This is so beautiful

Today is my Dad's birthday.  

He turned 75. 

A few months ago, he returned from a trip to China and Japan where he was teaching masters level classes to Bible school students from all over Asia.  

Next year he's likely returning to Turkey and definitely going to Egypt to do the same thing. 

He does all of this at his own expense because he believes that 

equipping God's people to spread His Word is the best way to spend a life.  

My Dad has lived 3 quarters of a century.  He's old in anybody's book.  

He's retired from the Army after more than 20 years service.  

He retired from the full time pastoral ministry after nearly 30 years.   

He is currently the Dean of Graduate Studies at Global University 

and has recently headed up the new doctoral program.  

Instead of resting, retiring, he's on his third career.

He believes that you are never too old to serve.

He believes that God uses the willing.  And, he's willing. 

It's like he wrote in his Bible.  See it?  

Look up at the top right corner.  See?  

Right there above Luke chapter 2.

This is so beautiful.

It is, Daddy.  It is.  

And so is your life. 

I love you.  

I am proud to be your daughter.

Happy birthday. 

Numbers

Usually my Christmas break involves baking, family time, game playing, long walks, rest, catching up on home projects, an After-Christmas party, and a lot of quiet puttering.  This year?  Not quite.  Oh well, might as well laugh.  Here is my Christmas break, by the numbers.

13 days Relyn and Sloane have been sick

6 times I've been out of the house since December 18

2 days I've worked since getting sick

10 days Jeffrey has been sick

64 episodes of Numb3rs I've watched on Netflix (Oh. My. Gosh! That's embarassing.)

44 back issues of magazines I've finally caught up on
approximately 33 Advil gel caps I've taken
2 bags of cough drops I've consumed
3 more bags of cough drops my family has consumed
1 prescription filled
2 doctor visits we've made 

4 Harry Potter books I've listened to

5 other books I've read

42 items of clothing I've ironed

11 loads of laundry I've washed, folded and put away

117 blog comments I've left

3 blog posts I've written

1 shopping day with my Mom & Sloane

And you?  What have you been doing with your quiet week?  

Christmas views

I hope you are having a wonderful week, friends.

Merry Christmas!

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ² This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. ³ So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

⁴ Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, ⁵ to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife,^[a] who was with child. ⁶ So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. ⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

⁸ Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And behold,^[b] an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. ¹⁰ Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹ For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will bethe sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”^[c]

¹⁵ So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. ¹⁷ Now when they had seen Him, they made widely^[d] known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. ¹⁸ And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. ¹⁹ But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.²⁰ Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. ~ Luke 2, King James version

Merry Christmas, friends.  

May you know how much He loves you. 

It's still Christmas.

It's been a hard Christmas season this year.  The hardest in my life, actually.  My brother and his family can't come home for Christmas.  It's been the first Christmas in twelve years I've spent in a new job with new colleagues.  I've been missing my friends and longing for the traditions we'd made together.  It's been sad thinking of Newtown, Connecticut and their sorrows. And, we've been sick.  All of us.  Really sick.

No last minute hustle and bustle.  No shopping and errands and exchanges of "Merry Christmas" wishes.  No Christmas cards addressed at the last minute.  No baking.  No classroom Christmas parties.  No Christmas puzzles or trips with friends to Silver Dollar City.  No midnight races to be the first to shout, "Christmas Eve gift!"  Not even any Christmas movies.  We've all been too sick for that.

It's been three people piled up on three separate sick beds trying desperately to concentrate on their books so they won't perish of boredom.  It's been a lot of cat napping and way too much coughing.  And, on my end at least, more than a little feeling sorry for myself.  One of the things I love most about Christmas is the energy and excitement. And I've been missing it.

And then.

And then I woke up just a little while ago.  Christmas Eve morning.  I woke up and began praying first thing, as I always do.  I began thanking God for the sunlight streaming in, turning the room to gold.  For the romping dogs playing outside the window.  For the sweetly sleeping child in the next room.  For the husband who let me sleep and was already up and out at the grocery store.  For the fact that I could breathe again without stabbing pain.  And for Christmas.

It's still Christmas, you see.

It's Christmas with or without the tree. It's Christmas with or without the excitement and energy.  It's Christmas with or without the baked goods, fudge, stocking stuffers, and the mall.  It's Christmas with or without the tree, traditions, excitement, and wrapping.  In fact, all those things are just add-ons.

It's Christmas because Christ came.  Emmanuel, God with us.

God with us.  God.  With. Us.

Think of it.  Just think of it!

Merry Christmas, friends.  Merry, merry Christmas!

.

Along with the rest of the word, I am grieving.  Nearly mute when the horror of Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary comes again to mind.  I wonder... What can I say, what words can I offer?  Here in this place where I share my heart, I feel compelled to write.  Compelled to tell you these things.

I went to school today.  

So did my students. 

So did the wonderful teachers I serve with.

So did millions of teachers across this nation.

My principal was there,  

this woman I call my friend.  

This woman who would run into danger if it entered our school. 

