Every year since my older son started kindergarten I've written a start of school year prayer. Last year that prayer was a little different because I was not only mom, but also teacher. This year begins year two of homeschooling. And, as always, this start of the school year prayer is essential.
Dear Lord,
I pray for peace and patience to not yell at my kids when they push every single one of my buttons. I pray for lightheartedness to not take our days and lessons too seriously and to laugh and enjoy the time we spend together. I pray for the wisdom to guide them to where they need to be and how they need to be taught in order to truly learn. I pray for the fortitude to be mom and teacher and wife and attorney.
I pray for the boys that their minds will be opened and receptive to the lessons I strive to teach. I pray that they will be patient with me, with each other and with themselves as we continue through this still new, uncharted territory. I pray they will be happy and positive and confident in their studies.
I pray for my parents as they once again take on the task of teaching our children once a week. I know this time is so precious and important for the boys. I pray that they will be filled with love and grace and knowledge during this days with their grandparents.
I pray for all the teachers and students who have already or will be starting this school year. I pray for peace and confidence and patience and open minds and hearts throughout all the schools in our nation.
I'm so thankful to have the resources to make this choice to homeschool our kids. I'm thrilled to be able teach through travel and experience and have so many opportunities to go out into our community and beyond to learn first-hand lessons. I pray that we may be a blessing and a beacon of Your love and peace to all those we come in contact with throughout the year. I come to you, Lord, with a grateful and hopeful heart.
There has been a lot of discussion on Target's bathroom policy regarding transgender persons. I, myself, am baffled by why this is an issue that Target thought they needed to address. I think people can and have been deciding which bathroom is the right one for them without an official policy announcement.
Target is not the only company who has such a policy that basically says people can use the bathroom that best aligns with the gender they identify themselves as, but by making a formal announcement of this policy they have grabbed the attention of folks who, in the name of protecting Christian values and the sanctity of the family, choose to prey on people's fears of those who are different from themselves and create a culture of hate.
I am pretty sure that we have all been using public bathrooms alongside transgender persons for many, many years. Their use of the public restrooms has not created a danger for women and children (this is the group of people these "Christian Family" groups say they are worried about) any more than using public facilities with any strangers does.
Which brings me to something I have been thinking of lately regarding public bathrooms, having just returned from a weeklong trip to Washington D.C. with my two boys, ages 7 & 9 , and my mother. I, as a female with two boys, worry about bathroom situations every time we are out in public without my husband to go with the boys to the men's bathroom. My boys are getting too old to accompany me into the women's bathroom and yet I do worry about sending them into the men's bathroom alone, not knowing who is in there, the setup of the facilities, the condition of the facilities. When I do send them into a men's bathroom (always the two boys together) I stand VERY near the door and tell them to scream if ANYTHING happens that makes them feel uncomfortable and I'll be there immediately.
These days there is often a family/companion care bathroom available, which is always a relief to me. And I am sure this is also a relief to those who are transgender or don't in some way identify with their gender as we as a society identify such gender.
However, I will say that in certain settings or situations I do bring my boys into the women's bathroom with me. I do this prepared to tell anyone who dares challenge me to mind her own business. No one has ever said a word to me, but I'm always prepared.
Recently my 9 year old was feeling sick while we were out and the only bathroom options were men and women. I was not going to send my son into the men's room when he was sick where I couldn't get to him. We went into the women's bathroom together where I was able to be there with him and help him.
No matter what society says about what we should be doing and how we should be acting, I am a mother first, and I will do what is safest and best for my kids in any situation. However, the real or perceived dangers of a child using a public bathroom without a parent there have always been the same. This policy is not changing the possible threat involved.
So, when these "Christian Family" organizations say, "oh no, we can't let transgender people use the bathroom with US!" And then make people believe that on top of having to worry about transgender persons, this policy will also open the door, literally and figuratively, to people with evil intentions, red flags go up for me. These organizations are Christian in name only. Don't be fooled.
Christ did all things in love and embraced all people, regardless of whether they were sinners or saints, believers or nonbelievers, rich or poor, men or women. We, as Christians, are called to do the same. But these organizations, besides casting a false light on Christ Jesus, are breeding a culture of fear and hate and an Us v. Them attitude.
I would argue that people who intend to commit evil acts don't need a policy in place to perpetrate these crimes. There are bad people out there. Period. And we need to be alert, aware and careful in all situations. True. But I don't think that this policy announcement has increased that threat to women and children. It may, however, have increased the threat to those who are hated and feared because of their differences.
The argument addressed by the American Family Association reminds me of another time; one from not so long ago when in the south there were separate bathrooms for blacks and whites, in addition to separate restaurants, drinking fountains, seating, churches, schools, etc. The white "Christian" men made these rules and laws and drew these lines out of fear and hate, but said it would protect their families and was the right thing to do. Well, thankfully, those laws and rules and way of thinking (for the most part) have been struck down and we see how ridiculous and hate-filled these policies from the past were.
When I read about boycotts and policies and arguments brought forth from these "Christian Family" organizations I see hate and fear and narrow mindedness brought about by ignorance and reliance on people who call themselves good Christian family men and women. I come from Texas and I call myself Christian, and I know and love many people who unwittingly fall for these ruses promoting values and morality that in reality are truly hate and fear of difference and a need to force all people to conform to their views and beliefs.
So, I will continue to worry about the safety of my boys every time I send them into a public men's bathroom alone, but not because I am worried about transgender persons. I will continue to stand VERY close to the door in case I'm needed. And I will continue to work to embrace and pray for all people, even those whose beliefs are so different from mine, such as these people who align themselves with this American Family Association, because that is what Jesus Christ calls us to do. And I will continue to try to teach my boys that we can learn so much from looking at situations from other's points of view and then drawing our own conclusions and showing them how beautiful our world is filled with people with so many differences.
There's a free little library "on a stick" on Lyndale Ave in Uptown where I've found a few treasures over the years. I usually check it on my way to eat lunch at French Meadow. Their parking situation is terrible. So, I park a block down on a side street and we walk a bit, passing by this little free library on the way. On my most recent visit, I found an old book called "This I Believe:" It's the "personal philosophies of one hundred thoughtful men and women" written for and with a foreword by Edward R. Murrow with a copyright date of 1952.
These essays are interesting reads, and it made me think about what I believe and wonder if others think about this and could articulate these beliefs if asked do so. I think it's important for a person to think on these things and be ready to answer this question. One never knows when one might be called upon to stand up for this cause or that right, and in this case, one must know whether he or she believes in this principle or that tenet.
This is what I believe:
I believe in the good of the world and its people. I believe that when depraved ugliness rears its terrible head the good in people will shine through, helping strangers and fighting injustice and wrong in any way possible, simply because that is the right thing to do. There will always be evil in the world, but over and over good has prevailed.
