"Xmas"  Need I write or say more? 

I didn't think so. Most of us do one of two things when we see or hear “X-Mas” (or “Happy Holidays” for that matter). We either roll our eyes as we know the comments that will inevitably come from the person who is “deeply offended” by the fact that someone “took Christ out of Christmas”.

For the record, I'm the one rolling my eyes. I think the offense people take to this is lunacy. There are bigger things with which to be concerned. Besides, I think their offense is due to a misunderstanding.

Still, let's not even go there. For a minute, let's examine if anyone is REALLY taking Christ out of anything when they say or write “Xmas” or “Happy Holidays”.

I'll cut straight to the point. Christ wasn't born at Christmas. Christmas didn't start as a “Christian” holiday. It started as a PAGAN (i.e.: secular, or not related to Christ) holiday. Somewhere back in the glorious middle ages, the Catholic Church recognized the depth of this holiday & wanted to find a way to claim it as their own in hopes of drawing more people into the church. To do so, they decided that they would celebrate the birth of Christ during this pagan winter celebration.

Back in the day, the Catholic church had a way of taking over things if/when they wanted to. And thus, Christmas as we know it today was born. Well, not exactly as we know it today because today people spend unGodly amounts of money on presents and completely forget about the created reason for the season in the process.

Side note: Yes, I do believe it is UNGodly amounts of money. Seriously? How much did you give to feeding the hungry? Helping those less fortunate? Yet you're going to max out your credit cards for gifts? Why? Any rate...that's a horse for another blog.

When WAS Christ born? It has been theorized that he was born in the fall, around September or October. Although some say it was likely closer to spring or summer. Regardless, ALL are certain that according to the Biblical account of his birth and the events surrounding it, there is NO WAY he was born in the dead of winter. Christianity.com does an excellent job of breaking down the details of when Christ was likely born.

For a minute lets put aside that you cannot take a person out of something of which they were never a part in the beginning. Let's say that because the Catholic church brought Christ into the holiday He is now a bonafide part of the holiday and as such shouldn't be removed from said holiday by crass use of “Xmas” or “Holiday” instead of the full “Christmas”. (By the way, celebrating Christmas was made ILLEGAL by the colonists because they felt it was an unholy, pagan celebration. But I digress.)

Still with me? If not, here's a review. We're now ignoring the FACT that Christ was NOT born at Christmas and are instead pretending that He was. Based on this premise, we have reason to be mean and unChrist-like in our response to people should they use the “unGodly” “Xmas” or “Holiday” instead of the MORE Godly “Christmas”.

We've already established that it is, in fact, NOT wrong to use “Holiday” instead of “Christmas” because that's exactly what the day started as...a “Holiday” that had nothing to do with Christ. Even if we say Christ is now a part of Christmas, most of us can concede that those who aren't Christians would prefer using “Holiday” over “Christmas”. Still, what CHRISTIAN wouldn't WANT to use the full “Christmas” instead of “X'ing” Christ out of Christmas by saying or writing “Xmas”?

But wait. Is it really unGodly to say or write “Xmas” instead of “Christmas”? Is it really “X'ing” Christ out of Christmas as so many proclaim?

The word for “Christ” in Greek is “Xristos”. During the 16^th Century, “X” was used in place of the full “Xristos” as a form of short-hand. It was understood that the “X” stood for “Xristos” or “Christ”. It was a commonly referred to abbreviation.

A quick online search will reveal to you how that abbreviation continued on through the years.

I would really encourage you to do a little research the next time you're tempted to attack another follower of Christ out of offense. I would encourage you to stop ANYTIME you're attempted to attack another and behave in a rude or unChrist-like manner even if you KNOW you're right. Even if you ARE right, there is NO justification for treating another human (Christian or not) in a rude or unChrist-like manner. As Christians, we are to be held to a higher standard. I am a FIRM believer for standing for what's right. I am ALSO a firm believer of doing so in a Christ-like manner.

On that note, Merry Christmas, Merry X-Mas, Happy Holidays, and Happy Festivus.

