tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59238554316288441432024-03-13T09:19:16.399-05:00Good to Know...Things I've learned and feel compelled to share. ~ Debbie DanieleDebbie Danielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363069897090047516noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923855431628844143.post-70727500469476448232017-02-20T17:33:00.000-06:002017-02-20T17:33:55.346-06:00Just Simply - Now OPEN!!Life changes on a dime. We've all been there. That one moment in time you won't ever forget that seemed to change everything. Your direction, your focus, priority, energy, emotions, everything. Whether you wanted it to or not. Sometimes it's a surprise, other times, it's planned. Like the birth of a baby, could be either! Or taking on a new job, could be planned. Or the loss of a job, probably unplanned. A car accident, way unplanned. Getting a new car after the accident, also unplanned. Could be planned, maybe you wanted a new one anyway and this was an excuse to finally do it. Finding just the right dress for a party, planned. Running across it in the least expected place, unplanned. And then there's all the tragic, unexpected things that happen. Never planned.<br />
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Transitions, in whatever form, are never cookie-cutter simple, smooth around the edges or follow a well organized checklist. It's messy. It's disorienting. It's chaotic. But somehow, on some other dime, the dust settles, the sun comes out, and life starts to feel manageable. Thank goodness. For if it didn't, it would be really hard to breathe again.<br />
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Having had such a moment recently with the loss of my job, I began a soul searching process of what to do next. One huge question kept staring me in the face. Over the past decade, have I been working out of my passion? Or has it simply been for the paycheck, because I had the ability to do the work, or my perceived need to do something for the greater good? Then I looked at the cost of giving my emotional attention, time and energy to those places of employment for those years. Was I merely working for someone else's retirement or had I adequately prepared for my own. Was it taking a toll on my physical, mental or emotional health? Was I only helping someone else live their passion and dream? I can tell you, the conclusion was that it's not about me. At all. Suddenly, I felt all alone and empty, like I had wasted precious time.<br />
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In that second I could see my passion drifting by, along with the years. The realization happened... life needed to change, I wanted it to change. No more waiting for something, someday, somewhere, or someone. It's either now or never. My heart wants to just simply do photography. I'm not reinventing the lightbulb, or finding a cure for the common cold. I just want to take photographs. Of people, places and things. Beautiful people, which is everyone. Beautiful places because they are endless. Things, because they can interest me profoundly. So much so, that I want everyone to notice them, own them, hang them on their walls, pass them down to their heirs.<br />
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I am captivated by light and how it falls on the subject, behind the subject, around the subject.<br />
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I am so taken by contrast of textures, colors, light and dark, in which the beauty is the focus and what the eye is drawn to is something that needs to be observed.<br />
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Every person, every scene, each object has a story. Each has a soul and wants the world to acknowledge it. Deserves for the world to acknowledge that it's all part of a grander picture, bigger than any one thing or person or place. I love capturing the sum of emotions that shine through the eyes of a person, doesn't matter if they are young or old. That sparkle of light that reflects back to me their inner self, which might be normally hidden, tucked away or forgotten. Others might not see it, but I see it. And that is one reason why I take photos, to reveal the true person inside.<br />
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Shakespeare said, "all the worlds a stage and all the men and women merely players." Each person has a role, but we're not actors performing someone else's days, we're just living our own and that needs to be applauded and recorded, to assist with remembering.<br />
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So, Just Simply Photography, a.k.a. Debbie Daniele Photography, is now officially open for business. To start, let's connect. I would love to know about your family, when was the last time you actually had a family portrait taken, what events are coming up in which you need photos. <a href="http://www.justsimplyphotography.com/" target="_blank">Click here to browse Just Simply Photography website</a>. On the opening page, you can click the arrow to launch the music player and see slides of some of my favorite photos. Then click the Browse Site button to enter the website, take a look at the photo collections, view the portrait videos that I've created for clients after their recent session, read through the Blog section. All my previous blogs have been archived here, and most have photos that I've taken over the years. This blog restarts my regular posting process to share my work and love for all things beautiful.<br />
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We can also connect on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/debbiedanielephotography/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. Chances are, that's where you saw this post in the first place! Leave me comments on what you see, what you like, what you'd like to see. Weekly posts should keep you up to date on what's happening, any current specials, and as always, it's a place to connect. You can also find me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/debbiedaniele/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/debbiedaniele/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>.<br />
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If you're inspired and want to book a session, you can do that, too, just click on the Schedule Session button and complete the request form. As always, if you have any questions, there's a contact page. You will never regret having those heirloom portraits taken, printed and framed. Hang them on your wall, I guarantee those images will warm your heart and make you smile every time you pass by. Currently, I work remotely, or on location. We can decide when and where together! My studio is everywhere!<br />
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Let the photos begin, Just Simply Photography is now open! All models welcome!!<br />
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<br />Debbie Danielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363069897090047516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923855431628844143.post-88481048636956644572015-11-10T22:16:00.000-06:002015-11-10T22:16:24.886-06:00Four Favorites, Two Purchases and One Award. What's next?Bless me, Professor, for I have neglected any writing of any sort for the past 10 months. It's been really hard allowing the totally literary worthy thoughts to come and go and not do a freaking thing about it. Who has time to write down every word, phrase or paragraph that in the twilight hours of the day seem like the next best seller? For sure, it's not me. As much as I love it, my time has been divided among other things that have surfaced to be much more important. And, you may guess, it's photography.<br />
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Recently completing many months of Photography classes at the only licensed photography school in New Hampshire, I can honestly say was worth every dime and every minute spent focused on the material. Somewhere resident within me, I knew that having a foundation of technical knowledge would somehow be a benefit. So, finding a school that had a philosophy that matched what I was searching for was a gift. <a href="http://www.c1mpp.com/" target="_blank">C1M Academy</a> was, in part, a solution to my technical understanding deficit. Walter was an excellent instructor and the classes were practical and informative. At the end of the second class, we celebrated each others work with a Photography Showing, each person displaying what they felt was their four best photography pieces. Walter provided the appetizers and the champagne punch, the music and the awards. We invited friends and it was a wonderful evening.<br />
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My four submissions were these below. It was a difficult process choosing photos that I felt were worthy of being printed, matted, framed and hung on a wall to be previewed by people I didn't know. Way different than just snapping a thousand pics on the cell phone and syncing them on my computer. Viewing a piece of art hanging on the wall is much more rewarding than just flipping through them on my iPhone. And an exercise I was thankful to complete. Now, I have a real hankering to order more prints and hit Hobby Lobby's half price sale for frames. This could be dangerous!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cerulean Celebration</td></tr>
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This photo was one of my favorites. On our recent vacation in Bermuda, I noticed the simple, weatherworn architecture, together with amazing hues that were surely inspired by elements like the sunset or the ocean. A constant theme throughout the island, it was impossible to resist taking photos of every one of them. This photo of a door with a cork wreath, simply because of the color blue, I named it Cerulean Celebration. I think Bermuda will be one stop I will make frequently, if for no other reason than to photograph more of the island.<br />
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Last year, February, we visited Williamsburg. History just oozes from every corner and crevice in that place. Some of the most amazing attributes were the dark, rich wood, the frosted glass and the pervasive Colonial style. It's classic New England combined with pilgrims, crafters, apple cider and a drum & bugle corp, complete with a cannon. Besides being absolutely freezing and snowy the days we were there, it was a great place to visit. Ducking into as many little shops, stores and coffee houses as we could to keep warm I noticed that in nearly every place was this incredible lighting. Natural, soft ambient light sought after by anyone with a camera. This window was particularly interesting in that it the little miniatures sitting on the sill were very useful back in the day, as this was an apothecary. Looking out the glass windows, you wonder how many others had looked out the same, and who were they. However, what was significant was on the inside, not the outside. This photograph was one of two that were sold that evening at the Photography Showing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter Veil</td></tr>
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The second photograph that was purchased was this one. I called it Winter Veil. This was actually outside in our yard last spring, during a snow. It was the perfect time of day when it wasn't yet dark, but very overcast and cloudy from the snow. It was also not the coldest day and there was a layer of fog covering the neighborhood. The outline of the trees was a beautiful contrast to the weather around them. You can almost feel the moisture in the air and smell the cold and snow.<br />
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The rim light on her hair, the soft background and muted colors create this amazing photo that won a 1st Prize. Thanks to the beautiful model, the warm summer day and the sunlight falling from behind. I will never get tired of taking photos of my grandchildren. It makes my heart happy and my spirit soar. Thanks Walter for the award for this photo. I'm honored.<br />
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So, what next? I am continuing to capture all things beautiful that I see. My focus over this next year will be portraits. I love taking photos on vacation of doors with wreaths, ocean waves or window relics. But what I truly love is capturing photos of people. And for sure, I know that photographing newborns, infants, and children are to be in my plans.<br />
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<i>A Big Ask: </i><br />
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I also know the only way to get better is to take more photographs, so what I need from you is this. If you know anyone who is expecting a baby, please let me know. I am booking for maternity shots as well as newborn photos within the first two weeks after they're born. Short amount of time but the best time to get those picture perfect shots of that sleeping little precious jewel.<br />
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My dining room has become a small studio and it is quickly filling with all things babies. It's pretty exciting. And the best part is for the first TEN photo shoots that end up on my calendar, your session will be absolutely free. You will be able to preview all of your photos on my photo share site. As well as order any prints or enlargements at a super discount.<br />
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Tell your friends, family and I'll be truly grateful! This is an exciting adventure that has already begun. I'd love for you to be a part of it!<br />
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Simply in Awe,<br />
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Debbie Daniele<br />
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Debbie Danielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363069897090047516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923855431628844143.post-30396297518962231972015-01-15T21:52:00.002-06:002015-01-15T21:52:15.017-06:00Winter Magic<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ok, so I’m not the most consistent
writer. Life happens. And my audience has enough to read, so it’s not sorely
missed. It’s truth, right? Once in a while though, a little motivation comes my
way and it seems like putting words down on <digital> paper has got to
happen.</digital></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This really hasn’t been much of a
winter, yet. We’ve had some snow, some rain, ice and everything in between.
Each time it’s a little surprise, even if we know it’s coming. It creates this
twinge of excitement thinking about being snowed in with the wood stove going
all day and a pot of chili cooking or snuggled up under just the right blanket
with just the right book. <span></span>It hasn’t
gotten to that point yet. But we eagerly await the magic.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-Tml7MXvL4/VLh9r14gEUI/AAAAAAAABbs/y3he1aKQ_g4/s1600/20150104%2BIce%2Band%2BSnow-2s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-Tml7MXvL4/VLh9r14gEUI/AAAAAAAABbs/y3he1aKQ_g4/s1600/20150104%2BIce%2Band%2BSnow-2s.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">was surprised early one day as we
ventured to the radio station for an early shift. It was precipitating, not
quite snow, not quite rain. As I exited the car, just to the right is a line of
trees, leafless now, but full of berries. Bright red. The colors were so vivid,
so frozen in time. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N6dRVHFnj1A/VLh-0b9EEXI/AAAAAAAABcA/482BFGN2wUc/s1600/20150104%2BIce%2Band%2BSnow-17s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N6dRVHFnj1A/VLh-0b9EEXI/AAAAAAAABcA/482BFGN2wUc/s1600/20150104%2BIce%2Band%2BSnow-17s.jpg" height="420" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And this day, ice covered. Thankfully I had my camera and
quickly set up to take shots of the iced branches and berries. Not as easy as I
thought since the light bounces all over. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bPLp95nrHrA/VLh9hxb27dI/AAAAAAAABa0/lUiAPfWfc1E/s1600/20150104%2BIce%2Band%2BSnow-20s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bPLp95nrHrA/VLh9hxb27dI/AAAAAAAABa0/lUiAPfWfc1E/s1600/20150104%2BIce%2Band%2BSnow-20s.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But there it was, tiny delicate twigs
carefully wrapped with ice, protecting it from what, the cold? It seemed so.
And the berries, still perfectly red and plump, encased in a layer of ice,
clustered together for what, warmth? It seemed so.<span> </span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvA4iuYUSG8/VLh9iB7IKOI/AAAAAAAABa4/-cpATUzB70M/s1600/20150104%2BIce%2Band%2BSnow-21s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvA4iuYUSG8/VLh9iB7IKOI/AAAAAAAABa4/-cpATUzB70M/s1600/20150104%2BIce%2Band%2BSnow-21s.jpg" height="574" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I’ve always loved bare trees and how the branches
are this intricate pattern of lines and angles and are so hidden when the tree
is in full bloom. But this day, those twigs and branches weren’t hidden, in
fact they were magnified under the glaze of ice, each tiny extension exudes
strength under this cold, frozen support. Many would never have been seen if it
weren’t for the magical covering that made each one a work of art in itself. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uPH8Ijmq1XI/VLh9j0OJ1-I/AAAAAAAABbU/5iMVuvM11zk/s1600/20150104%2BIce%2Band%2BSnow-23s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uPH8Ijmq1XI/VLh9j0OJ1-I/AAAAAAAABbU/5iMVuvM11zk/s1600/20150104%2BIce%2Band%2BSnow-23s.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hnh_5fNGi_c/VLh9sYiP4cI/AAAAAAAABbw/0tQdU5pMpgE/s1600/20150104%2BIce%2Band%2BSnow-13s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hnh_5fNGi_c/VLh9sYiP4cI/AAAAAAAABbw/0tQdU5pMpgE/s1600/20150104%2BIce%2Band%2BSnow-13s.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Of
course, there was the occasional icicle hanging from it getting longer as the
day passed. The temptation was to break if off and pretend it was a popsicle.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I hadn’t previously noticed how many
verses in the Bible reference snow. God knows the beauty, the symbolism, the
peacefulness it can give. He created it, he commands it to fall, and he orders
it to become this blanket of beauty that stills the air. </span></span>Today, after my drive home in a
light snowfall, I was reading and happened on this, it took me by surprise, </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">“Have you ever traveled to where
snow is made, seen the vault where hail is stockpiled, The arsenals of hail and
snow that I keep in readiness for times of trouble and battle and war? Can you
find your way to where lightning is launched, or to the place from which the
wind blows? Who do you suppose carves canyons for the downpours of rain, and
charts the route of thunderstorms that bring water to unvisited fields, deserts
no one ever lays eyes on, Drenching the useless wastelands so they’re carpeted
with wildflowers and grass? And who do you think is the father of rain and dew,
the mother of ice and frost? You don’t for a minute imagine these
marvels of weather just happen, do you?” Job 38</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xNNCw4qNJus/VLiKFK-RcNI/AAAAAAAABc4/C1wzt7pYUdc/s1600/DSC_0152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xNNCw4qNJus/VLiKFK-RcNI/AAAAAAAABc4/C1wzt7pYUdc/s1600/DSC_0152.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And this one,</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="line" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“He orders the snow, ‘Blanket the earth!’ and
the rain, ‘Soak the whole countryside!’ No one can escape the weather—it’s there. And no one can escape from God. Wild animals take shelter, crawling into their dens, when blizzards roar out of
the north and freezing rain crusts the land. It’s God’s breath that forms the
ice, it’s God’s breath that turns lakes and rivers solid. And yes, it’s God who
fills clouds with rainwater and hurls lightning from them every which way. He
puts them through their paces—first this way, then that— commands them to do
what he says all over the world. Whether for discipline or grace or extravagant
love, he makes sure they make their mark.” Job 37</span></span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Remember the scene in the Wizard of
Oz where Dorothy and the others were running through a poppy field and they
fell asleep? And what woke them was snow. Gently falling, soft, beautiful snow. Watching it as a child, there was magic in that snow. It represented something very special. I remember years ago having a dinner party and was so intent on preparing part of the meal on a grill. But it kept pouring rain, we thought it would never stop. As I prepped the rest of the food, I noticed that it had quieted down, no more hard rain hitting against the windows. It seemed strangely quiet. Looking out the back door, I saw this sheet of white snow falling from the dark sky. All of a sudden I realized that my plans could go forward. Much easier to grill in the snow than in the rain! Small thing, but it seemed magical to me. I remember all the times watching my children play in the snow, it was magical to them. With this white stuff everywhere, they could roll around in it, pile it up, make snowballs, slide on it, fall in it, throw it at each other, stomp around in it, catch it on their tongue. I loved seeing snowflakes rest on the strands of their hair or around the edges of their hats. And at the end of it all, peeling off the iced clothing, putting on warm pj's and having hot chocolate, that, too seemed magical.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Have you heard snow
fall? It’s pretty amazing. Light, delicate touches.<span> </span>Nothing short of tranquil. And there’s more
magic that happens in the night after a snowfall. If the sky is clear and the moon is full, the
light reflects off of the fresh fallen snow and everything glows, longs shadows are cast on the covered ground. Lights from down the street and across town bounce off the light colored landscape, making the night seem bright. But it's so peaceful.<span> </span>My goal is to capture that in a photo somewhere, sometime. I'm beginning to think that even though it's not really magic, it sure feels like it. And the reality is that it’s simply a gift. Eucharisteo.</span></span></div>
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Debbie Danielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363069897090047516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923855431628844143.post-66111174631457196332014-11-22T07:25:00.000-06:002014-11-22T08:46:52.512-06:00The Thanksgiving Thing<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I’ve made Thanksgiving too much of a thing. You know, the
thing that you pull out of your tradition closet once a year that’s covered in pilgrims,
orange candles and turkey. That thing wrapped around family, fireplaces,
candy corn and pumpkin pie, not to be outdone shortly by red and white candy canes and
peppermint. You make the most of it, for even in the retail stores, it’s truly
short lived. Before the day even happens, all the fall looking decorations are
on sale and Santa’s, lights and stockings are overflowing the bins in the aisle.
Thanksgiving has its moments, but I’ve still made it a thing. A thing I miss, a
thing I resent, a thing I have a hard time looking forward to. Because, it’s
not really a thing, anymore.</div>
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The thing it used to be was weeks of preparation and
anticipation. Recipe folders opened on the table, hours of reminiscing about
last year’s stuffing, marinate for the turkey or which was the absolute best
dessert and can it get any better. Organized lists of everyone’s favorites; who
makes that special dish the best and could they bring it again, is there
something new we can try. What’s Rachel Ray’s doing this year. Check it out.
