Joy, Pure Joy



There were only two wise men, and they were twins. Traveling afar meant walking from the back church pew down to the front. That’s pretty good since these wise men are only in the first grade. Of course, they have traveled farther. Another forty-feet led straight to the bathroom. Nevertheless, even with their traveling freedom, the wise men were not joyful.

Ahhh…the children’s Christmas play practice is in full swing. The first night of practice went well. “Joseph,” a redheaded second-grader, proudly escorted his older and much taller “Mary.” Giggles trickled through the room, mine included. I’m not sure Mary likes her prearranged marriage with little Zachaeus but she’s a good sport. I told my son (a.k.a. Zach, Zachaeus, Joseph) he could wear boots. He firmly responded, “I’m plenty tall enough, thank you very much.” At least “Joseph” is confident.

The shepherds were small and quiet. The angel did not terrify them. It was hearing instructions to walk the aisles and shout, “Jesus is born! Jesus is born!” They practiced sharing the good news. One whispered it. One mouthed the words and the other used mental telepathy.

It was during the five-minute break when the wise men expressed their concerns to the director.

“We want to tell people that Jesus is born,” they cried. Apparently, delivering gifts to the Christ child was not enough.

The shy shepherds quickly agreed to exchange places with the wise men. Excited about the beautiful gifts they will silently offer Jesus.

After the break, the children practiced their new parts. The twin wise men gleefully became shepherds. They raised their eyebrows with anticipation and repeatedly asked,

“When can we say it?”

“Is it time to go to tell the people?”

Finally, the time arrived when the two newly ordained shepherds skipped down the aisles of the church. They loudly proclaimed,

“Jesus is born! Jesus is born! Jesus is born!”

Their toothy grins brought smiles, even to the tired parents sitting in the back. They exuded joy, pure joy.

How about you? Whom do you identify with?

Mary? She had surprises in her life. Some were wonderful. Some were disappointing, some sad. Ultimately, she trusted God with the details Do you have faith God is in control, even when you don’t comprehend everything?

Joseph? He had surprises too. He wrestled with decisions. He loved God and he loved Mary. Even when he didn’t understand, he stayed by Mary’s side. He trusted and obeyed God. Are you obedient to God, even when it’s difficult?

Perhaps you’re similar to the wise men. You search for Jesus daily, seeking to worship Him. You joyfully give the gifts you have to offer. Standing firm in your beliefs, you defend Christ.

Or are you like a poor, quiet shepherd? Do you look at the gifts of others and wish you had more to offer?  The angels spoke first to the humble in spirit. The shepherds gave their time. They left their work to offer the Lord their adoration. Experiencing God’s love, they presented their service. They spread the good news to others. Not all may have shouted it, but they sure did share it. They were authentic and people were amazed at what they heard.

Let’s be obedient like Mary and Joseph, trusting God in all things. Like the kings, let’s freely give and be bold for Christ. But let’s leave our crowns at the manger and run barefoot through the hills like the shepherds. Eagerly sharing how our lives changed after meeting Jesus. Spread joy, pure joy.

Anti-Gray Thursday

I did not know it had a name, but Professor Google has made it clear. Stores open on Thanksgiving Day for sales are participating in “Gray Thursday.”  Let it be known this gal is against Gray Thursday. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are enough, don’t you think?

There once was a day when I thought it was fun to venture out on Black Friday. It was at least twenty years ago before babies, back pain and common sense kicked in.

Once a negative term, Black Friday described a financial crisis in 1869. Years later, police officers used it to describe the traffic jams, overcrowded sidewalks and stores on the Friday after Thanksgiving. The day brought dread to officers, but not to merchants. They realized Black Friday was a big shopping day. In 1975, they began using the term as a marketing tool.

Every year since 2001, Black Friday held first place as the busiest shopping day of the year, except for 2003 (when the Saturday before Christmas jumped back to first place).

It was not enough. Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving offering special internet deals) became the #1 biggest spending day in 2010 boasting over one billion in sales. That’s right—billion.

Okay, I’m all for boosting the American economy. I like finding good deals and being a smart shopper. I admit taking advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales before. However, there is no gray area here.

You will not find me out shopping on Thanksgiving Day. The best deal of my Thanksgiving Day is being able to share it with family and friends. I will defend this day that has been set aside from work and the busy-ness of life. A day of spending—not money, but time with family and friends. A day of giving—not our charge cards, but our time to those who are lonely or meeting needs of those less fortunate. A day of thanking God for what He gives us, not for what the stores are offering.