I suppose this means I believe in eternal optimism.
I believe in prayer…not grandstanding, loud, long, dramatic prayer, but talking to God all day long kind of prayer. Sometimes it's a quick whispered prayer and sometimes a deep, earnest prayer, but always with a fully faithful and trusting heart.
I believe in second chances.
I believe in following my heart and my gut.
I believe in advocating for myself, for my family, for my community, for anyone who needs an advocate.
I believe life is hard and rough and heartbreaking, but I also believe that life is beautiful and fun and inspiring and full of opportunities.
I believe that we MUST stand up for what is right and good.
I believe that life is a full contact sport. If you're just a spectator, you're missing out.
I believe that walks through the woods and along beaches are the best therapy for staying sane in this fast-paced, hectic life.
I believe in lifelong learning and finding the best education possible, in and out of a classroom, and refusing to settle for a "fine" education for my kids.
I believe there is hate and fear and evil and ugliness and hunger and poverty and hurt in this world, but I also believe that each of us, individually and collectively, can change this by opening our hearts and arms and minds to the possibilities and offering love and peace and shelter and food and jobs and solutions.
I believe things will get better….year after year…I believe this.
I believe in travel and exploration.
I believe in loving others even when we don't understand their beliefs, their lifestyles and their choices. This does not mean we must compromise our own beliefs, but it won't hurt to simply be kind and show them love.
I believe in the power of chocolate and the magic of coffee.
I believe in growing old together and that the best is yet to come.
I believe in mercy.
I believe music is an essential ingredient to living.
I believe in God.
I believe in never giving up on dreams.
I believe in the love of and for a pet.
I believe in quiet solitude.
I believe a walk with a friend is the best medicine for loneliness, a bad attitude and the need for a rant session.
I've struggled this past year. Oh, it has not always been visible on the surface. I keep smiling and going on, but underneath that thin smile there has been unrest, deep sadness, stress, turmoil. It was a hard year with big decisions, loss, guilt, uncertainty. I thought I was doing well, soldiering on, keeping a smile on my face, but by December I realized the toll this year had taken on me.
In 2015, we found out our second son is dyslexic, just as his older brother is. That same son ended up in hospital with an appendicitis – the first surgery for the four of us. A friend of my nine-year old son suddenly and heartbreakingly died. We made the tough decision that I would homeschool the boys. Our beloved dog had a very serious infection and almost died, but thankfully - after a VERY expensive surgery - she has fully recovered.
But we also had the great pleasure of traveling to Wisconsin with friends and to Texas and Oklahoma to spend time with family and friends. We had a blast visiting Marco Island and the Everglades of Florida. We were so thankful to spend Thanksgiving in Kansas City with our family. And the boys and I loved our many local adventures with our friends.
We grew closer to some friends and formed strong bonds with new friends. And we were so proud of the amazing academic accomplishments of our nine year-old son who had struggled in school for so long.
We cried a lot, but certainly cherished those times and the people that brought us laughter and loved and supported us through all the difficult times.
It wasn't just the big stuff that had gotten to me, but the smaller stressors too, I began to recognize. Of course, it wasn't all bad, not by a long shot. There were many wonderful highlights in 2015, as well. And yet, it was the hard stuff holding on to me, pulling me down, by December, which is already the darkest, hardest month of the year for this Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) sufferer.
I sought joy in the most magical time of the year. This time of year that I love so much for so many reasons, but this year over and over the old familiar traditions and activities that I was sure would bring me joy instead let me down and left me feeling disappointed and sad and ripped off; empty. And this made me even sadder.
I tried to sort through my feelings and figure out what to do to change the outcome; to be happier and more joyful, but each attempt failed and the more hollow I felt.
I had not fully realized the amount of stress I had put on myself taking on the education of my children, adding this big, bulky, time-consuming job to my existing responsibilities as a legal editing consultant and house manager. I had not fully recognized the deep guilt and sadness that filled us when my son's friend died last spring; guilt that my sons are still here on Earth and the heartbroken sadness as a mother and friend. And honestly, I still don't fully grasp the depths of these feelings and responsibilities, but I am acknowledging them and accepting that I don't have to fully understand it all.
I like to choose a word for the New Year. And sometimes that word finds me. And this year, I wasn't sure what that word was until I picked up my well-loved, well-worn devotional, God Calling, and read the entry for January 3rd…"You must be renewed, remade…Only Love is a conquering force…Take heart, God loves, God helps, God fights, God wins. You shall see. You shall know. The way will open."
And then I knew my word. It is "Renewed." I must be renewed and remade this year. 2016 must be a year of healing and renewal for me in all areas of my life.
On that note, these are my aspirations for 2016:
Write a letter to the mother of a friend who died. This should have been done years ago.
Make a detailed plan with dates and activities for Date Nights each month with my Husband. Otherwise, we will never have date nights. We're off to a good start with this one.
Stay on Schedule. This is not an easy task for me, but it has become necessary for staying on task for work, for school, for sleep. I can do this as long as every once in a while I can totally go off schedule for a bit.
Yell less. I think this can be accomplished by taking more time to be alone…completely alone to read, write and think.
Write more. This I can do if I follow the above suggestion to take more time for myself to be alone.
Walk more. I like to walk, alone or with a friend, and I feel better when I walk a lot. But this is the thing that gets pushed back and out and forgotten. So, I must put it on the schedule and stick to it.
Pray more. I've always been a prayer, but sometimes I get too busy, too bogged down and I forget how important that is to my every day mental health.
Take at least 3 trips this year and have hundreds of little adventures. I'm off to a great start on this goal too!
And keep on: reading, talking with my kids – there's always so much to talk about – and really listen to what they have to say too, adventuring, traveling, experiencing and laughing with friends and family. Without these things, I don't see much point. These are the essentials to me.
So, I press on, looking forward, shedding my old, dry skin of 2015, but remembering the lessons learned, holding on to the beauty and joy of things seen and experienced while letting go of the hurt and the disappointments and the ugliness. Here's to a Happy, Prosperous, Adventurous, Interesting Renewal in 2016! Over and out…
I kind of love our Advent wreath. The boys and I made it. It's not perfect. In fact, it's even late. Advent began last Sunday. Of course, I'm a pro at being tardy; so, there's nothing new there.
We haven't ever done an advent wreath before. We have used Advent calendars, but I like the ones with scriptures and those have gotten hard to find. That's what my mom always got for us when I was a kid. But my husband is Catholic, my kids are Catholic and we attend a Catholic church. I figured it was time we had an Advent wreath.
No, it's not perfect. We used what we had. And I like that.
The candles should be 3 purple and 1 pink, but I had these candles. The boys made them at the Minnesota Honey Store this summer during a class on beeswax candles. These are special.