That’s the thing. It has to be tradition but feel fresh for the new year.</div>
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The thing used to be the table arrangements, place settings
and gifts that graced each plate. Specially chosen tokens of gratitude carefully
wrapped and tagged, hoping to bring a smile, a surprise and a feeling of
thankfulness as we gathered. During the waiting period while the turkey was
carved, there were special table activities. Sometimes it was a task that would
last until Christmas, sometimes, it was just writing down what we were thankful
for this year. One of the things was writing down for the person next to you
what you were grateful for about them. Affirmation, thankfulness, kindness in
that moment was a thing.</div>
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The thing used to be the smell of roasting turkey on the
grill for blocks around the neighborhood. Guests would arrive and know they
were in the right place because of the wafting aroma that was so familiar. This
thing, the roasting turkey, would start early in the morning with the cleaning,
mixing the marinate that would be brushed on every 30 minutes and aluminum
foil, lots of aluminum foil. The basting was timed religiously. For this made
the best turkey ever. And who wouldn’t like to check the degree of browning and
doneness hourly until the magic moment when it was declared ready to eat.
Sizzling sauce in the bottom of the pan would be music to the ears. It was
second away from becoming the center of everyone’s attention.</div>
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This thing, these traditions seem light-years away. What
with everyone logistically separated by thousands of miles and divided into
many different moving pieces, faces and places. My heart misses this thing,
this gathering of inner circle family and/or closest friends. This year, it’s not
a thing. I’m trying to redefine this thing called Thanksgiving. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it easy to do? Absolutely not. And so far I’m
failing. If it’s not all those things, then is the only thing I have to do is
be thankful? Can I do just that thing? It should start there to begin with. And
I’m sure it does, or it did. All the things that I made it to be were just a
creative part of me, from the culinary to the ambiance, to the thankful spirit
that lingers, wanting the traditional to be what was expected. And not
disappointing. Wanting no one to leave thinking that Thanksgiving thing didn’t
happen. No regrets, only memories and thankfulness.</div>
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Remaking, reshaping, rethinking that thing called
Thanksgiving is going to take a while as it’s not everyone’s heart that is
bothered by this question “Can I just be thankful?” Of course you want to think
and believe that it’s possible, but time will tell if I’m strong enough. Strong
enough to let go of the thing I’ve made it, that society has made it and just
be. Thankful. Filled. With. Thanks. It’s an internal fight to defeat all the
feelings that park themselves in the way, along this path. But one year, that
thing, that Thanksgiving thing, just might be another kind of thing. One that
will become a new icon, a replacement for the other thing, or maybe, at least,
it will look and feel like a different thing.<br />
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Now I'm wondering if Christmas is a thing, too.<br />
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Debbie Danielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363069897090047516noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923855431628844143.post-62686046259236190712014-04-16T11:36:00.001-05:002014-04-16T11:36:45.553-05:00The Grace of Giving<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Captivating. </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Radiant. </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Beautiful. <span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Graceful. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Stunning. </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Pretty. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Absolutely
gorgeous. </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Lovely. </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Ravishing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">These
are words that one would use to describe a blushing bride on her wedding day.
Walking down the aisle, everyone who is watching has a thought, a word, or a
gasp of expression for the beauty that is synonymous with a bride in a wedding
dress. There's something about the lace overlay, tiny buttons lined up down the
middle of the back, the white flowing Chiffon, Charmeuse or Satin
fabric, the plunging neckline, cinched in waistline or the trailing
veil. It's a complete package of nothing less than amazing beauty, every
element seemingly necessary to help you feel as special as you are on your day.
Wearing a garment as special as a wedding dress creates a punctuation mark on
the journey to cross over from life alone to life with another person. The walk
through this threshold is brief but meaningful, filled with emotions, it’s definitely
a pivotal moment in your life and every detail matters.</span></div>
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Shopping
for that one dress, though, is the chore of a lifetime. Especially if you do it
with friends or family attached. No offense, but it’s not the easiest thing to
search for something as special as this dress will be, with opinions, voices,
critiques, dare I say judgments all swirling around the bridal shop or the changing
room and eventually working their way into your head. And then there’s the sales
people who are trying to be there for you, but having you try on a dress that
makes you look like you’re wearing an oversized tutu doesn’t help. You know
what I’m talking about! And it takes approximately 20 minutes and four pairs of
hands to help you get one dress off and another dress on. Only to realize that
it doesn’t zip or button in the back but the dear salesperson says, “Don’t
worry, we’ll take your measurements and fit one to your exact size.” That’s
great, but already, my mind has interpreted that as “What do you mean I can’t
wear a size 6, I always do.” Which incidentally, in wedding dress world, your
perfectly normal, everyday size is at least two or more sizes higher. Talk
about playing emotional mind games. It would be enough to have any bride-to-be
break down on the platform in front of the largest three way mirrors you’ve
ever seen.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Regardless
of the stress involved, there’s a day when you say yes, to the dress and
everything falls into place. You get married in front of your friends and
family, have a beautiful and romantic honeymoon, return home to open gifts,
then the dress goes in a box or in storage never to be worn again and life goes
on. But that doesn’t have to be the end of your beautiful dress. Unless you are
just so sentimental and hold on to everything, there are other options for repurposing
that dress that will bless others. Not all of them are as joy-filled as a
wedding day. But they are grace filled and just as beautiful, definitely
pivotal moments and every detail matters. At least to the parents it does. Let
me explain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">For
about a year, I have been on such a journey to repurpose a wedding dress. It
would have been mine if I had absolutely loved it and were in the right frame
of mind when I purchased it. High stress moment, filled with voices that weren’t
my own, I succumbed to purchasing a dress that in the end I didn’t like or
want. I blame the Nazi lady, but we won’t go there right now. So, the
overwhelming guilt of spending money uselessly has haunted me but motivated me
to find another user, wearer, owner for this dress. I contacted many places
that turned it down, placed ads in the various places, with no or at best frivolous
replies. So there it hung in the closet, still in the dress bag. Still waiting
to be passed on. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prayed over this
dress many times that the Spirit would lead me to the next rightful owner,
whoever that person is, wherever they are at that moment. I envisioned
connecting with a future bride who might not be able to afford a dress but
desperately needed one to make her feel special. It would have been my utmost
pleasure to do the right thing and gift her this dress. Just for the joy of
knowing that it changed someone’s life. But that wasn’t the plan the universe
handed me. It gave me one that I wasn’t quite prepared for, but knew
immediately was the reason I hadn’t been able to gift it until now.<br /></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">A
few months ago I ran across a news video from a Facebook page, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/11Alive" target="_blank">11Alive in Atlanta</a>. My friend Julie Wolfe works there and her news team posted a
story about a group called <a href="http://www.rachelsgift.org/index.php" target="_blank">Rachel’s Gift</a>. I was captivated by it, but by the
time it was over, I was crying buckets, went right into the ugly cry, knowing
in my heart that I needed to send them my dress. Rachel’s Gift is a non-profit
organization named after a little baby named Rachel. About 7 weeks before
Rachel was born her parents were in a car accident. They were immediately rushed
to the hospital, but Rachel died 2 hours later and was stillborn the next day. The
grief stricken parents had to prepare to bury their baby rather than bring her
home to the nursery that had been prepared for her. One thing you never want to
think about is how to dress a baby that you’ll never see again. As you can imagine
leaving the hospital in order to find that special outfit must have been
excruciatingly painful, emotional and you would just feel wrecked. Necessary
but difficult. It was out of pain that this group was started so other parents
wouldn’t have to go through the same experience. They have a group of
volunteers who create burial gowns. They make these out of donated wedding
dresses. The soft satin material with tender details of lace is carefully
crafted into clothing, and then donated to hospitals, then given to parents for
their baby. Adorned in these gowns, creating a punctuation mark on their
journey, they cross over their own threshold, however brief, into heaven, safe
and sound, the day filled with emotion, a never-to-be-forgotten pivotal moment
for the family. But every detail matters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">The
group also provides grief counseling for families, a package of keepsakes of
their child, including plaster kits to collect hand and footprints, pictures, a
photo album, and a guide book to help through the process. They are committed
to walking through this experience with parents and want none of them to feel
alone ever. It’s quite a network of resources to help in this special time. Go
to their website, <a href="http://www.rachelsgift.org/index.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.rachelsgift.org/index.php</span></a>,
if you want to know more, donate or volunteer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">I’m
at peace now, knowing my dress that previously had so many negative memories attached
can now have brand new ones. I prayed over the dress one last time as I laid it
carefully in the box for shipping. This time it was different, it was not for
the bride to be, but instead for the tiny little babies who would be wrapped in
the fabric and held by their parents one last final moment. That they would
look beautiful, peaceful, sweet and graceful in every way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prayed for the parents and the comfort they
would need. And for them to find solace in knowing they would soon be reunited.
And if they didn’t know this, someone close to them would muster up the courage
to open their heart, embrace those parents and give them hope and assurance
that their baby is safe, at peace and being cuddled and loved in heaven. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Mission
accomplished. Gift given with grace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Debbie Danielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363069897090047516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923855431628844143.post-91872745810048926962014-04-08T10:42:00.000-05:002014-04-08T10:54:41.834-05:00Photography Session #2<span style="font-size: small;">Inspired from the previous weekend lesson from an amazing Photographer, Amanda Borozinski, Michael and I set out this weekend to find an interesting place to shoot. Looking through our Groupon folder, we happen to have one certificate that was about to expire. It was for two tickets to Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts. Having never been there, we ventured out to see what it was all about. Little did I realize we were going to be taking a step back into the early 1800's. This is a community that was built to resemble a farm community from the 1700-1800's. All of the buildings on the over 250 acres are originals from that era that were moved to this location. It's pretty amazing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">This day started out to be a photo shoot, an exercise in light, leading lines, shutter speeds, rule of thirds, etc. What it turned into was a day to reset, reconnect with Michael and take a look at what life was like many years ago for some. There was a romantic element as we walked into the village and the snow began to fall. In one minute there was a blizzard, driving wind and snow, and in the next, the sun was out and the dark clouds were moving away. Having to snuggle to keep warm, bundle up with scarf, hat and gloves and massage our fingers around hot apple cider, were the making of some sweet moments between us. But a strange thing happened, as I saw the small homes that some lived in, the open fires that heated them, and the way firewood was stored and their belongings were kept in the home, I realized, it's not unlike many in the world today. In fact, people in the early 1800's lived better than many in other war-torn or under-resourced countries. Not a lot has changed....for some</span>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> I'm not going to dwell on this right now, more will be said in future blogs. For now, the focus is on the beauty of the Village and the spirit that moved through once upon a time. Many had walked through those same doors of the buildings and looked out the same exact windows. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Someone held onto the same rail as they climbed up or descended down the stairs. Little feet ran across the wide-wooden plank floors, creaking in much the same way. The black soot on the fireplaces were put there by the many logs burning to keep them warm or cook their food. Evidence of their presence is everywhere</span>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Without a doubt, I was drawn to the windows and doors of many buildings. The contrast in color, the texture of the wood, the milkiness of the glass, were all so appealing, almost artistic. But for them, this was the style of the day</span>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Did the panes of glass in these windows really keep out the cold? Did they let in enough light to work by? Was looking out these windows a happy moment or a sad one? Did they like the color red? Inside this small building was a room with a bed, a table and chairs, a trunk, and a fireplace</span>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The wood homes were surprisingly warm, if not by the heat, then by the sun coming through the windows. Realizing that we were just out of the cold wind was enough to make us feel that we could make it. That we could actually warm up enough to continue on the walk. The light of the sun also created a warm ambient light reflecting off the wood</span>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Part of a small general store had goods stacked neatly on the shelf. Next to the window, there seemed to be a glow that spotlighted these particular products. Again, I was crazy for the lines and softness created by the glass.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Looking for leading lines, I found all of these. Not just on the wood, but on the shadows as well. Very soft corner of a very large room</span>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Loved the color red. Whatever shade it is really, contrasts perfectly with the weathered wood siding the house</span>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'd love to see photographs of those who walked through these doors. Was life hard, interesting, did they laugh?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">If the condition of this door is any indication of the life people led from this time period, it had to be rough. The texture was amazing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Light, color, contrast, were all attractive to me for this photo. This was a game board with well worn pieces.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">As we stood in the doorway of the barn, I could see the snow filling the air and coating the trees. I loved the lines of this fence. What looks like a black and white, was really a play on light and dark. One was in the shadows, one was rolling up the slight hill in the light.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the few moments the wind was still and the sun came out. The reflection of the covered bridge didn't last long, but it's eerily reflective in pond.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">There's nothing that compares to walking in nature, the contemplative moments that occur between the steps you take down the path. Alone, but not lonely. </span>As I'm just steps behind.<br />
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<br />Debbie Danielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363069897090047516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923855431628844143.post-66846472056143012992014-03-06T19:22:00.002-06:002014-03-06T19:22:39.845-06:00Twitter Trackers, Lent and Cadbury EggsThink about this for a minute. Have you ever made the decision that you were going to buy a new/used car, decided on the kind of car, let's say a mint green Fiat, and for the next month or until you actually buy a car, you see nothing but mint green Fiat's on the highway? <br />
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Or how about this, you absolutely love and adore chocolate, but your diet doesn't. So, you decide that for the next month, you were going to avoid anything chocolate, i.e. candy bars, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate shakes, even chocolate croissants. I know, that's the worst. But as soon as you made that decision, everything you see, smell and think about resembles chocolate. All you have to do is see a picture of a chocolate cupcakes and your mouth waters and you can smell them baking in the oven. But the point is your mind is fixated on it until the buzzer goes off on the clock and you're free to eat that chocolate once again.<br />
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I'm convinced that our mind plays tricks on us, thoughtless, heartless tricks, that make us crazy. It's dangles everything we struggle with right in front of our faces, to be taunted over and over again, until you relent, give in or succumb to that thing we try to avoid, do without or give up. We end up obsessing over it, laying awake counting the clicks on the second hand of a clock, in a torturous, sleepless night asking, 'why does time have to go so slowly?' You're not prepared with anything to takes it's place in your mind, and because of the void you are one step away from running through the house screaming, or taking it out on the next unsuspecting victim that crosses your path. And yes, this could even be the family pet, dog or cat, goldfish, it doesn't matter. The point is, that which you decided you did not want or could not have, becomes the object of your most intense focus.<br />
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In some small way, these examples are a part of the main idea for this blog. Something I had been thinking about for a while, and trying to decide about participating. Like these two decisions, have you ever decided to give something up for Lent? All over Facebook right now, I see people declaring what they're willing to give up for Lent, everything from Facebook to electronic devices, to food, you name it. <br />
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On OpenBible.info blog this week and on ChristianityToday.com, they published Steven Smiths stats on what Twitter follower are giving up for Lent, here's a top 21 list, (I had to include the Starbucks) as of Wednesday (it's a live <a href="http://www.openbible.info/labs/lent-tracker/2014" target="_blank">Twitter Lent Tracker</a>):<br />
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<table><tbody>
<tr><th>Rank</th><th>What</th><th>Number of Tweets</th></tr>
<tr><td>1.</td><td>chocolate</td><td>5,477</td></tr>
<tr><td>2.</td><td>twitter</td><td>4,999</td></tr>
<tr><td>3.</td><td>school</td><td>3,754</td></tr>
<tr><td>4.</td><td>alcohol</td><td>3,116</td></tr>
<tr><td>5.</td><td>swearing</td><td>2,833</td></tr>
<tr><td>6.</td><td>social networking</td><td>2,726</td></tr>
<tr><td>7.</td><td>soda</td><td>2,213</td></tr>
<tr><td>8.</td><td>sweets</td><td>2,030</td></tr>
<tr><td>9.</td><td>fast food</td><td>1,782</td></tr>
<tr><td>10.</td><td>junk food</td><td>1,306</td></tr>
<tr><td>11.</td><td>coffee</td><td>1,276</td></tr>
<tr><td>12.</td><td>meat</td><td>1,246</td></tr>
<tr><td>13.</td><td>lent</td><td>1,229</td></tr>
<tr><td>14.</td><td>chips</td><td>1,227</td></tr>
<tr><td>15.</td><td>homework</td><td>1,120</td></tr>
<tr><td>16.</td><td>bread</td><td>1,050</td></tr>
<tr><td>17.</td><td>sex</td><td>1,026</td></tr>
<tr><td>18.</td><td>Facebook</td><td>982</td></tr>
<tr><td>19.</td><td>you</td><td>775</td></tr>
<tr><td>20.</td><td>pizza</td><td>696</td></tr>
<tr><td>21.</td><td>Starbucks</td><td>650</td></tr>
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The top 100 list is even more entertaining. Continuing down the list I see things like smoking, carbs, my phone, fizzy drinks, procrastination, selfies, complaining, sarcasm, negativity, OneDirection, and Tumblr. Quite a list. I always wonder if there's any amount of seriousness in those answers. I wonder what it means when 383 people say they are giving up '<i>life</i>?' It's easy to understand people giving up Dunkin Donuts, exercise, sarcasm or cake, but 119 people said <i>hope</i>, 115 said <i>caring</i>. A bit of sadness rings in those answers.<br />
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Wikipedia states that "The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer through prayer, penance, repentance of sins, almsgiving, atonement, and self-denial." It's a preparation of the heart and mind for the Easter season, for remembering Christ and his suffering and sacrifice. To participate is a choice. To believe it's significance is a choice. That's why making the decision to participate took time. I didn't want to participate to be like everyone else. I didn't want to participate because some church said I have to. I wanted to find meaning for myself and for God to lead my thinking about what and why.<br />
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If this is a season to remember and reflect, then part of the significance needed to be that it would be a constant reminder. I wanted this to be something that was so much a part of my life already that I didn't give it any thought, and that to do without it would be a reminder that in those moments, which I was hoping would be many, I could reflect on the true meaning and purpose of Jesus, my relationship with him and the significance of this season. The choice was made with a bit of hesitation because I didn't want to feel like I was faking it or that people would judge me or think less of me for choosing something that might not be hugely spiritual or not as important as something they might choose. I had to come to grips with my own motivation for my choice. And then make it. <br />
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But I did wrestle with myself whether or not I could do this? Can I go the 40 days without? At times I told myself I couldn't, this would be too hard, what if I started and failed? Then the question became I can't or ... I won't? Thinking about the reason, all I had to do was ask whether Jesus, when making the decision to fast for 40 days or even the daily decision to keep walking towards the cross for us, did he ask himself those same questions? I'm sure he did not wrestle with it the same way I do. How pathetic of me to compare my giving up something to his giving up everything. And of course he never thought for one second that he could not nor would not do it. He was Jesus, he had all power to do anything.<br />
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For my first time ever, choosing to give up something for Lent feels a bit strange, not necessarily in my comfortable space, shrouded in a little fear that I might not get it right. But I'm doing it anyway. I made the decision to give up sugar. A simple 5 letter word, not at all connected to Jesus, not flashy, not one shred of spiritual connotation. Just sugar. The reason is it has become one of those things that in the past had infiltrated my life, built a fortress wall around it and demanded that I pay attention to it. It dared me to make decisions for myself, sent cravings at all the wrong times, and detracted from basic sense of good health. But all the while, it was there, in everything, on everything, subtle, seductive, and delicious. This past year I have been very intentional about removing a number of items from my eating plan, including most sugar, but not all. It's still there, something I think about giving up once in a while, but never commit to in any measureable way. <br />
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So why for Lent? Well, I can already tell you, after two days, it was the perfect thing to do to create an awareness that I'm doing without. Ever cut out sugar from your diet? Just like the two examples at the top, it's all I think about. I catch myself bumping into those moments where before there wasn't a thought or consideration about having sugar. Making tea in the morning, reaching for the sugar spoon and even opening the jar, realize that I made that commitment to give it up. Take that moment to pause and remember why. Looking for a midmorning snack and realizing that many of the things I ate before, while very healthy, contained sugar. Put it back. I made a commitment to give it up. Take a moment to pause and remember why. This goes on each time there's hunger, which happens more often without sugar added to your food. I've noticed that even on Facebook, all I see are recipes for eye appealing desserts which are no doubt made with sugar. No I can't make it now. But I do save the recipe for later. Needless to say, sugar was a good choice for me.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0XaD6gdRos/UxkbmTKTfOI/AAAAAAAABNo/Qk2ARfNv4lw/s1600/DSC_1067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0XaD6gdRos/UxkbmTKTfOI/AAAAAAAABNo/Qk2ARfNv4lw/s1600/DSC_1067.jpg" height="200" width="194" /></a>I have thought during several of those moments how thankful I am that Jesus didn't say "sorry, I can't do this." In my humanness, I've already wanted to quit. But the gentle reminder hits me that I'm just giving up something, he gave up everything, let's build some character and get to the finish line. This is possible, I've done it before. But this time, it's intentional for a completely different reason and I feel the commitment is for more than just my health. At the end of this 40 days (which is actually more than 40 days because technically Lent doesn't include Sundays) I know I will have thought about Jesus at least 500-1000 times, probably more. which is exactly how many times I will have also thought about sugar, something sweet and delicious. Each time is a moment where I connect with Him, thank Him, and I'm reminded of just how much more important that relationship is to me, than sugar. It feels good to reprioritize. </div>
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So don't tempt me with Cadbury Eggs, Easter bunny cinnamon rolls, chocolate bunnies, hot cross buns, or Easter Egg cookies. Unless, of course, it's on Easter.Debbie Danielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363069897090047516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923855431628844143.post-75983657032403410082014-02-14T00:02:00.002-06:002014-04-08T09:54:21.484-05:00True Love - My Gift<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bVOFyw3WXkM/Uv2uErzKmKI/AAAAAAAABKk/dy5emSOYvlM/s1600/00399599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bVOFyw3WXkM/Uv2uErzKmKI/AAAAAAAABKk/dy5emSOYvlM/s1600/00399599.jpg" height="200" width="159" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: small;">There are only a few times in your life that you
truly fall in love. You know, the completely-head-over-heels-smitten with
something or someone, the kind of feelings that keep you dreaming awake at
night, or a visible nervousness or anxiousness, or even a huge urge to throw
up. You know that’s true love when that happens. Your stomach is essentially
one big knot. You bolt out of bed in the morning because this new found love
will hopefully bring opportunities, none of which can be missed. It’s the
kind of feeling that causes you to say ‘my life has changed; things will never
be the same.’ Ever. And when you’re feeling this way, who would ever want it to
be the same?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Take for instance the last time you went shopping
for new shoes or a new pair of jeans. The moment you slipped those shoes on to
your feet, that feeling of complete awe and wonder, could there ever be a more
perfect pair, starts to emerge. It collides with your already over stimulated
temporal lobe and you decide at that moment those shoes are yours to keep, no
matter the cost. Break the bank, go ahead, you’re worth it. Even more so with a
great pair of jeans. When those pieces of beautifully crafted fabric slide perfectly
over those curves you have forever been examining in the mirror each day and
criticizing, you scream inside “OMG they fit,” you know they are the ones. THE
ones that you will wear this day and every day, if you could. Could you give
yourself permission? Would anyone really notice if you did? It’s totally worth
the risk. For these are THE jeans that cause your latent figure to be realized.
