LET THEM BE LITTLE

“Jesus said, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Matthew 19:14

This time of year is so wonderful with children.  It is also a stressful time.  The kids are tired of school, excited about presents and probably partaking of way too much sugar.  They pull at your heartstrings one minute and the next minute send you searching for the wooden spoon to help them remember their manners.  It has also been raining non-stop in my part of the country and my daughter-in-loves are needing a big space to send my precious grandchildren somewhere to run off some energy.  

Children lose the opportunity to remain innocent these days way too early.  The world conspires to involve them in too many adult subjects and situations.  Instead of playing they are being played in social and political circumstances far above their understanding.   
Despite all the challenges, do not miss the opportunities this time allows to teach your little ones about Jesus and how He can change their life forever.  What’s more, if we could see this Christmas season from their point of view, we just might catch a glimpse of the wonder as well.

A WEARY WORLD

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David, A Savior, which is Christ, the Lord

Luke 2:10-11

My goodness, can the world grow any wearier?  Headlines are depressing, children are being hurt daily, unsuspecting teen-agers are being taken for nefarious reasons.  I find myself on my knees more often then not praying for my grandchildren and their friends.  It seems a totally different world than when we raised our boys.  Sometimes I lose sight of the end of the story.  God’s Son, Jesus, will have the ultimate victory.  Sin will be defeated, and innocent lives will be avenged.  

The story ends with a battle, but it began in a stable with a birth of a baby.  When the angel appeared to the shepherds, he brought some directions for them and they stand true for us today. 
1.       Fear Not- Don’t be afraid

2.       Jesus brings good tidings of great joy for everyone 

It falls to you and I who carry His name to continue to speak and spread those tidings of great joy.  The weary world needs us to tell it about Him.  We all could use a thrill of hope today!

“O holy night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
'Til He appears and the Spirit felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees; O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born
O night, O holy night, O night divine!”

WHERE ARE THE CHRISTMAS CARDS?

My Cards

 This Christmas, I have concluded that there is a big difference between younger people and people my age (not so young!) I know what you are thinking.  Younger people have more energy, less joint pain, more children running around and mini vans!  That is all true but has nothing to do with Christmas.  Here’s my take on the big difference.  Christmas cards are no longer just cards where you sign your name and extend greetings.  Christmas cards have become adorable picture events of darling families.  People my age, don’t want to send pictures of themselves.  Last year, Jessica and I had a little contest to see who could get the most cards.  I lost miserably.  This year I even mailed cards of my own hoping for a return on my investment.  Every day when the mail comes, I go to the mailbox hoping for a bunch of Christmas cards. But alas all I find are bills, catalogs and a dozen offers for credit cards.  (Not the cards I’m looking for!)

Jeremy and Jessica's cards

We are sharing our Christmas decorations in the house with Jeremy, Jessica and their children while they wait to build their dream house.  The grandchildren run in several times a week to put up their Christmas cards and laugh at my lack of correspondence.  Please don't send a card  because you feel sorry for me.  There is nothing worse then a pity Christmas card! 

I think the only answer is to make younger friends.  So, I’m coloring my hair and thinking of trading in my cute little car for a mini-van. 

DAYS THAT ARE ACCOMPLISHED

“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  She brought forward her first born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in the manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”

Luke 2: 6-7

I’ve always been fascinated by that sentence. “the days were accomplished.”  In God’s perfect time, the days were accomplished, and the Son of God was born.  My heart is tender toward the young mother. No childbirth classes; probably no medical care; not a single book on child bearing or child rearing.  Just the one who was to become the Savior laying in a manger.  The Gift was given that would change the world for all time because a young teenage girl said “Yes” to God’s plan.

God’s timing applies to each of us.  I’m not sure I accomplish much of my heavenly schedule most days.  I get caught up in the tyranny of the urgent and forget miracles happen many times in the quiet still moments of my day.  He accomplishes much when I listen to him and walk in His plans.  None of us know when our days will be accomplished on this earth, but I pray I will have lived fully in His will and said “yes” to him so as leave none of His plans undone. 

