Is it NESTING Time or BUY NOW and DO MORE Time?

Oh my! The holiday ads, promotions, and marketing campaigns are amped up. Every day, the message is "buy now for best bargains", 50% off today only, deal of the day! BUY -- BUY -- BUY!! There are banners outside stores, ads coming in the mail and tons of them coming through on social media. It takes great willpower to NOT be drawn in. After all, it's only 20 more days until Christmas! And, believe you me -- I was one caught up in the frenzy for many years. The pain was real!

Something happened to me this year. I’ve turned over some new leaves. At this age and stage of my life, I get to do that. My father-in-law was the one who closed out our family Christmas’ present exchanges with his grand finale of handing out his envelopes which had a little money in them for each one of the family members. This was a big milestone year for me and I think it merited me making some changes. Since Dad has been long gone for about 20 years now, I’ve decided to carry on where he left off and this year, my family will receive envelopes with a few dollars in them with a love letter from me to them.

I can’t begin to explain the weight that has been lifted off my shoulders. You'll know that relief one day. No need for mall or online shopping! Oh, sweet Baby Jesus! I can celebrate the gift of You so care-free because of my newfound freedom! What a relief it is. I am sure not desiring to dampen your Christmas spirit by my new-way-of-thinking. This is my time to change, but oh that I might have discovered this freedom before now.

I also cut back on my usual “decorating every room in the house” to putting out just enough that the Christmas spirit is alive and well in my home – especially with my old family photos of Papa reading the Christmas story to the grandchildren and my children’s visits to see Santa. I didn’t even put out all of my Christmas churches or villages! I haven’t been tempted by Pinterest or emails that beckoned me to get started with craft items and buy more decorations. I’m passing up any reasoning that I need to do more to make this season more and just right.

Instead of my usual Christmas frenzy, I'm "nesting". This is the awesome season of Advent and finding a "nesting" place to ponder the beauty of Christ and His coming as a baby and His return to take us away to glory takes precedence over the hustle and bustle of the season. Don't we really want to push the MUTE button to separate ourselves from the crowds and busyness to enter into God’s stillness by taking some R&R (rest and relaxation) time to go find HIM in the secret place?

I'm a realist and I know we often don't have much choice but to stay on hyper-mode. Somewhere, however, there must be a quiet little "nesting" spot that we can find to pause for some silence when we can. It may mean we have to turn down the TV or the radio or shut off the computer because of the constant temptation to buy more, do more and be more. Hearing God’s voice in the midst of all the hubbub isn’t always easy, but when we place a high priority on practicing God’s presence, we just might find more strength, energy, and enthusiasm for all those things we must do. Maybe it’s as simple as reading a short devotion or simply whispering His name in prayer. Maybe we should start nesting like a Mama Bird who is preparing for the arrival of her babies, to sit and wait and breathe in peace and quiet and exhale the worries, the stress, the fears, and concerns. I promise. God is quite aware of all that's on our plates. He totally gets us, but all the while, He's over in a quiet "nesting" spot just waiting for us to cozy up to Him for refreshing and restoration.

"Come to me, all of you who are weary and loaded down with burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Christmas Lights and the Light of the World

Is it just me, or am I seeing more homes lit up with twinkling Christmas lights this year? Hopefully, it means the Christmas spirit is catching hold of people's hearts and they're desiring their "lights" to shine brightly! I know most people are adding to the festivity of Christmas and don't consider the lights they're displaying to symbolize Christ, the Light of the World, that dispels the darkness. But, nevertheless, that's what this girl thinks. Those light displays, great or small, are dispelling the darkness where they are. My lights don’t qualify for extravagance but they do merit checking the box “Donna lets her little lights shine”!

Whether we are the extravagant, over-the-top Christmas light displayer, or we're like my community where we have just mini-displays, there is good news for us: our homes are still expressing the Christmas spirit. Lights are an important symbol of the meaning of Christmas. Jesus entered this world as the Light of the World to dispel darkness and God got in on the original light show. Just think about the dazzling array of angels who appeared to the shepherds and then the "extravagant" light show of the star over Bethlehem that drew the Wise Men to it. All those fun birth announcements we see today on social media don't hold a candle to THAT birth announcement and LIGHT show!