I had leftover evergreen tips after working on my window box. The shells came from our trip to Florida a few months ago. The pinecones are a variety I've had and used for years to decorate the house in the winter. The grapevine wreath is one I got at the dollar store a few years ago and decorated with a ribbon and gold berries and twigs. Even the cake stands were found items at Arc Value Village a while back.
If you look closely you could probably spot dust in the back corner of the hutch. No perfection here.
But we made it together with stuff from our house. Even though one boy was a bit grumbly yesterday and not really in a reverent mood, it was nice.
A little background: The Season of Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas Day. It's basically a countdown to the birth of Jesus. Advent comes from the Latin word meaning "coming." It's a time for Christians to prepare for the coming of Jesus through prayer, forgiveness and fasting. And yet it's also a time of celebration and joy. Hence the three purple candles – the first, second and fourth Sundays of Advent that represent penance - and the fourth rose colored or pink candle that is lit on the third Sunday of Advent which stands for joy. There are prayers and scriptures that go along with the lighting of the candles each day of Advent.
Do you have a special custom, new or old, to celebrate the Advent Season or count down the days to Christmas? Over and out…
How often do we show mercy with ourselves, with our families, with strangers?
It can be hard to be merciful. I certainly should respond with mercy more often. I am always working on this myself. So, this is said without judgment, but I'm often dismayed with people's comments about and responses to others in so many situations where mercy would be the right answer. And from where I sit, I think our world could use a big ol' dose of mercy right now. We are so hyper critical of one another, so very thin-skinned and often completely consumed with ourselves and our own families above all else.
So, what exactly is mercy?
Well, mercy is defined as: compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one's power; compassion, pity, or benevolence.
Pope Francis has declared this coming year the Year of Mercy. The motto for this Holy Year is "Merciful Like the Father." This phrase is meant to be an invitation to us to "follow the merciful example of the Father who asks us not to judge or condemn but to forgive and to give love and forgiveness without measure," according to the Vatican, but WAIT you don't need to be catholic or even believe in God to get something from this…
5 Ways to show mercy:
Be merciful with yourself when you make a mistake or falter in your mission to be merciful. We aren't perfect. And that's ok. So, remember to be firm, but gentle with yourself. Just keep trying.
Help out when someone needs your aid whether it's a friend or family member or complete stranger, regardless of whether they deserveyour assistance. After all, that's what mercy, is, right? Help without trying to figure out what's in it for you. Help without expecting a return favor, a pat on the back or even a thanks. Just help because someone needs help. Mercy has nothing to do with what someone deserves.
Forgive and FORGET. Let it go….this phrase may be overused these days, but that's what you need to do; hold no grudges. Let all past hurt and disappointments and wrongs flow out from you, never to return. This is really mercy for yourself and others.
Don't get too big for your britches. You are loved and supported and special and important (to 1 or 1 million), but so are many, many others. Don't let honors or money or celebrity or status or a big head give you the false idea that you are better or more important than others. You aren't. Each of us do matter though.
Seek out those in need and do something to give them comfort; the sick, the poor, the overworked, the lonely, the grieving. As the saying goes, it is better to give than to receive, and it's true. If you can do something to help, do so {and can't we always find some way to help someone}. You'll feel good about it and so will the person you helped…win/win, right.
These seem like simple enough points to follow, but what if we're too tired or too busy or don't feel like it or we've had a bad day… how simple is it then? It is precisely in those moments that we will show our true colors. And I know from my personal experience, it is often much easier to say, "Screw mercy, what about me? I deserve this or that or the other…" So often our selfish, egotistical selves speak up in these moments and that voice is usually louder and more powerful and selfishness beats out mercy.
So, during this month of thanksgiving, as we near the end of this year and begin the new year, I ask you to reflect on your innards for a bit and challenge yourself to conquer self-centeredness and allow mercy to triumph, over and over.
Remember it's not always easy for most of us. There are a few true saints on this earth who always show mercy on others, and thank God for that as I have so often come in contact with these venerable saints on earth throughout my life.
So, don't beat yourself up if you stumble in this task…remember, be merciful with yourself too. But do keep trying to give aid and love and forgiveness from your heart without asking for anything in return.
Again, even if you aren't Catholic (technically I'm not either, but I do love my Catholic church) or (gasp) don't even believe in God at all, there's a lot here for you too. Mercy is still the answer. It makes for a better world and a happier you and happier everyone else…if we all endeavor to practice mercy in our lives every single day. Who's in? Over and out…
In regards to the Starbucks "Christmas" cup kerfluffle, I have nothing to say that has not already been said, and I think we're all over the ridiculousness of it. But the part that gets me the most is how silly and petty and irrelevant this argument makes Christianity look because true Christian beliefs are none of those things. I don't want to speak for Jesus Christ, but I find it impossible to believe that this gentle, loving, forgiving teacher would take issue with red and green coffee cups. What I do know is what we as Christians have been called to do, and this is what I want to focus on:
5 Things We Should Be Doing for One Another:
Feeding the hungry: I live in a city, and it's not hard to find ways to feed those who hunger. Drop off a bagged lunch to someone you see on a corner. Take food to a food shelf. Make sandwiches and take to an outreach center like Saint Vincent de Paul at the Basilica of St. Mary in downtown Minneapolis (our personal favorite) or similar outreach center. Serve a meal at a shelter. The list goes on and on. Make a pot of soup and take it to a friend or neighbor who is especially busy or burdened.
Comforting the lonely: The world is full of lonely people. I know I've been lonely at times, and the smallest gestures of love and support and friendship do not go unnoticed and can make such an impact. So, be there for friends, family and strangers. A kind word, a hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on, a card in the mail, a text, help with the kids, a hot meal, a simple, "Are you OK?" Suck it up even when you feel awkward or uncomfortable and simply be present for someone and be ready to listen.
Visiting the sick: Again, this can be awkward and uncomfortable, but being a Christian doesn't mean living the cushy, privileged, easy life. It means getting out there in the world and being of service to others in need; giving even when we think we have nothing more to give. Now, sometimes actually visiting the sick is not feasible, but volunteering to cook a meal or pick up or drop off kids or cleaning the house or running errands is also a help. Visiting the sick can take many forms.
Last year, my son ended up in Children's Hospital for an appendectomy, and we were so well taken care of by the staff, by our family and by our friends. We happened to be on the oncology floor where lots of kids occupy their rooms for long periods of time. We decided that this year for Christmas we're going to make up a box of art supplies to take to that floor. While there, my son, enjoyed making crafts and singing songs in the activities room on that floor. So, hopefully, our arts and crafts supplies will be enjoyed by other kids staying on that floor.
