Society’s view of Christmas pains me…
I appreciate the humor in the song “The Twelve Pains of Christmas”. But on the flip side, I can see where it would offend people too. And not because it is a slap in the face to the true meaning of Christmas either. More because it is a slap in the face of the materialistic attitude of this country. Granted…the non-Christian view and celebration of Christmas is a slap in the face to its true meaning anyway.
Ever since I heard this song probably two Christmases ago now, I’ve contemplated my response to each “pain”. And you, lucky blog reader, get to read them here! I’ll put a link to a video so if you haven’t heard the song, and you decide you want to, you don’t have to go on some crazy goose chase for it 
Okay now onto the pains and my responses to them.
1. “Finding a Christmas tree”
Honestly if it’s that much of a pain to go out and either buy a real one from some lot or go out in the woods and cut one down yourself, don’t. You can solve this very simply in one of two ways. Buy a fake tree and put it together every year, then take it down and pack it away. Or if you’re just not into the whole Christmas tree thing in general…don’t get one at all.
2. “Rigging up the lights”
Again…if it’s that inconvenient, don’t make yourself crazy over it. Think of it this way, the fewer lights you hang up…the less irritation you experience and the lower your electric bill will be. Hmm…novel concept people.
3. “Hangovers”
This one is even more simply disputed than either of the first two. You don’t wanna deal with a hangover…don’t drink. Or if you are gonna drink cause you “have to”…don’t drink to get drunk. Simple solution to cure a world of problems.
4. “Sending Christmas cards”
This is kind of a weird one. I mean, I appreciate the Christmas cards I’ve received in the past. There are certain people I feel like a jerk not giving them to but honestly…it’s not for everybody. So nobody should feel like they need to send them. If you’re gonna do it, do it cause you enjoy it…because you want to…not because you think you “have to”. That’s a terrible reason to do most anything.
5. “Five months of bills”
I don’t know what kind of world these people are living in, but I get bills every month. I’m sure it’s a reflection on how much they spend on Christmas and if that’s case I have a suggestion…stop overspending for a holiday that’s not even about us! Oh yes…another novel concept that we are too self-absorbed to get.
6. “Facing in-laws/family”
I can understand there are people in your family that you’re not overly fond of. But really, we should be thankful for the family we have. Especially since there are those who have no family…other than themselves. Quit your griping and try remembering that just once.
7. “Salvation Army”
What is so wrong with the Salvation Army? Are they annoyed because it seems like Salvation Army people are “in their face” more at Christmas time? Never mind it doesn’t matter. People need help all year round, we should as humans be willing to help even in the middle of the summer. Not just at Christmas because we hear the bells and groan while reaching into our pockets, purses, wallets. I know not everybody gives out of obligation. There are some who truly give because they want to.
8. “Demanding/greedy children”
Screaming, whining, constantly demanding things. Hmm…that’d be society, lack of discipline and lack of manners on any level. Fix it people. That’s all I’m saying.
9. “No parking spaces”
You can shop online you know. It’s a lot less aggravating. Or space your shopping throughout the year? That’s another good idea. It’s been done before. But really…what do you expect when you’re shopping closer to Christmas? The first spot in the lot? Not everybody can be that lucky you know. Christmas isn’t even truly about the presents we get from each other but the Ultimate Gift we got from God 2000 years ago. Jesus…born a baby to later die to save us all.
10. “Batteries not included”
Well duh…it seems as if nothing that requires batteries, comes with them. So get them yourself or get something doesn’t need them. But again….it’s not about the gifts we get each other…like I just said.
11. “Stale tv specials”
Okay maybe this is simpler than the hangover dispute…don’t watch it if you don’t like it.
12. “Singing Christmas carols”
If you don’t wanna sing…then don’t. Granted I can’t fathom not being amped up and wanting to celebrate the birth of the Savior. And singing…that’s just one way to show how amped we are about His birth. If you’re only amped for “Santa”…I’m sorry for you.
