time.

- Gerald Bray, in Augustine on the Christian Life, p. 96

Image ~ The Story Book, 1877

William-Adolphe Bouguereau 

public domain via Wikimedia Commons

There's A Prerequisite

Sharing a quiet time thought today. I came across a verse last evening as I was reading a biography of Augustine that caught my attention. I began to think about what Jesus had told His disciples in Matthew 5:8, one of the Beatitudes-- "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." I gave it more attention this morning as I pondered the phrase "they shall see God."

Jesus told Philip that those who have seen Me, have seen the Father (John 14:9). Many did see Him while He was on earth, but most did not recognize Him. Why not? Few were looking for Truth. They had their own ideas of what God would be like. He would fulfill their preconceived notions.

When God confronted Job with His glory after Job had grumbled against Him, Job's eyes were opened in humility. He said to God, "Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.... My ears had heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You (Job 42:3, 5). Humility of heart enabled Job to see God as He is--full of wonder and glory and amazement. Pride keeps us from seeing life, death, God, others, anything clearly. It blurs the lens through which we look. It renders us myopic.

Philip saw Jesus in the flesh, and God spoke to Job directly, but what about those of us in the present? God has spoken for centuries through His Word, the Scriptures. Just as with Job, a humble heart opens our spiritual eyes to His glory and magnificence as we read. And some through the years have seen God as He is.

But Jesus says there is a prerequisite to seeing God. Not all see Him. Many will never see Him. It isn't a physical 'seeing' but, rather, a spiritual 'seeing,' and only the pure in heart see Him. How can we be pure in heart when Scripture tells us that the heart is deceitful and desperately sick. Who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9). And "Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood" (Psalm 24:4). 

Are we living a lie or living in truth? We only know what truth is from God's Word. And there Jesus tells us that He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Jesus (John 14:6). Any other way that we might be trying, or any other person we might be following, is lifting up the soul to falsehood. It's a lie, plain and simple, that keeps many from seeing God. The sad thing is, so many believe the Lie. They are deceived. Some are even self-deceived (James 1:22).

The Lie says, "Blessed are those who are proud of who they are, for they shall be envied." Blessed are those who trust in their reputation, for they shall be advanced." Blessed are those who have self- confidence, those who don't need God, for they can run their own life." But that, dear one, is lifting up the soul to falsehood. And those who do will not stand in God's holy place. They will never see God.

What a terrible void, a horrible hole in one's heart.

Only those those who are pure in heart, only those living in truth, only those who have come into His presence through Jesus can ever hope to see God.

Seek Him, and you will find Him, for He says, "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13). Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near (Acts 55:6).

I hope you see Him, dear one, and that we will see one another in His Heaven, when we can see Him face to face.

Image ~ Inseparable, Florence Fuller, c1900

via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Weekend Daybook

My Weekend Daybook is intended to offer brief glimpses of my simple life, thinking that my dear grandchildren may one day be interested in knowing little tidbits about Nana.

Outside my window...
Living in the South, we don't see it often, but this week we had about a half hour of big, fluffy snowflakes. I was inspired to put a picture on my computer desktop that I had taken a few years back in our backyard in WV when we awoke to a Nania morning.


Noticing the sound of...

Beautiful Christmas music as I write in the glow of the Christmas tree in the quietness of the evening. Occasionally we hear carols in the stores or the restaurants, but as we ate dinner out today, we commented that there was no Christmas music at all. It hasn't been that many years ago that carols were played in the marketplace (even if just to put shoppers in the spirit of giving), and we were wished a "Merry Christmas" as receipts for our purchases were handed to us. Now it's more "Have a good one." 

   

Pondering...

"If the saints were to lose the knowledge of their past misery, how would they "sing the mercies of the Lord for all eternity" as the psalm says? Nothing will give more joy to the City [of God] than this song to the glory of the grace of Christ by whose blood we have been set free."  - Augustine, De civitate Dei, quoted in Augustine on the Christian Life by Gerald Bray. 