Clothing the poor: We live in a place that has four clear cut seasons. It gets seriously cold here. It's vitally important that all people here have a warm coat, gloves, hat, scarf or muffler, socks, boots and snow pants. Please consider donating new and gently used winter gear and any clothes. It's not hard to find places to give clothing. Schools are always in need of clothing and outerwear and shoes. Many churches also take these items, especially churches downtown.
Loving one another: Have patience and mercy with each other. We're all trying our best and sometimes our best may be very low standards for some, but on that particular day or time it's the best we can do. We would all do well remembering this. Who among us has not had a really, horribly rotten day or week or month or year and simply needed to feel loved? This point sounds like an easy one, but it may be the hardest: love others whether they love you or do anything for you or benefit you in any way…simply love others because we are all merely imperfect creatures.
These are the things I want to focus on in my life, and what I hope to be teaching my kiddos in the process. So, whether you profess to be Christian or not, I hope you will join me in serving those in need. If we focus on loving and doing and sharing and caring, we won't have time for name calling and judging and hating. This is my hope, at least.
Oh, but for the record, my boys said that the color red alone does stand for Christmas; that is, red is for the blood Jesus shed for us that washed away our sins…Over and out…
When my son's friend, Ben, unexpectedly died this last April everything changed. When you're 8 years old, you don't expect people to die and you certainly never think about a friend dying. And when a person near and dear to you dies, you are forever changed in so many ways.
We shed a lot of tears and had many deep and sad conversations…as we still do these 5 months later. My son told me lots of stories about Ben and shared his thoughts and memories, and we laughed and cried and hugged a lot….as we still are.
My son went through many stages of grief in the first hours and days and weeks after Ben's death.
People told me, "When he asks if he'll die, it's OK to tell him no." And they always added, "…and he'll ask…"
But my son didn't ask that question. He knew the answer to that question….of course he'll die. We'll all die one day. This is not a scary realization to my son. We believe in God and this is a comfort when thinking of a death…anyone's death.
The question my son asked was much harder. He asked this the day we learned of Ben's death and is still asking this question. And I don't really have an answer for him. My son's question is this, "Why did Ben get only 9 years to live his life?"
Now, the thing you have to understand about my son is that he's exceptional in the way he processes information and emotions and understands words and human nature. He will often know exactly what I'm thinking without me saying a thing.
My son started talking when he was 5 months old. By the time he was 18 months old we could have full conversations. And in these conversations he would tell me about being with God and Jesus and describe God's feet and tell me about the time before he was conceived when he was still with God, the time he referred to as "when I didn't have skin." These stories gave me chills then and still do now.
He no longer remembers these things, and I'm glad I wrote them down at the time. But when an 18 month old child tells you such memories, it's hard not to believe them. He had no prior knowledge of what God or Jesus looked like…and he didn't describe Jesus as our storybooks portray him. These stories were told matter-of-factly and were comforting to him. If I ever said something had happened before he was alive, my son would correct me and say, "You mean before I was born" as if it was two very different things.
So, my point is, this is not the kind of child you can tell falsehoods to. I wasn't about to tell him, "Don't worry this won't happen to you" and I wasn't going to come up with some short and sweet made up answer to why Ben got only 9 years to live.
My answer was the truth…"I don't know."
My husband's grandmother recently passed away after reaching far into her nineties, and his grandfather passed away a few years ago at 99.5 years old. And a friend/past co-worker of my husband's died last month after celebrating his 100th birthday, a few months prior.
So, why did these people get so many years on earth while others get so few?
I have two cousins whose lives were cut short…in my opinion…but I suppose they had the number of years here in their earthly bodies as they were supposed to have…regardless of our heartbreak over their early departures. I asked this same question when each of my sweet, kind cousins died; one having just gotten out of college and embarking on a brilliant career, the other leaving behind 2 small children.
Maybe it's because some people don't need very long to do what others need many years to do. Maybe it's because God needed them back home with Him. Maybe one person's death will lead to great and wonderful things for other people. Maybe there is no reason our minds can grasp. Maybe it's none of these things. Or maybe there is no explanation at all.
But we are people of reason. We look for the whys and the hows and what fors in everything we do, whether exploring science or history or human nature or cooking or reading a story or doing a math problem or repairing a car and on and on and on. And when we can't figure out an answer, we are frustrated and irritated and sometimes stuck. We like answers; we like solving mysteries; we like being able to explain a cause or effect.
And yet, there are some questions, some life events, that we cannot reason through or apply a formula or run tests or find a sufficient answer for ever in our lifetimes. This is one of those questions.
But we are praying folks, and what we can do is pray for an answer that gives us peace or for the peace of not knowing the answer.
What we do know is that when Ben died, there were 3 people who received organs from him. And we rejoice for the lives that were changed, extended, renewed because of Ben's death. It is our prayer that those people will live well and feel Ben's energy {or Benergy, as Ben's family called it} coursing through their veins and never take for granted their own lives. In fact, it's a good reminder to all of us to never take for granted our own lives or the lives of those whom we love. Over and out…
This year my prayer is a bit different….this year I'm the teacher for both my kids…and there's a lot to pray for!
Dear Lord,
My prayer this year is for me and the boys.
I pray for peace in our hearts, in our thoughts and in our words to one another.
I pray for clarity in my words of instruction and in their comprehension of the lessons they are learning.
I pray for confidence in myself as a teacher and in their attitudes in regards to new challenges.
I pray for patience with myself and with my boys, and that they also have patience with me and with themselves and with each other, as this is all new to all of us.
I pray for the opportunity of adventure in our studies and in our travels.
I pray for the fortitude and focus to get everything accomplished that I need to each day in order to teach my children, do my work and manage our home.
I pray for guidance in knowing when to gently push and when to back off and which direction to go and how to approach different lessons and how to best teach my interesting, quirky, smart, energetic kiddos.
I pray for inspiration and insight in all challenges this year.
I pray for all the teachers and administrators and coaches who teach and guide and love and support and discipline and help to raise and shape all the dear children that they may have the tools and patience and clarity and heart to do their best.
I pray for all the boys and girls starting school that they may have open minds and focus and confidence and kind and loving hearts.
I have abiding faith in Your love and support and guiding hand, and in Your Name, I pray.
Amen.
I know our year will be full of surprises and will be challenging, rewarding, exhausting, energizing, stressful, relaxing and a gillion other things, and we're ready to jump in and get started.
I know we can do this because "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
May you and your kids have a wonderful school year whether in homeschool or public schools or private schools. Over and out…
"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
~Philippians 4:7, King James Version
It's funny how unrelated and seemingly unimportant instances link together.
A month or so ago, I accidentally left the lights on in my car one evening and the battery was dead the next morning. The dead battery in turn erased my pre-programmed radio stations. I kept forgetting to re-set them until I was driving and unable to go through the process.
