"The man who is deeply discontented with himself is probably growing fast into the full likeness of Christ." - C.H. Spurgeon

Books, Journals and Technology

There is an excitement in penning the first of many entries in a new journal. I've journaled since my teenage years, on and off in regularity and type. Ages and Stages, you know.  I mostly put down  quotes, sermons notes, prayers to God, and my thoughts about the profundities of close or familial relationships and happenings.
Last year, I started a kind of electronic journal on a file on my computer, quotes, sermon notes and something really fun, downloading old books and sources. I guess this blog has been a lighthearted journal of sorts too. 
In some way the e-world has affected my old habits.  As I caressed the leather cover of an old book and admired the lines of my new journal yesterday afternoon I started thinking, technology is a great thing with quick knowledge and infinite worlds of information but it can easily start to crowd the slow and sensorial pleasure of a worn book, a known chair,  an exceedingly soft throw and the quiet company of one engaging the same joy next to you.  
Starting the new year with old comforts....what could be better.  E. has already finished his first Christmas gift and has started into his second(The Tracts and Treatises of Calvin), I have some catching up to do- albeit I've started with something a little lighter.

New Quote Book

On God

The sun with all its planets moving around it, can ripen the smallest bunch of grapes as if it had nothing else to do.  Why then should I doubt his power? - Galileo

On Handel's Messiah -

Music has been called the speech of the angels; I will go farther and call it the speech of God Himself. -  Charles Kingsley

A Christmas Eve Day

 New friends, Old Christmas Dishes.

Bomia and Rice, Turkey with Sauce,

Boxing on Wii, the Story Traditions.

Fruit and Tea, Coffee and Cake,

Talking in Chops, Laughing A Lot.

Departing of Guests, Arriving as Family,

Making a Place, Feeling Like Home.

Questions and Learning, Acts full of Knowledge,

Hopes for the Future, Comforts with Rest.

We are Different, We are the Same;

We Build, We Celebrate,

Sitz im Leben.

Christmas is later than other years, per K.'s request. This happens as you get older, I guess (slight protest).  Rolls in the oven, Coffee in the Cups, all the other candles are lit and the white candle awaits the story's end, Dad and I are about to insist you get out of that bed.

Snow has fallen throughout the night.  It is lovely outside.  What a perfect gift to represent the gift of our Savior.

Rejoice, a Happy Day Indeed.

Saying "Merry Christmas"

I talk to more people during Christmas than any other time of the year. My mom talks to everyone, always, regardless of the season, and warms to them with pleasantries, E. does the same. It is one of my very favorite things about both of them - I do that sort of - well seasonally, during Christmastime.
It IS the one time of year I feel liberated from my "crowd reserved" nature enough to actually greet people with "Merry Christmas" as opposed to my customary slight nod or smile.

The orthopraxy of giving a HIGH HOLY DAY greeting and what that means to culture  is, a worthy discussion, indeed!


 Are we headed here  or have we already arrived?



Trying to be the most politically correct that I can (which you readers know is my life’s ambition), let me suggest the following to you who really want to avoid any offense. Maybe I should print it out on little cards and hand them out:

Please feel however you want to feel about whatever you might want to have any feelings about, or if you prefer, please do not feel like you have to any feelings at all about this time of year or feel like you have to have any feelings at or about any other time of year if you do not feel like feeling anything right now, and, of course, feel free not to feel anything at any time if that’s what you feel like, in which case I hope nothing or no one interferes with how you are feeling or not feeling at the time you choose to be feeling or not feeling something.


To all the rest of you willing to risk being offended, may I say, “Merry Christmas!”

Click HERE to read all of this article sent from a friend.




Rejoice! Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men.

Kids Say the Darnest Things

3 of Us, 2 Boys and 1-liners:
 Me - How often do you take baths?
C - On Tuesdays and if I stink.
A - We take baths everyday.

A- Oh no! I left my new watch at Miss P's house
Me- We can call and have her write your name on it and put it up until I can get it on Friday.
20 second PAUSE
A- Uh, Miss J.
Me- Yes, A.
A- My watch is waterproof, but I am not sure if you can write on it with markers.


These are just the two I remember out of the 10 or so.  All the laughter must of given me memory stroke.  Gotta love the precogitive stage!

Sweetness of the Season and one Holy Catholic Church...

I thought I would jot down the happenings of today so after the Christmas cards and ornaments have been put in the upstairs closet we'll not forget the glimmers of truth seen in the common graces of the season. 
E. arrived to do a few carpets. Their home was modest and cluttered with collections and pictures of children, grandchildren and greats too, one supposes.  Mrs. A and Mr. S. have been married for over 50 years; they are in their late 70's. Upon E's arrival she handed him a  Homemade Christmas Card with a personal note (Complete with hand drawn Nativity, tree, ornaments and bunnies in the snow.) He chatted a bit before starting, and Mrs. A. said she must get some crafts done. Having finished the rooms, E. turned to go but Mrs. A called out and asked him to wait; he did. She handed him a wooden cross wrapped in red beads and ribbon, fingers full of glue. E. felt his emotion welling into tears.

The gift given with such grace - so very reminiscent of the gift of a Babe so long ago. We Rejoice with so many during this season, yet it,community - the Holy Catholic Church, can be so easily missed-overlooked.

E. walked in with teary eyes to tell me a story about these carpet customers today. One more precious part of the story E. relayed- Mrs. A. had drawn a picture of the seasons, it was there on the counter. As E's eyes brushed over it, he realized it was a love note, to Mr. S, filled with thankfulness for being lover and best friend for all those years.


All those beams of truth lived out through the meager gifts of one lady showing a common grace of the season, she loved God, husband, generations of children, and community. She didn't even know E's name when he walked in her home.

Reflecting on the day, it reminds me of a line of a Puritan Prayer "Beacons bright to allure".

Love notes: love notes of a life, to God, to spouse, to child, to family, to friend, to acquaintance.

HIS note to us: I came so that you might have LIFE, and not just life - LIFE ABUNDANT.

 
Rejoice - Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men.