Category Archives: joy

What do Griswold, Chocolates, Snow and Jesus Have in Common?

December 13, 2022Christmas, joy, Like a little childChristmas decorations, Jesuslouise

This morning I woke up to scattered Christmas decorations — in progress. In most artistic endeavors, before the pretty stage, there is an ugly, messy, undone stage. As I looked around I felt sheepish and uncomfortable about the untold hours we’ve given to decking our halls and yard. Rob and I share a propensity to go overboard in creating “Christmas spirit,” and we’re extra excited this year, because all but one of our five children and their families will be here for Christmas! Four grandchildren!

My timidity and self consciousness started a few nights ago when some friends were discussing Christmas traditions. I started wondering how I could possibly explain to someone totally unaccustomed to our modern celebrations what the Griswolding and redecorating of our home has to do with the birth of Jesus. Despite the joy it brings me, I began to feel embarrassed by the childishness of our enthusiasm. My early morning coffee time went from feeling somewhat sheepish and sad, to researching why we decorate at Christmas, then to inspiration to write my 1st blog in almost six years. After a little internet surfing and a bit of soul searching, here are a few thoughts to consider if you also enjoy decking the halls (in whatever your unique way may be) as you celebrate the birth of Christ.

1. Joy — We are constantly reminded of the depravity in this world. Depression and anxiety are commonplace. But the warm colors, carols, and preparations of the Advent season can help us feel joyous. Energetic. A happy focus during the time of year when darkness seems to swallow up the sun too early each afternoon. For me the joy first sparks in simple things– like pulling out my Christmas mugs. Hanging our growing row of stockings. Setting out each nativity. And what can get pep in your step better than Andy William’s Christmas album blasting through the house as you decorate?

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22

2. Made in His Image — Rob and I both have an innate need to create. For me it’s writing, painting and decorating spaces. It’s always about invoking something deeper in myself and others. Genesis tells us in its very first sentence “In the beginning, God created…” I was created in the image of my Creator to be a creator myself! Hopefully, when I am leaning into my faith and creating with the Holy Spirit, anything I do — Christmas decorations or otherwise — serves to point people to Jesus!

3. Snowmen and snowballs — I’ve lived in the deep south all my life, so I’ve not experienced any white Christmases, but snowmen and snow are still a part of our Christmas lore. My research added a little color and meaning to our Southern-style white Christmas. Did you know it all started in the Middle Ages when people lacked resources for artistic expression? They used the snow, which was plentiful, to create! Even Michelangelo was commissioned to build a snowman for the ruler of Florence! My mom used to build and decorate a “straw man” from chicken wire and pine straw– which was plentiful in our neck of the woods. Snowmen bring such simple joy and artistic expression! My snow village is hosting a snowman contest and sports snowmen all around. And many years ago a family Christmas card picture was taken at the beach with the children around their “sand man.”

Even snowballs hold memories for this Georgia girl. One Christmas Rob bought cotton snow balls for the family, and we wrapped three gifts in white boxes, dressed and decorated to look like a snowman for each (adult) child. My Daddy LOVED the indoor snowball fight we had that year — and each year after for his last few Christmases with us. We all saw the once familiar twinkle of mischief and joy in his eyes that was so often absent in his final years. He chased his adult grandchildren throwing snowballs — and we all had a ball. Sort of like Frosty, my Daddy “came to life that day!” What a gift — and all good gifts come from heaven.

4. Like a little child — Speaking of playing, Christmas transports me back to some of my best childhood memories; it’s the only time I wear themed pajamas and reindeer slippers. I buy toys for my adult children. I have an expansive Christmas snow village that’s my grown-up version of a doll house. As I lay it out, I imagine a beautiful, simple village of peace, love and joy. A yearning for a world yet to come? And a similar favorite tradition, I set up my nativity in the manger Rob handmade me one of our first Christmases together. And while none of this is overtly religious, I think Jesus enjoys our childlike joy, anticipation and celebration. Our worship in His Name.

4. Decking the halls –Why do we drag a tree into our homes, light up and bedazzle it? Because it’s FUN (or supposed to be for any grinchy people out there). The evergreens are symbolic of the everlasting life in Christ available to all who love and believe in Him. The trees triangular shapes (hopefully) is reminiscent of the Trinity — and the idea that God is relational in His very nature: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The circular Christmas wreaths represent His never ending love as the Advent wreath anticipates and counts the weeks until we celebrate His birth!

