A Prayer for When Christmas is Hard

 

Dear Lord,

I pray today for the individuals who have loved and lost this year. 

The process of grieving a death or relationship becomes harder to bear with the holidays upon us. Grant your sweet peace, along with moments of true joy for any who are walking in emotional valleys right now.

Thank you for the many years of memories around dinner tables, traditions of past holidays, and the bonds with loved ones who have passed away.  May Your Presence also be felt for those who are in strained, distant relationships. Help us all to navigate the unfamiliar with new special memories, while giving to you our hurt, guilt, and sadness.  

Remind us often of Your goodness and faithfulness, so that the burdens we carry cannot cloud our need to praise you.  Turn our hearts to the baby in the manger, Immanuel, “God With Us”, who came to walk alongside us in all moments. Give rest to the weary, and hope to the hopeless. Awaken our hearts to rejoicing, even in the midst of pain. 

Amen.

Photo by Erica Marsland Huynh on Unsplash

Reggie’s Christmas Ride

❄️🐾❄️🐾❄️🐾❄️🐾❄️🐾❄️🐾❄️🐾❄️

Not long ago, on a snowy Christmas night, our dog, Reggie, had the ride of his life.

While we went upstairs for our Christmas sleep, he lay on the couch not making a peep.

As the snow gently fell and we laid down in bed, Reggie's ears perked up and he lifted his head.

Was that a jingle and the sounds of reindeer hooves? Reggie looked out the window but did not make a move.

Then right behind him, Santa slipped in. He was pleasant and round with a bearded white chin.

After laying down gifts and gulping milk from his cup, he wondered if Reggie would like to go , "Up"?

The reindeer swiftly moved the sleigh to the lawn. In the Christmas moonlight, Santa AND Reggie boarded on.

Our sweet pup- how he loved this moonlight ride. Under a cozy blanket, he sat by Santa's side.

The Christmas lights twinkled below as the sleigh soared onward in the squalls of snow.

Santa tapped the reins to change the deer's direction. He quickly yelled out, "Boys, we need a course correction!"

"It seems we've forgotten something," he shouted out. "To the workshop right now, before time runs out!"

They passed some of the most marvelous sights to behold. Over top the Rockies, and a bridge that shined like gold.

Swirling ocean currents with peek-a-boo whales... Glaciers, evergreens, and forgotten ski trails.

Before he knew it, Reggie and sleigh were parked in the snow. Santa snuck away, into a house all aglow.

He bounded back out and whistled to rise the deer to flight. Once again, they soared through the starry, magical night.

A few more rooftops, and they made their way back home. Santa brought him down our chimney and scurried up alone.

Daybreak arrived and we all rushed down the stairs. At the end of the couch, our dog lay snoozing there.

Sleep still in his eyes, on the pillow he laid his head. But around his neck was a new collar of red.

Stamped on the charm were the letters "NP". We didn't know their meaning, it was a mystery!

He told us no secrets, nor gave any clues. He slept through the presents and the stockings, too!

Dad read Santa's note, next to the fireside: "Reggie, I hope you enjoyed your Christmas ride."

Then we all looked again, to our sweet canine soul. Reggie had journeyed up to the North Pole!

True Confessions of a Teacher- The Elf on the Shelf

 You won’t find any spirituality in this post. I am a bit more Scrooge-like on this topic than I would like to admit. But, I have this overwhelming urge to relate to you, almost as a PSA, my take on The Elf on the Shelf. I have written before about 3rd grade being the cusp year, of when some kids start to disbelieve the things they never questioned. But these elves, man, do they ever muddy the waters. You could say I am anti-Elf… or at least what it has become.

Forgive me. Some of you deeply love yours.

In 2019, when our son was in kindergarten. He came home often in the month of December that year talking about so & so’s Elf, asking why he doesn’t have one, because so many kids did.

The question came in previous years, but I played it off easily, and now, it seemed the only thing to do was to follow suit or gently deflate this 6-year-old’s belief system. So, we caved. 

