I saw the post below on a Facebook this morning and it got me going. I have blogged about this issue in the past (see Happy Holidays), but as it happens every year, I feel I want to talk about again.
Facebook Post
For all my War on Christmas friends: "If you want to keep Christ in Christmas, worry about things more important than the signs and decorations at JC Penney. You think Christmas should be about Christ? Then take up your cross and follow Jesus – not into department stores, but into the prisons, the hospitals, among the poor and the outcast. You get angry when someone doesn’t say “Christmas?” Try getting angry over Christ’s children dying of malnutrition or AIDS. Try getting angry over the fact that the Christmas chocolate you love so much was kept cheap on the back of the working poor. Try getting angry over the fact that Christians are keeping people out of churches with their closed minds and closed doors."
Let me say, I'm not a "War on Christmas" person, but I do personally like to say Merry Christmas (most of the comments below the post were about this issue). It is a celebration of my faith. That said, I do try to be open to others by saying Happy Holidays when I am out in public or talking with acquaintances or strangers. I do not know their faith or traditions and it is a courtesy I try to extend to them. Do I always get it right? No. However, in no way would I get mad or frustrated with someone for saying Happy Holidays to me instead of Merry Christmas.
There were some responses under this post and they made me so sad/frustrated. One in particular talked about how she had been "reported" to the management at her customer service job because she was saying Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. Really, people? Is that how Christ would want you to behave? What a poor example of Christ.
As Christians this holiday is one of the top 2 for us to celebrate and cherish. This is traditionally known as a season of giving and joy, inspired by the birth of Jesus Christ. When we get caught up in the materialistic aspects we are taking away from the purpose of this holiday. In no way do I suggest you not give or receive gifts, but if you are celebrating the holiday as a Christian, shouldn't it reflect our faith instead of putting a black spot on it with ugly behavior? Demanding that everyone say Merry Christmas to you is not a positive reflection of faith, love, or understanding.
If you are adamant that this should be all about Merry Christmas (regardless of the fact that many other faiths have celebrations during this time of year), consider this idea. Wear a button that says Merry Christmas and when someone says Happy Holidays to you, just go with it. They can see by your button that you believe in Merry Christmas.
In response to the rest of the Facebook post...AMEN! Why do we worry so much about whether everyone on our list is getting exactly what they asked for when so many in our world (and nation) are just hoping for the essentials to live a healthy and safe life? How many people on your Christmas list would be offended if you sent money to a charity instead of buying them a gift? How many of those same people are Christians? How many times have you welcomed a new person at your church? Take that one step farther...how many times have you reached out to a person who you've noticed coming a few times to church. (Each time we move we go "church shopping" and I can't tell you how many churches I've been to where the members don't even say hi when we walk in the door - even if we've visited multiple times.)
So, to wrap up my wordy, ranting response to this issue...maybe it's time for us Christians to start acting truly as Christians and not allow little things like saying Happy Holidays damage our witness to others. Maybe, just maybe...we can even take it to the next level by opening ourselves to issues larger than ourselves and to people truly in need.
This season, I pray that each Christians takes time to let go of the commericalized Christmas we've set up and take some specific time to thank God for sending His Son to us. I pray that we each find ways (big or small) to extend the love we have for Christ with the world around us. I pray that we treat others with the grace and mercy that Christ has treated us with. For any non-Christians who may be reading this, I pray for you too - that you have a blessed holiday season filled with joy.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Christmas time is coming...
I'll admit that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday so I do not put up decorations, shop, or even bake for Christmas until that day has past. However
...now
...it
...is
...Christmas Time!
We each have specific quirks about how we celebrate this season. Here's a quick Q&A so you can see some of what we do in our house.
1. Colored lights or white lights? As I believe I have mentioned in previous years, The Husband is the Christmas Snob and he only allows white lights to be displayed in or on the home. (Since he is so non-assertive about most of this kind of stuff, I let him have this whim - though I do mock it mercilessly).
2. Do you hang mistletoe? I haven't in years, but it is a tradition I enjoy so maybe I'll work on that one...
3. When do you put your decorations up? Usually sometime the week after Thanksgiving. We really don't have that many decorations so it's a pretty easy ordeal for us.
4. Open gifts on Christmas Eve or wait for Christmas morning? Most years we are at someone else's place for the holiday so we usually follow whatever tradition they do at their place. However, we've been talking about it and we think we should develop some traditions we can take with us wherever we are...and since I've always enjoyed getting to open a small gift on Christmas Eve I'm thinking that is one that will travel.