The lights? They remind us that Jesus is the light of the world. Brilliance in the darkness! Our lights welcome family, friends and even strangers who are traveling in the darkness. If you come by our house after Thanksgiving and before New Years, you will see Rob’s handiwork! He has strung about 25,000 lights all over our yard. It takes weeks. As he’s working, he meets new neighbors and talks to friends. People know him for His lights. Because I know who Rob is, I know He’s sharing a light much greater than all the LEDs in Home Depot! Glory to God!

Arranging my Fitz and Floyd reindeer container (just like one my Mom has) is always nostalgic. The green of the holly leaf is again symbolic of the eternal hope we have in Jesus. All who love Him and believe in Him can live in Heaven with Jesus for eternity! We know because of the completed work of Christ when His blood was shed (represented by the red holly berries) on the cross where Jesus died for our sins. Jesus was born for Good Friday and Easter — and our restoration to our Father in heaven. That is more than enough to celebrate every day!

5.. Stockings and gifts — Legend has it that there were daughters of a poor family who hung their stockings by the fire to dry at night. Filled with compassion, St. Nicholas anonymously dropped coins down the chimney into their stockings to provide the girls with a dowry and the hope of marriage and a good life. Surprises, charity, gifts, and love abound at Christmas. What wonderful way to reflect the heart of our Creator, Father, Savior and Friend, to family, friends, strangers, prisoners, those in need…to everyone. Even those normally unwilling to hear about Christ are drawn into our Christmas celebration and our hearts’ expressions of the joy, love, hope, peace found in the birth of the long-anticipated Messiah.

6. Christmas Bells — It’s not Christmas at my house without silver bells, as we grew up calling the red, green and silver Hershey’s kisses my Mom only bought at Christmastime. She would fill the basket her little Christmas elf held with silver bells. I have an elf with a basket too– and I buy and eat chocolate kisses or silver bells every single year. I’ve lost my father and my mom is almost 92. The fond childhood memories these little chocolates trigger make the calories totally worth it (we always have New Year’s resolutions, right?). And we’ve added three oversized bells hanging from the family room chandelier. Throughout history the joyful noise of bells signifies an important event. Churches ring them after weddings, before worship and on Christmas Day!

Writing this has added meaning to my celebrating. Decorations become sign posts pointing me to the One it’s all about. Whether you celebrate in simplicity or abundance, in baking, decorating, giving, or however God leads you — and especially if Christmas can be a lonely and difficult season (which I have experienced too) — my hope is that my reflections will bring joy and perhaps more context to your Christmas — and above all to point you to the one and only source of Life, our sufficiency, our Hope of Glory, Jesus Christ.

John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

PS I’m still working on the technical side of my website, and haven’t been able to update my distribution list. Thanks to those of you who have indicated you’d like to be added — I’ll get there! As always I love all your comments — please feel free to let me know below, if you’d like future posts sent directly to your email.

Do You want a “Stable” Life?

December 20, 2017Christmas, Freedom, gratitude, heart of prayer, joy, sharing the Gospellouise

We love Christmas. Advent reminds us of the wonder of childhood. And it’s an amazing and wonder-filled story, isn’t it!? After riding a donkey all day, Joseph and his wife Mary, a virgin, arrive in Bethlehem with her in labor — to deliver our King in a stable!

We were in a restaurant having dinner, just minutes from the hospital when my daughter-in-law was in labor… and my son and I were nervous to get her to a good, sterile place for a safe delivery!

But Joseph and Mary couldn’t find a room… the city was booked. A feeding trough in a cave filled with livestock was their best bet.

I heard a story about a 3rd grade Christmas Pageant. The Inn Keeper dressed in sheets had one line, “There is no room at the Inn,” but when he heard “Joseph” explain young “Mary’s” predicament, compassion overtook him and he went off script, “okay, come on in. We’ll find somewhere for you.” We might all do the same!

But our Sovereign God is intentional… nothing in the Bible story is off script or a Plan B detour.

Jesus came from heaven to earth to live among us; He lived a sinless life. He freely chose to bear our sins, to pay our debt with His life, so that through Him we will never be condemned — though without Him, we deserved the wrath of God.

He would be born in a humble stable, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. He would perform many miracles, and teach with Wisdom unexplainable. But He would also be rejected and scorned. The “Inn crowd” would not recognize or accept Him. He would be greeted by shepherds (the lowliest, dirtiest crowd) and dine with sinners, tax collectors and prostitutes. His crowning Glory — the plan from the beginning — was His gruesome death on a Cross. He came to Save each of us, if only we’ll believe.

^“But the trouble is, as I have told you before, you haven’t believed even though you have seen me. But some will come to me—those the Father has given me—and I will never, never reject them.For I have come here from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to have my own way.And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them to eternal life at the Last Day.For it is my Father’s will that everyone who sees his Son and believes on him should have eternal life—that I should raise him at the Last Day.” (John 6:36-40, TLB)

“O Holy Night” is one of my favorite Christmas Carols. It gives wonderful insight into why Jesus left heaven:

Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear’d and the soul felt its worth.

