Such Things

The Magic of Christmas

I've been somewhat intrigued by the "magic" of Christmas this year, trying to go beyond the frantic shopping, activities and trying to "get it all done."  I must say, watching the Polar Express movie for the very first time brought a tear to my eye at the end when the main character says, "Though I've grown old, the bell (a bell from Santa's sleigh) still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe." 

What really is it that we believe?  The story of Santa?  In giving?  In buying?  Gathering?  Turning to a familiar story this Christmas has inspired my faith in the true spirit of Christmas.   There's Mary, "My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour." Luke 1:46, the shepherds, "glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen." Luke 2:20 and the magi "when they saw the star they were overjoyed."  Matthew 2:10.  There is something real, not just to spark the imagination, but events to ignite the heart, soul and spirit.  The more I read it, the more something else jumps out at me, and the more miraculous it all seems.

That for me, is the magic of Christmas, and in that, I am one who truly, truly believes. 

  

Here's wishing you and yours a magical, wonderous, peaceful and most joy-filled Christmas.

Tidings of Comfort and Joy

God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy!

Each Christmas season, I try to meditate as much as possible on the true meaning of Christmas.  As I was listening to this song on the Glee Christmas album, I was struck again with the joy that the message of Jesus brings.  

So many people confuse "religion" with Christianity.  Religion is about rules, expectations, judgementalism and even condemnation.

I often love to photograph my children running in natural settings.  It reminds me of the absolute freedom that we have when we are living in God's love. 

Throughout the scriptures, God blesses his people and delivers them.  Again and again, His people turn away from Him.  He then gives us an unthinkable gift.  He sends his own Son as a helpless infant.  A most humble act for an Almighty God. 

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."  John 3:16-17

God sent his Son to save the world.  For me, these are words of great comfort and joy.

“I have loved you with an everlasting love;

I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.
   I will build you up again,
   and you...will be rebuilt." Jeremiah 31:3-4

"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.   Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory."

Ephesians 3:17-21

True love and true joy.

We are heading up to Steven's Pass with some friends for some skiing and New Year's celebration.  I'll see you in 2011!! 

Happy New Year!

God's Love

Thinking about the word "love", did not make clear sense to me until the Lord revealed to me that he likes me.

 

He likes who He made us.  He adores us.  He is pleased with us.  He likes us no matter what.

He enjoys us. 

 ^"Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous;
   you surround them with your favor as with a shield."

         Psalm 5:12

Another aspect of God's love is His compassion.  We don't have to pretend or hide things from Him.  He cares for us, and longs to comfort and guide us.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."   2 Corinthians 1:3-4

He's a pretty amazing God to get to know, and his love is never-ending.

These are some more things I want my kids to know!

If There's One Thing I Hope My Children Learn...

it's that God loves them.  And the way He loves them. 

As my children grow, I think about what I hope that they learn, about wisdom I hope to pass on.  Even the word love is such a broad term.  Growing up, it was used far too frequently by my mother and not at all by my father.  For me, the word didn't have the meaning that I think God meant it to have. As I prayed about this, the Lord revealed to me that his love has nothing to do with what I've done or what I have to do.  He simply loves me and has always loved me since the beginning of time.

Not just I love you, but I have loved you. 

I love you now and I have always loved you. 

Have.

Unconditional and unchanging. 

I want my kids to know that God's love is so different from the way I love them, or the love that is even possible for me to show. 

Man, He must love them so much.  Man!

I wasn't intending this to be more than one post, but as I've been writing, I can see that I want to add more.  More love to come soon...

Soakin' It In

One idea that stood out from the book and movie Eat, Pray, Love is the statement (by the Italians) that Americans (and perhaps Canadians) work too hard.  They don't know how to sit back and enjoy life. 

So the sunny days that we've been having, have given me opportunity,

to fully enjoy.

Both with my kids,

and with my students at school.

Relaxing, exploring, noticing,

and working peacefully in the midst of all the enjoyment.

As my pastor points out, we don't have to "do", because it's already been "done".

And we can rest in that.

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand." 

Romans 5:1-2

Thankfulness

I have a new friend that's been spending a fair bit of time with me.  It helps me to capture the many, many great moments that happen every single day.  See, I haven't always, but now I believe that life is not always about big events, but it is also about a string of wonderful day to day moments, words, interactions, and other happenings, and my camera helps me to see and record these very things. 

I know that gratitude is important, but I feel blessed that my gratitude can go far beyond merely expressing thanks to the universe.  My thanksgiving can be directed to a very real and loving God who desires to bless those that He loves, and that by the way, is you too.  For me as a Christian, my thankfulness is more like a prayer, a daily habit, as explained in these verses:

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."   Philippians 4:4-7

For me, thanksgiving turns quickly to praise, as it is God that I am thanking for my children, my husband, the beauty around me, and so much more.  The gifts that come from God, like his power, wisdom, direction, love and his plan.  It's a habit of mind.

I used to struggle a great deal with anxiety and depression, especially after my children were born.  My thoughts were quite narrow, almost paralysing.  As I slowly did as Philippians instructs, I came to realize that there are so many more positive things to pay attention to in one day, than fears and defeats to dwell on. I used to get overwhelmed by all the things that seemed to be "going wrong", but now I'm more overwhelmed by all of the "goodness" that I see around me. 

