Merry Christmas!!!

For unto YOU is born this day.... 

YOUR savior....

  

Who is Christ YOUR Lord.  

Hallelujah!!!  

DAY 1 - What's In A Name??

Isaiah 9:6  "And He shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace".

DAY 1:
Ask yourself if you truly KNOW HIM by these names.
If you've claimed Him by these names.
What other names is He to you??
Tell Him.
Take time to silently praise Him with all the names that describe who He is to YOU... personally.

DAY 2 - Quiet PLEASE!!!

Things seem so noisy at this point in the year to me... especially these last couple days before Christmas.  Traffic is at an all time high with road rage lingering just below the surface.  Stop in the mall and it's a mob scene.  Clerks are tired.  People are tired.  Did I remember this?? How could I have forgotten that??  Bring another appetizer?? Sure... love to.  Perky Christmas music blaring above it all.

Noise.
Internal and external noise.
I don't always do well with noise.
I prefer peace.

Silent Night.... Holy Night... All is calm... All is bright...

Our Bible stories have always painted Christ's birth as such a peaceful event.  Smiling baby lying on a bed of clean straw... radiant beams glowing about.

Do YOU think it was like that?? Ever ponder that scenario??

I remember when I was 9 months pregnant.  Wow.  Sore.  Tired of luggin' that belly around.  Swollen.  I can't even imagine ANYONE telling me I had to sit on a donkey for how many miles??? and for what... legal paperwork???  Then finally get to my destination and go from place to place looking for a room only to have Joseph come back and say over and over again "Sorry, honey... no room".

Okay, finally we found one room.  A stable out back.  Ever seen one??  Not like in the story books.  Basically it's a rock cave.  Bat poo hanging from the ceiling.  Damp.  Unfathomable stench.  Sure, Mary... let's have the baby here.  But where to lay him??  Oh, right here in this carved out chunk of rock the animals have been slobbering all over.  That'll have to do.  Hey you, Mr. Cow over there... keep it down, will ya!!

WHAT??

Silent Night... Holy Night... All is calm.... 

Do YOU think that sounds like a calm situation??  I wasn't there, so I certainly don't claim to know.  But let me just say I-Think-NOT!!!  To me, that sounds like a whole lotta NOISE!!

I find it beautiful.  Our Saviour wasn't born in a pristine setting with servants to keep everything quiet and orderly.  Nope.  The Prince of Peace was born into NOISE!!!  I love it.  I thank Him for it.  Do you see the beauty in that??      

DAY 2:  Pray with me.  "Thank you, Jesus.  Because YOU were born in the midst of a noisy world... you can bring peace to MY noisy world.  Come into it."

 

  

DAY 3 - Oh the Wonders of Wrapping

Quick wrapping idea:  plain wrapping and plain bags can be embellished with a silk poinsetta.  1/2 price at Hobby Lobby now also!!

Picture plain brown kraft paper with a white and gold poinsetta and raffia for an organic yet elegant look...

White boxes stacked and secured with a red ribbon and red poinsetta on the top for a festive traditional look...

Bright lime green with red combo for something more funky and modern.

And for the true nature lover, use brown kraft paper with raffia and add some very last minute evergreen, twigs and berries.

In this picture, it was all glitz and glam in a black/red combo.

Effort in presentation = making the receiver feel extra special.

Have fun with it!!

DAY 4 - PRESENTS & PRESENCE

I will shamelessly admit.... I LOVE presents.  Even though I've reached a point in my life where I certainly have everything I need and then some, I STILL am a kid at heart about presents.  I love looking at them, shaking them, pinching them and have been told I am annoyingly good at guessing them.

Today was a great day.  I got to spend one-on-one time with a few people who mean the absolute WORLD to me.  Two such people included a dear friend and my sister and yes, the visits included... you guessed it... PRESENTS!!  What fun!!  As I was having fun unwrapping the wonderful things these people had picked out just for me, it struck my heart how much more their PRESENCE meant to me than the PRESENTS.  Their presence in my life is... a GIFT... in and of itself.   

It's the same with my Jesus.  He has blessed me with so many good things, but His presence in this world saved my SOUL.  His presence in my heart saved my LIFE.   His presence... period... is the greatest gift I will ever receive.

DAY 4:  If you're following Christmas tradition by exchanging PRESENTS with those you love... take the time to let them know how much their PRESENCE means in your life.

DAY 5 - NIGHT

As I watched a few beautiful snow flakes gently fall from the sky, I felt my spirit needed something quiet and reflective tonight.  And what could be better than an utterly amazing rendition of O Holy Night!!! Wanted to share it with you.  So turn down the lights... find a quiet place... and enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZFxG6-WSnI&feature=player_detailpage

Are you anticipating that night too??

