I’m not all that crazy about checklists.  For someone like me, who has both random and OCD tendencies, a checklist can wreak havoc on my mental state.  However, in reflecting on the past year, I think a checklist is definitely in order.  Let’s see how I did on reaching the goals I set for myself 365 days ago.

“Goal”post #1: Creativity

The real reason I set a goal of creative accomplishment this year was to give me an excuse for some “me” time - time for me to nurture the things I enjoy doing and make it okay for me to take a break from being mom and wife for a few moments each day.  Though I fell far short of my goal for scrapbooking, I exceeded my goal in the blogging department.  And now, through the technological miracle of Facebook, I am finding myself more socially connected than I have in years.  300 friends?  Who knew!

“Goal”post #2: Spiritual Growth

Not that I’m bragging here, but I hit this one out of the park.  Church home? Check.  Life Group?  Check.  Ladies’ Bible Study?  Check, Check, and Check.  Ministry involvement?  Big-ol’ Check.  To be truthful, we need to get back on track with personal devotions for Trey and Crisana and a family devotion/worship time, but I can say with confidence that we made huge strides as a family in this area in 2008.

“Goal”post #3: Physical Health

Things were not looking good until August, when Matt and I began South Beach together.  Now we are both about 30 lbs. lighter and that has motivated me to be more faithful about going to the gym.  I can average 3-4 days per week, and am working to live a more healthful, active lifestyle.  Though I didn’t reach the weight loss goal I was striving for, I know that it’s possible if I get back on track once the holidays are over.

“Goal”post #4: Mental Stimulation

I have been able to read through several books this year, trying a wide variety of topics from a wide variety of authors.  I haven’t been able to get back to the library since school started, but have still been reading, just at a much slower pace.  I am still learning much from my piano teachers’ groups and am still being challenged by the demands of being a Cub Scout leader.

So there it is.  Definitely some successes, definitely some areas of improvement yet to be made.  I’m grateful for the year I’ve had, and look forward to all that is still to come in 2009.

I need to do a comprehensive Christmas post, but that involves uploading videos and resizing pictures and writing witty and creative content - none of which I am willing to do right now.

So, in the meantime, I present to you my two most favorite piano students performing their Christmas songs.  Enjoy!

Note: The camera ran out of batteries on Trey’s first song.  On Crisana’s song, I was accompanying her and couldn’t video simultaneously so the memory card filled up before she was finished with her second song.  But they’re cute, just the same.  And you didn’t really want to hear the whole “12 Days of Christmas” anyway, did you?

*  To be read to the tune of “The 12 Days of Christmas”*

The first thing at Christmas that I am grateful for is a husband who loves me.

The second thing at Christmas that I am grateful for is two awesome kids, and a husband who loves me.

The third thing at Christmas that I am grateful for is all my relatives,  two awesome kids, and a husband who loves me.

The fourth thing at Christmas that I am grateful for is spending time in worship, all my relatives, two awesome kids, and a husband who loves me.

The fifth thing at Christmas that I am grateful for is God’s awesome gift, spending time in worship, all my relatives, two awesome kids, and a husband who loves me.

The sixth thing at Christmas that I am grateful for is receiving Christmas greetings, God’s awesome gift, spending time in worship, all my relatives, two awesome kids, and a husband who loves me.

The seventh thing at Christmas that I am grateful for is tearing open presents, receiving Christmas greetings, God’s awesome gift, spending time in worship, all my relatives, two awesome kids, and a husband who loves me.

The eighth thing at Christmas that I am grateful for is spending time with friends, tearing open presents, receiving Christmas greetings, God’s awesome gift, spending time in worship, all my relatives, two awesome kids, and a husband who loves me.

The ninth thing at Christmas that I am grateful for is reading Christmas stories, spending time with friends, tearing open presents, receiving Christmas greetings, God’s awesome gift, spending time in worship, all my relatives, two awesome kids, and a husband who loves me.

The tenth thing at Christmas that I am grateful for is watching classic movies, reading Christmas stories, spending time with friends, tearing open presents, receiving Christmas greetings, God’s awesome gift, spending time in worship, all my relatives, two awesome kids, and a husband who loves me.

The eleventh thing at Christmas that I am grateful for is baking Christmas goodies, watching classic movies, reading Christmas stories, spending time with friends, tearing open presents, receiving Christmas greetings, God’s awesome gift, spending time in worship, all my relatives, two awesome kids, and a husband who loves me.

The twelfth thing at Christmas that I am grateful for is OUR AWESOME SLOAN CREEK NEIGHBORS, baking Christmas goodies, watching classic movies, reading Christmas stories, spending time with firends, tearing open presents, receiving Christmas greetings, God’s awesome gift, spending time in worship, all my relatives, two awesome kids, and a husband who loves me.

