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

Did You Get the Perfect Gifts for Everyone?

Merry Christmas Eve! Perfect Gifts for Everyone!
Merry Christmas Eve! Those were the words my sweet mama gave to each of her children on Christmas Eve by way of an early morning phone call. That memory is so sweet. I pray that it stays a “merry” Christmas Eve day for you even though it may mean last minute shopping, wrapping those final presents, cooking, and getting ready for the Christmas festivities to begin. Thankfully, my family and I will attend Christmas Eve service tonight that will draw us into a "Silent Night. Holy Night".

Yesterday, my pastor’s Sunday message was about the perfect Christmas gift. Do you remember your favorite Christmas gift as a child? Mine was a Tiny Tears Doll set. It was so "perfect" that she cried real tears and wet her diapers. In my pastor’s message, he said: “Lots of time is spent on finding the perfect gift. Joey, a 4-year old boy had a very busy dad with little time for his family but he found time to give Joey a bedtime story each night. After many nights of telling stories, the dad found a device that would read the stories to his son for him and gave it to his son as a gift. It worked a few nights, but the boy returned the gift to his dad saying he didn’t want to listen to the stories from the device anymore. The dad asked, “Why?” The child’s answer was: “Because it doesn’t hold me in your lap.” The child wanted his dad’s time and closeness. He wanted his dad’s “presence” more than he wanted presents.

I keep getting email messages that the subject line reads, "Give your family and friends "The Perfect Gift". I've been deleting most of those and not checking to find out what they meant until yesterday. "The Perfect Gift" is a Gift Card. My thought is “Well, it’s better than getting something you don’t need or want. But, PERFECT? I don't think so.” Back to my pastor’s message of presents versus our presence in those we will be with this Christmas and beyond.

Maybe you’re hustling and bustling around at this last minute to buy the final presents for friends and family. Be sure to include with these gifts, the gift of YOU. That looking into their eyes and them hearing your voice expressing your love for them, putting aside the cell phones to really, really listen to them. Go the extra mile of your presence by asking them how they’re REALLY doing and offering your encouragement and support. Let them know they matter – really matter to you.

And while you're at it, give them the only PERFECT GIFT we could ever give, the gift of HIM, Who is the PERFECT One, Who isn't a tangible "thing", but is the All in All, Beginning and End of joy, comfort, peace, life, love, happiness, and life everlasting. He is God's PERFECT GIFT to us. John 3:16 "For God so LOVED the world that He GAVE His only begotten Son -- that whoever believes in Him, would not perish but have everlasting life."

So how do we give that "Perfect Gift"? By giving ourselves as peacemakers, joy-peace-hope bearers, by being LIGHTS that this world desperately needs so much. Though Jesus is the ultimate, ever-ready, radiant, source of LIGHT that dispels darkness.....He told us in Matthew 5:14-16 that we are the light of the world. Your PERFECT GIFT this season? YOU, Your Presence and YOUR LIGHT shining brightly so that others will come to know Jesus Christ and His presence -- the ultimate PERFECT GIFT.

Merry Christmas Eve!

Merry Christmas Eve!
My sweet Mama would always make her calls to each of her grown children on Christmas Eve morning, saying -- "Merry Christmas Eve". We expected that call. And I say that to all of my FB friends today -- MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE! That little greeting and memory certainly does turn my heart to this day 2,000 years ago. Mary, in labor and fast approaching the birth of her baby boy, and Joseph scurrying to find a place for the big debut of the Son of God, knew what "last minute details" were all about.

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. After two more Christmas productions that Staci and the kids will perform in today, we'll settle down for our Christmas Eve traditions. Then, when these two grandkids wake up tomorrow morning, I will have arrived in Austin after an early morning drive to celebrate Christmas Day with my family there. I'll wave at Santa enroute, as he'll probably be delivering his last presents along the the way! ;-)

What a treat it was to see my sweet cousins, Mary Ellen Snow and Charles Snow and daughter and two of their grandchildren at the production. Of course, I had to have a quick photo opt. They live nearby here in Frisco. Lots of sweet family memories invade my mind when we're together. Our Mamas are sisters.

Tonight we will have our traditional "Wuerch/Wallace style" opening of all the presents -- except for what Santa brings in the stockings, of course which will be tomorrow morning. Sweet, hilarious time of making memories for another year.

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."

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!

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!