I like to think that the LIGHT that lives in us is dispelling the darkness in our sphere of influence. In that case, "You light up my life" takes on a whole new meaning to a world that is begging for LIGHT." Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” John 8:12. And, here's the real kicker: Jesus said to us "YOU are the light of the world." Matt 5:14. How's that for a standard to live up to? It sure puts the onus on us to check out our wattage and light output, doesn't it?

Bottom line, the darkness of this world can only be cured by the LIGHT of the ONE who created it: His Light and our Light. I'm thinking that the song "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine" should be made a Christmas carol, for most certainly, His LIGHT shining through us could be the extravagant, over-the-top Christmas LIGHT display that could make a difference in the lives of those around us here and around our world. So, shine little lights, shine!

Christmas Lights and the Light of the World

No shortage of Christmas lights here in Frisco, TX! The homes in my daughter's neighborhood seem to be in competition on who can light up their home and yard the most. I love it! That's been one of my Christmas favorites since I was a little girl. We were always light gazers when we'd drive around neighborhoods to see the lights of Christmas. Occasionally, we'd see a truly spectacular display covering the house and yard and trees and we'd ohh and ahh at the workmanship, plus wondered about the cost of their electric bill at the end of the season. Not everyone gets into Christmas so audaciously, but even lights on a simple tree in the house expresses that wonderful Christmas spirit. I like to think that those lights express the true LIGHT of Christmas that dispels darkness.

Whether we are the extravagant, over-the-top Christmas light displayer, or we simply put a candle in the window of our homes, there is good news for us. Lights are an important symbol of the meaning of Christmas. Jesus entered this world to be the Light in the darkness, and God got in on the original light show. After all, the angels appeared to the shepherds, and whenever angels appear they often have this dazzling array around them. Talk about LIGHT SHOW! And then there was the star over Bethlehem that the wise men were drawn to. "You LIGHT UP MY LIFE" took on a whole new meaning that glorious Christmas night.

I know there are those who don't consider the lights they're putting on their homes to symbolize the Light of the World that dispels the darkness. But, nevertheless, that's what this girl thinks. Those light displays, GREAT or SMALL, are dispelling the darkness where they are......and I like to think that the LIGHT that lives in us is dispelling the darkness in our sphere of influence -- at work, at home, at play, at school, at the restaurant, at the store, at church, at a football game, at a political event. In that case, "YOU light up my life" really does take on a whole new meaning to a world that is begging for LIGHT.

"Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” John 8:12. And, here's the real kicker.....Jesus said to us "YOU are the light of the world....." Matthew 5:14. WOW!! How's that for a standard to live up to? It sure puts onus on us to check out our wattage and our light output, doesn't it?

Bottom line, the darkness of this world can only be cured by the LIGHT of the ONE who created it. LIGHT that comes from HIM; LIGHT that comes from us. I'm thinking that the song "This little light of mine, I'm gonna’ let it shine" should be turned into a Christmas carol....for most certainly, His LIGHT shining through us could be the extravagant, over-the-top Christmas LIGHT display that could make the difference in our world.

Wise Men AND Women Still Seek Him

Day 364 of Photo Inspirations -- Wise Men AND Women Still Seek Him
It's a "Silent Night", here in Washington, as the children are nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar plums (or at least the Cinnabon sticks and popcorn they ate) are dancing in their heads.

But before now, it's been busy around here.  Bryson put his Lego sets from Christmas together, we took down ALL the Christmas decorations (with the help of sweet Kristina), went shopping to buy some things with "Christmas cash" (notice ever-so-thrilled Bryson with his new Star Wars costume on), Brennan washed the dog to snowy white, we watched another old Star Wars movie -- notice Brennan's signs for the movie showing, and the tickets he made so we could get in the home theater that led to his first class treatment of cozy blankets for us, popcorn, chocolate shakes and homemade chocolate chip cookies (with no help from me) and their own Star Wars wars,  These boys give me constant entertainment!  I love it!  I cherish these times.

