Encouragement grounded in Scripture
Rooted in truth. Anchored in Christ.
New reflections weekly.
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The Greatest Gifts Can’t Be Placed Under a Tree
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 1 Corinthians 13:11
I remember when I was a child filling out my Christmas list each year. I would take it to Santa in the hopes that on Christmas morning my most coveted toy would be waiting for me under the tree. A new doll. A Barbie Dream House, A new CD player. My very own phone! The latest and greatest toy or gadget. Some of the coveted gifts I received, but others I did not. And there were also some Christmases I would wake in anticipation only to be disappointed at what I found under that ole pine.
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
I no longer make a list each year and take it to Santa of all the “things” I want to find under my tree. I do give a list or two to family members with grown-up wishes such as fuzzy slippers, pajamas, or Starbucks gift cards. Among the grown-up list of Christmas goodies, I find myself desiring all the things that can’t be wrapped and put under the tree.
I desire a night snuggled under a blanket with a good book.
I desire cuddle sessions with my littles while watching cheesy movies.
I desire taking the time to play a family card game, and letting my kids win!
I desire late night conversations with my teen, my husband; or hour long phone conversations with my mom.
I want to spend more time gathered around the dinner table with family members-laughing, giggling, joking, and enjoying good conversation, and great company.
I want to be more intentional about making time for friends both close and far away.
I want to love people more. Show more compassion. More empathy. Reach out to those in need. Touch the lives of those around me whether it is with a smile, a kind word, encouragement, or some other gesture.
I desire to slow down, do less, and enjoy the simple pleasure of life.
I desire joy, peace, love, happiness, forgiveness, kindness, all the things that can’t be found under a Christmas tree.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Most of all, I desire to see the Lord in every circumstance, inconvenience, and blessing in my life. I want to recognize his presence all around me-not just on Christmas, but everyday, because He has given us a gift that could never be placed under any Christmas tree. His Son. The One who was born to die for me, for you, for all. The One who isn’t found on most lists given to Santa each year.
The One who was born to save. Our greatest gift of all. Jesus.
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Filling the Empty Places with Hope
Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison. Hebrews 13:3
Lately, I have been feeling a bit of nostalgia. Sometimes I long for the days when life was a bit more simple. When perhaps hearts were not so heavy. When the Christmas season was a little less hustle and bustle, and a little more joyous and loving. Much of the feelings that make up these feelings of nostalgia are related to the Christmases I spent with my brother.
And the Christmases I have not spent with my brother.
For many years, since he was a teen actually, my brother, Troy, has spent time in and out of courts, in and out of juvenile detention centers, and in and out of jails and prisons. For the last 10 years, there have probably been two Christmases when we did not have an empty space on the couch. A space we subconsciously reserved for him each year.
This year nostalgia has replaced these feelings of loneliness.
It started last Christmas when I took on the Angel Tree Toy Drive sponsored through Prison Fellowship. I had witnessed firsthand for years, how the justice system, a life of crime, and a family member behind bars can change the family dynamic, and break the spirits of all those affected. How it can dramatically change the life of the prisoner, not just during their sentence-but forever.
Our church bought and wrapped gifts for children of those often condemned prisoners. We ministered to their children, to their loved ones, to the incarcerated. Through a gift purchased on behalf of the parent, we were able to give family’s much like my own, hope again. Hope that one day they will spend Christmas with their mother or father. Faith that their mother or father would be forgiven for their choices. Hope that you could see in the eyes of a child as he or she opened the gift from their parent-a gift that served as a reminder that they were loved, even if there was a spot missing on their couch this year.
Hope that only comes from Christ.
“Whatever else be lost among the years, let us keep Christmas still a shining thing. Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears, let us hold close one day, remembering its poignant meaning for the hearts of men. Let us get back our childlike faith again.” -Grace Noll Crowell
While I was providing children with the message of love through Christ, through a gift, these families were also reminding me of the same message. Where emptiness may have lingered in previous years, completeness through the cherished memories of Christmases past comfort me. And as I hung the Angel Tree tags again this year, I was reminded that I could dwell on the fact that once again I would spend yet another year without my brother, or I can continue to remember him just as Hebrews 13:3 urges me to do.
So, this year nostalgia has replaced those feelings of loneliness with feelings of hope. I am on a mission to save a spot for my brother in our hearts and home, not just a subconscious spot on the couch, but a visual reminder of all the Christmases we have shared.
While I strung up pictures of Christmases past, both with and without my brother, I also used this time to share with my children (who apparently inherited my sentimentality and love of old photos) the fond memories that were captured in each picture. Christmas mornings with Mommy and Uncle Troy as kids. Collin making cookies for Santa. Another younger brother and big sis enjoying Christmas morning together.
