The Day After is Boxing Day!

December 26th is not only a day for Santas everywhere to catch their breath, but, I remember when we lived in Canada -- we celebrated Boxing Day! Though it lends to the fact that empty boxes from the gifts and presents are trashed and unwanted gifts are returned to stores, it came from a British origin that is traced back to 1833 when lords of manors and aristocrats distributed “Christmas boxes” filled with gifts, money and leftovers from Christmas dinner to their household servants and employees. They had been required to work on December 25th and were recognized for their good service throughout the year. It is also said that Boxing Day's name came from the charity boxes that were placed in churches during the Advent season for the collection of monetary donations to be distributed to the poor on December 26th. It is also the feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr and and known for his acts of charity. (Ireland celebrates December 26th as St. Stephen’s Day.) So there you go -- now you know! You're welcome!

But we've taken Boxing Day to a whole new level in our family this year. Our birthday celebration for Jesus was literally amidst boxes and it will carry on in a ginormous way today. We are literally boxing boxes, loading them up and getting them to their new place. Today is the last day in the beautiful home where so many lives have been touched, healed, restored and have come into the family of God. So many precious memories here, but have no fear -- we expect even greater blessings coming in their new season.

We didn’t forget that yesterday was Jesus’ Birthday – so, as with another little tradition to savor, I made a lasagna for the “moving team”, but, most importantly, made my chocolate cake! We sang “Happy Birthday to Jesus “ and partied to “Boxes we have raised so high – sweetly towering to the sky!”

I would be remiss to end this blog with Boxing Day "talk", because while we'll soon be boxing away our Christmas decorations that include the manger scenes and Holy Family figurines -- we will never be able to box away God's great love for us. For some, seeing Jesus as a baby in a manger and "boxing" Him away for another year is as close as they want to get. Perhaps the grown-up Jesus seems too far removed from their every day life. If we keep Jesus at arm’s length, we’ll never get to know and love Him for Who He truly is. If we don’t get to know Him, we won’t love Him. If we want to move faith from our heads to our hearts, we must fall in love with the REAL -- alive and well -- Jesus.

To fall in love with Jesus, it must be more than a once-a-year way, but deeply -- everyday. That kind of knowledge takes time and persistence, just like any good relationship. Jesus invites us to abide in His love — rest, stay, tarry — not rush past it. In John 15:9, He said, “‘As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.’”

How do we get to that kind of love? There are so many reasons to love Jesus. He is real, and He loves us so much. For us to experience that love, we need to really know Him. As we stand at the front door of the Wallace’s new home, and as we stand at the door of a new year, won’t you join me in seeking to know Him more? That’s my Priority #1 for the new year!

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God”. (Ephesians 3:17-19)

And Unto Us a Child is Born -- Happy Birthday, Jesus!

The birthday celebration is on – as children everywhere are running to see what Santa brought them last night. For them, it’s all about the presents and for those of us who know better -- it’s about God’s greatest present EVER – His beloved Son. That’s how He celebrates His Son’s birth-day – giving us His perfect gift! Oh, Happy Day!

If you follow my blogs at all, you’ve heard that this Christmas is very different for our family this year. We aren’t making our trek to Austin to celebrate together with my son and family because the press is on to get this Frisco family moved from their home that sold – right here at Christmas – and into their new place by December 27th.

We are missing some Christmas traditions because we’re not all together, but one tradition wasn’t missed -- our Christmas Eve tradition of reading the REAL Christmas story together. Thank God we live in this technology era. This year, I bequeathed to my son our beloved “The First Christmas Story” book that Papa always read from on Christmas Eve. He stepped up to be our family’s patriarch to take over where Papa left off. So at 9 pm we gathered together in my home here in Frisco and the other side gathered together in Austin and we heard this greatest story ever told again. We all still savor this tradition of making the Reason for the Season the principal thing. It’s a story we should never get tired of hearing. A King in heaven coming down to be our humble King on earth to be familiar with us earthlings as one of us and Who gave us treasures of faith, hope, love, peace, joy and most of all, His life, so that we can live forever with Him.

