I am a holiday lover. I guess growing up in a home with a mom who decorated for every holiday season rubbed off on me. And the Christmas season is the biggest celebration of the year, where I redecorate the entire house for a month or so. Boxes and boxes of decorations are stacked in … Continue reading Tis the Season…of Loss
Christmas
Shhh, the Baby is Sleeping
“Shhhh, the baby is sleeping.” Common words when there is a newborn nearby. We tiptoe. We go around. We turn off the music. We wait to get out the pots and pans. We silence the TV. We whisper. It is as if our whole world is waiting. Fully grown adults rearranging our lives over a … Continue reading Shhh, the Baby is Sleeping
Meek and Mild
Meek and mild. A baby. A manger. Silent night, holy night. Quiet. Calm. Gentle. Words we think of this time of year. A far cry from the God who rolls away stones, but do not mistake meekness for weakness. No, meekness is the secret weapon of God. It is the least expected way of doing … Continue reading Meek and Mild
Warm and Fuzzy Christmas
I have always loved Christmas. For me, as a child, it was a magical time. Lights, presents, caroling, friends, shows, music, family… all of it, just made me feel warm and fuzzy. As I grew up, I continued to love the warm and fuzzy parts of the season and tried to pass them along to … Continue reading Warm and Fuzzy Christmas
Silent Night, Holy Night
In the wee hours of the morning, I sit in the light of the Christmas tree. There are no presents underneath. My manger scene is undisturbed. The stockings are empty. I could have slept for hours more, yet somehow my body is programed that on this morning I should be up. The dog’s snoring is … Continue reading Silent Night, Holy Night
Disruption and Interruption
To me, Christmas concerts, plays, and productions are a required part of the season. It just isn’t Christmas until I have been singing along and tapping my foot to Christmas tunes. When I was a kid, my aunt Betty took us to the Robert Shaw Christmas Symphony every year. I can still remember the Morehouse … Continue reading Disruption and Interruption
A Gift
Tidbits for Teachers are regular SHORT inspirations to bring hope and encouragement to teachers in all settings. I hope to give you a shot in the arm and remind you why you chose this career in the first place. The parties are over. As you wade through the crumpled up paper, the crunched up candy … Continue reading A Gift
Word Made Flesh
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14. Something has occurred to me this holiday season. Christmas is a celebration of flesh. Seems kind of odd to say … Continue reading Word Made Flesh
Life Outside My Window
I sit in my recliner today smelling of cherry eucalyptus and vapor rub. My hair is matted in the back from napping on and off all day. My red nose rivals that of Rudolph, and my chair-side table is overflowing with tissue, cough drops, and all other flu related items. I have my kindle, my … Continue reading Life Outside My Window