To you, and to everyone, in the world. This is love.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CajQ8zUSrdk/Uv2u2y409jI/AAAAAAAABK4/bX7YEebLYd4/s1600/MP900448433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CajQ8zUSrdk/Uv2u2y409jI/AAAAAAAABK4/bX7YEebLYd4/s1600/MP900448433.JPG" height="200" width="138" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: small;">You also know the feeling of love the second you
cradle a newborn, especially your own. If not yours, then someone close to you,
your own child’s newborn, a niece or nephew, a dear friend’s baby. Your heart
grows exponentially at that moment in a way that says everything you’ve loved
up till that point is nothing compared to this. Your arms folded gently around
this little body as if it’s made of delicate porcelain. This tiny creation that
is so perfect, smells perfect, sounds perfect, feels perfect. Love and
perfection are intertwined and wrapped completely around your heart and spirit.
You cry you’re so happy, so filled with joy. It’s overwhelming. Baby eyes
looking back up at yours, as if their eyes are searching into yours, reaching
for a connection on a level you didn’t know you even had, but quickly find.
Life could not reflect love more perfectly if it tried. And you know. This is
love.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Those are amazing kinds of love. And there are many
more that could be written about, love for bright sunny weather, for rain or
snow, for the ocean, forests or mountains. Love for animals, dogs, cats,
horses. Love you feel when you hear a great song, the notes causing you to
float right above reality. Love you feel when you take a walk in the springtime
fresh air. Or the love you feel when you eat a juicy sweet strawberry, dipped
in warm chocolate, sprinkled with flakes of coconut or finely chopped nuts, or
taste something that is so delicious you literally can’t stop eating it because
you don’t want the feeling to end. There’s also love of the friendship kind,
like a best friend you’ve had since grade school, who knows you and loves you
anyway. Who is always next to you when you can’t stand alone, who reassures you
that where you are at any given time is ok, and whose smile or hugs can calm
your worst inner storm. That is love.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: small;">There is another kind of love that you feel when
God places someone in your path so unexpectedly, that when you ask Him a
thousand times is this for real, the only answer you receive is yes. Truly, yes.
It’s almost like the love you think you feel when you’re a young child, as your
eyes begin to notice the girl or boy sitting next to you and that inevitable
crush just happens. But this time, you’re a grown up. And whether you are
looking for it or not, God will surprise you with the most unimaginable love.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9yqbv9As5Hw/Uv2wsg934RI/AAAAAAAABLM/GnxKfC-lYK8/s1600/DSC_0171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9yqbv9As5Hw/Uv2wsg934RI/AAAAAAAABLM/GnxKfC-lYK8/s1600/DSC_0171.JPG" height="200" width="132" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: small;">This happened to me, May, 2006. None of the back
details are important right now, except to say that after feeling alone and
emotionally disconnected for many years, it was like walking into a waterfall
and getting drenched with more love than I thought possible. I knew what love
was when my children were born. With the first, it was truly an awakening. With
the second, it was a complete refresher. Same love all over again. And to this
day, it hasn’t diminished. Never has, never will. But even that love is
different than this. To really understand God’s love is to see it, feel it,
experience it through another human being, one of God’s children, who is also
in love with Him. It wrecks you, it rocks your world, it makes you prove over
and over again to yourself that you are worthy and deserve being loved because this
love is here to stay.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 115%;">This kind of love completely skips the
infatuation kind of love and goes straight to the soul-to-soul kind of love. It’s
as if your spirit connects with another spirit that is filled with love, who
shares it with you unconditionally. There is a sense of peace. The inner
turmoil of loneliness, the strain of miscommunication, and the never ending
effort to make right what isn’t, is just gone. Those layers that created huge
gaps in relationships have dissolved and the true you, the real you can emerge.
Even though this love is on a level you’ve never experienced, the confidence
and realization of the sincerity of it, takes time. Much is inadvertently compared
and contrasted with the past, until you realize you’re not living there anymore.
The past is over; the present, the now is where you learn to be yourself. Being
present, fully present, is easy and the inner conflict that once existed is
gone. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; line-height: 115%;">God’s love, through another individual, takes over your consciousness, your
every action, your conversation, your motivations, your spirit in a very real and
deep way. You only have to accept it, confidently. Embrace it fully. Live it
outrageously. Exchange it freely. Share it unselfishly. Nurture it diligently.
Protect it gently. Appreciate it wholeheartedly. For there is nothing greater.
This is love.</span></span><br />
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Debbie Danielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363069897090047516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923855431628844143.post-43660858488636084122014-02-02T14:00:00.000-06:002014-04-08T09:55:15.904-05:00More Faith/Less FearToday is a good day. Everything about it feels right, feels warm, speaks to my heart in every way possible. I don't know if there's a way to feel more filled up emotionally, spiritually, or physically. And it has nothing to do with the impending Super Bowl. Michael on the other hand, is feeling the same exuberance, and it has everything to do with the Super Bowl.<br />
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At this moment, he's watching all the pre-game commentary, the recaps of the season, his excitement escalating by the second. The start time can't come soon enough. For me, the end time can't come soon enough! It's fun for a while, but I'm not emotionally attached. At all. Walking away for a ten minutes, or an hour, won't make any difference. I do like the commercials, even though it's product hype on steroids. Never makes me want to buy them any more than a regular commercial. And I will admit that I am touched by one of the pre-shows that highlighted five individuals who were winners of tickets to the game, and the challenges they faced in their life, all of whom have overcome amazing struggles. Each ending up winners in the end. But, at the end of this football game, someone will win, someone will lose. Tomorrow morning, life goes back to normal. Some people to go Disney World. At this moment, I'm cooking up a new recipe to try on my totally-distracted-yet-always-available-if-I-insist husband. I'm in my element, he's in his. This is a very manageable balance in our relationship!<br />
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As for the game, you can bet, that both teams go into this game with absolutely no fear. They have to. I'm not talking about the kind that hits the stomach with butterflies or nauseousness right before a speech, a recital or a walk on stage performance. That's expected. Each player has to think, feel and believe they have the advantage and will walk away triumphant. They both go in with as much faith as is necessary to win. They've more than prepared, studied plays, watched films, been on the practice field, encouraged each other, built each other up to the point of fear not being an option. But I imagine there could be a single moment in the game when the advantage clearly shifts to the other team, the dream of winning slips a little farther away, and a rush of fear happens unexpectedly. Will all the training help them in that moment to dig deep and pull out the best of themselves, enough to emerge champions? Part of the training surely deals with the psychological aspect of this larger-than-life game. It has to.<br />
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I heard the phrase more faith/less fear today at church. In fact, those in attendance chanted "more faith, less fear" to each other back and forth across the room, in what resembled the "more taste/less filling" commercial common on football game broadcasts. It felt like a very responsive moment that could have gone on for a while, if the pastor had allowed it. Needless to say, he's a very smart man. The premise was that even though we commit to being "in the zone" with our relationship to God, there will still be bad spots, darkness, imperfections, distractions. But II Corinthians 5:6-8 says (and I paraphrase) to be always fully confident, refocus on believing not in what we see, but what we don't see. More faith. Less fear. Fear is not a product of faith and can't exist in the same space. Even though our goal is to live more by faith, fear will still come. There will be a moment, just like in the game, when reality hits, fear slams into us, and we're faced with moving forward with hope, or being stuck where we are. In those moments, what can we do?<br />
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The first thing is to stop and pray. And by pray I mean have a heart to heart with God, discuss every single feeling or emotion, every thought, every detail about what has brought us to the place of fear once again. I find that in order to share those feelings, I have to know them in myself. I have to search for the words that completely, 100% align with my entire being at that moment. This is what he wants to hear from us. Most times, just doing that will cause me to back away from fear enough that I can see some next steps.<br />
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So, the second thing I would do is just to take one more step. In any direction, it doesn't matter. You just can't stay still, can't let your boots sink farther into the muck. Keep moving. It might only be as simple as getting up in the morning and making the coffee, or taking your clothes out of the dryer, or making that phone call to a friend. Any step will move you one step away from where you were when fear hit.<br />
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Third step, wait. Just wait. You don't have to rush time, or events. You can just be still and wait. But the key to waiting, is trust. You must trust that this God you just shared your intimate feelings with, is really beside you, is really able to bring you through, really loves you and cares deeply about what's going on with you. Because He is, closer than you realize.<br />
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Next, it's crucial that in that moment you wait, you stop and realize that for this moment, and the next moment, and the next, you are ok. You can still breathe, oxygen is flowing all around you. Your heart is still beating, your blood moving through your veins. You are alive. That fear, whatever the cause, can not change these facts in that moment, you are ok. The Spirit living inside you gives you peace beyond understanding. It boggles my mind sometimes how one emotionally charged moment feels crushing, then in the next, the heavy, dark cloud scatters enough for me to breath, to hear my heartbeat, to know I'm still alive. I tell myself "in this moment, I am ok." And that's all I need, for the moment. Sooner than later, my spirit believes it.<br />
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Go through this cycle of praying, taking a step, waiting, trusting God, telling yourself you're ok, as many times as you need to. Rinse. And repeat. I would do it until. Until circumstances change. Until the answer is clear. Until the threat is gone. Until the fear is gone. This will feel like the hardest wrestling match you've ever been through. Over and over. But like the Super Bowl, someone, you, will emerge a champion. Shining through with your faith tested and strengthened will be as exciting as raising that trophy at the end of the game, with glitter raining down all around, your name in lights. Because you win. We win. We win over fear, we win over life's chaos, we win over the darkness. We just win. It's a beautiful thing.<br />
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<br />Debbie Danielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363069897090047516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923855431628844143.post-15885437006869971442014-01-18T13:12:00.001-06:002014-04-08T09:56:18.685-05:00Snow, feng-shui and Jabez.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">It’s
a snowy, blog writing, cozy up by the fire, and hug a bowl of chili kind of
day. You know the kind that makes you want to stay under a blanket and read a
good book or watch a movie, or give your blog a facelift. It seems the busyness
of a page gets to me after a while and a fresh, clean look is necessary. We’ve done
that in our home recently. Rearranged rooms, added decorative features, cleaned
– deep cleaned. And I love how that feels. Everything is feng-shui. Wikipedia
describes it this way, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">philosophical
system of harmonizing the human existence with the surrounding environment</i>.”
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could not agree more. Creating space
that’s habitable, organized, peaceful is so at the core of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s relaxing, comforting and most of all,
allows me to do something besides focus on what needs to be done. On to
projects that have been on the sidebar much too long.<br /><br /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">These
sort of days give me time to think, create, plan. There’s nothing like taking
a long view of the month or year ahead and seeing what could be. Michael and I
have been listening for a theme for the coming months. The kind of theme that
runs through your thoughts, your visions, captures your energy, keeps you up at
night. This year, there are several themes, that sort of build on each other.