Earlier yesterday afternoon, my Frisco family and a couple of friends joined me at my church’s Christmas Eve Mass. It was beautiful. Children were singing, families were joined together in honor of this magnificent night when Christ was born. How honored I was to serve communion – the Body and Blood of this Savior Who came to us as a newborn and Who, in a matter of just three years of ministry, turned our world upside down with His rock-the-world teachings. “Love your enemies! Bless them that curse you! Do good to them that hate you! Pray for them who spitefully use you, and persecute you!” (Matthew 5:44)

Maybe, this Christmas morning you're having your traditional family breakfast and opening Santa's presents and seeing what he left everyone in their stockings.....no longer hung with care. Now they're on the floor, stuffed full of goodies and treasures. Santa's cookie plate only has a few crumbs left.

Oh, the joy of hearing children's laughter and the thrill of Christmas in their eyes. If your children are grown, enjoy the sweet memories of past Christmases. If you are missing children and loved ones today, spend Christmas with God's Son praising and thanking Him for coming to be one of us. And if your loved one is in heaven, like mine is, we can know with certainty that he or she is having the most joyful Christmas possible and a day will come when we’ll forever celebrate Christmas together -- forever!

Christmas and the tangible gifts we receive from friends and loved ones are temporary. But the gifts that heaven brings us are eternal. I hope you will receive all that Jesus was born to give. May your Christmas be blessed with God's greatest gift of love: "For God so loved you and me that He gave us His one and only son." (John 3:16)

Letting Our Christmas Joy Be About the Joy-Giver

Here we are – smack dab in the middle of Christmas time – only 13 more days until the presents are all unwrapped, we’re eating our Christmas breakfast and some of us are singing “Happy Birthday, Jesus”!

When I was a very young child, I was taught, like many children, that Christmas Eve was special because Santa was coming and would leave me my heart's desire. I was told to fall asleep quickly so he would come. On Christmas morning, I bounded out of bed to see what Santa brought me. I loved Santa. After all, he loved me whether I was bad or good AND he left me presents. The most important part of Christmas was Santa and the presents. So, bring on jolly old Santa, adorned in red and white, and, oh, so joyous! I can understand how that notion is what is most attractive to the world. Shiny objects. Christmas trees. Twinkling lights. Reindeer. Mistletoe. Jingle bells.

Then there is the story of baby Jesus. I loved being in the kids' Christmas program at church and singing Christmas songs. My parents were adamant I knew that baby Jesus is the Savior of the world. But honestly, from a child’s perspective, everything about the Christmas story seemed so dingy, gray, brown, and so sad. Little baby Jesus was born in a smelly stable because there was no room at the inn. We sang: “Away in a manger, no crib for a bed” So, where’s the joy in that, God? Then, Herod ordered babies killed. Mary and Joseph fled with Jesus to Egypt for protection. How joyous is that? God knew everything but still let that happen. So, children and adults who don’t know the true meaning of Christmas, find their joy partying it up with the jolly old soul, Santa Claus, and all the other tinsel and glittery attractions of Christmas.

Perhaps that's why the world has trouble with the Christmas Story – because it seems to stop at the smelly stable. People don’t grasp that it was EVERYTHING. Now, that I’m older and wiser and have grown in intimacy with Jesus (now, my go-to for breath and life and peace and joy), I can see clearly where the bright lights should shine. The Santa, though he is a jolly old soul, is simply a temporary joy. Joy isn’t found in temporary things – nor in a season. The joy that brings total fulfillment and satisfaction is only found in the ONE Who came down from heaven’s glories to become a baby (like you and me). He Who was born in that smelly stable is He Who will never leave us or forsake us. Joy, real joy, everlasting joy! It’s time we put the main emphasis on God and thank Him for His indescribable gift. True joy isn't found in anything or anyone but Him.

As Christmas approaches, let's ask the Lord to order our steps to make the MAIN thing -- the Jesus King. May we be on purpose in explaining the Christmas story to our children so they know the true JOY of Christmas is only found in Jesus. Let's prioritize taking time for Him first, then step by step, do what brings Him joy each day – being a blessing to others, filling our hearts and homes with His presence and shining our lights on THE LIGHT of the world.

