It’s Baby Jesus AND Santa Time!

The competition is real! Baby Jesus versus Santa! I’ll admit it. I cringe a little when Jesus and Santa get the same “top billing”. THE One is very real and the other is make-believe and THAT one’s promises are based on what someone delivers or not. I was amused when at my church a couple of weeks ago, St. Nick (the original “Santa”) was in the Parish Hall for those sweet, traditional “St. Nick aka Santa” photo opportunities. Then, at church in Austin, Santa showed up for photos, too. I get it. It’s a subtle way for families to hear the good news of Jesus’ birth and give them photo opportunities. Lately, good old St. Nick aka Santa, in all his red and white glory, has been seen at churches, malls, and holiday parties. Man! Does Santa ever get around!!!

We sure boost the support of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” to our children. They learn that a mysterious guy in a red and white suit can see them when they’re sleeping and awake. He even sees them when they’re good and bad, so we reinforce that they’d better be good….for goodness sake. We take them to see Santa and encourage them to tell him what they want for Christmas. And, if that’s not enough…..we tell them that he’s coming down the chimney and he’ll show up with their wishes – so they must be sure to leave cookies for him because he’ll be very hungry as he flies in a reindeer-driven sleigh, delivering his gifts to children all over the world. And, to further spoofing them, many folks will go to their rooftops and make stomping sounds, while ringing sleigh bells. Doesn't that make your brain go TILT, even just a little bit?

I encouraged honesty in my children from the get-go, not giving a second thought to the possibility of dishonesty about Santa. Oh, how I wish I had given them the true story of a mythical Santa who was clearly founded in St. Nicholas who honored Jesus Christ with his life and his possessions. St. Nicholas (St. Nick) gave freely of his riches to benefit those who were less fortunate than himself. "Giving” is clearly one of Christianity's guiding principles in Scripture -- to care for the poor. Now, being much wiser and thriving on honesty and truth, I look back and think “What were we thinking?” I desire to be honest in all my ways, so that those who follow my lead, are led closer to THE LIGHT than are being led astray. Truth is TRUTH – NOT stretching the truth, or “It’s so cute to see those little wide eyes of wonder."

Some may think this is a crotchety ole' gal’s reality, but, in reality, it’s the closer I get to the Baby in the Manger Who became my Savior, the more I want to be like Him, full of grace and TRUTH. “The Word (Jesus) became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and only Son, Who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14

My little “Holy Family” and sign that says “Born this day, a Savior Who is Christ the Lord” seems like a meager attempt to celebrate THE ONE who Christmas is really all about. Hopefully, someone will see it and their attention will be drawn to think about the real Reason for the Season, but no question It seems lost amidst the gigantic Santa inflatables around the neighborhoods.

“Mommy, is there really a Santa Claus?” is a question that families ponder each year. I pray you seek God’s wisdom on how best to explain to them in “grace and truth”. 1 John 3:18 "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in TRUTH." And if TRUTH is told – may we give our families a True Story of love, peace, hope, joy, and compassion – the TRUE Christmas Story. What is easier to believe – Santa Claus or that God loved us so much that He sent His only Son to earth as a baby, to a lovely couple and the shepherds and wise men came to see him and when they saw him, they worshiped him because he was the newborn King who would set them free - WHO SET US FREE? Christmas IS NOT a holiday. It is a HOLY DAY! May we honor the HOLY One Who really did come to give us the greatest gift -- Himself.

I'm Praying for You!

Someone said to me “Don’t bother praying for me because prayers don’t work!” Oh my. He had no idea about the lioness that was about to become unleashed!!!

I told him my story. "To the contrary, prayers do work. I am a widow and were it not for my prayers and the prayers of others, the calm and great peace from the outset of my husband's illness, to his passing, to the strength and peace I continue to live in today, I wouldn't be here, or if I were, I'd be a most miserable human being. The fact is prayers work, but when we don't get the answer we want, often we conclude that there is no God or that God could care less. I discovered long ago that God isn't a divine Santa Claus or a genie in a lamp. And, He isn't a holy bellhop who jumps at our beck and call. God operates by His perfect will and our prayers are always subject to it. Many times I've prayed and didn't get the answer I wanted. He maybe responded with a "no or not now", but knowing Him as my Heavenly Father, I know He knows what's best for me. I have come to realize how God uses my pain and struggles to make me into being a more compassionate friend to others.”

