Category: Christmas

  • Two Sleeps Before Christmas

    I’m flooded with thankfulness from family, friends, and neighbors who volunteered their time and energy sacrificing to go out in this blizzard. Volunteer of whatever we needed whether food or supplies. Specialty potato puff appetizers arrived from my brother and his wife from out west. Steve’s friend-brass music group founder gifted us with an amazing goodie box. Our hearts rejoice with these thoughtful actions! Thank you!!!

    Many are praying for health and healing for which we’re most grateful. You truly are the hands and feet of Jesus.

    I’m seeing progress in Steve. He left the recliner for a bit yesterday and did a few minor tasks. Yay! Baby steps, little steps we are celebrating.

    Here I go out to brave the blustery, blizzardy cold world out there. Skipper is calling for me to take a walk. To the mailbox and back again—that is my limit for now. Will take me longer to suit up than to accomplish the walk.

    Hunker down, stay warm, and safe. CHRISTmas blessings to you & to yours 😊

    “You might be thinking you don’t have the power within you to accomplish great and mighty tasks. Think again. Then fill in the blank below.” [From my book, “The Child becomes The Parent: Coping with Grief.”]

    I can accomplish ____________________.

    “I can do all things through Christ who strengthened me.” – Philippians 4:13

    How are you coping in this weather? Doing anything different/special this Christmas season? Love to hear from you.

    I can accomplish ___________________________.

    “I can do all things through Christ who strengthened me.” – Philippians 4:13

    ***How are you coping in this weather? Doing anything different/special this Christmas season? Love to hear from you.***

    Post by Teresa K. Lasher, author of:

    “The Child becomes The Parent: Coping with Grief” and

    “Life is: Good, Fragile, and Precious–Loving yourself so you can love others”

  • Three Sleeps Before Christmas

    “Fear not for I have redeemed thee, I have called Thee by name; thou art mine,” Isaiah 43:1

    Maybe like me, your Christmas holiday plans are not going as expected. I’ve been in physical therapy since October trying to help mend some worn body parts. Hubby Steve tested positive for Covid Christmas week and is really sick. This obviously put a kibosh on being with family and friends. No shared food or gift giving for now.

    He’s stuck with me and our dog Skipper. We’re stuck with each other in a COLD climate with a winter stay-at-home blizzard approaching.

    My expectations. My thoughts. My ways. Notice all the “My’s” in this paragraph? I keep saying, “Your will, God; not mine.” If I’m being honest, I still want My way and My expectations fulfilled. Forgive me, Lord!

    A long-distance friend wrote that it will be a “Silent Night Christmas for us.” Another friend wrote, “Peace. Quiet. Serenity.”

    Not the thought that came to my finite brain cells. More like: Really? At Christmas? This can’t be! Big-time Bummer. Waiting to see how it all turns out is more nerve racking.

    I shared with a friend how I woke early with thoughts of a story. I propped myself up in bed with my heating pad on my neck and shoulders and penned some words. She suggested that this book idea is “for such a time as this. Maybe this time of pain and suffering the Lord will use to grow you and so many of your loyal readers into being more like Him…believe the best rather than assume the worst. I’ll be praying.”

    She also quoted an older man from her church who’s known for saying, “The Lord knows.” All these up-in-the-air decisions, celebration gatherings, physical and mental anguish, broken and failed relationships—the Lord knows. In fact, He knew about all of these areas of our life long ago. My part is to trust and believe He’s working all these things out for my best. He knows and cares.

    That’s another thing I love about my friends. They’re honest, loyal, and not afraid to point me to the Light, my Saviour. Isaiah 43:1 is a great reminder, to fear not for I am redeemed. He knows me on a first name basis. I am His and He is mine. What more do I need?

    How about you? Do you fear certain things especially this time of year? Can you call on the Great I am, God, to rescue you from those fears? There’s no better time than now to say, “Here I am, Lord. I believe in You and want you to be my redeemer-friend-Saviour.” It’s as simple as that.  

    post by Teresa K. Lasher, author of:

    “The Child becomes The Parent: Coping with Grief” and “Life is: Good, Fragile, and Precious–Loving yourself so you can love others

  • My Busy, but Blessed Day

    While enduring physical therapy, I began feeling sorry for myself. My headaches persisted, leg ached, and my neck and shoulders complained often.

