New Year's Resolutions Every Day!

I'm really not one for making New Year's resolutions, mostly because I think it's best to look at ourselves each day and decide what we need to do differently tomorrow. How can we make this world a little better?

My 7th grade science teacher said something that has resonated with me throughout my life. "We aren't the same person we were yesterday. Cells die and new ones replace them." It's a very subtle process, but it makes sense. It also gives us an opportunity to lose some emotional baggage (hindsight is always 20/20) and realize that each new day brings new opportunities.

So what is my resolution for tomorrow? I'm going to awaken with the goal to contact my son, Chris, who just had hernia surgery this morning, and see what I can do to help him and his wife. I'm then going to return a call to my brother-in-law in South Carolina and arrange to send a copy of the latest Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Wives (in which I have an entry) to my sister-in-law. That's two good deeds for the day, although they are just for family.

Tomorrow, I will awaken and probably decide where to shop on Thursday for some great buys in clothing or other necessities that I can then donate. I'm sure that Kohl's and maybe the grocery store will be on that list. After that, well...you get the idea.

My blog focuses on "why we are here." To me, it's simple. We are here to care for one another. That isn't a one day or even a yearly goal. It's on-going, just as I think resolutions should be.

Happy 2014 (every day)!

Christmas in Heaven?

I know that things will be different in Heaven, but have you ever wondered if they celebrate Christmas? It is Jesus' birthday, but from my recall, the Bible doesn't talk about parties except for weddings such as the Wedding Feast in Cana and site of Jesus' first miracle (John 2:1).

Personally, even with the commercialism (that can be ignored), I love how we celebrate Christmas on earth. Although that has changed greatly through the centuries, it seems to bring a certain peace, even to those who don't believe in the origin of this holiday. Sometimes, we Christians even have moments of forgetting "the "reason for the season."

But I love giving gifts. That is one reason why I believe it shouldn't just be at Christmas. I believe we are innately inspired to do so. Ephesians 2:10 states: "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." It is the act of giving that we celebrate at Christmas. We understand that Jesus gave the ultimate gift of his life for us.

Everything is supposed to be better in Heaven. Everything good that we enjoyed on earth should, in some form, be improved. But things don't really matter, so what would we give? Perfect love is supposed to be the abiding continuation so maybe it's a good idea to get some practice here on earth.

It's not just the sharing of our resources; it's the sharing of ourselves. It's taking time to chat with someone who is lonely; it's working side by side with someone who is engaged in an activity; it's encouragement of other's interests; it's valuing others with love through words and actions; and it's worship that brings us together as a community.

Along with our gifts of things, every one of the aforementioned can be done on earth now. So while we're exchanging things, let's remember that Christmas is about love - not just our family and friends, but mankind.

Merry Christmas to All!

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!