5. How do you decorate your tree? We are pretty traditional. Obviously, we have white lights and then since The Husband would prefer a perfectly matching tree we somewhat compromise and have the majority of the tree decorated with the State of Texas Capitol collection and the WTAMU collection. There are a few other "approved" ornaments that have been added for memories, but really on a tiny tree like ours, the collection ornaments take up most of the space. We do wrap white pearl beads around the tree and the years when we have bought a bigger tree, we use ribbon as well.
6. Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Heck yes! I love snow and I particularly love it on Christmas!!!! The first year The Husband & I were dating Amarillo had a record snowfall of 22 inches on Christmas Eve. It was awesome!!!! My car was stuck too much so he came to get me on Christmas evening and we played in all the snow in the park, making giant deer prints and being silly. Anytime I get snow anywhere around Christmas time, I think of that time.
7. What is the most important think about this holiday to you? Celebrating the birth of Jesus and sharing that with my friends and family.
8. Star or angel tree topper? Now we have a small angel, but for several years we used a big bow with the ribbons flowing down.
9. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? Both, but honestly, I love it when I've found something I just know someone will love.
10. Favorite Christmas song? I don't know if I have an all-time favorite. I pretty much love all the traditional carols. The song below was on an old homemade tape my mom had when we were kids. Typically I'm not into this kind of music, but this song always makes me smile for some reason.
How do you celebrate this holiday? If you celebrate something other than Christmas at this time of year, I'd love to hear about your holiday and traditions as well.
...now
...it
...is
...Christmas Time!
We each have specific quirks about how we celebrate this season. Here's a quick Q&A so you can see some of what we do in our house.
1. Colored lights or white lights? As I believe I have mentioned in previous years, The Husband is the Christmas Snob and he only allows white lights to be displayed in or on the home. (Since he is so non-assertive about most of this kind of stuff, I let him have this whim - though I do mock it mercilessly).
2. Do you hang mistletoe? I haven't in years, but it is a tradition I enjoy so maybe I'll work on that one...
3. When do you put your decorations up? Usually sometime the week after Thanksgiving. We really don't have that many decorations so it's a pretty easy ordeal for us.
4. Open gifts on Christmas Eve or wait for Christmas morning? Most years we are at someone else's place for the holiday so we usually follow whatever tradition they do at their place. However, we've been talking about it and we think we should develop some traditions we can take with us wherever we are...and since I've always enjoyed getting to open a small gift on Christmas Eve I'm thinking that is one that will travel.
5. How do you decorate your tree? We are pretty traditional. Obviously, we have white lights and then since The Husband would prefer a perfectly matching tree we somewhat compromise and have the majority of the tree decorated with the State of Texas Capitol collection and the WTAMU collection. There are a few other "approved" ornaments that have been added for memories, but really on a tiny tree like ours, the collection ornaments take up most of the space. We do wrap white pearl beads around the tree and the years when we have bought a bigger tree, we use ribbon as well.
6. Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Heck yes! I love snow and I particularly love it on Christmas!!!! The first year The Husband & I were dating Amarillo had a record snowfall of 22 inches on Christmas Eve. It was awesome!!!! My car was stuck too much so he came to get me on Christmas evening and we played in all the snow in the park, making giant deer prints and being silly. Anytime I get snow anywhere around Christmas time, I think of that time.
7. What is the most important think about this holiday to you? Celebrating the birth of Jesus and sharing that with my friends and family.
8. Star or angel tree topper? Now we have a small angel, but for several years we used a big bow with the ribbons flowing down.
9. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? Both, but honestly, I love it when I've found something I just know someone will love.
10. Favorite Christmas song? I don't know if I have an all-time favorite. I pretty much love all the traditional carols. The song below was on an old homemade tape my mom had when we were kids. Typically I'm not into this kind of music, but this song always makes me smile for some reason.
How do you celebrate this holiday? If you celebrate something other than Christmas at this time of year, I'd love to hear about your holiday and traditions as well.
Friday, November 04, 2011
I pose a question to you...
I saw this on a friend's Facebook page today and it made me stop for a second. It is an interesting thought. There are large groups of people who support pro-life campaigns, but who would also be the first to condemn homosexuality. It poses an interesting thought to think that the life you are fighting to save may grow up to be something you despise.
