Having a blog is like....

When I started this blog I reasoned it would give me a creative outlet. I felt like I just needed to write. Oh sure, I've tried my hand at writing a book. Many times. Have I ever finished? Nope. I thought perhaps this bloggy-sphere outlet was a more obtainable goal. Posts are short. Therefore, I could finish something.

I've finished lots of somethings.

However, since joining Pinterest [which is highly addictive and there needs to be a support group for us addicts!] and clicking on many pins which takes me to many blogs, I've realized I don't really have a goal or theme for this blog. And, I've heard from the "experts" one needs a goal/theme for a blog. By the way, ever wonder who "experts" are and who declared that title upon them?

Insecurity. I want people to like me. I want to be popular. I want, I want. [yeah, I agree...I need some professional help, huh?!]

So, to finish the title of this post....having a blog is like going back to high school. Shudder.

Recently I've toyed with multiple ideas on how to focus this blog. But then I realized, this blog is alot like me. We both have undiagnoised, unmedicated ADD. I'm okay with that. I'm not back in high school. I don't need to try to prove myself to anyone. I don't have to be like everyone else. Crafty. Chefs. Ministers.

I just need to be me. Although back in the day when little feet slapped the kitchen floor and nap times still ruled, I was quite the chef, and in the height of all craftiness if I do say so myself. And I did. Because this is my blog. So there! Wait, I think I may have digressed by to Jr High.....whoa.

When I imagine anyone reading my blog posts, I picture readers in their comfy clothes sipping tea or drinking coffee. Perhaps even munching on a snack, or pie, or chocolate, or...  Maybe giving a reader a laugh when he/she needs it most, giving the reader something to think about. Or, a reader's mouth watering when a recipe is posted. I imagine the reader relaxed and taken away to another place when reading a short story post.

I just don't want to limit myself to a theme or goal. I just want to dance through this world with Light.

I'd love to give you a peek at what the next post will be...but a) I would ruin your bloggy reading surprise and b) I haven't a clue what is coming next!

See ya next time!

Glory to God in the Highest!

Before the craziness of the Christmas season gets even more out of control, I want to take time to wish you a very blessed Christmas!

And, please remember those around you who may be lonely. Someone may not have family close by, or someone may have lost a close relative or friend through death, or someone is single and just wants a someone special in their life. Remember them.

Gift of Giving

For the last few years at Christmas, on my husband's side of the family, we've decided to forgo presents. Instead, we pick a charity to bless.

Last year, we gave canned items and toiletries to a local food bank. This year, we are giving items to Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) to distribute to others. We chose Newborn Kits. What is a Newborn Kit, you ask? Per their website:

"MCC distributes infant care kits to hospitals, clinics and refugee camps. Infant care kits are sent to assist mothers in giving their children a good start in Bosnia, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, North Korea, Serbia, Russia and Ukraine.
 

Contents (NEW items only, size 3-9 months)

• 2 gowns/sleepers (flannel or similar warm, soft material)
• 2 undershirts/onesies (short or long sleeves)
• 4 cloth diapers (flat-fold preferred)
• 1 receiving blanket (light weight fleece or flannel; minimum 92cm / 36 in)
• 4 safety pins (5cm / 2in)
• 1 large bar mild soap (leave in wrapper)
• 1 pair of socks
• 1 cap
• Remove packaging material (except soap) and fold into the receiving blanket. Fasten together with the safety pins.
• Contact your local MCC warehouse/activity center for a new design for hand-sewn gowns.
• Note: Items can either be purchased or hand sewn. Packages of precut materials are available from some MCC offices."

Our family chose to bless a girl and a boy this year. It was an honor to pray over our kits as we folded everything inside the receiving blanket.

Kits being made for MCC

If you'd like more information on the other kits MCC sponsors, visit http://www.mcc.org/kits. Have a blessed Christmas!

