I’m not sure that I want to make any New Year’s Resolutions this year. I know it is a good time to rethink how our lives are going and how we are doing in reaching our dreams and goals, but I think it may be a good idea to skip it. On the other hand, maybe I could do like so many of us and Revolutionize my life in one “easy” week! I could make my list and check it twice and include all of those things that I would like to do and be that have been heretofore impossible. That’s what I need!! A Revolution!!
Reality check!! How many resolutions have I made that I have actually kept throughout the year? How many have I even remembered for a whole year? Maybe writing them down would help me to remember, but then I’d have to follow them.
Well, okay. Here it goes:
1. I’d like to revolutionize my appearance by losing 30 lbs. this year.
Instead, I’ll resolve to do some kind of exercise that I enjoy at least 3 times per week.
2. I’d like to revolutionize my spiritual life by reading through the Bible in a year.
Instead, I’ll resolve to read at least a chapter in God’s word every day of the workweek.
3. I’d like to revolutionize my health by eating a pure diet with no processed food or fat.
Instead, I’ll resolve to eat some raw fruit and a big green salad every day.
4. I’d like to revolutionize my home by organizing every nook and cranny of my living space.
Instead, I’ll resolve to try to organize one little space at a time and find a place right away for any new things I acquire.
5. I’d like to revolutionize my marriage by never fighting with my husband again.
Instead, I’ll resolve to fight less and try to listen more each time we have a disagreement.
6. I’d like to revolutionize my relationship with Adrian by never arguing with him again.
Instead, I’ll resolve to try to have a heart of humility and admit when I am wrong without continuing the argument.
7. I’d like to revolutionize my relationships with everyone around me by loving at all times.
Instead, I’ll resolve to trust in God more and hide a little less as I walk each day toward more authentic relationships with those around me.
8. I’d like to revolutionize my relationship with God by trusting Him completely – at all times.
Instead, I’ll resolve to try to trust Him more and pray when I don’t so that He can give me the trust that I need.
9. I’d like to revolutionize my finances by making sure I know what happens to every penny.
Instead, I’ll resolve to spend my money more wisely and try to learn ways to be a better steward.
10. I’d like to revolutionize my intellect by getting a degree in Constitutional Law.
Instead, I’ll resolve to try to learn something new every day and look into enrolling in some college classes online.
11. I’d like to revolutionize my world by doing and saying all the right things at the right times.
Instead, I’ll resolve to ask God each day to help me put on the mind of Christ and let Him revolutionize the world.
I have come to realize over the last few years, that revolutionizing my life is fruitless. It is somewhat like the Hare and the Turtle. The Hare begins fast and poops out before he reaches his goal; whereas, the Turtle plods along slowly but steadily and eventually reaches his goal.
In my efforts to revolutionize my health, family, spirituality, etc., I have come out of the chute with a bang and fallen face first half way around the track. This was mostly because I was relying upon my own efforts and my own performance. We all know that our own efforts, strength, performance and fortitude fall far short of where God wants take us, so what do we do?
A Revelation.
My conclusion is this: God must do the revolutionizing and I must do the resolving. I must resolve to look to Him daily. I must resolve to obey Him in the little everyday things of life. I must resolve to plod steadily along the path toward the cross even if I see no destination and feel no progress. I must resolve to trust Him to do His work in me His way.
Although, I will try to do the things I’ve listed above, I will also try to let go and let God revolutionize my life for His purpose. I probably won’t even realize it’s going on. But, someday, when I stand before His throne, I want to hear “Thank you for keeping your eyes on Me. Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Pro 3:5 - 8 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
May we learn to allow Him to do what He will with our lives. May we learn to leave the revolution to Him as we resolve to trust and obey.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Christmas Gifts
A few weeks before our Christmas Cantata, our director, Julie, held auditions for the child soloist part in the production. Leilani, Mikayla and I came at the appointed time and she had each of the girls sing for the volunteer judges (two of the other choir members). Mikayla didn’t even want to audition and gave me trouble all of the way to church. Leilani was okay with it and just did what I asked.
I questioned my decision to “make” them audition, but then realized that these are just children and it wasn’t going to hurt them any to go through the experience. It wasn’t like I was one of those die hard stage moms taking the kids to every audition possible. This was a little Christmas Cantata and they had both been given a gift of singing by the Master. I decided that it was part of my parental responsibility to help them develop their gifts just as it was my responsibility to teach them math.