In no way am I condemning either side of this issue (either issue actually). I am a strong believer in people's right to have a difference of opinion because I know that these opinions stem from values and who am I to say that your values are less important than mine. However, I do find this question to be interesting because it proposes a value contradiction for many.
How many things in our lives pose value contradictions? If you have ever read First Things First by Stephen Covey you were most likely convicted that you frequently live a life of value contradiction. There are realities of course. In our society, you must have money in order to live. How much money you have and how you live is very relative. However, most of us have to work to have that money. The catch is that the vast majority of us would not say work is the most important thing in our lives. Most of us would say things like our faith, our families, or our friends. But when you get down to reality, how much time and effort do we make for those things that are "most" important to us verses how much time and energy/effort we give to our jobs? We can rationalize it out easily. I work hard at my job to benefit my family. Yeah, yeah...I've said it too and there is some truth in it. However, it still creates a value contradiction for your life.
So, this week/weekend....take a second and think about what value contradictions you have in your life. Are there things you can change to make your values and actions/opinions fit together better?
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
Stanger Danger
In light of the most recent holiday of Halloween, I started thinking about children's thought processes and understanding of strangers. This is a difficult concept for many children. The Wee One is now three and 2 days after Halloween is still playing "trick or treat" with us at the house because the idea of knocking on a door to get candy is fun to her (although we didn't not knock on any doors but my grandmother's and our own). This made me think about how we teach our children about strangers.
I found some good tips online (and have been told some of these by parents in the past).
1. Don't talk to strangers. Even if they talk to you or call you by name, don't reply.
2. Stay at least an arms length from a stranger.
3. Use a family code word.
4. Never accept anything - even something that is yours - from a stranger.
Good tips, right?
Here's something that occurred to me while I was researching these. How often do I encourage a child that I don't know to break these rules?
How many times have I talked to a child I didn't know?
How many times have I offered to give something to a child I didn't know?
How many times have I gotten down on my knees (well within arms length) to talk to a child I didn't know?
How many of us have ever helped a seemingly lost child by taking them by the hand and walking around to find their parent?
We've all done these things. However well intended they may be, each of these things goes against everything we teach our children about being safe around strangers. Imagine how confusing that is for a child - especially a small child.
So here's my resolve. I am going to work really hard to talk to the parent first and ask if it is okay if I talk to the child or if they will introduce me to their child. If a child looks lost, I am going to stay a respectable distance from them and ask if they are okay and tell them to stand still while we call for their parent (it violates talking to a child, but at least it is not encouraging them to go along with a stranger to "look for mommy"). I will not offer goodies to a child I don't know, but rather offer them to the parent/guardian to give to the child. I probably cannot really escape the trick or treat deal, but I think we will stick to people we know or organized events in the future just to keep consistent with the concept of not taking things from strangers.
To many I'm sure I seem paranoid. I promise, it's not really paranoia...it's more about maintaining a consistent message to my child. And maybe a little over-protection thrown in for fun.
If you have kiddos...how have you taught them about strangers? Tips?
I found some good tips online (and have been told some of these by parents in the past).
1. Don't talk to strangers. Even if they talk to you or call you by name, don't reply.
2. Stay at least an arms length from a stranger.
3. Use a family code word.
4. Never accept anything - even something that is yours - from a stranger.
Good tips, right?
Here's something that occurred to me while I was researching these. How often do I encourage a child that I don't know to break these rules?
How many times have I talked to a child I didn't know?
How many times have I offered to give something to a child I didn't know?
How many times have I gotten down on my knees (well within arms length) to talk to a child I didn't know?
How many of us have ever helped a seemingly lost child by taking them by the hand and walking around to find their parent?
We've all done these things. However well intended they may be, each of these things goes against everything we teach our children about being safe around strangers. Imagine how confusing that is for a child - especially a small child.
So here's my resolve. I am going to work really hard to talk to the parent first and ask if it is okay if I talk to the child or if they will introduce me to their child. If a child looks lost, I am going to stay a respectable distance from them and ask if they are okay and tell them to stand still while we call for their parent (it violates talking to a child, but at least it is not encouraging them to go along with a stranger to "look for mommy"). I will not offer goodies to a child I don't know, but rather offer them to the parent/guardian to give to the child. I probably cannot really escape the trick or treat deal, but I think we will stick to people we know or organized events in the future just to keep consistent with the concept of not taking things from strangers.