We won’t hang these pictures to dwell on the past, or to dwell on what we already know is missing, but to honor the brother, the brother-in-law, the uncle, the son who still has a place at our Christmas table even though physically he may be somewhere else.
It’s to celebrate with the Troy we love. To celebrate without a sense of loneliness. To celebrate with the hope that someday soon, new pictures will hang from these garlands, with new memories we have created. To celebrate knowing that one day on our future Christmas mornings the empty seat on the couch will once again be occupied.
Merry Christmas, my beloved brother!
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When Loving Others is Hard
Love one another with brotherly affection. Romans 12:10
Love. Defined as admiration, desire, or attraction. Most of us think of this definition when we think of the meaning of the word. No matter our walks in life, most of us, probably all of us, have experienced admiration, desire, or attraction.
Love. Also defined as unselfish and loyal concern for the good of another, or brotherly concern for others. This definition is what Christ-like love can be defined as, and I’ll be completely honest-at times in my daily interactions, circumstances, marriage, and as a parent, I don’t show “brotherly concern.”
Take this morning for instance. Our family has been subjected to ridiculing letters, phone calls, and environmental control visits courtesy of our neighbors. This morning was no exception. One of our “anonymous” neighbors showed concern for the state of our beloved dog, not by paying us a visit…but by calling animal control. A dog, I will add, that is 15 years old. A dog that is on her last leg (literally, she can’t walk on one of her legs), and a dog that is dying. At Christmas. Frankly. we don’t have it in our hearts to make the tough decision we know we need to at this time (Did I mention it’s Christmas time?). Frankly, we want her to enjoy one last Christmas, one last stocking. Frankly, I did not feel an ounce of “brotherly concern” for my “anonymous” neighbor!
So, after I called my husband, let off some steam, as I am sure it was coming out of my ears. After I plotted posting signs in our backyard, and thought about calling to price 12 foot privacy fencing, I took out my Bible and opened it up to what is often referred to as the Love Chapter-1 Corinthians 13. The first 13 verses of this passage are frequently read at weddings around the globe. It was read at mine almost 8 years ago.
But, do I live out its words each day of my life? Do I practice love with each encounter I have day in and day out? Do I truly show love to my husband, my children, my friends, my neighbors, or even strangers?
Am I an example to others of the true definition of love?
Love is patient, love is kind (v. 4). Am I truly patient? No, I have patience issues on the road, and I often fail to show patience with my children. I also hate to wait, for anything, period!
It is not irritable…(v. 5). Um, well….this morning’s rant about my neighbor was definitely not full of happy thoughts, or words for that matter. I was definitely irritable. Downright angry! And, ask the husband who has lived with me for 8 years, and I am sure he can attest to my frequent displays of irritability. I am sure “love” has not been displayed to a shopper blocking the aisle with their cart, or to my children who have spent hours fighting and screaming at each other.
It keeps no record of wrongs (v. 5). Well, I know I keep a record. I’m surprised I have not framed some of our mailbox letters. My ability to list everything my husband has done in the last day, week, month, year to irritate me during an argument is pretty solid proof that I keep a running tally of wrongs.
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance (v. 7).
This means….
The friend who is so different than you-show love.
The neighbor who has persecuted you, blown leave in your yard, or just irritates you-show love.
The co-worker, acquaintance, or family member who has a different set of beliefs than you-show love.
Your children, husband, mother, sibling, or anyone who wears your patience thin-show love.
Loving our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40) does not mean we only love those who live in our homes, or those who live next door. It means everyone with whom we come into contact. It is displayed to those in the community, in the grocery store, at work. It means loving those you happen to like, and those you don’t like so much.
Never ceasing. Never failing. In every situation.
Show unselfish and loyal devotion. Show brotherly affection. Show love.
Three things will last forever-faith, hope, love-and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
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Why a Little Magic at Christmas Doesn’t Hurt
“It is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas when its mighty Founder was a child Himself” -Charles Dickens
The picture above is, in fact, a picture of the Elf on a Shelf. This Elf has been a part of this household for two Christmas seasons now, and in all honesty, I don’t see a thing wrong with it.
Sure, he is a little creepy looking. He takes a little extra work during a time that is full of extra chores, errands, and tasks. To some he also represents everything that is anti-Christian, or even said to be anti-Jesus. Some may say the idea of magic doesn’t have a place in a Christian household.