Merry Christmas, everyone!  May today be a day of rejoicing in God’s special blessings in your lives!

In my lifetime, Christmas has been about many things:

sometimes, it’s been about friends and get-togethers and parties and being socially connected.

sometimes, it’s been about family and reunions and traditions.

sometimes, it’s been about fun and travel and new adventures.

sometimes, frankly, it’s been about the gifts and money and the wrappings and decorations.

This year, however, Christmas is about something entirely different.  It’s about Immanuel, “God With Us”, and the response of worship.

I don’t have a terrific study Bible, and I’m not a biblical scholar or seminarian, but in my limited research I’ve discovered that the name Immanuel is only used on two occasions - both in the book of Isaiah.  And only one of those references (as far as I can tell) refers to the promised Messiah:

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.  (Isaiah 7:14)

Immanuel…God with us.  Over the past couple of months, I’ve learned firsthand what that means.

It means that God understands.  He’s “with” me when I complain to Him, when I cry out to Him, when I vent my frustrations, when I’m crabby or moody or happy or pensive.

It means that God is present.  He’s “with” me as I face each day.  He knows my victories and my failures.  He holds me when I’m hurting and reassures me when I’m anxious and fearful.

It means that God has been there, done that.  He’s “with” me when I don’t think anyone else can relate.  He is uniquely familiar with all I have been through, and knows firsthand the difficulties I face.

It means that God is living.  He’s “with” me just as He has been “with” others throughout history.  He is everlasting, not bound by the constraints of time.

It means that God is my advocate.  He’s “with” me when I stand alone, when no one else is willing to share my conviction, my pain, or my passion.

It means that God is within me.  He’s “with” me as He guides me, directs me, and leads me.  Through His Spirit and discernment, I can see the path laid out for me to take and know that the way is true.

I’m sure my list is far from comprehensive.  But these are the things God has been showing me, teaching me, instilling upon my heart as I’ve pondered this mystery.  At this Christmas season, I’ve been drawn to the music of worship, music that draws me to my knees, that causes me to lift my face and raise my hands in adoration.  This year, for me, it’s not about loud celebration or joyful noises, but rather about responding in worship.  As I’ve read the Christmas story, I’ve noticed - perhaps for the very first time - the response of all who witnessed Immanuel’s coming was worship.  The shepherds followed the angel’s direction…and worshipped.  The wise men brought their gifts…and worshipped.  Simeon and Anna held and saw the Christ child…and worshipped.  Immanuel has come…God is WITH us in so many dimensions of understanding…how could I not respond in the same way?

One of the songs I’ve been particularly enjoying this season is on my latest cd obsession, Michael W. Smith’s “It’s a Wonderful Christmas”.  It’s more worshipful than some of his previous cd’s, filled with dramatic orchestral sounds and rich vocal harmonies.  This one particular song has inspired me to think more deeply of Immanuel.  I encourage you to listen, and to reflect on what Immanuel means to you.  Allow the words to fall on you and sink deep within you.  Allow yourself to be drawn to worship…adoration…gratitude…to our awesome God, our Immanuel.

I know, my update is a day late and a dollar short, but at least I’m updating.

The last few weeks have been a struggle, and more than once, I’ve felt like I was drowning in holiday sweets and treats and fast-food drive-thrus.  But by the grace of God, I am still maintaining my weight at its lowest point: a net loss of 28 lbs.  Though I’m discouraged that I haven’t lost more, I am thrilled with the smaller me.  What’s my secret?  Well, I’ve found some helpful tips from dieticians for indulging this holiday season.  They were sent to me by a fellow piano teacher on one of my e-groups and now I share it with you.

Happy Holidays from the Dietitians!

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they’re serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single-malt scotch, it’s rare. In fact, it’s even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can’t find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it
has 10,000 calories in every sip? It’s not as if you’re going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It’s a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It’s later than you think. It’s Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That’s the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy . Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they’re made with skim milk or whole milk (or, in the case of South Beach, CAULIFLOWER!)  . If it’s skim, pass. Why bother? It’s like buying a sports car with an automatic  transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people’s food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year’s. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you’ll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don’t budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They’re like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you’re never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don’t like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it’s loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don’t feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven’t been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

Yeah, it’s one of THOSE days.

I’m grumpy.  I’m tired.  I’m worn out.  And now I gotta think of all the things I have to be grateful for.  I find myself feeling much like a preschooler whose parent is trying to coerce her into doing the thing she hates most: “I don’t want to!”  *crossing arms over chest*

“But it’s good for you!”  my patient Father reminds me.