To many I'm sure I seem paranoid. I promise, it's not really paranoia...it's more about maintaining a consistent message to my child. And maybe a little over-protection thrown in for fun.
If you have kiddos...how have you taught them about strangers? Tips?
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
A Woman of Faith
This past weekend I attened a Women of Faith conference in San Antonio. I'd been to one before with a dear friend. This time I attended with a total stranger. Both were great experiences.
I had gotten an email from the organization back in September and decided I wanted to go. I figured why not see if some of the ladies who attend the church we've choosen wanted to attend. Due to a multitude of reasons, only 1 other woman could make it. She and I are about 20 years apart in age and had met once...literally in passing. So through emails and texts we made plans to attend this weekend of women celebrating all aspects of being a woman and giving praise and worship to our God.
Let me say...this was a HUGE step for me. I might teach speech communication, but I am not that great at (and highly uncomfortable with) meeting new people and making small talk. It is 100% out of my comfort zone. I've learned to do it out of necessity, but it is a big area of speaker apprehension for me.
So on Friday morning before the crack of dawn, I hop in the car of a woman I do not know to share a 2 hour ride down, two days of conference, a room (and a bed) and a 2 hour ride back. I told The Husband, "as long as she doesn't turn out to be crazy, I should be back on Saturday night."
I have to say, God is good. Even with the age and life experience differences of my travel companion. Even with the lack of comfort in knowing each other. Even with the apprehension I carry with me through things this like this, I came back refreshed and renewed.
The conference was wonderful.
Let me revise that...once I checked my bias/anger about the commercialization of my faith at the door, the conference was wonderful.
If you have never been to a Women of Faith conference before, let me tell you a few things.
1. They aren't kidding about the fact that you will laugh - HARD. It is one of the things I love most about the conference. It is good for your body and soul to have those big gut laughs (I use the word gut because when I have a good laugh it is way more than just a little belly laugh for me). These speakers are a hoot! A few in particular are practically stand-up comedians. I believe what makes it so funny is that they are really speaking truth. The stuff we all live with everyday and sometimes really need to just laugh about - out loud.
2. They aren't kidding that you might cry some. Every women needs to be able to release. The first time I went I found myself crying at things that I wouldn't have even thought I had a connection to, but I needed to release other stress and tension, and in all reality joy that I was being able to spend that time with my dear friend. This time, I didn't cry a lot, but the times I did get a little teary-eyed were in response to my inward cries for social empathy throughout the world in all situations. Regardless of the reasons, it is a good thing to allow your body to release those feelings and thoughts. It will refresh you.
3. They aren't kidding that you might be touched in ways that you never thought you would be. Many of the speakers told stories of serious struggles and how they had to walk through those to get where they are now. I thought at one point, "These women are amazing and praise you Lord that You have given them the strength and grace to walk through their situations and now be able to share with us...BUT...this is not really directed to me at this point in my life."
Give God a little time...
Just a bit after thinking that, one speaker/singer made this comment (paraphrased): "Some of you may be going through the darkness right now. Some of you might not be there. This weekend reminds us that if you aren't in the 'bad' right now, you've probably been there or will be there in the future." Amen! I don't know of a single woman who hasn't "been there" at some point in her lifetime. Some "go there" more times than others, but we all hit the darkness from time to time. An underlying theme I took away from this weekend was the idea of connection. Being connected is often how God leads us through the darkness and back to the light. Being connected is the human experience.
4. They don't say this, but you will be bombarded with opportunities to buy, buy, buy. I know that this is part of the gig. I know that this is a career for these women. I know these events cost a ton to host (production, crews, salaries, venues, travel, etc.). However, I cannot help but be frustrated when every time I turn around I am pushed to purchase something. Even the speakers manage ever-so-lightly to mention their books in each session. I mean really. You give us 30 minute breaks. Like there is anything else to do but check out all the things to buy in the hallways. Do you really have to mention it all the time? Like I said before, this is a thing I had to deal with and push past me to be able to let God in and enjoy the blessings of the stories, worship, and beauty of women connecting. Once I did that and gave God the weekend, it was wonderful.
I will leave with this clip. Amy Grant performed (let's face it, who doesn't love her?) and something she said about this song touched me - one of those social empathy moments. She said, "During a signing, I watched a family waiting in line. They looked so perfect. Put together, well-behaved, smiling. When it was time to go, the oldest daughter (about 16 or so) touched my shoulder and said, 'Thank you for putting this song on your cd. It means more to me than I can tell you.'" Wow. Just another reminder that while we think "she" must have it so good, we never really know what is going on in her world.
