I have just about cleared my house of everything Christmas which makes me sad. The house just seems so unfestive. Boring. Bleak. Depressing to be frank! The last to come down, as always, were my Christmas cards. Every year I tape them around the pass through that is over my sink. I love looking at all the beautiful families of all of our friends from near and far. It's so much fun to listen to my children talk about friends and family members that they never see as if they just had a playdate yesterday. This is our ritual every Christmas. And every January, I take them down, put them in a bag, and store them on the book shelf next to the last year's cards. I must admit I get the bag out from time to time during the year and visit with these families again and again.
This year as I was getting ready to place them on the shelf next to last years cards, I had an idea. I cannot claim it as original. Years ago I was watching an interview with UGA's head football coach, Mark Richt. During the piece he was describing his life at home away from the football field.
Each night as his family sits down for supper, his wife pulls out a box filled with Christmas cards from the previous Christmas. She gets out the card that is at the top of the pile and sets it in the middle of the table. As the Richt family asks God to bless the food on the table they lift up the family on the card in prayer. After supper Mrs. Richt places the card on the bottom of the stack in the box.
As I was remembering watching this, I thought to myself 'what a perfect idea.' Lately I have been struggling with how to teach my children how to pray. And how to pray outside of the box. (No pun intended!!) So this year I have decided to start the Richt's tradition at the Beebe house. Although there are many nights that are chaotic and no one eats at the same time, I am going to practice this discipline as much as I can so that it will be a part of our daily prayer routine....daily!
I thought this idea was worthy of sharing with you. I hope that if you give it try you will enjoy revisiting those families that have come to you on a Christmas card as much as the Beebes will.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Giving
I had the privledge of accompanying some of our youngest members to some of the local area nursing homes this past Saturday. Our goal was to sing some carols and bring a little Christmas cheer their way. We started at McCarthy Court's Homeplace. The residents were gathered together awaiting our arrival. As we entered the room, they broke out in smiles and applause. We sang 12 carols. Some of them sang along while some listened intently. Before we left the applauded again and thanked us over and over for coming to sing for them.
Our next stop was Sterling House. Some of the residents were still en route to the living area where we were going to sing. This gave the children an opportunity to explore! Of course they were interested in the decorations, the fish tank, etc. But they were also interested in the men and women who were waiting. A few of the children were able to engage in conversation with these residents.
We definitely accomplished our goal. God's goal. We gave something as simple as our time and it was an amazing gift to give. The gift was twofold. The recipients were ever grateful and it was apparent that our gift would linger with them. The children and their parents were impacted as well. We were reminded that it's not about the monetary, the material. It's about what is given unconditionally from the heart. And aren't we thankful for that? After all, isn't that what Christmas is truly about?
Our next stop was Sterling House. Some of the residents were still en route to the living area where we were going to sing. This gave the children an opportunity to explore! Of course they were interested in the decorations, the fish tank, etc. But they were also interested in the men and women who were waiting. A few of the children were able to engage in conversation with these residents.
We definitely accomplished our goal. God's goal. We gave something as simple as our time and it was an amazing gift to give. The gift was twofold. The recipients were ever grateful and it was apparent that our gift would linger with them. The children and their parents were impacted as well. We were reminded that it's not about the monetary, the material. It's about what is given unconditionally from the heart. And aren't we thankful for that? After all, isn't that what Christmas is truly about?
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Too Busy for Christmas
Cookies need to be made, gifts need to be bought, Santa stuff needs to be hidden, gotta get to the holiday drop~in, Christmas cards need to be sent, kids need a picture taken with Santa, have to get to the downtown tree lighting, kids want to go to the parade, Nutcracker is Friday at 8pm, have to clean up for the family's visit, Christmas playdate at Trentwoods park is Monday, oh I know I'm forgetting something. Someone. What? Who? There is so much going on, so much to do that even though I am writing things down I feel like I am missing something. I'm so tired that I am afraid I am leaving something, someone out. Think. Think. Think.