"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" 2 Corinthians 9:15

Would You Like a Slice of My Humble Pie?

So, if you follow my posts, you probably saw me dressed up in an elf’s costume for the recent ginormous “Happy Birthday, Jesus” Party for the homeless and impoverished at the Dallas Convention Center. That costume was once a Peter Pan costume that I made for my University of Manitoba Halloween office party 25-years ago. It’s been a keepsake for sure and I’ve worn it a couple more times for Fall Harvest parties. I added the red fabric this year to make it appear elf-ish and to add a little length to the shorter version!

Rewind to that early morning at 4:45 am when I arrived at my children's home to ride with them to the Convention Center. Their VIP parking passes meant they could park right outside the door of the arena, so it was worth it to take the early morning ride! Arriving at their home, Denise had her famous, yummy breakfast burritos made. But, alas, when I took the first bite, the juices of the burrito made their way to the front of my costume – three splotches! YIKES! I proceeded to remove them with a damp cloth then used their blazing hot hair dryer to dry the spots. Little did I realize I was holding the hair dryer on the polyester fabric and burned three holes into my beloved Peter Pan aka elf costume. Immediately James 4:10 resounded in my ears:
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” Staci's red sweater went great with the costume, and I continued to hear God’s voice loud and clear.

You know what – not one time did I think about those holes while I was with the homeless people. I only got smiles and compliments from them, especially as I was loving on them and keeping them patient as they made their way through crazy long lines. I was humbled and I was lifted up by God’s children.

So, I'm getting the message, and I think I'm eating some "Humble Pie" because I never want what I do, and why I do it, to bring praise to myself, but to THE ONE who deserves ALL PRAISE. Seriously, when I think about how unlikely that I would be so blessed to be passionate and relentless about spreading the Good News, I MUST raise my hand and point to THE ONE Who is worthy of ALL PRAISE!

I know that when I purposely live in an attitude of humility, it will be HIS bright Light shining through me, and NOT my own. And, oh, that's what I want. I don't ever want to get in His way.
1 Peter 5:5-7 says "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”

The simple discovery of humility and servitude is where some of my greatest joys have been found. Applause isn't the reward. The reward is being able to serve, and seeing others have "aha" moments when they see HIM instead of me. It's HIS LIGHT I want them to see in me.

Okay, I've confessed, and now I've finished my "Humble Pie". I think I'll avoid that dessert from now on, and I'll keep my eyes and heart open, in case it looks like God needs to offer me another slice!

Merry Christmas and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS!

Merry Christmas and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS!

It’s the birthday of our Savior! A day of celebration and joy to the world on this beautiful Christmas Day. Yesterday, I was blessed to be a communion server at my church. It hit home to me that the baby boy sleeping in the manger came to die, so in serving His body and blood, I was giving the Savior of the world -- the conqueror -- not as a little baby. What a privilege!

My Frisco family and I celebrated Christmas Eve at my home for dinner, then a precious time of Payton playing the piano and Staci and Alexia leading us in singing and praising our Lord for His willingness to become one of us earthlings. They opened my gifts to them. Then we headed over to the Wallace’s for their Christmas Eve gifts-giving. It’s always been our Christmas Eve tradition to open gifts and on Christmas Day, we opened the filled stockings.

I kept our traditional Christmas Eve alive as I read our family’s favorite Christmas book “The First Christmas Story” that Papa read to the grandchildren from since the oldest grandsons were just little boys. I did my best to be in the “Papa-style-and-form” with the Austin Family on FaceTime with us. Technology can be such a blessing to us.

In a couple of hours, we’ll travel over the rivers and through the woods to our Austin family for a reunion that celebrates Jesus’ birthday, enjoy a great meal together, get my traditional family photo and embracing everything that Christmas is about – love coming down to earth. We’ll celebrate that love today.

Maybe, this Christmas morning you're having your traditional family breakfast and opening "Santa's" presents and seeing what he left everyone in their stockings.....no longer hung with care. Now they're on the floor, stuffed full of goodies and treasures. Santa's cookie plate only has a few crumbs left.