So, they auditioned. I stood out in the foyer listening as they each sang Away In a Manger and thought that they both had angelic voices. They each sang for the judges separately and I’m sure that the formality of it, thanks to Julie, was sufficiently professional and probably a little intimidating. I was proud of them for doing such a good job.
When Mikayla was done, she came and joined me in the foyer. “Mom,” she said seriously, “I don’t want to do the solo even if they choose me.”
“Why not?” my question was rather patronizing, I’ll admit.
“I don’t know. I just don’t.” was her answer.
Well, I wasn’t going to make her sing in the Cantata if her heart was not in it.
When Leilani was done, she and Julie joined us in the foyer. She told me that she would let me know later who got the part. She wasn’t sure that anyone else was going to audition, but wanted to be sure that everyone who wanted to got a chance.
That evening at our Cantata rehearsal she pulled me aside. “We decided that Mikayla should have the part.” She told me.
“What if she doesn’t want to sing the solo?” I asked remembering what Mikayla had told me that afternoon.
“Then Leilani will get the part. But whatever she decides, there is no changing her mind later.” Julie was adamant on this point and I admired her for it. Even though she has no children of her own, she seems to know just what these little minds wrap themselves around sometimes.
“Absolutely!” I agreed.
That evening when I informed the girls of Julie’s decision, their reactions were predictable. Mikayla was relieved that I was not going to make her do it and Leilani was quiet and matter-of-fact about singing the solo.
Sometimes I’m just like that proverbial Absent-minded Professor, and I didn’t really work with Leilani on her part. I played the CD a couple of times so that she could hear it and we practiced it along with our Children’s Choir part with the rest of our All Girls Choir, but I can’t say that I really helped her with it. The next thing I knew, she’d memorized it all and was ready to practice with the adults. Wow! I thought. She’s pretty serious about this.
The first time she sang for us in rehearsal, several of us had tears in our eyes. She looked so angelic and her voice was so sweet - just perfect for the song. I was beaming.
After that rehearsal, she came to me with doubt written all over her freckled face. “Mom. When I sing in front of everyone, I get so scared! Do I have to do it?”
I couldn’t believe it. She had seemed so ready and so capable. But, you know, I remembered being that age and singing in front of people and I remembered how nervous I was, too.
“Sweetie, if you weren’t a little scared, I’d be worried.” I reassured her. “I’ll be right there with you and you don’t have to worry. But you’ve committed to doing this and we have to follow through. I know you can do it.”
I could tell she wasn’t so sure. Meanwhile, Mikayla had come to me earlier that day. She had regret written all over her face.
“Mom. I wish I’d said I would sing the part.” She told me. I knew exactly how she felt, too. But, there was no “wishy-washyness” allowed.
“There will be other parts and other times that you will be able to sing. Right now, it is really great that your sister gets to do this. You can help her by encouraging her and telling her what a good job she’s doing.” I didn’t want her to envy Leilani’s spotlight.
The big night came. We all combed hair, put on costumes (Leilani was an angel in the Nativity), put on our best dresses, fixed our faces and went to church.
Leilani was nervous, Mikayla was excited, Deanna and Terence (who had no part in the production) were a little bored and Dad was energetically setting up the Proud Parent Recording Studio (a video camera off to the side). I was greeting everyone and trying to keep the All Girls Choir calm enough to listen to instructions. Thank goodness I had help in that area.
We sang through the first part of the Cantata and then the Children came onto the stage. The Girls Choir sang their part beautifully and I almost held my breath as the introduction to Leilani’s solo could be heard through the monitors. She came in right on cue. Every word was clearly pronounced and her voice was just perfect! She sang every note and finished with aplomb.
The rest of the Cantata was a bit of a blur. I know it sounded great, but I was still thinking of my beautiful daughter and her first solo in front of an audience. I could see that Ralph was thrilled with her as well.
Afterwards, Leilani got many congratulations, which she graciously received with sweet “Thank yous” to those who gave them. When I gave her a hug, she looked at me and said, “I was so scared! I was almost shaking!”
“You were very brave and did very well. I’m so proud that you sang in spite of being scared.” I told her. “You have a beautiful voice that God is going to use. You have just overcome the first obstacle in learning to use your gift.”
She smiled then and ran off to get some treats with her friends and sisters. I know that she felt a great sense of accomplishment.