Does this sound familiar to you? Nine days into December and I am completely and totally overwhelmed, are you? But we don't have to be. Not if we remind ourselves that the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is a time for specific preparation. Of course we tend to get wrapped up in the secular preparations of the world around us. It's natural, we're human. But if we forget to take care of our heart then we will leave someone out this Christmas: Jesus.I challenge you to make this time of Advent a time of preparing your heart. Remembering what the real fuss is about. Pray that God will help you get ready for the coming of His promise. Pray that He will reveal something of wonder to you this Christmas season. Pray that He will calm your spirit and open your heart. Chances are everything that you are worried about from the list above will fade away and you will experience what Christmas is and should be about.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Ministers of Christ Church
Last night I had the privilege of spending some time with our younger parishioners. Children's Minsitries sponsored the second Annual Parents' Night Out. Children ages 3 to 5th grade were dropped off in the Ministry Center for games, crafts, cookie making, singing, and pizza while their parents enjoyed some time to themselves. Janet Peregoy and Terry Brubaker were in charge of the "cookie making station". Here the children decorated sugar cookies that we will take to some of our home bound parishioners this weekend. Anne Bell headed up our crafts area. Here, the children made cards, Christmas tree ornaments, and candy cane reign deer. The EYC helped the children with their crafts, cookies, served pizza, led a sing a long and a few games.
Everyone had a good time. I only wish I could have recorded the event so that every parishioner not there could have seen what I saw. The interaction between our youth and young people is absolutely breath taking. As some of our youngest members were dropped off they were a little hesitant in joining the group. The youth stepped in to gently guide these children over to join the fun. When several of our little ones were discouraged, whether it was playing a game or making a craft, the youth stepped right in comforting, encouraging, helping, listening. It is clear to me that we have some amazing ministering going on between these two generations. I encourage you, the next time you are in the midst of these two groups, pay attention. You won't believe your eyes!
Everyone had a good time. I only wish I could have recorded the event so that every parishioner not there could have seen what I saw. The interaction between our youth and young people is absolutely breath taking. As some of our youngest members were dropped off they were a little hesitant in joining the group. The youth stepped in to gently guide these children over to join the fun. When several of our little ones were discouraged, whether it was playing a game or making a craft, the youth stepped right in comforting, encouraging, helping, listening. It is clear to me that we have some amazing ministering going on between these two generations. I encourage you, the next time you are in the midst of these two groups, pay attention. You won't believe your eyes!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Thanksgiving
With Thanksgiving just around the corner I am reflecting on what I am most thankful for. As most people, I am thankful for the familiar list of family, friends, health, and opportunities. But taking it a step further, exactly why am I thankful for these things in particular? I'll attempt to explain...
I am thinking of a family that suffered tragic loss October 3rd of this year when their only 2 sons ages 17 and 13 died in a car wreck. It was early morning and the boys were headed home after a morning of hunting to have breakfast with their parents before heading to church. I am thankful that my husband and I will get to enjoy another breakfast with our precious children tomorrow.
I am thinking five years back this December when I went into the hospital on bed rest while I was 33 weeks pregnant with Betsy. We were 45 minutes away from our home for 4 weeks. Betsy came 5 weeks early. I wasn't quite ready for her arrival! So many friends helped us out during that time taking care of our dog, getting our mail, buying baby items that I hadn't gotten around to getting, and the list goes on and on. I am thankful for the wonderful friends in my life that always seem to be there right when I need them.
I am thinking of a dear friend who suffered from cystic fibrosis his entire life. He always had a great attitude and never let his illness get him down. He was called home almost 4 years ago but in the last few years of his life on earth he was so sick. He took handfuls of pills to be able to what most of us take for granite being able just to do. I am thankful that I can get out of my chair with ease after I type out this entry, walk down a flight of stairs, and go outside to enjoy some time with my children.
I am thinking about people in far off places that won't ever read this blog because they will never be allowed to learn how to read. People in far off places that won't be able to enjoy the next few days complaining about how full they are because the poverty in their area is such that they are lucky to get one small meal a day. I am thankful that I have so many opportunities that I am exhausted at the end of some days trying to fit it all in.
So I close with this prayer of thanksgiving for Thanksgiving
Heavenly Father, thank you for family, friends, health, and the opportunities that you give us each day. Help us to remember those that are suffering during this holiday, that they may be filled with peace and feel your love envelop them. Keep us mindful of your many blessings in this life. Help us to use all our opportunities to bring glory to your name in some way, whether it be big or small. In the Savior's name we pray, Amen.
I am thinking of a family that suffered tragic loss October 3rd of this year when their only 2 sons ages 17 and 13 died in a car wreck. It was early morning and the boys were headed home after a morning of hunting to have breakfast with their parents before heading to church. I am thankful that my husband and I will get to enjoy another breakfast with our precious children tomorrow.
I am thinking five years back this December when I went into the hospital on bed rest while I was 33 weeks pregnant with Betsy. We were 45 minutes away from our home for 4 weeks. Betsy came 5 weeks early. I wasn't quite ready for her arrival! So many friends helped us out during that time taking care of our dog, getting our mail, buying baby items that I hadn't gotten around to getting, and the list goes on and on. I am thankful for the wonderful friends in my life that always seem to be there right when I need them.
