Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts

Monday, December 19, 2011

Christmas Distractions

Distractions, distractions are every where this time of the year. There is Elf, Sants Clause Coming to Town, Happy Holidays and all the other movies and songs that focus our attention on Christmas, yet the meaning is left to fly away in the wind. There are more distractions as you walk into the stores, holiday music, yes even the lovely holiday / Christmas music they play while shopping is used to distracted you in the store. By playing Christmas / Holiday music in stores it has shown to increase sales, because you will buy more when and pick up one more gift.

Yet, as we wonder through out the day, and see the trees, all the lights and decorations of Santa that are placed through out the town, we are distracted form the true gift of Christmas. As we go about the day and take that routnie drive afer dark to see how the neighbors in town have decorated or into downtown to see the spectular tree and window fronts that are only up this time of year, we lose the true meaning of Christmas.

We as a society are distracted, we hustle and bustle, and go about our day without taking the time to stop and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is so eay to be distracted in our daily life that it is easy to put the true meaning of Christmas aside and just focus on Santa Clause. Afterall, we have to get the tree, decorate it, hang the stocking with care, decorate the house, shop, wrap gift, make lists, watch the budget, decorate the rewst of the house inside and out, and send the lovely Christmas cards. There is so much that takes our attention along with having to hide all the gifts from little eyes that are peering into the closets to find those special things that are stashed away for Christmas morning.

Ever wonder what it feels like to God when our life becomes so full of distractions that we come to ignore him on a daily basis. How He feels when His dear children come to Him only on Sunday morning or when there is a need in their lives.  Ever wonder if it hurts Him deep within as He sits and watches you struggle daily with all those distractions that are occuring. As He sits there wanting to give you the peace and Love that you seek as you wrap, and decorate the house to celebrate the birth of his only Son, Jesus Christ. How a simple prayer is so effective that He hears every word and knows your every need and is wanting to provide if you would only take the time to talk to Him.

It is so easy to become so distracted that we lose God in our daily lives, not just at Christmas time but all year. How we busy ourselves and then fall into bed wanting to pray but would rather sleep those extra ten minutes then talk to our Lord and Savior. YEt, we long for God to be at home in our heart, but we get so distracted that we forget to open the front door. When all it takes is saying a simple prayer, reading a small Bible passage at home, in the car or on our mobile phones. May we all take the time this Christmas season to reflect upon the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ, out one true Lord and Savior!

Monday, November 28, 2011

Lost the Christmas Joy?

So Christmas is around the corner and all the hustle and bustle is upon us. Yet, some have lost that Christmas cheer! It's become a chore to get out the door, let alone be happy about the Christmas season! It's a great day and friends, family, food but that joy seems to be lost somewhere in the flood of decorations that are everywhere ! You can't walk into a store without seeing something of Christmas, stocking and Santa !

Yet, the blues have settled into your heart and there. Is just no more room for all that Christmas joy! All you want is to get through the days and make it into the next year, cause good things will be there in the days to come. So can we just skip all the joy and move right on to the new year?

Sadly, no! We have to go to mass and church and hear about the joy and the true gift of Christmas! We go back to God in theses times when all our joy is lost to find hope once again! It is in Christ that we have hope, live and true joy! All others are superficial and will let you down. Any other joy is just a temporary fix and will fade! Yet that joy from the Lord is always present. It's there when you are blue, green or any other color. It tends to be masked by things of the world when we are caught up in everything but God ! When we lose sight of Him and who we are in Him that our joy tends to fade and we focus solely on worldly things!

We children of the Lord we are able to have the security and the love of the Lord; along with His joy at all times in our lives. We know that His live and guidance will help us through all circumstances when we cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel! His light is there and if we reach out and take His hand he will guide us to that never ending love and joy that only He can give! It's a joy and love that will guide you through all things.

So as we walk into this Christmas season we are able to reach out and find the hand of God there waiting to show you the joy of the season. More the. Giving and receiving gifts, rather the joy of the the Lord in the birth of Jesus! In Him we have love and joy that will never cease if we are willing to reach out and take His hand to walk with Him this Christmas season.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

4 Weeks

There is a whole 4 weeks until we celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is the most wonderful time of the year. A time of sharing and giving and some recieving of wonderous gifts. Yet, it is the most hetic time of the year as well. It is a time when we all rush to accomplish all that we need to do beofre Christmas eve or Christmas Day. A time when we find all of our time is taken up by cleaning, shopping, baking, writing out cards, mailing presents to those who are not near during this time of the year. Yet, there is more to Christmas and these four weeks then we realize.