Last week, Gary & I talked on the air about different Bible reading plans.  Anytime I get a new "smart" phone, one of the first things I always do is download the free Bible onto it.  The software I use from You Version includes tons of options including a Bible search feature and TONS of different Bible reading plans (that's a direct link to them) from time-based plans (like reading the Bible in 90 days) to individual studies on certain topics and even "overview" plans like the "essential 100".

What I love about this software is that once I create an account (for free), my information is saved and I can start right where I left off should I get a new phone.  Plus, I can access & update the info online just as I do on my phone.

And I would like to take this time to give a shout out & say thank you to Life Church TV for providing this resource.  They do it for free so that people can have better access to the Bible and the resources they need to study it.  How awesome is THAT?

Disclaimer:  I am not in anyway affiliated with Life Church TV or You Version.  They didn't ask me to write this review. I'm certain they probably don't even know about it.  I just love and have utilized their product for close to 3 years now.

So...life...happened.  And then?

My ever-wise son (truly...the child is wise beyond his years) looked at me and said, "Mama, are you saying there's no more hope?"  I looked at him.  Speechless.  I hear his voice again, "Mommy, with God there's always hope.  We can't give up hope."

And what do you say to wisdom like that?

Clearly, I've got issues.

(As if this is a surprise to any of you...)

I've been going to church on Saturday for years now.  For years, I've worn something BESIDES a dress or skirt to church.  I've even worn (shock, gasp...) JEANS!!!!

Clearly I'm a heathen.  Or something.  I grew up Southern Baptist.  Back then (i.e.-in the good ole' days), we wore dresses or skirts to church.  You were allowed to wear "dress jeans" at night for youth group, but on Sunday morning, you wore a dress or a skirt.

And you COULD be at church for an event on Saturday, but you didn't GO to church on Saturday.  You WENT to church on SUNDAY.  You could also go on Wednesday night, but you should ALSO have gone on Sunday.  You went to church on Sunday.  THAT was church day.

So basically, I'm saying the entire Southern Baptist Convention is to blame for my issues. 

It never fails.  Every Sunday morning I wake up and begin to feel guilty for not being at church.  I know that I went to church the day before.  It doesn't matter.  The Southern Baptist Convention ruined me.  Church is on Sunday, and I am probably evil because I'm not a church on Sunday.

Oh.  But it gets worse.  (I know...WHAT could get worse than that.  All I can say is...Brace yourselves...)

I can't remember the last time I wore a skirt or a dress to church...even when I DID go on Sunday (which has been rare).  Most times, I wear jeans.  I've been known to wear shorts as well.  To CHURCH.  On Saturday AND Sunday!

Sigh.  

Is there any hope for my guilt-ridden conscience?

"Xmas"  Need I write or say more?

I didn't think so. Most of us do one of two things when we see or hear “X-Mas” (or “Happy Holidays” for that matter). We either roll our eyes as we know the comments that will inevitably come from the person who is “deeply offended” by the fact that someone “took Christ out of Christmas”.

For the record, I'm the one rolling my eyes. I think the offense people take to this is lunacy. There are bigger things with which to be concerned. Besides, I think their offense is due to a misunderstanding.

Still, let's not even go there. For a minute, let's examine if anyone is REALLY taking Christ out of anything when they say or write “Xmas” or “Happy Holidays”.

I'll cut straight to the point. Christ wasn't born at Christmas. Christmas didn't start as a “Christian” holiday. It started as a PAGAN (i.e.: secular, or not related to Christ) holiday. Somewhere back in the glorious middle ages, the Catholic Church recognized the depth of this holiday & wanted to find a way to claim it as their own in hopes of drawing more people into the church. To do so, they decided that they would celebrate the birth of Christ during this pagan winter celebration.

Back in the day, the Catholic church had a way of taking over things if/when they wanted to. And thus, Christmas as we know it today was born. Well, not exactly as we know it today because today people spend unGodly amounts of money on presents and completely forget about the created reason for the season in the process.

Side note: Yes, I do believe it is UNGodly amounts of money. Seriously? How much did you give to feeding the hungry? Helping those less fortunate? Yet you're going to max out your credit cards for gifts? Why? Any rate...that's a horse for another blog.

