Category: Adventures

Gift Wrapping

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47 years ago, Dale thought about investing in the 3M company. It was the first year he saw me actually wrapping gifts. I loved using tape. Every corner was crisp and clean and sealed with tape. It became a running joke throughout our marriage, especially at Christmastime.

Wrapping gifts was my favorite part of Christmas. I love the paper, the ribbon, and the tape. I’d never tire of wrapping and even volunteered to help others with their wrapping. People considered me odd. I was always disappointed when the last gift was brought out of the bag and was finished. Everything was wrapped in stockings also. Little bows of ribbon adorned each stocking gift.

Yes, I know it was excessive. It was me. Put me in a room by myself and I was close to heaven. I would pray over each gift for the person receiving the gift. I still do that.

This year the tape use was down by 90%. The ribbons? Just a bow tied on. No little ornaments tied to them. Stockings? Half wrapped and some just thrown into them.

I finished wrapping most of the gifts we are giving this evening. I am sore and tired. I haven’t gone to all bags, but it was tempting tonight.

I whined about a sore back during dinner. I left my mess laying in the dining room. I will get to it later on. I put the packages under the family tree, but didn’t spend several minutes making it look perfect. I may do that later this week.

I was amazed at the difference even from last year. I never thought I would get this way.

As I pondered this, it occurred to me that the fussy ribbons and bows are just window dressing. Important, yes, but not necessary.

From that thought came the remembrance that the most precious gift I ever received was not wrapped. It had no tags on it. No beautiful ribbons. None of that. In fact, the most precious gift I have received came from a brutal and messy situation. The Giver of that gift died for me. The little baby that we celebrate this time of the year was born to die for us. Was born to give us salvation. Was born to be tortured and beaten and crucified for me.

I have recognized this each year. Yet, it hit me a bit differently this year. I think of the Grinch, who realized that ““Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.”

Perhaps we all need to think about this. That infant that we pause to think of during this season, is the reason we give the gifts. We try to find the perfect toy, the perfect outfit, the perfect whatever. When what we are meaning with gifts is a reminder that we love people, love family, love those who have stood beside us during the year. We give because we have an example of the perfect gift.

““For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NLT)

Now, Faith

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“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)

Faith is a funny thing, not in a ‘haha’ moment, but in how it can ebb and flow within us. Each of us have gone from firmly believing in something to the reverse, questioning and wavering in our faith.

I believe that God is big enough to handle this. After all, we are human and sin factories and weak.

Tonight I have thought about healing (of course, I was watching The Chosen, episode 2 of season 3). It talks about healing. It is a powerful scene. It invokes deep feelings and tears.

I think of my younger sister, to me, she is an example of faith, courage and strength. I have admired her for my life. She nursed her husband during a long battle with ALS. At the same time, she nursed my niece, a childhood brain cancer survivor. During this time she exemplified courage. Yes, she would grow weary, but her love for her husband and children never floundered. She kept a family united with love, laughter and a bond that is felt to anyone entering her home.

I could go on and on about her. I remembered when she called to tell me that the diagnosis of cancer had been made for my niece. I hadn’t thought about it for years, but today, it has been in the forefront of my mind. It was a short conversation. She was in Maryland, and we were living in San Diego. She called to tell me two things, one, our uncle had passed away and two, they had for the first time put the descriptor cancer to my niece’s condition.

The conversation left me numb. I really did not know how to react. I had a elementary school friend visiting me at the time and she crossed the room, hugged me and took me out for the evening. We went to the movie to get my mind off of the conversation, to distract me. I remember it did not help really.

When our children are young, mothers will rush to do what we can to help our children when they are ill. We linger by their bedside at night, praying over them, gently touching them assuring ourselves that they are there. They will often stir with being touched and we quickly pray that they do not awaken fully.

Each of us, as mothers, have experienced this. Hovering over a feverish child, checking to see if the fever is rising or falling. Listening to a child with a cough, making certain it is not creeping into the little lungs. We hover. We pray. And our faith is increased.

That is how you grow to where I am now, I can look at a young mother and reassure her that things will be okay. Things will work out. We can boldly know that our Lord will be with that child, and that He can heal.

I haven’t stood over a child with a fever in years. I haven’t hovered over a child’s bedside. Those days are behind me.

Recently, my adult child received some news. It stirred this mother’s heart. The faith I so boldly write about faltered. I know that I know that I know how our God works, and yet, I questioned.