It unsettles me a bit to think that we would remember the miseries of days here on the earth, but, yes, that remembrance would be cause for great praise to Christ who has redeemed us from eternal misery.

In the Kitchen...

Hamantaschen cookies.

Today was the last day in our Esther study and we talked a little about Purim. Hamantaschen is a traditional cookie that the Jews make for celebrating, so I found an easy recipe and made some for our Sunday School class. It's a buttery cookie with a fruit or poppy seed filling. I used apricot preserves. 

The cookie is named for Haman, who is the villain of the Book of Esther, and the ending of the word means "purse".  Hamantaschen is symbolic of the money Haman was going to give the king in gaining agreement to annihilate the Jews in the Persian Empire. But it was turned to the contrary, and the Jews destroyed their enemies instead.  Purim is still celebrated today to remember the relief they gained. The recipe I used for Hamantaschen can be found here.

 In the Sewing Room...

Still lying on the cutting table--fabric my little 6-year-old Anna chose from my stash for a dress that she asked me to make for her when she last visited.

Anna has a sense of style--she wants the bodice of the dress to be a different fabric than the skirt, and she wants sleeves this time, with each sleeve being a different fabric. And, oh, yes, a blue bow for it as well. She chose five fabrics for her dress and a bit of ribbon. 

Looking forward to...

Seeing how Anna's dress will come together. I may get to it after Christmas.

Around the house... 

A nativity beneath the tree -- our main focus at Christmas

Thinking...

About our Pastor's comments this morning about Mary, the mother of Jesus. She was not a perfect person because no one is besides Jesus Himself, but she apparently had her heart tuned and turned to God in faith before the angel appeared to her. And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." As a friend and were talking after church, she commented that Mary was already prepared to say, "Yes, Lord." She didn't say, "I'll think about it and get back to you." She already knew in her heart what she should do. 

My take away--be ever ready to do God's bidding. Being saturated with His Word prepares the heart.

Brought a smile...

Watching a couple of tall teenage boys goofing off with a couple of little preschooler friends after church. So it is with true church family. I do hope you have a church family, too, dear one.

The fruit of my hands...

This week my hands were behind the wheel several days helping my mother with her appointments and shopping. She is struggling with not being able to drive and having to depend on family at tlmes when she wants or needs to go somewhere. I tell her that if it was the other way around, she'd be doing the same for us. 

Thankful for...

Where we now live. To have family nearby is a blessing. Even though some days can be difficult, giving of oneself can be a blessing received. Our church family is another blessing. So thankful that God sent us there straightway.

(Recently Finished) Reading...

God and Politics in Esther by Yoram Hazony was a helpful read in preparing the Esther study. He takes a slightly different angle than is typical and examines the political intrigue in the Persian Empire. Hazony sheds light on what Esther and Mordecai were up against and how and why their strategies proved effective. 

The Book of Esther doesn't mention God, yet  the point is that when God seems hidden, He is still most active. The emphasis in God and Politics in Esther is a reminder that God expects us to take initiative in thwarting evil, standing firm in our faith, and identifying with our people.

The Church in China

While so many of us attend church free from persecution, free from fear of being arrested as we meet for worship, it is not so around the world. While more and more churches in the West are bolting the door during services, those locked doors are meant to protect against possible violence from a deranged individual. In many parts of the world, however, doors are no deterrent to a government determined to deprive people of freedom of faith.

The following is a preface to the letter written by Pastor Wang Yi, who was arrested along with members of his church this past Sunday. You can read his letter by clicking on the link. I think it will strengthen your faith as you read his thoughts in regard to persecution of the church. It is very clear from his letter how we need to pray for him and his church, as well as for those around the world who are under persecution for their faith.

Over 100 members of Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu, China, were arrested beginning Sunday, December 9. At the time of publication of this translation, arrests are still being made. Among those taken away were Pastor Wang Yi, senior pastor of Early Rain, and his wife, Jiang Rong, who have not been heard from since Sunday.

Foreseeing this circumstance, Pastor Wang Yi wrote the declaration below to be published by his church should he be detained for more than 48 hours. In it he explains the meaning and necessity of faithful disobedience, how it is distinct from political activism or civil disobedience, and how Christians should carry it out.