    “Should I keep coming if I’m not sure this is doing any good? You’re adding another exercise?!” Yes, you’d probably say I was grumbling.

    My therapist paused, then replied, “Consider the man in here earlier. He had only one leg, and wonders if he’ll ever return to work, or earn enough money to pay the bills for the family.”

    Oh. I guess I have nothing to complain about, do I? A good reminder to be thankful for what I can do and what I do have.

    We did some deep breathing and slowly releasing my breath. He continually reminds me to relax and loosen my shoulders. Relax? Are you kidding? This is December! Who relaxes in December?

    “You’d better or you’re gonna wind up feeling even worse. Be positive. You’ll never mend until you allow your body time to re-generate and mend.”

    Next on my agenda: Fresh Thyme to capture gluten-free onion rings for a holiday green bean casserole. This stop helped me temporarily forget my next appointment. These are tough to find, but I was grateful that a kind sales clerk led me to the shelf where there was a supply of them. This store is a specialty shop and I love to wander. Near the deli a young Dad was scooping up chicken noodle soup. His son was pushing a mini cart full to the brim with items.

    “Looks like you’re a great helper,” I commented.

    Dad smiled, patted his son on the back and said, “He’s a great helper!”

    “Good for you. Merry Christmas you two.” I said with a smile as I walked away.

    I couldn’t stall any longer so I took off for a dreaded dentist appointment. I’ve spent too much time in a dentist chair ever since my automobile accident just five months after I got married. Upside: felt good to have fresh, clean teeth. Downside: they discovered a fracture in a molar which requires a crown. In the waiting room, I noticed a Christmas tree adorned with ornaments for sale. Proceeds would go to help Women at Risk—a most worthy cause. I chose several for my Christmas list. 😊 Score!

    Drove home after my dentist appointment, connected with my husband where he reminded me of his Christmas concert at an assisted living facility. I could sit with the groupies or band-aids—spouses whose husbands play in the Celebration Brass band. I was tired and came up with excuses, but in the end I did go and am glad I did.

    Soaking in the joyous, meaningful Christmas melodies helped me unwind; relax just like my PT advised me earlier in the day. I started the evening tired and defeated. When I left the concert, I felt refreshed and renewed. The music reminded me of a baby boy born in less than ideal circumstances, raised and walked this earth healing, sacrificing. Christ gave His own life for mine so we might be free and whole enjoying heaven after this body gives out. His birth night was a Holy night—the most special Christmas gift of all.

    Hark! The herald angels sing,
    “Glory to the newborn King;
    Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
    God and sinners reconciled!”
    Joyful, all ye nations rise,
    Join the triumph of the skies;
    With th’angelic host proclaim,
    “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

    post by Teresa K. Lasher, author of:

    “The Child becomes The Parent: Coping with Grief” and

    “Life is: Good, Fragile, and Precious–Loving yourself so you can love others”

  • Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

      Birthday Cake for Jesus
      Reading Christmas Story together

      MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS and Blessings from our home to yours,
      from Steve and Teresa and Skipper too

      Candles lit one by one
      Sacred moments
      Put aside exterior noise and commercial trappings
      Sit down to view birthday cake for Jesus
      One gold candle for the One to be crowned King.

      Focus as family take turns reading out loud verse by verse
      Oldest to youngest join in reciting the Christmas Story – the
      Birth announcement declared in Luke 2
      Rest of the world, life, put on hold
      Sets us back over 2,000 years ago to Bethlehem, the town of David in Judea.

      The angel speaks to Mary,
      Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.
      You will be with child and give birth to a son,
      And you are to give him the name Jesus.
      He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.
      The LORD God will give him the throne of his father David,
      And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever;
      His kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:29-33)

      Let these sacred words sink in
      Find a place to rest, take hold, germinate, and flourish
      We sing together: “Happy Birthday to You. Happy Birthday to You, dear Jesus.”
      Thank you for coming to earth.
      Thank you for saving my soul and saving the world.

