The Christ in Christmas

This Christmas when so many of the people in our country are dealing with job loss, foreclosures, going bakrupt, living paycheck to paycheck, wondering if they will have a job in a month, a week, or a day...I have felt a certain pull back to what the season is all really about. The Christ of Christmas.
St. Nick- the Bishop of Myrna, whomever you want to call him lived many years ago and he was a very nice and godly man who believed in helping others. He helped others in a very unselfish way- he gave without even letting them know it was him giving. This is what started the very secular tradition of Santa Clause and this is what we should pattern ourselves after.
Giving to people who need....it isn't all about the want. It is about the need. This year so many people need! I have seen and heard that the normal retail sales are way down this year for the holiday and that is a good thing...because now people are giving gifts to people that say, "I made a donation to this organization in your name." - to really try to help those who need help! But it is even more than that- just being kind to the person you pass on the road or at the store or maybe the person you aren't passing- but feel stck behind....a kind smile- a short and silent prayer....you never know the needs of another, but God surely does!
Getting back to the Christ part-Christ wants us to give in secret so that only our Father in heaven will know what we have done. In doing this, we are expecting nothing in return- no tax break, no thank you, no recognition. Not always an easy task, right?
But Christ, He required no special recognition...in fact, he often asked people to be quiet about how He had helped them. He humbled Himself. Gave up perfection to be poor, homeless and a half-brother to all his siblings....He joined the everyday joe! He became one of US!
This Christmas that is what I am truly thankful for. I have been blessed wiht many things and many people, but this is the greatest gift! Christ!

Make the Most of Our Time

Today my daughter turned 13! I am sitting here now after everyone else in the house has gone to bed and I am thinking...WOW! Where did all that time go? I am realizing probably for the first time, how quickly time does pass.
I am thankful that I have, for the most part, been able to be at home and be a full time "Mommy" for the past 13 years! How much more, I wonder, would I feel time swiftly passed, if I had not been with her as much as I have! This is a tremendous blessing and I pray that I have used the time we have had together well over these years.
I think about how quickly this has gone and realize that it is only a short 5 years before she will be graduating and off to who knows where....How precious is the time we have....and how we choose to use it!

I want to be a Cheer leader!

This past Sunday was my daughter's first Cheer Competition. She did so well! I was so proud of her! What amazed me, though, was how much those cheerleaders cheered and encouraged one another! It was very impressive!
I sat there thinking to myself, "Wow! This is what we should be doing everyday! We should be a cheerleader for the people around us!" The Bible clearly says to encourage each other daily. I am guilty of not being that kind of an encourager! I see need for improvement more than I see how wonderful things and people are just as they are!
I am so thankful that my creator in heaven looks at my potential and not just what I put out! I pray He will help me put more positive cheer out there than I ever have before! I want to be leading people with cheer and encouragement- I want to be a cheer leader!