While we were out and about today, we noticed that the Christmas cleanup has begun.  Christmas trees are already on the curbs of some homes.  Yet, there were still beautiful decorations up in the mall and on Snowflake Lane, here in Bellevue, where the beautiful music, band, performers and dancers continue to entertain and be in Christmas spirit until New Year's Eve.

But, before long, it will all come to an end -- the lights will turn out, the decorations will be put up until next year. Presents of mis-sized clothing and that not-so-exciting game will be exchanged. Christmas candy, decorations, toys and other items are on sale for at least half-price, plus. Life will soon be back to normal again very soon.

"Normal" often means that the magic of the season will begin to fade. But for the moment, the magic is still in the air. I sense it. Maybe that’s why I’m able to type this blog in such sweet peace.  The boys are fast asleep -- how can all that ever-so-high energy be reduced to such stillness, quietness and peacefulness?  And in this stillness, I'm still savoring the spirit just a bit more.   Though the lights that represented the LIGHT of this season were taken down at this household yesterday, I pray that the brilliant LIGHT of Christ that we beheld last weekm that we will still be looking to Him throughout 2016.  And I can’t help but think: if we could give Him so much thought and homage during December, how much more would we live in the spirit of Christmas, if we thought of Him every day?

It's true.....WISE men and WOMEN still seek Him, and when we SEEK, we will FIND Him.  He's not hiding.  His LIGHT is brilliant for all of us to SEE Him......Jesus said, "I am the LIGHT of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the LIGHT of life.".......EVERYDAY!

The World Needs a STABLE Influence

Day 353 of Photo Inspirations -- The World Needs a STABLE Influence
The phrase, "under the influence",  is typically used in defining someone's mental or physical faculties that are impaired because they are intoxicated or on drugs.

But, I heard that phrase used yesterday to describe those of us who are "high" on the Christmas spirit.  I like that.  We are "under the influence" of He Who is the originator of joy, peace, and love so, of course, we are "high" on all that this beautiful season holds.

At the announcement of Jesus' birth, the shepherds were under the influence of the angels.  The magi were under the influence of HOPE and the Star they saw in the East.  I, too, am UNDER THE INFLUENCE of this beautiful season where I hear God's voice in the music, the bells ringing, and the squeals and delights of children.  I see Him in in the lights shining so brightly and in my friends and family as we open our hearts to His love.  I smell Him in the sweet aromas of holly, evergreen, cinnamon and spice.   I taste Him in the sweet and yummy delicacies of fresh baked cookies and treats.  I am UNDER THE INFLUENCE of the REASON for this beautiful SEASON, when I hold a friend's hand, when I touch a pine cone or garland or tinsel or wrapping paper, when I write a love note to a friend when I send them a Christmas card.

No one has influenced and changed the world the way Jesus has. And UNDER HIS INFLUENCE, more lives have been positively changed than   by anything or anyone else in history.   No other great leader has inspired so many positive changes in the lives of his followers. People who encounter the risen Christ are totally transformed. Their outlook on life is altered forever. Staying true to their faith, they face hardship, persecution and even death with resilience and determination.  Many devote their lives to serving others, minimizing their own needs and desires -- all because of Christ's influence on them.

Not in the Christmas spirit this year?  Then, better check out what, or WHO, is influencing you. AND, what does YOUR influence look like in impacting others in a positive way?  Perhaps it's time we all took a trip to the stable -- it just might be that we'll be influenced by the precious baby in the manger and we'll have a "STABLE" influence, not just in our own lives, but all those we influence, too.

Christmas Spirit is Alive and Well in Tulsa

Day 348 of Photo Inspirations -- Christmas Spirit is Alive and Well in Tulsa
I'll admit it -- I'm a hopeless romantic and I love the sweet and tender love stories on the Hallmark Channel -- especially at Christmas.  I am basking in the Christmas spirit and I love those sweet love stories -- "the magic of Christmas".  So, when my community's developer decided to rent the Tulsa Trolley to advertise our Hyde Park community and be in the parade, I was "all in".

