Traditions

 

Meet Christopher, the elf. He's eleven years old, but in elf years, more like 60. He hibernates 11 months out of the year, loves to ride on ceiling fans and can be quite mischievous at night. Or, at least he used to be. Christopher was adopted by our family when my son was five years old. An immediate friendship was born between the two of them. The elf went everywhere my son went. Each year, when Christmastime was over, Christopher would  have to say goodbye and when he did, left a sad little boy behind. 

A few years later, Mittens, the girl elf, was adopted by my daughter. Later, the tiny elf, Bob, Jr joined the family. For many years, this was one of my most favorite traditions at Christmastime. I couldn't wait to see the kids reactions when they arose each morning to see what those silly elves had gotten themselves into!

Fast forward a couple of years. My 16 year old son is now juggling school, work and a social life. Gone are the days of make believe where elves bathe in marshmallows. Oh, how I wish time could be stored in a bottle, as I'm sure most of us do.  There was even a song written about it many years ago (thank you, Jim Croce). The more time passes, the more old practices are harder to continue. For instance, out of 42 Thanksgivings I have been able to celebrate, around 40 of them were spent at my grandma's house. Except this past Thanksgiving. My Nana is 91 years old and though she would like to, she doesn't cook anymore. So, I decided it was time to start a new tradition. This year we hosted Thanksgiving at our home. I hope it will be the start of many more to come. It was different but turned out great! It dawned on me that the memories I had tied to  previous Thanksgiving celebrations were mine and not my children's. I want them to have their own special memories to reflect back on.  

As my son outgrew his sidekick,  old traditions gave way to new ones. Things change. Children grow up. Families move. Change can be hard but it can also be refreshing if we have the right perspective.

Wherever we may find ourselves this Christmas, whether driving around to look at lights or we're in unfamiliar territory, let us not lose sight of why we celebrate. Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, entered this dark world to be the light everyone of us need. HE is the reason we sing "Joy to the World" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" year after year. Those traditional songs that never get old and never change. As HE never changes. Praise God!

Back to the elf. Christopher has lost an eye and has a terrible skin condition now but he still comes around. A few days ago, I helped him sit in a common area in the house because I didn't know if the poor thing would be able to make it. However, today I wandered into my son's room while he was at school and noticed Christopher was there. I didn't help him get in there. The only thing I can figure is that maybe we don't outgrow everything, no matter how old we are. Turns out this may be a tradition with no expiration date and that makes this mama's heart happy!

Who but You?

Who but you hung the moon in the sky and made the sun stand still?

Who owns the cattle on a thousand hills and caused the ark to fill? 

Who parts the sea and tells the ocean when to stop? 

Who commands the rain to fall to water our crops?

Who knows every hair on our head and word before it's said?

Who turns water into wine and raises the dead?

Who heals the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit?

Who gives peace to the dying where they don't have to fear it?

Who is slow to anger and quick to forgive?

Who offers salvation to those who call on Him?

Who makes heaven His throne and the earth His footstool?

Who puts Satan on a leash with limited authority to rule?

Who leaves the 99 to find the lost one?

Who welcomes all no matter what they've done?

Who is Alpha and Omega, Abba Father and the Great I Am?

Who is wrapped in light, clothed in majesty and both lion and lamb? 

Who hears the prayer of the soldier in the foxhole or the woman who has three months to live?

Who hears the graduate confused about which direction to go or the addict with nothing left to give?

Who sent his son to die on a cross and rise three days later?

Who is coming with the clouds to gather all of His laborers?

Who but You?

None, God. Only You.

"If I Were the Devil"

 

In 1965, a broadcaster named Paul Harvey, debuted an infamous monologue entitled "If I Were the Devil."  Here are his words:

“If I were the prince of darkness, I would want to engulf the whole world in darkness. I’d have a third of its real estate and four-fifths of its population, but I would not be happy until I had seized the ripest apple on the tree — thee. So, I would set about however necessary to take over the United States. 

“I’d subvert the churches first, and I would begin with a campaign of whispers. With the wisdom of a serpent, I would whisper to you as I whispered to Eve: ‘Do as you please.’

“To the young, I would whisper that the Bible is a myth. I would convince the children that man created God instead of the other way around. I’d confide that what’s bad is good and what’s good is square. And the old, I would teach to pray after me, ‘Our Father, which art in Washington ...’

“Then, I’d get organized, I’d educate authors in how to make lurid literature exciting so that anything else would appear dull and uninteresting. I’d peddle narcotics to whom  I could. I’d sell alcohol to ladies and gentlemen of distinction. I’d tranquilize the rest with pills.