One day, weeks later, I had to make an unexpected run to drop something off before picking up my son from school. I ended up getting to the school a bit early after this errand. Sitting in the car and waiting for the kids to come out, I remembered the radio buttons and started going through the stations to set the buttons.
I hit upon a man talking. He had a southern accent and spoke with a tone and cadence that I knew well. He was a southern preacher. Southern pastors draw you in, their voices are fine instruments, slowing down, speeding up, soothing, then riled up, then soft, then serious. They tell stories, they repeat the important phrases, they make you want to really hear their messages.
I've heard a lot of southern preachers expound the Word of God in my time. The good ones are genuine and know what they speak of and mean what they say and say what they mean. The poor ones are transparent and flimsy and their words are meaningless.
This preacher man was genuine and clear and his words drew me in. I sat and listened. He was talking about peace. Not just any peace, of course, but the "peace of God, which passeth all understanding" from Philippians 4:7.
Now, I have to admit, I have read that passage and heard that passage many, many times, but I have never stopped to think about what exactly is meant by a peace that passes all understanding.
We offer a handshake and a word of peace to each other at mass each week (one of my favorite parts). We send well-wishes of peace to those suffering an illness or pain or a loss or a challenge. We toss it out in farewell, in a style hearkening back to the age of the hippie. We hear of peace talks and summits around the world, but what exactly is meant by God's peace that passes all understanding?
A little history: The Latin word Pax, from the earliest Roman times, meant to live in a state of agreement, where discord and war were absent. Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius who ruled from 276 to 282, expressed peace as a state of unperturbed tranquility.
Now, this preacher man asserted that when we are living life in agreement with God….or how and where we are supposed to be living our lives that we will feel this peace of God.
Being at peace when all is well within our narrow worlds and nothing ruffles our feathers or causes waves, not even a ripple, on the placid surfaces of our souls is one thing.
It is quite another thing to be at peace when a hurricane swirls and howls, releasing torrents of tragedy and despair and the earth shakes with uncertainty and quakes of fear and loathing. To be at peace during such times certainly smacks of a peace that is beyond understanding. How can one possibly be at peace in such a storm, rocking the body and soul?
And yet, that is what is promised to those who have given up the burden of sin and worry and struggling to get through the hours and days and weeks and years ahead. It is not just a psychological state of mind, but an inner tranquility. How amazing is that?
Now, I can certainly attest to feeling a fretful unrest at many times of my life; struggling to get by, find the answers, move on, do the right thing, questioning our lot, coveting someone else's lot.
But I have also felt that peace that passes all understanding too; being at peace when there is no ordinary rhyme or reason to feel peace. This peace sure beats the stress and worry and concern and exhaustion of always walking against the tide.
If I had not been fighting so hard to be right, find my own way, carry my ever-growing burdens, worry about tomorrow, I could have realized that all I had to do was step from the outer edges of the dark swirling, howling hurricane into the peaceful, quiet center, the eye of the hurricane.
It is within the eye of the hurricane that the skies are clear, the air warmer, the winds light as the vast storm swirls around this focus point. This is the peace that passes all understanding, keeping yourself within the center of the storm, untouchable from the harmful winds, hurtling objects and piercing rains.
You may think this type of peace is not achievable, but it is, all you have to do is let go and trust in the unperturbed tranquility, the peace that surpasses understanding. Over and out…
When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.
~Psalm 94:18-19
In January, I said my "word of the year" was "Fearless." I wasn't quite sure why it came to me, and honestly, I wasn't quite sure what it meant.
I think I have a better understanding of it now.
Living without fear is not driving without a seatbelt or jumping into a lake not knowing how to swim or jumping out of an airplane without a parachute.
One should still be responsible and take reasonable precautions; that's not being fearless, that's being reckless.
Living without fear is being full of faith. Faith that needs will be taken care of; faith that I can make mistakes and get up again and keep going; faith that all of this we call life means more than meets the eye; faith that I am loved and supported; faith that when I take a step out into the dark, unseen my foot will find solid ground; faith that I am enough.
When I look back over my life thus far, I can see that it is my abiding faith that has sustained me.
Being Fear{less} is being Faith{full}.
Over the past 10 months since declaring a fearless life, Fear has crept into the little cracks caused from the hard stones of life lobbed at me from time to time. That's how Fear operates: waiting for even the tiniest fractures to appear and then seeping in like poison gas, slowly filling you up with black fear, until you're paralyzed and completely despondent.
And yet, Faith is a strong and vigilant guard. Faith was quick to patch those cracks in my foundation and dissipate that black poison, refusing to allow Fear to stick around. Faith is my refuge and my platform.
Faith is steadfast, but I think that Faith also relies on us to take the first step. We must initiate the action; make the change; take a stand; ask the question; refuse to be overtaken by Fear.
Faith follows us, supporting us when we fall or stumble, picking us up, steadying us, readying us to take the next step. Faith goes ahead of us, softening blows, clearing paths, posting signs and directions, closing some doors and opening others, urging us on and spotlighting the beauty along our way.
I choose to be FaithFull and FearLess in all things! What do you choose? Will you join me in this FaithFull journey through life? Over and out…
I pray a lot. My prayers are personal. They aren't loud or formal or lengthy. My prayers are simple words, humbly offered up to the God I trust and believe in.
I'm often on my computer. My lifeline to the world, both for work and personal contacts, is Facebook. And often people reach out to one another on Facebook….someone is ill, please pray; someone is having a baby, please pray; someone has just lost a beloved family member, please pray; someone just lost a job, please pray; someone just got a new job and is moving across the country, please pray; someone is going back to school, please pray; someone is feeling overwhelmed, please pray; someone is struggling with an unnamed something, please pray; someone is getting on a plane, but terrified of flying, please pray; someone just got bad news, please pray; someone is going in for a surgery, please pray; someone is at a fork in the road and has questions, please pray…… the list goes on and on.
Some news is heartbreaking, some news is heartwarming, but all of it warrants prayer; prayers for peace; prayers of joy and thanksgiving; prayers for comfort; prayers for support; prayers for clarity; prayers for faith, prayers for guidance.
I often find myself reaching out to a name or photo on my screen and whispering a prayer for that person, whatever the request, whatever the circumstance. I do this multiple times a day; there are so many lives flitting in and out of my Facebook stream each and every day. Often I don't even know the people I'm praying for; this matters not to me. A person is in need of prayer; so, I pray.
Facebook has become my prayer list, continually running, updating, adding. My prayer list never ends.
I am a firm believer in the power of prayer. I am sure that prayer has gotten me through my almost 40 years, and you can't convince me otherwise.
