Ready and Waiting

I'm done! The final shopping trip to the grocery store to pick up items for my annual Christmas Eve Open House occurred earlier this afternoon, and all gifts are wrapped and under the tree.

I'm not quite finished as early as last year, but I still have time to breathe and really enjoy what the season is all about. I'll drop off a few gifts tomorrow and then my errands will be complete, too.

Although I've finished my good deeds for the holiday, I'm sure there will be more opportunities that find me. But the most fun of all is hearing what others are doing, too.

My friend, Beth, called to tell me about her 9 year old granddaughter who decided she wanted to do something special for her great-grandmother (Beth's mother) this year. Claire managed to connect with Hy-Vee's delivery service to send a special surprise. She decided to grocery shop for her grandmother so she wouldn't have to brave the cold and possibly inclement weather. Choosing an assortment of foods, she even included toilet paper!

Children who learn the value and blessings of giving to others are a special joy. They are the ones who will make this world a better place, even as adults. They often learn philanthropy through adults who exemplify the spirit of giving to others. There is a certain wisdom that comes when a child realizes the goodness and benefits of giving and not just receiving.

I recall when my young, great-niece Zoe insisted on spending her own money to buy an angel necklace for me. It was such a touching thing to do, especially because she knew I was grieving the loss of my dear husband. Her sister, Sammi, followed suit the next year by crocheting an angel for me after learning the art.

I also recall when my great-nephew, B.J.. bought a gift for me just because he wanted to. B.J. faces some challenges of his own, so this sweet gesture was twice as meaningful.

We often think we need to care for children, but they are equally great influences in our lives, too. They make us stop to realize what is really important in life - love. That translates to how we care for one another, and focusing on others is how we make this world a better place. Biblically speaking, the New Testament is about love, beginning with God's gift of Christ.

Here's hoping that you, too, will finish early all the preparations for Christmas, and then have time to reflect on what makes our lives worthwhile. It isn't the gift of things; it's the gift of ourselves to others.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Themes

I admit to watching and liking some of the secular Christmas movies, but I'm beginning to lose patience with the same theme over and over.

How many times can you watch Dickens' A Christmas Carol being adapted into a controlling, cold-hearted workaholic's redemption? Or, how many times can you watch the prodigal son or daughter reluctantly returning home and ultimately finding joy in celebrating Christmas? Or how about the bad business prospector who wants to tear down part of the town in the name of progress but has a change of heart, or the hero or heroine prevents him from doing so?

Although I like the animated shows like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, I grow weary of the idea of cancelling Christmas because of Santa. You can also add that focus to the mix of Lifetime's and the Hallmark Channel's other themes noted above.

Is there a problem with at least some people celebrating Christmas Eve in these movies by going to church? I'd almost bet that most of the viewers who like what Lifetime and the Hallmark Channel offer go, even if it's the only church service attended all year.

I know that many people celebrate Christmas as secular and nothing more, but I think there is a missed opportunity. I'm not suggesting converting anyone to Christianity through this media, but it would be nice once in a while to have a small acknowledgement of what Christmas is really about.

While I don't think that much will change unless authors like Debbie MacComber cranks out more adaptable movies like "Mrs. Miracle," which features an angel who provides needed Christmas intervention, I'm beginning to more closely screen what I watch.

At one time, I watched anything remotely Christmas-oriented. Now, I spend more time reading Christmas-themed books. It doesn't need to be an in-your-face type of book, just one that recognizes in some way what it's really all about.

Barring any new and unique Christmas-themed shows, I intend to pull out my DVD's of It' s a Wonderful Life, Alastair Sim's version of A Christmas Carol, and yes, even A Christmas Story and Miracle on 34th Street.  After all, part of me is still a kid at heart. And just like Virginia, I still believe, but in a little more than just Santa.

Give to Those Who Ask and Even Those Who Don't

We are in the season for giving - giving thanks for our many blessings, sharing our bounty, and showing appreciation of and to our fellowman. 

I love buying things for others and knowing that I've done something to brighten or ease the life of someone else. It's almost selfish because I think I am rewarded more than the recipients of my benevolence. I also believe that we are wired to care for our fellowman.  Philippians 2:13 states: "...for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." Whatever you believe, I'm glad the inspiration is there!

The trick to giving, now and throughout the year, is simply to be aware. Sales are always around us.
I have found many bargains recently, and no need for Black Friday shopping. What is shared below is just to give you examples of how easy it is to be generous without spending a great deal.