When WAS Christ born? It has been theorized that he was born in the fall, around September or October. Although some say it was likely closer to spring or summer. Regardless, ALL are certain that according to the Biblical account of his birth and the events surrounding it, there is NO WAY he was born in the dead of winter. I'm not Presbyterian, but they do an excellent job of breaking down the details of when Christ was likely born.

For a minute lets put aside that you cannot take a person out of something of which they were never a part in the beginning. Let's say that because the Catholic church brought Christ into the holiday He is now a bonafide part of the holiday and as such shouldn't be removed from said holiday by crass use of “Xmas” or “Holiday” instead of the full “Christmas”. (By the way, celebrating Christmas was made ILLEGAL by the colonists because they felt it was an unholy, pagan celebration. But I digress.)

Still with me? If not, here's a review. We're now ignoring the FACT that Christ was NOT born at Christmas and are instead pretending that He was. Based on this premise, we have reason to be mean and unChrist-like in our response to people should they use the “unGodly” “Xmas” or “Holiday” instead of the MORE Godly “Christmas”.

We've already established that it is, in fact, NOT wrong to use “Holiday” instead of “Christmas” because that's exactly what the day started as...a “Holiday” that had nothing to do with Christ. Even if we say Christ is now a part of Christmas, most of us can concede that those who aren't Christians would prefer using “Holiday” over “Christmas”. Still, what CHRISTIAN wouldn't WANT to use the full “Christmas” instead of “X'ing” Christ out of Christmas by saying or writing “Xmas”?

But wait. Is it really unGodly to say or write “Xmas” instead of “Christmas”? Is it really “X'ing” Christ out of Christmas as so many proclaim?

The word for “Christ” in Greek is “Xristos”. During the 16^th Century, “X” was used in place of the full “Xristos” as a form of short-hand. It was understood that the “X” stood for “Xristos” or “Christ”. People even referred to Christians as “Xians”. It was a commonly referred to abbreviation.

A quick online search will reveal to you how that abbreviation continued on through the years.

I would really encourage you to do a little research the next time you're tempted to attack another follower of Christ out of offense. I would encourage you to stop ANYTIME you're attempted to attack another and behave in a rude or unChrist-like manner even if you KNOW you're right. Even if you ARE right, there is NO justification for treating another human (Christian or not) in a rude or unChrist-like manner. As Christians, we are to be held to a higher standard. I am a FIRM believer for standing for what's right. I am ALSO a firm believer of doing so in a Christ-like manner.

On that note, Merry Christmas, Merry X-Mas, Happy Holidays, and Happy Festivus.

We spent our first month in Vegas in a hotel.  We're not talking a glitz and glam hotel.  We're talking about an extended stay that was close to but not on the strip...as in...in the hood.  That's what we get for reserving a hotel without having ever been to the town.

Because of where we were, we got a first-hand look at the "real" Vegas.  Not the tourist Vegas, but the, "Oh my gosh are THIS many people really homeless" Vegas.  It was a harsh reality that was very different from the secluded, clean suburbs we had always lived in.

I think I'll forever have etched in my mind what happened our second week here.  I was getting off the highway & was stopped on the exit ramp at a light.  A frail, old man had a sign up asking for food.  I won't give money, but I'll gladly give food.  I had a bag of oranges in the front seat.  I rolled down my window and held them out.  The old man came up and took those oranges.

His response is what I'll never forget.  He had this look of astonishment on his face.  He said, "Wow! Oranges! Thank you SO MUCH!! I can't remember the last time I had an orange...and to get a whole bag!  Thank you!  God bless you!"

I've seen that same man twice since.  I've given him more oranges as well as apples and bananas.  I don't say this to brag.  That's not it at all.  I typically don't talk about what I do for others.  The Bible talks about just doing it...and letting your reward be on heaven not here on earth.

But this man.  This one man.  He opened my eyes.  Because he was so excited about oranges.  I mean seriously.  Oranges.  When was the last time YOU had an orange?  Did you ever think that it might be your last?  Could you ever even imagine being SO EXCITED that someone gave you...an orange?