DAY 6 - Tick Tock

Soon we will be seeing the advertisements narrowing down how many shopping days and HOURS there are left.  PRESSURE'S ON!!  While I like the phrase I read about keeping Christmas more "Presence vs. Presents"... gifts ARE a pretty typical part of the holiday.

If you're stuck, try a theme gift.  Takes a bit of running... but can be fun.  An example that could work for anyone... any age... any gender... is the theme of TIME.  Pick as many time topics as you want and find little gifts that symbolize those things.  Small gifts work as well as big ones.  Write little tags for each gift that say "take time to ____".   Be sure to coordinate the wrapping, which helps created the feeling of a theme.  You could put each wrapped gift in one larger bag... OR stack them and tie them with a beautiful ribbon.

Here are a few time topics you could use:

Take time to relax (books, candles, music)
Take time to do the things you enjoy (focus on their hobbies)
Take time to stay healthy (food or exercise related)
Take time to pamper yourself (special types of lotions, pedi gift cards, ect.)
Take time to remember who YOU are (loads of cute stuff out there in initials, framed photo)
Take time to grow (spiritual books or music)
Take time for others (make a small donation in their name)
Take time to get your hands dirty (gardening supplies)
Take time (any form of timer, clock, watch)

You get the idea.   It's wide open, so use your creativity and have fun with it!!  Dare bet they'll enjoy traveling through their theme gift... and feel special because you zoned in on who they are.

Happy shopping!!  Hopefully we'll get to wrapping later...

DAY 7 - Gotta Love 'Em

SO here we go.  

One week left.  

Parties are hitting full stride.  

Is there anyone that you’ll be spending time with during the holidays that just rubs you the wrong way at times?? Someone that just comes with the package?? More gotta... than wanna??  

Here’s an idea for you to try.  Before you head into that gathering… spend time in prayer and ask God to give you HIS HEART for that person.    Ask Him to let you see what HE sees in them.  What HE put there when He made them His child.  Because they are.  As much as you and I are.   Sometimes I'll just tell God "give me YOUR heart for this person Lord... because OBVIOUSLY mine isn't workin' real well right now".

Day 6:  got a person you're just STUCK on for a gift??  idea tomorrow...

DAY 8

peace.

it does not mean to be in a place

where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work.

it means to be in the midst of those things and still

be calm in your heart.

(author unknown)

  Peace.  It's one of those words that when said in the right tone... sounds like what it means.  

Peace.  

Peace. 

Of all the descriptions of Christ and who He shall be called...

this one's my favorite.

Quite possibly because my soul cries out for peace so often. 

Peace.

Peace. 

and HE shall be...  MY Prince of Peace.

He can be yours too.

ASK.

DAY 9 - Merry Christmas Charlie Brown!!

I have a Charlie Brown tree planted near my garden.  It was a gift from my dad who figured I'd like it because it was.... "unique" (to say the least).  Well, he figured right.  I love it.  Problem is, it didn't photograph well because it is a type of pine whose needles fall off in the winter.  Like I said... unique.  I was walking around my property and found this little guy who struck me the same way:  Charlie Brown tree.

You all know the story.... and can probably hum the background music perfectly.   Go ahead, get the music playing in your head.... I'll wait.  The tree that no one wanted.  The tree that wasn't like the more popular styles.  The tree that sagged sadly... until Charlie Brown chose it and loved it.  After first everyone mocked Charlie Brown for choosing such a tree... but finally the gang ended up circling it... decorating it joyfully.... and in the end, the tree stood tall.  (Sniffle, sniffle... pass the kleenex please).

We all probably know someone that fits that story.  Someone that doesn't have family/friends around for the holiday.  Someone that tends to be left out for one reason or another.

DAY 9:  spend a quiet moment reflecting on if you know someone like that.  Ask... and listen.  If a name comes to mind... GO WITH IT.  React on it!!  Pick up a little gift for them... and drop it off.    The best gifts to receive are the unexpected ones... and the best to give are those you get nothing in return for.

Talk to you soon...

10 DAYS and counting...

Typically, this time of year is filled with "bring an appetizer" requests.  Tired of the same-ole'-same-ole'??  Here's a link to one of my favorite appetizers...  Roasted Pears with Herbed Goat Cheese.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/roasted-baby-pears-with-herbed-goat-cheese-recipe/index.html

Sounds more complicated than it is... I promise.  Typically, I can find baby pears at Meijer.   They're cute little buggers, probably 2-3" long.  Pick them out so they just indent a little when squeezed.  Not overripe because you're going to cook them and you want them to hold their shape.  If they aren't ripe enough... put them in a brown paper bag for a day.