It is in these four weeks that we begin to really prepare our hearts to recieve the love of the Heavenly Father and that of His gift of Jesus. In this time we should be seeking God in an more intimate manner as we are preparing to celebrate his vigin birth into the world and all that it has to offer us as Christians. It is during this time that we are able to reach out to those who are in need, hurting and really share that Love of Jesus with them. Christmas can be a hard day for many individuals and families who are hurting and are afraid to show that deep hurt and pain. By showing them the Love and that gift if Jesus we can share with them a piece of our heart and a part of our joy that is always within us because of the Hope that Jesus brings to our lives.  We have this joy because of that personal relationship that we have with Jesus, and knowing He is there when we cal or cry out to Him!

It is in these four weeks that we are so wrapped up in the presents, baking, cooking and others things that we have to do to fully prepare the family and home for the glorous day that we often overlook so many things. We often forget that there are famlies out there that are really struggling to make ends meet, or if there children get a gift at all it will be a miracle because right now all they are focusing on is keeping them in there home. We can be a blessing to them and so many others in Christmas season. We can pick one of the tags off the tree at the mall, in the church and bless that child, adult or family in a manner that they would not be able to do on their own. We can get that tag and find a gift, but what if we blessed them in a manner that they would not expect, if they ask for a coat, get the gloves, scarf and hat that goes with it. Pick up a couple of extra outfits if the child needs clothes, you don't know long long they have to last that child and it could be close to a year before they get something new. Or when you buy that barbiew get some accessories that go with it. That child will be blessed and so happy on Christmas morning because you took the time to give to them. We can give to those in the parish as well, the sisters and priest who work so hard to keep things running smoothly at the church year round and never ask for a thing in return. They rarely get a thank you, or positive feedback. Take the time bake an extra set of cookies for them, or pick up a gift card for something you know they like. If you are unsure take the time to email the church office and ask what cookies, brownies or what their favorite store is and bless them in that way to say thank you for their service to you all year.

By giving of ourself to others, God takes notice. He sees when we are there helping those in need, and will give that blessing back to us in ways that we could never expect. By giving to those who have less, those who are hurting by giving them time to talk to you, you are giving them a piece of God's hope and love. We are after all His children, and we are to reach out and help those who are in need. If we know of a need and cannot meet it, help them get in touch with others who can guide them in the right direction, and take the time to call them and see how they are doing during this wonderous time of the year. It is amazing to see how much one can belss others in these 4 weeks if we take the time to reach out to those around us.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

The Holidays

It is a joyous time of year. A time when the holidays are upon us and we look forward to spending time with those that we love. It is when we take the time when we decorate and celebrate the Holidays. There seems to be a spring in our step as we prepare to celebrate family and friends. When we all come together, and share with one another freely.
It is more than the Holidays though, it is Christmas time, a time in today’s society that has become more about the last minute shopping, Santa, hanging of stocking by the fire place, putting the new wreath on the door. Oh and don't forget the lights.  We put the lights on the trees, bushes and on the outside of the house as well. The nativity scene that we set beneath the Christmas tree to help remind us what it exactly we are celebrating. We spend so much time preparing, baking and shopping, wrapping, cleaning that it is easy to lose the real meaning of Christmas.

Christmas is a time of celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior. It is a time when we give thanks to our Heavenly Father for the gift of His son Jesus. When we sit at church / mass and listen to story of how Jesus is born, the wonder of the marvelous story of a virgin giving birth and a man willing to marry her even though she was with child prior to any relations. Something that was nearly unheard of was a man that would stand at her side proudly. It is a story of a gift that was given to all of us.

Christmas is about us celebrating His birth, where we take the time to give a small piece of ourselves to another in a form of a gift. The time that we put into the selection and wrapping of the present. Much like the Heavenly Father giving Jesus to Mary and her wrapping him to lay in the manger for the world to see Him. It is a precious gift.

It is that of a Lord and Savior that cares and loves us no matter what, a Lord that forgives and forgets. A Lord that remembers no wrong doing; a Lord that loves you so deeply that he see every tear that you shed. It can be in public or in the privacy of the bedroom. He sees your pain, your hurt and is there to comfort you with His loving arms and His Words of Comfort. He knows you intimately, so much so that He knows every hair that is on your head, even those that have fallen out. He knows the inner working of your heart, he sees your dreams, your pain, your deep hidden pain that you are afraid to share, and He knows the shame that you hold in your heart. He is there and knows you, and is willing to help you, guide you through that pain, shame and bring you to the side of joy and freedom. His Love is never ending and is ever present to you if you simply cry out to Him.

His forgiveness and love is always there and the door is always open to you, knock and it will be opened and you can walk into the arms of Jesus the true gift of Christmas. Sit in His love and find that eternal peace.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Christmas in the Nursing home...