My kids and I say prayers for unseen sick or hurt people when we encounter ambulances or fire trucks racing by with lights and sirens; we pray for those responding to these sick or hurt people too. We drop everything and say a prayer for family, friends and strangers when we hear of loss or tragedy or challenge. We pray without style or decorum. We pray without scripts. We simply talk out loud; asking for help, giving thanks, reaching out in faith.
I have complete faith in my God and power of prayer. I question everything all the time, but I do not question my faith. I never have.
We may or may not see eye to eye on this subject, and that's OK. You can call me naïve or simple or fooled, but I am sure of my faith. And you probably don't want to try to rock my steadfast faith because you might need me to pray for you sometime.
So, if you need a prayer for you or yours, I'll be here. Over and out…
Today is the start of Lent. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday. It is a period of preparation through penance, prayer, almsgiving, repentance of sins, atonement and self-denial, reflecting the 40 days Jesus spent fasting and praying in the desert that is observed by Christians.
I don't think that the real purpose and idea of Lent is fully understood by many. Often people will simply give up something during Lent; exercising only the self-denial part of this season. I've heard people say they were giving up caffeine or alcohol or chocolate or TV for Lent. Rarely did I observe anyone completely follow through with his or her declared abstention though.
I always pondered this. And never thought much of this practice. What did it mean? What was gained by this self-denial? Simply giving up something often consumed will not bring a heightened spiritual awareness or forge a closer relationship with God or prepare someone for the Easter celebration.
While self-denial is one of the aspects of Lent, there is really much more to it than not consuming any Cokes or not eating meat on Fridays.
I will admit I have never put much effort into Lent. Over the years, this liturgical season has had more meaning for me though. I am a faux Catholic {faux because I go to a Catholic Church, a church I love, but I am not Catholic and yet my kids and husband are}. And for Catholics the Lenten season is serious business; something I learned very early in my relationship with my husband.
Well, this year, I began to really think about Lent and what it means and how we as a family can celebrate it, not just observe it. We will begin by going to an Ash Wednesday Eucharist tonight, but it won't stop there.
I happened to see a friend share a link on Facebook for a list of 40 Ideas for Keeping a Holy Lent from the House of All Sinners and Saints. This list resonated with me. It made more sense as to what should be taken into account during the Lenten season. This list was something I could follow.
This list is challenging, but also very doable for all members of the family. It gives those of us who are not disciplined and structured one task to do each day as we prepare ourselves through almsgiving, self-denial, repentance, atonement and prayer. I think that the tasks on this list will bring about a heightened spiritual awareness and give me personal insight as to what areas of my life I need to spend more time working on and how that time should be spent (praying/reading the Bible/spreading love and comfort, etc.).
This year I want to really take part in Lent and celebrate it. To merely observe it means that one is on the outside looking in. No one ever got anywhere simply observing something.
So, if Lent is something you celebrate or even if it's not, take a look at this inspiring list of ways to give back, share what you have, do good, live simply and without fear, resentment, regret or anger. No matter what you believe, this list could really impact you and those around you, not just for next 40 days, but for the rest of your years. And one thing I know for certain, it's got to be more beneficial than simply giving up chocolate for 40 days…ain't nobody wants to see that! Oh, and this site has some great ideas for celebrating Lent too. Over and out…
Hospitality…. A word that is often used, but rarely contemplated.
The word "hospitality" has been bumping around in my head for several months. I tried to write something on this subject several times, but the words did not come; they just weren't there.
It all started one Sunday, as I sat in a pew at the Basilica of St. Mary. Father Bauer was speaking. I always enjoy Father Bauer's homilies. They are short and sweet; just enough to give you comprehension, but lacking just enough to make you think; make you want more and seek clarification within yourself.
His words get stuck there, like a burr in your sock that keeps rubbing against your skin, irritating you until you do something about it.
Well, that's exactly what happened with this homily and the word "hospitality."
Searching for Meaning
I looked up the dictionary meaning; the root word and their meanings; I explored my thoughts, but there was nothing there to expand on.
And yet, still I heard the word echoing through my mind day after day, week after week.
Last week, I got the Basilica magazine, as I flipped through it, a word caught my attention…. Hospitality. There was an article on The Hospitality of St. Julian and a piece of art with that title that hangs in the room of the Basilica that welcomes those in great need each day, offering aid in many forms.
I took this as a sign that I was not to give up on this word and this piece I had tried to write.
I have the words now.
The article says, "Hospitality is defined as the reception and entertainment of strangers or guests without hope of reward."
We associate hospitality with free refreshments at a gathering, a service rendered for no fee, opening up our home to our guests for a dinner party or holiday perhaps. These are hospitable acts that is true, but I think it's more than that.
The 13th Midcentury meaning from Old French means a place for the needy, a charitable institution.
We can be needy in many ways; sometimes we need the basics for getting from day to day; nourishment and shelter; sometimes we are in need of being lifted up spiritually; sometimes we fall into a deep, dark hole and need help to climb back out.
Acts of Love
Hospitality.
As I thought about this word, I recalled several acts of hospitality that has been bestowed upon me. Oddly enough, the first three that came to mind involve food. And yet, food or nourishment of the body and soul do have a lot to do with hospitality.
I remember several years ago, after my friend had read a post I wrote on feeling numb and sad and lost, she showed up at my door with a smile, a hug and big loaf of chocolate babka bread, it was the day before Christmas Eve and she had just arrived home from a trip; she had a jillion other things to do that day. She didn't say a word about the post or that she was worried about me, but I knew what she was doing. It warmed my heart and helped me start climbing out of that hole. That was hospitality.
That same year, right before Thanksgiving our adored Saint Bernard suddenly died, absolutely breaking our hearts. My friends started showing up with meals for our family, understanding how devastated we were to lose this member of our family. That was hospitality.
During a hard time, several years ago, I opened the door to find a big box with a ham and bacon and pancake mix and cheese and more that my dad had ordered from his favorite Vermont ham vendor. That food fed us for a while, nourishing our bodies and spirit. That was hospitality.
A friend who hears your worries, your pain, your needs in your voice, in your silence, in your outbursts and quietly, simply offers you aid in whatever form she or he can. That is hospitality.
A stranger who reaches out to help another who is in need; asking no questions and never thinking about what's in it for himself. That is hospitality.
The Scoop
At this time of year, the needs of others seems to be most apparent. Spirits and temperatures fall; needs rise, in all forms.
Often, I find myself pausing before I offer aid. Will the person be offended? Perhaps I don't understand the situation? Should I put myself out there and help this person? Sometimes I just step up and do what needs to be done; simply offer what I can. I should do that more often; we all should.
So, as you bustle about getting Thanksgiving dinner ready, greeting guests, going about with "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Holidays" on your lips, I hope the word "Hospitality" will echo through your mind, irritating your little gray cells until you stop to consider this apt holiday term.
May you have a most Happy Thanksgiving! Over and out….