‘Jingles’ came that year around December 20th, and remained only until Christmas. She is still not my favorite tradition, and she is quite boring. She moves, and maybe gives a small token gift only once during the holidays. I am guilty of searching for cutesy ideas and spots for Jingles, but I will say, she has never pooped chocolate chips in our toilet, nor written in flour on the countertop. I. Just. Can’t.

Eek! Let me tell you, though, as an elementary teacher, I hear plenty of what Jingles’ relatives are up to, and, it seems so EXTRA… if you enjoy this tradition immensely, don’t read on. I am giving you my perspective as teacher, in what is a more recent-times classroom phenomenon.

Perhaps, because we like to see the antics of these elves, or maybe because the Elf is so darn Pinterest-y, some parents dedicate much effort and cash to making December all about it. (Seriously, December no longer has 1 holiday, but rather, 25 consecutive daily holidays. And some of you start the day after Thanksgiving!!)

Yes, parents, you do you… no judgement, here. But, I may roll my eyes.

From December 1- Christmas break, the start of our school days is a collision course of Elf stories, for those who have one.

What you likely haven’t considered, is that if your kiddo is one who gets gifted on the daily, he runs immediately into school to tell us all about it. Like 15 times.

Yes, this goes with the territory of the job, I suppose, but it’s just uncomfortable to watch, at least in upper elementary.  For the “have-nots” who didn’t have breakfast and are probably wearing yesterday’s clothes, simply could not fathom what these elves must be like, and why they don’t show up at their house. For others in 3rd, the magic was gone just a little while ago, and “The Elf is fake” remains their only defense mechanism.

The hardest part, is when kids who have “extra generous elves”, bring in the items they were gifted that morning.  Some bring in chapstick, new pens, stickers, body spray, barrettes, and much more of the like. It’s really an unwarranted “Show and Tell.”  It makes all this Elf business a bit more cringy (for me), and a little more confusing (for the other kids).  It’s tricky to navigate.

So, if there’s any word of caution I could give parents….just keep the gifts from the Elf at home, or perhaps, just gift on the weekends!  Before you launch into over-the-top Elf mode, slightly consider the fall-out elsewhere. I imagine as well that a parade of daily gifts might numb kids a bit to the special ones reserved for Christmas Day. Your wallet, your kids, your choice, of course.

I suppose in my own parenting, I am sufficed with all the make-believe there already is.  Santa surely gets enough air time, and I don’t have it in me to “puff” my own children with any more beliefs that I consider to be thin and fragile, even if just for the fun. 

Besides, the REAL story of a stable in Bethlehem deserves much of the December spotlight that these pesky elves are getting instead.

I’m not mad, just annoyed— and my eye is twitching slightly as I write. 

Can’t wait for December.🙃

Grammy’s Open Door

 

The two-story house on Olive Avenue was not a spot I visited as a child. It did not hold memories of my earlier years, but as I was rounding out my senior year of high school, I began to date my now-husband, Tim.

We would frequent this house, as it was his Grammy’s. 

On Sundays, it was especially busy at dinnertime. Grammy would host the family each week with a meal of her own making.  She loved the labor of hosting us, even if it meant loud games at the table and even louder football fans in the living room. 

As the years unfolded, I found myself approaching her porch, often without Tim, just to visit, have a sandwich, or bring a treat to her. She became my Grammy by then, and her door was ALWAYS open to guests.  In fact, so was her couch, the fridge, the front porch swing, and that maroon Tupperware chip canister. (By the way, that seemingly bottomless canister always held BBQ chips, and made them taste WAY better than right-out-of-the-bag.)

Grammy was always glad to see me. She and I shared stories, recipes, and the occasional counseling session, and I hold dearly the years I spent those times alone with her.  She was Christ-loving, witty, generous, and ever the bookworm of the family.

Just yesterday, Grammy passed away, while surrounded by her family. Her past few years were hard, with much isolation. She and I would often chat of our favorites of her meals. I wish that my kids could have known the Grammy I know. 

I do believe, as she was letting go of this world, an open door was there waiting for her in the heavenly realm.  Just as she walked with the Lord on this Earth, she is walking with Him now. She is delighting in Him, and He in her. She is home, and just at her new beginning.