Hy-Vee has a box of Russell Stover chocolates that is nearly two pounds and over 2 feet long for $10. Now the question is: Where should it find a good home? It could be one of the emergency stations for fire and police, a nursing facility, or maybe a great present for someone who is not likely to receive one. I'm certain the right destination will reveal itself to me, or I'd love for you to comment to this blog as to where you think it should go. Come up with a better idea and I will select a winner who will receive a copy of my first book, Christmas: A Season for Angels. Tell your friends and family to comment with their ideas, too!

I also purchased additional toys from Kohl's today with a $20 Kohl's cash certificate plus a little extra ($11). I even received 15% off of the already 40% off sale which allowed me to purchase a tea set, and three games. I'll add that to two new snuggle pets that light up the ceiling which were purchased at my church's holiday bazaar last Saturday ($10), and a large Marvel art kit ($14 from a previous sale and 30% discount), and I've got a great donation. My total outlay was just $35 for seven fun presents!

While I write checks to some charities, I like giving toys to the women's shelter. Abused women arrive with their children on or before the holiday without having been signed up on an adoptee list. It's traumatic enough for the kids without missing presents.

There is also the senior adoptee program for low-income seniors or seniors who have no one to buy for them. Most cities have some form of this, but in Lawrence, it's the Douglas County Senior Center.

Usually I purchase a microwave for someone who has only requested that one big item, but there are many who have a list and the adopter is only asked to pick one thing from it. All adopters are asked to also purchase a $50 or more grocery certificate. This year, my adoptee wanted a different big item which I found at a greatly reduced price at Home Depot. It's all anonymous so there is a special feeling of giving.

The bottom line is that it doesn't cost much to be generous if you look around. My family really isn't in need of much so for the last few years, I and my sister (who lives in the same city), brother-in-law and two nephews and their families have exchanged gifts of no more than $10 each. The rest is given to those who really are in need. And while I still spoil my two sons and daughter-in-law, they also engage in philanthropy as well.

I know that I am blessed to have more than I really need, and with that extra, I'm going to do my best to share with as many as I can. Now you can, too, by just being aware. Happy Thanksgiving and shopping!

Better Early Than Late

Yes, I know that it is a little too early for some to begin decorating for Christmas. I just don't happen to be one of them.

Last year, I left my Christmas tree in one piece so that it would be easier to decorate and I could do it more quickly. That also means decorating the light pole in front of my home with a lit garland, running greenery through the spindles of the stairway to the second story, decorating the mantel, and placing other bits of Christmas décor throughout.

This year I am going to be a little earlier than usual. The weather is to take a nasty turn on Tuesday and I don't want to decorate outside when it's 40 degrees and rainy. So on Monday, when it is in the 60s, my neighbors will be greeted with the first signs of the season, or maybe not. They may be thinking as I am.

I do love Christmas although it is somewhat bittersweet. I miss my loved ones who have transitioned to eternity, especially my husband, Steve. It was so much fun to celebrate holidays with him. He let me be a big kid, and then joined in the fun.

But this is also the time that I think of the real meaning of Christmas. Had Christ not been born, I would have no hope of seeing the departed ones I love. The best gift I could ever receive is being reunited with them, and then with those who will follow me.

While many people will grouse about the Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving, it isn't a problem for me. I'm thankful every day for my many blessings and for the gift of hope. So, at this time, I can truly say: better early than late.

Your Passion Says It All

My mother once said to me, “Vicki, it’s a good thing you are a preschool director, otherwise, people would think you are weird.” That was said after I explained one year what I was going to do in celebration of Halloween.

It’s no secret to those who know me that I am just a big kid at heart. I love anything to do with having fun in celebrating holidays. And that brings to mind an issue of faith.

People don’t know that I love celebrating holidays because I tell them or forward an email. They know because of what I do to show my interest through actions. The same, I hope, could be said of my faith.

I don’t believe that people are truly converted to any religion by force or guilt. Jesus certainly didn’t teach that way, and as far as I know, I’ve never heard of leaders of other religions successfully doing so either. You can make people act a certain way, but you cannot change hearts unless the spirit within the person is willing. I trust that God is the one who makes that happen.