“And the soul felt its worth.” Jesus left heaven to rescue you because you are of great worth to Him. God loves you so much that He gave His very life so that you could be with Him forever.” (Michael Youssef)

If there had only been YOU, He still would have come. His love for YOU drove Him from his throne in Heaven to a lowly stable on earth, to die and be raised to life to set YOU free. You, my friend, are completely loved — just as YOU are — by the Creator God of the universe. His Son Jesus, is His personal Gift to you.

Have you opened your incomparable Christmas gift yet?

Are you feeling anything as you’re reading? Could it be Him stirring your soul? God makes Himself known… and when He does, you’ll know it. Don’t be too smart, too proud, too anything to miss His gift, Jesus Christ.

“So what about these wise men, these scholars, these brilliant debaters of this world’s great affairs? God has made them all look foolish and shown their wisdom to be useless nonsense.

^“He has chosen a plan despised by the world, counted as nothing at all, and used it to bring down to nothing those the world considers great, so that no one anywhere can ever brag in the presence of God.” (I Corinthians 28-20, 28-29 TLB)

Do not harden you heart when He stirs you with the worth of your soul and His great love. What good is a gift that is never opened?

How then shall we to respond to this unbelievable act of love and grace? Listen to “O Holy Night” with fresh ears and an open heart. The end of the song provides the answer: Christ’s sacrifice (lowly birth, sinless life, death on the cross, and resurrection) is a call for each of us to fall on our knees in surrender, worship, gratitude and adoration.

How may God be inviting you (personally) to respond to Him today?

Christ in your heart is your only hope of glory. He must reside IN you. Have you accepted Him? Not just believed the story in your mind? “You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.” (James 2:19 TLB)

Matthew 7:21-23 says“Not all who sound religious are really godly people. They may refer to me as ‘Lord,’ but still won’t get to heaven. For the decisive question is whether they obey my Father in heaven. At the Judgment many will tell me, ‘Lord, Lord, we told others about you and used your name to cast out demons and to do many other great miracles.’ But I will reply, ‘You have never been mine. Go away, for your deeds are evil.'”

Intellectual understanding or belief is not all He is asking. Going to church isn’t the ticket. Giving and serving are not your admissions price — God has infinite resources.

He wants your heart. Your surrender. Your worship. The God of the universe wants an intimate and personal relationship with YOU through sincere conversation (prayer and reading your Bible). Would you talk to Him now?

If you already know you are saved, know Him and love Him — His gentle words will be even more direct and personal. The more we return to Him and spend time seeking His face and understanding who He is, the more peaceful and joyful our lives will be. The more you and I will be transformed into the likeness of Jesus — and God will be glorified in our beautiful worship!

In the midst of the wonderful energy and excitement of the coming weekend, I pray your soul feels its worth. And that with all that is in you, you find time to praise His holy name. Merry Christmas.

On the 13th Anniversary of my 40th Birthday

July 26, 2017joy, Mid life, personal growth, sandwich generationlouise

I read an article a few days ago assuring 40-somethings that increased life expectancies and healthier lifestyles have pushed the official midlife age from 41 to 53! How wonderful… for THEM! My Granny Mabel lived to 107 (giving me 6 more months to the half way point) — but no matter how I slice it, dice it or determine to define it — “midlife” is in the house.

Reading on, that scholarly article said, “You are seen as middle-aged if you enjoy afternoon naps, choose comfort over style and groan when you bend down.” Busted.

I take comfort in the fact that when I ran into my similarly-aged doctor at the tennis courts last week, he said, “At our age, if you aren’t hurting, you aren’t moving enough!”

I’ve written about midlife several times in the last few years. It’s definitely been a journey. But lately there have been BIG things to process. And everything points in the same direction — sort of a changing of the guard. After a lifetime of my focus being primarily mom and homemaker, this new season is not just an age.

Recent mid life changes bring with them a lot a heightened perspective as I celebrate – yes, CELEBRATE – that I am 53! So, what’s been happening?

ONE –All three of my children will be married within 15 months — two down, one to go. As they start new families (I’m grateful to be blessed with two beautiful daughter-in-laws and a wonderful soon to be son-in-law), I am full of joy. It’s an answer to many years of prayer for their some day spouses. We are close and see each other pretty often, but by definition, I have become their “family of origin” as they create distinctively new family units.