That open-door policy is available to all of us, when we choose Jesus as our Savior. What awaits us is far better than what we experience here.  Be assured, that Jesus is the ONLY way.  If you are still searching for Him, or answers in general, look to the Bible.

Scripture tells us these verses:

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans10:9

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4

Just like my own dear grandmas, Grammy was a beacon of love for the family. May we all remember the constant “open door to love” that she was. In her small, 4 foot 11 inch frame, she was a leader for us all.  

Thank you, Lord, for her servant leadership, and legacy of love. What a beautiful soul. 💗

**Pictured above, Grammy and Hope in 2018.

A Prayer For Spiritually Lost Loved Ones

Lord, 

We are ALL your children, and even with that knowledge, so many do not receive your Word and accept your free gift of salvation through Jesus.

Knowing that we will enter your kingdom when we die, we pray that our loved ones who do not know you yet, will.  For the reward of Heaven is plentiful enough, but to be able to walk with you here on Earth is a treasure every day, unknown to so many. True relationship with you is the joy and peace of this life, and the balm we often crave in this chaotic world. 

Embolden those who are in Christ to be messengers.  As we abide in You, may we walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh- with words and actions appealing to those who are not in Christ. Lord, supernaturally turn their attention to the Truth.  Give them eyes to see and ears to hear. Awaken their spiritual need for you, and allow them to see you as a personal God, who loves them infinitely.

“Let OUR light so shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:18). Help us to usher the message of salvation to everyone. May we never deter others away from You, but keep on guard so that the reflection of Jesus is not difficult to be seen in us.  Remind us to pray often for those who need you.

  

Teach us, lead us, help us, and strengthen us daily as we navigate the days of this life. Enable us to have influence over others that they may not be lost all their days. Help us to gather all your sheep to the flock.

In Jesus’ name, Amen. 🙏

Jesus said, “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.”  Matthew 18: 12-14

Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/sunset-sheep-royalty-free-north-sea-69466/

A Prayer for Dads

Dear Lord, thank you for the relationship that is father and children.  We are so blessed to see Your love for us as a model.

Please lead all dads on this Earth raising children, and also those with adult children.  May you empower these fathers to champion their children in many ways.

First, give wisdom and boldness for them to lead their families spiritually.  May they faithfully seek you and know you intimately so they may, in turn, lead well. Allow these fathers to see the daily sowing of your Word as a future reaping of the blessings of walking wisely with You. If their children learn nothing else from their dads, may this be what they inherit.

Secondly, may their fatherhoods be rich in encouragement, conversation, and relationships.  Give the dads of this time a sense of urgency in talking with their kids. May they initiate real, honest, deep conversation that will stay with their children for life. When time for discipline arises, make them able to explain consequences and see them through.  Give these dads energy to parent well, especially after a day’s work. I pray their children would know fun and time well spent because of their fathers.

Lastly, may these fathers, if able, seek the wisdom and quality time with their own fathers. Enrich these relationships so that there may be peace in multiple generations of the family. Let this bond be strengthened and refreshed as long as possible.  

We remember, too, the children without a father in the home. We pray that excellent mentors would rise up, and play a significant role in their lives. We trust You will fill any inadequacies that are felt.  Abundantly bless the single mothers who are shouldering both roles.

Thank you, Lord, for being our Ultimate Shepherd. May we follow you well.  In Jesus’ name, Amen! 

They All Fall Down

Our son, Colby, is 9 years old, and mature on many fronts.  Just this past week, we had some moments in which he really began seeing the world through his “big kid eyes”, as Jerry Spinelli so aptly puts it….

 “Big-kid eyes replace little-kid eyes. Little-kid eyes are scoopers. They just scoop up everything they see and swallow it whole, no questions asked. Big-kid eyes are picky. They notice things that little-kid eyes never bothered with: the way a teacher blows her nose, the way a kid dresses or pronounces a word.”

As a 3rd grade teacher, I have read those words at least a dozen times when I’ve read aloud the book “Loser” to my class. Third grade is the cusp year for many things, and it seems many children lose the little-kid eyes in this year of elementary school.