Does my questioning change anything? No. Will my prayers be put on a shelf in heaven somewhere because I faltered and questioned? No. God does not work like that. He knew in advance how I would react. He didn’t put His hand over His mouth aghast at my thoughts. (I always wanted to use aghast in a sentence, this was a first)

Our God knit us together. He formed us. He intercedes for us. He sings over us. I just needed to step back and remember this. I think that is why our Lord talked about mustard seed faith. If our faith had to be enormous, we would fail more often. But, a mustard seed. That’s a little thing.

“The Lord answered, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you!” Luke 17:6 (NLT)

So, after pondering and remembering and thinking about the size of my faith, I recognize that my faith is enough, because of Whom I believe in. My God can do all things. “For with God nothing [is or ever] shall be impossible.” Luke 1:37 (AMP)

Rediscovering the Meaning

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“Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

This is a quote that has gone through my mind this week. It’s been a busy week for me and one that has blessed me in more ways than I can even relate.

This Christmas is about more than gifts. It is reflecting on the celebration of the birth of our Savior. It is about savoring each family moment we can.

We are taking nothing for granted this year. Each event, each trip to the mall, each evening sitting in the cozy living room surrounded by granddaughters and their family is precious.

Life happens quickly, sometimes it throws curve balls or fast balls, but never do we notice the slow balls heading our way.

We have seen some curve balls this week, so plans of buying and getting and doing are taking back seats to just being together.

Laughter is wonderful. Laughter with tears is precious. Hugs are incredible. These three have been Christmas gifts I have relished.

Hug someone you love today. Tell them how you feel. Be unrestrained in hugging and sharing love. After all, it is Christmas.

“Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.3 He forgives all my sins
    and heals all my diseases.4 He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies . Psalm 103:2-4 (NLT)

Anticipation

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Trying to think of a scripture for this title and all I can think of is Carly Simon’s song, ‘Anticipation’. That, and a heinz catsup commercial.

But, I am filled with anticipation tonight. Tomorrow we travel to see our granddaughters, Little Miss and her sister, Middle Miss. I haven’t seen Middle Miss for a couple of years and my arms are yearning for a hug from her. We both planned trips for early Christmas at the same time. I know the ride to their home is going to take forever. I am already trying to get out of the car and run into the house.

I never experienced grandparent visits, and so it is something I try to do right. Personally, I think I am an okay grandma. I managed to raise my girls, but my grandchildren are the very best things for my heart.I will try to keep my posts coming this week, but can’t guarantee anything. I have plans to sit, visit, snuggle and hold onto these precious girls.

Life is precious and at Christmas, I think we remember it more during this season.

“We love each other because he loved us first.” I John 4:9 (NLT)

Roller Coaster

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 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)

I love roller coasters. I love the speed, the turns, the upside downs, the adrenaline rush. Of course, it’s been a few years since I have ridden one, so something might have changed during this time.

When we lived in San Diego, it was an easy trip to Disneyland or Knott’s Berry Farm. They were days well spent and were relaxing for me.

Since Thanksgiving, I have felt like I have been on an endless roller coaster. Some days are high and some are low. There have been many twists and turns to my days. Some days hold unexpected bumps giving me some air time. Some are slowly chugging to the top of a hill which then turns into days speeding by and nothing being accomplished in them.

Yesterday I made a list. I should have made a better list a couple of weeks ago, but, I felt like I could wing it and just go with the flow. What happened without a list is a baffled mind, overthinking things and not getting much accomplished. Yesterday I heard the Lord say, “Make your list out.”. Turns out, He was right.

I wrote down a to do list, a to make list and a to buy list. I checked off things already accomplished. To my amazement, the list was incredibly shorter. Imagine that!

In the midst of all these roller coaster days, I have found myself getting overwhelmed and exhausted. I have known the Lord is in control. I know the Lord is Lord of all, including my whirlwind days.

Today, I needed to read this scripture. God has commanded me to be strong and courageous. I don’t need to be frightened and confused (dismayed). I only need to remember that no matter how crazy the day is, how much glitter is floating around me, how many Christmas lights do not work, my God is with me wherever I go. I am in His presence always. Each morning He sings a new song over me.

No mountain, no twisty curves, nothing to upset my position, or toss me in the air is going to take my Lord by surprise. Joshua 1:9 reminds me, He is with me wherever I go.

Our Oldest Daughter’s First Christmas

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” 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God[a] above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6:26-34 (NLT)

In 1979 we transferred back to the states from Japan. Our first born was three months old when we flew home from Tokyo. We stayed in Oil City, PA with family for a month before heading to Downeast Maine for our next duty station.