Tragedy…the other common thread for the decade
Death is never an easy thing to swallow. No matter how old the person is, in the public eye or not, it is still a stinging finality. Whether you know it’s coming soon or think it’s far off.
Jasper Howard, Sean Taylor, Chris Henry and Nick Adenhart. Four young men. Athletes of excellent quality. Yet there is one more thing that links them together forever. Their tragic and untimely deaths. Howard was stabbed. Taylor shot in his home. Henry fell out of a moving vehicle. Adenhart in a car accident involving a drunk driver.
Is it just me or does someone else feel like this trend of young athletes being killed sucks too? I mean, I’m not even fans of the teams any of them played for and yet, I’m still upset by their deaths. But I guess, anyone with a heartbeat would be upset right? Seems like a logical questioning statement.
Newsflash people…!
Well isn’t this fun. The image of a “perfect” Tiger Woods has been blown to bits. Over and over again. Why anyone would be shocked is far beyond me. He’s human and we humans…well to be brutally honest…we suck. Obviously that doesn’t excuse any of the things about Tiger’s private life (past and present) that have been brought to light in recent days.
Honestly though, I’m not sure how his private life is the entire world’s business. I wouldn’t even be ranting about it if not for some things I heard this morning. Or the sheer fact that I’m tired of it. Every time I turn on the tv to a sports station or the radio…there he is in all of his scandalous splendor. Or some knucklehead talking about how it makes sense to him that Tiger would cheat on his wife. Seriously…how the heck cheating makes sense to anyone…is beyond me!
On to this morning. I thought I was Tiger Woods scandal free for a day. Haha good joke! Not even twenty seconds of hearing the radio and the two monkeys are talking about him. In the midst of saying they wanna talk about other stuff…they wanna talk about the Red Sox, the possible trade between Boston and Texas for Mike Lowell, they wanna talk sports but…are you ready for this…Tiger won’t let them. A man who is no where near Boston, MA won’t let two grown men talk about what they wanna talk about?! Give me a break! No, I think they wanted to talk about Tiger…just so they could listen to the “chat show” interview of some porn star who…you guessed it…is claiming she too slept with Tiger.
I don’t care when this started. I don’t know if I care when it ends…if ever. What I would like is for everyone in sports…to get over it! He’s a big wig in the spotlight. Why they’re so surprised about all this makes no sense. I swear it seems like everybody with minimal exceptions in the spotlight via some public venue or another has cheated on or will cheat on their significant other at some point or another. It’s one of those unfortunate givens. With money comes appeal…and apparently not even “perfect” Tiger Woods can resist cashing in on that appeal. Over and over again. What a fool.
I honestly hope his wife does the right thing. Not just for herself but for her kids and even Tiger. Even a man who’s net worth is as astronomical as his should face consequences…right?
A cow’s dinner table!
Since when did Christmas become all about presents….for Christ followers?! I’m a little bit confused. No, actually, really confused! Don’t get me wrong…I enjoy the music, decorations and traditions of the Christmas season as much as the next guy. But it’s not about what I want or what I’m gonna get for someone else.
I know I know…the wise men brought gifts to the Baby Jesus. Who am I to balk at that? Trust me, I am not. Just at the mutated view of Christmas where we all get so caught up in the materialistic traditions of a celebration that changed Eternity! And maybe we don’t forget the true meaning of Christmas, but it’s like “oh ya, it’s about the birth of Christ” and that’s it. We go right back to presents, family, lights, decorations, crazy insane times.
Whoever said Christmas time intensifies emotions…was seriously dead on! I mean, we’re all a little bit nutty during every season of life. Let’s not deny that. However, when Christmas comes…we turn up the dial to maximum. And some of us, before the day actually arrives, we get so insane that our insanity explodes!
I don’t like the pressure from society to get great gifts for people. Well really any gift…great or not according to the “experts”. Especially when I look at my bank account and laugh out loud. Or in a flurry of nauseousness, I close the tab and have to avoid flipping out because there’s less than nothing there.