I'm not Catholic, but I go to a Catholic church. My husband is Catholic, and my kids were baptized in the Catholic Church. I love the Basilica I go to. I have not always felt this way about Catholic churches or any church community, for that matter.
Growing up, I went to a variety of churches, Methodist, First Christian, Presbyterian and non-denominational. My dad was a seminary student when I was born and went on to be a Presbyterian minister for a time.
I have never, not once, doubted the existence of my God and the teachings of the Bible. I have a steadfast faith and a running conversation with my Lord. I do not pretend to be a perfect Christian, but it is ever my goal to be more like Christ in my attitudes, words and actions.
When I walked into the Basilica of St. Mary in downtown Minneapolis back in the fall of 2003, shortly after moving to the Twin Cities, I immediately felt it; a peace and joy so pure that tears came to my eyes. It's the feeling you get in the presence of God. It's the feeling I get every time I walk through those doors.
I knew this was the place we belonged. I have never felt like a non-Catholic there. I simply feel welcome. At the Basilica everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, is welcome to come through those doors to worship; to find peace and love and joy and redemption. We sit among people of every color and financial status and background.
At the Basilica people are not judged; they are comforted, they are prayed for, they are helped, they are loved, as Jesus would do. The poor, the hungry, the needy, the socially chastised, the broken, the lost are welcomed and cared for with open arms, hot coffee, a sandwich, a prayer and a plan to get to them back on their feet, healthy, in a home, clothed, re-employed, etc.
That's how I think it should be. From what I have observed over the course of the last 10 years, the Basilica follows the example of Jesus.
Pope Francis
I have never especially cared about what goes on at the Vatican. The Pope and his enclave didn't seem to get it; they were out of touch with reality of what the people needed and how to reach the people and care for the poor, the sick, the hungry, the hurt of the world.
And then came Pope Francis. I was impressed from the start. Of course, there were detractors and people who didn't agree with bucking the system. I, generally a skeptic, kept waiting for Pope Francis to show his true colors; be swayed by the lavish historical tradition of the pontiff; don the royal robes and start looking and acting like all the popes who have come before him…. he hasn't.
Pope Francis just keeps on doing what Jesus would do. He doesn't seem to miss a beat; living life as a humble servant, without gilt thrones and luxurious robes, going out into the world, making contact with untouchables, severely reprimanding and removing those in his herd who step out of line and forget who and what they represent by building $41 million shrines to themselves, etc. Pope Francis encourages the world to love and not hate.
He has angered some "conservatives" with his statements regarding abortion, same-sex marriage, etc., saying "Who am I to judge?" But I would argue that he is right. It is not our call to judge others. We are to live as Jesus did.
Jesus
Jesus hung out with the poor, the criminals, the diseased, the afflicted. He spoke truth and showed love and patience and mercy. This is no easy feat. If we all did this, we'd live in a different world.
Jesus DID NOT shove his beliefs down the throats of those he met. Instead he told them stories; stories they could relate to; people listened. Jesus NEVER once told anyone what they believed was wrong and that he was there to change their views.
Instead, he lived simply, shared what he had, did the right thing and shunned no one, inviting them to follow him.
The Scoop
I just read an article from the New York Times on how "conservative" Catholics are upset with the new Pope in which a Catholic blogger was quoted as being angered by a statement made by the Pope to an atheist. Pope Francis basically said we all have our own ideas of good and evil and that we must follow the good and fight the evil as we conceive it. In response, the blogger said, "What kind of a Christian tells an atheist he has no intention to convert him?"
I would argue that the very first Christian himself would not tell a nonbeliever that it was his intent to convert him. I would imagine Jesus would have been hospitable, engaging this fellow in conversation, breaking bread with him and they would each have had a go at explaining their positions. I would surmise that when they parted ways, regardless of whether the nonbeliever had a change of heart, Jesus would have been kind and courteous, sending him away with blessings.
That is the kind of person he was. And this is the kind of Leader Francis seems to be. I, for one, am praying for his good health and safety in order to do much good, touch as many hardened, hurt, discouraged, scourged, rich, poor, blessed, those with a voice and those without, spreading joy and comfort and peace and hope throughout the world.
Over the years, churches and religious organizations have formed opinions and posted edicts of how to act and what to say and whom to judge and whom to hate and who will go to heaven and who won't. Man is not God.
A Christ-like life is really quite simple and yet so difficult.
My baby went to preschool Monday. Yes, it's not kindergarten and yes, he's been in preschool for several years now, but this is different. This is in the same school as big brother and he goes in and comes out at the same time as big brother three times a week.
Part of me is thrilled at the prospect of the 3 full days to work in peace and quiet without the guilt of trying to be present with him and whatever he is doing and trying to respond to work emails, make calls, etc.
Part of me missed him on Monday afternoon as the quiet grew long and the dogs and cats napped.
He is my baby forever and always…he's made me promise that.
And while I don't have the same worries for him, my younger, easier going, charming, but with a stubborn streak a mile wide son, as I do for my older, type-A, intense son, I do have a prayer for my preschooler's school year too.
My Prayer
I pray for the teachers that they would know and love and protect that sweet little heart as I do;
I pray for my son that he would absorb and learn and make friends and laugh and play and embrace all that is put before him;
I pray for us, as his parents, that we would know how to guide and foster his love of learning and friendship and creativity.
I pray for my son that his joy and excitement for school and learning will not wane, but will continue to burn throughout his life as he discovers and pursues his passions.
Amen
It was with great anticipation and excitement that my tall, charming, sweet, rambunctious almost 5 year old went off to school with his brother. His broad smile told me, as I picked him up late in the day, that he had not been disappointed. May this continue every day of school this year. Over and out…
For passionate, intense folks change is never easy. And yet, with each additional year of school under the belt, so to speak, the more confident and comfortable my son is with the next approaching school year. And so it is with me.
Second grade is now upon us. Two years ago, we nervously waited for kindergarten to begin and with it our public school experience. And two years ago, as I mulled over all the scenarios that made my nerves raw and palms sweat, I wrote out a quick prayer for my son and his teacher.
I did the same for first grade. That one had a bit more assurance to it.
And now, I sit pondering what second grade will bring and how we will feel about his teacher and the homework and my son's accomplishments. I wonder what will stand out most to us in May. And who his friends will be and how many inches he will grow and if his feet will be the same size as mine by this time next year…he's only ½ a big toe away from my size 9 feet now.
So, this is my prayer as my highly complex, never boring, always witty first-born enters second grade...
My Prayer
I pray for less perfection and more trial and error….