 ^"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."   Philippians 4:8-9

And that is the point of my blog.  Choosing to think about things that are true and good and noble and praiseworthy, which creates so much joy.

Thank you, God.

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
       be pleasing in your sight,
       O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."   Psalm 19:14

ps  I recently took a photography course and the instructor encouraged us to also (apart from an SLR) use a smaller camera that can be anywhere easily in a pocket, a purse or a bag.  She said some of her best shots were taken with a point and shoot camera.  Mine is a Nikon Coolpix.  Many of the photos in this post (Sept. 30th) were taken with it while I was on a run.

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!

Not to Worry

I admit.  I worry about my children.  My oldest in particular.  I know she's completely wonderful, talented, very smart, and yet I worry.  Perhaps it's because she's the first.  I worry about her when she's at school, I worry about her friends...  I know this is not at all helpful to her or to me.  When I start to worry, I head to my favourite parenting books.  In his writings, William Glasser talks about success identity and failure identity.  I definitely want to foster a success identity in my children, and in myself as well.  Some other words I love are from Barbara Coloroso.  She talks about six critical life messages to be given every day:

She says that "through love, acceptance, and encouragement, children's sense of self is recognized, valued and esteemed." 

The opposite of worry is trust.  I have to trust my children to succeed, to solve problems, and trust that God will give me the wisdom to know when they need my direct support and when they can work things out on their own.  I do trust that God is working out all things for good.  In fact for great.

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear" 1 John 4:18

I just found a wonderful little video of Barbara Coloroso sharing her six critical life messages.  Have a look!

Merry Christmas to you and a Rip-Roaring Happy New Year too!!

The last week just flew by. 

crafting,

parties, 

shopping,  

much much celebrating, gift exchanging, family visits etc.  I even admit to a few Scrooge and Grinch-like feelings emerging inside of me...

But then it just all melts away as the Eve of Christmas approaches,

After church, and the kids excitedly put on their new Christmas pjs, we spent a bit of time outside in the crisp winter air with the stars shining clearly and brightly above us.  We talked about the star of Bethlehem and how the angels appeared to the shepherds and how baby Jesus was born on such a night (perhaps not as chilly).  Here's Myles running and sprinkling the reindeer food on the lawn.  

We spontaneously lit candles and sang some of our favourite carols.

Amid the frenzy, the joy, the gifts, the food, pause to remember the baby.  Like the tiny baby peeking over his father's shoulder at us during the church service last Sunday.  A helpless, vulnerable baby.  That's how God came.  When man had performed his darkest deeds, God responded by sending his own Son as an infant.  It really does baffle my mind when I stop to think of such grace and such a gift.

"For to us a child is born,
       to us a son is given,
       and the government will be on his shoulders.
       And he will be called
       Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
       Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

  Of the increase of his government and peace
       there will be no end.
       He will reign on David's throne
       and over his kingdom,
       establishing and upholding it
       with justice and righteousness
       from that time on and forever.
       The zeal of the LORD Almighty
       will accomplish this."

                       Isaiah 9:6-7

I love that last line.  The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.  God accomplishes with zeal.  I have been trying to take time to meditate on passages from Isaiah over the Christmas season.  It's amazing to think that these prophecies were made 500 years before Christ was even born.

A very and most Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.  And a very Happy New year to you as well.  We are heading off on a cross country ski trip to Mt. Baker and I look forward to posting about it in the New year.  My theme for the up-coming year is More.  Looking forward to more goodness, more adventures, more projects and learning more as well. 

I may come by to visit you as I'm still giving holiday greetings to my friends on line, but until then,

Here's to 2010!!!!

Hello December!

Well, these might be the last of my photos with those beautiful autumn trees.  There was one Sunday afternoon when the rain stopped and the wind blew the clouds away, so we jumped in the van and headed out to the Abbey in Mission,

with the winding paths through rolling hills, then between tall trees with carpets of leaves to run through.  There were quiet places to sit and meditate in nooks in the woods and the sound of a cow mooing in the distance from a neighboring field. 

spending time together,

 

and catching the last of the sun before it set.

It was definitely a "right now" moment.  One of those moments that you don't even have to pretend to enjoy.

Peace, Joy, Freedom.

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free."  Galatians 5:1

Here's hoping for many, many more of those moments over the next month as we prepare for the Christmas season.

Christians and Halloween

I have always loved Halloween.  The costumes, the crafts, carving, decorating, trick-or-treating, and all the fun.

It's something to celebrate as the days get shorter, darker and often colder and rainier. 

One day when I was substitute teaching, I thought I'd do an activity about the history of Halloween.  I got to reading about it and I was quite surprised to find that it really does have quite dark beginnings.  Not to mention the connection to Wicca.  Many Christians have chosen not to celebrate Halloween for these reasons and others.  I was chatting with the coordinator of our Sunday School at church and she said she found the holiday confusing. 

As a Christian, I try to steer clear of the more "evil" and scary parts of the celebration and put more focus on harvest,

pumpkins, creative costumes, trick-or-treating and the whole community feel.  

We do Halloween activities with friends and as a family, like carving, baking, crafts and this year we made a pumpkin person.  

 

 

A great activity for a rainy weekend afternoon.

 

Not to mention Halloween parties with games, costumes and treats.  Would God really want to keep kids from something that excites them so much?  As long as it's done in the right spirit.  I'd love to hear your thoughts and comments.

 

Happy getting ready for Halloween!!!