When the right opening occurs, I am happy to share my faith, but I also hope that my actions are conduits for those opportunities. I am far from perfect, and I try very hard not to commit egregious errors that will make others question the Christian way of life. After all, the Bible is quite adamant about not leading others astray.

 
Matthew 18:6 states: “But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” OUCH! That assumes, of course, someone is already a believer, but I am guessing that if one’s actions push a potential believer away, that isn’t too good either.

So, show your passion for what drives you, but don’t ask me if I am saved. Don’t send an email to me that tries to guilt me into passing it on in order to show my belief. Instead, show me how you live. Give me inspiration to live my life better. Let your actions speak for the truth, and then celebrate life. That’s what I hope to do.

Have a great and safe Halloween!

 

 

 

A Pleasant Surprise

I recently attended a performance of "Fox on the Fairway" at the New Dinner Theatre in Overland Park, KS. Dyan Cannon was to be the celebrity actor, but we did not see her until the end of the show when she came onto the stage with her crutches. The accidental injury to her ankle prevented her from appearing in the play.

Ms. Cannon took the opportunity to say hello and even offered a Q & A to the audience. That's when the surprise occurred. She described herself as an old-fashioned, moral person, and a believer! I later learned via her book, Dear Cary (the memoir she wrote about her marriage to Cary Grant) that she is also Jewish.

Why was I pleasantly surprised at her announcement of believing in God? The previous night I watched just 45 minutes of a movie, and despite some well known and respected actors (Robert DeNiro, Diane Keaton, Susan Sarandon, Topher Grace, Amanda Sigfried), the film was both vulgar and profane. I decided halfway through the movie that Netflix could have it back and it would get a one-star rating from me.

I'm not a prude, but I sometimes wonder what the people who make some movies are thinking. Some screenwriters not only fail at basic grammar many times, but their vocabulary doesn't seem to be extensive when it comes to writing colorful words in the dialog. Does using the same curse word over and over again (you know what one I mean), and gratuitous nudity really make people come to see the movie?

Perhaps my biggest concern is that some moviegoers think the vocabulary and behavior, spoken and shown in the movies, are representative of real life. Personally I don't think it is, but if I'm wrong,  then I wish to remain blissfully ignorant of the real world. The same goes for what passes as entertainment on some reality shows.

But my big question is why such talented actors chose to do such a low-class film? Perhaps they do not understand, or even care, that some individuals like myself will be very hesitant to see what movies they make in the future. In any case, I'm not the one to judge their actions. I'm just the one to decide if I want to waste my time watching bad cinema.

I keep thinking about Proverbs 11:27 - "He who seeks good finds goodwill, but evil comes to him who searches for it." I guess you know what this optimist chooses!

A Personal Reminder Lessson

I have just completed my notes for a presentation that will be given tonight to fellow Stephen Ministers. The subject is "How the Bible Tells Us to Make This World a Better Place." The difficult part was narrowing down the subject matter because the Bible is full of examples and guidance.

This past weekend I attended a writers convention in Wichita. It was extremely well run and there was an opportunity to meet many wonderful and talented people. The volunteers who had organized this did an exceptional job, but once again, I was reminded about judgment. The Bible has much to say about judgment and there are many admonishments about it. Avoiding it is one thing I will address in my presentation, and I will give you an example of what I experienced at later in this blog.

Every time I read a letter to the editor in our local paper, I cringe when someone tries to cite a Biblical passage to support his or her view. While some may be justified in what they say, I know of no one who has been converted because someone has judged and admonished them in a particular manner. In fact, it can sometimes have the opposite effect.

Corinthians 2:11 says "For who among men knows the thoughts of  man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God." Personally, I'm very glad to leave judgment up to God, especially on more controversial matters. For the record,  I'm not talking about obvious topics like murder and stealing.

Now to the matter of my experience this weekend. One of the volunteers was very stoic and I never saw her crack a smile. She didn't initiate any conversations, and quite frankly, she didn't look all that happy. She was definitely someone who most of us would choose to avoid.

I again encountered her in what we call a read-around, an opportunity for writers and poets to share their works with their peers. She read two poems and I did not have an opportunity to talk with her until the next day. I then made a point to do so.

I told this person that I truly enjoyed her poems, and was rewarded with one of the biggest smiles I've ever seen. From then on, she was friendly and talkative. She was, like many people, just an introvert.

I have been misjudged and I don't like it. But worse than that, I'd really not want to know how many times I've misjudged.