Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Christmas in retrospect
Is it already over? Yep, it's December 27 , and Christmas 2006 has officially passed. It's time to start putting away the Christmas decorations (something I'm not looking forward to) and decide on my goals for the upcoming year (something I always look forward to!).

Looking back on all of the events of Christmas makes me think of the new traditions I'd like to start with my own family one day. There are, of course, many of my family's (er, families') traditions that I'll want to continue. Spontaneous trips to drive around and look at Christmas lights (which is often done in your pajamas) are always going to be a part of my family's celebration (thanks to mom for this one)! And a yummy glass of egg nog on Christmas Day will be as well, thanks to my Nanny Chubb.

But there are other traditions I'd like to start with my "future family." Caroling on Christmas Eve, for example. Singing songs together at home on Christmas Day. Making (and baking) homemade gifts together. Reading the Christmas story and taking the time to meditate on Christ's birth and how He humbled Himself to become a man and offer salvation to all humanity. Of all of the things I want to do with my family, the latter is the most important to me. I still struggle with keeping my mind Christ-focused on Christmas Day. I so often get caught up in all the hoopla that I forget to really devote my thoughts to Him on His special day. My prayer is that God will prepare me to be a godly mother, so that when it's time for me start my own family, my life will be an example and I'll be ready to teach my children what Christmas is all about.

From my heart,

Weslynn at 11:00 AM

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Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Fat-free, guilt-free giving
I absolutely love the Christmas season. I love having an excuse to bake up a storm, eating more than I typically would, spending time with family and going to all of the festive parties. But as much as I love this holiday, the gift-giving aspect tends to stress me out. And, by golly, I just don't think that's right! I've been trying to figure out for years why I get so stressed out about giving. I mean, I love finding that perfect gift for someone and then watching their reaction when they open it. I love browsing through the stores until I find exactly what I was looking for, and then taking it home and wrapping it up with ribbons and bows. So if I love all of that so much, what exactly is it about giving that makes me so tense?

I think I figured it out this morning when I was in the shower. The thought came to me while I was pondering an idea of something I want to make for my family and friends this year, a homemade gift. But as I envisioned myself handing out these gifts, I pictured in my mind their disappointment when they opened it. I pictured them thinking, "What? This is it? I spent more money on her gift than she did for mine." So standing there, washing my hair, I thought through all of this. In years past, this same picture has popped in my mind (of people being disappointed with my gift). Instead of thinking through my reasoning, I immediately gave into my own doubts and said to myself, "Well, I'll show them. I'll give the best gifts I can and spare no expense." And although this plan may have relieved some mental stress for me, it only transferred it to another area of my life: my finances. I gave more than I could reasonably afford to. And, no, I'm not bragging here. I'm saying to myself, "Gee, how stupid was that?" When giving becomes more about proving a point than sharing from your heart, it's rooted in pride. After all, God loves a cheerful giver, not a proud giver.

So I decided this morning in the shower that from now on, my goal is to give truly of myself, from my heart, within my means, and no more than that. I have to stop seeking other's approval of what I have to give. Truth be told, I doubt my family and friends will think badly of me for giving them something homemade. I know that's just a stupid, lying voice trying to tell me that what I have to give is not good enough. And I know that's not true. I guess the best way to get over this fear (of rejection, ugh, hate to admit it) is to face it head-on.

So let the homemade gift-making begin! I'm ready to prove that lying voice wrong... and give the people I love something truly from my heart.
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. - 2 Corinthians 9:7
From my heart,

Weslynn at 9:31 AM

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