FOR THE LOVE OF GRITS

“Greater love has no one than this; to lay down one’s life (or grits) for one’s friend.”

John 15:13

David and I have been married a long time. Of course, compared to others perhaps not so long. My in-laws were married almost 70 years! In comparison, at just 43 years, I guess David and I are almost newlyweds.

David and I love to travel. We enjoy movies and dinners out with friends. We love antiques and estate sales. We love our home and this stage of our life.  And oh my goodness, we do love our children and grandchildren. We have always carved out time to be together. When our children were at the awkward age of "too old for sitters, but not responsible enough to be left alone at night," we started a habit of having breakfast out together. It worked great for our family. Normally we were home before our boys even woke up on Saturday mornings. An added benefit was breakfast tends to be the least expensive meal to eat out. Time together on a budget! We went to many different places for our weekly date.  Sometimes we had just a bagel, sometimes a full breakfast with all the extras. If one of the "extras" on David's plate happened to be grits, he always gave them to me, because he knew I loved them. I never in all these years saw him eat a single tiny grit.

WELL... a couple of years ago during the Christmas holidays, we ate breakfast at a local cafe on our way to the mall to finish up our shopping. They just happened to serve grits. Normally, I would order a smaller breakfast meal and just have David's grits. But, on this busy December morning, I told David I was extra hungry and I would be ordering the same thing he normally did. Our identical meals arrived at our table and imagine my shock when I watched my husband EAT HIS GRITS! I was shocked. I shared with him that I was so surprised to see him eating this southern delicacy since he didn't like them. Then, my Man, who I have known for close to 50 years says to me... "I like grits. I always give them to you because I know you love them."

I was so surprised by this, I could hardly get my fingers around my credit card to finish my shopping the rest of the day. This gentle, quiet man of mine, never said a word to me, he just gave me something that he liked because he knew I liked them too. He never asked for a pat on the back or a reciprocating action from me.

I swear to you, I fell more deeply in love with him at that moment. I had always thought my love language was acts of kindness or service. In addition, I dearly love a small, gift wrapped package with something shiny on the inside! But, this Christmas, I learned my husband could show his love to me in a very small way that no one but me would even notice. It didn't cost a dime, but it was priceless to me.

I wonder if any of you might be missing a token of your loved ones devotion. Look for them or you will miss them. Even better, look for opportunities this Christmas season to show your love to others in small ways that really have HUGE benefits.

OUR COMFORT

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

II Corinthians 1:3-4

 While Christmas is a time for much joy and happiness.  For some people it can be agonizing.  Their thoughts are on loved ones missing from the celebrations.  Their lives are filled with so many challenges, joy seems elusive at best.  I have friends who have loved ones suffering with illness.  I have other friends who are facing health challenges of their own.  We need to be mindful of all the comforts we have received from God ourselves and look for ways to pass it on to others who need it.  A visit; a note; an invitation to coffee or dinner.  Look for ways to minister always pointing them to the Savior who is the Comfort Giver. 

I love the words to this song that Matt Redman did several years ago.  I hope they bless you as well.

"Never Once"

Standing on this mountaintop Looking just how far we’ve come

Knowing that for every step You were with us

Kneeling on this battle ground Seeing just how much You’ve done

Knowing every victory Was Your power in us

Scars and struggles on the way But with joy our hearts can say

Yes, our hearts can say Never once did we ever walk alone

Never once did You leave us on our own 

You are faithful, God, You are faithful   

Carried by Your constant grace Held within Your perfect peace

Never once, no, we never walk alone Never once did we ever walk alone

Never once did You leave us on our own You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Every step we are breathing in Your grace
Evermore we’ll be breathing out Your praise
You are faithful, God, You are faithful You are faithful

CONSIDER THE BIRDS

“Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life or what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more than food and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?”

Matthew 6: 25-26

I hate to say it, but I’m a little tired of the snow.  It was so perfect and beautiful on Sunday morning, but it’s a little melty, slushy and muddy today.  I’ve been in pajamas since Saturday (not the same pair!) and haven’t put on a drop of makeup.  My family is a bit tired of me as well. 

