Random Dozen

Hi There! Remember me??? Things have slightly settled back down to normal here. We are now in the process of a “New Normal” as my husband, his siblings and my MIL adjust to life without the one they loved for so long.

But even with the sadness and the loss life goes on.

So I’m jumping back in with this weeks Random Dozen hosted by Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

Y’all pop over and see all the Holiday Randomness going on in the blog-o-sphere!

1. Gingerbread: For or against? Discuss.

Having made gingerbread cookies as well as a few gingerbread houses I will say that my favorability rating for gingerbread is about 50/50.

I am down with making gingerbread cookies. I love seeing a whole plate of simple gingerbread cookies outlined with simple white icing. It just screams Christmas to me. As a matter of fact I think I have all the ingredients in my pantry for a batch. Nothing smells better that a warm batch of gingerbread fresh out of the oven. Throw in a steaming latte to dunk the cookie in and……well HEAVEN is the only word that comes close in my book!

On the flip side the construction of gingerbread houses is quite different. Unless your an architect and can magically alter the characteristics of time and space and can figure out a way for gingerbread to bake without warping, shrinking, breaking or just plain collapsing then I would just as soon watch the top pastry chefs of America battle it out on the Food Network. Being a top pastry chef is no guarantee that it will turn out either. And you will in fact probably spend close to $10,000 in various candy and powdered sugar to get it finished.

2. Is it important to you to always stay (live) close to family?

If my dad was Charles Ingalls and my mom was Caroline then I would be packing my covered wagon and heading out in a blizzard to get there in time for Christmas morning. The reality is that our family is very spread out and we don't come any where close to a  Walnut Grove Christmas.

I strive to set certain expectation for my children that I hope will be passed on to future generations. I would pray that in the years to come my children will have that desire to pack up there wagons and head for home when the holidays come round.

3. Which holiday pretend character do you wish really existed?

What do you mean “Don’t Exist?” Linda did you get some bad eggnog or something.

4. Which holiday movie best represents how you feel about Christmas or life?

Hands down “It’s a Wonderful Life” I love this movie. It has such a sweet and simple message. It’s about family, friendship extending beyond the bonds of family. It’s about recognizing the blessing in life and coming to the knowledge of what is truly important.

Coming in a close second would be “A Christmas Carol” and “Miracle on 34th Street”

5. Is there a particular Christmas song that you're enjoying now? Any that you're tired of?

HMMMMM! I think my favorite Christmas song would have to be “Away in  Manger” but then it’s hard to pick just one.

My least favorite Christmas songs are the spoofy ones “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer” or “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” you get the picture.

Give me ‘Silent Night” and “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” and I’m a happy girl!

6. What is your favorite way to remember those less fortunate at Christmastime?

In a perfect world I would remember to pick up a few cans for our local co-opp. Sadly I confess that it happens on maybe one out of three or even five visit to the store.

Here is a scripture that sort of sums up how I feel about helping the less fortunate.

MT 6:2 "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

7. Does it upset you to see "Xmas" instead of Christmas? How about "Happy Holidays" etc., instead of "Merry Christmas?"

DOES IT UPSET ME?

DOES IT UPSET ME?

 

WHY YES!

IT UPSET’S ME!

 

But enough yelling! It saddens my heart to see the secularization of a celebration that is founded upon the birth of our Lord and Savior. In my humble opinion you simply can not remove Christ from Christmas. Those who try are ignoring the elephant in the room in a very big way.

8. How many Christmas programs are you attending this month?

OMGosh. I did my time…both my children were in yearly Children’s Christmas plays, both my children had and one still does have yearly Christmas Concerts. Thankfully the days of Christmas plays are over for a bit, at least until my granddaughter gets a bit older.

9. Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Any chance of that dream becoming a reality?

That would be a big NO! But then I don't dream of snow on any occasion unless it’s a nightmare. In fact one day I hope to dream of a sandy, sunny and tropical Christmas in Hawaii.

In my state there might be a slight possibility of snow on Christmas day but the chances are vey rare. Like maybe 1 in a billion. I’m good with that!

10. Tell me about a Christmas present you received as a child. Pics are always nice.

How an I supposed to remember that far back?

I do remember getting to open one present on Christmas Eve. It was almost always new pajamas.

11. How many Christmas parties are you attending this month?

My husbands office party is this coming Friday. In a big God-incidence we opted to forgo our Sunday School Christmas Party in favor of going out to my husbands parents. We spent the entire day with them. The following Monday we received the call that my husbands father had passed away.

We are very thankful that we all had that one on one time with him. It was such a wonderful gift!

12. How do you keep yourself centered on the significance of Christmas?

It really is a specific mindset. It is a continual effort that culminates with the Christmas celebration. The realization that Jesus’ birth was the beginning.

It get’s even better as we draw closer to the cross.

Reminding myself and my children that all the trappings, the food, the gifts, the decorations and the parties are just an outward expression of what we should be holding in our hearts year round.

Christ is Born.

He seeks for all to know Him and repent of their sins

Christ suffered on the cross for all of us.

He took on my sin and the sin of the world as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice.

He arose three days later.

We wait with great expectation for His return.

Until that time comes my family and me will worship, read and study God’s word, fellowship with other believers and bask in this time of great celebration.

LK 2:8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Merry Christmas

May the Love of Christ fill your hearts and your homes in this most joyous time of year.

Love to All

Robin