I think he’s probably still reeling from my pushback, but more importantly, I pray he falls in love with our God Who sometimes says “Yes. No. Not now. I have something better in mind for you!” I started thinking more about those words “I’ll pray for you.” While it seemed to offend this person, maybe you are disappointed and hurting, and though those words are kind, they can also sound like a cliché and an empty promise. Broken relationships, financial difficulties or the recent loss of a loved one can cause even the most faithful to question if God loves them or even notices their circumstances. So, why do we offer to pray for others? Prayer is an invitation for us to share the Father’s heart with His children. He desires for each of His children to feel loved, cared for and encouraged. And, He can make Himself real in the moment for those who need to feel His touch through us.

Let’s face it. We know God loves us and longs for us to turn to Him for the comfort and encouragement we need, but there are times when a Pity Party seems like the best place to go. But, it's those times that the prayers of others should be welcomed. Maybe it's a good idea to request for them to specifically ask God to help us begin to trust Him again. When someone offers to pray for us, let's appreciate their concern and welcome their prayers. In hope and faith, remember, “The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.” James 5:16. A one-minute prayer can move a moment filled with discomfort to a place of renewed trust in God’s comfort, love and healing ways.

So, whether or not you actually speak the words “praying for you” let’s remember that prayer is a powerful tool and it actually can bring peace and relief to a hurting heart. I know it from firsthand experience. While we must consider how others feel about the phrase, it shouldn’t stop us from lifting our worries, thoughts, and concerns for one another to our loving Father.

By the way...."My FB friends -- I'm praying for you and I mean it. Lord, please bless, console, comfort, restore, heal, and renew my dear FB friends today. May they sense your loving arms around them. May they know how much You love them.....all the way to the cross.....and back. Amen"

Regaining Focus in a World of Distractions

My word for today is DISTRACTION: a thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something or someone else; interruption, disturbance, interference, hindrance

This post today is longer than my "usual" long post (yikes!) but this message impacted me so much I just had to pass it on -- almost verbatim. My pastor started his message with these words from an anonymous author, but worthy of acclaim because of its significance to us and our world today:

“Satan called a worldwide convention. In his opening address to his demons, he said, “We can’t keep the Christians from going to church. We can’t keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth. We can’t even keep them from biblical values. But we can do something else. We can keep them from forming an intimate, continual experience with Christ. If they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken. So let them go to church, let them have their Christian lifestyles, but steal their time so they can’t gain experience with Jesus Christ."

"How shall we do this?" his demons shouted. "Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds," he answered. "Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow. Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles. Keep them from spending time with their children. As their families fragment, soon their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work!"

"Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice. Entice them to play the radio or CD player whenever they drive. To keep their cell phones, TVs and their computers going constantly. This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ. Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers. Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day. Invade their driving moments with billboards. Flood their emails and mailboxes with junk mail, advertisements, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services and false hopes."

"Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children the real meaning of Christmas. Give them an Easter bunny so they won't talk about his resurrection and power over sin and death. Even in their recreation, let them be excessive. Have them return from their recreation exhausted. Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on God's creation. Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays, concerts, and movies instead. Keep them busy, busy, busy!"

"And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences. Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Jesus. Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family for the good of the cause. It will work! It will work!"

"It was quite a plan! The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busier and more rushed, going here and there, having little time for their God or their families and friends. Having no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives. The question is, has the devil been successful at his scheme? You be the judge!"

Pastor Rudy went on: “In today’s readings, we saw that Jesus was busy casting out spirits, then He went to Peter’s home to heal His mother-in-law, and then He met the crowds. It was a busy day. The next morning, He went to a solitary place to pray. It must have been away because the disciples told Him that the people were looking for Him. Then He traveled through Galilee. You always see Jesus drawing away from the crowd to go and pray; to wait on the Lord, to develop His relationship with His Father. Do we remember why Jesus was here in the first place? Do we remember where there is fuel for our daily tasks? He is God who gives strength to the weak. He will renew their strength. Why did Jesus go to the synagogue every week? Why did He go to quiet places to pray? Why did He withdraw from the disciples? Because that is what helped Him keep on track and to receive His strength."