Oh, the joy of hearing children's laughter and excitement today -- and the thrill of Christmas in their eyes. If your children are grown, enjoy the sweet memories of past Christmases. If you are missing children and loved ones today, then spend Christmas with God's Son praising and thanking Him for coming to be one of us. And if your loved one is in heaven, like mine is, we can know with certainty that he or she is having the most joyful Christmas possible.

Christmas and the tangible gifts we received from friends and loved ones are temporary. But the gifts that heaven brings us are eternal. Just think of it. We know the end of the Christmas Story. Eventually, that sweet little baby boy would grow up and would ask for this "cup" to pass from Him, but it didn't and He pursued and prevailed to become EVERYTHING we would ever need, or want, wrapped in one package. That sweet little baby boy grew up to die for our sins on a cross, just like He said He would. Then, He rose from the grave on the third day, just like He said He would. So that’s not really the end of the story – it’s just the beginning of our future where we will spend eternity with Him, just like He said we would.

Let's spend today celebrating the fact that the baby in the manger was God's perfect gift to us. I hope you will receive all that Jesus was born to give. May your Christmas be blessed with faith, hope and love. God's greatest gift is love. "For God so loved you that He gave you and me His one and only son."

May God richly bless you and those you love, on this special day. From our family to yours.....MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Christmas is All About Giving AND Receiving

These photos capture a day of Christmas "love" like none other! I met Susie Jennings in October. Susie is the Founder and President of Operation Care. Susie stepped out in faith and obedience to God when she resigned from her nurse supervisory position at Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas in 2011 to become a full time missionary to those in need.

She desired to serve God and her community after the tragic death of her husband when she asked God "What do you want me to do for you?" Then she said, "Don't ask God that question, because He will tell you." At that time, Susie didn't like homeless people, but that's where God took her -- right to where most of the homeless live in Dallas. Her first mission was to buy blankets for them. She rallied her friends to help her in November, 1993. The homeless called her, “The Blanket Lady.” That beginning was the start of Operation Care which now ministers to homeless and impoverished families here and in nations around the world. Her spunk, energy and obvious love for God's "misfits" inspired me so much, and it ignited my desire to join others from my church, and my family, to be a part of Susie's annual Christmas "Happy Birthday Jesus" celebration at the Dallas Convention Center. We were able to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the homeless and impoverished in the Dallas area. It was eye-opening, heart wrenching and inspiring beyond adequate words to share.

When I woke up Saturday morning in my cozy, warm and comfy bed, I thought about the precious souls I would meet at the event. I had seen the homeless sleeping under bridges or staying in shelters and while volunteering at the Food Pantry and Catholic Charities in Tulsa when I lived there. We also had served and ministered at the Salvation Army and John 3:16 Mission. But, reality set in for me on Saturday when we witnessed thousands and thousands of homeless people, bearing their earthly possessions in a cart, standing in line (some since the night before) to receive blankets, sleeping bags, coats, be fed a hearty meal, get haircuts, receive eye glasses, be seen by a medical team, have their feet washed and given new shoes, and best of all to be prayed with and to receive Jesus into their hearts. 

One of our dear friends, Jody Weersing,lovingly served as she washed their feed and gave them new shoes. My daughter, Staci Wallace and grandson, Payton Wallace, were on the music team lifting up praises to God while the people ate their meal; Larry Wallace was on the coat distribution team, Denise Gerrich served on the Veterans' team, serving those who faithfully served us and our country, and I served first at registration where I saw thousands upon thousands standing in line just to get in the door, then I moved to the greeter station when they came through the "heaven-on-earth" doors for them where they were high-5'd, hugged and celebrated with singing and welcomes. Finally, I stood at the entry to the meal line where I could hug them more and wish them Merry Christmas. My heart was full.

Unless you can see it with your own eyes, it is unimaginable – mostly, because we are people of so much “plenty”. It’s easy to remark, “What a shame”, and go on our way. But, God shows up with His people and organizations that go the distance in making a difference.

