Share and Share Alike

I planned to buy new pants and shoes that day for my kid who's growing faster than the mold on the chicken salad in the back of my fridge. I didn't know I'd need to take his sister to the doctor that afternoon. No big deal, I thought, He can make do with the pants he already has and perhaps borrow his brother's shoes for the concert.

The after school hours were a whirlwind, picking up kids, getting medication, running a few errands, and making supper, all with a husband who has been absolutely swamped at work and came home at the last minute, but I kept my cool. I'm just like that. . .well, sometimes.

I was quickly cleaning up dishes when he came in. "Mom, these pants are too short," he said as my eyes found the hem line hovering above his ankle. Dang. Time for some fancy scrambling.

First stop, older son's room, finding a pair of pants that were a little big, but would work. The first shirt we had was too tight for him to move his trombone slide so we pitched it in favor of a shirt too small for his brother. He found a tie to match, in his own drawer, mind you, and we thought we were on our way.

I ran downstairs to find older son putting on the shoes I thought younger son could wear. And wait a minute, isn't that your dad's shirt? Whatever. No time to squabble about it. The kid needed shoes now. Dad had it covered and found a pair, a size too small, but tolerable for a few hours. Younger son came in looking remarkably put together, but could hardly keep his pants up. He'd outgrown his belt and his brother was wearing his. There was no other choice. My husband ripped his own belt off and handed it over.

No worries. We got there, even on time. I had to chuckle when my my mom commented at the concert about how grown up the kid looked. I told her the poor guy was wearing his brother's shirt and pants, a pair of shoes a size too small and his father's belt. I pointed out older son was wearing his dad's shirt and then looked down at my own feet and laughed.

I'd been wearing my daughter's shoes all day.

It gives communal living a whole new meaning, doesn't it?

Group Writing Project Entries

Group Writing Project

Sponsored by On the Horizon and The Next Step:

Keeping Christ in Christmas



We are delighted to showcase the wonderful submissions included in our second Group Writing Project!

Please visit each participant’s site and take a moment to leave a comment letting him/her know not only how much you appreciate his/her contribution, but the way(s) in which the post touched, inspired, motivated or otherwise “spoke” to you at this most special time of the year!

Here are the submissions to “Keeping Christ in Christmas:”

Brenda at Living with RAD offers All Because of Jesus, explaining that she and her family keep the music playing in order to "keep the right song alive" in their hearts.



Sandy Carlson at Writing in Faith: Thoughts presents Keeping Christ in Christmas All the Time. Sandy is a phenomenal writer and this article does not disappoint. She says: "Bidden or unbidden, God is with us. We have only to see, to hear, to love."


Jane at Scheiss Weekly would like us all to exhibit a Christ-like spirit by living our true tolerance toward each other. She explains her philosophy in Freedom of Religion is Not Freedom From Religion Unless That is Your Religion.


Dave Earley at Faith Like a Mustard Seed submitted Christ in Christmas. He encourages readers to distinguish between gifts and the giver.




Miriam Pauline at Miriam Pauline's Monologue presents Christ in Christmas. Miriam Pauline is a thoughtful, insightful writer. She has a wonderful perspective: "I cannot comprehend Christmas without Christ at the center."



Jenn at Mixed Metaphor.net shares a fictional story about Christ-like love being shared at Christmas, His Christmas Legacy. Make sure you have a tissue handy before you begin reading.



JHS at Colloquium explains why, in her opinion, exhibiting tolerance is the best approach to Keeping Christ in Christmas. Check out the photo of Santa Claus on a cross. Do you find it offensive? How would you respond . . . or would you respond at all? It is certainly thought-provoking.


Thanks to all of you who contributed your posts! We appreciate your willingness to share your talents with us during this demanding and busy time of year! And a special thank you to Hopeful Spirit for compiling all the entries.

Have a very merry, Christ-centered Christmas!

Group Writing Project: Keeping Christ in Christmas

I wish I could say the Christmas season was my favorite time of year, but,. . .well,. . .is it sacrilegious to say I don't enjoy it? I do a lot of sighing and feeling overwhelmed and carry around all kinds of guilt, thinking I'm not honoring God like I should be. After much prayer and contemplation, God gave me an important revelation this year--I can choose my attitude, whether it is one of anxious running, or looking for the joy in every activity. My approach can make a world of difference and since I've determined to draw closer to Him instead of worrying about getting everything done, I've felt more peaceful. To feed this positive outlook, I'm joining my friend, Hopeful Spirit, and asking for your help.