Christmas is about a baby sent to save us all. It’s about time we remember that. Or if we haven’t forgotten…maybe we need to just embrace it more completely and spread it to everyone around us. Yeah, that sounds like a great idea to me!
Here’s to us, that is me and you, fellow Christ followers. Let’s remember, embrace and share the truer than true reason for this season!
If you give a mouse a name…
it will be Calvin!
I’m kinda in a weird mood today. It probably has a lot to do with the cold I’m getting on top of other things. Cause I’m not mad. I’m not upset. I’m just kinda blehh. My voice is practically gone. I feel like I swallowed razor blades every time I cough. 
Not cool….
However…on the upside….there were cool people and cookies tonight! Chocolate chip cookies make the world go round. But so does something else and yet I forget what I said that was! It may have been music and may have been something else entirely.
Before tonight…well the Family Ministries Team meeting part at least…Mommy, Lexie and I went to Kohl’s. Oh the joys of clothes shopping (haha not). But I did find happiness in this adventure. A giant If You Give A Mouse A Cookie mouse stuffed animal for $5 and the money goes to helping kids! Yeah…so all over that one! Then began the naming process. The final decision as I’m sure you already figured out…Calvin! So should have bought a copy of the book since it is also only $5 and goes to the kids too.
I don’t know if it was just me but it felt like there was a weird vibe tonight…it could have just been me. Cause of what’s going on, but really, I don’t think it was. And if it was, I totally overreacted then. But whatever. It’s hard to keep my head up when it seems like everybody else has their head down. I know this sucks but come on! If I’m gonna try to keep my head…you try to keep yours up too!
Oh the wonders of blogs and black spiraled notebooks. Maybe someday I’ll share the little black notebook. I’m not sure however you should count on that. I gotta have something to myself. Not for anyone and everyone to see.
Okay I think, at least relatively speaking, I have accomplished what I was after for the night. And now I must torture my esophagus with Nyquil if I’m gonna sleep tonight…
Maybe tomorrow I’ll tell you about the sketchy guy that IM’d me last night claiming he’s in love with me. And yet…I don’t even know him! Yeah….this is my life. Fun stuff. 
Am I where You want me?
Blank slate…kind of. More like…too much to say about essentially one thing and no idea where to start. Blank slate…seems “safer”. And I don’t wanna be “safe” I wanna know where I need to be. If I am already where I should be. I can’t tell as of yet one way or the other. But it was made quite clear that I need to be on the “figure out” a whole lot sooner than I planned. Yeah…not about me. Not even about them. About Him. Always…even when I wanna punch someone’s head through the wall. Or whatever. Cause “we’re gonna be alright”. Yup…very true. Just not a big fan of this current “spot” I guess you could call it.
It’s not really a good sign when you leave somewhere that once made your soul jump and leap and do back flips suddenly leaves you feeling like you’re gonna throw up. Yeah…I didn’t share that earlier cause I just wasn’t sure I wanted to. But now, hey, it’s in the blog for the world to see. So I guess it’s okay if you see it. Or maybe not cause I might make this private. And keep it to myself essentially this time around.
I can’t worry about “what if’s”. I can’t worry about possible “good-byes”. I can’t even think about that. God where do you want me? MCC? Some place else?
I think I’ve said all I can right now. Maybe not in the most ideal fashion but this would sure beat having to have the same conversation over and over and over. Or maybe not at all.
This story is a good one :)
Sunday night was not at all what I was expecting. Well, I guess to some degree, it was exactly what I knew was coming. Since as far as I’ve ever heard, nothing good has ever come from “family meetings”. But not everything about it…not the so-called “logistics”. I’m not getting into that though…I’ll just get heated and I have something else to say.
By the end names weren’t given. It was however made clear that jobs were being lost. Shortly after that statement was made, I was thinking about it. How it couldn’t be….right? Then after a few minutes I worked my way all the back around to how it couldn’t and it wouldn’t be what I was thinking. Only to leave said meeting and found out…it was what I didn’t think it could be. But not because I was told directly…however not anyone’s fault I was standing where I was when it was uttered.