All of us;

we all showed up.  

On time.  

No dragging feet or reluctant hearts among us.  

We all arrived, ready to do our sacred duty.

We taught.

We loved and we hugged. 

And we'll do it again tomorrow. 

And tomorrow. 

And tomorrow.

There is no bullet that can stop love.

No fear that can extinguish the passion to teach. 

No way that we'll quit.  

Ever. 

Yes, we'll cry. 

Again.  And again.  And again. 

We'll ache for those precious lives, stolen.

We'll pray for those families who face the unthinkable.

We'll cry for all the hurting left behind 

to face each tomorrow without their children, their friends.

And we'll show up.

Because we know something precious. 

We know that love and learning can save a life.

And we have that to give. 

The picture above is my school, High Pointe Elementary in Nixa, Missouri. 

Sunday Morning Poetry

What Child Is This? 

What child is this 
Who laid to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping

This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him laud
The babe, the son of Mary.

So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh
Come peasant, King to honor Him
The King of Kings salvation brings
Let loving hearts enthrone Him

This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring Him laud
The babe, the son of Mary.

This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring Him laud
The babe, the son of Mary
The babe, the son of Mary

~ William C. Dix, 16th century English melody

silly celebrations, take five

Today is 12-12-12. It's become a tradition for me to celebrate this triple date with you. I've had so much fun coming up with a variety of lists each year. I hope you enjoy this silly celebration. 

Twelve Lists of Twelve
all lists in no particular order

Twelve ways to say, "Merry Christmas!"

• Feliz Navidad, Spanish
• Happy Holidays
• Fröhliche Weihnachten, German
• Happy Christmas
• Selamat Hari Natal, Indonesian
• Happy Ho Ho Ho to you
• Feliz Natal, Portuguese 
• A very non-grinchy holiday to you, sir
• Buone Feste Natalizie, Italian
• Season's Greetings (my personal least favorite)
• God Jul, Swedish 
• Wishing you a very, very merry, very, very merry, wonderful Christmas time!

Twelve people who deserve your holiday cheer and patience

• anyone running a cash register
• everyone running a cash register
• your neighbors
• the children in your life
• the person beside you at church or an event
• your bank teller
• your mail-carrier
• mall employees
• your child's teacher(s)
• your own teacher(s)
• your own family
• You.  Be cheerful because it benefits you most of all. 

Twelve things you might consider letting go of this Christmas

• fruitcake
• listening to or singing "The Twelve Days of Christmas"
• buying too much for your children or grandchildren
• exhausting obligation parties
• over-scheduling
• the need to do everything perfectly
• shopping without a budget
• guilt-gifting
• dieting
• eggnog
• that one thing you dread most every holiday
• over-spending

Twelve reasons to send those Christmas cards

• your Grandma
• your Grandpa
• your Mom 
• your Dad
• to share that fabulous picture of you
• the old friend you really love, but never see any more
• because the people who love you really, really love hearing from you
• It's thoughtful.
• The US postal service really needs the business.
• You want to receive Christmas cards, don't you? 
• There are so many beautiful card options available now. 
• It's a lovely old tradition, and it would be a shame to see it die out.

Twelve free (or very cheap) gift ideas

• a letter to your child's teacher telling her specifically what she has done well
• a copy of that same letter to your child's principal
• spend time with your parents with nothing on the agenda, but time together
• your favorite recipe to someone who loves that dish
• burn a mix cd for a friend
• a pot of chili to the shut-in you keep thinking of, but never making time for
• pass along a favorite book
• set up your parent's tree for them
• carry a few candy canes in your pocket and give them to harried strangers with a great big, "Merry Christmas!"
• give your partner a long, loving massage
• in the drive through line, pay for the person behind you
• bring a coworker their favorite latte

Twelve simple ways to celebrate the holidays

• Go caroling.
• Forgive someone.
• Visit an elderly person.
• Think of the Christmas song you dislike.  Now, sing it loud and silly till it makes you laugh instead of cringe.
• Share your bounty, whether it's baked goods, left-overs, time, or money.
• Say, "Merry Christmas!" to every person who serves you this season.
• Sing along with the radio.
• Choose one person who would never expect a gift from you.  Deliver it in secret to them with an admiring note.
• Hang your cards on the front of your fridge for a happy jolt while you are making dinner.
• Suck on a candy cane.
• Buy a few stocking stuffers from a joke shop.
• Make or buy a dreidle and play it with your family.