Amid our cold snap, we have noticed the coolest thing.  My birdfeeders had been untouched for several weeks and suddenly the birds are everywhere.  It’s as if they knew the weather was so cold, they were going to need sustenance.  We spent so much time at the kitchen windows watching bird families gathering for meal time.  We have spent the time together with grandchildren and talked about nature and God’s amazing creation.  (We also watched a few Hallmark movies.)  I am so happy to have provided bird seed for my birds, but God would have taken care of them if I had neglected them.  He would because He promised He would.  He will take care of us too. 

As 2018 draws to a close and 2019 dawns, I want to worry less and trust more.  I’m going to pray more and gripe less.  I’m going to rest more and struggle less.  What about you?

YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS

"I can do all this through Him that gives me strength."

Phil. 4:13

A couple of years ago I heard a young women speak at Bible Study in Houston.  Her name was Rachel and she blessed me so as she shared her heart.  I'm praying it blesses you as well.

Now, Rachel and I are at two very different stages in our lives.  She has little ones running around and my “babies” are in their 30’s.  She is so beautiful and looks like an advertisement for the perfect young woman who has that “natural” look.  It would be really scary if I showed up at the church with the “natural” look.  At this point, I need extra coverage makeup and it needs to be in a formula that you can’t sweat off when you have a hot flash!  She is working out and I’m wearing out! 

However, in all our differences, she spoke such a profound word over me when she said, “Ladies, we can do hard things.”  She’s right.  At the best of times, life can be breathtaking.  You know, a little like a roller coaster in an amusement park.  It is really exhilarating at the top and the views are extraordinary,   but some of those twists and turns can make you think you just might throw up!  During some of the more challenging seasons, you just might lose your lunch a time or two!   But, Rachel is right, girls, WE CAN DO HARD THINGS!

We can be up all night with a sick child and still pull it together to get our work done the next day.  We can go head to head with a rebellious teen that refuses to cooperate and still think he is the cutest thing ever.    We can encourage our husbands, when we flat don’t feel like it and frankly could use a kind word ourselves.  We can sit with our parents at a doctor’s appointment when we can barely comprehend the words we are hearing.  Words like malignant, dementia, terminal, or hospice.  Ladies, WE CAN DO HARD THINGS!

I have one little grand daughter and I can tell you she was not born with a super-power any more than our grandsons were. She is sweet, so girly and dreams of being a Princess.   If I could pray away all difficulties for her, I would.   But I have lived long enough to know even a Princess CAN DO HARD THINGS!    

We are greatly blessed to have a time to establish relationships with other women who can stand beside us and hold us up when the hard times come.  We have shoulders that can share burdens, tears that convey our feelings and hands that cannot help but reach out to help a hurting soul.  We can each do our part to grow into mature believing women who recognize that we really don’t have to do the hard things all by ourselves.  We have our “sisters” and we have a God who promises that we can do all things through Him who is our Strength!  

In the midst of this very short life, and extremely busy season, Rachel is right.  LADIES, WE CAN DO HARD THINGS!

MY INHERITANCE

“Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.  You guard all that is mine.  The land you have given me is a pleasant land.  What a wonderful inheritance!”

Psalm 16:5-6

In addition to preparing to be snowed in, we have also gone into Spartanburg for the Nutcracker performance by Spartanburg Ballet.  Those of you who know us, know we are not really the “ballet” type people.  We tend to lean toward watching “How the Grinch stole Christmas” or “Frosty  the Snowman.”  However, in the last several years, we have seen the Nutcracker every year because we have a little ballerina in our family.  David and I have two sons and I always wanted a little girl.  I had visions of what the little girl would be like.  She would be feminine, but fierce. She would love to play dress up but would also be comfortable in her jeans.  She would be a touch of mischief and a lot of goodness. She would love Jesus and people.  Jenna Claire Haines is every one of those things.  Mostly she is a delight to her grandparents.  This year, she was also an angel! 

Last week as we were gathered around the dinner table, I told them that Grand D had kissed me under the mistletoe.  Everyone laughed except our granddaughter.  She told me it was totally inappropriate for grandparents to kiss, especially in front of their little grandchildren.  Of course, we kissed all the more. 

