Category Archives: Like a little child

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.

It’s About Time! Musings at Midlife

January 30, 2017Busyness, heart of prayer, Like a little child, Mid life, Purpose, sandwich generation, waitinglouise

Midlife and the Empty Nest. I’m many years into both but still searching to understand this new rhythm and stride. Shouldn’t someone have written What to Expect when I’m Expecting — but don’t Know What?

In my experience, the freedom is intoxicating at first. You do fun things you couldn’t fit in before. The bucket list remains and can serve as a defining focus. Carpe diem!

But if we listen there are other voices. Sometimes an edge of loneliness creeps in with the absence of structured opportunities for socializing with other parents. Often there are the added distractions of illness, menopause, weight gain, elderly parents, job shifts, relational shifts, moves, children’s graduations, jobs, weddings, and/ or those absolutely wonderful grand babies…

Time marches on. Circumstances multiply and keep coming at us, as if we’re drinking from a fire hydrant. Nothing is quite as it was. I call this perfect storm being in the sandwich generation.

Time especially has become an unrecognizable commodity.

On paper, I have all sorts of “freed up” time. But somehow my reality is that I’m pushed, pulled and distracted. Busy but without even a vague notion of just what it is I’m accomplishing. At least not in a “big picture” sense. And the clock’s rotations seem ever faster.

In childhood it seemed there was an eternity between holidays and all the markers of my calendar. Time meant nothing to me outside the present moment and whatever was just ahead.

In my 20s, 30s, even into my 40s, I meandered through my days with anticipation. I still remember what I wore on those milestone birthdays (now I can’t remember if I’ve done laundry this week). It felt like THIS season was the REAL LIFE I had always dreamed of. I had all the time in the world.

But in midlife, time is moving faster! I’d swear I was at the dentist just before Christmas — but I’m due my 6 month appointment! I find myself thinking “that went so fast” about everything.

In my heart I’m a young mother with a family to raise. In reality the kids have been adults for a while, and the stranger in my mirror has pills to take each morning. I’m living a favorite phrase of my Granny’s, “Tempus do Fugit,” but I’m not sure how to respond? I feel an urgency to get life figured out.

I’m conflicted about how to save and spend my time. I’m protective in scheduling, but not sure for what purpose. Not only did I not plan for this stage, I never really believed I’d be here!

The angst makes sense not only because of my denial, but also because midlife is a major transition — the process of changing from one state to another. Beyond the family dynamics — the physical, emotional, and spiritual adjustments are forces to be reckoned with.

What is my purpose, God willing, these 25-30+ years I’m already inhabiting, but without an instruction manual (sounds like bringing the 1st baby home… sigh). Who am I besides what I’ve known? I know God is calling me to something else — but the particulars are not yet clear.

I’ve been trying to give myself grace in the questioning and to live in patient expectation. To be comfortable with this in between and experiment my way to the answers — allowing for missteps and mistakes along the way. Admittedly, it’s hard.

Even the same old, same old often feels very different today. The once comfortable is ill-fitting, like a well-worn glove that’s been molded on someone else’s hand. One part of me is ready to discard it to make room for tomorrow’s new thing; another is holding on to that glove, as if it is Life.

What is it I feel… is it lonely? Lost? Or a new sort of peace? I’m befuddled. I want desperately to engage in something that’s not yet here, and I’m oddly protective of my Time, so I don’t miss it when it arrives.

Ambivalence. Juxtapositions. Change.

I looked around yesterday and realized I’ve become a stranger in my own home. A month after Christmas an almost dead poinsettia is still on the coffee table along with a strand of Christmas lights that went half dark while still on the tree. A Swiffer has long been propped in the kitchen near the ever-cluttered island counter. My bed isn’t made. But the house doesn’t mind; no one is bustling in and out. And Rob and I no longer “see it” or care quite in the same ways as we once did.

I am not this person! …Or am I…?

I used to enjoy having a well-used, but almost always tidy home. A full refrigerator and pantry were a given as we were a “hub” of activity. Meals were fed and clean sheets offered to the predictable tides of friends and family. Happy times for a mom who loves hospitality.

But my truth today IS different. I’m frustrated with the late afternoon taunt in my head, “what’s for supper?” It’s just the two of us — that’s not the cooking I understand or enjoy! The fridge is all but bare, save the outdated produce and dreaded “healthy” additions like coconut milk and kale — neither of which I had heard of when I was young and skinny. But alas, the battle of the bulge is lost if we’re not fighting. There is no cease fire. Culinary enjoyment removed until the next holidays or party.

I resent the dust, laundry, clutter and such that perseveres in its attack to wear me down. Yet it feels frivolous to have someone else help too often with the everyday stuff — when it’s just the two of us.

Rob left a great career in corporate America, to make a change. Am I different? Could it be OK to shift my entire focus? To let go of what’s worked so well? Is it time for something altogether new?

Homemaking distracts me and pulls me away, but from what? Exploring. Purpose. Meaning. I’m restless, but certain God is up to Something…

My sense of time. My priorities. My friendships and involvements — they’re all changing. A metamorphosis is taking place. I’ve been in the cocoon for a while — but I’m emerging. I can feel it. Life has been defined by my own little red wagon. God charged me with certain roles and responsibilities. Certain people and places. And now, my purpose is less clear.

But one thing He is speaking loud a clear… I am so much more aware of eternity. His Kingdom. Biblical Truths I have always heard but couldn’t absorb are becoming Life to me.

My world is increasingly complex and confusing — with many demands on me and my time, making it easy to get lost and perplexed as to what’s next. What’s important.