Announcing the latest Group Writing Project
sponsored by On the Horizon and The Next Step:

Keeping Christ in Christmas



Share a post about how you are keeping Christ in Christmas this year!

For example, are there any special traditions you will continue? Tell us about them, explaining why are they meaningful for you. Do you fight getting burned out by the commercialization of the season by focusing on its spiritual significance? Share your approach! Perhaps you perform volunteer work for a group or organization and would like to share your experiences. Is your family facing any particularly difficult or unique challenges this year? Others might be inspired and find strength from hearing how you are dealing with those challenges during this holiday season and the sources(s) from which you draw strength and determination. As Christmas approaches, do you feel blessed and desire to share your blessings with others? How are you doing that?

Please note: Although the holidays are certainly made special by favorite family recipes, ornaments, craft projects, and the like, the focus of this Writing Project will be on your spiritual observance, commemoration or experience of the season, your commitment to the meaning of Christmas for believers, or consideration of your blessings as you anticipate the arrival of Christmas. Posts comprised solely of recipes, instructions, etc. will not be included this time.

Submit the link to your post via e-mail addressed to admin at hopefulspirit dot com by midnight (Pacific Standard Time), December 22, 2007. Links to all entries will be posted on December 23, 2007, just in time for Christmas!

Questions? Drop an e-mail or leave a comment!

Please join us and help me out here, okay?

A Confession

As a teenager I would sit in our dark living room, gazing into the lighted Christmas tree without a care in the world. I could stay there forever, dreaming and imagining, asking God all sorts of questions. It was a time of serenity and wonder, peace and hope, an excitement in knowing the same God who created all things, who walked the earth before me, was there, taking it all in with me.

Then I grew up. Now there is little time to stare at my tree and pick God’s brain, little time for the quiet to wash away my anxiety, no time for being still. As an adult, this season is filled with lists and tasks and expectations and stress.

I miss what Christmas used to be and dread what it has become--more stuff to cram into an already busy schedule. Every year I stew over how to bring back the wonder and peacefulness. Each December I think there must be a better way. I want to sit in the dark and watch it snow, drink hot apple cider and play games with my kids. I yearn for beautiful music, meaningful conversations, candles, and snuggling up under fluffy blankets watching movies. And even though all of this can be done at home, I know something is bound to interfere, so I dream of swooping my family up and going away, far away, to a place where there is nothing to do, and true rest and peace abound.

But life doesn't work like that. God doesn't give us an out every time we want to escape. And there must be a reason for that. Could it be He wants us to be able to celebrate anywhere, not only in ideal conditions? Does He expect praise at all times? Is He trying to teach us real peace has nothing to do with location, but everything to do with motivation? Am I focusing on the wrong aspects of Christmas? Am I letting Satan steal my joy?

I don’t want to go through the motions of Christmas. I want to celebrate it. How is it I haven’t understood until now I make a choice? My heart is not in it because I haven’t chosen what is best. I have been deceived. I have let my mind dwell on the busyness instead of the Child.

I need to center my mind, my heart, my soul. . .

O Come let us adore Him
O Come let us adore Him
O Come let us adore Him,
Christ, the Lord.

Amen.

Taking the next step

She awoke weary from the battle. "Some days it does not seem worth it," she thought. Disheartened by the realization that life would go on whether she made her contribution to the world or not, she wondered if her work mattered and yet she knew she had no choice but to press on.

"I need an attitude adjustment, Lord," she prayed and then began flipping through her Bible.

In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength. . .

Repentance.

Rest.

Quietness.

Trust.

Her spirit took a deep breath. The words coaxed a new spark into her heart and a small break appeared in her clouds. She had been heard and answered.

"Forgive me, Lord, for my self-centeredness," she muttered as she understood everything she did was a response to His compassion, her offering to a very good God, "Still my heart. My strength comes from You alone. I love You. I will follow."

And she began her day.



Visit lori to see how other people are delighting in the details.

A Glimpse

As the snow gently falls, my body relaxes, my spirit is calmed.

Its softness quiets the world and makes me feel covered, like God wrapping me in a fluffy blanket saying, "Peace, my child, peace."

I can hardly pull myself from the window. I inhale deeply and exhale slowly and think of Him.

God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, "Fall on the earth," and to the rain shower, "Be a mighty downpour." So that all men he has made may know his work, he stops every man from his labor.
Job 37:5-7

Mmmm. . .I see You, Lord.