It's that time of the year again, trees, family, food, presents, cookies, Santa, the birth of our Lord and Savior. It's a wonderful time that we all look forward to each year. It is a true blessing to celebrate with the ones that we love, going out to pick out a perfect or not so perfect gift for those we love and care about. A time to treasure family and friends. It is a glorious season to say the least, unless  you live in a nursing home. Yeah, they have a tree and a nice dinner with the same people they shaer their daily life with day in and day out. They are there, and for some of them Christmas is just another day with a special dinner and a gift from Santa. Wait there is no Santa? Unless the staff and visitors stop at the giving tree in the lobby and pick up a tag for the resident; sadly not all nursing homes have this pleasure for there residents. I do believe that some of the homes are going to this for there residents. 

So that is Christmas? A nice dinner and a package from a generous stranger. How lovely, you say, that is so nice for them, that is enough. But is it enough, is it enough for you and your family to have a dinner and not spend time laughing by the fireplace, cuddling at night by the tree as it glistens in the dark. To watch it sparkle in the night, and experience the magic that you have in your home at this time of year. Is it enough for you not to have more then a couple of hours to visit then be left alone again for the rest of the night knowing that the phone will not ring all night and no one will think of calling you on Christmas cause you are old and living in the home? Is it enough to think that if we visit for an hour that it is a gift in itself, would you be pleased with that, would you feel loved or content?


Christmas is about the Love and birth of our Savior, it is about spending time with family near and far. It is about it all but we often forget those we put in the home and visit when we can, stating they know we are busy eith our livies, they were my age once, they know all the business I have to do. The shopping, the wrapping the Christmas cards, the lights, oh the lights inside and outside the house. 


What about those in the nursing home? What about them? They are being taken care of and that is what matters. Is that all that matters? The staff tends to there needs daily, talks to them, comforts them, supports them in all the manners that we are able to do. Yet, there is one thing that we can not do and that is take the place of their family. Yes, we care for them, we treat them like family, but we can not replace you the true family. We can't be your substitute at Christmas. They know if you visit, if you call, if you bring them a gift. We know we hear all about it, cause we are with them daily. We know if you come and spend time with them and if you bring a little gift or not. We can tell by the sparkle in their eye. The sparkle that says you were here and they are loved by you. Yet, you ask what do I bring them they need nothing! They tell us not to buy them anything. There are a few things that they all need and can use no matter what they say or tell you.


The List:
1. Body Lotion that smells nice
2. Body wash.
3. Stuffed animals (yes, they love them)
4. Books to read or puzzles to do
(imagine having to reread over and over or do the same puzzle time and again)
5. Shampoo 
6.Pictures of you for their room
7. A special blanket for their bed ( Put name on it)
8. New Clothing!

9. New Shoes!
( they don't get to shop a lot or not at all)
10. Candy


It is the little things that the residents tend to love. They appreciate the thoughtfulness of anything that you do for them. It may not seem to be a lot to you but it is the world to them!