I beg to differ. I am a Christian. I believe in the virgin birth. I believe in the birth of a Savior, and I believe He was born to save us from our sins. I believe in the transformation of lives that can only be possible through the power of salvation and the grace of God.
Is that, in and of itself, not magical?
I also believe in the childlike wonder we often miss out on as we become adults. When life starts to throw us curve balls. When we begin to muddle through our messes, endure disappointment, and see anything but magic in our lives.
So, yes. I let my kids believe in magic. I let them believe in Santa. I let them believe Jolly Old Saint Nicholas also sends this creepy, stuffed elf to our home every night. I let them believe he steals their toys, takes marshmallow baths, eats all the cookies, and knows how to make a fishing pole out of a pencil and yarn.
I let them believe in magic. I let them believe in elves. I want them to believe in fairy tales. Why? Because the day will come sooner than I would like when life will slap them dead in the face. When they have to deal with their own curve balls, and muddle through their own messes. The time will come when they don’t take the time to realize that even small moments can truly be magical. When they stop believing that yes, maybe their life could be like the one they see and read about in fairy tales.
So. I let them believe in magic.
“There is no connection between the worship of idols and the use of Christmas trees. We should not be anxious about arguments against Christmas decorations. Rather, we should be focused on the Christ of Christmas and giving all diligence to remembering the real reason for the season” -John MacArthur
And there is no reason a little magic cannot accomplish this. So, while my kids may wake up every morning excited to find out what Snoopy was up to the night before. While I may have to take an few extra minutes to make the “magic” work, clean the “magic” up, or even remember to move the “magical” elf, my children are still learning about the real reason we celebrate Christmas. They are being reminded of the magical birth that took place in a manger. They are reminded through the school lunch that was “magically” packed about the call to serve others. Our elf has left a DVD, a board game and popcorn as a reminder to create magical moments with the family. He has left a card to send to their uncle to remind them to think of the family that can’t be with us this year.
I want my kids to believe in magic. In the magic of Christ’s birth. In the magic of his death and resurrection. In the magical memories we cherish as a family. In a magic that can extend farther than Christmas, but everyday of the year.
I let my children believe in magic, because….well, sometimes even Mommy wants to believe in magic, too!
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Patience for a Self-Professed Road Rager
Then Balaam confessed to the angel of the Lord, “I have sinned. I didn’t realize you were standing in the road to block my way.” Numbers 22:34
I have become abundantly more patient than I could have imagined over the years. And I can sympathize with that saying about God giving you reasons to become patient, when you specifically ask for patience. This morning in the midst of my pity party over having absolutely nothing to wear that looked quite right (that is a story for another post), God reminded me there is at least one area in which I could practice a little bit more patience. It has to do with my rage. Specifically, road rage.
I can be as cool as a cucumber. I could have had the best morning, the best day. I could have displayed the patience of Job in every other situation on a given day, but get me behind the wheel of a car, and the calm, the coolness, the patience I once had quickly flies out the window!
But, let me explain, because really-it isn’t my fault at all!
That car cut me off and almost clipped my front bumper. This car over here to my left obviously doesn’t understand the right of way. Oh.my.goodness. Could this person in front of me go any slower? Oh.my.goodness. Could this person behind me get any closer?
See, it isn’t my fault! Clearly, these drivers give me good reason to be so impatient!
Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool. Ecclesiastes 7:9
True, it is not my fault. but it is also evident that like Balaam with his donkey in Numbers 22, I have a long way to go in the self-control department. And, I must remember…self-control means that I can’t control the actions of other drivers. I can’t control the stoplights. I can’t control the traffic. However, I can control my reaction to those things. I can get behind the wheel of my car, put a smile on my face, instead of the grimace that characterizes my road rage, and praise God for the job to where I am driving. Praise Him at the stoplights that have been placed along the path to my destination. Praise Him for the road blocks that have a purpose. Praise Him for the patience He has shown me. Ask Him for the strength needed to show this same patience to others. To show the grace that wills me to utter a prayer for the tailgater, the slow poke, or the front end clipper.
Then I will be able to release the white knuckle grip that I have on my steering wheel just a tad, release the tension caused by my road rage, and finally show the coolness, the calm, and the patience He has given me.
Lord, help me relinquish the control I want to have over my time, my circumstances, and my daily activity. Help me suppress the anger I want to express when things do not go my way. Teach me how to show love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in every situation, and with every person I encounter. In Jesus’ lovely name. Amen.
About Me
I am January! Wife, mother, meemaw, pastor, and mental health provider who makes it through the day with my coffee, my journal, and my God. A simple human, navigating life through the messy and sometimes chaotic. All focused on Him.
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