I've been told that we're not supposed to give to the people who are asking for food or money.  They're drug addicts, alcoholics.  They won't use what I give them wisely.

Honestly, I don't see how someone could misuse food.

Even so, God doesn't tell me to only help them if I believe they're worthy of my help.  He says to help.  To feed them.  Period.  Just...feed them.  It's not up to me to judge whether or not they're worthy of the food.  It's not up to me to say whether they deserve my help.  I'm just to help them.  Because God said to.

But, but, but...I don't have the money.  I have to feed my family.  I can't be concerned with those who won't help themselves.  Again...there's that "God said" thing.  Beyond that...this is a huge reason that I coupon.  I will get any food that is free or almost free whether we'll use it or not.  What we can't use, I donate either directly to someone who can use it or to a food bank, homeless shelter, or place like the Ronald McDonald House.

And since meeting this man, I get some extra fruits and easy veggies (like baby carrots).  It costs me very little, but is a HUGE blessing to those who haven't had fresh fruits or veggies in years.  Can you imagine?  I can't.

And that's why you'll find fruits and veggies in my car.

I know we all want God to make things easy for us.  We all wish that He would only ask us to do things that are comfortable, convenient, easy.

But He doesn't.

And whether we realize it or not, we are better for it.

Many of us would never leave the comfort of our easy, convenient bubbles if God didn't require us to do so.  What do we learn in our bubble?  Nothing.  How do we grow in our bubble?  We don't.  We MUST leave our bubble in order to grow the way God desires us to grow.

Don't get me wrong.  Leaving your bubble doesn't always mean literally going somewhere.  Sometimes, God wants you to spend your money that you think you don't have to help someone else.  Sometimes He wants you to make a phone call to someone who is hurting even though you'd rather watch American Idol...and don't have DVR.  Sometimes, He does call you to literally leave and go somewhere or do something.

The path to following God isn't a wide one.  There aren't many that take it.  Those that do soon find out that the road is sometimes rocky.  Sometimes, there are bumps in the road.  While we're walking on the road, a bird might come and poop on us.  Those struggles, those trials, that crap...it doesn't mean that God didn't really call us to do what we're doing.  It just means that life is sometimes hard because we live in a sinful world.  Even when you're doing what God has called you to do.

Here's the problem. I'm a people-watcher. People-watchers like watching people. Not in a creepy "I'm watching you" sort of way but in an "Oh my gosh! Did you SEE what that woman DID?" kind of way.

When we go to church, I can't sit in the back. If I sit in the back, I will be able to recount for you how every person in front of me decided to do their hair today, but will know nothing of what the pastor said. I must sit in the front. No one can be in front of me. If they are, I will watch them. And I will not watch the pastor. I know. I'm bad. Horrible. Probably shouldn't be allowed back into church.

For some reason, I thought it might be a half-brilliant idea to attend the Women of Faith Conference this weekend. Here's what I learned tonight while sitting at the very back of the audience:

1. Natalie Grant wore HUGE, "those have to HURT" heals. I'm certain she needed a stretcher to get back to her room after wearing those on stage. Seriously. Those aren't natural.
   
2. While I did love Natalie Grant's music, I was too busy stressing over the realization (for like the hundredth time) that I'm old to actually listen to the rest of what she was saying. I mean really! If you have never heard of "Make it Happen" by Mariah Carey, then I'm not sure you're old enough to be attending the conference, let alone old enough to be procreating. So really, pregnant woman who insists on making me feel old...that wasn't necessary. At. All. I'm not sure I'll be able to look you in the face tomorrow.
3. Of the 2000 women attending the conference, approximately 1,980 of them owned iphones or other similar phones with a flash light app. The other 20 of us were running to the restroom hoping no one would notice that we didn't have the same phone as the "cool" kids. Except the one old woman 2 rows down from me who had an ACTUAL flashlight. I was scared to ask what else she might have in that purse.
4. The lady 4 rows down from me had a really cute hair clip. I wonder where I can buy one of those?
5. I forgot to tell my husband that I had some things dehydrating in the oven. I hope the house doesn't burn down.
   