I pray for fun and laughter and that feeling of instantly connecting…
with teachers and friends, old and new…
I pray for love of learning for the sake of learning and knowing and not for testing…
I pray for peace (of mind) and understanding for those who may see the world of little differently
I pray for a teacher whom I and my son like and understand and who likes and understands me and my son…
I pray for uplifting lessons and interesting projects and harnessing of passions…
I pray for challenging questions and increasing confidence and self-reliance…
And I pray for superb starts and happy ending…always. Amen
For there will always be hiccups and stalls and false starts, but if our children are confident, open-minded and full of passion they can do anything.
As parents, it must be our mission to keep the channels open and unobstructed by the minutia that builds up like plaque and seems important at the time, but with age and wisdom will be revealed to be merely clutter that sometimes prevents our children from seeing the magnificent scenery all around them.
My prayer is for all our children, the teachers and school administrators as the school year commences. Over and out…
Too often we lose our course or forget our way and get caught up in the crowd and merely float along with everyone else. We are tossed along in the waves instead of charting our own course or choosing our own destinations or method or route of arriving there. And while it's alright to coast for a bit and give the old feet and brain a rest, we must always remember those things which are important to follow.
Here are 5 Things I think are important to follow...
Other People...to an extent. Some of us are natural followers. Some are natural leaders. Some fall somewhere in the middle. And those of us who are natural leaders often get a little big for our britches and think that we don't need to follow anyone; we fancy ourselves trailblazers or rebels, but the truth is no one leads {well} without first having followed role models and good examples, learning how to be a just and compassionate and even leader and trailblazer.
Traffic Laws, including texting/talking laws. A life can be lost or forever altered by a traffic accident that can happen in the blink of an eye. There's a reason for these laws. Know them. Follow them. Stay Focused. Stay Alert. Be safe.
The 10 Commandments. Yes, those 10 Commandments. These are simply a good set of rules to follow throughout life.
Dreams and Passions. Our dreams and passions are the very marrow of life. Without these, what is there? It's important to find your passion whether it's when you're 18, 38, or 68. It's imperative to set goals based upon these dreams so that one may follow his or her passion. And one must not get discouraged by the detours and pit stops and roadblocks. Those happen; it's called Life. And those slowdowns and setbacks are enriching lessons that shape us into who we are. So, accept these for what they are and then keep moving forward step by step.
A Snowplow. Of course, not too closely; heed the signs to stay back, but in the snowy regions of our country this can be a good rule of thumb. Following a snowplow during a storm or just after a storm means that your path is clear; you won't get stuck in the snow or have trouble finding the road. And a clear way is undoubtedly an important part of life.
Candy Canes; a stick of peppermint candy with a curved hook on top. My kids love these candies at this time of year. They're a familiar Christmas symbol, but have you ever thought about their origin?
There's no mistaking the red and white striped candy cane; a candy that appears only during this holiday season. I never thought much of it until a few years back when I read something about the candy cane that gave me a different perspective.
Jesus is the Reason for the Season
Now, each time I give my kids a candy cane I say, "Turn it upside down and it makes the letter "J" and whose birth do we celebrate during Christmas?" They reply, "Jesus."
I continue, "Flip it right side up and it's a shepherd's hook, and who do we call "the Good Shepherd?" They reply, "Jesus."
"The red stands for the blood he shed; the life he gave for us. The white stand for his purity and how Jesus washed our sins away when he died for us on the cross."
Legend Has It
These candies are sprinkled throughout our decorations, confections and traditions. They are handed out by Santas at malls, parades and special appearances. Candy canes bring back magical memories of childhood Christmases. They are simple and complex, young and old, traditional and hip all at one time.
Legend tells us that in 1672, the Choirmaster at Cologne Cathedral in Germany asked a local candy maker for sweet candy sticks to give the children during the living crèche performance on Christmas Eve. The Choirmaster wanted the children to be quiet and thought a stick of hard candy would do the trick. Legend goes on to say that he asked the candy maker to put the crook on the top of the candy stick to link it to the Christmas service, being reminiscent of the Shepherds who traveled to Bethlehem to see the Christ child, and justify handing out candy during mass.
The Scoop
Some of this may be truth; some could be folklore; either way, the candy cane has been around a long time. A recipe for this candy first appeared in 1844, and its first mention in literature was in 1866.
So, next time you eat a candy cane or hand one to your child think about all the tradition and history and symbolic meanings that this simply candy holds in its shepherd's hook. Over and out...
In the aftermath of this horrible tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School I have seen various posts on Facebook and scattered through articles saying this massacre has nothing to do with stricter gun laws. Instead, these posts, remarks, quotes insist we need to "put God back in schools."
These statements sadden and confound me.
I am a Christian. I love my Lord. It matters not where I go, my God is with me always and everywhere.
To me, these statements imply that since our schools are secular, God abandoned these children and teachers in their hour of greatest need; as if God couldn't step through those shattered glass doors because our government adheres to the separation of church and state, respecting all religions.
Pardon me, but that's not the God I know. No, I know God was in that school on Friday, December 14, 2012 at 9:40 am.
God stood at those locked school doors, weeping as the gunman {whom I refuse to dignify by mentioning his name} made his way toward the school, resolute in his gruesome mission. God was there in the hall giving strength and courage to Principal Dawn Hochsprung and School Psychologist Mary Sherlach as they lunged for the gunman in an effort to protect every child and teacher and staff member in the building.
God was there in each classroom as the teachers realized what those popping sounds in the hall were. God was there guiding the teachers, holding their hands and steadying their voices. God was there wrapping his arms around the frightened children huddled in darkened closets, corners of rooms and cramped bathrooms.
Rest assured God stood with those teachers in those two classrooms where all those young lives were suddenly and tragically taken from this earth. I'm sure God wept as he held their tiny, broken bodies. God was there when barricaded classes quietly prayed at the suggestions of students.
God was there, as the police began to arrive and quickly and efficiently combed through that school. God was there helping to lead the frightened and shocked students and teachers from the building.
God was there waiting for the terrified families to arrive at the school searching for their children, spouses, parents, siblings and friends; looking for the familiar faces; hoping for a comforting word. God was there holding up the parents, siblings and friends when those 26 didn't appear.
God was present at every prayer vigil and service that has been held for these lives taken. God is with the family of the gunman helping them to cope with this terrible burden. God walked alongside those first responders who witnessed the tragic result of a mad man with an assault weapon.
God remains with those families who have been forever wounded and altered. God stands in judgment of the gunman's soul. And God silently waits with us as we, as a nation, ask what can be done to prevent this from happening again.
God is always with us everywhere. That is what I believe as a Christian, and that is what I teach my children.
Evil does lay in wait; looking for the opportune moment to strike and cause us horrible pain; hoping we will say that God has forsaken us; plotting to turn us against one another; pointing out our differences and preying on our weaknesses.
I refuse to give Satan that satisfaction. For Jesus tells us in John 16:33, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."