How many of us are afraid to use what God has given us? I am sometimes. How many times have we had to overcome our fear of judgment in order to do His will? I’m thinking of some unpleasant moments in front of crowds. Have we given in to our fears at times? I know I have. But thinking of this little child, who was “so scared” but who did it anyway, gives me courage. If God can be with her when she sings her little solo, I know He will be with me whenever He calls me to use my gifts for Him.
Rom 12:5 – 6a So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us,
1Co 14:12 In the same way, since you're so desirous of spiritual gifts, you must keep on desiring them for the upbuilding of the church.
Joh 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
May we fear not. May we remember that God is with us whenever He calls us. May we continue to use our gifts for His kingdom and encourage our children to do the same.
I questioned my decision to “make” them audition, but then realized that these are just children and it wasn’t going to hurt them any to go through the experience. It wasn’t like I was one of those die hard stage moms taking the kids to every audition possible. This was a little Christmas Cantata and they had both been given a gift of singing by the Master. I decided that it was part of my parental responsibility to help them develop their gifts just as it was my responsibility to teach them math.
So, they auditioned. I stood out in the foyer listening as they each sang Away In a Manger and thought that they both had angelic voices. They each sang for the judges separately and I’m sure that the formality of it, thanks to Julie, was sufficiently professional and probably a little intimidating. I was proud of them for doing such a good job.
When Mikayla was done, she came and joined me in the foyer. “Mom,” she said seriously, “I don’t want to do the solo even if they choose me.”
“Why not?” my question was rather patronizing, I’ll admit.
“I don’t know. I just don’t.” was her answer.
Well, I wasn’t going to make her sing in the Cantata if her heart was not in it.
When Leilani was done, she and Julie joined us in the foyer. She told me that she would let me know later who got the part. She wasn’t sure that anyone else was going to audition, but wanted to be sure that everyone who wanted to got a chance.
That evening at our Cantata rehearsal she pulled me aside. “We decided that Mikayla should have the part.” She told me.
“What if she doesn’t want to sing the solo?” I asked remembering what Mikayla had told me that afternoon.
“Then Leilani will get the part. But whatever she decides, there is no changing her mind later.” Julie was adamant on this point and I admired her for it. Even though she has no children of her own, she seems to know just what these little minds wrap themselves around sometimes.
“Absolutely!” I agreed.
That evening when I informed the girls of Julie’s decision, their reactions were predictable. Mikayla was relieved that I was not going to make her do it and Leilani was quiet and matter-of-fact about singing the solo.
Sometimes I’m just like that proverbial Absent-minded Professor, and I didn’t really work with Leilani on her part. I played the CD a couple of times so that she could hear it and we practiced it along with our Children’s Choir part with the rest of our All Girls Choir, but I can’t say that I really helped her with it. The next thing I knew, she’d memorized it all and was ready to practice with the adults. Wow! I thought. She’s pretty serious about this.
The first time she sang for us in rehearsal, several of us had tears in our eyes. She looked so angelic and her voice was so sweet - just perfect for the song. I was beaming.
After that rehearsal, she came to me with doubt written all over her freckled face. “Mom. When I sing in front of everyone, I get so scared! Do I have to do it?”
I couldn’t believe it. She had seemed so ready and so capable. But, you know, I remembered being that age and singing in front of people and I remembered how nervous I was, too.
“Sweetie, if you weren’t a little scared, I’d be worried.” I reassured her. “I’ll be right there with you and you don’t have to worry. But you’ve committed to doing this and we have to follow through. I know you can do it.”
I could tell she wasn’t so sure. Meanwhile, Mikayla had come to me earlier that day. She had regret written all over her face.
“Mom. I wish I’d said I would sing the part.” She told me. I knew exactly how she felt, too. But, there was no “wishy-washyness” allowed.
“There will be other parts and other times that you will be able to sing. Right now, it is really great that your sister gets to do this. You can help her by encouraging her and telling her what a good job she’s doing.” I didn’t want her to envy Leilani’s spotlight.
The big night came. We all combed hair, put on costumes (Leilani was an angel in the Nativity), put on our best dresses, fixed our faces and went to church.
Leilani was nervous, Mikayla was excited, Deanna and Terence (who had no part in the production) were a little bored and Dad was energetically setting up the Proud Parent Recording Studio (a video camera off to the side). I was greeting everyone and trying to keep the All Girls Choir calm enough to listen to instructions. Thank goodness I had help in that area.