6. The lady 10 rows down was irritated for much of the conference by her bra strap as was evidenced by her constant attempts to fix it. She never succeeded.
7. I wonder what I'll make for dinner tomorrow?
   
8. Oh look! Our friends are 7 sections over. Let's wave wildly at them so they can see us while others look at us like we're crazy. While us old farts are waving, they'll turn on their flashlight apps & wave their phones so we can see them. And feel old all over again...as we all run to the bathroom realizing that, again, we aren't the "cool" kids with the flash light app.
9. Is it already 9pm? I should check to see if the kids have called. Or the police are trying to notify me that the cat is dead. Or something.
   
10. It's 9:30? Have I really been on Twitter and Facebook on my phone for the last 30 minutes?
11. I want some ice cream.
    
12. WOW! Check out the HAIR of the lady in the next section! I'm fairly certain she was attacked by her hair dryer this morning.
13. I wonder how old the flash light ladies are. Do they use the flash light on a regular basis or just at conferences? If it's too dark outside I wonder if the Flashlight lady will walk me to my car.
    

As you can see, I shouldn't have been sitting in the back row. I have a sneaking suspicion that Lucy Swindoll won't let me sit with her, though.

I know you've heard that saying, "When it rains, it pours".

It's easy for me to try & get stressed out in these times. I try to rush and grab control of the situation QUICK before things get further out of hand. It's actually quite comical to see me attempting to take control of an uncontrollable situation. I'm stubborn, I'm persistent, and I LOVE feeling like I have control over a situation.

That's just the thing, though. It's just a "feeling". Often when I think I've gained control over a situation I later realized I was completely helpless. I had no control over anything. I may have felt like I did, but I didn't.

This is something I constantly struggle with. If you're not someone who likes to feel like they have control over a situation so they can know what to expect then you won't fully understand how hard faith can be for some people. It is really hard at times to have faith and trust God. Having faith, trusting God...that means surrendering control to someone else. It means handing control completely over to God and acknowledging that I have none...and THAT...is hard. Very hard.

My life has been a testament of faith over the past 1 1/2 years. There was a time when I didn't know what tomorrow held for my marriage. There was time when I didn't know what tomorrow held for my husband's job. We moved to Nevada, and I didn't know where we would live. I've miscarried babies, and not known why...or had doctors willing to find out why. I've known the end was close for our car, yet we didn't have the money to buy another. I've had plans changed at the last minute more times than I can count. I've had to trust God and have faith that He knew what was best. He knew what was going on, and I just needed to follow the new plan we'd been given. I've had to explain to others, who were less than patient (& even very upset) at the changes, that we truly couldn't stop the change. It happened. It is what it is. Please, join us in trusting God. Their lack of support didn't make it any easier.

I finally started dealing with the loss of my babies last week after pushing my feelings down in business for weeks. We knew the answer for Gary's job. We had gotten through the move. We'd made it to Nevada. We'd found a house. We were meeting friends. We had the money to fix our car. Life was getting better, much more manageable, I felt much more in control of the situation.

It's funny that every time I start to feel like I have gained control of a situation, I lose it. We all got sick, one after another. We found out our car had met her end. And we still didn't have the money to buy another, but God promised to provide. We don't know how, but we know God will provide.

I am struggling with having faith right now that He will provide. I KNOW He will, but because I don't know how, I feel like I need to do...something. I don't know what. There's nothing I can do. Yet I know God will provide. And thus the struggle continues. I KNOW God will provide, but I will feel better if I can find a way to control the situation myself. Will I ever learn?

What, exactly, DOES Christ command from us?

Does He command that we tell believers that they're going to hell if they don't use the “right” spelling for a word (according to us)? Does He command believers to motivate the poor to do what's right and better their situation? Does He command us to be hateful and rude to someone because they don't speak in tongues or agree with our exact doctrine? Does He command us to expect the world to live according to the Word? Does He expect us to get offended and mad if they don't?