Webster’s Definition of Family

a group consisting of parents and children living together in a household.
all the descendants of a common ancestor — I have moved to definition number two in reference to my children — still important! but secondary — HOWEVER, I have a chance to make up for lost time with ROB who now shares my #1 family definition with no one (except two adorable Springer Spaniels!). Despite appearances, the picture below is from a Wedding Luau Celebration and NOT an old folks cruise. We can still hang til midnight with the 20-somethings — listening to “our” 70s and 80s music that they claim as theirs!

The many emotional changes and challenges involved in my growing and aging family really mean that things are are as they should be. And I am certain God has an abundant, new plan for us all moving forward. He will use everything for our good. All is well.

And lest we think of “slowing down,” Rob’s given me two more adult children in the pipeline to keep us busy and active!

TWO — Full circle, I’m going back to the name of my earliest years: Easie. I will be a grandmother soon! A beautiful baby girl is on her way, and I’m already smitten. Tears fill my eyes as I type about her. I’m so excited to love her, meet her, hold her and watch her parents raise her. I’m certain they will be amazing parents.

I am so proud, but a grandmother?!? I’ve looked forward to this… but in my dreams it was always in the distant future. Grannies are plump, grey-haired, smiling, available, loving… could it be I’m becoming one? I’ve been getting a jumpstart lately on that “crown of splendor.” Again, all is well and as it should be, and God is on the move.

THREE — And I am moving. Not much more about that here, but Rob and I will soon be residents of Georgia. Know anyone who wants a great family home in Tallahassee?

Either God has a great plan for us in a new place, or we have misunderstood. 😉 Either way we are in His loving care and desire to follow Him, and that’s always a safe and adventurous place.

But it’s not easy. Home maker is a big part of who I’ve been. I’m beginning to emotionally divorce myself from this home I love. A home God provided to offer me peace, beauty, rest, and close proximity to my parents, just when all were most needed. I’m going through the many bins (5 children’s worth) of keepsakes and memory albums. Letters to Santa, poems, cards written with crayons. Handprints and endless artistic treasures.

Christmas morning photos… some of the sweetest memories. And some of the hardest to let go of. Am I really finished raising children? Am I really the grandparent generation? I am, and it’s part of the passing years of time.

But God (the promise and hope in those two words will be the title of a post to come)… But God is a God of the present. His work in us is always redemptive. He has plans for all my family moving forward. Different than it has been, but Glorious just the same.

FOUR — My dad recently passed away. Tears of a different flavor flow as I type this.

It’s still too soon to write much about Daddy. Of course, God is my ultimate Protector, Provider, Advisor, and Father. But He gave me my Dad (and more recently, Rob) to put some skin on Who He is. To show me a Father’s love. I feel a vulnerability with Dad’s passing.

I am forever changed because of the part of me Daddy took with him. Nothing prepared me for losing my father. I’ve been distracted, unproductive and sad. I tear up at all sorts of reminders that all is now different in my world. I’ve learned that grieving can’t be rushed and must be felt.

If you’re over 45 you’ll get this: I feel like the same “me” on the inside as I was at 30. In the same vane, my vision of “family” exists in a world where I have parents, grandparents, siblings, children and grandchildren — all the generations I have ever known and loved — together in one life, just as they are in my heart. The reality of my vision only exists in heaven. But OH WHAT A PROMISE!

I woke up on my birthday waxing philosophical and wanting to write after a long dry spell. Looking back at my life I am sure of one thing in the midst of overwhelming changes. God has been, is and will be faithful.

Lamentations 3:22-23 “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.”

Psalms 119:90 “Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast.”

And I will place my full faith in God who loves me completely and has never let me down.

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

I am so grateful for the promise God gives us that all His children will be reunited one day in Heaven — from every generation and time. It motivates me to live differently here today.

I want to talk to everyone about Jesus. About how we can be assured of God’s love and our heavenly home for eternity. It’s what really matters. After 53 years I have so many wonderful examples of what God has done in my life — stories of His redemptive work, His faithfulness and His love.

And God-willing, I have half a life left to share HIM with anyone who will listen! The rest is in His hands. Hallelujah!

Anybody can know God and know you have eternal salvation through Jesus. Just pray something like this with all your heart —

God, I know I’ve sinned. I need your forgiveness, I believe you sent Jesus, your Son, to earth to live and die and to be raised from the dead. His blood was shed to pay for my sins, so I can be forgiven. I believe Jesus offers a free gift as an answer for my eternal life and for this life. I receive this gift of eternal life. I want a personal relationship with you, God. Not a religious relationship only, but one where I know You love me, I love You, and You live in me and through me — to make a difference in my life and the lives of others. I love you God, and thank you for loving me. Amen.