This Christmas season beckons us to have hearts of giving – pitching in a little cash into the Salvation Army kettle, donating coats from our overstocked closets, buying a gift for an Angel Tree child, or volunteering at an organization that does so much for the underprivileged on a daily basis. We can do something. While the recipients experience so much love, GIVERS of that love and compassion are sincerely on the RECEIVING end of so many blessings -- way beyond what we give.

1) Our eyes our opened to the blessings we have, and to the "little things" we take for granted and we become more thankful.
2) Our hearts of compassion are opened.

3) The dissatisfied and grumpy attitudes that we have dwindle to softness and appreciation.
4) Blinders fall off our eyes and we see the needs of others far greater than our own needs.

5) We start to re-evaluate spending senseless dollars on gifts for family and friends that we know will be tossed in a corner within just a few minutes or hours of having received them.
6) We start to desire to help support volunteers do what they do.

7) We have unmistakable and contagious joy because we gave.
8) We start to realize WHY we are here on this earth.

God demonstrated how to give when He gave His only Son to us. That's what Christmas is all about. The Reason for this Season. Could it possibly be that God has been waiting on us to live with PURPOSE -- making a difference in the lives of others? Mother Teresa said, "What we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But if that drop was not in the ocean, I think the ocean would be less because of that missing drop,"

"For God so loved the world that He GAVE......." John 3:16
"GIVE and it shall be given you, pressed down, shaken together and running over....." Luke 6:38

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

It ALL happened in a moment, a most remarkable moment. God became a man! Heaven opened up and placed her most precious ONE in a human womb that brought Him to this side of heaven. Yes, so many reasons for a GINORMOUS birthday celebration today!

It's 4 am on this Christmas morning, and I'm about to board my car to travel over the rivers and through the woods and prairies and hills to Austin. After a beautiful week with the Wallace's, complete with Christmas baking, parties, movies, programs, shopping, a yummy meal and celebrating the night when Christ was born. We ended our night by the Wallace's Christmas tradition of everyone opening their Christmas treasures. How blessed I am that I could be in Frisco yesterday and Austin today. BTW -- I noticed Santa visited the Wallace's last night. He left treasures in their stockings that had been hung by the chimney with care. ;-)

Maybe, this Christmas morning you're having your traditional family breakfast and opening Santa's presents and seeing what he left everyone in their stockings.....no longer hung with care. Now they're on the floor, stuffed full of goodies and treasures. Santa's cookie plate only has a few crumbs left. After all, he gets quite hungry on his exhausting journey.

Oh, the joy of hearing children's laughter and excitement today -- and the thrill of Christmas in their eyes. If your children are grown, enjoy the sweet memories of past Christmases. If you are missing children and loved ones today, then spend Christmas with God's Son praising and thanking Him for coming to be one of us. And if your loved one is in heaven, like mine is, we can know with certainty that he or she is having the most joyful Christmas possible.

Christmas is a day and the tangible gifts we received from friends and loved ones are temporary. But the gifts that heaven brings us are eternal. Let's spend today celebrating the fact that the baby in the manger was God's perfect gift to us. I hope you will receive all that Jesus was born to give. May your Christmas be blessed with faith, hope and love. God's greatest gift is love. "For God so loved you that He gave you and me His one and only son."

May God richly bless you and those you love, on this special day.

Happy Birthday, Jesus, and Merry Christmas to All

Day 360 of Photo Inspirations -- Happy Birthday Jesus & Merry Christmas to All!
It's 4 am on Christmas morning, and I'll be heading to the airport for my flight, over the rivers and through the woods and mountains and prairies to get to Seattle.  After a beautiful week (in the 70s) with my Texas family, complete with Christmas parties, programs, shopping, playing games, having our traditional movie night (Star Wars rocked), caroling, and celebrating the night when Christ was born with a yummy meal with dear friends, and to cap it off was seeing Larry and Staci working so diligently in getting a Music Room made in the home to surprise Payton & Alexia.  This will be where their friends will bring their drums and guitars to jam and practice worship and praise songs for their band at church.