For years, we have been praying the Prayer of Jabez, expecting God to do
amazingly huge things in our life. This year is a year of gathering those
blessings we’ve asked for, and for expanding our territory. It’s also a time to
focus beyond ourselves, investing in what is least, and doing so with love
overflowing.<br /><br /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">There
will be plenty of time to elaborate on these as the days go by. Needless to
say, I’m hoping I can capture the richness of our experiences in both writing
and photos. But for now, that blanket on the couch and a hot bowl of chili just
can’t wait. I love snowy days.</span></div>
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Debbie Danielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363069897090047516noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923855431628844143.post-76589422608023872902013-12-31T10:23:00.001-06:002014-04-08T09:59:56.046-05:00Last Day of 2013. Here today...Gone today. <br />
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sunrise of 2013. Whew...so thankful. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2013 and I did not get along as well as
was hoped for. Just like sometimes after a fight we agreed to disagree. Along
with some really fun and happy moments, it was challenging, stressful, at times
depressing, and just downright hard. It easily could have defeated me. Some days I felt strong, resilient, tough enough to handle what came across the path, the desk, emails or phone. Then there were days when all I wanted to do was crawl back under a blanket, pull it up over my head and tell the day I wasn't having any of it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As always, there are a few takeaways from this year. In no particular order, here's what I've observed:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Health is important. Gah! Really? For a large portion of this year, I was dealing with an undiagnosed problem, even after 5 doctors. One very smart Doctor did help me uncover an auto-immune issue that is going on and recommended that I go on a specific eating plan. She said it would help relieve the inflammation in my system and maybe I would find out what was causing other problems. So I bought the book, </span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-virgin-diet-j-j-virgin/1111526308?ean=9780373892716" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Virgin Diet</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">, (don't go there, lol) and read it through in about one sitting. It was written by a Dr. JJ Virgin. Sure enough, everything that I had been dealing with was caused by food sensitivities. Gluten, corn, soy, dairy, eggs, sugar, and peanuts were all culprits. Some reviews stated that she was just another self-made diet guru marketing her ideas just to make money. But there is truth to the fact that foods cause irritation and inflammation in our system. I did the 21 day test and know for sure. Eliminating those foods calmed my system down, gave me more energy and the symptoms I had been dealing with for a year were gone. I've tried to add some of the foods back, and the problems return. So, it really is unfortunate that many foods now have to be avoided. I said avoided because on occasion, I indulge, then deal with it. What I've noticed is that the symptoms don't last very long, since for the most part, these foods are now off the menu.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><a href="https://www.robbell.com/lovewins/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Love Wins</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">. One of the books Michael and I read together this year was Love Wins, by Rob Bell. I love his rational, though at times unconventional and controversial thinking. My opinion is that if you read his books or watch his videos and walk away offended or threatened by his content, rather than have a really great conversation about it afterwards, you need to grow up. As a Christian, I do have a strong sense of values, morals, truth and the Bible. But I also believe that good healthy conversation is energizing for the soul and the mind, whether it turns into a debate or scholarly dialogue, or not. I love when my thinking is challenged, even though my first reaction in most cases is to defend my ideas. Who wouldn't? But I've learned to listen and be better at understanding others, rather than trying to elevate my ideas as if they were the only ones that mattered. Anyway, this quote (forgive the length) sums up where I think the Love Wins concept shines brightest:</span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><em><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“As we experience this love, there is a temptation at times to become hostile to our earlier understandings, feeling embarrassed that we were so "simple" or "naïve," or "brainwashed" or whatever terms arise when we haven't come to terms with our own story. These past understandings aren't to be denied or dismissed; they're to be embraced. Those experiences belong. Love demands that they belong. That's where we were at that point in our life and God met us there. Those moments were necessary for us to arrive here, at this place at this time, as we are. Love frees us to embrace all of our history, the history in which all things are being made new.”</span></span></em></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></em></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Those moments, all the moments of our past, were necessary for us to arrive here, at this place, at this time, as we are. This statement frees my soul and allows me to give myself permission to take another step, and another, and another away from my past. This year, for some reason, it kept haunting me. And I didn't always end up standing when it was over. But I found that falling down gave me time to rest. I didn't always have to bounce right back up and act like nothing happened. I'm always amazed at how sports figures, whether it's baseball, football, hockey, can get knocked down and the next second they are back on their feet. Real life just isn't like that. I've accepted that getting knocked down is life's way of saying "just sit down and shut up." Not in a bad way, but in a way that means I don't have to do it all, I don't have to feel good about everything, I'm not going to come face to face with trials and not go unscathed.<br /><br />During one particularly difficult episode, I wrote about the space I found myself (and I'm not one to write about dark places):<br /><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>"</em><em>The stress of life has done me in. From the depths I sit there's only to begin again. </em></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As out
of the darkness does emerge, one who's heart has been removed. No pulse, no
life but only stillness in the soul. Just be. For as long as time is short. The
distant future slingshots us into itself hoping we can catch something to hold
onto. For then and now are two places we'd rather not go, the farthest space
that echoes light is calling, giving reason a chance to live."</span></em> <o:p></o:p>
<br /> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I was afraid. And the only realization I could come to was that being is all that mattered and that at our darkest moments, in the middle of our being, God is there. Gentle. Peaceful. Loving. I also realized it's ok to sit with your wounds until they heal. I'm stronger if I do. I learn what can be avoided, how I can respond differently and how I can dig so deep in my heart to areas I never knew existed, to find forgiveness for those who I've allowed to hurt me. Then I forgive myself. Again. I refuse to allow my past to define me, even though others keep doing so. So, I'm thankful that each new day is a new day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There is something greater than ourselves, and we're supposed to learn what that is. This sentence is short, but the journey to that place can take for-ever. Maybe you know what that is already, maybe you're still searching, or maybe you've never heard this before. Lucky you. Sometimes I wonder if it has become my nemesis. Quickly rejecting that thought, I dive into a book called </span><a href="http://moreorlessbook.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">More or Less </span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">by Jeff Shinabarger. Whoa. Eye Opener. Maybe I'm looking too hard or too far for my life's work. It's most likely closer and more real than I've imagined. Just because it won't become the next reality show, doesn't mean it isn't important or worthy or valuable. <em>More or Less</em> is about simplifying, drawing the line at excess and providing for others from what is beyond our needs. Simple. Scary. Life changing</span>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Tomorrow's sunrise will look very much like this one and so will the other 364 days of the year. Sometimes clouds will obstruct the view, but the sun will always do it's thing. Even though I've taken hundreds of photos of the sunset or sunrise, they all seem unique and special. In most of my photos, I can tell you circumstances surrounding the need to take yet another picture of the same old thing. The newness of the day, or the change in circumstances, my surroundings or companionship, always creates a new frame for that same beautiful cosmic show called sunrise or sunset. The earth is here, the sun is there, it's going to always move the same. It's what is between my view of earth and my view of the sunrise that changes, making the day worth getting up for, worth being thankful for.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Music is medicine. Just barely skimming under the last days of 2013, I came across something new, fresh and energy creating. It's called <em><a href="http://www.anewliturgy.com/" target="_blank">The New Liturgy</a></em>. Here's what they say about their collection: "</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>A New Liturgy is our attempt to create holy space wherever we find ourselves. A moveable, sonic sanctuary." </em>From the opening notes, I was captivated. Music has always had an impression on my life. This is no different. In fact, if I allow myself to be in the moment while listening to it, I feel it wash over me like a blanket of warmth, spirit, and love. It blesses. There are plenty of moments in a day or a week where I need to recalibrate. This will help. And I like it so much that I'm willing to give away a set to one unsuspecting reader. Just leave a comment either on the blog or the Facebook post, sharing what your year was like, something you've learned, or what you are looking forward to for 2014. A winner will be chosen at random. Then you, too, can create space in your life, especially if it's crazy, chaotic, running off in a ditch, or filled with stuff you didn't plan, and taking away your last ounce of energy. You will be blessed.<br /><br /><br />Happy New Year. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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Debbie Danielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363069897090047516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923855431628844143.post-87150673955328071902013-12-24T09:57:00.001-06:002015-12-19T16:29:06.404-06:00Where are you Christmas?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm reposting part of a blog and some photos from a previous Christmas. I remember finding songs or videos that were about the holidays and Christmas to count down the days, finding a meaning in them, using a photo to represent something in the song. This was especially nostalgic but equally invigorating as I found familiar clips and brand new ones I'd never seen. This song can still remind me of less joyful times when we were alone on Christmas, through no fault of anyone or anything. It just happened. But in a way, we were glad it did. It gave us time to be attentive to someone other than ourselves and reflect on just what blessings we do have.</div>
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In glossing over this blog again, I suddenly found a new meaning. My photography. I always liked to use it when I write anything, it gives a broader context to the words. I like the sharpness and the colors in this set. At that time I was working hard to find the right look, lighting and composition. While I still like these, and the photos of the stocking hangers with some of our families photos, what is starkly missing is people.</div>
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I'm beginning to feel like photos of things can evoke emotions, but photos of people with emotion touches me more. The way light lands on the face, the way the sunbeams add a halo if from behind the subject, the subtle simple smile on both the lips and the eyes. I would much rather capture this than how light falls on an object. It creates a purpose for the photo, as if thoughts are being projected through the lens to the viewer. The person being photographed really does have a story, really does have dreams and visions of their own. In photographs, that person can clearly articulate those thoughts or leave you curious.</div>
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Sometimes it's not about that at all, it's about capturing tender moments between two people. To me, those are always intense. These two are clearly sisters, who in this moment find contentment in their togetherness. </div>
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In this recent maternity shoot with Ashley and Larry, these photos are some of my favorite, as they are their very first family photos. Clearly there are three people in the photos and you can feel their happiness. Precious. Their little one will be here soon.</div>
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Capturing people, feelings, emotions of all kinds, is such joy to me. That one second in a persons life will never be relived, but can always be remembered. Part of me wants to still feel like I'm making a difference to others. By giving them a gift of those moments. In those photos, they see who they are, I see them as beautiful. </div>
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When I originally posted the blog a couple of years ago, I chose this song because it fit at the time. We were lamenting over what seemed like a Christmas lost since we were alone, no one sitting around the dinner table; all the gifts were shipped in boxes, we saw no ones faces as they were unwrapped; and phone calls to family had been made but that warm touch just wasn't there. But in all that space and time, we met people who were hurting, really hurting and they were wondering what happened to their life. They also had memories of years gone by that were more of a celebration, more festive, more Christmas-y. But things change in everyones life, and even the spirit of Christmas is difficult for them to find in the middle of their struggling just to make it one more day. </div>
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Click on the link below to hear the song. I'm sure it will move you and you can decide if you can find Christmas where you are this year.</div>
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Merry Christmas to you and those you love, with Love.</div>
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<a href="http://youtu.be/GRqjFcP_aw0" target="_blank">Where Are You Christmas? (Jon Schmidt - the Piano Guys and Sarah Schmidt)</a><br />
Sarah Schmidt is a little girl who sings a portion of this song at around 2 minutes 30 seconds. Her voice is so beautiful, I wished she had sang more. Enjoy!<br />
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Where are you Christmas <br />
Why can't I find you <br />
Why have you gone away <br />
Where is the laughter <br />
You used to bring me <br />
Why can't I hear music play <br />
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My world is changing<br />
I'm rearranging<br />
Does that mean Christmas changes too<br />
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Where are you Christmas<br />
Do you remember<br />
The one you used to know<br />
I'm not the same one<br />
See what the time's done<br />
Is that why you have let me go<br />
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Christmas is here<br />
Everywhere, oh<br />
Christmas is here<br />
If you care, oh<br />
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If there is love in your heart and your mind<br />
You will feel like Christmas all the time<br />
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I feel you Christmas<br />
I know I've found you<br />
You never fade away<br />
The joy of Christmas<br />
Stays here inside us<br />
Fills each and every heart with love<br />
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Where are you Christmas<br />
Fills your heart with loveDebbie Danielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363069897090047516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923855431628844143.post-21973385734664051012013-12-20T20:53:00.001-06:002014-04-08T09:57:27.423-05:00Christmas: 5 Days and Counting - Do They Know It's Christmas?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://moreorlessbook.com/" target="_blank"><i>More or Less: Choosing a Lifestyle of Excessive Generosity</i></a>, by Jeff Shinabarger, is a book that I'm currently reading. It's quite appropriate for this season of year, what with giving being the theme and all. In the book, Jeff is challenging the reader to consider the fact that truthfully, we all have enough. Of everything. Food, clothes, shoes, toys, stuff. And if you were to stop and really think about it, having so much stuff can create stress, an organizational challenge, and feelings like we've reached the saturation point. It's easy when it becomes a burden to say that enough is enough. But when you're heading to the mall or your favorite store, or searching for that new pair of shoes, admitting that enough is enough doesn't even come close to being on your radar. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s74O6PbZc6I/UrSR1Pkg01I/AAAAAAAABG0/2SsJGczBFo4/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s74O6PbZc6I/UrSR1Pkg01I/AAAAAAAABG0/2SsJGczBFo4/s320/photo.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">One of the stories Jeff tells in the book is the challenge he had after Christmas one year. In January when the credit card bill came, they didn't have the money to pay off what they spent for gifts. So, they had to come up with a plan. After discussing it, they decided to not buy any food for a month, to use what was already in their kitchen cabinets and pantry. To their surprise, after digging deep into the freezer for weeks and coming up with Lean Cuisine dinners they didn't know they had, or into the cabinets and finding brownie and cake mix, (when you're hungry, food is food) they lasted for 7 weeks without buying anything. Except maybe a gallon of milk. They called it a necessity. So, in his mind, the lesson is, they had 147 excess meals in their home, without even knowing it. I'm guessing we have even more since I tend to stock up when the price is right. But, bottom line, it's excess. It's more than I need right now. And each of us has to decide where that line of excess rests in front of us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The song I chose for today, is called Do They Know it's Christmas? I found it by accident. I had never heard it before. It was written by Bob Geldof, sung by a group of musicians like Bono, Sting, Boy George, and they called their group Band Aid. They wanted to do something to contribute to the solution for hunger in Africa. That was in 1984. The video will be amusing to some, because these guys are so young. Most of them were in their 20's, all successful artists, who were motivated to do good for the people of Africa. The song starts with the reassurance that there's a mission to Christmas, letting in light, banishing shade, spreading joy. Throwing your arms around the world. I love this line. It's such a visual for what God did in sending Jesus to this earth. It was as if He said, I love you this much to give you this gift, let me embrace you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />The song goes on to reflect the pain that many feel around the world and how there's fear in the hearts of people, how the most they'll get for Christmas is more of the same. Same life, same negative environment, same arid, drought stricken land, same heart ache and pain and tears. Their life isn't going to get better. Unless we get involved. The song encourages the listener to pray for them, to think about them during these days, just give a little help to the helpless. In other words, consider our abundance and our excess and be willing to share with those who have nothing and with those whose life has no chance of change. We're not to feel sorry for them, just empathy. Throw our arms around those less fortunate. Throw our arms around the world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then once their needs are met, and people genuinely feel cared for and loved, consider whether or not they know it's Christmas, what does that mean, what's the significance for their life. After all, what would we be wondering about and wishing for as we go to bed at night? Or are you too cold to have thoughts or dreams? Are you too hungry to care, and the only thing you can do is sleep? Or would you lay away and wonder what will happen to your children, who don't have anymore food or clothing or warmth than you do? Our excess has removed us so far from this reality. Unless we come face to face with those in need, we forget there are people, just like us, who have needs. The song has one controversial line, "Well, tonight thank God it's them instead of you." Perhaps we should be just thanking God for what we have, for our excess, and for those in need so we may practice love, kindness and live Christmas every day. Our health makes us capable, our resources make it possible and our desire makes it acceptable to God. He did say that whoever you do goodness and kindness to in this life, it's as if we've done it to Him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you look, there is need closer than Africa. There's hunger, darkness, hopelessness closer than you could ever imagine. Sharing our excess doesn't have to mean packing it in a box and shipping it to a third world country. It may mean discovering right in your own community a place that gives help to those in need and making your contribution local. <a href="http://www.stevesjogren.com/" target="_blank">Steve Sjogren</a> teaches us to notice people, show God's love in practical ways, and he teaches that small things done with great love will change the world. It's not necessary to feed the masses. Just feed one. It's not mandatory to supply all the needs of an under resourced individual. Just provide what God lays on your heart to give. Out of your excess, others can be raised up, lifted up, given hope, happiness and joy for the future. They can feel connectedness and community because you extend a hand. It's not always just about teaching someone to fish so they can provide for themselves for the rest of their life. Sometimes they just need a fish right now. For without it, there might not be any rest of their life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">There's so much depth and meaning to Christmas, but it usually boils down to the same thing, love your neighbor, the poor, the fatherless, the homeless, the widow, the incarcerated, the hurting, the dying, the lonely, the forgotten. As yourself. Wrap your arms around the world. And if not the world, just one. They need to know it's Christmas.</span><br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/DS7bn_gm9o0" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do They Know It's Christmas? </span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's Christmas time, there's no need to be afraid<br /> At Christmas time, we let in light and we banish shade</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy<br /> Throw your arms around the world at Christmas time</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But say a prayer, Pray for the other ones<br /> At Christmas time it's hard, but when you're having fun</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's a world outside your window<br /> And it's a world of dread and fear</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where the only water flowing</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is the bitter sting of tears</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And the Christmas bells that ring there are the clanging chimes of doom</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well tonight thank God it's them instead of you</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmas time<br /> The greatest gift they'll get this year is life</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where nothing ever grows<br /> No rain nor rivers flow</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do they know it's Christmas time at all?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's to you</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Raise a glass for everyone</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spare a thought this yuletide for the deprived<br /> If the table was turned would you survive</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's to them</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Underneath that burning sun</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You ain't gotta feel guilt just selfless<br /> Give a little help to the helpless</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do they know it's Christmastime at all?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feed the world</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let them know it's Christmastime again - </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feed the world</span></div>
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Debbie Danielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363069897090047516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923855431628844143.post-29553014537037821782013-12-12T20:35:00.004-06:002014-04-08T10:00:40.284-05:00Christmas: 14 days and counting - The Simple Birth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In 14 days it will be Christmas. 2013. Today's blog is a little different. It's not about a particular song, although there is a song. One of my favorites actually. It's called The Simple Birth and I first heard it performed by Windham Hill Artists. Right now, I don't need a bunch of Christmas tunes or lyrics. I need simple. Simple music, simple moments, simple thoughts, simple days. Simple everything. <br />
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For some reason, complicated Christmas decorations, gift wrapping, dinners and parties, are too much. Maybe it's because of the busyness of the end of the year, busyness around the holiday itself, busyness of trying to be in the Christmas spirit. There's something beautiful about simplicity that feels right. Simple sounds create a peaceful thread through the air, simple menus make it easy to feel healthy, simple shopping creates a stress free kind of giving. Simple designs on a cake, simple strands of sparkling lights on the tree, simple ornaments with simple memories attached, simple messages on a Christmas card. If I stay with the complicated, everything moves too fast, moments are missed instead of savored, the focus is on something other than right now.<br />
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I heard this quote, and perhaps you have, too, it said that "yesterday is the past, tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why they call it the present." Don't know the author, but it has stuck with me. Today feels like a gift, regardless of whether it's perfect or not. Everything around the holidays doesn't have to be Martha-Stewart-perfect, with every ornament in the exact right place, every piece of tinsel hanging straight, the dinner table set perfectly, every recipe made as if you hired a chef and every gift wrapped with bows and evergreen stems. It's the moments, the seconds, the minutes that are perfect. It's the present that is not to be missed. Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, and whoever is around you at that time. That's what is perfect. It's the remembrance of the meaning of the celebration that is perfect. It is the appreciation and thankfulness for all the blessings we have that is perfect. It's the acceptance of where God has brought us through this year and the resting in what He is doing at this very moment, that is more than perfect. It's hearing a voice on the phone if you can't be with family, it's the sharing of Christmas cards with love, it's the giving of ourselves, our attention to others and our noticing those around us, it's serving others and thinking less about ourselves, it's giving others hope that their present is just as perfect.<br />
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Today, for me, didn't start off perfect. This whole week hasn't been perfect. In fact, even though I challenged myself to blog Christmas songs, I am in serious risk of losing the Christmas spirit myself. I see all that's going on in the world, I hear about families who are burdened and troubled, I know people who are going to be alone and I can't help them. My hyper-sensitivity won't let me rest in the moment and plan for a celebration. But I came home today and Michael had set up a 9ft tree in our family room, had a fire burning in the wood stove, and asked me if we could decorate tomorrow night. I'd all but decided that it wasn't worth it. It wouldn't make a difference, and it just didn't count. But, I succumbed to the idea that I could give a little more of myself and turn it into the festive atmosphere we so love at this time of year. I also heard it's supposed to snow, a lot, on Saturday. I know that some gifts need to be bought, wrapped and shipped. I keep seeing pictures of Christmas cookies and want to bake. So many traditions. So little time. But we do have the present and can think about what to do in this moment. For sure, we will do what we can do. And whatever it is, it will be perfect.<br />
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This is something I put together, with photo memories from last years Christmas with all our children and grandchildren in Lake Geneva, along with some friends and family. This year won't be quite like that, but the memories make it a lot easier and simply perfect.<br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/OXe6F8sqTlk" target="_blank">Christmas Lake Geneva - The Simple Birth</a><br />
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<br />Debbie Danielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363069897090047516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923855431628844143.post-60622664897189780502013-12-10T21:05:00.000-06:002014-04-08T10:06:56.281-05:00Christmas: Day 16 and Counting - Mary Did you Know?Don't bother looking for Day 17. It didn't happen. Well, it did happen, but the blog never happened. It was my goal to do this daily, and it's a worthy goal. However, life and stuff happens. So, extending grace to myself, and moving on to Day 16. :)<br />
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And it did give me an extra day to think and listen to more Christmas music. This song, Mary Did you Know, was written by Mary Lowry in 1984 and Buddy Greene. So many people have performed, recorded or sung this song since then. My absolute favorite was CeeLo Green. Not the most likely person in my mind to even sing it, but the notes just flowed from his voice. But that's not the video linked below. This link is to a version of the song sung by Mark Lowry, with an intro to the song at the beginning. This was his very first time recording it. He wrote the lyrics and Buddy wrote the music. Together they blended so perfectly into this beautiful song, with so much passion about the baby born of Mary, who was the creator of the universe, and now was laying in her arms. <br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/7DbtkzMuP2A" target="_blank">Mary Did you Know? - Mark Lowry</a><br />
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Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?<br />
Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?<br />
Did you know that your Baby Boy has come to make you new?<br />
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.<br />
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Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?<br />
Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand?<br />
Did you know that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?<br />
When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God?<br />
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Mary did you know.. Ooo Ooo Ooo<br />
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The blind will see. <br />
The deaf will hear.<br />
The dead will live again.<br />
The lame will leap.<br />
The dumb will speak<br />
The praises of The Lamb.<br />
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Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?<br />
Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations?<br />
Did you know that your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?<br />
The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am.<br />
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This song is no less than a really great question. Wouldn't you like to ask Mary if she knew what was going on the whole time? She was only 13 or 14 years old, I'm guessing she had no clue. Other than what the angels told her. </div>
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Read how it's described in Luke 1:26 - "<i>In
the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to
the Galilean village of Nazareth to a virgin engaged to be married to a
man descended from David. His name was Joseph, and the virgin’s name,
Mary. Upon entering, Gabriel greeted her: Good morning! You’re beautiful with God’s beauty, Beautiful inside and out! God be with you."</i> The very next verse, <i>"<span class="text Luke-1-29-Luke-1-33" id="en-MSG-10673">She was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind a greeting like that.</span>"</i> Who wouldn't be just a little freaked out at a glowing being walking into your room and telling you were a hottie? I mean, really? Some stranger walks in and starts talking crazy talk. </div>
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<div class="line">
Next verse: <i>"<span class="text Luke-1-29-Luke-1-33" id="en-MSG-10673">But
the angel assured her, “Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a
surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and
call his name Jesus.</span><span class="text Luke-1-29-Luke-1-33">He will be great, </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Luke-1-29-Luke-1-33">be called ‘Son of the Highest.’</span></span> <span class="text Luke-1-29-Luke-1-33">The Lord God will give him </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Luke-1-29-Luke-1-33">the throne of his father David; H</span></span><span class="text Luke-1-29-Luke-1-33">e will rule Jacob’s house forever—</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Luke-1-29-Luke-1-33">no end, ever, to his kingdom.” </span></span></i></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Luke-1-29-Luke-1-33"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="top-1">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Luke-1-29-Luke-1-33">At this point, Mary wasn't yet pregnant. Gabriel was telling her what was going to happen. Do you think in that moment she was thinking this was a good idea, bad idea, a crazy idea? Or was she was turning a peculiar shade of pale and thinking no, oh, no you don't! Her life must have flashed before her in those seconds, at least the life she thought she was going to have before all this. This changed everything. Her reaction, not so typical for a teenager, continuing on in verse 36: "</span></span><i><span class="text Luke-1-36-Luke-1-38">And
did you know that your cousin Elizabeth conceived a son, old as she is?
