At First I Panic

I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar every month.   
–Harlan Miller

It happens every year. About mid-November a switch flips inside me. At first I panic.

So much to do:

• decorate
• make gifts
• buy gifts
• wrap gifts
• bake
• send cards, etc.

Christmas lurks around Thanksgiving’s corner.

How do I handle the panic?

• focus and pray
• stop and enjoy Thanksgiving
• remember the reason for the season
• make lists
• enlist help
• listen to Christmas music or whatever music brings joy
• read a Christmas book
• read the Christmas story
• simplify
• enjoy the people I love
• give things away
• give to a good cause
• cherish the memories created

Have a Happy Christmas season!

Thanks to the Teachers

Miniature pilgrims and Native Americans lined up behind their chairs in the school cafeteria. First graders dressed in black with big white colors or brown fringed vests with feathers on their head prepared to share their Thanksgiving dinner. When I worked at an elementary school, I enjoyed seeing the children dressed in holiday costumes. The teachers worked for weeks to prepare a simple meal and teach the students about the beginnings of America. The kids learned to share and be thankful for their food. They were taught about the freedom of being an American and the founders of our country. And they had fun dressing up. 

This year I'm thankful for teachers. Especially those who teach our grandchildren. 

Thank You

Dad served his country during WW2, I love this photo of him when he took his turn in the mess hall. That's my mom. She road a bus across the country from Ohio to the Pacific coast to spend a week with him before he shipped out, again. When she returned home, she cared for their children, my siblings. I can only imagine how hard it was and is for moms and dads, and extended family to wait at home for their loved one to return, knowing they may not.

I want to thank all who serve and served and the families who wait at home. I can't fathom the sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy.

My dad, Homer Frost, my husband, Tim McGinnis, my brothers, Ron and Darryl Frost all served. Thank you.

Rumor Has It

I was delighted to meet Author Marc Brown

Rumor has it— paperback and hardback books are old hat, passé, no longer read. I don’t think so. Over the weekend, my husband and I ventured out to Books by the Banks, an annual book and author event. People of all ages milled around tables filled with books, yes— real paper books. Authors and illustrators visited with their fans, autographed books, and smiled for photographs.

Just being in the same room as so many authors inspired me to continue working on my WIP. I love the written word, whether on paper or an e-reader. I use both and believe both formats will be around for a long, long time. 

Growing Spiritually

I love when a sermon speaks loud and clear to me. Yesterday our minister shared five measures of spiritual maturity. Have you ever wondered what a person devoted to a relationship with Jesus looks like? I have, especially when I look in the mirror. That's why I want to share these great goals for a more spiritual life.

Spiritual Maturity Markers

• Stay positive under pressure, James 1:2
• Be sensitive to the needs of others, 1 John 3:17
• Live as a peacemaker, Matthew 5:9, 1 Thessalonians 4:11
• Be patient Psalm 27:14
• Be prayerful, 1 Thessalonians 5:1

How about it? What do you see as a goal for spiritual maturity?

thereformedwesleyan.com

Chapel Springs Revival by Ane Mulligan

I read the most delightful and hilarious book I’ve read in a while. Ane has created a wonderful array of characters in the small town of Chapel Springs. I’m a huge fan of Gilmore Girls and I have to say Chapel Springs reminds me of the southern version of Stars Hollow. And what would Claire do without her dear friend Patsy, who had troubles of her own. Claire’s dilemmas both warmed my heart and made me laugh out loud. I chose to read Chapel Springs Revival as I recovered from surgery. It was the perfect medicine.

Pay Attention

Knee replacement has given me a new perspective on what it means to pay attention. Being temporarily disabled, I've had to use a cane and a wheelchair. The cane slows me down, so I tend to appreciate the weather, the solid sidewalk, and the the outdoors in general a lot more. I've always been thankful for my surroundings, but going at a snail's pace makes me much more alert to what's around me.

Then there's the wheelchair. I used one when I went to the grocery store or any other big box store. When I shopped, previous to surgery, I tried to be aware of what was around me. I never wanted to step in front of someone else or get in the way, even though I probably did. Now from the perspective of a child's height, in a chair that I had to guide, my eyes were opened to the difficulty that comes from other people not seeing what's around them. People cut in front of me, or overlooked me and pushed past. Not everyone, but most. I did have a young man offer his help as well as an employee. And of course my husband. Then there were the items on out-of-reach shelves, especially the lower shelves. When the cans were pushed back I couldn't see them, let alone reach them by myself. Although I could stand to reach the top, many people can't.

Another observation I discovered is that many people who use the chairs have invisible disabilities. I tend to believe if someone is in a chair, they need to be. As soon as I am back on my feet, I'll offer my help. If people want it great, if not that's fine too.

My purpose in writing this little rant is to bring to attention the need to "pay attention." Be aware of surroundings. See who's beside you. Know what's going on. Offer a hand. Get out of the way. Be polite and compassionate. Just pay attention!