Last night was special for so many reasons.  Dez Duron (finalist on The Voice a few years ago) was a guest vocalist at the Christmas production that Payton and Alexia were in.  I loved it when Alexia called to tell her Mom "I'm screaming on the inside!  I just had my picture taken with Dez.  This was her instagram post "AHH! @dezduron has literally made it as the highlight of my year in the nick of time #ChristmasEve #yiss #ImInternalyScreaming"  LOL!  

But when Staci gave Larry his surprise, it was the icing on the cake.  Larry, an alumnus of Texas A&M, holds his university near and dear to his heart.  He lost his class ring years ago, but Staci and Payton surprised him with the exact replica of that ring last night.

It was heartwarming to say the least.  It's not often you see 6' 5", Big Larry cry, but I love his heart and sensitivity so much, because this time, he did cry.  Precious, precious times!  How blessed I am.    

Now, I'll see my WA family in just a few hours.  I loved it when Ryan texted me last night.  "We're on our way to church and Bryson just said, "It's a Christmas miracle. Nana is coming tomorrow!"  LOL!  I just might even pass Santa on my way to Seattle -- if he is behind schedule.  ;-)

Maybe, this Christmas morning you're having your traditional family breakfast and opening Santa's presents and seeing what he left everyone in their stockings.....no longer hung with care.  Now they're on the floor, stuffed full of goodies and treasures.  Santa's cookie plate only has a few crumbs left. After all, he gets quite hungry on his exhausting journey.

Oh, the joy of hearing the children's laughter and excitement today -- and the thrill of Christmas in their eyes. If your children are grown, enjoy the sweet memories of past Christmases. If you are missing children today, spend Christmas with God's Son. And if your loved one is in heaven, like mine is, we can know with certainty that he or she is having the most joyful Christmas possible.

Christmas is a day and the tangible gifts we received from friends and loved ones are temporary.  But the gifts that heaven brings us are eternal. Let's spend today celebrating the fact that the baby in the manger was God's perfect gift to us. I hope you will receive all that Jesus was born to give. May your Christmas be blessed with faith, hope and love.  God's greatest gift is love. "For God so loved you that He gave you and me His one and only son."

May God richly bless you and those you love, on this special day.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I love Christmas -- always have, always will -- and the celebrations start the day AFTER Thanksgiving.  It takes every ounce of willpower I have not to listen to Christmas music until AFTER Thanksgiving -- but the day AFTER -- let the "O Holy Night" and "Mary Did You Know?" and "Here Comes Santa Claus" music BEGIN!  Honestly, it’s been my favorite time of the year for as long as I can remember.

I’ve known great joy at Christmas. My daughter was born in December "several" years ago.    But, as just a teenager, I knew heartache at Christmas -- my Dad passed away just eight days before Christmas.  I remember watching my precious mother, through tears, opening up the Christmas presents she had wrapped for him.

But the most precious times have been realized in this season: decorating the house with "memories" -- my "Christmas Church Collection"

and my Kitchen Christmas Tree,

my Mom's ceramic reindeer

and her ceramic lighted tree,

decorating the house with the photos of my two children when they were little to visit Santa,

Papa reading the Christmas Story to the grandkids

(and now displaying photos of those precious times in my Christmas decor').

And, oh, the sweet memories of the children's Christmas programs, taking the children and grandchildren to see Santa, the Talent Shows the kids and grandkids would provide for us each Christmas Eve, the "Happy Birthday Jesus" cake.

But my most favorite part of Christmas.....is the #1 REASON FOR THE SEASON -- just thinking about our Lord coming to this earth as a little baby -- to be one of us -- to know He knows EXACTLY how it feels to hurt, to feel pain, to feel rejection, to feel the joys. He was ALL MAN.  He is ALL GOD and HE SINCERELY GETS US!    I am overwhelmed with emotion for Who He is, what He's done for us, and why He did it.

I share some of my favorite and sweet Christmas treasures with you in these photos. And  I urge you to get caught up in this beautiful time of the year -- with thanksgiving for the MASTER MINDED, GRAND and PERFECT scheme of it all.  As I type this post. I know the PERFECT PLAN became reality.  It isn't a fairy tale story.  It is a REAL FACT!  How do I know?  I sense His presence with me right here, right now!  Indeed He is Emmanuel -- God With Us!