Philippians 3:13-14 says, “…one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

It is critical to my peace and well-being to nurture and strengthen my relationship with Jesus.

Direct answers to my question of “what’s next?” have been elusive. But God reminds me of Matthew 8:3 and my need to be more childlike: embracing patience. Being present wherever I am — in the moment without worrying about the next. Humble. Dependent. Trusting. Expectant. Full of awe and wonder. So much easier said than done.

To relish focused time with my Papa first and foremost helps all else fall into its proper place. He’s reminding me of what it is to be “like a little child,” for there is much there that connects me to the kingdom of heaven.

I have 52 years of His faithfulness to draw on as I trust Him. At His feet, I’m finding rest and renewal. Life. For now that — with hope and faith in the future God already knows — is enough.

All will come, in His Time.

I Forgot a Title, so I’ll leave it as a Sweet little Surprise…

January 19, 2017heart of prayer, Like a little child, personal growth, Purposelouise

A while back I remember strolling down the beach with Rob as I excitedly covered some long-forgotten topic — from 3 different angles. I was virtually uninterrupted for at least the first quarter mile of our walk. Rob knows I am a verbal processor. He’s a great listener and so wonderful about letting me express a myriad of thoughts out loud with him. When I finally asked, “well — what do you think,” I’ll never forget his answer. He had listened to it all. And cautiously and honestly suggested, “I don’t think I think quite as much as you do.”

Can you relate? I can seldom “turn off” my brain. Meaning rarely am I not running a stream of consciousness reel in my head… traveling from topic to topic; turning over ideas, people, relationships, prayers, problems, lists and schedules (you name it) repeatedly and to varying depths — involving both my head and my heart.

E-X-H-A-L-E… I’m out of breath even typing it!

Sometimes it feels like a curse. I’d love to just chill and go “brain dead” for a moment of rest and relaxation! Many men seem to be wired better for this than a lot of women I know. But God made us as we are for His own reasons. As Psalm 139: tells us, “You alone created my inner being. You knitted me together inside my mother. I will give thanks to you because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made. Your works are miraculous, and my soul is fully aware of this.”

I want to be thankful… but sometimes, I want a break even more!

Painting is my best escape. I have no scientific data to prove it, but experience tells me that painting involves a special kind of creative process that shuts out the barrage of interruptions that usually pierce my internal peace and quiet. When I create, I can’t think of anything else… Ahhhh. The bliss of it!

But alas, my life can’t always be lived holed up in my studio, in sweats and the shirt I slept in…braless and covered in paint. I paint like I do puzzles and read books… ravenously. Non stop until I arrive. Loving the journey, but living for the accomplishment. Engrossed. Then away, and back to the rest of life… and the dreaded non-stop thinking. The thoughts that just will not turn off.

They say in truth, everyone’s mind is ever active… analyzing, evaluating, reflecting, relating, dreaming, creating. As human beings — despite sometimes reducing the noise — we all think without ceasing. These unending thoughts sometimes bring fear, worry, guilt, stress…

Something I read the other day stopped me in my tracks. Then I moved on to why one of my dogs has sort of bleached, orangish, kinky highlights in his coat and the other has dark brown curly locks when they are from the same blood line…??? Anyway — I can’t take credit for the original thought, nor can I tell you its source. I’ve alternately pushed it away and corralled it to mull over more thoroughly. Regardless, the thought held on to me.

Here’s the big AHA! idea I ran across — what if instead of uselessly desiring to turn off our tiring inner monologue, we convert our endless thinking into unceasing prayer?

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 gives us what feels like a daunting and impossible task, “Rejoice always,pray without ceasing,give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” I’ve tried, but honestly thought, “really Jesus? UNCEASING prayer?”

I’ve spiritualize the concept by trying to “live my life as a prayer offering.” I bet the Sadducees and Pharisees beat me to that rationale. But WE CAN DO IT, if we will only acknowledge the Truth of a few verses:

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Romans 8:38-39 “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

1 Corinthians 3:16 “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?”

May I suggest we all reread those well-known verses again? Really let them permeate the cacophony of voices that may be competing at this very moment?

God is here, with you, right now. Loving. Listening. Desiring to guide you and give you His thoughts. Share in your world. Give you Life.

What if we resolved to convert our inner monologue into a ongoing dialogue with our God, our Abba, who loves us? The Holy Spirit indwells every believer and gives us Life. We already know He is always with us. What if we invited our Maker into our awareness — and made our very thoughts a conversation of give and take with the Living God?

We can confidently know He wants to listen with his unfailing love, grace and mercy to all that preoccupies or taunts us. And all that delights us. Every good gift is from Him, and He allows and uses everything in our lives for our good. Why wouldn’t we alter our ongoing thoughts into prayer just by acknowledging what we already know to be true?

This is a game changer! From endless thinking to unceasing prayer as He commands! Oh the delight and the relief!

I’m not Pollyanna, nor am I naive. This won’t happen overnight for me. Like anything worth having it will take discipline and work… and dare I say obedience to God’s Word? But oh, the rewards I can see down the pike! I’m surrendered to the invitation, and trusting God to move.

And one more thing that came to mind… back at the beginning I mentioned wanting to escape sometimes. I’ll keep on painting, but as wonderful as it is, even that isn’t complete rest. And I need a real break very frequently.

God commands rest too, and offers Himself to facilitate it. Where I am today, just typing this brought tears to my eyes. Read a few more verses and imagine them whispered in your ear by the One who loves you more than life.

Exodus 33:14 “And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Psalm 4:8 “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.”

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

His Peace be with you.

Your comments are so encouraging — either in the comments section or through social media below. Thank you for “hearing” my confession, and for your prayers.