      Thoughts to ponder – think back to how it must have felt for:
      Zechariah and Elizabeth
      Mary and Joseph
      Shepherds watch their flock by night
      Simeon, the Temple priest
      Anna, prophetess, who never left the temple awaiting the Savior

      Emotions:
      Joy, fear, doubt, and elation
      Surprise, confirmation, thankfulness, and devotion
      Trust, praising God in the Highest, brokenness, and pain
      Amazement and relief
      Just to name a few

      ***

    • Rush

      5-Minute Friday

      the word’s: RUSH. Go …

      RUSH here. Rush there. RUSH everywhere. Never felt more aware of the term RUSH than during this month of the year. December should conjure up scenes of happiness, joy, peace, but it really doesn’t at least not for me. I need to work on this. God and I need to work on this together. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

      My life coach, Darlene, suggests: Simplify Christmas. Simplify Life. I try to cram too much in too small of a space. Results: sorrow, unrest, grief, regrets, and even anger. I’m guessing you feel the same way too. This is no way to live a life. Particularly in this season of love, grace and mercy. A season that our Heavenly Father chose to send His only son to come to earth, be born in a lowly manager, live and serve among humankind, die a horrible death on a cross for you & me. This month of all months should be a grateful, kind, and looked forward to (not dreaded) event of the entire year!

      Lord, guide me/us to what needs to be done, what can wait/be deleted, and what is the best for my life, my reader’s, and their loved ones lives too.

      We love you, Lord Jesus.

      This post is part of the weekly Five Minute Friday link-up.  Join me and others as we reflect on, and write about one word each week for only 5 minutes.

    • And be thankful …

      “Forever is composed of nows,” Emily Dickinson.

      My forever (and yours too) is composed of the nows. Exactly what I’m writing about in my new devotional/meditation book. Living in the present. Enjoying the moment right here and now. Even if it hard to accomplish.

      When I first began writing about living in the now was during a personal health crisis. A neurologist discovered I had an operable tumor growing on the left temporal side of my brain. The tumor needed to be removed surgically and the sooner the better. All other life was pretty much put on hold. Daily details focused on an upcoming hospital stay and subsequent rehabilitation.

      I’m writing this post seven years later. God chose to spare me; for which I’ll be eternally grateful. Life is pretty much back to normal. Except I hope and pray lessons learned never vanish.

      • Life is Good. Regardless of circumstances in my life, I’ve got it pretty darn good. I have a roof over my head, food on the table (I don’t go to bed hungry), modern conveniences such as electric, heat, indoor plumbing, and access to the finest educational opportunities. Not to mention ALL the freedoms I enjoy thanks to my ancestors and those serving now: freedom of worship, speech, etc…,

      Through my health scare times, I realized we are not guaranteed tomorrow (not even tonight). Making the best of my situation right now promotes longer life and joy today. Isn’t that what each of us strive for? Being content and happy in our current situation. We are past Thanksgiving and entering the Christmas season. Many around you will exude happiness; some do not feel like rejoicing for whatever reason. Even those who place a smile upon their face probably face troubles and may be masking their inner feelings. Be aware that many fight tough battles. This time of year amplifies unrest.

      Let’s strive together and rehearse our thankful lists. What’s on your thankful list?

      “Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always].”  (Colossians 3:15/AMP)

      *****

    • What’s on your Christmas list?

      With Love Gift Tag

      In light of Christmas coming soon, several words intrigued me. Here are just a few which made me think of Christmas:

      • Rich
      • Incomparable Riches
      • Kindness
      • Gift

      Makes you think of the holidays and gifting times, doesn’t it? I looked up the word “incomparable” just to see what new concept I might uncover. The dictionary describes incomparable as:

      •  Beyond comparison
      • Matchless
      • Unequaled
      • Incapable of being compared to each other

      In this reference, Paul refers to God and His matchless gift of giving the ultimate sacrifice, His son Jesus Christ. There’s no better gift given than that of Christ’s blood shed for our forgiveness of sins. We also then can enjoy the gift of Hope for now and in the future.

      •  Is there a gift of kindness you could give to an unsuspecting person?
      • Can you think of a gift to give that does not have a monetary value to it?

      Dear God,
      Thank you for the ultimate gift of Your son, Jesus. None of us deserved such a priceless gift. I pray I’ll prove worthy. My desire is to focus on the real reason for the season and not be obsessed with the purchasing of many man-made gifts. I’m so thankful to be a part of Your family! 