The Narrative of Esther

We're finishing our 12-week study of the narrative of Esther this week. It has been deep and broad, and we've learned and been reminded of much.

The romanticized version of Esther is no exception to the tendency to view Bible characters as heroes and heroines, to want to emulate their deeds of courage. Then, of course, we are disappointed in their flaws and failings as we try to exonerate them. Still, none of them are righteous in themselves. But this is what happens when we think the account or narrative is about them.

Rather, the entire Bible is about God and how he interacts with man throughout history. It's about how He manifests His attributes and His character, and how He moves history toward the coming of the Redeemer to save us from destruction, and provides salvation for all who believe. We long for someone who has no flaws, whose life is fully lived in righteousness. The One whose likeness we are, indeed, to emulate.

Surely, there are individual people whom God works through to bring about His purposes, flawed people whose faith and struggles we share in our own lives, whose moments of decision we empathize with. And as we're told in Romans 15:4, "For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."

What instruction have we gained from our study in Esther? Each of us in the group would probably have a similar, yet somewhat different, list of how God has used the book to instruct each of our hearts and minds. For me, these five concepts or principles lead my list:

(1)  God saved the Jewish people from annihilation during the time of Esther for the purpose of preserving the lineage of Jesus our Redeemer, to fulfill His Covenant with His people.

(2)  God's purposes and plans are never thwarted.

(3)  God most often works through human agents (flawed as we are) to fulfill His purposes -- that mysterious interplay of God's providence and human responsibility.

(4)  God's providence often involves seemingly insignificant events of which we are usually not even aware.

(5)  The narrative of Esther gives significance to working within our realm of daily influence, taking initiative, and working in concert with others of God's children.

The book that we used as a springboard for discussion was Bryan Gregory's Inconspicuous Providence. To read a brief review of the book, just click on the image.

Image ~ Afternoon Tea on the Terrace

Frederick Carl Frieseke, 1874-1939

public domain via Wikigallery

Your Work Is Most Holy

Mothers of young children, your work is most holy. You are fashioning the destinies of immortal souls. The powers folded up in the little ones that you hushed to sleep in your bosoms last night are powers that shall exist forever. You are preparing them for their immortal destiny and influence. Be faithful. Take up your sacred burden reverently. Be sure that your heart is pure and that your life is sweet and holy.

~ J.R. Miller, Grace Gems 


Image ~ In the Nursery, Helen Allingham, 1848-1926

A Christmas Delight

Christmas in America is a blend of traditions, many arising from European countries. Festivities are, in part, a glimpse back to years gone by, making connections to ancestors' celebrations.

Christmas trees cross cultures and are a relatively new tradition, believed to have begun in Germany in the 16th century. Although artificial trees are becoming popular, bringing a tree home from the tree farm or the tree lot is still a cherished tradition for many families.

Once when our girls were little during our time in Venezuela, we had to get a plastic tree (and the entire apartment smelled like a new shower curtain), but other than that, we've always brought in a live one. To me, keeping the tree real is in harmony with keeping Christmas real.

One evening recently we settled in to watch the documentary "European Christmas," narrated and directed by Rick Steves. He gives us a look into Europe's rich history, tradition and ancestry of Christmas celebrations.

As in America, each country has its blend of Christian and non-Christian elements. It was all beautiful and enchanting, but what inspired me the most, although perhaps not explicitly intended, was the thread that runs through the traditions--the celebration of the birth of the Christ child.

Viewing "European Christmas" encouraged me to look at the aspects of Christmas that express and reinforce my faith rather than bemoan how we struggle against commercialism and anti-Christian sentiment in our current culture at this time of year. It gave me a broader lens through which to view the positive aspects of the celebration that connects many cultures around the world.

I highly recommend viewing "European Christmas." If your family is of European descent, you may find it especially enlightening, but I'm sure all will find it to be a Christmas delight as you sense the joy and wonder of how Christmas is celebrated in this part of the world.

