Category Archives: Uncategorized

Christmas Is For Those Who Hate It Most

by

Echoes and Stars

Four years ago I wrote this little article. It’s my favorite of anything I’ve written. One reason is I hear from people throughout the year about how helpful it has been. Usually it’s around Christmas, but I also hear from folks in July. But really I love it the most because there is so much of me in it – so much of my own hopes. I need what’s in this little piece as much as anyone. This year more than any.

It’s been a hard year culminating in a lot of lessons learned. Christmas will be difficult for a few different reasons. I’ve never not looked forward to Christmas, but this year I’m tempted. So I need to hear this as much as anyone.

——————–

We are now accustomed to hearing how Christmas is difficult for many people. The story of Scrooge and his problems with the season is…

View original post 677 more words

Go and tell vs. Get and give

by

I have been thinking about how the celebration of Christmas changes and what meaningful memories we keep as years go by.
When we sing Christmas carols and read the Gospel it is always about going and telling the Good News. We used to portray this in our lives with visits to older relatives and friends who looked forward to seeing happy children come into the home for a hug ….and maybe cookies. Then we enjoyed activities as caroling together to spread cheer and truth of Jesus come.  
Somehow as our world became sophisicated we let ourselves believe it to be good to give gifts we could buy as opposed to taking time to share time. I think maybe that is why it is hard to see in all the glitter and plastic of the holday the little precious piece of time which is obscured by all the decor.
We have missed Christmas by getting more caught up in gift buying than sharing the true meaning of love, fellowship, peace and affection Shared together through simple acts that create memories and strenghten relationships.
This year focus relationship with Him, family and neighbors far and near..and start the new year with joy instead of debt! You may sense real freedom of love instead of drudgery to check off a list.
Of course, I do not mean to give no gifts or decorate, etc. rather get the order of priorities set forth to stop the madness and bring back Christmas!

reflections

by

As October leaves with only two months remaining in this year, I am already reflecting on blessings of 2013. I finally buried my son’s ashes after having kept his urn beside my bed eleven years. I would never have imagine the peace I have had because I now know that I had never really let go until I had a grave marker showing me the date he left this phase of life. I enjoy selecting special flowers that make me smile and refect on the little things in his life we shared with love and laughter. Oh how I enjoy memories that make my heart sing. I am so thankful to the little church in the country that has a cemetery open to anyone. Finally, I have a heart full of song rather than walking with grief.