On Tuesday evening, as we lay in the dark of his bedroom, Colby asked for real clarity on the subject of Santa. Asking for truth, I certainly wasn’t going to deny him this time. He brought it up in December, literally days before Christmas, and I simply couldn’t let him have a perfectly anti-climactic holiday. And so, we chatted honestly about it being a world tradition that parents carry out. I explained that the joy won’t be any less simply because he knows the givers of the gifts. He agreed, and we both affirmed it was never about Santa anyway.

Then, almost 24 hours later, on Wednesday night at bedtime, he probed about the Tooth Fairy. He laughed out loud thinking about his dad sneaking into his room to swap out the tooth for some coins. We prayed, said “Good Night”, and I left feeling lighter, and I know he did as well. 

Finally, come Thursday evening, I overheard Colby and Dad chatting about the Easter Bunny. It was the inevitable conversation still to come. 

He reported back to me about that chat during our bedtime routine. 

All in all, the conversations were more sweet than bitter— even endearing.  To be able to speak very openly and honestly about these childhood experiences was of great comfort to me.  I am sure the questions were brewing for some time for him, but they were discussed in such rapid succession, it was like subsequent games of Ring-Around-the-Rosie.  These non-truths no longer made sense to him, nor could he any longer just accept them and so, they all fell down.

Perhaps what this new era means is that Colby is making room for truth in his life—for belief in things that are not so flimsy. I can only pray that his mind always searches for wisdom, and that he follows his first instinct of asking Mom or Dad for guidance.  I know our conversations will eventually grow to contain matters with a bit more weight and complexity.

Mostly, my prayer is that his greatest belief, one that has already taken root, continues to flourish. 

May he know that God is good, desires a relationship with him, and has a plan for his life.

May he recognize Jesus as the only true source of hope in the world-  a world which will try to convince him otherwise.

May he also grow in wisdom enough to call out any falsehoods or lies for what they are and please, Lord, may they all fall down. 🙏

Dearest Marji

 The year was 2008, and I had just been hired as a 5th grade teacher at Oklahoma Elementary.   Only a few weeks into the school year, the sweet and vivacious 3rd grade teacher from a different hallway stood outside my door and asked, “Would you like to join the Sunshine Committee?”  It was her tone- half serious, half silly, which would become very familiar to me in the next 14 years that gravitated my personality to hers.

Marji, as you may know, has a heart right on the surface, but feelings that run very deep. After a decade of 5th grade, I got to move to 3rd grade, which meant my days at school would be in the company of this sweet companion.  Our best days and worst days of teaching played out together. In planning periods, meetings, or in the hallways after-school, you can bet Marji’s sense of humor had a way of alleviating tensions and finding the funny in our days. I often misquote Philippians 4:13 as , “I can do all things through Marji who gives me humor.”

She has a way of staying with me long after the moment is over, and days later, I will think of something she has said, and be roaring with laughter- tears running down my cheeks.  The woman can dance like no other, and makes a mean apple dumpling.  She and Dan have become dear friends of Tim and I outside of school, and love on our children like we are family.

I wish for you all to have a coworker like this. To know that just next door or down the hall, there is someone who is in your corner, who wants to share her homemade soup with you, and would take in your students in a moment’s notice if you had to suddenly leave.  I hope you have someone like her to enjoy the little things, like the new mug from TJ Maxx, or a photo from the weekend. Her one-liners are true—— “Everyone looks good in navy blue.” And, “When in doubt, wear pearls.”

Nothing could be sweeter than in her last year of teaching, she has my son in her classroom. He adores her like I do, and has experienced all her “lasts” with her.  She is not just co-worker, but friend, confidante, and Mother Hen when I need her to be.  Some years from now, when I look back on my teaching career, it will be relationships that will have mattered most. Marji will be at the top of that list, for all the little moments in the faculty room, at the copy machine, around a conference room table,  and at the recess bench have all added up to be one of the greatest friendships I will ever know.  

Let’s just say, I will be savoring the remainder of this school year. Come fall, our hallway will feel quite different without my teacher bestie. The best is yet to come for, you, Marji—grandbabies, a son’s wedding, extended summer and eternal weekends (And maybe, just maybe, that means a few more apple dumplings for me. 😁)