When I was younger and pictured how my life would be, I never imagined how God would bless me.  He’s given me more than I wanted and He has not given some things I thought I needed.  It so much more fun to have a granddaughter than to raise a daughter!  The boundary lines have fallen in wonderful places for this undeserving woman. 

What about you?  Are you bitter about the way your life has turned out?  It’s never too late to be happy.  Choose today to look at your blessings.  You will be amazed at all God has done. 

WHITE AS SNOW

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;”

Isaiah 1:18

 After days of dire weather predictions, it has finally begun to snow here in South Carolina.  This Texas girl is more excited than the neighborhood kids.  Snow, there is just nothing like it.  Our grass had already turned brown thanks to some earlier frosty mornings.  But now, it is covered in a thin layer of snow.  It looks beautiful, pristine and perfect.  Not an unsightly mark in sight.  Tomorrow morning, this same yard will be covered in grandchildren’s foot prints and paw prints of the neighborhood dogs and cats.  But for now, it is perfection.  It will only last a couple of days, but we have stocked the pantry and are ready to enjoy being snowed in.

The LORD does that with our sins, just as soon as we confess them.  Though they are scarlet, they are white as snow.  Pure perfection.  It won’t last.  We will surely mess up again, but there is no better feeling than being washed white as snow. 

WHO IS LEADING YOU?

 “When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!”

Matthew 2:1

“Your Word is a lamp to guide my feet.”

Psalm 119:105

I love stars!  When we lived in Texas we decorated everywhere with stars, because after all, it IS the Lone Star State!  At Christmas, the star takes a far deeper meaning than my Texas roots.  The Wise Men followed a star to find Jesus.  I often think it would be a great idea if God still sent stars to lead people to Jesus.  It would also be amazing if we could just follow a bright star to find exactly where God’s will was for our life.  God does give us a light to follow.  We just need to pick up His Word and study it daily.  His Word is a lamp to guide us where we stand and where we are about to step. 

Scripture tell us that Jesus is the Light of the World.  Look for Him today, He will surely guide you.  And if you are looking for our house, just look for the star!

A LITTLE LEVITY FOR THE SOUL

Always be full of joy in the Lord.  I will say it again-Rejoice!

Phil. 4:4 

I thought today I would share with you a funny Christmas memory from our family.  I absolutely love to laugh, and my boys have inherited that same love.  They just love to laugh at me! 

I have many Nativities in my house.  So many have been gifts from people I have loved through the years.  My family has given me some and I have also bought a few.  This year they are all over my house even in the bathrooms.  Some are beautiful and traditional others are a little quirky.  I have one that my baby boy has never loved.  When I bought it in a gift shop in Tennessee and brought it home, Jordan was appalled.  Every time I put it out when he was still living at home, he threatened to call for an intervention from the church where I worked.  He called it “sacrilegious” and “ridiculous.”  It just made me love it more.  It sets right beside my coffee pot in the kitchen and is one of the first things I see every single morning.  It makes me smile and think of my boy, who is now a fine man with boys of his own (who might have inherited their Nonnie’s sense of humor!)

What brings a smile to your face these days?  In spite of the news and media telling me that we are all doomed, I still find a great deal of joy in my day.    I pray you find some joy as well.  We are having Christmas at Jordan’s house this year.  I’m thinking this little Nativity might look really good sitting beside his coffee machine! I want to share the joy.

OUR LAST WORDS

OUR LAST WORDS

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

I Peter 4:8

Like many of you, I have watched the television as it covered the death and funeral services of President George H.W. Bush.  Of all the wonderful tributes, one has touched me more than the others.  I am so moved by the President’s last words being “I love you, too.” I told David that I’m praying now that I will be able to utter those words as my last message to my family. 

When my time on earth is finished, there will not be television coverage or newspapers to issue accolades about my limited life.  Tributes will not pour in from around the world on my behalf.  I must tell you that my lack of renown does not bother me a single bit.  What would bother me above all else, is if my little circle didn’t know that they were loved greatly by me.