Now let’s fast forward a few minutes. To where I decided that despite the unhappiness virtually clouding the whole building…I wanted to say hi to Stephanie, whom I hadn’t seen yet that day Did that and then I think I went back out to the lobby for a minute to vent. Before turning right back around and marching in all my ticked off “glory” right up to the front of the room. (After deciding it was Josh I wanted to talk to about this situation). Asked my question…got an answer…turned around and was about to leave the auditorium. Except that I see Amy and Chell approaching….eyes red and teary, tear tracks….you get the picture. They clearly knew what I had only known for about 5 minutes by this point.
Okay so anyway. I stood there with Amy, Chell and Stephanie and we all talked for a bit. Chell saying something about not wanting to go to her small group the next day. It took me a minute but then in the heat of my “I cannot f—— believe this” thought process (I didn’t actually say those words but you have to know they were flying around my head recklessly!), I said I didn’t wanna go to mine either. And even took it so far as to ask Stephanie if I could instead crash her group and hang out with them for the night.
Before the night was over, however, my mommy decides to be all smart and wise and what not. Telling me not going to small group wouldn’t be the right thing just because I was upset. So before I went to bed I already knew that my mind was changed and I would in fact be going to small group the next night. Rather than crashing Stephanie’s which I’m sure could have been most entertaining
And all of this babbling brings me to the good part (finally!) of the story. Now we’ve reached late Monday afternoon and I’ve had ample time to blow off steam. Come back down to Earth so to speak and realize skipping small group really wasn’t a good idea. And that, go figure, Mom was right.
I was reading some PDL before small group when I decided I would text Chell to let her know that I was going to my small group and I was hoping she would go to hers too. This is what I get in response from Chell: “You are so sweet – I was just telling Amy I didn’t want to go. PERFECT TIMING!” So I respond with: “Nice! Do it!” She texts back again: “Ok “ I closed my phone and read some more.
About an hour and a half or so went by and I had a voicemail on my phone. I didn’t have any indication of who it was. So I left my room to listen to it hoping it was a real message that someone actually left! (I’ve gotten a ton of messages that nobody says anything and just hangs up lately). So I’m waiting, thinking it’s gonna be another ghost message…nope it’s Chell! Calling me to let me know she was on her way to small group. That pretty much made my day. I called her back and left her a message in return to let her know I hadn’t left yet but would be leaving shortly once a car came home.
Some people would say small group went great Monday night. But then again they probably don’t know what I know. Or why I was essentially threatening to skip being there. I mean, aside from not exactly being in the most fantastic mood, I can’t say it was awful. Cause it really wasn’t. It was just different. And yet, I didn’t regret changing my mind about being there in the slightest.
In a little while I’m heading out to have some coffee and maybe a brownie or something with Stephanie at Starbucks. Definitely looking forward to it. Maybe, if you’re lucky, I’ll write you a story about that too!
Friendship: An Examination of Conscience
Ask yourself these questions to find out if your friendships are healthy or if they are risking idolatry.
1. Am I jealous of my friend’s time?
There’s no point in my being jealous of a friend’s time. Whether it is spent with me or not. A friend’s time is a friend’s time and I respect and appreciate the amount I get to spend with different friends. So to simplify the answer…no I’m not jealous of my friend’s time. No matter which friend you’re asking about.
2. When I am praying with my friend, do I place more importance on being with her or with God?
It’s important to me to acknowledge being with God while in the presence of friends. However, I cannot really say that I’ve prayed with friends enough times to truly know this answer on a personal one-on-one or group of friends setting.
3. Am I able to truly pray for God’s will in my friend’s life?
Yes. I want what’s best for my friends and God’s will (his best) is the best that could be for my friends. So even when it may be something that I’m not a big fan of, I will pray for it because I want God’s best for that person (or people) .