“Humph!”  is my response.  *turning around backwards, looking away*

“You’ll thank Me for this someday,” my gracious Father prods me.

“Yeah, right!” I respond, rolling my eyes.

“Come on, give it a try,” my loving Father nudges me.

Oh, all right.  Whatever.  If it’ll get You off my back, I’ll do it.  Okay??  Are you happy now?

I guess I should be grateful for the little sleep I’ve been getting each night.   Hey, a full 8 hours would be nice, but 2 hours here and there is more than nothing.  I swear, having an old dog is like having a newborn!

I guess I should be grateful for how You’re providing for us financially.  Sure, having a little cushion each month would be great, and having a little extra in savings would be more than great, but paying our bills each month and having food on the table and presents under the Christmas tree is more than some people can do.

I guess I should be grateful that Matt’s chemo is going as well as it is.  I’d really prefer he not have to go through chemo, not have even the mild side effects, but not dealing with mouth sores or nausea or whacked-out taste buds is a blessing.

I guess I should be grateful that Matt’s cancer isn’t more serious.  Frankly, I’d rather not have him have cancer at all - of any kind - “good cancer” or not.  I mean, if God is just going to heal him, why do we have to go through this?  On the other hand, knowing that we have hope of full recovery is a lifeline many others do not have.

I guess I should be grateful for my job.  I’d like to see you say that after listening to endless versions of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, “Jingle Bells”, and “Away in A Manger”, all played with full gusto, at full volume.  Despite butchered Christmas carols, I get to stay home and do what I love most of all to do…which is something a lot of other moms can’t do.

I guess I should be grateful for Matt’s job.  I mean, a bonus check worth more than a mortgage payment would feel like winning the lottery, but at least he got a bonus, he has health insurance, he has a job…which in these tough economic times is more than a lot of Americans can say.

I guess I should be grateful for my kids.  I mean, it would be nice to be able to drive somewhere without the bickering in the back seat, or put a present under the tree without them asking, “Is that for ME?” or have a meal without the invariable, “What’s that green/red/brown/orange stuff?”, but if that’s the worst my kids give me, it’s a far cry from the anguish other parents are dealing with.

I guess I should be grateful I haven’t gained any weight over the past 7 weeks.  Sure, I still have a long ways to go before I reach my goal weight, and it would be really nice to actually LOSE some weight, but it is nice to know I can indulge in the occasional sweet without gaining 5 pounds.

So, yeah, I may not feel very grateful today, but that doesn’t change the fact that I still have a lot to be grateful for.  Maybe it’s time I put that wet blanket in the dryer.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Mostly wrapping paper, coordinated by color and person.  Isn’t that a bit extreme?

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial, pre-lit.  Though one of our sections of pre-lit is currently un-lit so we have a nice stripe in our tree.

It’s my new mantra:  “Make the cake!”

I know what you’re thinking: “But you’re on South Beach.  Isn’t cake forbidden?”

Technically, yes.  But I’m speaking metaphorically. Or, to put it in plain English, it’s a catch-phrase.

Perhaps I’d better back up a bit.  I’ve shared a lot about our faith journey over the past 18 months.  From God calling us out of our “Ur”, to having to lay my “Isaac” on the altar of sacrifice, to an in-depth study of the Hall of Faith - not once but twice - the concepts of trusting God and living by faith have never been far from my mind.  As Christians, it’s easy to get caught up in church lingo.  But to consider what that means in daily life, how to practically apply those concepts…well, that’s the hard part.

Yesterday, I had a divine encounter that brought me face-to-face with a deeper understanding of what it means to walk by faith.  Literally.  Over salad greens, salmon and smoked gouda, God revealed a bit of His character.  It all began innocently enough:  I had arranged to meet a dear friend for lunch at her favorite restaurant.  She brought a friend with her, and we enjoyed a time of great food and even better conversation.  This new friend is in the midst of her own faith journey as her husband has recently lost his job.  She shared how she’s been encouraged through the story of Elijah and the widow.  In this story, Elijah comes to the widow to find refuge, a place to stay after a time of tremendous testing.  The widow, understandably concerned about her own food situation, tells Elijah that she only has enough oil and flour to make a single cake for herself and her son to share…”that [they] may eat it - and die.”  Elijah’s response is this:

“Don’t be afraid.  Go home and do as you have said.  But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it ot me, and then make something for yourself and for your son.  For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD gives rain on the land.”

And guess what?  God did what He said.  That widow had enough every day to feed herself, her son, and her prophet-guest, until the famine was finally ended.  She made the cake.  Every day, she took that oil and flour, kneaded them together and made that cake.  The widow could have very easily rationalized and stored away the little she had for the next day, just in case.  She could have justified going hungry for one day to have enough to meet the demands of the next day.  But she didn’t.  In a simple act, she exhausted her own resources in order to fully depend - by faith - on God’s promise of provision and care.