I had gotten an email from the organization back in September and decided I wanted to go. I figured why not see if some of the ladies who attend the church we've choosen wanted to attend. Due to a multitude of reasons, only 1 other woman could make it. She and I are about 20 years apart in age and had met once...literally in passing. So through emails and texts we made plans to attend this weekend of women celebrating all aspects of being a woman and giving praise and worship to our God.
Let me say...this was a HUGE step for me. I might teach speech communication, but I am not that great at (and highly uncomfortable with) meeting new people and making small talk. It is 100% out of my comfort zone. I've learned to do it out of necessity, but it is a big area of speaker apprehension for me.
So on Friday morning before the crack of dawn, I hop in the car of a woman I do not know to share a 2 hour ride down, two days of conference, a room (and a bed) and a 2 hour ride back. I told The Husband, "as long as she doesn't turn out to be crazy, I should be back on Saturday night."
I have to say, God is good. Even with the age and life experience differences of my travel companion. Even with the lack of comfort in knowing each other. Even with the apprehension I carry with me through things this like this, I came back refreshed and renewed.
The conference was wonderful.
Let me revise that...once I checked my bias/anger about the commercialization of my faith at the door, the conference was wonderful.
If you have never been to a Women of Faith conference before, let me tell you a few things.
1. They aren't kidding about the fact that you will laugh - HARD. It is one of the things I love most about the conference. It is good for your body and soul to have those big gut laughs (I use the word gut because when I have a good laugh it is way more than just a little belly laugh for me). These speakers are a hoot! A few in particular are practically stand-up comedians. I believe what makes it so funny is that they are really speaking truth. The stuff we all live with everyday and sometimes really need to just laugh about - out loud.
2. They aren't kidding that you might cry some. Every women needs to be able to release. The first time I went I found myself crying at things that I wouldn't have even thought I had a connection to, but I needed to release other stress and tension, and in all reality joy that I was being able to spend that time with my dear friend. This time, I didn't cry a lot, but the times I did get a little teary-eyed were in response to my inward cries for social empathy throughout the world in all situations. Regardless of the reasons, it is a good thing to allow your body to release those feelings and thoughts. It will refresh you.
3. They aren't kidding that you might be touched in ways that you never thought you would be. Many of the speakers told stories of serious struggles and how they had to walk through those to get where they are now. I thought at one point, "These women are amazing and praise you Lord that You have given them the strength and grace to walk through their situations and now be able to share with us...BUT...this is not really directed to me at this point in my life."
Give God a little time...
Just a bit after thinking that, one speaker/singer made this comment (paraphrased): "Some of you may be going through the darkness right now. Some of you might not be there. This weekend reminds us that if you aren't in the 'bad' right now, you've probably been there or will be there in the future." Amen! I don't know of a single woman who hasn't "been there" at some point in her lifetime. Some "go there" more times than others, but we all hit the darkness from time to time. An underlying theme I took away from this weekend was the idea of connection. Being connected is often how God leads us through the darkness and back to the light. Being connected is the human experience.
4. They don't say this, but you will be bombarded with opportunities to buy, buy, buy. I know that this is part of the gig. I know that this is a career for these women. I know these events cost a ton to host (production, crews, salaries, venues, travel, etc.). However, I cannot help but be frustrated when every time I turn around I am pushed to purchase something. Even the speakers manage ever-so-lightly to mention their books in each session. I mean really. You give us 30 minute breaks. Like there is anything else to do but check out all the things to buy in the hallways. Do you really have to mention it all the time? Like I said before, this is a thing I had to deal with and push past me to be able to let God in and enjoy the blessings of the stories, worship, and beauty of women connecting. Once I did that and gave God the weekend, it was wonderful.
I will leave with this clip. Amy Grant performed (let's face it, who doesn't love her?) and something she said about this song touched me - one of those social empathy moments. She said, "During a signing, I watched a family waiting in line. They looked so perfect. Put together, well-behaved, smiling. When it was time to go, the oldest daughter (about 16 or so) touched my shoulder and said, 'Thank you for putting this song on your cd. It means more to me than I can tell you.'" Wow. Just another reminder that while we think "she" must have it so good, we never really know what is going on in her world.
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