Everyone called her barren, and here she is six months pregnant!
Nothing, you see, is impossible with God. And Mary said,Yes, I see it all now: </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Luke-1-36-Luke-1-38">I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve.</span></span> <span class="text Luke-1-36-Luke-1-38">Let it be with me </span></i><span class="text Luke-1-36-Luke-1-38"><i><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Luke-1-36-Luke-1-38">just as you say. </span>Then the angel left her."</i> He left. He didn't have to convince her. He didn't have to persuade her. He didn't have to prove anything. To her, it was clear, God called her for a very specific role in this place, at this time. It took another miracle to help her see and believe, but believe she did. </span></div>
<div class="top-1">
<span class="text Luke-1-36-Luke-1-38"><br /></span></div>
<div class="top-1">
<span class="text Luke-1-36-Luke-1-38">The next verses describes how she wasted no time and ran straight to Elizabeth's house to share her news and see her miracle. It tells of Elizabeth's baby deciding at that very moment when Mary walks in to do jumping jacks in her stomach. Up until this time, the baby had not moved. This made Elizabeth absolutely crazy with joy. She started dancing and singing. And she knew Mary was pregnant, calling her the Mother of her Lord. She affirmed Mary's decision to believe, "</span><i><span class="text Luke-1-39-Luke-1-45">Blessed woman, who believed what God said,</span> </i><span class="indent-1"><i><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span></i><span class="text Luke-1-39-Luke-1-45"><i>believed every word would come true!</i>" This must have been so reassuring for Mary, realizing that someone else knew what was going on and she would have her to lean on and share this amazing experience. </span></span></div>
<div class="top-1">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Luke-1-39-Luke-1-45"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="top-1">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Luke-1-39-Luke-1-45">Mary also was quite, can I say giddy, at the thought of being pregnant. She writes: </span></span></div>
<div class="poetry top-1">
<div class="line">
<i><span class="text Luke-1-46-Luke-1-55">"I’m bursting with God-news;</span> <span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Luke-1-46-Luke-1-55">I’m dancing the song of my Savior God.</span></span><br /><span class="text Luke-1-46-Luke-1-55">God took one good look at me, and look what happened—</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-46-Luke-1-55">I’m the most fortunate woman on earth!</span></span><br /><span class="text Luke-1-46-Luke-1-55">What God has done for me will never be forgotten,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-46-Luke-1-55">the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others.</span></span><br /><span class="text Luke-1-46-Luke-1-55">His mercy flows in wave after wave</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-46-Luke-1-55">on those who are in awe before him.</span></span><br /><span class="text Luke-1-46-Luke-1-55">He bared his arm and showed his strength,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-46-Luke-1-55">scattered the bluffing braggarts.</span></span><br /><span class="text Luke-1-46-Luke-1-55">He knocked tyrants off their high horses,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-46-Luke-1-55">pulled victims out of the mud.</span></span><br /><span class="text Luke-1-46-Luke-1-55">The starving poor sat down to a banquet;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-46-Luke-1-55">the callous rich were left out in the cold.</span></span><br /><span class="text Luke-1-46-Luke-1-55">He embraced his chosen child, Israel;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-46-Luke-1-55">he remembered and piled on the mercies, piled them high.</span></span><br /><span class="text Luke-1-46-Luke-1-55">It’s exactly what he promised,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-46-Luke-1-55">beginning with Abraham and right up to now."</span></span></i></div>
</div>
<br />
Not only did Mary get it, she totally got it. She remembered the teaching about the promises God made to His people that a Savior would be born. Anybody and everybody who has watched Charlie Brown Christmas knows this verse that little Linus recited, Isaiah 9:6, "<span class="text Isa-9-7" id="en-KJV-17837"><i>F</i><i>or unto us a child is
born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his
shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty
God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. <sup class="versenum"></sup>Of
the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon
the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish
it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever</i>." The notion of her baby being the Son of God was starting to ring true because of the prophecy she had heard probably most of her life. She knew the same prophecies that we can read in the bible, but for her, it had been passed down through the generations of her family. </span><br />
<span class="text Isa-9-7" id="en-KJV-17837"><br /></span>
<span class="text Isa-9-7" id="en-KJV-17837">The other interesting thing about this story, back in verse 26, she was engaged to Joseph, a man who was a descendant of David. Really he was in the blood line of a King. And Jesus' lineage was also of David. Between David and Jesus was Solomon, David's son. Whose mother was Bathsheba. Don't know if you remember or not, but Bathsheba wasn't David's wife. She was the beautiful woman who was bathing on the rooftop that David lusted after, sent her husband into battle to be killed for and ended up sleeping with her and having a son, Solomon. This is the line that God allowed Jesus to be descended from. God, in his infinite wisdom, can make anything work together for good, if it pleases Him. He always has a bigger plan.</span><br />
<span class="text Isa-9-7" id="en-KJV-17837"><br /></span>
<span class="text Isa-9-7" id="en-KJV-17837">Back to Mary, I also love what she says about God, " </span><i><span class="text Luke-1-46-Luke-1-55">God took one good look at me, and look what happened—</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Luke-1-46-Luke-1-55">I’m the most fortunate woman on earth! </span></span><span class="text Luke-1-46-Luke-1-55">What God has done for me will never be forgotten, </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Luke-1-46-Luke-1-55">the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others." </span></span></i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Luke-1-46-Luke-1-55">This feeling, like you just won the lottery, is one that only God can give. It's not something you can plan for, earn or order up from a menu. This is something that takes you completely by surprise and you know in your heart of hearts that it has to be from God. Only God. Every good and loving gift is from God. Mary knew this. She knew that God's favor was on her, and she gave Him all the credit. And she would forever remember that God did this for her, called her to be special and precious, and blessed with this child. </span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Luke-1-46-Luke-1-55"><br /></span></span>
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Luke-1-46-Luke-1-55">I'm not really sure that she knew the full extent of what would transpire over the next 33 years. Especially the last 3, or even the last 6 months. She must have seen the determination in her sons eyes. Mary would have been no less than a mom and wanted to protect her son, her only son. She saw how Jesus grew into this person who reflected God's love, became completely enamored with him, respected him and trusted him. She could never have imagined how it would all end. Watching. Emotionally wrecked. Helpless. Trying to have faith still. Remembering how it all started with Gabriel telling her she was beautiful, full of God's beauty, both inside and out. It must have felt like a quantum leap to be in that final moment of Jesus' life, he was only a baby, just a minute ago, wasn't he? Can't we stop time? I don't think Mary would have survived if she knew what was planned for his life. She just woke up everyday, doing what she had to do, as his mother. Never thinking the end would come sooner than anyone would ever think.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Luke-1-46-Luke-1-55">Mary was blessed, no doubt about it. She knew Jesus in a way no one else would. His smile, his laugh, his silliness as a kid, how he slept, how he cried, what his favorite meals were, what games he liked to play, the names of his friends, how he worked hard. I love how Mark Lowry described Jesus as a baby, his hands and fingers wrapped around hers were the ones that scooped out the oceans and formed the rivers; his feet were the same ones that had walked on stars and was worshiped by angels; his little lips were the same ones that spoke the world into existence. And she was his mother. No wonder people hold her in high esteem. We would trade places with her in a heartbeat.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Luke-1-46-Luke-1-55">No challenge this time for your or me. Just relish the thought that the little baby figure that you see laying in a manger scene, whether it's on the mantel, out on a lawn, or in a church, had a real purpose for being born. Believe it or not, that purpose was you. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Luke-1-46-Luke-1-55"><br /></span></span>
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<br />Debbie Danielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363069897090047516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923855431628844143.post-77452006495933338382013-12-08T21:11:00.000-06:002014-04-08T10:15:35.965-05:00Christmas: Day 18 and Counting - 2000 Miles Today, listening to Christmas music, I could not have been more surprised. This is one of my absolute favorite Christmas songs. The version we are most familiar with was recorded by Coldplay. Chris Martin plays the piano like no one else and sings even better. I love this version. The surprise...Coldplay didn't write this song. Originally it was written and performed by The Pretenders' Chrissie Hynde in 1983. Now, I was a big fan of this group but never, ever heard this song. Until Coldplay. I feel so musically illiterate! Either way, the song triggers feelings many people experience around Christmas time and many other holidays. It's sad in a way because of the picture it draws of one being away from someone they love. But beautiful in a way because of the snowy winter, Christmas-y feeling that's portrayed.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/Nmx3QC7n6sk" target="_blank">2000 Miles - The Pretenders</a> <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
He's gone,
2000 miles,
Is very far. <br />
The snows falling down. <br />
It's colder day by day. <br />
I miss you. <br />
The children were singing, <br />
He'll be back at Christmas time. <br />
And these frozen and silent nights, <br />
Sometimes in a dream,
You appear. <br />
Outside under the purple sky, <br />
Diamonds in the snow,
Sparkle. <br />
Our hearts were singing, <br />
It felt like Christmas time. <br />
2000 miles is very far through the snow <br />
I'll think of you
Wherever you go. <br />
He's gone,
2000 miles Is very far. <br />
The snows falling down, <br />
It's colder day by day. <br />
I miss you. <br />
I can hear people singing, <br />
It must be Christmas time. <br />
I hear people singing, <br />
It must be Christmas time.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CUbZ_uHZCfs/UqUxCZpOKrI/AAAAAAAABF8/Z-_wtcQPI8g/s1600/00438756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CUbZ_uHZCfs/UqUxCZpOKrI/AAAAAAAABF8/Z-_wtcQPI8g/s200/00438756.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
How many times have you heard statistics about depression increasing drastically around Christmastime? We've all heard them, probably from a nightly news program or read it in a magazine. Then they go into all the reasons why people are more depressed. Possibly over the serious spike in commercialism over the holiday. People are bombarded by advertisements, commercials on TV and even your email blows up with daily specials that scream act now or you'll miss this huge, one-time-only, lowest-prices-this-year-sale. Literally, every day, I get 20-30+ emails with these advertisements. It feels like I'm being invaded, it's definitely an irritation and I dread going to my inbox. So I can see how some people would get depressed. Some might get depressed at having to spend a lot of money on a lot of people. Perhaps they already have stress with their jobs, are limited in their budget, but somehow still want to live up to the idea that gifts are expected. Then, some have expressed that there's the seemingly unavoidable obligation of spending time with family or extended family or friends that you just don't want to be with. But out of obligation you say yes but the end result is depression.<br />
<br />
This season is also a time for questioning and examining yourself. This causes stress and depression. Even though the story of Santa calling the shots on who's naughty or nice, the truth is, at a heart level, people know which is true of themselves. The brutal reality that perhaps this past year hasn't been so great, can cause some to lose hope that next year will be any better. They might feel trapped in the place where they are and have no hope of moving on. It's sad to see people depressed and stuck emotionally.<br />
<br />
Another reason, and I think the biggest one, is the feeling people get when they realize they have no one with whom to celebrate this joyous occasion. Loneliness. People from all walks of life, all income levels, all social strata, all religions and nationalities can be affected by loneliness. The anxiety of the season builds with everyone talking about their plans to be with family or friends for the holidays but some will be with no one. Millions of people share their travel plans, while others have no plans to go anywhere. Separation from those we love and feel connected to can cause great stress, depression and sadness at the thought of not seeing or being with them. I'm beginning to understand what they are going through.<br />
<br />
Being apart from family is just hard. Your hearts are connected, or should be, you're there in spirit, but physically there are too many miles between you. This knowledge that the separation is inevitable can wreck you months, weeks in advance. No matter what your heart wants, there's no guarantee that it will happen. It doesn't matter how you plan, how you organize, how you dream. The truth is there's always room for disappointment. Being alone, or without family close on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, is one of the saddest times. You want to be a part of reading the Christmas story together, exchanging gifts, the fun of opening gifts, hearing the laughs, sharing hot chocolate and marshmallows, smell of cinnamon rolls, surrounded by the scent of pine from the brightly dressed tree in the room. You want to be a part of those family photos and watching the kids play with their new toys for hours. None of these dreams are guaranteed. For some, the best time of Christmas is the day after. Its over, there's no more pressure, you can see life moving in the direction of getting back to normal and the feelings of loneliness change to feelings of relief that you've survived another holiday. After years of experiencing this, it would seem as if you could get used to it, respond more maturely, less emotionally. But this isn't the case. Emotions are timeless. They are as fresh a year from now as they are this very minute.<br />
<br />
If you are struggling with any of these, I found a short list from Psychology Today (<span class="submitted">Published on November 28, 2010 by <a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/experts/ray-williams" title="View Bio">Ray Williams</a> in <a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/wired-success">Wired for Success</a>)</span> that might help you get through the season. It isn't exhaustive by any means, but they are practical and relevant.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>First, if the depression is serious, seek out the help of a qualified mental health professional;</li>
<li>Set personal boundaries regarding the money spent on gifts and the number of social events;</li>
<li>Don't
accept any "perfect" representation of Christmas that the media,
institutions or other people try to make you believe. Lower your
expectations and any attachment to what it should look like; be present and enjoy each moment as best you can;</li>
<li>Become involved in giving in a non-monetary way through charities and worthwhile causes that help less fortunate people;</li>
<li>Be grateful for what you have in your life, rather than focusing on what you don't have;</li>
<li>Avoid excessive rumination about your life; </li>
<li>Take action and do interesting and fun things;</li>
<li>If you are religious, take part in church activities that focus on the bigger meaning of Christmas;</li>
<li>Focus your thoughts on all the good things about Christmas--the opportunity to engage in loving kindness, generosity of spirit, and gratitude for others in your life.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Your challenge (and mine): Be on the lookout for people who might be experiencing these feelings and embrace them into your plans, your celebrations and festivities. If it's you that is separated from family and you are feeling it, make the first move, pick up the phone, write a letter, or send an invitation. Make plans, if not for this Christmas season, then soon after. It will give you something else to focus on besides the sadness you may be experiencing right now.You're not alone, really. I'm sad without family nearby, too. Guess I need to make some calls, write some cards and make some plans. <br />