It was an expensive move for us, and although the Navy paid for much of it, there were still many things that we had to buy to get settled back into the states. This made for a few months of lean times. As we approached December I started to pray for $50 so we could give our daughter her first Christmas. I also prayed for some cute little shoes for her for church and a winter coat for her. She had a snowsuit, which would have worked, but, there was a part of me that wanted a special coat for her.

About the second week of December I received a card for me from my Dad. He never sent me a card, except on my birthday and inside the card was $50. I was thrilled! I knew it was an answer to my prayer.

Unbeknownst to me, Dale also had been praying for $50 for car repairs. Needless to say, we had a discussion on the best use of the $50. We each were holding our ground. A couple of nights after I received my card, our small group leaders stopped by. They had found some cute shoes and immediately thought of our daughter, and a good friend of theirs used to send along hand me downs to our baby. In the hand me downs was a beautiful coat and matching bonnet. All wool and lined. It was perfect!

Since they were our small group leaders, Dale asked about the money from my Dad, and where it should go. Our friend looked at him and said, “Since it’s from her Dad, it’s the answer to her prayer.” Dale accepted the answer and inside I was doing a happy dance.

The following day Dale received a card in the mail, addressed to him and from his Dad. Inside the card was $50. The answer to his prayer.

We learned a valuable lesson that year. First of all, God hears our prayers. Secondly, He knows the desire of our hearts. Third, He provides in many ways.

I often think of those little mary jane shoes and that beautiful coat and bonnet. Our Christmas was perfect for our little one’s first Christmas and for us as new parents.

During each Christmas since that time, I think back to that time in Maine. We didn’t have a whole lot, but, we had each other. Christmas, after all, is not about the gifts given, or the amount of gifts received. Christmas comes even when there are no presents under a tree. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ. He gives gifts that are not visible or felt at times, but, they exist anyhow.

“17 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” James 1:17 (NLT)

December

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December creeps into your bones and chills you. Today is cool and rainy. The skies are heavy with what we know as snow clouds, although it is too warm (low 40’s) to snow.

Somehow, the white stuff is much more fun than the cold water just falling from the sky.

I was out shopping today. The stores were not crowded, and I really did not find anything.

These are some of the times I miss Southern CA. If I couldn’t find something at one mall, I would just drive across town, or across the street to another one. I guess I was spoiled for so many years and didn’t notice how spoiled I was.

The one thing I don’t miss from Southern CA is sweating in December. I longed to dress for Christmas. I would put on a sweater and feel Christmassy, only to roll up sleeves and wipe sweat away from me as I entered the shopping centers.

Yes, I am rambling today. It’s that kind of day.

A day to wrap up in a blanket, or snuggle in front of a fire. For me, this day was one to go out, look around, think of my family and friends. Pray for several people while shopping, and making a habit of picking things up, examining them, pricing them, staring at them only to put them back on the shelf and think, “What if there is something better at the next place?”

December creeps into your bones and warms you with thoughts of family, love, laughter, gifting, Most of all after December has crept into your bones, it creeps into your heart as you hear the refrain from Joy to the World.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing

Our First Christmas

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“31 As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” Ephesians 5:31 (NLT)

Forty seven years ago, Dale and I were preparing for our first Christmas together as a married couple. We were in our first apartment and preparing to move into our second apartment on the 26th of December. Emotions were high as we had just received orders for Yokosuka, Japan the following April.

I think Dale started buying me things in early November, and he could not wait to give them to me. Each night coming home from work, he would meet me at the door and excitedly tell me of something he’d bought. He would be anxious to give it to me and before I could take off my shoes, he would be bringing an unwrapped gift to me.

He was so cute and I had to urge him to keep something for me to actually open on Christmas day.

I was no better. That year I got him a race track, complete with a stick shifter, and bank curve. It was huge.

I did wait though, for the actual day to give it to him.

I had dreams of us picking out our first tree together, but, he was able to go to a section of the base where he cut down our first tree. It was a huge Charlie Brown tree. With our one string of lights and one package of ornaments,it was very bare. The dollar angel we had hidden at a store until payday so we could buy it, perched precariously on the top branch.

But, after it was decorated, we thought it was the most beautiful tree ever.

Christmas day came and we were like kids on that day. At the end of the day, the presents were all in boxes, the tree was down and outside on the curb. The next day we put everything into our new apartment and left for a late celebration of Christmas with our families.