We watched "European Christmas" on Amazon Prime, but you can also view it on Rick Steves' website. If you click the image, it will take to there.

Save Them from Self-Destruction

I took my elderly mother to purchase some new eyeglasses and to do some shopping today. She always pushes a shopping cart to lean on to control her balance through the store, and today was the usual. As we passed another shopper with her cart and a little boy about 3-4 years old riding along in it, my mother commented to the little guy that she liked the jacket he was wearing.

I was glad that she didn't see his response to her cheerful comment as she moved along. I was following behind her as he made a mocking face and stuck out his tongue at her. I was so taken aback that I literally gasped at his rude antic. The lady, who appeared to be his grandmother, seemed to be just as shocked as I was. To her credit, she corrected him as we moved on. My mother undoubtedly had her hearing aid in only one ear today, for she didn't hear the exchange between the grandmother and her grandson. It certainly would have ruined the pleasant mood that she was in to have been aware of his rudeness.

Children can be unpredictable and often do things that embarrass parents and grandparents alike, but this little fella's spontaneous retort had an edge to it that I've not personally sensed in a child that young. Project that attitude a few years into the future, and there will be dark trouble brewing if someone doesn't come to his rescue.

Children need trained and disciplined for their own sake, as well as for those around them. While we like for our children to act like little angels, they aren't and they don't. The grandmother did the right thing and responded with correction. Too often, I've heard children merely be shouted down or disrespected when they've done something amiss. That isn't training them to live sociably with others, but rather shames them and stirs a rebellious heart.

An excellent book that I'd recommend to any parent or grandparent is Parenting:14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul David Tripp. This is a book that offers grace to parents as they rescue their children from themselves and the natural path they are on toward self-destruction. To watch a brief video about the book, just click on its image.

Weekend Daybook

My Weekend Daybook is intended to offer brief glimpses of my simple life, thinking that my dear grandchildren may one day be interested in knowing little tidbits about Nana.

Outside my window...
Christmas decorations are going up. The nativity has been set in the front yard, a 4-ft wreath aglow with lights has been hung on the house, welcoming candles placed in the windows. Next door there are inflatables again this year, lying limp, sprawled across their lawn during the day outside our kitchen window. Non-inspiring.


Around the house...
We like to get fresh trees, so we stopped at a local Christmas tree lot and chose a thin-ish one. I decided this year to use mostly vintage items on it from over the years. We have several glass bulbs and a few other ornaments that we got our first couple of Christmases--almost 50 years ago.

Thinking...
About those inflatables. They're on a timer and begin to arise from the ground at 5:00. The family is gone during the day, and is greeted by its happy glow as they return home after dark. The plastic puddle is out of their sight during the day. But not ours. Ugh.

Looking forward to... 
Finishing the study/teaching prep on the Book of Esther and getting back to my counseling classes. I took a break these past several months to devote time to Esther, and alas, found when I got ready to register for more classes that I am now out of sync with the schedule. But these have been good months with great benefit, so I am content with my progress nevertheless.

Thankful...
For the opportunity to teach the narrative of Esther. It has been good to see how God worked in His providence to preserve the lineage of Jesus Christ, who came in the fulfillment of time as our Redeemer and Savior. AND to be reminded that He still works today--in the world and in my life. He works all things together for good for those who love Him, according to His purpose--and that is the key.

Learning...
That in ancient manuscripts Naman's tens sons who were hanged on the gallows were listed one per line, margin-justified.

Pondering...
The funeral of President George H.W. Bush this week and the honorable tribute paid to him. Thinking how the presence of the casket symbolized the dignity of the President and offered a focal point for others to convey their tribute to him as they viewed it, the representative of the one who was lying within. I thought how a diminutive urn with ashes could not rise to such an occasion, the earthly body simply burned in disregard.

In the kitchen...
Prepared a new-to-us meal this week from a friend's recipe book--Brunswick Stew. It's a blend of chicken, ground beef, and ground pork, with some ketchup and barbeque sauce to add some flavor. The recipe includes creamed corn, which My Beloved can't have, so I left that out. Took some to my parents, and they added the corn.