I was accused the other day of simplifying God. I think that's exactly what He wants, though. I think He intended His word to be simple. When they asked Jesus what His greatest command was in Luke 10:27 He responded, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind. The second, is like it. Love your neighbors as yourself.” Sounds pretty simple to me.

Tell me, how would you feel if your neighbor treated you as you have treated other believers let alone the world? God says we're not to treat others as they have treated us, but to love them...LOVE them...as we love ourselves. Does how you speak show love for other believers? The world?

How does the world see us? How does the world view the body of Christ?

There ought to be a term that would designate those who actually follow the teachings of Jesus, since the word 'Christian' has been largely divorced from those teachings, and so polluted by fundamentalists that it has come to connote their polar opposite: intolerance, vindictive hatred, and bigotry. -- Philip Stater, Huffington Post

THAT is how the world views us. That's not what I want. You?

God doesn't command us to motivate the poor to do better. He doesn't tell us to chastise them because they're not helping themselves. He tells us to feed them. He tells us to give them clothes. He tells us to visit them in prison and when they're sick.

You can argue all day with me, but if you're a follower of Christ, you CANNOT argue with Him. THIS is what He commands of us. He tells us to go out and spread His gospel. He doesn't tell us to do that by belittling people. He doesn't say to take offense and fulfill His commands that way. He says to feed them. To clothe them. To visit them in prison and when they're sick. He says, “Whatever you have done to the least of these you have done unto Me.” Here are the words straight from Jesus Himself in Matthew 25:

31"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

41"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'

44"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'

45"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'

I firmly believe that God will use our current situations, our life, to speak to us many times. Today as I watched my children, I realized how much we, as the body of Christ, are like my children.

I asked my children to do something. They responded with a polite, respectful, “Yes, Mam”, and proceeded to obey. Not 5 minutes later, they were fighting. He didn't do what she thought he should, and she was being mean to him. She thought hers was the only way to do it, and as such both of the others were doing it wrong even though both of them were still obeying.

I stopped and looked at the situation. I had one child who had decided she was in charge. She had worked for a little bit with her brother and sister. At some point, she decided that she was doing it right and they were doing it wrong. After this revelation hit her, she QUIT WORKING to instruct them on how they were doing it wrong and how they should be doing it. The other two (who were still working) looked at her like she was crazy (rightfully so) and continued to work as they had been instructed. The oldest then decided that since they weren't going to listen to her she would continue to NOT WORK and would instead be mean and hateful to her brother and sister. She yelled at them, she hit her brother, and she proceeded to analyze their EVERY step telling them what they were doing wrong and why it was wrong. All the while, THEY are obeying...and she is NOT. Yet she comes to tell us that the others aren't doing it “right” and we need to instruct them. When we pointed out that they were working (even though it wasn't HER way) and she WAS NOT, she got indignant and walked away in a huff mad that we had not seen things her way.

Before I called her back to talk to her, it hit me that we, as the body of Christ, are far too often like my oldest. We start out obeying what God has commanded us to do. Then, somewhere along the way, we decide that our way is the only right way. We then STOP WORKING as God has commanded to instead correct others and tell them how THEY'RE not doing it right...even though the others are still working...and we have stopped.

Is this what God would want? Does He want us all do do it one way? Or does He want us to just obey, even if how I obey is different than how you obey? As long as we're both accomplishing the task which Christ has set forth, does my methodology (though it may be different from yours) really matter?

"Xmas"  Need I say (or write) more?

I didn't think so. Most of us do one of two things when we see or hear “X-Mas” (or “Happy Holidays” for that matter). We either roll our eyes as we know the comments that will inevitably come from the person who is “deeply offended” by the fact that someone “took Christ out of Christmas”.

For the record, I'm the one rolling my eyes. I think the offense people take to this is lunacy. There are bigger things with which to be concerned. Besides, I think their offense is due to a misunderstanding.

Still, let's not even go there. For a minute, let's examine if anyone is REALLY taking Christ out of anything when they say or write “Xmas” or “Happy Holidays”.