The first Christmas with just the two of us passed quickly. Little did we know that it would be our last Christmas actually spent in our hometown. Neither did we realize how special that Christmas was for us. Being newlyweds, we were still in the glow of youth, and marriage that was not difficult. We were carefree, and looking forward to all the possibilities of what the future held for us.

Forty seven years later, we are older (obviously), and we show the bumps and bruises of life. We think fondly on all our past Christmases. Some very festive and full of gifts and laughter, some a bit leaner, some with just I.O.U.’s under the tree. What was consistent on Christmas was the celebration of the birth of our Lord. He was with us through each and every Christmas, the full, the lean, and the empty.

His love was what has held us together, sometimes only His love. Christmas is a time for reflection. The ornaments we hang each have a story. The decorations could tell stories if they could talk.

Each corner of each room hold memories, Christmas and throughout the years. As I sit writing this, so many memories of Christmases past race through my mind. The time has passed much quicker than I thought possible. Each Christmas has been the most beautiful, most wonderful, they blend together. In each thought, though, is the glue that has made Christmas wonderful, my family. The same silly stories, the jokes, the laughter over memories, the smiles over gifts, the ahh’s of favorite candy given. The excitement over stockings. All of those harmonizing together and threading through each memory.

Thank You Lord for the precious gift of You, and the reason for this season.

Our First Carolina Christmas

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“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (NKJV)

Thirteen years ago we moved to South Carolina. After many years we were by ourselves for Christmas. It was as strange reality for us. We knew our girls were grown, one married, the other busy traveling for her job. But, it was the first time that the term ’empty nesters’ hit us hard.

We ordered Christmas gifts for our daughters, and sent them. We were still trying to find a church home. We had tried a few churches and none seemed to fit right. We were a bit homesick for our routine we had in San Diego, we missed our daughters and it felt strange.

Christmas Eve we decided we would try another church. We went to the old town part of the city where we lived. It was a quaint church. It has a storied history, built originally in 1699, it has seen the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. It is a fascinating place and upon entering the building, you could feel the history in it.

Sitting down in a very crowded church, the balcony filled, the sanctuary filled, we felt like we were with family. Young couples holding onto toddlers dressed in Christmas finery, and wrestling with them to keep still and quiet. What we didn’t know was that this was the children’s service. The lights dimmed and the children took over, walking down the aisle and singing as only children can.

I sat crying through the whole service, remembering when our girls would sing like this, fidgeting with make-shift halo’s and wings, giving looks to shepherds who were acting like boys do.

Although it was not the church we ended up attending, that night, the Lord gave us a taste of family and home. The echoes of the past sang along with the children and as we left, we felt a bit more in love with our new home state.

As I remembered this today, my eyes once more filled with tears. This time of gratitude.

“God sets the solitary in families;” Psalm 68:6 a (NKJV)

Hide and Seek

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“Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6 (NKJV)

There is nothing like a good game of hide and seek, especially if you are good at hiding.

When Little Miss was in kindergarten, the schools were virtual. Once while visiting her, during that time frame, we watched as she struggled with a new situation in her young life. She was starting school, but still she was at home with snacks readily available and toys near by. It was an odd time.

When she had a lunch break which was for at least 45 minutes to an hour, she would eat her lunch and then we’d play hide and seek with her Mom. Grampy also joined in. It was a fun adventure in the middle of a peculiar day.

I loved it when I could hide. I am pretty good at hiding. Most of the time, Little Miss had to seek me for a bit. It was so much fun. Her Mom and I would talk later about hiding spots and the best times we had hidden ourselves.

This morning during my quiet time I thought of the game of hide and seek. It occurred to me that I often play the game with God. Sometimes I hide from Him, thinking that He won’t find me. I know that sounds ridiculous, as the One who created the universe and everyone in it, couldn’t readily find me.

But, like playing with a young child, you give them grace. Although they may be hiding in plain sight, you pass by them questioning where they may be. Eventually with giggles resounding they will reveal themselves.

How often are we like little children when we try to hide from God? The difference, though, is when we reveal ourselves it is with repentance and tears.

In the great scheme of things, when we grow distant from God, we think He is hiding. We wonder why we do not hear Him, we do not see Him in our daily lives. We question why the distance from Him is so great. Actually, God does not hide from us. We fail to see Him. He is daily visible, in the outdoors, in our family, in our friends. He gloriously reveals Himself in every aspect of our lives.

Psalm 9:10 says, “And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” (NKJV)