“If I were the devil, I’d soon have families at war with themselves, churches at war with themselves and nations at war with themselves until each, in its turn, was consumed. And with promises of higher ratings, I’d have mesmerizing media fanning the flames.

“If I were the devil, I would encourage schools to refine young intellect but neglect to discipline emotions. I’d tell teachers to let those students run wild. And before you knew it, you’d have drug-sniffing dogs and metal detectors at every schoolhouse door. 

With a decade, I’d have prisons overflowing and judges promoting pornography. Soon, I would evict God from the courthouse and the schoolhouse and then from the houses of Congress. 

In his own churches, I would substitute psychology for religion and deify science. I’d lure priests and pastors into misusing boys and girls and church money. 

“If I were the devil, I’d take from those who have and give to those who wanted until I had killed the incentive of the ambitious. What’ll you bet I couldn’t get whole states to promote gambling as the way to get rich?

“I’d convince the young that marriage is old-fashioned, that swinging is more fun and that what you see on television is the way to be. And thus, I could undress you in public and lure you into bed with diseases for which there are no cures.

“In other words, if I were the devil, I’d just keep right on doing what he’s doing.”

This was written over 50 years ago but seems like it could've been yesterday. Our entire world seems to have shifted in a downward spiral at warp speed.  In fact, the last two years feel like a horror movie that is being played on a repeated loop. There are a lot of questions with not as many answers. When does the nightmare of Covid, Democrat v. Republican, black v. white, persecution, civil unrest and natural disasters end? What are we to do when we feel our freedoms are being stripped away? When our leaders create division that's ripping our country apart? 

For those who are followers of Christ, our citizenship is in Heaven and as such, we are to live our lives worthy of the gospel of Christ. (Philippians 1:27) We know to obey God's commandments. To love God and our neighbors as ourselves. (Matt.22:37-39) To forgive as the Lord forgives us. (Colossians 3:13) To renew our  minds and not being conformed to this world. (Romans 12:2) 

But, let's go a little further. It's no surprise to God that we are living in this exact moment in time. Not only has He allowed us to be a part of this unique time in history but could it be that He has called us for such a time as this? I think of the story of Esther in the Bible. A young, Jewish orphan that went on to not only become queen but was used by God to save the entire Jewish population from annihilation. God used an ordinary woman to execute an extraordinary act and it all happened because she was bold and courageous even in the face of death.

Okay, I'm guessing none of us are queens, but, we each have our own unique spheres of influence. What if each one us shared our faith and pointed others to the hope we have? What if we were fearless enough to stand against what the world calls normal?  And what if we taught our children to do the same? Can you imagine the sense of defeat Satan would have every time we do that? If I were the devil, I would be threatened by such an army of God-loving, God-fearing people. 

Rise up friends! God wins!

California Dreamin'

The itinerary was set, bags were packed and in one more wake-up, we would be west coast bound. Excitement filled the air as all the plans we made were finally coming to fruition. The only thing left to do was dream of the adventures we'd have in sunny California.

The Pacific Coast Highway had gorgeous scenery and the beaches did not disappoint. But, as we were strolling down the walk of fame, my husband, who is able to endure a significant amount of pain, was suddenly unable to. The views quickly changed from palm trees to blank white walls as the hospital admitted him with a blood clot in his abdomen. The California dreamin' we previously had now seemed to be a California nightmare. 

Several days later, the kids and I packed up to go home but we did so without my husband as it wasn't safe for him to be released. I don't remember any of it really hitting home until I was sitting in the middle of the chaotic airport with the kids beside me and 50 other strangers. Tears fell. "How can I leave my husband by himself?" I thought. My mind went on overdrive as I continued to ask myself question after question: Who can watch the kids so I can fly back out to be with him? Will my job let me have time off? Is he going to die?

There were many long days that followed. Anxious thoughts and moments of uncertainty came and went.

Fast forward to the present, almost two months later. I received the answers to the questions I had. 

I asked: "How can I leave my husband by himself?" God said: "He's not alone for I am with him."

"Who can watch the kids so I can fly back out to be with him?" God said: "You won't need anyone to because he will be home just a few days after you."

"Will my job let me have more time off?" God answered: "You won't need it."

"Is my husband going to die?" God said: "Only when he has completed the tasks I have for him and today isn't that day."

Making plans is good and often necessary but sometimes they give us a false sense of security by allowing us to think we are in control. Many are the plans in the mind of a man but it is the purpose of the LORD that will be established. (Proverbs 19:21) We don't and may never know the reason he developed a blood clot. But what we do know is God spared his life. We don't know why this all happened 3,000 miles away from home but we were able to witness countless people help and stand in the gap to pray. We don't know if this clot will eventually go away but each day we are given, we're reminded of the goodness and faithfulness of our God.