Then, Pastor Rudy referred to men in our church who went on a three-day retreat to get away from DISTRACTIONS so they could focus on God. He went on…..”Why did 35 retreatants sacrifice time away from their family and 34 team members spend months preparing for this retreat? Why are we so committed to ACTS (the retreat name) at this church? Because if we get this right, then we will be better men, husbands, fathers. These men got it right. They are heroes to their families and to us. They followed the example of Christ to get away from the DISTRACTIONS to renew with God.

Following that message, he went on to say, “Now. I want to talk to you about these men who went away on the ACTS Retreat this weekend. They went away to be with their band of brothers to spend time with Christ – to draw closer in their relationship with Him. These men are heroes to their family and to us. They followed the example of Jesus because after Jesus had ministered and prayed for the sick and fed the multitudes and raised the dead, you will find in scripture that He needed to get away to pray. The priority of Jesus’ solitude and silence is everywhere in the Gospels. It’s how He began his ministry. It’s how He made important decisions. It’s how He dealt with troubling emotions like grief. It’s how He dealt with the constant demands of his ministry and cared for his soul. It’s how He taught His disciples. It’s how He prepared for important ministry events. It’s how He prepared for His death on the cross. Jesus’ solitude is how He went deeper in His love-relationship with God. Our men, this weekend, followed Jesus’ lead. Won’t you follow as well?"

At the end of that message, the entire congregation applauded the message and our heroes AND God, who is speaking to us all about DISTRACTIONS that are robbing us of what's the most important ATTRACTIONS -- our families, our friends, our own physical well being AND our God. As my pastor said, "It's time to get it right!"

It’s Baby Jesus AND Santa Time!

When I put Santa and Jesus in the same paragraph in my post a few days ago, I honestly quivered. It made me stop and think about how we boosted the support of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” to our children since they were infants and could barely see or hear. They learned that a mysterious guy in a red and white suit could see them when they’re sleeping and are awake. He even sees them when they’re good and bad, so we reinforce that they’d better be good….for goodness sake. We even take them to see Santa and encourage them to tell him what they want for Christmas. And, if that’s not enough…..we tell them that he’s coming down the chimney and he’ll show up with their wishes – so they must be sure to leave cookies for him because he’ll be very hungry as he flies in a reindeer-driven sleigh, delivering his gifts to children all over the world. And, to further spoofing our innocent children, many folks will go to their rooftops and make stomping sounds, while they are ringing sleigh bells.

As you just read that paragraph, did it cause your brain to go “TILT”? It sure did mine, because for years I led my own children to believe in the myth of Santa Claus and his reindeer. Not until I became a grandmother did I realize how untruthful I had been to my children. What a shame that their role model -- modeled dishonesty. How could I expect truthfulness from my children when I was being untruthful. It's one thing to encourage imagination and another....outright dishonesty.

Now, as a much wiser woman who thrives on honesty and truth, I look back and think “What were we thinking?” I desire to be 100 percent honest in all my ways, so that those who follow my lead, are led closer to THE LIGHT than are being led astray. Truth is TRUTH – NOT stretching the truth, or “It’s so cute to see those little wide eyes of wonder."

You may think this is a crotchety ole' gal’s reality, but, in reality, it’s the closer I get to the Baby in the Manger Who Became my Savior, the more I want to be like Him – full of grace and TRUTH. John 1:14 says “The Word (Jesus) became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and only Son, Who came from the Father, FULL OF GRACE AND TRUTH."

My little “Holy Family” and sign that says “Born this day, a Savior Who is Christ the Lord” seems like a meager attempt to celebrate THE ONE – that Christmas is really all about. Maybe someone will see it and hopefully it will draw their attention to think about the real Reason for the Season, but no question it’s lost amidst the gigantic Santa inflatables around the neighborhoods. Here’s the truth that MUST be told to our families and especially to our children, from infancy and on. No question that the imagery of jolly old Santa provides many moments of Christmas joy – especially when we’re propping those little ones in his lap for that annual Christmas photo. The mythical Santa was clearly founded in a man who honored Jesus Christ with his life and his possessions. St. Nicholas gave freely of his riches to benefit those who were less fortunate than himself. "Giving” is clearly one of Christianity's guiding principles in Scripture -- to care for the poor.