We sang through the first part of the Cantata and then the Children came onto the stage. The Girls Choir sang their part beautifully and I almost held my breath as the introduction to Leilani’s solo could be heard through the monitors. She came in right on cue. Every word was clearly pronounced and her voice was just perfect! She sang every note and finished with aplomb.
The rest of the Cantata was a bit of a blur. I know it sounded great, but I was still thinking of my beautiful daughter and her first solo in front of an audience. I could see that Ralph was thrilled with her as well.
Afterwards, Leilani got many congratulations, which she graciously received with sweet “Thank yous” to those who gave them. When I gave her a hug, she looked at me and said, “I was so scared! I was almost shaking!”
“You were very brave and did very well. I’m so proud that you sang in spite of being scared.” I told her. “You have a beautiful voice that God is going to use. You have just overcome the first obstacle in learning to use your gift.”
She smiled then and ran off to get some treats with her friends and sisters. I know that she felt a great sense of accomplishment.
How many of us are afraid to use what God has given us? I am sometimes. How many times have we had to overcome our fear of judgment in order to do His will? I’m thinking of some unpleasant moments in front of crowds. Have we given in to our fears at times? I know I have. But thinking of this little child, who was “so scared” but who did it anyway, gives me courage. If God can be with her when she sings her little solo, I know He will be with me whenever He calls me to use my gifts for Him.
Rom 12:5 – 6a So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us,
1Co 14:12 In the same way, since you're so desirous of spiritual gifts, you must keep on desiring them for the upbuilding of the church.
Joh 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
May we fear not. May we remember that God is with us whenever He calls us. May we continue to use our gifts for His kingdom and encourage our children to do the same.
Sunday, December 3, 2006
Catching the Christmas Spirit
Memories of Christmas Past haunt my musings lately as we launch ourselves into the Christmas season. One of my favorite memories is of me, my sister and my dad going out into woods near our house and finding a little Christmas tree. My dad would cut it down and we would all help (as much as a 6 year old and a 4 year old can help) to drag it back to the house. We would set it up on a table (we had a dog and a cat) and decorate it with colored lights, decorations and tinsel.
After we moved to El Paso, our Christmases changed. There was no longer the white Christmas to look forward to and we began putting up a plastic tree at Christmas time.
It was many years before we had an opportunity to get a live Christmas tree again. When we bought our first home in Spring Valley, CA (just outside of San Diego) we decided that we would get the biggest, live Christmas tree we could find. It was 10 feet tall when we got it set up and I decorated it with poinsettias, white lights, gold ribbon and loads of ornaments we’d bought at Sam’s Club. Ralph even had a Christmas Train that we’d put under (or even IN) the tree.
It was even better when we moved to Maine. We’d all pile in the van and head off to the Christmas Tree Farm (one of several near our home) and walk around till we found one that was taller than Dad. He would cut it down and the owner of the farm would wrap it in net and help us tie it onto the top of our van so we could get it home. We’d set it up in the big, bay, picture window of the living room next to the corn stove so it could be seen from the street. Our Victorian Christmas town would also go into the window next to the tree. It was full of lights, detail and a working model train. Our window was one of the prettiest in the neighborhood. I remember one Christmas we had 4 decorated trees throughout the house.
This year, however, was unique. I don’t think that there is a Christmas Tree Farm anywhere within 200 miles and if we wanted a live tree we would have to drive to New Mexico. We don’t have a bay window to set it in and not enough room to get out our Holiday Town. I was beginning to get depressed! How can we get into the Christmas spirit without a tree!
I cried on Ralph’s shoulder one night and he gave me a few ideas. We decided to get out the decorations and see what we could do about decorating the house.
The next day the girls and I went to the Dollar General store in town. It is the most disorganized, cluttered store I’ve ever seen. Unfortunately, it’s all we have here unless I want to go to El Paso. We looked at their selection of fake trees. Ralph met us there during a break in his busy schedule and we picked out a tree: a white, 3’, plastic thing. At least it would fit in one of the windows.
It took us 2 days to figure out what to do with it, but once we got out the ornaments and started hanging them on, it started feeling like Christmas. I realized suddenly that it was not the tree that was making the difference, but the memories. The ornaments we’d made each year had great stories attached and the girls were excited about making new ones this year.
Mikayla pulled out the Nativity and set it up on a table next to the little tree and decorated it with white lights. We couldn’t find the stable, so we’ve just set up the figurines so that they can be seen from outside. Now, when we drive into our driveway, we see a little white tree in one window and the Nativity in the other. It’s pretty.