<br />Debbie Danielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363069897090047516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923855431628844143.post-34964324607554816262013-12-07T20:58:00.000-06:002014-04-08T10:16:30.256-05:00Christmas: Day 19 and Counting - Santa BabyWe finally did it. We took the plunge into the great shopping fest that many are caught up in for Christmas. This afternoon, Michael and I needed to go take care of some errands. Before coming home, we ended up in a shopping plaza with all our favorite stores. We aren't shopaholics, so this was definitely a treat. We started out going in that direction because I wanted to stop at the Mall, purchase some toys and drop them off at the Toys for Tots collection center. It's a big deal around here, radio stations promote this with on-site remote broadcasts, law enforcement come out with the toys they've gathered and the marines are there to help with all the work involved in the collection.<br />
<br />
Because of the traffic flow, we decided to go to Best Buy first since it was on the way, to make a purchase of one thing. About 45 minutes later we were walking out with our one thing. As we came out of the store, we realized how nice the weather seemed and decided to just walk instead of taking the car from store to store. Just down the sidewalk from our first stop was a Kitchen Store. A-maz-ing place, and one I could get lost in. It's one of those places that has everything from glassware, cookware, silverware, specialty food items, food storage containers, knives, etc., etc. Another 45 minutes later, walked out with six things. Two items I have been searching forever for and finally found. It was like I had hit the mother-lode to find them there. Two OGGI Copper mugs to use when making one of our favorite drinks - Moscow Mules. Also amazing. The mugs are exactly what I wanted and an early Christmas gift to myself.<br />
<br />
Then, walking a little further, we ran right into a Trader Joe's. Omg, who would have thought! It was as if the shopping gods were leading us in all the right places. I'm not the only one who loves this store, Michael does as well. It can be an adrenaline rush for sure. The both of us were able to find plenty of great food and drinks to put into our cart. Things we weren't even looking for, but were happy to find. Such as Pear Cinnamon Cider, Veggie Crisps, Turkey Chili and Tea Tree Tingle Body Wash. Plus, a bunch more stuff. We love this place.<br />
<br />
So, after loading everything into the car, we started driving and thought, where are we going now? By the time we hit the highway, we realized we had not made it to the Toys for Tots collection center, nor had we even purchased a toy gift yet. Looking at the time, it was a little too late. We were tired, hungry, needed to get home, had plenty to do tonight and the time was flying by. So to our home we drove. <br />
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I'm sad to say that it was easy to put our giving goal on the back burner. After all, we don't shop much and all these stores were drawing us in. We were caught up in the moving crowds, loving the beautiful weather outside, and just having a great time. Right now, I feel a little sad. Sad that the things I bought for myself had nothing to do with toys, or gifts that I wanted for others. Somehow, I feel a little guilty splurging on myself.<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qU3fq636jT4/UqPYhVZiM_I/AAAAAAAABFs/R1awy7mbBG0/s1600/ScreenHunter_01+Dec.+07+21.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qU3fq636jT4/UqPYhVZiM_I/AAAAAAAABFs/R1awy7mbBG0/s1600/ScreenHunter_01+Dec.+07+21.24.jpg" /></a> As I sit here thinking about the events of the day, I wondered about the campaigns the Marines have yearly and wanted to know a little more about them. Toys for Tots was started in 1947 in Los Angeles, CA by a major in the Marine Corp. That year, 5000 toys were collected. The first being a hand made doll. The next year it was established as a nationwide, Marine Corp sanctioned activity. What I just learned was Walt Disney designed the Toys For Tots train logo. Fast forward to the campaign of 2012, over 16.8 million toys were distributed to 7 million children. I think they are doing something meaningful and significant and have had major support from corporations, charitable foundations, celebrities, and individuals. This year so far in New Hampshire, it has been reported they were about 30,000 toys short of their goal. Thus the big push this weekend for donations. I know it's a big deal. I know I should be giving. Like the Toys for Tots foundation believes " the American public will not let the Toys for Tots fail." But it takes many people making small contributions to fulfill their goals. I'm starting to believe that my gift really will make a difference. It would make a difference to one child who really would not have a gift to unwrap. The Marines make sure that all the requests are filled and that each child has something to be happy for on Christmas. Even with the millions of gifts donated, there are still many who won't receive anything. With this economy, that's not surprising. I get a sense that some of those who benefit the most from these donations, are the parents who want to be generous and giving to their children, but who must make hard decisions to put food on the table and provide a place to live. Gifts and extras come last or not at all. We are a rich nation, no one should go without.<br />
<br />
So, you might be asking, what is the song for today? It's a strange one and rarely fits within a conversation about giving and providing for others. But it is a stark contrast to what some think this holiday is all about. Little do they realize it's not about the expensive, abundance of gifts we want for ourselves. Even though this song has a catchy, sassy, sultry tone, it's just another grown-up Christmas list, with a twist!<br />
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Here's a behind the scenes video recording of Santa Baby by Lina. Click here:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/M4rF_YlEBdM" target="_blank">Santa Baby - Lina</a><br />
<br />
Santa baby slip a sable under the tree for me<br />
I've been an awful good girl <br />
Santa baby so hurry down the chimney tonight<br />
<br />
Santa baby <br />
A '54 convertible too, light blue<br />
Well I'll wait up for you <br />
Dear, Santa baby<br />
So hurry down the chimney tonight. Yeah<br />
<br />
Think of all the fun I've missed<br />
Think of all the boys I haven't kissed<br />
Next year I could be just as good<br />
If you check off my Christmas list<br />
<br />
Santa baby
I want a yacht <br />
And really that's not a lot<br />
I've been an angel all year <br />
Santa baby so hurry down the chimney tonight<br />
<br />
Santa, honey , there's one more thing <br />
I really do need, the deed, to a platinum mine <br />
Santa honey so hurry down the chimney tonight<br />
<br />
Come and trim my Christmas tree<br />
With some decorations bought at Tiffany's<br />
I really do believe in you<br />
Let's see if you believe in me<br />
<br />
Santa baby forgot to mention <br />
One little thing a ring<br />
And I don't mean on the phone <br />
Santa baby so hurry down <br />
The chimney tonight<br />
<br />
<br />
Your challenge (and mine): Get to the Toys R Us (or other toy store), buy a toy or three toys, and drop them off at an official Toys for Tots location. On Christmas morning, when you are just waking up, you can be sure that some little child somewhere will also be waking up with the gift that you choose under their tree. Think of their expression as it's unwrapped. Let that put a smile on your face. If you can't get out, online donations are accepted. This allows them to purchase the needed gifts to fill the gap between what was donated and the unfinished list. Here's a link to the website: <a href="http://www.toysfortots.org/Default.aspx." target="_blank">Toys For Tots Website for Donations.</a><br />
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Semper Fidelis. Always faithful.<br />
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<br />Debbie Danielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363069897090047516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923855431628844143.post-71916190033766502372013-12-06T19:36:00.006-06:002014-04-08T10:19:29.249-05:00Christmas: Day 20 and Counting - Unexpected<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yep. Tis the Season. For decorating the trees, buying gifts, cinnamon spiced latte, mistletoe, twinkling lights, spiked eggnog, ribbon and wrapping paper, Christmas cards, nativity scenes, neighborhood caroling, and TV commercials. Oh, ugh, you might say. And normally I would agree. The only time for a flood of commercials of </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">this magnitude </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">is right before the holidays. Well, then and the Superbowl. So, this might seem a little bit off the mark of this Christmas songs blog, but while looking for videos for songs I wanted to use today, I ran across this series of commercials. This blog is not a promo for the department store, which happens to be in London. So good luck with ordering anything from there and getting it on time. (Psst...I think the deadline is December 10th for international.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">While there are plenty of commercials at any time of the year, these were an unexpected surprise. Even though I didn't exactly know where the store was located or what the products were, I was drawn in by the production of the videos. Most specifically the use of popular songs and wrapping them around a vignette with a little message. The singers have sweet, melodic voices, the song choices were fitting and the stories have some "awwww" factor. Maybe not as powerful as a Budweiser commercial with the Clydesdale's trotting down the lane in the snow, but meaningful non-the-less. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">These campaigns are surely designed to sell products, increase revenue and create awareness. If you can look past all that, there is meaning. So for this blog, still keeping in the theme of Christmas and songs and meaning and relevance, I've added links to these commercials, one for each year since 2008. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I know it's not the usual Christmas carols or Christ-themed songs that we started with. But I do believe that the underlying messages are still valuable. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Try and find the poignant meaning in each one.</span><br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/TmQ74XO_Fx0" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">John Lewis Christmas 2008</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> - Song: From Me to You</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Spoiler alert: In this commercial, the gifts are representative of their future owners and the perfect choice. "If you know the person, you'll find the present."</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="http://youtu.be/DZ7Rz2rmjck" target="_blank">John Lewis Christmas 2009</a></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;"> </span>- Song: Sweet Child of Mine</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Spoiler alert: Probably my favorite one of the series. The children are opening gifts that might be a little beyond their years. "Remember how Christmas used to feel? Give someone that feeling."</span><br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/mpV-xagkTDU" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">John Lewis Christmas 2010</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> - Song: Your Song</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Spoiler alert: This is really sweet. Each scenario, the person is doing something a little extra special. The last one is adorable. "For those who care about showing they care."</span><br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/pSLOnR1s74o" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">John Lewis Christmas 2011</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> - Song: Please, Please, Please</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Spoiler alert: The patience of a child is rewarded by a special moment at the end. He has waited for a long time for just the right time to give. By the lyrics, you might think that he's waiting for a gift for himself. But he surprises you in the end. "For gifts you can't wait to give."</span><br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/0N8axp9nHNU" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">John Lewis Christmas 2012 - The Journey</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> - Song: Power of Love</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Spoiler alert: The dedication, endurance and stamina of this snow-man will astound you. And all in the spirit of love, for his snow-girl. Set in a beautiful snow covered garden and forest. "Give a little more love this Christmas."</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.johnlewis.com/inspiration-and-advice/az-of-christmas/bear-and-hare?tmad=c&tmcampid=50&source=BR8112013Christmas_YT" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">John Lewis Christmas 2013 - The Bear & The Hare</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> - Song: "Somewhere Only We Know"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Spoiler alert: Heartwarming relationship between the forest animals, so much so that they awaken the sleeping bear so he doesn't miss any of the Christmas celebration. It's taken from a beautiful storybook that can be downloaded on iPhone or Android. "Give someone a Christmas they'll never forget."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Your assignment (and mine): Try not to let the commercialism of the season ruin everything! It's easy to get overwhelmed at the task of gift buying. Look for tiny drops of goodness. That will get you through it all and be a reminder of why we do this.</span><br />
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<br />Debbie Danielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363069897090047516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923855431628844143.post-76497663812088017552013-12-05T18:59:00.002-06:002014-04-08T10:20:54.493-05:00Christmas: 21 Days and Counting - Christmas Song<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you've never heard this song, you might think it to be a little unconventional for a Christmas song. But I absolutely love it. The simplicity, the acoustic guitar, the relevant-could-be-today lyrics and story telling piece of it captivates me every time. And Dave Matthews oh so sultry voice also causes me to melt into a trance. All in all, this song, is a true love story. From the part of Mary and Joseph, to Jesus and how He relates to all those around Him; to God, the Father and His Son. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Take a listen: </span><a href="http://youtu.be/vDz__sxKun8" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Christmas Song - Dave Matthews </span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Christmas Song</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She was his girl; he was her boyfriend
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She be his wife; make him her husband
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A surprise on the way, any day, any day
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">One healthy little giggling dribbling baby boy
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The wise men came three made their way
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">To shower him with love
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">While he lay in the hay
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Shower him with love love love
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Love love love
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Love love is all around
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Not very much of his childhood was known
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Kept his mother Mary worried
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Always out on his own
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">He met another Mary for a reasonable fee, less than
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Reputable as known to be
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">His heart was full of love love love
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Love love love
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Love love is all around
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When Jesus Christ was nailed to the his tree
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Said "oh, Daddy-o I can see how it all soon will be
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I came to shed a little light on this darkening scene
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Instead I fear I spill the blood of my children all around"
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The blood of our children all around
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The blood of our children all around
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The blood of our children all around
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So I'm told, So the story goes,
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The people he knew were
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Less than golden hearted
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Gamblers and robbers
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Drinkers and jokers, all soul searchers
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Like you and me
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Rumors insisited that he soon would be
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For his deviations
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Taken into custody by the authorities
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Less informed than he.