There’s a guy in Canada who began a “Buy Nothing Day” back in 1992. His fans have Zombie Walks through stores, blankly staring and saying, “buy nothing, buy nothing.” Volunteers offer a credit card cut-up service. They hold Whirl-Marts encircling stores with empty shopping carts. That’s a bit extreme for me. I have better things to do than walk like a zombie pushing an empty shopping cart. (Sometimes I feel like that when I forget my shopping list but I don’t intentionally do it!)

However, I do like the idea of making Thanksgiving Day a “Buy Nothing Day.” Who’s with me?

Winner of "Give a Child a Tree" Contest

Thanks to all of you who accepted the challenge and got your children out of the house and climbing a tree! Kudos to all the brave parents who hoisted themselves up a tree as well!

I received numerous photos via email, facebook, and my cell phone. What fun we all had! For those who didn't send in a photo but shared a story or comments, they were appreciated as well.

Now, without further ado...the winning entry (and I gave each person in a tree their own entry) is:      

Sarah F. (age 3) of North Carolina 

 

Congratulations Sarah! I'll be in touch with your mom about how to get your prize to you. You'll be receiving a fun, outdoor toy soon.

 

Congratulations to all of you--you refused to be the statistic one out of three kids who have never climbed a tree. Keep climbing!

 

 

 

 

Top Ten Thanksgiving Day Moments

During my childhood, the highlight of Thanksgiving day was going to Paw Paw Talbert’s house to watch the Thanksgiving Parades on his color television set. It was a large cabinet model that sat on the floor. Although one did have to get up and turn a knob to change the channels., it was very upscale compared to our family’s 14-inch, black-and-white set.

Soaking in the colors of the Macy’s Parade was, and still is, a delight to me on Thanksgiving Day. There are a thousand other special Thanksgiving Day moments but I’ll narrow it down to my top ten.

My Top Ten Thanksgiving Day Moments (listed in random order):

ü  Thanksgiving Day Parades: I prefer to watch them from the comfort of my sofa, with pajama-clad children nestled beside me rather than from a crowded curbside.

ü  The Aroma of Turkey Roasting: This is one stretches all the way back to my childhood. My mama would indulge me with a piece of golden brown turkey skin before guests arrived for dinner. I still love to smell turkey roasting!

ü  Card Tables: Odd, I know. But card tables mean more people. As a child, we enjoyed sitting at the “kids’ table” until we decided it was more cool to sit on the sofa with the teens. T.V. trays were the next progression to the adult table. Plus, once the tables were cleared of food, they were great for playing games.

ü  Games: Football, tag, card games and board games. We love playing games at our house. Seems like we carve out more time for them around the holidays. Of course, my favorites are the word-building games.

ü  Crunching Leaves Underfoot: I like hearing the sound when walking in the woods around our home. I also savor the few colorful leaves still clinging to their branches or as they flurry across the sky.

ü  Crisp, Cool Air: It brings a freshness along with cozy sweaters and blankets, coffee and hot chocolate. Snuggling by a fire inside or

    by the fire pit outside.

I'm Walking the Walk and Climbing the Tree

Sally Matheny says "Give a Child a Tree!"

I am receiving lots of photos and stories from parents and children who have accepted my challenge to climb a tree. I just wanted everyone to see I'm not just talking the talk. I'm walking the walk and climbing a tree, too!
Join me on my two week campaign (Give a Child a Tree). Peel your children off the couch, take a walk and climb a tree together. Don't allow your child to be the one out of three kids who have never climbed a tree! (Based on a study of kids ages 6 - 15)
Send me a photo and/or a story of your child in a tree and get one entry in a drawing for an outdoor toy. Send me a photo and/or story of YOU and your child in a tree together and you'll get two entries.

I did have one man who asked what if he got his family of seven in a tree on one branch! :)

Well, first I'd say for everyone to please be safe! And I'll tell you what, I'll give a drawing entry for every two people in your family you get in the same tree. (So, a family of 7 will get three entries!) They do not have to be on the same branch. In fact, I would rather them not be on the same branch!

If you're wondering where my kids are and why they aren't in the tree with me--two are in college and my 8 yr. old took the picture! He LOVES this contest and wants to see more pictures so keep sending them in!

You do not have to climb high. Just get in the tree and have fun!

A reminder: You can send photos/stories to this blog, my facebook page, my email or snail mail.
                     Deadline is Nov. 17th.

Climb a Tree Contest 2012

by Sally Matheny

As my grandparents used to say, "Can you shin-ny up a tree?" 

Has your child shinnied up a tree lately? Who has never climbed a tree? 

Research states one out of every three children!

When we were children, my sister and I used to play in the woods for hours. We not only climbed trees but made houses out of sticks, pies out of mud, and crowns out of leaves. Nature provided a wonderful playground.