“Mommy, Is There Really a Santa Claus?” is a question that families ponder each year. I pray you ask for God’s wisdom and how best to explain to them in “grace and truth”. 1 John 3:18 "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in TRUTH." .And if TRUTH is told – may we give our families a True Story of love, peace, hope, joy, and compassion – the TRUE Christmas Story. What is easier to believe – Santa Claus or that God loved us so much that He sent His only Son to earth as a baby, to a lovely couple and the shepherds and wise men came to see him and when they saw him, they worshiped him because he was the newborn King who would set them free - WHO SET US FREE. Yesterday my pastor said "Christmas IS NOT a holiday. It is a HOLY DAY! May we honor the HOLY One Who really did come to give us the greatest gift -- Himself."

Wise Men Still Seek Him

Santa Claus came and went. The reindeer's nose is no longer shining. The carolers have closed their Christmas song books. Chestnuts are no longer roasting on an open fire. My Canadian family are so happy we're no longer singing "Let it snow. Let it snow." and "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas", since they now have over 30 feet of snow piled up everywhere. The bells are no longer jingling.

And here at the Wuerch Family's home in Austin, the Christmas lights and decorations have been put away for another year and the 12-foot "real" tree (a real Christmas tree is a "must have" in this family), now dry as a bone and needles shed all over, was hauled off last night. I love to have that task done for my kids while they're away on their annual anniversary trip just after Christmas. This year I had the help of big-brother Barrett and the little brothers, Brennan and Bryson, in getting the tubs down from the attic and once I've filled them up with the decor, they hauled them back up the attic. Whew!

Life will be back to normal again for most of us very soon. The generosity we had for those less fortunate in December and the magic will gradually begin to fade. After all, the Salvation Army volunteers will no longer be ringing their bells at their kettles to remind us of those in need.

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 week, we will still be looking to Him throughout 2017. 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!

It's All About Him......NOT ME!

It's All About Him......NOT ME!
In years past, my Christmas traditions started right after Thanksgiving. I loved this time of the year so much that I decorated every bedroom with its own fully decorated, lit tree. The inside and outside of the house looked like a Christmas Store. I had several nativity sets throughout my house. After all, I wanted Jesus to be prominent amidst all the Santa Clauses and snowmen. I had a huge village of little houses and ice skating pond, trees, churches (lots of churches). I made dozens of cookies and candies to share with family and friends. I handwrote and mailed a flood of Christmas cards with my family's picture on it. That was a "must do" every year -- getting the family Christmas picture at Thanksgiving. I purchased way too many gifts. I spent hours and hours shopping for just the right treasures to give. We squeezed in Christmas parties and programs into all the other "must do's". Despite my best intentions to make Christ the center of our Christmas, hyper mode was my mode of operation for years. Does that sound familiar to you?

I never felt guilty about the flood of activity and way-too-much-attention to so many details. I loved this time of year so much that I gave it ALL I had. The family traditions were so dear and precious to me. It was a work-out, but at the end -- we had made so many precious memories, and it was worth every effort. But, this year, my story takes a big turn.

Since I sold my home in Tulsa and, at my children's urging, making a temporary decision to live a "vagabond" lifestyle (going from my children's homes, mother-in-law's home and friends' home), until at least February of next year, my "normal" is no longer the same. My way-of-thinking is certainly having to make adjustments. My "way" isn't the way when I place myself at the mercy of the schedules, environments, cultures and lifestyles of friends and family. I never knew the "single" lifestyle until my sweetheart graduated to heaven. I guess I didn't realize how it had affected my outlook on responsibility to and for others again.

So, I'll admit, my faith journey that was somewhat ideal because it was MY faith journey now includes the faith journeys of others, which means my ideals and my desires must submit and become secondary to others. As I type this, once again, I've heard God's voice saying "Trust Me! I've got this. This is part of my plan!"