I felt like a kid when the trolley picked us up, took us to the staging area where we decorated the trolley with lights and donned ourselves with Santa and reindeer hats.  I've seen many parades, but never had the privilege of being in one.  I loved walking beside the trolley and handing out candy to the kids that lined the streets. I loved shouting out "Merry Christmas" and hearing those fervent responses back from the crowd "MERRY CHRISTMAS".  We belted out those words that mean so much to us.  

In 2009,  local merchants, in order to be "politically correct" dropped "Christmas" from the Tulsa Annual Christmas Parade.  They called it the Parade of Lights.   Then, in opposition to Christ being removed from the parade, in 2011, a large group of Tulsa businesses and individuals sponsored a separate "Christmas Parade".    The estimated 80,000+ people, packed in layers on the downtown streets of Tulsa, plus our Hyde Park family and friends, were thrilled to see the official "Traditional Christmas Parade" brought back to Tulsa.  Much thanks goes to many who stood up for everything good and dear to those of us who still want Christ in Christmas.

I was pleased to have my photo taken with Senator Jim Imhofe (first photo inspiration) who took a personal stand for putting Christ back into Christmas.  I shook his hand and told him how much I appreciated his stand.  He quickly responded, "I'm so thrilled my stand influenced senators from other states to take a stand too.  In our local newspaper he said, "The “war on Christmas” has come to an end in Tulsa this year. For nearly 90 years, residents in Tulsa have commemorated the Christmas season with one large Christmas parade downtown, but in 2009, local leaders decided to jump on an unfortunate national trend of removing the word “Christmas” from the event.  

After 40 years of riding a horse in the parade, I joined many others and said that if Christ wasn’t welcome, then I also would no longer be participating in the event. This is because Christmas isn’t just a holiday that can be sugar-coated for the sake of political appeasement.  It is a day each year that serves as a symbolic and historical declaration of peace on earth and goodwill toward all. Man will never find success in diluting Christmas into a “winter” or “holiday” festival. Whether a person recognizes the life-saving significance of Jesus Christ, the message of Christmas for peace on earth lies in the heart of all mankind. It’s a message we should all embrace, especially as our world faces the greatest level of unrest that we have seen in generations. I am proud to see the Tulsa parades make their peace this Christmas and join together for one large celebration. Jesus won, and I look forward to riding in the parade once again."  And, that's what Senator Imhofe did.

Once again, Christmas is a live and well in Tulsa.  Perhaps, you're one that would rather sit back in a dark room, anxiously wait for this whole deal to be over with and be empty of this wonderful Christmas spirit.  I promise you, if you'll get out of your comfort zone and shake off that care-less spirit and go look at some Christmas lights, go see a Christmas parade, Christmas movie,  Christmas program or just start remembering the reason for this season..... perhaps, you'll experience this joy and gladness too.  After all -- Christmas is right there just waiting for us to grab hold and enjoy the ride!

Christmas Lights and the Light of the World

Day 336 of Photo Inspirations -- Christmas Lights and the Light of the World
Among Tulsa's great tourist attractions, one of my favorites at this time of the year, is Rhema Church's spectacular "Christmas Lights Extravaganza" -- thus my first photo inspiration. For over 30 years Rhema has provided the city with THE LIGHTS TO SEE. This year, the campus will be lit up with over two million lights.  It draws more the 200,000 visitors each year. There's a "Christmas Tree Forest" and park to walk through with beautiful music playing in the background.  It's really a sight to behold. It's a tradition for our family to take our annual drive through.

My next photo inspirations are mini-displays in my Hyde Park community.  Really not much to bring in the crowds for, but we are still expressing our Christmas spirit. I like to think that these lights express the true LIGHT of Christmas that dispels darkness.