Twelve inspiring images

• Heart, by Amy Gross
• now that's my kind of gift giving: Camper by Krista Keltanen
• a gorgeous city scene, photographer unknown
• peppermint delivery by Mandy Lynne
• Red and White Cheer via Midwestern Living magazine
• a rustic doorway by Shadetree Photography
• the perfect Christmas dress
• I want Christmas in a pink house
• beautiful Christmas interiors via Nil blog
• Christmas car, photographer unknown
• minimal holiday decor via Splendid Willow
• Christmas kiss, photographer unknown

Twelve things to do for yourself this Christmas

• tie on a gorgeous ribbon and dangle an old crystal from the corner of your stocking
• take the family on a light-looking drive
• watch something that makes you laugh
• if possible, visit Silver Dollar City
• buy yourself a gorgeous new calendar so you can feast on beauty all year long
• shower with this
• let go of perfect
• wear the red lipstick
• take a quick shower to get clean, then soak, soak, soak in a hot, hot tub
• look through old Christmas pictures and reminisce
• go to Godiva, buy a truffle, then sit in the quiet for 10 minutes and savor
• take a nap

Twelve big and little ways to give this Christmas away

• keep change on hand so you can put some in every red bucket you pass
• offer attention and hugs to anyone who wants it
• pack a box for Operation Christmas Child
• write that Christmas letter
• buy a Toy for a Tot
• give gift certificates to teachers, coaches, technicians
• donate time to your church
• participate in Secret Santa
• ask a teacher how you can help them this year
• give more than is asked for
• donate a big bag of dog food to the local animal shelter
• smile, smile, smile, smile, smile

Twelve terrific Christmas movies

• Christmas in Connecticut
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas (cartoon version)
• It's a Wonderful Life
• Home Alone
• A Christmas Carol (the musical version)
• Elf
• A Season for Miracles (Hallmark Hall of Fame)
• White Christmas
• Miracle on 34th Street
• The Polar Express
• The Story Lady
• A Christmas Story

Twelve things to do before you pack away the decorations

• Spend an evening enjoying your home after the hustle and bustle is over.
• When you hit the After-Christmas sales, remember that a bargin is only a bargain if you use it.
• Toss old and mangled ornaments and lights.
• Make a playlist of your favorite Christmas songs.  Now you'll have it ready for next year.
• Get rid of the half-finished project.  If you haven't done it by now - you likely won't.
• Think of the one thing you did that was most difficult this season.  Make a note to skip that thing next year.
• Buy new strands of lights while they are half off.
• Don't pack your favorite holiday movies.  You may want to watch them in July.
• Buy a small tree after Christmas to turn into a memory tree next year.
• Don't buy another storage bin.  Toss something instead.
• Label the bins so you can find thing quickly and easily next year.
• Use it up, give it away, or toss it out.

Twelve ways to get ready for the new year

• Sort and organize all your pictures from the past year.
• Return all library books or videos and pay any overdue charges.
• Start with a clean slate.
• Spend some time remembering.
• Go ahead and be sad over the losses and the hurts. 
• Now let them go. 
• Try to feel grateful for what the pain taught you.
• Journal about the lessons you've learned in 2012.
• Make a list of five people who changed  your life for the better in 2012. 
• Write them and tell them so.
• Write down 100 blessings of 2012. 
• Read them again on New Year's Eve, 2013.

Today's pictures were borrowed from these photographers: 1. 12, 2. "12", 3. 12 messehalle

snippets

Snippets.  I love that word.  Love it.  Here, then, is a collection of snippets from my life recently.  I've been...

celebrating Thanksgiving and counting my blessings.

enjoying a Seventy-Eleven Party for my daughter and aunt.

shooting two families the Friday after Thanksgiving; much better than Black Friday shopping. 

catching a glimpse of a bridal party dancing.

spotting art in unlikely places.

finding beauty in old things...

and getting ready for a great Christmas.  

And you?  What have you been up to? 

Friday Faves

* A song: some quiet music, "Symphony No. 3: Il. Lento E Largo" by Henryk Gorecki

* Great Read: Story, a Tale in Two Parts by Lauren Evans and Carole Douglas

* An old Christmas movie: I can't tell you how much I love Christmas in Connecticut.

* Image of the Week: Angel of Broken Dreams, by Robin Laws

* A blog full of vintage book love

* PINspiration: Rouges by PA M E L A

* Quote of the Week: "You're a bad banana with a greasy black peel." ~ Theo Seuss Geisel

* A newer Christmas movie: I adore this version of A Christmas Carol.

* Oops Moment: My kids were misbehaving A LOT and we were having a short class meeting to find some solutions.  I said to them, "Please, please don't make me call Santa's Teacher Hotline and report your behavior.  This kind of behavior gets you on the naughty list."  I expected them to laugh.  Uh oh.  They believed me.  Yikes!   

* Funniest Moment: We were out at Silver Dollar City and Jeffrey accidentally dropped his iPod in the toilet.  When he went online to find out what he could do to fix it, he found that this is a fairly common problem.  So common, in fact, that they have a name for it: an iTurd.

Christmas time is here.

 

Amid the hustle and bustle of the season,

it is so easy to allow ourselves to become stressed

instead of joyful.

 

As the hectic quality of the holidays

begin to take over your heart and attitudes,

I'd like to share a few thoughts that help me.

 

People matter more than pretty.

Compassion is more important than cookies.

"Welcome to my home" is more important than wrappings.

 

Happy holidays, friends.