Why we hide

Our friend's son was recently engaged. They got the news two days later on a scrap of paper on the kitchen counter. Begs the question just how excited he was about his decision. I was recently placed in a position of having someone unexpected at our table for a holiday dinner. If the person bringing the guest didn't think it was a good idea to tell me ahead of time that this particular guest would be joining us, what made them think I would respond positively?

Why do we hide? When Adam and Eve realized the enormity of their shame they hid from God. When our dog does something bad we don't have to find the mess, we can tell by his hanging head and hiding behind me that he knows he's in trouble.

If there's news in your life you should be so proud of the choice you've made you should want to shout it from the mountain tops. Wake your parents to tell them you're engaged. Bring your guest, but call ahead to let the hostess know how excited you are the person you adore is able to join you for the holiday dinner.

Otherwise, we have to wonder just how excited you really are.

Food traditions

Back to work today after leaving the office December 22. Wasn't as hard getting up this morning as I thought it might be considering I've been sleeping in a bunch. It was 5 degrees when we drove to work. Felt kind of fresh and lively.

Food news: don't think I'll ever serve traditional green bean casserole again. At Thanksgiving my niece Lauren, the Gap girl in the St. Paul paper, discovered a recipe for a remix. We enjoyed it for Thanksgiving, made it again for Christmas, and I don't think I will ever look back. Bacon, fresh mushrooms, half and half, what more could green beans ask for? To please the masses we did throw in some french fried onions from the can. Rave reviews.

I realize this was not a very exciting post. I may have gotten here okay this morning but that doesn't mean my brain is fully engaged. Happy new year!

A Worthy Life

"I'm not on that level." That's the actual words that came from a dear friend's mouth when considering a young man she admires. That might be what came from her mouth, but what she was really saying is, "I'm not worthy."

When did we forget that we are children of The King? There's no one above our 'level'. If there's royalty this side of Heaven, we are it. I think what happens is we run away from home and start living like common people in this polluted world. It's a great adventure for a while, but we forget where our real home is. We don't live a life worthy of the royal family to which we belong.

This Christmas I'm coming home. I want to eat royal food worthy of the body God wants me to have. I want to love people with the heart of Christ, open and giving. I'm using words that honor the royal court in which I'm privileged to reside. I will walk like a daughter of The King, upright and careful of step.

When I hear "I'll Be Home for Christmas" let it be a reminder of where my real home is.

Traditions and aberrations

Hey Easton -- Spoiler Alert!

We got Easton a Little Tykes basketball hoop for Christmas. That's not all, but it's the gift that excites me the most. He loves to put things away and close doors and drawers. Wait til he figures out he can put the ball away over and over. Tried to convince Grandpa Jeff that we needed to assemble it last night for some quality control but he was having none of that. Jeff learned from his family the art of enhancing the joy by increasing the wait.

A friend is having a different kind of experience with her loved ones. They don't exchange gifts in their family, it detracts from the celebration of Christ's birth. There was talk of going to see a movie Christmas night as a fun family activity. That plan has been scrapped as it would distract the focus from Jesus on this special day.

We all agree that there can be way too much emphasis on the gifts and not the ultimate gift giver. But what is the limit of our devotion to Christ? Should we miss out on family holiday fun for the sake of celebration of what is, in the scheme of eternity, a man-made holiday? Just wondering.

Holiday Party -- Follow up

Here's what I ended up wearing to the holiday party. Seemed a much wiser course than the sleeveless dress. Miranda made my hair fabulous, I put on my sensible shoes and off we went. Had a wonderful time. Got to sit at a table of under-30's. They thought we were quaint and funny for old people. What more could we ask for?

Incredible Privilege

I was blessed to be asked to speak for Stonecroft Ministries. This involved me examining my life, writing my story, working with a great mentor to shape my presentation, and sharing how God has blessed me with women who came to their monthly gatherings. The preparation was incredibly beneficial. Speaking went well, I can say that because I've already been contacted by groups outside of Lincoln to see if I can come speak for them. That's definitely encouraging. How God will use me I have no idea. I'm geared up and ready.

Come to think of it, don't we all have the privilege of sharing The Gospel all the time and everywhere? Are we always geared up and ready? I know I haven't always been. That needs to be a priority in my life. I hope it will be in yours as well.

Baby It's Cold Outside

Tonight is Jeff's company Holiday Party. I used to get all worked up about these things, pondering outfits, getting my hair done. That was then, this is now. It's cold outside. Dress with hose and heels, or slacks and more sensible shoes? No question in my mind. Comfort over style. Does this mean I'm getting old?