4. When someone else is spending time with my friend, what is my first thought? My second?
I don’t even always know what my friends are doing. I’m not a psycho stalker. We have lives outside of each other, friendships outside of each other. So it’s not so much that I don’t think about it, but I don’t worry about “oh great…now I’ll see less of this person” either. There’s no need. I spend time with my friends whether face to face, chatting online or texting when we are able and that is perfectly fine with me.
5. Am I insecure about my friendship’s ability to last?
Nope. If a friendship is meant to last it will. I would drive myself crazy walking around all the time questioning every friendship I have. Realistically I know, not all the friendships I have now will remain. Some will die completely, some will grow deeper and others will just maintain the status quo.
6. Do I fear God’s plan for my friend’s life? Do I worry if it will include me?
Fear it?! Why don’t you just ask me if I fear God will stop existing. That’s a stupid question for me to worry about. God knows what will happen with every friendship. And again, I don’t need to make myself crazy worrying about the status of friendships I have or will gain in the future.
7. Do I have to be the most significant person at all times in her life?
Nope. And I wouldn’t wanna be. I’m perfectly content with being one of many friends for tons of people. There are a few people that I am closer with than others, but that is how it should be. I don’t need 2000 people knowing every little detail about me and my life. And I don’t need to know every little detail about 2000 people and their lives either. That’s just insane. And would make it impossible to be fully present if my mind is racing about everyone else while I’m with a particular group or individual.
8. Do I find myself manipulating circumstances so that we can spend time together?
I don’t have the time or resources to manipulate things like that. Nor the personality to even consider such a thought. Not to mention, there are those things called circumstances beyond my control that can’t be changed too. Which makes it so much easier to enjoy the times I do get to spend with friends. Manipulation is a negative tool and I wouldn’t feel like I deserved the time if I manipulated for it.
9. Am I honestly excited when my friend gets to be used by God in another person’s life, or do I wish I could have been a part?
Completely excited. I love hearing about those times. I’m not the only person God works through. That’d be kind of hard to do since I don’t even know every person in the city of Manchester…never mind every person on this planet. So no, I don’t feel like I want a piece of the “thunder” of being used by God that my friends get when it’s a situation that doesn’t involve me.
10. Am I jealous of signs of affection between my friend and others (gifts, hugs, etc.)?
No. Not at all. Don’t see the point in being jealous. Again…my friends and I have friends outside of each other.
11. Am I fearful of losing my friend?
Why…so I can drive myself crazy freaking out about that too? No thank you. If a friendship is supposed to end, it will end. Whether I want it to or not. Whether I like it or not. It doesn’t scare me. But I’m not a fan of the concept either.
12. Is God enough?
More than. If only I could truly live that out all the time.
13. Do I have faith in God’s care over me?
Yes I do. He’s been taking care of me since forever. I see no reason to worry that He would stop.
14. Do I have faith in God’s sufficiency for me?
Yup. But again…living it out all the time would be fantastic.
15. Do I understand that I deserve nothing of what I have?
Yup. It’s kinda cool to think about. Makes the grace that covers my life so much sweeter. Cause I don’t deserve it. I do things to screw it up all the time. It’s still there.
Definitely think you should all take the time to think about and answers these questions too. Even if you don’t share them with others…just to kind of evaluate yourself in your friendships.
*Got these from a STV article, magazine for FCA.
http://www.sharingthevictory.com/vsItemDisplay.lsp&objectID=7E655501-9021-44CD-A3F03936A20F371F&method=display
Revelations shared again :)
Before you read any farther I need to kinda give the “history” behind this blog. I wrote it after Deep Freeze 2008. So the things that are “new” revelations…haven’t been new for over a year.
I feel like I should have expected God to use a Hawk Nelson song to get a hold of my heart at some point considering how much I love listening to them. The only problem I have with that was the timing of when the tears fell. I was sitting at my desk at work with some of the guys in the office with me. I wasn’t too happy about that cause there wasn’t a thing I could do to stop the tears, granted I didn’t try too hard but still….You know how I feel about people seeing me cry. I do not like it…at all!