Life doesn't always go as planned. Cancer isn't cured. Divorce darkens our doorstep. Bankruptcy is the only way out. Bad things happen whether its a result of our own choices or not. What we can take comfort in is knowing God is ALWAYS in control. That all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.(Romans 8:28) So, if/when your skies should turn gray, wait for the Son to appear whether you are close to home or thousands of miles away.

The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same

"Great, here they come again." I thought to myself. I pretended to search for something in my locker as the most popular girl and her entourage brushed by me with their matching New Kids on the Block t-shirts. I wanted so badly to walk alongside them and talk about which member of the boy band was the cutest. I longed for their small frames, flawless skin and perfectly teased hair. Feelings of inferiority seemed to be the norm for me back in the day.

It is said that Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr first recorded the expression "the more things change, the more they stay the same." There's so much truth in that statement. Here I am at the ripe age of 41 years old and as I recall those glorious junior high days, it's the early 90's and I am 13 all over again. If I'm not careful, there are situations that arise where I can let myself believe those same voices in my head now just as I did then. For instance:

Have you ever walked into church on a Sunday morning scanning the crowd to see who is available to chat with but everyone is knee deep in conversation? "You don't belong," says lie number one. Have you answered a question in front of a large group with 100% certainty only to find out it's the wrong answer? "You aren't smart enough." Lie #2. Ever worn too much make-up to cover a zit but feeling as though everyone is staring at it and you? "You aren't pretty enough." Lie #3.

It's easy to get bogged down in the trap of insecurity. But why?  It could be a number of things. Maybe those feelings stem from a childhood experience or it could be Satan planting doubt or maybe we have consumed too much of what the world calls worthy. No matter the reason, it all boils down to what we let our minds dwell on. If we choose self, problems and pity are sure to follow.  By fixing our minds on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable and praiseworthy (Phil. 4:8) we shift from self to God. This can be difficult as we fight against our sinful nature. But, as we fill our minds with scripture, serving others and doing things to draw us nearer to God, we have less room to be deceived and more room to accept what God says about us. We are His Chosen (Ephesians 1:4-6). His masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10). His friend (John 15:15). We are His.

We have come a long way since tight rolled jeans, pagers and boy bands and yet somehow, mom jeans and scrunchies have overtaken Target. Fads fade. Sizes shift. Moods change. In the ebb and flow of life, let's be thankful that we serve God who is never changing in who He is and who He says we are. 

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands

 

Plop! That was the sound made as his diaper-covered rear end met the living room carpet. I was thankful for the extra cushion as I watched my son’s chubby little feet take another step. It was a shaky start but he was determined to master the art of balance. As i reached out my hands he fell into my arms and we danced with excitement!

Now here we are, almost 16 years later. I often wonder where the time went. To the outside world, he’s a typical moody teenager who thinks he knows it all. But oftentimes to me, he’s still this toddler learning to walk. Sound familiar? I’ve been reminded of his current stage of life several times over the last few years. It’s not the deeper voice or change of height that’s the reality check so much but rather the steps he’s taken toward adulthood. Driving, landing a job, facing life altering decisions.  Adolescents go through such highs and lows during this phase.  Our children aren’t alone as they experience the roller coaster of emotions either. They take us parents along for the ride too.  Sorry, Mom and Dad. I get it now.

Early on, in an effort to keep my son from making the same mistakes I did, I started him off on the way he should go so that when he becomes old, he won’t turn from it. (Prov. 22:6 NIV) The command to love God with all your heart, soul and strength was impressed on him and talked about just as Deuteronomy 6 states. In fact, his love for God has grown and been evident in his passion and boldness to share the good news with others.

But, he is no different than anyone else. Kids are faced with temptations, peer-pressure and loss.  My son has had to tread through some of this as of late. There's not quite as much celebration this time around. There are so many teachable moments children go through. But, so often we miss that we, as adults, have just as much to learn. 

As my son grasps the lesson that painful consequences follow bad choices, I am getting the hang of how to discipline, parent, listen without losing it and offer grace all at once. As he figures out who his true friends are, I am being taught how to call on mine for encouragement and prayer without worry of judgement. The best lesson of all is one that we are both being trained in…how much we need to depend and rely on God through any and all circumstances.

Whatever age any of us find ourselves, we are all children. His children. He is there with his hands stretched out waiting to guide, protect and care for us. So, rest easy Mamas and Daddys remembering He has the whole world in his hands. Including our own children.