October is recognized nationally as Pizza Month, Fire Safety Month, and Diabetes Awareness Month. 

I propose we also establish it as "Climb a Tree" Month! 

Election Hub-Bub and Jesus

by Sally Matheny


     Signs, buttons and bumper stickers. Media from mail fliers to commercials. Printed T-shirts and caps. Free candy and pencils. Handshakes and baby-kissing. Ahh…elections are in the air.

     As much as we dislike the election “hub-bub,” we must realize its importance. The candidates need to make themselves known. Their supporters want to get information into the hands of as many voters as possible. Those who believe in their candidate will do everything possible to get him elected. They're adamant the nominee MUST win!
 

     What if every Christian acted as passionately about sharing Jesus Christ? Some Christians think their bumper stickers and T-shirts are sufficient. 

     If a conversation initiates, then a door may open.  However, without a real-live conversation about Jesus Christ, a bumper sticker alone is not going to persuade someone to follow Jesus.

Love God. Love People.

     Unless we couple our Jesus-sloganed apparel with a Jesus-filled life, our testimonies are no good. Why would people elect to have Jesus in their lives if we don’t share how Jesus is working wonderful changes in our own lives? People want living proof of what Christ can do. They want to see and hear the facts.

     Some churches choose to pass out free candy, pencils, and such in order to reach out to the community. The gifts may even have Jesus’ name stamped on them.
    
     People will toss the Jesus wrappers in the trash as quickly as they toss mailed election fliers. Will your church be remembered as the place they got free candy, or the place they received the free gift of salvation?

     There’s nothing wrong with giving gifts, just be sure to share the facts about the best Gift of all. The Gift that will change a life, not for a term, but for eternity!

     A well-placed witness tract may direct someone to Jesus. However, consider the influence of a sincere conversation. Just as the candidates prepare for debates, Christians should ready themselves to give the reasons why they believe as they do, and why they follow Jesus.

     If you truly have the love of Jesus, then containing it is difficult. You want to share that with everyone. You do whatever it takes to get His message into the hands of as many people as possible.

     Here’s the thing. Jesus is already the Victor for eternity. No ifs, ands, or buts. He wins!

     What about you? Is there a lot of Christian “hub-bub” in your life but very little Christ?

     Are you on His winning team? If so, how passionate is your campaign?

 

Amazingly Beautiful Restoration

Amazed that she found beauty in the old armoire, I laughed. It was sitting in the middle of a dusty antique barn.

“This will be perfect for my apartment,” she said, eyes gleaming.

“I don’t know. It really needs paint,” I said. I removed the oddly placed plastic plant from the top of the armoire.

“Oh, honey, look. The top is all splintered.”

“No one will see the top. I love it!”

Pulling on the tiny knobs, she opened the doors. The dowel rod placed at the top seemed sturdy enough but that was about it. The floor of the armoire was broken and practically missing.

I expressed my doubts how useful the piece would be but my daughter absolutely loved it. She had great plans of how she would fix and use it. She begged for it and said she would pay for it herself. I liked the outside of the armoire. It did have appeal but I knew it would take a lot of work to make it functional. Nevertheless, since she was willing to pay for it and do all the work, I relented.

We only had one day to get the armoire purchased and moved into her college apartment. There was no time for us to assist her in the renovation project before our long drive home. It was left in her hands.

A busy college and work schedule soon took precedence. The armoire was wiped down and a quick fix of colorful contact paper was added. I don’t know if she added the contact paper for color or to help hold the armoire together.

There are still hopes and dreams for the armoire but the reality has set in. My daughter realized no matter if she sticks a distracting plant on top or tries to cover the blemishes with contact paper; it’s not going to help. She can only hang lightweight clothes in it and the floor is miraculously holding two pairs of shoes. The truth is the armoire will need to be stripped down, repaired, and refinished by someone with experience. Life’s too busy for her to take it to someone right now, but maybe when school is out for the summer. It’s going to take more work and more money than she originally thought.

Isn’t life like that sometimes? We try to make ourselves look the best we can. We attempt to distract people away from our faults. We try to cover them up or divert attention away from them.

We begin to lose some pieces along life’s way. Splintered hearts question our usefulness. Or perhaps we’re so busy we think we’re serving a purpose. We may be able to do some things but we’re not utilizing our full potential.

Thank the Lord, He sees the potential in us. He loves us. After all, He is our creator. He chose to pay the price for us, even after we have become broken. When we try to fix things on our own, we fall short.

The reality is our Creator is the best choice for refurbishing us. Submitting to the Master’s skillful hands is not always easy. Stripping false layers and sanding out imperfections can be painful. But the Creator makes us stronger and more useful for His purpose. All His restoration projects are amazingly beautiful.