Anyway there is a reason for the tears and it wasn’t just because I was thinking about the weekend, or things that were flooding my mind. It was more like the people that were flooding my mind and the reason they were all pouring in. Between the thoughts her comment started and the actual conversation I had with Christine today I had yet another revelation. Yup, I’m full of revelations lately. And you’re just the lucky people’s that get to read them.
So on to this new revelation. I remembered that when I was between the ages of 12 and 15 constantly saying that when I was 18, that was it…no more church for me, no more God, no more religion and I wasn’t ever making my kids go. Not so much because I felt forced but more because I still didn’t completely get it. And since I only could remember on my own the experiences of one church, I decided if that was what all churches were like, I was out.
Which brings me to Sept. of 2002. The first time I went to a Sunday morning service at MCC. And guess who got my attention? Did anybody guess God? Well if you did…darn you’re smarter than you look! Hahaha jk I love you all. I went to school that week with “Still I Will Worship You” stuck in my head every day and I couldn’t remember the name of the song so basically I found myself wanting to go back to hear it again and figure out what the heck the song was called. Okay okay so I still haven’t gotten to the revelation or why I ended up crying.
Ready here comes the revelation. If I had actually held true to my word, and stopped going to church or caring about God or whatever after I turned 18, there are a myriad of AMAZING people (little kids, teenagers, adults) that I wouldn’t know at all. So many in fact that I can’t even name them all without making this blog disgustingly long. Let’s just say that as each name crossed my mind the tears flowed a little faster and I’m pretty sure they started with thinking about a group of about 5-6 girls. Although I couldn’t completely swear to that fact. The last one to intensify the tears were Becca and Jordan.
Basically I was convinced that if I had walked away, I’d be strung out on alcohol in some ditch somewhere with more kids than I could ever afford to feed, clothe, etc. Ya, I know, that doesn’t sound like anything that would match how most of you know me but I was thinking in slight terms of family history. Not an exact replica but my twist of how it would have played out in my life.
With all of that said…the list of people I wouldn’t know, wouldn’t love….grows all the time. Kinda awesome is incorrect. Completely awesome is correct but seems so not enough to tell you how I feel about it all.
Nothing makes it okay…
What is wrong with people? It’s bad enough a teenage girl gets gang raped, beaten up and robbed outside her high school but there were witnesses to this terrible fiasco. Who didn’t do a damn thing to help her! Things like that make me realize why I’m not a fan of humanity 98% of the time.
I don’t care if the girl is beyond drunk. Nothing and I repeat nothing will ever make raping a girl (of any age) okay. I don’t care if she’s scantily dressed either…that’s still no invitation for rape. There’s not a reason in the world you could give me that could possibly make rape okay.
Okay so there is a reason for this otherwise seemingly out of left field explosion on the subject of rape. I was checking my email Tuesday morning for probably the 20th time. Just making sure I wasn’t missing anything important or anything at all for that matter.
So when I refreshed the page it brought me to the headlines screen I guess you would call it. I usually glance at it as it goes through the different area of news they have stories on in that moment. If something catches my attention I’ll read it. (Hey what do you know! I’m actually reading news stories!) Okay so anyway. I saw a headline that was odd and wanted to read the story behind it.
The particular headline for this story was “2 arrested in ‘disturbing’ HS crime”. Disturbing?! Gang rape and pounding the crap out of a teenage girl…and you call it disturbing?! You’re disturbed. Cause actually….that is more than disturbing. That is despicable! Things like this really make me dislike the media too. Not just the losers that participated in this crime or the ones who witnessed it but didn’t have the balls to do anything to stop it!
I don’t care if she was the girl nobody likes. Or maybe she doesn’t like anybody. Whatever…the moral of my beyond angry rant is that nothing will ever make rape (gang or individual) acceptable.