Good for the Soul

"Laughter is good for the soul." How true. Picture this, you are having a rotten day. Terrible, no good, rotten day. Someone makes you laugh. Not just a giggle, a hard laugh. Don't you feel better already?

It got me thinking, how many other things are "good for the soul?"

Music. And, for me, whenever there is music, there is some movement going on. I may only be moving in my chair, tapping my fingers, or swaying but it is movement. A wise woman once told me to put on 'Christian' music loudly when having a bad day. Just try to stay in a 'bad' mood. She is right.

Since Christmas is approaching with the speed of light, here are a few of my favorites. Just a few, mind you.






I'm really quite over all the flash-mob videos but this one gave me chills so I had to share.



More 'good for the soul' things for me include friends, family, GOD, and encouragment.

What are your 'good for the soul' things?

Guilt-driven Christmas

♫Christmas Time is Here....♪ ...finally. Our house is only now getting a little Christmas on. And, when I say little, I mean little.

Flashback to Thanksgiving. One of our girls randomly blurted, "Who does not want to put up a tree this year?!" Hands flew in the air. Admittedly, mine was one of them. Shouts of joy could be heard throughout the county...screech!...well, at least in my head there was a party going on! All I could think about was no climbing the stairs to the creepy attic where the decorations and tree is stored. No mess to make, no mess to clean up. Nothing to take down after Christmas. Yes, I admit, a major happy dance.

Now, before you judge me, Christmas is so much more than trees and decorations. It's about Christ. Remembering His birth, and what that means. He didn't have a Christmas tree. No wreath on the door. We, as a people, tend to get caught up in all the hub-bub of Christmas. Busyness instead of reflection take over.

Okay, now that we have that settled....

Guilt. That ugly mom guilt. We have a 14 year old boy. Yes, he is old enough to go without decorations and a tree. But, in years to come, I don't want him doing something so wrong he ends up on the national news. And, as the reporters dig to find out his "back story", it turns out he did what he did because when he was 14 years old his family did not care enough to put up a Christmas tree and decorate the house!!!!! I can see the therapy bills already accumulating! Welcome to how my mind works, people.

In all seriousness, my family had a grand laugh over that scenario. The 14 year old boy also promises never to do anything bad enough to get on national news. You heard it hear first, folks!

Without further ado, here are our decorations and pathetic tree.

I made this. Yes, I am crafty at times. I used Publisher and a cool font.
Printed on cardstock, cut out, and strung on string.

Shelf with a very small pre-lit tree and a snowman. Love the look at night.

On the enclosed porch for people to see as they enter.

A very Charlie Brown tree. Very. But it is a tree, people.

Well, that is all folks. Simple. That is the way I like it as I get older.

Time Marches On

Sunday will mark one year since this tragic accident. It is hard to believe. Hard to digest. Hard to know what the family is really going through.

I've lost loved ones in the past. But, I can't even begin to know what it is like for others who grieve. You see, grief is unique to everyone. Sure, we go through the same stages of grief. We all may experience the same feelings of sadness when certain dates roll around. But, no one knows the person who died like you do. No one can know the person like you do. We all know a person in our own way. Love that person in our own way. We cannot compare our grief with others. We all grieve in our own ways. And, believe it or not, that is okay!

To some, it may look like a person is "moving on" (bad choice of wording but one people use...new normal may be a better term) too quickly or not fast enough. We can't think that way. We all grieve differently. Some may be hiding behind a mask in public but when alone...it is a whole different story. Some may want and need to "move on" or "find a new normal for them" because of small children they need to parent or any other reason. It doesn't mean they didn't/don't love that person they grieve. No.

Don't judge with a critical eye or tongue. Be kind and gentle with those who are in the grief process. Talk about the loved one lost to those grieving. Or, saying nothing with the mouth but so much through a hug.

Grief is hard. So very hard. Finding a new normal with a loved one is hard. So very hard. Life may get a little easier as time marches on. But, you'll never get "over it". You'll just know how to survive your new normal and still miss that special person(s) forever. Memories and love help get us through.