So, as I sit here eating my "Humble Pie", I've come back to what the PRINCIPLE THING is supposed to be. I've recalibrated my thinking to HIS thing. A widow friend of mine gave me wisdom a couple of nights ago. In her Widow's Group, she told me there were a couple of gals who had no intentions of decorating their homes this year. They weren't wanting to put forth the effort. She told me she scolded them. She said, "Is Christmas about YOU, or is it about the birthday of the ONE who gave His life for us, Who came here to earth so He would understand us and die for us so we could live forever with Him? Don't decorate for you.....decorate for Him!"

I loved that. My life, this season, my wants, my desires -- shouldn't be about ME. Everything should be about THE ONE whom we celebrate so I'm determining to keep my focus on Jesus' birthday. I even started my Christmas baking yesterday for me, us AND Him!

When I attend several more performances of the Christmas program at my daughter's church, it will be in honor of celebrating He Who this Christmas is about. I will lean in to the real sweetness and tenderness of this season, and turn my attention to the STAR of this story, Mary's baby boy that grew up to be my great I AM. "I AM" is my protector, my healer, my strength and my joy giver, my way-maker, truth-finder and my peace-provider

If you've been like me -- whether in an utter frenzy-mode to this point, or in a little whiny mode about the changes in your life and even disappointments about things being different than they once were, since it's His birthday.....we get to just show up and celebrate Him. No matter how we decorate the house for His party, it is still ALL ABOUT HIM, Who is ALWAYS the life of the party. And He has come to give life to all the people at the party. And, when we lean in even closer, we'll find that the LIFE of the party holds out Himself as the gift that keeps on giving. And the gift tag? It has our names on it. Oh, what a relief it is!

Merry Christmas Eve!

Day 359 of Photo Inspirations -- Merry Christmas Eve!!
We're getting closer to "Silent Night -- Holy Night", but until then...this day is probably filled with lots of activity for us all -- last minute shopping, wrapping the final packages, and getting some of our Christmas meal ready to go for tomorrow.  As for us, after two more Christmas productions that the kids are in today, we'll settle down for our Christmas Eve traditions.  When these two grandkids wake up tomorrow morning, I will have arrived in Seattle after a early morning flight to celebrate Christmas Day with my family there.  I'll wave at Santa enroute, as we'll probably be crossing paths in the air.

What a treat it was last night, to see my sweet cousins, Mary Ellen Snow and Charles at the production.  Of course, I had to have a quick photo opt.  They just recently moved to Texas from OK and are loving being in Texas near their kids.

We came home and watched a sweet Christmas movie and then the kids got to open their gifts from Nana.   Sweet, hilarious time of making memories for another year.  By the way, notice a jigsaw puzzle that we're working on.  That's another annual tradition. Sweet, sweet times.

Yes, the traditions and festivities are so enjoyable, but rolling out the red carpet and recognizing the Guest of Honor is what this awe-inspiring season is all about. And.....it's up to us to ensure the Honoree is positioned in His rightful place of distinction.

I love the story of St. Nicholas. He was a very kind man and had a reputation for helping the poor and giving secret gifts to people who needed it. And that story inspires us all with a heart of giving. St. Nicholas is where "Santa Claus" came from. But, as sweet as those "treasured" photos of Santa Claus with our little ones are, and seeing their little eyes sparkling with wonder, and putting cookies out for this jolly old soul to pay us a visit, Santa ISN'T the "Guest of Honor".

The leading characters of the Christmas Story are Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the angels, and, of course, the Headliner, the main attraction and the Star of the Show is Jesus Christ. He is the REASON for the celebrations and He should be the Guest of Honor at each one. I love that we have a role to play in this great story, too. Perhaps we can be one of the shepherds. We don't need eloquent words and we don't need a place of prominence or status. We just need to be bearers and sharers of "the good news of great joy".

People expect pastors and priests to talk about Christmas being about Christ. But what people need are shepherds of the world to teach and preach that message.

You and I have the ability to amaze someone today with the message of Christmas. "For God so loved the world He GAVE His one and only Son."  (John 3:16)

Even Santa bows down to Him as the Guest of Honor.

I pray that the awesome richness of this gift is experienced in the lives of you and your precious families -- that makes this a Christmas to remember. Much love and MERRY CHRISTMAS, one and all!