I am thinking of a dear friend who suffered from cystic fibrosis his entire life. He always had a great attitude and never let his illness get him down. He was called home almost 4 years ago but in the last few years of his life on earth he was so sick. He took handfuls of pills to be able to what most of us take for granite being able just to do. I am thankful that I can get out of my chair with ease after I type out this entry, walk down a flight of stairs, and go outside to enjoy some time with my children.
I am thinking about people in far off places that won't ever read this blog because they will never be allowed to learn how to read. People in far off places that won't be able to enjoy the next few days complaining about how full they are because the poverty in their area is such that they are lucky to get one small meal a day. I am thankful that I have so many opportunities that I am exhausted at the end of some days trying to fit it all in.
So I close with this prayer of thanksgiving for Thanksgiving
Heavenly Father, thank you for family, friends, health, and the opportunities that you give us each day. Help us to remember those that are suffering during this holiday, that they may be filled with peace and feel your love envelop them. Keep us mindful of your many blessings in this life. Help us to use all our opportunities to bring glory to your name in some way, whether it be big or small. In the Savior's name we pray, Amen.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Annual Meeting
I am always overwhelmed at Annual Meeting time. It's just another example of how blessed we are to have the freedom to worship. I was here for the latter two services and each was a full house. My role in both services was to take the children ages 4 to 5th grade out while the rest of our church family attended to the business at hand. I had an amazing time with our younger members.
I was surprised (and I'm not sure why because we have a group of bright young members!) at what all they new about the role of our vestry and what happens at an annual meeting. During my time with them I realized that the future of our church is in good hands. If these children already care this much about their church and its direction just think about how vested they will be when they cast their vote at 16.
I was surprised (and I'm not sure why because we have a group of bright young members!) at what all they new about the role of our vestry and what happens at an annual meeting. During my time with them I realized that the future of our church is in good hands. If these children already care this much about their church and its direction just think about how vested they will be when they cast their vote at 16.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Scars
The following is a quote from a book by Chris Cleave called Little Bee (page 9). It was an interesting book and I was most intrigued by this particular passage.
"...a scar is never ugly. That is what the scar makers want us to think. But you and I, we musts make an agreement to defy them. We must see all scars as beauty. Okay? this will be our secret. Because take it from me, a scar does not form on the dying, a scar means, I survived."
In particular I thought about all of the "stuff" we have to go through here on earth in our earthly lives, the events that leave us scarred on the inside. The things that make us feel like less of a person. As most people do, I've wondered "why?" or "everyone can see this ugly mess I've gone through." I have had friends that have gone through "stuff" and want to know "now what" or "how do I go on, everyone knows." Although I consider myself someone with a pretty strong faith, frankly, sometimes I have a hard time finding the right words for an explanation. So when I came across this passage I thought it was a beautiful analogy for this question. Something I could tuck away in my memory bank to help connect the dots.
The stuff that we go through as children of God make us who He wants us to become. When we take our situations, whatever they may be, and find a way to glorify God, we become more beautiful. If we do not allow a negative situation to turn us around or glorify our Father, than the scar does not form because we are dying if you will. However, if we allow the scar from the "stuff" to make us new then we are more beautiful than before, we can proclaim victory, and those around us will know we are survivors through our Christ Jesus.
"...a scar is never ugly. That is what the scar makers want us to think. But you and I, we musts make an agreement to defy them. We must see all scars as beauty. Okay? this will be our secret. Because take it from me, a scar does not form on the dying, a scar means, I survived."
In particular I thought about all of the "stuff" we have to go through here on earth in our earthly lives, the events that leave us scarred on the inside. The things that make us feel like less of a person. As most people do, I've wondered "why?" or "everyone can see this ugly mess I've gone through." I have had friends that have gone through "stuff" and want to know "now what" or "how do I go on, everyone knows." Although I consider myself someone with a pretty strong faith, frankly, sometimes I have a hard time finding the right words for an explanation. So when I came across this passage I thought it was a beautiful analogy for this question. Something I could tuck away in my memory bank to help connect the dots.
The stuff that we go through as children of God make us who He wants us to become. When we take our situations, whatever they may be, and find a way to glorify God, we become more beautiful. If we do not allow a negative situation to turn us around or glorify our Father, than the scar does not form because we are dying if you will. However, if we allow the scar from the "stuff" to make us new then we are more beautiful than before, we can proclaim victory, and those around us will know we are survivors through our Christ Jesus.
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