Going to Church in Your Pajamas

'Tis four days before Christmas and all through the house... not a creature was stirring... we hope NOT a mouse!!! There I sat in my jammies planning my day... scheduling my posts, wondering just what to say...

I could go on but, I won't bore you :) 

This, for so many of us, is an extremely blessed and yet, busy time of year. I don't have time to write... or do I... just a few words.

OPEN YOUR EYES...

I'm a broken record with this one... but, my life was deeply impacted when I opened & read Ann Voskamp's book, One Thousand Gifts. More than anything, the book validated something I felt had been belittled over the years by so many of my respected peers, friends & mentors. What Ann wrote gave a voice to what I'd felt my entire life... the best things in life are in the moments -- no matter how small those things may be.

• Laying on the grass in the summer looking for cloud animals
• A mother & baby deer drinking from a small creek at the wood's edge
• The daily changing colors of winter wheat in June & July
• Smelling chili cooking in the crockpot when you get home on a cold day
• The sound of snow crunching under your feet during a winter walkabout
• Belly laughs from a little one
• The reflection of white lights on the snow way after the rest of your neighbors have turned their lights off

Christmas in July

I'm an over achiever (no surprise to some reading this). And, in my younger days, I used to stress about almost EVERYTHING. I had all these ideas about what a grown-up woman - a wife, a mom - would do in almost any situation and season.  I had started a tradition of writing an annual Christmas letter when I was single.  I saw no reason that the tradition should not continue as I became a "grown-up lady."  My circle of friends had become larger - but, doesn't that happen as you "grow up" :)

To make a long story short (which is always something I look for in a blog), I FAILED.  With 2 young children, a full time job myself & a husband working full time, plus working on his master's degree, I just couldn't seem to get those Christmas cards sent on time.  I'd begin the process in mid-November & get about 20-25 sent.  Then the season would be upon me & the boxes of cards would sit around my house for weeks... actually months.


After 3 Christmases of FAILING in that way, I made a decision to send my Christmas cards out in JULY.  What a relief that was!  What a shock it was for the friends who got a lovely Christmas card in their mailbox in the middle of summer.

Time has moved on & I am no longer mailing out cards for Christmas.  I told a friend today that I might do that again when I am REALLY OLD, as opposed to NEARLY OLD (my current state).  But, nonetheless, allowing myself to relax my self-imposed mandates was the beginning of a new season for me.


So, turn on the Carpenter's Christmas album, watch White Christmas and stay in your jammies all day... and have a MERRY CHRISTMAS IN JULY friends.

Merry Christmas - the stuckinindiana family :D

May the peace of Christ...

     ... the Babe in the manger

           ... the Lamb slain for payment of our sins on the Cross

Rule in your hearts,

stuckinindiana (and quite happy about it)

A related post by a friend, Christa Sterken... Christmas in July with Kids

A related post from Women of Faith... Women of Faith Christmas

The Best Part About a Gift is the Delivery

To me, the best part about a gift is the delivery... was it delivered with a warm smile... with a heart full of love?  When you received it was there the understanding that you were loved & accepted just as you are?  Did receiving it inspire you to become a "better you"?

I had a dear friend several years ago (we'll call her Miss Debbie) who shared a wonderful "tradition" with me.  She called it a "Happy".  What exactly is a "Happy"?  It's a gift which doesn't have to be for a certain reason or for a specific occassion.  It's something that will bring a smile to the recipient - maybe something they mentioned or admired while you were being observant. A "Happy" can also be a handwritten note with a meaningful picture tucked inside. 

Remembering & documenting fun times with friends & loved ones are a great ways to celebrate the good moments of life.  Remembering those good times can help us in the tough times too.  It's just like the words written in Psalm 77:11&12: “I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about them.”  The New Living Translation Bible Application Notes read: Memories of God’s miracles and faithfulness sustained Israel through their difficulties. They knew that God was capable and trustworthy. When you meet new trials, review how good God has been to you, and this will strengthen your faith.