I'll cut straight to the point. Christ wasn't born at Christmas. Christmas didn't start as a “Christian” holiday. It started as a PAGAN (i.e.: secular, or not related to Christ) holiday. Somewhere back in the glorious middle ages, the Catholic Church recognized the depth of this holiday & wanted to find a way to claim it as their own in hopes of drawing more people into the church. To do so, they decided that they would celebrate the birth of Christ during this pagan winter celebration.

Back in the day, the Catholic church had a way of taking over things if/when they wanted to. And thus, Christmas as we know it today was born. Well, not exactly as we know it today because today people spend unGodly amounts of money on presents and completely forget about the created reason for the season in the process.

Side note: Yes, I do believe it is UNGodly amounts of money. Seriously? How much did you give to feeding the hungry? Helping those less fortunate? Yet you're going to max out your credit cards for gifts? Why? Any rate...that's a horse for another blog.

When WAS Christ born? It has been theorized that he was born in the fall, around September or October. Although some say it was likely closer to spring or summer. Regardless, ALL are certain that according to the Biblical account of his birth and the events surrounding it, there is NO WAY he was born in the dead of winter. I'm not Presbyterian, but they do an excellent job of breaking down the details of when Christ was likely born.

For a minute lets put aside that you cannot take a person out of something of which they were never a part in the beginning. Let's say that because the Catholic church brought Christ into the holiday He is now a bonafide part of the holiday and as such shouldn't be removed from said holiday by crass use of “Xmas” or “Holiday” instead of the full “Christmas”. (By the way, celebrating Christmas was made ILLEGAL by the colonists because they felt it was an unholy, pagan celebration. But I digress.)

Still with me? If not, here's a review. We're now ignoring the FACT that Christ was NOT born at Christmas and are instead pretending that He was. Based on this premise, we have reason to be mean and unChrist-like in our response to people should they use the “unGodly” “Xmas” or “Holiday” instead of the MORE Godly “Christmas”.

We've already established that it is, in fact, NOT wrong to use “Holiday” instead of “Christmas” because that's exactly what the day started as...a “Holiday” that had nothing to do with Christ. Even if we say Christ is now a part of Christmas, most of us can concede that those who aren't Christians would prefer using “Holiday” over “Christmas”. Still, what CHRISTIAN wouldn't WANT to use the full “Christmas” instead of “X'ing” Christ out of Christmas by saying or writing “Xmas”?

But wait. Is it really unGodly to say or write “Xmas” instead of “Christmas”? Is it really “X'ing” Christ out of Christmas as so many proclaim?

The word for “Christ” in Greek is “Xristos”. During the 16^th Century, “X” was used in place of the full “Xristos” as a form of short-hand. It was understood that the “X” stood for “Xristos” or “Christ”. People even referred to Christians as “Xians”. It was a commonly referred to abbreviation.

A quick online search will reveal to you how that abbreviation continued on through the years.

I would really encourage you to do a little research the next time you're tempted to attack another follower of Christ out of offense. I would encourage you to stop ANYTIME you're attempted to attack another and behave in a rude or unChrist-like manner even if you KNOW you're right. Even if you ARE right, there is NO justification for treating another human (Christian or not) in a rude or unChrist-like manner. As Christians, we are to be held to a higher standard. I am a FIRM believer for standing for what's right. I am ALSO a firm believer of doing so in a Christ-like manner.

On that note, Merry Christmas, Merry X-Mas, Happy Holidays, and Happy Festivus.

God is still on His throne. My world may be crazy right now, but my God isn't. He's got me. He's never left us nor forsaken us. He's never let us down. We have always received exceedingly and abundantly above all we could ever ask or think.

Today is no different. My God is the same yesterday, today, & tomorrow. His word is the same every day. His mercies renew every morning.

Today might be crazy, but I know that my future is in God's hands. He is able. That's just it. HE is able. Amy isn't able. Gary isn't able. But God IS able. HE is able. We'll be okay. He's got us.

Thank you, God.

Because that's the kind of day I've had. THAT'S why.