      “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved … in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God …,”—Ephesians 2:4–8.

       

    • DREAM Big!

      My husband and I did some after-Christmas shopping. While browsing the shelves for bargains, we purchased hand towel with the words: DREAM written across the bottom edge. Above the lettering appeared a spray of green leaves and red berries with a gold thread running throughout.     DREAM (Copy)

      I didn’t pay a lot of attention to a possible meaning behind the word on the towel until several days later after the excitement of the holidays passed. This morning I picked up the towel and realized just how inspiring this towel could be for my writing in 2014.

      I recently read a piece from Jeff Groins, How to Get Ahead During the Holiday Season (or anytime of year). He includes several tips about how to get ahead and stay motivated.

      “Successful people aren’t successful because they’re like everyone else. They are successful because they’re weird. Because they do what others are afraid or unwilling to do.”

      I began to ask myself questions while thinking about Jeff’s article. Am I that type of person? Am I willing to do what no one else will? Willing to be classified as weird?

      If I am willing, I must learn focus, stamina, and balance. Only the smart ones will finish. Will I finish that book I’ve started? Query an editor about an article burning deep within? Jeff goes on to say, “I must put pain from my mind. And on the last day … you alone will be friendly with the dark.”

      My desire is to “break out of the constant feeling of being left behind. Work harder; show up more often; and eventually, you will prevail. It’s not easy. It will require sacrifice. But it will also lead to victory.”

      So Dream Big—I plan to dream so big others will look sideways at me concerned. Concerned that I possibly might have bit off more than I can chew. That is just fine. Because when I bite off more than I can humanly handle, that’s when God’s miraculous powers come into play. And into view for all to see, marvel, and glorify His holy name!

      What are you willing to do to break out of the norm? Will it be staying up an extra hour to put the finishing touches on a manuscript? Or, maybe sequestering yourself away from the TV room and spending an extra 45 minutes in front of a computer, or reading and doing research for your project.

      What goals or new patterns do you want to put into practice in 2014? Here are a few suggestions to get your thinking cap spinning:

      • Get up early to write
      • Less TV; less Candy Crush, Lucky Slots, etc.; more real writing
      • Exercise consistently (not just when the clothes don’t fit like they used to fit)
      • Read the Bible through in a year

      Dear God, as I look at my new, unspoiled 2014 calendar, my desire is for a new me too. You’ve taught me much in 2013. I have grown, but there’s so much more internal growing to be done. This new me—I want to look more like You and less like the old me. Thank you for what You are about to accomplish in my life, my goals, and talents. The goals and talents You so graciously gifted me before the beginning of time. Amen.

       

    • Vicks VapoRub = comfort & healing

      Just opening the blue jar of Vicks VapoRub® brings back fond memories of my Mom. Whenever I was sick, she would gently rub the ointment on my throat and chest and carefully cover the area with a towel. Then I’d top the cloth with a tee shirt or pajamas – something to keep the healing vapors in place.

      As I rub the balm in today as an adult, I consider this downtime a waste of time. I should be going somewhere/doing something. Yet, due to a nasty cold, I’m resigned to coughing, blowing my nose and taking medications. I feel unproductive and count these days as lost. But are they really? I’ve been able to enjoy time at home watching movies with my husband who is also sick.

      Days spent horizontal can be rejuvenating. There’s nowhere to look but up! And maybe that’s why I’m down. I’ve been in such a panic to make the holidays special that I’ve failed at the most important item: always remembering the Christ that makes Christmas possible.

      The season should be all about Him (not decorated cookies, presents, or visitors). Since the noise has diminished, hecticness subsided, quiet reigns around me now. As I lay facing the ceiling, I realize what I missed. Chats (in the form of prayer) with my heavenly Father and time spent reading from my Bible.

      God is the one who grants me breath, health and life. I’m not promised tomorrow. But I do have this day on earth to rejoice and give Him the glory — even if it’s spent in bed or on the couch.

      Prayer: God, thank you that I am alive. I don’t feel well, but I can still find a reason to be thankful. Amen.

    • The gift that keeps on giving

      “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” –
      2 Corinthians 9:15