Over the years, we'd find neighborhoods that went all out for Christmas. Occasionally, we'd see a truly spectacular display covering the house and yard and trees and and we'd ooh and ahh at the workmanship of that homeowner. Whether we are the extravagant, over-the-top Christmas light displayer, or we're like my community where we have just mini-displays, there is good news for us. Lights are an important symbol of the meaning of Christmas. Jesus entered this world to be the Light in the darkness, and God got in on the original light show. After all, the angels appeared to the shepherds, and whenever angels appear they often have this dazzling array around them.  Talk about LIGHT SHOW!   And then there was the star over Bethlehem that the wise men were drawn to. "You LIGHT UP MY LIFE" took on a whole new meaning that glorious Christmas night.

I know there are those who don't consider the lights they're putting on their homes to symbolize the Light of the World that dispels the darkness.  But, nevertheless, that's what this girl thinks.  Those light displays, GREAT or SMALL, are dispelling the darkness where they are......and I like to think that the LIGHT that lives in us is dispelling the darkness in our sphere of influence -- at work, at home, at play, at school, at the restaurant, at the store, at church, at a football game, at a political event.  In that case, "YOU light up my life" takes on a whole new meaning to a world that is begging for LIGHT.


"Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” John 8:12.   And, here's the real kicker.....Jesus said to us "YOU are the light of the world....." Matthew 5:14.   WOW!!  How's that for a standard to live up to?  It sure puts onus on us to check out our wattage and our light output, doesn't it?

Bottom line, the darkness of this world can only be cured by the LIGHT of the ONE who created it. LIGHT that comes from HIM; LIGHT that comes from us.  I'm thinking that the song "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine" should be turned into a Christmas carol....for most certainly, His LIGHT shining through us could be the extravagant, over-the-top Christmas LIGHT display that could make a difference in the lives of those around us here and around our world.

We Won't Allow the Grinch OR Scrooge to Steal Christmas

Snuggling on the couch, Alexia and I watched "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". Though the Grinch was onery, grumpy and absolutely the WORST when it came to "Christmas spirit"  (stealing and destroying anything that represented Christmas), in spite of it all, the Whos sang joyfully on Christmas morning, and the Grinch had an epiphany, returned the gifts, and joined in the celebration.  Now, that's what I call the spirit of Christmas so alive in us, it causes others to want the spirit of Christmas alive in them.

That whole notion of Christmas being stolen by anyone -- including a Scrooge or a Grinch, gets me riled up.  How could anyone want to take away, a beautiful, joyful, celebration that brings so much good into this world?

Yes, I'm ALL-IN with being a voice FOR keeping Christmas alive and well, but at the same time....my attitude of "stand for what's right", just may come off equally as grumpy and cranky as the Grinch or Scrooge.

Joy to the world begins with each of us individually. Joy cannot come without the conscious awareness of the Lord's promised presence wherever we go and whatever we do. Rather than being distracted by the voices rallying to change "Merry Christmas" to "Happy Holidays", our mindset should be to keep our thoughts toward God and allow Him to have the ability to move through our actions.....and reactions.  Loving as Christ loved is our responsibility and that's what calms a storm, heals the broken-hearted, and lights of hope are put in the eyes of those who are hopeless.

Indeed, governments, emperors and philosophies have tried to destroy Christ and Christmas since His birth.  Tyrants have tried to wash it from the face of the earth. YET IT STILL STANDS.  It will always be a part of the enemy's tactics -- to try to stamp out the Spirit of Christ -- the Spirit of Christmas.  But, it will NEVER be stamped out.  He always was, always is, and always will be the REASON FOR THE SEASON -- and NOTHING or NO ONE can change that. And when we get that no matter where and no matter who tries to steal Christmas from us, it just won't matter.  Like the Whos, we'll  truly maintain the Spirit of Christmas in our hearts and lives as we sing, "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me."

Rather than my own words, I'll defer to a well known and respected doctor who understood....it's so much MORE!
.
"It came without ribbons.
It came without tags.
It came without packages, boxes or bags.
And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before.
What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store?
What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?" - Dr. Seuss

#DrSuessRocks #GrinchStoleChristmas #MerryChristmas #There'sJustSomething AboutThatName