And that’s when it hit me: I gotta “Make the cake!”  In this faith journey we’re on, it’s tempting to worry about our finances.  It’s easy to become concerned about how we’re going to make it.  The “what if’s” begin to crowd their way into my consciousness, threatening to reduce my faith to sheer panic and the need to “fix” things.

Instead, I gotta “Make the cake!”  I must tie on the apron of assurance, and knead together the blend of God’s faithfulness and provision.  I must stir in some patience, add a bit of peace, and sprinkle it all with a healthy dose of prayer.  I must not save the ingredients for another day.  No, I must do the thing God has called me - at this moment - to do, and trust Him to provide for whatever is lacking.

My cake may not be fancy.  In fact, it’s probably a simple little thing.  Just enough to get me through.  But you know what?  I’ll have some more oil and flour in the jar tomorrow.  And that’ll be just enough, too.

All I have to do is “Make the cake!”

‘Twas “A Dickens of a Christmas” and all through the town,

Visitors were coming - from miles around.

The streets were bedecked with holiday cheer,

Knowing that Christmastime soon would be here.

We bundled up cozy, and soon headed down

To the Christmas celebration in the neighboring town.

We entered the square through a cheery iron gate,

Which meant we must stop, for pictures to take!

Then what to our wondering eyes should appear

But a warm toasty tent filled with holiday cheer!

The tables were spread with paper and pens

For letters to Santa, from all of his friends!

We then ventured out, in the cold, windy night

When suddenly our eyes beheld quite a sight…

A snowman, named Frosty, of childhood cartoon fame

Was manning the caboose of a miniature train!

The train sounded its whistle, a frightfully loud sound,

And the sidewalk soon filled with folks gathering ’round

To catch a small glimpse of that famed man of snow,

A wave, or a shout out, saying “Frosty, Hello!”

The train was soon gone, Frosty waved us good-bye,

We ventured to see what else we could spy.

The next street held an incredible thrill:

An honest-to-goodness man-made sledding hill!

Crisana shied away, but Trey took his turn.

He’d never gone tubing; he wanted to learn!

His ride was fantastic, he loved every minute,

He wanted to ride again, he couldn’t wait to begin it!

But the line was too long, so we didn’t linger.

Instead we listened to the holiday singer

Who performed on the stage, fun holiday songs

And found that the crowd was all singing along.

We turned down the street that was off to the side,

And found 4 tiny horses, which children could ride.

Our little cowgirl proudly mounted her steed,

A pony named “Cookie Monster”, no monster indeed!

By this time we were chilled from our heads to our feet

So we decided it was time to find us some heat.

We entered the old courthouse, and to our delight,

Santa was present on this very night!

We stood in line patiently waiting to see

A glimpse of The Big Guy and sit on his knee.

He took time to listen to each of our lists,

And promised to give us some of our gifts.

The night was now dark, the party was ending,

Our feet were now tired, our pets needed tending.

We hustled away with our hearts full of cheer,

And promised ourselves we’d be back again next year!

Theft Problem - IMPORTANT MESSAGE:

You’ve heard about people who have been abducted and had their kidneys removed by black-market organ thieves.

My thighs were stolen from me during the night a few years ago. I went to sleep and woke up with someone else’s thighs. It was just that quick. The replacements had the texture of cooked oatmeal. Whose thighs were these and what happened to mine? I spent the entire summer looking for my thighs. Finally, hurt and angry, I resigned myself to living out my life in jeans. And then the thieves struck again.

My butt was next. I knew it was the same gang, because they took pains to match my new rear-end to the thighs they had stuck me with earlier. But my new butt was attached at least three inches lower than my original! Irealized I’d have to give up my jeans in favor of long skirts.

Two years ago I realized my arms had been switched. One morning I was fixing my hair and was horrified to see the flesh of my upper arm swing to and fro with the motion of the hairbrush. This was really getting scary - my body was being replaced one section at a time. What could they do to me next?

When my poor neck suddenly disappeared and was replaced with a turkey neck, I decided to tell my story. Women of the world, wake up and smell the coffee! Those ‘plastic’ surgeons are using REAL replacement body parts -stolen from you and me! The next time someone you know has something ‘lifted’, look again - was it lifted from you?

THIS IS NOT A HOAX. This is happening to women everywhere every night.

WARN YOUR FRIENDS!

P.S. Last year I thought some one had stolen my Boobs. I was lying in bed and they were gone! But when I jumped out of bed, I was relieved to see that they had just been hiding in my armpits as I slept. Now I keep them hidden in my waistband .