During this Christmas Season as we recall the greatest gift God has ever given, let you and I strive to love each other deeply.  Let each of us use words of love generously as we navigate this life.  When all is said and done, this will be the greatest message we can give those we truly love.  Let it be said of all of us that we loved well.

GO AGAINST THE FLOW

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Romans 12:2 

Notice anything “different” about my Christmas stockings?  Let me tell you the story.  Jeremy was the first grandchild on my side of the family.  My Mother went all out.  She was so excited about being a Nana.  Actually, she wanted to be “Granny” but Jeremy decided on Nana.  Long before he was born, she used her cross-stitching skills and made this beautiful stocking for him.  As far as I know, he was the only grandchild to get a hand made one.  It wasn’t until later that we realized that the stocking had been crafted backwards.  Some might consider it a mistake, but as Jeremy grew up into the man that he is today, it fit him perfectly.  In fact, he is quite proud of his stocking that faces differently from all the others.  As a little boy, he seemed to march to the beat of a different drummer.  I can’t count the times I told my husband I wish I could find that little drummer and take his drum sticks away!  As a man today, he continues to go against the flow of how the rest of the world thinks and acts.  He is the first to forgive and the last to hold a grudge.  You will not hear him slander anyone no matter what they do to him.  He is a man of faith and actions that back up that faith. 

He encourages me to go against the flow, too.  This Christmas season, let’s all look for ways to reach out to others in a new and different way.  It's okay that we don't all look just alike!

CHECKING MY LIST

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart

Luke 2:19  

Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a young teen-ager. She had just made an arduous journey on the back of a donkey!  Right after giving birth in a barn, there were shepherds and visitors speaking about stars and a man she hardly knew at all in her limited personal space!  Scripture gives us a sweet picture of Mary as she made notes in her heart and mind about all God had done for her.  Many of you reading this might be young and darling and you can still probably remember things.  I on the other hand, can sometimes forget my name.  Most times that I go to the bank, I must call my husband for my PIN number on my debit card.  I've had the same PIN for several years and sometimes, it just leaves me.  When David tells me what it is, I argue with him because it doesn't even sound familiar.  I write everything down and sometimes even then, I lose my list.  The most used tool on my cell phone is my list maker.  If I can remember my phone, then I will have my to-do list!

I don't want to be guilty of forgetting a blessing God has given me.  I want to remember the gifts, both big and small that fall from His hand to me.  I encourage you to take some time in the next week and make a list of all the gifts and blessings in your life.  You can even ask God to help you focus on the everyday miracles your life contains.  Write them down.  Thank him daily. It will make a difference in Christmas this year for you and your family.  

WHAT ARE YOU CARRYING AROUND?

WHAT ARE YOU CARRYING AROUND?

He who is pregnant with evil and conceives trouble gives birth to disillusionment.

Psalm 7:14

Occasionally I will be in the midst of my Bible Study and I will see a verse that I have never seen before.  It happened this week when I hit on this verse in the Psalms.   I’ve thought on it all week.  Now, it’s been a really long time since I was pregnant.  In fact, our baby boy was 36 this year.  However, I still remember how consumed I was with the health and well being of our 2 babies as I carried them around for over 9 months each.  I worried over what I should eat, how much I was throwing up and I dreamed about what these little Haines would be.  We made room in our tiny homes for them.  Their rooms were planned and decorated perfectly even on a budget!  We obsessed over their every movement inside of me.  We were so blessed by the birth of our long-awaited little boys.  We’ve been challenged, but never disillusioned by these two Haines’ men.

As I studied this week, I thought about all the things I carry around today.  I have doubts that I dwell on daily.  I focus on other’s faults rather than their fortes. At times, I am even guilty of evaluating ways to even the score with those who have hurt me.  In my many decades of life, I have conceived lots of trouble, but I want to make a change.  Life is too short to live with disillusionment. 

Today, we begin the month of December.  As the month draws to a close, we will all celebrate the birth of our Savior who changed our past and our futures.  Beginning today, I want to focus on carrying the things within my heart and mind that please the Savior.  I want to give birth to things that bring light to those around me.  What about you?