One of my favorite "gifts"

Especially at this time of year I'm reminded that the "delivery of our gift of Jesus Christ" from the Creator of the Universe (all those years ago) was a wonderful "Happy"!  In the form of a tiny baby, came the hope of all eternity.  The gift of Jesus was free & given with no expectation in return. 

I love giving "Happy's"... and I love receiving them, as well. I love the fact that the cost of the gift has nothing to do with it's value. I love that they are often non-traditional & quirky. I'm pretty much non-traditional & quirky.  I love that there's no stress to finding a "pricey" gift.  By being observant, we can often find a meaningful gift.  The value of a gift is in the delivery - if you ask me! 

Hope you have a HAPPY Christmas this year. 

(shared this post with the Ann Voskamp One Thousand Gifts community)

(written 12/22/11)

Not Taking My Lights Down ANYTIME Soon!

Jesus is the Reason for the Season. I'm pretty sure you've heard that statement. I'm a firm believer that the excitement of Christ's coming to this earth is too great to celebrate in just a few weeks. I'm one of those weirdos who doesn't take the Christmas tree down on the 26th of December (or the 26th of January, for that matter). I love sitting by a lit tree in the winter months. It reminds me of the light & hope found in my life - as a result of my relationship with God. 

In the coming weeks, as you approach the beginning of a new year & as you walk into that new year, continue to think back on how the coming of Christ fulfilled centuries of prophesy & promises. Whether you put all the decorations away or not, continue to reflect upon the wonderful gift that was given to us -- in the form of a tiny baby in a manger. A gift that should be celebrated in our hearts every day. 

Some great prophesies & promises from Isaiah 9...

• 

  

  The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light:
  they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death,
  upon them hath the light shined
  Isaiah 9:2

  The time of darkness & despair will not go on forever... there will be a time in the future filled with glory... (vs. 1)
• The people who walk in darkness will see a great light.. for those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine... (vs. 2)
• Yokes of slavery & heavy burdens will be lifted... (vs. 4)
• A child shall be born to us... the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace
• His government & its peace will never end... He'll rule with fairness & justice for all eternity... The passionate, commitment of the LORD of Heaven's Armies will make this happen... (vs. 7)

Don't let the light, love & peace that come from Christ be diminished by the circumstances in your life OR by the changing of the seasons. His light, His love & His peace are freely available each day of the year!

Merry Christmas Friends!  May God's Light Shine Down & Illuminate Your Path!

(written 12/16/11)

A Picture of HOPE

I've inserted a picture of HOPE in my life - this week. Those who know my personal story know that we've been going through quite a journey lately. So many people are silently going through journeys that test them, try them and nearly tear them apart. It's not uncommon.

I'm so thankful for a few trusted individuals who are making this journey with me. It's foolish to face life's struggles alone! The Lord has remained faithful to us beyond understanding. And, I have learned so many things from the journey & seen so many ways God is using it to bring glory to Him!! 

But, I've gotten to the point where I don't even really know how to pray... should this happen... or this happen... or this not happen... and on and on. I can honestly say that I totally relate to and understand Romans 8:26:

"And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words."

Our daughter was asked to do a painting to be used in the Silent Auction at our church's Women's Ministries event on Nov 19, 2011: "A Very MARY Christmas".  She wanted ideas of what to paint. But, I suggested she review the website to see what the event was all about.

What she came up with filled me with a new sense of hope for what I have been facing and also with a sense of hope for others in my life who are struggling with something or looking ahead at uncertain times.  For me, it was a picture of HOPE!

I was once again reminded that the joy I have... comes from within. I believe that it's the real JOY -- which can come only from God. You could say this was a coincidence. But, I feel that God also placed a great quote right in front of me on the same day that I saw the completed painting. This quote rings so true for me:

"Find a place inside where there's joy. And, the joy will burn out the pain." ~ Joseph Campbell

Joseph Campbell's words sounded like God had spoken them to my heart that day. And once again, I am reminded of a favorite verse:

"In the midst of the anxieties within me, 

Your comforts, O God, delight my soul." 

Psalm 94:19

(written 11-16-11 - published 12-9-16 that's how LIFE goes)