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Drinkers and jokers, all soul searchers
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Searching for love love love
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Love love love
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Love love is all around
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Preparations were made
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For his celebration day
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">He said "eat this bread and think of it as me
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Drink this wine and dream it will be
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The blood of our children all around
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The blood of our children all around
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The blood of our children all around
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Father up above, why in all this anger do you fill
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">us up with love
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Fill me love love love
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Love love love
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Love love
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And the blood of our children all around</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It's been mentioned in some editorials that the songwriter, Dave Matthews, was/is not a Christian. In fact, according to one writing, before this song came out, he made the remark that, </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">""if Jesus was alive today, the one thing he wouldn't be is a Christian." Whether Dave is or is not a follower of Christ, he does think deeply about the story of Jesus. He connects at a heart level with the purpose and outcome of Jesus' coming. Part of which was to bring love to the world. Love is the central theme. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Joseph and Mary, boy friend and girlfriend, espoused to each other, I can only imagine were head over heels in love. They would have to be for Joseph to graciously walk through this strange story of Mary's conception, angels appearing in dreams encouraging him to take her as his bride anyway, having to travel the countryside with a pregnant wife. Surely at night when things were quiet, they would hold each other, realizing the turn their life had taken, discussing the situations they would find themselves in and the possible turmoil that might be around the next corner because of the social stigma. Joseph, being the man that he was, would probably take her in his arms, allow her to feel, express and cry at all the emotions that must have been inside. He could see the bigger picture, wanting to comfort, protect and lead his wife through this unexplainable time. At that moment, I wonder if he had any idea who Mary was about to give birth to. Nevertheless, he was comforted enough in his own spirit that all would be ok, the angel had told him so. And, the love was there. The were going to be a family. I love the verse in Luke 2, after Jesus was born, "<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself</em>." She had just been a central figure in the birth of the Savior, receiving confirmation from the shepherds that the angels sang throughout the heavens, because her son was born. I think she new the significance of that moment. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The wise men felt it and wanted to love on Jesus as a baby. As did others who had heard he was the King they were waiting for all those years. Traveling far distances, driven by love, never doubting, they came prepared to shower him with gifts, and they did. The song goes on to talk about Mary and her concerns as a mother over this child Jesus who seemed to have a mind of his own. Mothers who love worry. Plain and simple. About everything. But Jesus was out doing what he came to earth to do, telling the world that God had a plan and it would involve saving all of man. And, to share love. He shared it with everyone, did not hold back, threw no judgment, no expectation, no condemnation on anyone. He only loved. He loved those who were "less than golden hearted," gamblers, jokers, tax collectors, thieves, or prostitutes. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We are the ones who created the labels for these types of people, then added the stigma and perception of what type of people they really were. But Jesus, He saw through those labels and loved them anyway. He saw their heart, he saw into their soul and he reflected to them what they were searching for. It was a precious act then, it's a precious act now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'm not going into the religious overtones of this song. There's plenty of debate about what Dave thinks of the church. And, I know there are many people who would agree. But the bottom line is God loved, Jesus loved. Anything that we know that is related to love, or about love, or feelings of love, are all because of this moment, when God poured love from heaven. The nuances of organized religions will not even be a blip on the radar once the entire world is engulfed in God's love. Religion can distract us, move us farther away or disengage us from a relationship with God and Jesus. But that separation can't last. Love always prevails. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">When my children were of school age, we were still attending the church that didn't allow Christmas. (Still another story for another day.) I remember feeling sad, as they would have to sit out of the school parties, plays, musical performances, art and crafts activities or anything connected with Christmas. At one point, I started a movement at our school which said that the school curriculum couldn't and shouldn't contain items from which my child would have to be excused for religious reasons, i.e., the music program. Indeed, I pushed my beliefs on everyone because I thought it was unfair that they would have to sit out in the hall while others are involved with the Christmas activities. It made me think, why would they be ok with my child sitting in the hallway. I know it must have been awkward for them, maybe embarrassing, and there surely were hurt feelings. For at that young age, they weren't going to fight for their beliefs. Looking back, rightfully so, since it was all false anyway. Once God showed us grace, showed us where we went wrong in our belief system, showed us another way to relate to him, I knew that there was something I had to do to make up for my religion-pushing ways. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Through careful thought, consideration and prayer, I wrote a letter to the principal of the school. I apologized for having upset the system, apologized for keeping others from celebrating such a joyous occasion, apologized for pushing my false beliefs onto the entire school in the name of fairness for my children. I saw him a few days after sending the letter. He said to me, on the verge of tears, "I have never, ever received a letter quite like this. I'm speechless, I don't even know what to say. Thank you for sharing this, it really means a lot." A few months later, the victory was mine again (not necessarily the intended outcome) as I sat listening to all the children in the whole school sing songs, play instruments and recite passages about Christmas, mine among them. I remember tears streaming as I felt so humbled, so thankful and so loved all in that moment. God whispered in my ear that what I had done was a good thing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">To sum it all up, Christmas isn't about religion. It's about Jesus. It's about redemption. It's about relationship. It's about family. It's about friends. It's about serving. It's about sharing. It's about forgiveness. It's about reconciliation. It's about giving. But most of all, it's about love. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Your assignment (and mine): If we've pushed our beliefs on anyone, in a negative way, and caused offense, apologies are in order. Extend a hand of gratitude and love. Find ways to show love to those in your circle of influence, not because of your religion, but because you really do love.</span>Debbie Danielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363069897090047516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923855431628844143.post-637881828203566692013-12-04T10:30:00.000-06:002013-12-04T10:30:03.263-06:00Christmas: 22 Days and Counting - My Grown-Up Christmas List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Let's be real. Who hasn't walked past the Santa in the mall and just for a split second, thought about standing in line, sitting on his lap and sharing our own Christmas wish list? (Yes, that's me in the photo below the last time I actually sat on Santa's lap!)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0X3N3e3M4YU/Up6FEOfTmYI/AAAAAAAABCU/tS2iCndWKEU/s1600/Deb+%2526+Santa2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0X3N3e3M4YU/Up6FEOfTmYI/AAAAAAAABCU/tS2iCndWKEU/s200/Deb+%2526+Santa2.jpg" width="133" /></a> From a child's perspective, Santa is THE guy. He's the ultimate, most recognized gift giver, the most talked about person the day before and after Christmas, and the only one who can get away with wearing a bright red suit with white trim in the middle of the 21st century. He's the epitome of what it means to be jolly. He's the decider of who's good and bad and rewards accordingly. He is most likely the world's largest employer, putting more people to work than anyone on the planet! And somehow gets it all done before December 25th. And the perception is that he will grant your every wish, bring you everything your heart desires, leaving nothing unchecked on your never ending list. Wouldn't that be awesome! </div>
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I mean, think about it, the list we could make: new clothes, shoes, handbags, jewelry, books to read, ipad, ipods, 1000 inch tv, season tickets to our favorite sports teams - all of them, new cars, vacations and airplanes to take us there, a new house, new furniture in every room, hot tub and sauna in the back yard, right next to the in-ground pool, right next to the tennis court, right in the middle of our award winning landscaped yard, etc, etc, etc. The list could go on. But let's say Santa really could give us all this. And he would do so with great pleasure, knowing we would be happy and filled with joy because it was our reward for being nice. Then what? OK, so you have all the stuff. Then what? What will be on your list next year? What will you do with all the stuff you got this year? In 10 years how much stuff will you have accumulated and where will you put all that stuff? Something tells me, it won't be long until you reach the saturation point. Your life just can't absorb anymore stuff. </div>
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I love this song because it transforms the desires of a little child into an adult, but with a twist: My Grown-Up Christmas List.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Do you remember me?</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I sat upon your knee</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I wrote to you with childhood fantasies</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well, I'm all grown-up now</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Can you still help somehow?</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm not a child, but my heart still can dream</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So here's my lifelong wish</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My grown-up Christmas list</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Not for myself, but for a world in need</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">No more lives torn apart</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That wars would never start</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And time would heal all hearts</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Every man would have a friend</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That right would always win</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And love would never end</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is my grown-up Christmas list</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What is this illusion called the innocence of youth?</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Maybe only in that blind belief can we ever find the truth</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">No more lives torn apart</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That wars would never start</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And time would heal our hearts</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Every man would have a friend</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That right would always win</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And love would never end</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is my grown-up Christmas list</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is my only lifelong wish</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is my grown-up Christmas list</span></span></div>
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Somewhere along the path of growing up our innocent wishes turn to fantasies, turn to dreams, and then they turn to prayers. Wishes are usually something desired or longed for that we want others to fulfill. Fantasies are playful thoughts in our mind, produced entirely by our imagination and we really don't care if they come true or not. A dream is a strongly desired goal or purpose, usually within our control if we embrace them tight enough to protect them and allow them to evolve into whatever we imagine. But a prayer is a communication with God through either writing, speaking, or meditating, with our most heartfelt, passionate requests about what we feel our life, or the life of others, needs at that moment. Somehow, just knowing that our request are landing on God's heart, what was once a wish, fantasy, or dream, becomes this holy communion with God. </div>
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There's nothing you can ask for, share with or discuss with God that He doesn't already know. And still He wants it to come from you. Psalm 37:4 says "delight yourself also in the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span>, And He shall give you the desires of your heart." And John 15:7, (The Message), "<span class="text John-15-5-John-15-8" id="en-MSG-11473">if you make
yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be
sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon." It sounds reasonable then, to be careful what you wish for, doesn't it? </span></div>
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<span class="text John-15-5-John-15-8" id="en-MSG-11473">I like the one verse in the song where the requests turn from the stuff that we could ask for, to asking for what would make life and everything around us much more peaceful. It seems to idealistic at face value. But with all that's going on in the world, just listening to a summary of today's top news, our wish list can easily morph into a prayer list, because the way things are going, it just isn't sustainable. The stories of broken hearts and lives everywhere we turn, the threat of endless fighting among nations, the homeless, poor and children without parents who are often ignored, is enough to make anyone want for something better. For all of us.</span></div>
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<span class="text John-15-5-John-15-8" id="en-MSG-11473">Your assignment (and mine): to come up with a grown-up Christmas list. Trying to move past the stuff and really search for something meaningful to wish for yourself and others.</span></div>
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Our Canadian friend with his version of My Grown Up Christmas List: Nicholas Cunha</div>
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<a href="http://youtu.be/tWFqfaMM2Mw" target="_blank">My Grown Up Christmas List</a></div>
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Debbie Danielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363069897090047516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923855431628844143.post-242916060186171272013-12-03T13:01:00.001-06:002014-04-08T10:12:40.813-05:00Christmas: 23 Days and Counting - Giving (Love it and Hate it) and the Little Drummer Boy<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Song first. One of my absolute favorite versions. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://youtu.be/3lasUhPa07w" target="_blank">Little Drummer Boy - by Jars of Clay</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Come, they told me, pa rum pa pum pum<br /> A newborn King to see, pa rum pa pum pum<br /> Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pa pum pum<br /> To lay before the King, pa rum pa pum pum, <br /> Rum pa pum pum, rum pa pum pum<br /> So to honor Him, pa rum pa pum pum<br /> When we come<br /><br /> Little baby, pa rum pa pum pum<br /> I am a poor boy too, pa rum pa pum pum<br /> I have no gift to bring, pa rum pa pum pum<br /> That's fit to give our King, pa rum pa pum pum, <br /> Rum pa pum pum, rum pa pum pum<br /> Shall I play for You, pa rum pa pum pum<br /> On my drum<br /> On my drum<br /> I play my drum for Him<br /> So to honor Him<br /><br /> Mary nodded, pa rum pa pum pum<br /> The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pa pum pum<br /> I played my drum for Him, pa rum pa pum pum<br /> I played my best for Him, pa rum pa pum pum, <br /> Rum pa pum pum, rum pa pum pum<br /> Then He smiled at me, pa rum pa pum pum<br /> Me and my drum<br /> When we come<br /> Me and my drum </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This blog is hard to start. Where to begin is the problem. I wanted to start with telling about how, as a child, my family celebrated Christmas. One memory was when I was 4 years old, I so wanted a wedding dress. Didn't get it. Another time, I remember taking gifts to all my cousins. My parents must have gone broke that year. I have a lot of cousins. Then I browsed deeper through memories and found the one moment when my dad told us we weren't celebrating Christmas anymore. (Another story for another time, but it had to do with becoming involved with a church that talked smack about Christmas every chance it had.) I remember crying quietly inside. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Then I thought about starting it with retelling the time, in 1995, when my immediate family started celebrating Christmas. My children were 14 and 11. They had not celebrated Christmas ever. Sorting through those memories I found a mixed bag of emotions and scenarios. Like trying to get past the guilt associated with doing something I hadn't been "allowed" to do for most of my life. Justifying how much was appropriate given that it was a new experience for our family, and maybe, if it turned out we were wrong, maybe we could get away with doing a few things and no one would notice. Or the scenario that is firmly impressed on my heart, of my son creating his version of Christmas that consisted of sneaking things already belonging to us and wrapping them in newspaper to give each of us. And using a Norfolk Pine from the living room, sliding it into his bedroom, decorating it with tiny little string lights and tinsel. Then he drew a little fireplace for stockings because we didn't have one. After arranging all this, he called us into his room, opened the door with a smile on his face that said, "Merry Christmas, Mom, Dad, Sara....I got this." I still tear up thinking about the sincerity and just how sacred that </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">moment really was and how much I should have realized it then.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Then there was the stories of the many gifts we showered on them, trying to make up for lost time. Buying, hiding, wrapping presents was just so much fun. The anticipation of how they would react to each gift, with the crescendo of the night being the big one, the one they really looked forward to receiving. Not to mention the decorating of the tree while dancing around the living room, each of us in matching holiday pajamas, with "Rockin Around the Christmas Tree" music echoing through the house. All that fun for one moment, one hour of time when all wrapped gifts would seemingly explode and the floor, chairs and tables would be covered with colorful debris and lots of tissue paper, ribbons and Styrofoam popcorn. Cheers of "YES!" with hands flying in the air put smiles on my face at a shopping job well done.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But sometimes those happy, wish-we-could-repeat-every-time gift moments are shattered with memories of gifts bought, wrapped, given, only to be met with disappointment, regret, and despair. I made this mistake once and will never do it again. Enter a well-meaning Mom. Always listened to her children, most especially listening for what might make their life easier. Not always the best strategy however. After hearing my daughter mention several times that the little apartment she lived in never seemed to stay clean and the cat was always making a mess on the floor, it wasn't long after that I saw a commercial for a Roomba. What a cool deal. Put it on before you leave, it's done when you get back. Wow. Seemed like a most logical solution. Fast forward to Christmas. Opening gifts, excitement is high, then the realization of what was behind that pretty wrapping paper became all too apparent, and in an instant my heart sank right along with hers. Great idea. Very bad execution. NOT a Christmas gift. Of course, we made good on it by substituting a really nice Nikon camera. But it barely made up for the lost memory of a Christmas time when all seemed right. I robbed my child of the feeling of being loved enough to give a gift that says so. I robbed my daughter of knowing how much she was valued. Instead, I gave her a vacuum cleaner. Worst Mom e-v-e-r. The words 'vacuum' and 'cleaner' are not in the love language vocabulary. I still, to this day, want to apologize profusely. She deserved so much more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I know and believe in my heart that God gave me a gift of giving. Part of the learning curve with this gift is knowing when, how, what and to whom should I give. This is not easy to get. I agree it should be, but mistakes are made so often. But I do know this. My heart is always in the right place. Just like this song, we bring our best. Not THE best, but our best. Did my heart mean to insult my daughter. No. Did my heart want for her what might have been good for her? Of course. This little drummer boy gave a gift that came from within, it was his talent, his sincerity, his humility that was so precious. He didn't apologize, feel ashamed, he just did his best. He wasn't competing for best drummer of the year, best musician of the year or going for some award. He was wanting to make a baby smile, his parents smile, everyone around him smile. He was hoping to connect with the young infant King and share a part of his heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">That's why the title of this blog is Giving - love it and hate it. I love to give and receive. Who doesn't? But I hate the negativity that gets attached to mistakes we make in doing either. It's like all the good, happy, can't-believe-you-got-me-this moments are forgotten. Maybe it's just me, but the flurry of emotions attached to both giving and receiving can make you dizzy, sad and can ruin it all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">From here on out, my plan is to always continue to give from my heart. Whatever it is. If you receive a gift from me, know that it was thought out, well planned, meaningful, special and given in the spirit of love. Will you always be happy with what I choose? That's up to you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Your assignment (and mine): When selecting a gift for someone special, come as close as you can to connecting with the heart. Don't buy it because of the price (or not buy it because of the price). Don't give it because you would like one. Don't worry so much about whether it's right or wrong. It's not a moral issue. When it's all wrapped and the tags attached, give it as if it is your best to give. </span><br />
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<br />Debbie Danielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363069897090047516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923855431628844143.post-24436928074316472152013-12-02T12:45:00.002-06:002014-04-08T10:14:21.297-05:00Christmas: 24 Days and Counting - Love Came Down at Christmas<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There are some songs at this time of year that just haunt me. No matter how many other songs I hear, sing or dream of, this one just won't quit. Something about the melody that plays over and over in my head, not so much like a broken record, because I really like it. The song is Love Came Down at Christmas, by Jars of Clay:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Love came down at Christmas<br /> Love, a lovely love divine<br /> Love was born at Christmas<br /> Stars and angels gave the sign<br /><br /> Love will be our token<br /> Love be yours, and love be mine<br /> Love from God to all of us<br /> Love for plea and gift a sign<br /><br /> Love for the 10 commandments<br /> Love for the 9 that dress so fine<br /> Love for the 8 that stood at the gate<br /> Love for the 7 who went up to Heaven<br /> Love for the 6 that never got fixed<br /> Love for the 5 that stayed alive<br /> Love for the 4 that stood at the door<br /> Love for the Hebrew children<br /> Love from the little babe, baby</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I have a suspicion the reason I'm drawn to it might be the message nested inside these verses. But in a strange twist, my brain goes to this question. If God sent Jesus to show us His love and all of what that was all about, then how did God show love to the world before this time? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Some people might say the God in the Old Testament wasn't so loving when you consider all the rules, judgments, punishments, using armies to kill people, or sending a flood to destroy mankind. Doesn't sound like any kind of love that we recognize. Examples and stories tell of God connecting with humans by a pillar of fire, a loud voice or a burning bush. No man could ever see God or any part of Him and live. In fact, touching something that He deemed sacred could get you killed! (as in the story of those touching the Ark of the Covenant. Yes, the very one that Indiana Jones searched for! LOL) God surely doesn't seem all warm and fuzzy or cuddle-up-in-my-lap kind of God, for that matter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">But if we zoom out, we see that God showed love to man in a number of ways. One He created man. Duh! Even an artist loves their own creations, so can you imagine creating a human? And for what purpose? Many biblical scholars and teachers would agree, God wanted companionship. So, He created humans. Then, second, He created this ginormous place for them to live. A little overkill for just a couple of humans, right? But he had a bigger plan, telling them to be fruitful and multiply, and having provided every single thing they could ever need to sustain life. Well, we know how that turned out, with them being thrown out of there spacious, plush surroundings because of some really bad choices, then their children killing each other, then the whole world escalated to being a really evil place. Humans just didn't get it. Something was missing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">During the time of the flood, God did a loving thing by destroying all the evil and saving the righteous on a boat. He saved the Israelites, His chosen people, by destroying the evil armies and releasing them from slavery. He guided them into an amazing place to reside as He promised. That sounds like a loving God doesn't it, sort of? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">All along, He had promised a way out. He knew from the beginning that a way would have to be provided for these humans to be back in His companionship. You see, everyone was now separated from Him by this bad thing called sin. God hates that. (Now I know where I get it. Separation anxiety is definitely something I struggle with!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Anyway, enter Jesus onto the scene. He was God in the flesh, a human, on earth walking around, within arms length to give you a hug or a pat on the back, or gaze adoringly into your eyes to let you know that He deeply loved and cared for you. This was God? Yes, Emmanuel, or as the name means "God with us." Wow, some difference. So, did God know that what was missing for humans to understand His love, was that human touch and close proximity, and that it was absolutely necessary to get that message across? Did He realize the value of sitting across the table at a meal, working alongside someone, laughing, crying, sharing life together enough to send His son to do that? He sent Jesus with a message that all would be well with the earth, that one day there would be no more tears, no sadness, no evil. Only love. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">With Him, He sent the message that forgiveness and grace were the ultimate gifts He wanted to give us. He sent Jesus to save us. To rescue us. God threw us a life-preserver, with a promise that for the rest of time, and beyond, we would be in His company and in relationship. That all sounds like love to me. And it was meant for anyone and everyone. God wants that no one perish. John 10 says: </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span class="text John-10-28" id="en-NIV-26510"><span class="woj">I give them eternal life,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26510AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></sup> and they shall never perish;<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26510AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></sup> no one will snatch them out of my hand.</span></span><span class="text John-10-29" id="en-NIV-26511"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>My Father, who has given them to me,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26511AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)"></sup> is greater than all;<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26511AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)"></sup> no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. </span></span><span class="text John-10-30" id="en-NIV-26512"><span class="woj">I and the Father are one.” </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span class="text John-10-30"><span class="woj">So, at Christmastime, it's no wonder that Jesus was born, started out as a baby. Who isn't immediately endeared to babies? The love can hardly be contained. It just grew from there. But this baby was no ordinary baby. He was born, with a mission to save the world. He embodied the love of God and lathered the earth with enough of that love to save it. So love did come down from heaven, in the only way it could, through this person named Jesus, who was God. Wow. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span class="text John-10-30"><span class="woj">Your assignment (and mine): during this season, find the love, and in whatever shape or form it presents itself, remember where it came from. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span class="text John-10-30"><span class="woj">If you haven't heard the song, here's the official video: </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/zIr5th0d44Y" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Love Came Down at Christmas - Jars of Clay Video</span></a>Debbie Danielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363069897090047516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923855431628844143.post-60616175454311610972013-12-01T17:39:00.000-06:002014-04-08T10:22:16.364-05:00Christmas: 25 days and counting - What About Joy?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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This morning at church, the band launched into worship with a familiar song, Joy to the World. Great song to start the service, the message series and an unexpected assignment:<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Joy to the world! The Lord is come.
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Let earth receive her King
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Let every heart
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Prepare Him room
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>And Heaven and angels sing
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>And Heaven and angels sing
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>And Heaven and Heaven and angels sing
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Joy to the world, the Savior reigns
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Let men their songs employ
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>While fields and floods
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Rocks, hills and plains
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Repeat the sounding joy
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Repeat the sounding joy
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Repeat, Repeat, the sounding joy
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Joy to the world with truth and grace
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>And makes the nations prove
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The glories of His righteousness
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>And wonders of His love
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>And wonders of His love
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>And wonders and wonders of His love
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>He rules the world with truth and grace,
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>And to the nations proof
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The glories of His righteousness,
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>And wonders of His love;
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>And wonders of His love;
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>And wonders, wonders of His love.