To read more Thankful Thursday posts, visit Laurel Wreath.

What Makes a Marriage Christian?

We sat in a busy restaurant in downtown Lincoln, Nebraska. Though our relationship was only beginning, conversation came easily and somehow we got to the topic of what we hoped for in marriage. When I told him I wanted a husband who shared a commitment to God and His way of doing things, I saw a flash of recognition in his eyes. And my heart started beating faster. I mentioned scripture I based my opinions on and he nodded with a smile. Soon we were both rattling so fast we could hardly let the other finish before we had to chime in again.

My spirit screamed, "This one is different."

We spent hours in that restaurant, oblivious to the people coming and going around us, caught up in the excitement of having found someone who understood the importance of a Third Cord in a marriage, Almighty God. It was the beginning of a beautiful union, one that has not been perfect, always easy, or free from hurt and frustration, but one that has been touched by the power following God's plan provides.

What makes a marriage Christian?

Two people completely devoted to Christ FIRST and each other second (I can't say I've always liked being second fiddle, but it has proven to be in my best interests.).

A man and a woman who make it a priority to grow in their faith separately before they expect growth as a couple.

A commitment to obey the Bible, even those passages that seem harsh and unfair.

A willingness to set aside personal desires for the sake of the other, practicing sacrificial love modeled after our Lord.

A vow to stay together until death.

A determination to enjoy the gift of each other.

There have been many tense times and hurt feelings, but relying on God and His word has taught us much in working through them all. Truly His plan has turned out to be perfect, providing both security and great blessing in our marriage.

If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:10-12


Find out what other bloggers think makes a marriage Christian by visiting e-Mom at Chrysalis and following the links.

There's WAY more than meets the eye

Six months of prayers and planning and work and rehearsals and sacrifice culminate in four performances this week. Many will flock into the sanctuary (well, let's hope so), but few will be aware of what has happened to get to this point.

They will never know the countless hours spent by one man creating meticulous, scaled drawings for an original set. They won't understand the time spent thinking through color schemes and incorporating details of the era. Some won't get the artistic rendering of the backdrops and the painstaking attention to prop pieces, hair and clothing, not realizing all are designed to evoke the feelings of the time period.

No one may appreciate the tough choices made by the writers and the time spent garnering counsel from trusted sources over what could be controversial material. They won't see the hours and hours of prayer, Bible study and research done before one word is put on paper.

They won't be aware that much of the lining on the flats was done by a woman who suffers from fibromyalgia. They won't know she spent days up and down a ladder, desiring to be a part of the production even though she won't be able to attend any of the performances.

Will anyone realize the days upon days one man spent in his wood shop, putting together set pieces and then loading them on his trailer to haul miles away?

No one will applaud the woman who takes it upon herself to solve any little problem she thinks the director won't have time for. They won't know how she has catalogued costumes and scrounged up props and gotten dirty. They won't be aware of the many, many miles she's put on her van driving from home to church to meet the needs of her family, yet help in any way possible to free up the time of others involved.

They won't think of the men and women who have freely given their time to construct and paint and measure and sew. They will have no idea how much time was spent hunting for accessories or doing hair and makeup. There is no way to count the amount of paint splattered, carpets cleaned, chairs moved, thumbs hit by hammers or sore muscles.

Will anyone glance back to the sound and lighting booth to see the men who've made themselves readily available for lots of rehearsals?

No one sees the extra work the other pastors are willing to take on so the Creative Arts Pastor can devote his time to getting everything done for the production.

There will be no praise for the husbands and wives who sent their spouses off to rehearsal and took care of bath and bedtime duty alone.

People may notice the teenagers on stage, but will they truly understand how impressive it is they are willing to give up their time, a precious commodity at this age, to serve their church in this way?

Though there should be, there won't be a standing ovation for the people whose feelings were hurt in the casting process, who choose to display humility, though they wished for a bigger part, and accept what they were assigned, giving it their very best.

No one will see the anxiety and risk involved or the demonic attacks waged on those putting themselves out there.

There is no recognition for ushers and babysitters and people who have invited friends to come, yet all play a part.

Will the audience merely see "a show" or will they catch sight of the beauty in scores of people sacrificing for one united purpose?

The details are important. They are the body of Christ at work, not for the glory of any one particular person, but for the glory of One alone. May He be exalted.


Join lori at I will take it Lord, all you have to give for more delighting in the details posts.