Monday, November 30, 2009

6 Traveling Days....

      Wow! This last week has been so busy, I wasn't sure if we were leaving or going somewhere all at the same time. The week started out with us traveling to Nashville, TN to visit with family and friends. Sadly, the main reason we traveled to TN we did not get to accomplish. We were not able to connect with Mike's wife after his passing. We had got the bad news on Friday and they are good friends of my husbands, so we were going to connect with him prior to his passing. Unfortunately God called Mike home so he is now at rest. We had everything all set to go when we got the call that he went to Heaven. So we were then hoping to connect with his lovely wife, but she had already went to Indiana where she has a great support system, to help her with the loss of her husband.  We decided to travel to TN anyways, since the Hotel was booked and it would be great to get out of town for a couple of days. We headed out on Tuesday for the wonderful town of Nashville! We arrived late, and went to visit family when we got there for a couple of hours then headed out to see Bill's nephew (Sean), who is one of the managers at J Alexanders in Nashville. We had a great time visiting with him there and at his home. We then left Sean and headed to the hotel to check in for the night now that it is after 11pm and we are ready for some comfy  beds and pleasant sleep.  Well, needless to say, the beds in the hotel, left a lot to be desired. Bill and I both woke up with bad backaches the next morning. We had some Motrin on hand, so with that we headed out for the day. It was a lovely 60 degrees in Nashville, warmer then being in Chicago. We headed out to get some breakfast. We traveled to the Loveless Cafe, a place that is famous in Nashville not only for the Biscuits but also for running into stars that stop in to eat. The biscuits were absolutely wonderful, they were light and fluffy and the homemade jam was great. We brought some Blackberry jam home with us. Sadly, after eating such a large breakfast the stomach decided that we had consumed too much food and the waves of nausea came a flooding over me. The wonderful hubby did offer to take me to the hotel to lay down, and rest til I felt better. Naw, I am fine, just need to find some medication and I will be ok. I did not want to interrupt his day of visiting friends he was so looking forward to seeing that afternoon.  I started looking for the medication to help and of course I could not find anything that would help. I started to search the car for a script or anything, a lost pill or something, anything! I am in Nashville and I don't want to feel like this here and now! Well, I was blessed, I found a script hidden in the console of the car, and we headed to Wal-Greens to get the medication. Okay, well the first one we ventured into, their computers are down and they are not able to help. We then got the directions to the next Walgreens and headed there. Thank God they are all over in Nashville as they are here in Chicago. We got there and they are able to fill the script. Yes!!! We are in luck, I will feel better soon!!!! Except, we have to wait and hour for the medication to be filled. Grr an hour, really....I need something now! I am not feeling good at all and want to toss my cookies, and you tell me to wait an hour! No, fill it now! So we ended up waiting an hour for the medication. We wondered around the store aimlessly waiting patiently. When we finally got my medication, and a Coke to wash it down with, it was time to wait for the medication to kick in, meanwhile we are on the road to see the next friend! About 10 to 15 minutes I was feeling so much better! Thank God, the waves of nausea were now at bay, and if they returned I was armed and ready to do battle!
The rest of the afternoon was spent with us visiting friends of Bill's that he wanted to catch up with, since he left Nashville 10 years ago. He has talked with them over the years but it was nice for him to sit down and really talk to them about his friends passing and how life was going for him and his dear friends in Nashville. After visiting with his friends we headed out to get something to eat, since it had been 6 hours or so since breakfast and we were starving. We headed down the road to an old favorite in Nashville, we were heading to Chick-Fil- A! After eating we headed out on the rest of our journey, next on the agenda was visiting with family. We got to see everyone that night except Bill's nephew that we saw the night prior! We had a great time visiting, taking pictures, filming short videos and laughing, enjoying true family time! After several hours we headed back to the hotel for the night, watched some TV and fell asleep on the uncomfortable bed! When we got up it was Thanksgiving, a time for family, football and lots of wonderful food including pumpkin pie! We checked out of the hotel, stopped for some breakfast then headed back to the see the family for a couple of short hours before heading back to the windy city!
          After that long trip home, we only stayed here for less then 12 hours before heading out again! We left on our next adventure when Bill arrived home form work on Friday. We were now on the road again to Michigan to visit with my dad and see one of my truest friends ever! Saturday morning we were up and out of the house headed to Bringer Inn. It is a favorite place to eat when we go to see my dad. It has the best food and it is cheap! My husband got a 3 egg omelet that he was not able to finish! Yes, it was really that big, and he put a big dent in it, but he was stuffed.  After breakfast we headed back to my dads and visited for a little bit before heading out to get some fresh ground burger meat at the butcher shop.Well, before we could get to Frankenmuth, we were traveling along the highway when something fell off the trailer in front of us and hit my car! Then the driver had the nerve to speed up to prevent me from getting the plates off the trailer and off of his big red truck. We got the info and then reported it at the state police in Michigan. We then went off to the butcher shop to get some fresh burger meat. Sadly, they had closed 45 minutes prior to our arrival. So we went on with our day. We were then off  to Sears to look at Washers and Dryers for my dad. Of course he decides that the ones he has is fine and that he doesn't need one now or in the near future. My friend joined us at the mall and then we headed to Denny's and had some pie since it was going on 4pm already. After visiting for a bit over pie and cheesecake we were on the road to Bronner's the Christmas Wonderland. It is located at 25 Christmas lane in Frankenmuth MI! It is the largest Christmas store ever built! It is a place that everyone must see before they die. It is filled to the brim with all the Christmas stuff you could ever think of or imagine. They have ornaments from every country in the world, light inside and out that will just WOW you! When you walk through Bronner's you have to look everywhere, on the shelf, up high, all around you, or you will miss a lot of the store. My husband swears that you need to visit at least two times or more before you really see it all. I have been going to Bronner's since I was little and they have expanded several times in the late 90's and early 2000's. It is truly amazing, they do have an online store, but it has no where near what you will find in the actual store. After 3 hours of shopping in the Christmas Wonderland, we went home and relaxed for a bit. Then Sunday morning we slept in then got up and head back to Bringer Inn for something to eat. After brunch we headed back to Frankenmuth Mi to see the rest of the town.   After shopping for a short time we headed back to pack the car and say our good-byes to head back to the windy city. It was a wild 6 days, but it was a ton of fun to be able to see everyone and visit with all the family! Now off to work on Monday!