In the sewing room...
Nothing happening in there for awhile except for minor alterations. Thankful for my serger that makes altering hems a breeze.

Brought a Smile...
We live by a mostly unused railroad. The local railway club runs a train on holiday weekends, and all during December the Christmas train passes by with its festive lights. We often step out to the back porch as it passes, and our grandchildren help us wave when they are visiting. The engineer blows the whistle as he goes by. Hearing the whistle this weekend brought back the memory of the children when they were here in October waving at the Punkin' Pickin' Train.


Reading...

Esther's Gospel: The God Who Is There by Tim Merewin.

It's one of the books I've read for the Esther series. It isn't academic or a commentary, but rather gives points of application. Merwin also relates the Gospel to the narrative of Esther as it progresses.

What's Not to Like About Christmas?

A friend commented today that her husband doesn't like Christmas. The overshadowing commercial aspect can seem like a cloudy overcast that creeps in earlier each year, hardly allowing time to ponder the significance of Thanksgiving. Stores transition overnight from Halloween displays to Christmas decor. No, I take that back. This year I noticed it slipping in right after the July 4th Independence Day celebration. That's half the year devoted to Christmas prep! Of course, the longer the prep becomes, the thinner the wallet becomes. Good news for the market. Not such good news for the budget.

The sad thing about it, though, is that most of the preparation is for the non-Christian aspect of the holiday rather than for the birth of Christ — even for those of us who are Christian. Yes, we say we give gifts because the wise men brought gifts to Jesus, or even that we give gifts to represent that Jesus Himself is THE gift to the world. But, in reality, the focus tends to be the temporal gifts, not the Eternal Giver.

The act of giving is one aspect that intersects both the cultural and Christian spirit of Christmas. Today it's cast more in terms of "gifting," but referring to it rather in terms of "giving" brings a spiritual aspect to our generosity of the season. And letting it flow beyond family and friends, letting it reach out to those who are in need... that is truly the heart of giving at Christmas.

Yes, we are in the world; we are in our culture. Yet, we do not have to be OF it. How we celebrate Christmas depends on our mindset and the inclination of our heart. Christmas as it is today is part of our culture, and we can enjoy the festivity of it with family, friends, and neighbors, yet view it with eyes that see our own Christmas meaning. 

So we don't withdraw from the celebration, but rather, we add our own voice to how it's celebrated. Forgo the holly jolly Christmas cards and opt for ones that share the story of Jesus. We have a manger scene in our yard, and the first Christmas when our new neighbors moved in, they commented on it. The following year they had one in their yard.

I recall going to a Christmas party a few years ago where one of the games was to wander through the house and see if we could determine the number of nativity scenes the host had sitting around. They had collected more than 40 of them over the years! If you have children at home, beginning a tradition of adding a nativity each year would enhance your intent to bring Christ central to it. Advent activities are also a good way to bring Christ into focus as we await His birth.

And, then, there's the music and the movies that strengthen one aspect of Christmas over another.  Let's face it, Rudolph just doesn't make my list. Besides, the bottom line to the movie is that in order to be accepted into the group, you have to be brought in by somebody important. Having a shiny red nose is, well, just unacceptable... until the popular guy says you've got what it takes. While some Christmas movies don't rise much higher than Rudolph, there are still many good movies and documentaries that will encourage your festivities as well as your faith.

And, of course, worshiping with our local church congregation each week, the singing of carols, the Scripture reading of the coming of Christ, and sharing in the anticipation of advent is first and foremost on our list for a joyous, contemplative Christmas season.

Christmas need not be discouraging if we look more with spiritual eyes than with cultural ones. And if we listen with ears attuned to the melody of Jesus in the jingle of the bells.

Though creation may be a majestic organ of praise,

it cannot reach the compass of the golden canticle—

Incarnation! 

There is more in that than in creation, more melody in Jesus in the manger, 

than there is in worlds on worlds rolling their grandeur round the throne of the Most High.

- Charles S. Spurgeon

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