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During the song, I sensed that for many in today's world, the words to holiday songs like this one are sung with passive familiarity. After Thanksgiving, it's heard at the mall, the grocery store, on the radio, in commercials on TV or at your child's school program. It's playing non-stop in the book store, the Walmart, the card shops, the open-all-year-Christmas store. It's what you hear driving past the town square. Sometimes you sing along, sometimes it's just background music. Lyrics blend in with the seasonal chaos at every turn.<br />
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Today, listening to this song, with it's very upbeat tempo and amazing guitar riffs, it hit me that this gift God gave to the world was, in plain language, joy and love. Who wouldn't want that? Who wouldn't chose that for their loved ones, their friends, their coworkers, their neighbors? Hearing the news of some sad, sad things that happened today, made me realize that this precious existence we call life, with all the heart-stopping breaking news, with all the turmoil in so many peoples lives, we could use a lot more joy and a lot more love. Sounds contrite, but really, all the negative things we hear in the news, people killing each other, drunk drivers causing car crashes taking young lives, individuals stealing from others, how much love is that? How much joy is in that persons heart? I'm guessing, none. At least none that is recognizable.<br />
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It's hard to hear songs about joy, peace and love and reside in this world without a great deal of cognitive dissonance. Our brains just can't wrap our thoughts around what it all means. And if God did send us peace, joy and love, where is it? Some are in tremendous pain, suffering, depression, anxiety. Some feel there are too many layers away from feeling the love to make it worth the effort. Holidays can be the time this is magnified by a thousand, people feel the helplessness and loneliness.<br />
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Still, it is what our heart longs for, our spirit longs to connect to. Romans 8:18-21 (the Message) says, <i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"That’s why I don’t think there’s any comparison between the present hard
times and the coming good times. The created world itself can hardly
wait for what’s coming next. Everything in creation is being more or
less held back. God reins it in until both creation and all the
creatures are ready and can be released at the same moment into the
glorious times ahead. Meanwhile, the </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">joyful anticipation deepens."</span> </i>Whether we see joy, love and peace in this life, it is promised that it is coming, in all it's fullness, whether creation likes it or not.<br />
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Jesus' words in John 15:9-13 are some of the most tender, but most disregarded words. He says,<span class="text John-15-9"><i><span class="woj">“As the Father loved Me, <b>I also have loved you</b>; abide in My love.</span> </i></span><i><span class="text John-15-10" id="en-NKJV-26710"><span class="woj">If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.</span></span></i><i><span class="text John-15-11" id="en-NKJV-26711"><span class="woj"><b>These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your </b><b>joy may be full</b>.</span>"</span><span class="text John-15-12" id="en-NKJV-26712"><span class="woj"> </span></span></i><span class="text John-15-12" id="en-NKJV-26712"><span class="woj">His desire is that we know, feel, and believe we are loved. He is perfectly comfortable existing in God the fathers love and in turn, passionately wants us to be just as comfortable in knowing that He loves us. Think about how much different life is when we know we are known, loved, accepted, celebrated. </span></span><br />
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<span class="text John-15-12" id="en-NKJV-26712"><span class="woj">With those in our circles giving us this gift, our hearts are full and overflowing with joy. Life seems a little more secure, little more manageable, and a lot more sacred. Undoubtedly, there are some in our circles who aren't feeling this joy, or love. And you probably know who they are. If Jesus were here today, I can only imagine that it would be to those he would turn his full attention. The next kind word, the next hug, the next meal served would be to those who are feeling less than, who have no hope for the next minute, or the next hour. In Psalm 30:5,</span></span> "Weeping may endure for a night, But <b>joy</b> <i><b>comes</b></i> <b>in</b> <b>the</b> <b>morning</b>." This is a promise that life as we see it now, is just for now, but not forever. That is joy worth hoping for, worth seeing around the corner or just over the hill for, or telling our neighbors to hold on for. These days of sadness do pass. It's not where we stay for long. Just knowing that can be the difference between today and tomorrow.<br />
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My assignment when I heard the Joy to the World song this morning? First of all, to really ponder the meaning of those words "Joy.To.The.World." Joy. Just a quick Google search for definitions gives depth to this small three letter word: 1) the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires, 2) Intense and especially ecstatic or exultant happiness, 3) To be filled with ecstatic happiness, pleasure, or satisfaction, 4) a very glad feeling. Wow. Can you imagine all of heaven singing and shouting because the Creator wants the whole earth to be happy? The second part of the assignment is to consider all the Christmas songs and to write about them and share. I'm a little nervous, because some might think I'm being preachy, or my writing is boring. That's ok. As this month goes by, I know I'll be more comfortable in the writing piece, and more comfortable in the sharing piece. For now, I'm going to relish in the thought of unmitigated joy, the whole earth embracing the feeling at the same time, pushing out all the negative, all the hate, all the violence, all the bad stuff. And really being happy. Not the happiness you see in movies, or read about others having. But the happiness that each and every person feels deeply in their heart, the close-your-eyes-and-feel-the-love kind of happiness. It really is the wonder of His love.<br />
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Your assignment (and mine): think of one person in your sphere of influence who might not be feeling joy or love, and consider how you could give that gift to them in some small way. <br />
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Enjoy this Joy in the world moment with Chris Tomlin:<br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/yL3zFxWV2OU" target="_blank">Joy to the World - Chris Tomlin</a><br />
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<span class="text John-15-12" id="en-NKJV-26712"><span class="woj"> </span></span> <br />
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<br />Debbie Danielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363069897090047516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923855431628844143.post-23352741436684928442013-11-29T19:57:00.002-06:002014-04-08T10:03:07.606-05:00Thanksgiving 2013 - More than just blessings.<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thankful for day breaks, warm tea and slippers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Thankful for heartaches, wrestling for answers and tissues</span>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Thankful for forgiveness, grace, and second, third, fourth chances</span>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;">Thankful for every minute and hour and day, and memories that can't be shaken</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thankful for family, connections, loving, caring and sharing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thankful for a heart that sees beauty, feels deeply and gets wrecked easily.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thankful for music, notes and lyrics, captivating worship, ear buds and Soundhound.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thankful for cuddly puppies, chew toys, laps around the yard and dog crates.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thankful for appetite, feeling hungry, healthy food and recipes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thankful for warmth on a cold fall/winter day, flicker of flames, blankets and gloves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thankful for jobs, resources, and tasks constantly moving and changing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thankful for trails and hiking, tents and camping, walking and running, and new gear.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thankful for travels, experiences, cultural places, adventures.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thankful for quiet, solitude, peacefulness, reflection, my own thoughts, still small voice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I am Thankful for days like this, with old traditions, new traditions, and time for reflections on all things good.</span></div>
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<br />Debbie Danielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363069897090047516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923855431628844143.post-61607346760420410842012-10-25T16:51:00.000-05:002012-10-25T16:51:02.899-05:00To the Best Dog Ever...<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's never expected. You think they'll live forever. They are loved and adored, given kibbles, treats and nourishment from special dishes made just for them, groomed at least once in their life whether they like it or not, pampered like there's no tomorrow, treated as one of the family, allowed to sleep on the bed simply because of their cuteness, given permission to claim one part of the couch as their own and nobody better sit there, and easily forgiven for any mistakes they make. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KmcoWBP9tWE/UImuoYGBHeI/AAAAAAAAAws/4qXQJS4yZDs/s1600/P7190011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KmcoWBP9tWE/UImuoYGBHeI/AAAAAAAAAws/4qXQJS4yZDs/s320/P7190011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First night at home.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">They are adopted when they are puppies, endearing us to them in a moments notice. Their puppy-down-fur so soft that if you give them a bath it puffs up like a cotton ball. Using shampoo with a fragrance that resembles baby powder, they can, for a few hours, carry that sweet smell that reminds you of a baby. You just want to plant your nose in the middle of it and take a deep breath. Kinda weird, but you'll know what I mean if you've ever done this.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JhSmuc5BM8g/UImvhE3cINI/AAAAAAAAAxE/oepC17xohm0/s1600/P7200017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JhSmuc5BM8g/UImvhE3cINI/AAAAAAAAAxE/oepC17xohm0/s320/P7200017.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Negotiating the step to the back deck</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So proud, we take them for walks around the yard to introduce them to their new habitat. We show them areas that are just for them, and stand out there for hours waiting for them to "go." Praises and treats follow, hoping to reinforce that positive behavior. As they grow and their stamina increases, you take them for walks around the neighborhood, proudly holding the leash, making the statement that "hey everyone, look! This is MY dog." Yes, pride rushes over us when all the kids come running over to make friends and suddenly your new pup is the celebrity of the day. And when they are yet a bit older, you venture to the doggie park, where t</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">hey run, fast and far, wind blowing in their face, in whatever direction they want, no leash, no restrictions, just free to make friends and sniff every other dog that comes near. Socialization is interesting especially when your pup is the smallest and could be lunch for the larger beasts that roam the park. But somehow they get along.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BHcAfcaNYqY/UImu7GbZIcI/AAAAAAAAAw0/SKDjGjZU5Wo/s1600/P7200032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BHcAfcaNYqY/UImu7GbZIcI/AAAAAAAAAw0/SKDjGjZU5Wo/s320/P7200032.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sara getting some 'Puppy Love'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-80iaj5ACjBg/UImvFqGrmuI/AAAAAAAAAw8/MMCD593SvzQ/s1600/P7200035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-80iaj5ACjBg/UImvFqGrmuI/AAAAAAAAAw8/MMCD593SvzQ/s320/P7200035.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris and his best friend</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">And there's something to be said of the bonding that happens between children and puppies. It's as if there's a new baby, but different. They have to be cared for constantly, and of course, it always starts out with children promising they will do everything for the puppy. Responsibility is really big and often underestimated and will always set them up for overpromising and underdelivering. But somehow everyone finds their small way to contribute and it all works out. Because their relationship with the dog becomes what is important. Seeing the smile on your child face as they cuddle with and love their new companion is priceless. The inner joy it brings just knowing that when they come home each day, he'll be there waiting for them with wagging tail, tongue hanging out and often jumping incessantly until they are lifted off the floor up to where the view is eye to eye. Totally unconditional love. Resting in their arms, the feeling-loved pet moves into a state of contentment, after waiting all day for just this moment. I often wonder does time really matter to them? It can matter to us.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LWqac1GyQJM/UImvu5KEwsI/AAAAAAAAAxM/X3SXlkaMnDw/s1600/P7200047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LWqac1GyQJM/UImvu5KEwsI/AAAAAAAAAxM/X3SXlkaMnDw/s320/P7200047.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting a drink</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Especially when the next thing you know, nearly 12 years goes by and the puppy that was completely adorable as it rested in the grasp of your hand or on the nape of your neck as you slept, has had time all of a sudden quantum leap forward and caught up with him. Or maybe we've somehow gone through a time warp and 12 years seems like 12 days. While we've aged, in our minds eye, our sweet canine companion never seems to. He'll always be our puppy. But reality catches us off guard when we learn an illness has altered his health or some inoperable situation emerges and there's nothing we can do. All of a sudden, we wish time would stand still. The thought of letting that little part of the family go, is a thought we'd rather not think about. It just seems a bit too unreal. We don't want to think about life without him. It's been a precious life for sure.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-puW2gSYdVXw/UImv86oqreI/AAAAAAAAAxU/LLfSOiiw48Q/s1600/P7260009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-puW2gSYdVXw/UImv86oqreI/AAAAAAAAAxU/LLfSOiiw48Q/s320/P7260009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loved that trench!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So, you start to think of the fun things and the good times and the amazing memories you've had together. Like the time when he was a puppy and would run around the trenches of the flower bed like it was a race track. Or when he drank out of the garden hose because it was a hot day outside or chewed on woodchips from the flower bed. Or the time when, at the doggie park, he met a dog that looked just like him. Amazed that they could be siblings. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VHaqLBHKpM8/UImwPRZpmJI/AAAAAAAAAxc/F2oAfFnA4cA/s1600/P1050021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VHaqLBHKpM8/UImwPRZpmJI/AAAAAAAAAxc/F2oAfFnA4cA/s320/P1050021.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the cold and the snow - energized by it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zZrRZMcmU94/UImwVgtLBVI/AAAAAAAAAxk/AqgXhy1oUkk/s1600/P1050045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zZrRZMcmU94/UImwVgtLBVI/AAAAAAAAAxk/AqgXhy1oUkk/s320/P1050045.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King of the snow hill</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r2ebzxSodAs/UImwb-IX6EI/AAAAAAAAAxs/GfRNmw_vrEw/s1600/P1050051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r2ebzxSodAs/UImwb-IX6EI/AAAAAAAAAxs/GfRNmw_vrEw/s320/P1050051.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite pics...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Or how about the time roller blading with him running alongside only to have him take off after something causing the skates to come out from under. Nothing but sidewalk. Or remember how he loved the snow and would run from one side of the drive way to the other when we were shovelling or snow-blowing? The cold never seemed to matter. Or how he would run down the sidewalk through the path of snow jumping like a little rabbit. How about the fun he had running, hopping through tall grass. It would make us laugh every time.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mdsEzp0dz-4/UImyqyhtxwI/AAAAAAAAAys/m6cs4q1UGvE/s1600/Chris+and+Dominic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mdsEzp0dz-4/UImyqyhtxwI/AAAAAAAAAys/m6cs4q1UGvE/s320/Chris+and+Dominic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dominic could do anything...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8pnKtneXQKQ/UImy2Z89CnI/AAAAAAAAAy0/Y6obu-PPMig/s1600/DSC_0042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8pnKtneXQKQ/UImy2Z89CnI/AAAAAAAAAy0/Y6obu-PPMig/s320/DSC_0042.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris was always training him to do something</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uo1-vDQAfhA/UImzAM4rgPI/AAAAAAAAAy8/f_SAMNnI-dw/s1600/P1010722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uo1-vDQAfhA/UImzAM4rgPI/AAAAAAAAAy8/f_SAMNnI-dw/s320/P1010722.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Truly was a cuddle dog</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fq7ezpax0Dc/UImz1W-JQeI/AAAAAAAAAzE/LyfBKuWboTM/s1600/P8030037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fq7ezpax0Dc/UImz1W-JQeI/AAAAAAAAAzE/LyfBKuWboTM/s320/P8030037.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Convincing him to pose for the picture was not easy....</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Or how about the time we put bows and wrapping paper on him at Christmas time? I'm sure he wasn't really amused, but he played along anyway. Or how about the stuffed toys, like the cow or the hedgehog that he would love to chase if you threw it. The squeeker would always be the first thing to go. Remember trying to teach him to roll over? He just never quite got it. It was only a half-roll, but he got treats just for trying.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i7yiP_oOS2A/UImwnOqnUsI/AAAAAAAAAx0/eYbcZ0uerBU/s1600/DSC_0021+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i7yiP_oOS2A/UImwnOqnUsI/AAAAAAAAAx0/eYbcZ0uerBU/s320/DSC_0021+(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He really was a good sport...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ISaVcZ0inQo/UImwtS-Af8I/AAAAAAAAAx8/Vk8CE4yp48s/s1600/P7310027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ISaVcZ0inQo/UImwtS-Af8I/AAAAAAAAAx8/Vk8CE4yp48s/s320/P7310027.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The joy of carrying a big stick</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We used to love when he came home from the groomers because they always had a special scarf around his neck. Looked so cute. Or how about when you picked him up, he would lay his head on your shoulder. Completely cuddly and huggable. I remember laying sideways on the couch and he always jumped up to curled up behind me, always snuggling close enough to feel how warm he was. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXzPrSsAaDg/UImwzbwGqKI/AAAAAAAAAyE/Gpjj-y3j8kE/s1600/P7190014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXzPrSsAaDg/UImwzbwGqKI/AAAAAAAAAyE/Gpjj-y3j8kE/s320/P7190014.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His crate was way bigger...but he soon grew into it</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gnv6HKktwpQ/UImxHq2JsKI/AAAAAAAAAyU/QCNrVhY2LNI/s1600/P9010018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gnv6HKktwpQ/UImxHq2JsKI/AAAAAAAAAyU/QCNrVhY2LNI/s320/P9010018.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our favorite things to do...hike Lake County</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ijctkG21r2g/UImxPsu3_FI/AAAAAAAAAyc/9G7602Tee-0/s1600/PA060142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ijctkG21r2g/UImxPsu3_FI/AAAAAAAAAyc/9G7602Tee-0/s320/PA060142.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Constant companion, love that dog... </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Remember how big he was in his crate when we first brough him home? How about him running down the sidewalk always wanting to carry something, and once a long stick? Too funny. He used to get on the door of the dishwasher when it was down and you weren't looking, just to lick the dishes. And he would always sit patiently at your feet until you were done eating, just to lick the plate. The list could go on. There are so many precious memories and stories.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q0Z_ZzVK4WE/UImw7os5_PI/AAAAAAAAAyM/B4G_WEOu974/s1600/P8110052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q0Z_ZzVK4WE/UImw7os5_PI/AAAAAAAAAyM/B4G_WEOu974/s320/P8110052.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How do I get down???</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b1qrmOwawXc/UImxk-ZJk7I/AAAAAAAAAyk/b_Lac7IWUXA/s1600/DSC_0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b1qrmOwawXc/UImxk-ZJk7I/AAAAAAAAAyk/b_Lac7IWUXA/s320/DSC_0016.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm free....</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Pets are a part of the family. They are loved and they love you back. They are obedient because they want to please you. They roam with the pack no matter where you go. The heart gets attached and life experiences happen. All too quickly, and then it's over.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It's quite amazing the life we've had with this dog. Dominic. I sure hope that all dogs really do go to heaven. I hope he loves it there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />Debbie Danielehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12363069897090047516noreply@blogger.com1