After everything had been cleaned up and the boxes of unused ornaments were put away, we talked together about what other things we could do this year. We made plans for a Christmas Club, a Christmas Newsletter, a Christmas Angel (who gives gifts secretly), and some Christmas gifts for Aaron in Korea.
Our first Christmas Club meeting was this Saturday. The girls and I invited some friends and we made chocolate chip cookies, drank tea and invented some new ornaments for this year’s tree. It was an all day affair and we had such fun.
The Christmas Spirit is here in our home even though we don’t have a big, live tree and lots of decorations. We have each other and hearts full of the joy of giving. Christ would be pleased. His birth wasn’t about the decorations, but about family and making us a part of His. This year we’ve been forced to put away the distractions of the decorations and focus on the reason for the season. I know it’s going to be one of the best Christmases we’ve had.
Rom 5:15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
2Co 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
May we be filled with hearts of giving, remembering the greatest gift of all: Our Lord Jesus Christ.
After we moved to El Paso, our Christmases changed. There was no longer the white Christmas to look forward to and we began putting up a plastic tree at Christmas time.
It was many years before we had an opportunity to get a live Christmas tree again. When we bought our first home in Spring Valley, CA (just outside of San Diego) we decided that we would get the biggest, live Christmas tree we could find. It was 10 feet tall when we got it set up and I decorated it with poinsettias, white lights, gold ribbon and loads of ornaments we’d bought at Sam’s Club. Ralph even had a Christmas Train that we’d put under (or even IN) the tree.
It was even better when we moved to Maine. We’d all pile in the van and head off to the Christmas Tree Farm (one of several near our home) and walk around till we found one that was taller than Dad. He would cut it down and the owner of the farm would wrap it in net and help us tie it onto the top of our van so we could get it home. We’d set it up in the big, bay, picture window of the living room next to the corn stove so it could be seen from the street. Our Victorian Christmas town would also go into the window next to the tree. It was full of lights, detail and a working model train. Our window was one of the prettiest in the neighborhood. I remember one Christmas we had 4 decorated trees throughout the house.
This year, however, was unique. I don’t think that there is a Christmas Tree Farm anywhere within 200 miles and if we wanted a live tree we would have to drive to New Mexico. We don’t have a bay window to set it in and not enough room to get out our Holiday Town. I was beginning to get depressed! How can we get into the Christmas spirit without a tree!
I cried on Ralph’s shoulder one night and he gave me a few ideas. We decided to get out the decorations and see what we could do about decorating the house.
The next day the girls and I went to the Dollar General store in town. It is the most disorganized, cluttered store I’ve ever seen. Unfortunately, it’s all we have here unless I want to go to El Paso. We looked at their selection of fake trees. Ralph met us there during a break in his busy schedule and we picked out a tree: a white, 3’, plastic thing. At least it would fit in one of the windows.
It took us 2 days to figure out what to do with it, but once we got out the ornaments and started hanging them on, it started feeling like Christmas. I realized suddenly that it was not the tree that was making the difference, but the memories. The ornaments we’d made each year had great stories attached and the girls were excited about making new ones this year.
Mikayla pulled out the Nativity and set it up on a table next to the little tree and decorated it with white lights. We couldn’t find the stable, so we’ve just set up the figurines so that they can be seen from outside. Now, when we drive into our driveway, we see a little white tree in one window and the Nativity in the other. It’s pretty.
After everything had been cleaned up and the boxes of unused ornaments were put away, we talked together about what other things we could do this year. We made plans for a Christmas Club, a Christmas Newsletter, a Christmas Angel (who gives gifts secretly), and some Christmas gifts for Aaron in Korea.
Our first Christmas Club meeting was this Saturday. The girls and I invited some friends and we made chocolate chip cookies, drank tea and invented some new ornaments for this year’s tree. It was an all day affair and we had such fun.
The Christmas Spirit is here in our home even though we don’t have a big, live tree and lots of decorations. We have each other and hearts full of the joy of giving. Christ would be pleased. His birth wasn’t about the decorations, but about family and making us a part of His. This year we’ve been forced to put away the distractions of the decorations and focus on the reason for the season. I know it’s going to be one of the best Christmases we’ve had.
Rom 5:15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
2Co 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
May we be filled with hearts of giving, remembering the greatest gift of all: Our Lord Jesus Christ.
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