Let me know if you try them!!

Bon Appetit... and see you tomorrow.

DAY 11

And He shall be called... 

WONDERFUL COUNSELOR!!!

Take time to search your heart today.  

What have you been carrying yourself??  

Have something you wish you could talk to a counselor on??  

You have one. 

No appointment needed.  

No fees involved.  

Knows you better than anyone.  

So for Day 11: 

Find one thing to use Him as your wonderful counselor on.  

THANK HIM for being that for you.  

And I challenge you to do it.... OUT LOUD.

Pop back in for Day 10...

 

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

I..... SO.... LOVE.... THIS.... GOD.... OF..... OURS!!!  He did it again.  He blows my mind!!!  Nothing major, mind you... but when you KNOW it's Him you just heard, it's amazing!!

Here's the deal.  I had been all excited to post during the holiday season, but have been feeling "blocked" lately.  Everything I sit down to write feels wrong.  And nothing's coming to mind.  What's up, God??  Nothing?? Now??  I was bummed.  I had even asked Him to give me something to write about this week... and got Ziltch.  Zippo.  Zero.  I was getting bummed.

After another failed attempt tonite, I set my computer aside and started dinner.  I was still bummin' about the block... when a few simple words came to my mind:  12 Days of Christmas.    "Yeah, great" I thought, "that would've been fun had I thought of it in time".   I dismissed it, feeling like Christmas was about HERE.  Another nudge came... "what's the date?".   I'd been so busy lately, I actually had to think about that.  The date... hhhmmmm... let's see.... it's the 13th.  Okay... the 13th.  Wait... that's exactly 12 days before Christmas!!!

Man, I love our God.  He's so playful.

So... let's follow the nudge.  Let's do 12 Days of Christmas.  Nothing fancy.  Nothing long.  Let's just enjoy the next 12 days of preparation.  Short ideas.  Simple thoughts.  Questions to ponder.  Songs to inspire.   Recipes to bring.

DAY 12:


Here's an idea that has become a tradition for me with my annual Christmas party (or "The Gala" as my friends have deemed it).  Instead of them bringing an appetizer or hostess gifts... ask them to bring food for your local food pantry!!  It's a great feeling to be able to celebrate the holiday with friends/family... and when they leave, there's a small mountain of food for someone ELSE to have a holiday feast as well.  

If you aren't hostessing a party yourself... then how about writing a note in lieu of a hostess gift letting them know that a bag or two of groceries were dropped off in honor of THEIR party.

Let's look for ways to give.  Tis' more blessed, after all!!

Talk to you tomorrow....

DISMANTLE... the mantle!!

I have a two-sided fireplace.  One side's theme is warm, cozy Christmas... the other is glitz and sparkle.  I'm not sure I could tell you which I like best either!!  I'd have to say the warm, cozy side actually... simply because it holds my kids' stockings.

If you read "Table Talk"  you'll see that decorating a mantle is really quite the same idea.  Start with a few solid pieces and get busy layering!!! If you don't have a mantle... how about a sofa table??  Side board??

So here we go.  Find some candle sticks you have around the house.  They don't need to match.  Different textures, weights and materials are interesting.  Holiday candles are everywhere right now!!  Just remember.. if you like the glitter ones, you'll probably have it showing up here and there in the strangest places for the next WEEK!!  Just ask my sister about that one... ;-).   Add a couple items of interest that you like.  For me it was this metal deer.  Got a clear vase hangin' around in a closet??  Add some glitter pine cones... or my favorite:  jingle bells (varying sizes/colors available at Hobby Lobby)... or beautiful vintage ornaments.

As far as the greens are concerned... I personally feel a quality green is worth investing in if you can.  I used "picks"on this side... while a garland worked best on the other.  Let's tuck those in next.

Fuss with what you have there a bit now.  Don't line things up in a row... PLEASE!!  Group like objects.  Depth creates interest.  Stand back and see if you like the balance... and be sure things aren't too even.

My favorite thing is the finishing touches:  ORNAMENTS!!  This mantle has beautiful, heavy antique ornaments tucked here and there.  Maybe yours would lend itself to something more classic.... or outdoorsy.  Pick a theme and stick with it.  Speaking of sticks, I found this beautiful glitter branch and tucked that in the back of this display.

Finally, don't be afraid to hang a couple cool ornaments from your mantle with fish line.  It's just a fun element.

So there you are... pat yourself on the back!! Job well done!!  BUT... if you're still scratching your head and frustrated, here's a picture of all the "ingredients" I used in this mantle.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!!  

DECK YOUR HALLS AND CELEBRATE!!

(p.s... we're going to be talking a bit more about mantles... stay tuned)