Watch for the Signs -- Give Some Signs

Today I’ve got my eyes wide open for “signs” – you know, those sweet reminders of loved-ones passed or the Christmas card or phone call or text messages from friends and loved ones, but mostly, the “signs” of Emmanuel – God with us. Tonight, we’ll attend Christmas Eve mass at my church and “signs” will be everywhere – the hundreds of gorgeous poinsettias, the ginormous Christmas trees that don the altar area will now be lit for the announcement of Jesus’ birth and Baby Jesus, whose manger was empty on Sunday, will show up in the manger. We’ll attend the 5:00 pm one where the children will sing. It will be packed because all the parents and family members want to be there to celebrate their children. And, isn’t that what makes Christmas so special – the Baby in the manger and all the children who grasp the WHO and WHY behind Christmas?

On December 24th, 2010, just a little over a month after the passing of my husband, I spent days rummaging through his treasures and items that represented who he was. I gathered the items together and strategically placed them in six very fine treasure boxes for our grandchildren. We had always been Christmas Eve gift exchangers with our kids and grandkids. So, after all the exchanges of gifts with each other, I presented each one with their treasure box. Of course, I was sentimental. I wanted to continue giving “signs” of their Papa’s love and life. In the oldest grandson’s box, was Papa’s wallet that held his pilot’s license (Braden had just completed his first “solo” flight.). In the second oldest grandson’s box, was Papa’s sports pins from the 2000 Super Bowl that he attended, as well as his OU Sooner lighter (Bear was the avid sports fan with lots of sports memorabilia). In 10-year old Payton’s box was Papa’s fishing knot tying book (Payton is the fisherman – following in Papa’s footsteps); in Alexia’s box was a little stuffed animal that I gave Papa many years ago and she always loved it. And in all of their boxes were other symbolic items that spoke of the Papa they knew and loved: his favorite gum – Trident Citrus Flavored; Smarties candies – Papa would always have some hidden in his desk drawer for them; Breath Freshener Strips – he always made sure his breath smelled good; a measuring tape – represented Papa’s ability to build, restore, and remodel; one of his hankies; one of his pocket knives; some of pins from the many organizations he belonged to; one of Papa’s crosses and religious coins; a pair of his glasses and one of his watches.

Nothing in those boxes represented much monetarily – but each item symbolized the Papa they knew and loved. They took those boxes home and they wtreasure them and open them again and recall the joyful times they had with Papa. They are all SIGNS of a precious and loving Papa. Then, I gave an envelope to each one of the children, grandchildren and Ron’s Mom. Those envelopes contained photos of Papa with that person. Each of us told about those photos -- what we were doing with him and what we felt during that time. A range of emotions followed. It was a celebratory time – time filled with tears and laughter – but special in that each of us, individually, and collectively, were able to release our emotions and tell about the love we had for Papa, recall the special man of God he was, the special Papa he was, and the dad and husband that laid a sure foundation of faith, hope and love in our lives. We shared those precious memories together and all agreed that we will get busy with doing what he taught us with actions and words to do – to be a family that bases our lives on trusting in God, sharing the good news of great joy everywhere we go.

SIGNS are everywhere at this time of year for us to remember WHO made this such a big, lit-up, joy-filled and hope-filled season. A star or an angel tops our Christmas tree. The tree, itself, is a SIGN that reminds us that the babe in the manger was also the great Creator of everything. A nativity scene reminds us of our Lord’s humble birth. Gift-giving reminds us of the most treasured gift of all given by God when He gave us only begotten Son! The carols and songs we sing are SIGNS of the angelic chorus announcing His birth.

Look for the signs this Christmas. Believe in miracles. Believe that love is stronger than that which separates us. Remember no matter how hard this day is, know you are loved beyond words – because LOVE broke through the sound barriers and showed up for us. Find your Christmas miracle. You might be surprised when you open your eyes to all that Is possible. I believe they are never far.

“And this will be a SIGN for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12

Back to School Routines

When my community was buying school supplies for children in need, I joined in with them -- buying spiral notebooks, crayons, binders, pencils, pens, notebook paper, glue, and other school supplies. It brought back memories of buying school supplies for my own two kiddos -- backpacks, lunch kits, and all the essentials from the school’s list of supplies. Please indulge me once again, with one of my favorite photos of a new school year for them when we lived at Lake Keystone, Oklahoma. Actually, it was Staci’s first year of school

Here we are with the lazy days of summer almost over. The Fall school routine is well underway for my Frisco grandchildren and next week, the Austin two will begin their routines. Soon they’ll all be in the swing of things with their new courses and loads of homework.

Here’s the best advice I can offer from a “Nana’s” point of view. We can either worry about what this school year holds or we can follow the lead of Mary and Joseph in the Gospel of Luke 2. Four areas are mentioned that Jesus grew in as a young boy: “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with man (people).” Our Lord grew wiser each year. He physically grew. His relationship with His Heavenly Father continually strengthened. Jesus even gained favor with people who saw Him day to day.

The verse that precedes Jesus growth in Luke 2:51 is this one: “His mother kept all these things in her heart.” When Mary was mothering Jesus, she tucked thoughts (some Bible translations say she “treasured” them) of her son safely in her heart. In none of those descriptions do we see Mary fretting, worried and anxious. She pondered about her son and his growth, but she didn’t allow her mama heart to ever become rattled.

I’m so pleased that my kids follow Joseph and Mary’s lead by instructing and instilling in their kids those things that will increase them in wisdom and favor. Early yesterday morning, I went over to their home for morning devotion (one of their “must-do’s” before heading out to school). They take 30 minutes to an hour each morning to pour God’s word into their hearts. Words that talk about honor, integrity, doing the right things, praying, trusting God, being a friend, etc.

I can hear some of you saying “We don’t have that much time in the mornings!” Then take 5 minutes to speak affirmation, God’s love and “I can do all things through Christ Who gives me strength” motivation into them, and then pray with them for wisdom and favor. School mornings can be quite hectic but there is nothing more important than starting each day with putting God first. When He gets first place, then He promises to make their paths straight. “Seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33.

It’s a new season at the Wallace’s as Payton is driving now, so he and Alexia headed out the door for school on their own. That’s enough reason to have a little extra anxiety. But, no matter whether it’s their first year of school or, in Payton’s case, his Senior year of school, we can turn all our anxieties that we have for our children into treasured prayers for their safety and know they are being held fast by our loving Father — the One who knows our hearts and loves our children even more than we do.

When we turn our concerns into prayers, we create space in our hearts to treasure and ponder like Mary did. During those times when God is teaching our kids – whether it’s in arithmetic or obedience or establishing friendships, let’s realize that we parents and grandparents are also learning beautiful lessons of trusting and treasuring – completely confident that God is always in control and FATHER KNOWS BEST for our children AND us!