Have you ever heard God speaking to you, and just KNEW it was Him, but you didn't respond? (I'm fairly certain that's a run-on sentence, but I'm so tired right now that I really don't care. Anyone who does care can feel free to send me a corrected version of my sentence and I'll edit my blog. Really. I will. I'm fully aware that in the time it took me to write this I could have made sure my sentence was correct. Again. That would take brain power. Which I really don't care to give right now.)

Anyway. What was I talking about? Oh yeah. Me ignoring God.

I'm reminded of the story of the guy who was stranded on the roof of his house as rising flood waters surrounded him. He prayed for God to save him, but turned down the very people God sent into his life to save him. First a guy in a small boat comes, then a guy in a bigger boat, & then a guy in a helicopter. Each time, he turned down their help saying, "No thanks, God's going to rescue me". As the flood waters nearly overtook him, he cried out to God, "I prayed for you to save me! I thought you were a God of miracles!" God looks down on him from heaven & says, "Look! I sent you 2 boats & a helicopter! What more do you want?"

Sometimes God is so blaringly obvious, that we overlook it thinking it CAN'T be God. I mean, doesn't He part waters & heal the blind & stuff? God doesn't deal in the obvious, common everyday things! Except He does. Everyday. And many times we dismiss Him because it's not big enough or bold enough. God hasn't sent us a personal letter declaring that this word is from Him therefore it can't be.

Except I think He did. It's called the Bible. In there, God promises to provide for all of our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus. Needs. Aren't those common? Normal? Everyday? Sometimes might we expect God to provide for those needs in common ways? Like a job? Or a meal from a friend when we're sick? The normal. The common. The everyday.

What is a need? I think a big need for all of us as Christians is fellowshiping with like-minded believers. You know, church. We've been going to a fairly big church in this area. We haven't really made it a point to get involved. The kids go to the kid's church, but beyond that, we're not really involved. And we want to be, but this church is just too big. It's also far away. The 20 minute drive isn't bad on a good day, but add in a Michigan winter day & it's a recipe for us missing church...a LOT...in the winter; especially when some of the worst storms like to come on the weekend. We've been praying for something smaller, something that meets our needs more, something closer to home.

On several different occasions one or the other (or both) of us has had someone recommend a particular church in town. It's a relatively new church (around 2 yrs I'm guessing), but it's got what we're looking for. Up to this point, we've taken recommendations to try that church as just people inviting us to join THEIR church. The problem with that theory is that only 2 of the people who recommended that church actually go to that church. The others have just heard of it & thought it sounded like the right fit for us. Today, a 5th person recommended that church to me. She & her family actually attend that church. But she's the 5th person in about 2 months to recommend that church. Considering that we've only been in town for about 1/2 of those 2 months, that's a fairly high ratio.

I'm thinking we should finally take the boat God's offering us & try this church. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe it's not God, but what if it is...and we choose not to listen? We're looking for a new church anyway so I think we should give this one a try. I have a sneaking feeling that we're going to really like this church. Maybe it's just me...or maybe it's the fact that God's sent 5 people in as many weeks to tell us about THIS church...and ONLY this church. Did I mention that NO OTHER church has been recommended to us BUT this one. Yeah. We'll be going this next Sunday.

Amy

Seems I've heard that phrase somewhere before. If my memory is correct, someone named Alexander experienced a similar day. (Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day)

My Thursday was horrible by all accounts. If I hadn't experienced it, I'd have thought the person telling me about it was crazy. That's why I prefer not to talk to myself.

My morning started at 3am. And I don't even have a baby in the house right now! After 2 hours of cramping, I finally was able to go back to sleep at 5am. (Just in time for waking up at 6am!) I felt just as bad when I woke up as I had at 3am. NOT a good start to the day!

After taking hubby to work, I headed to a doctor's appointment. I was supposed to be there at 10:10am. After my doctor's appointment, the kids and I were planning on having lunch at the park. I then needed to do some laundry and pack as we were leaving at 7:30 the next morning to head to Flint for a mini-vacation with Discover Michigan for Gary's job.

It was 9:15am. As I was about to enter the highway, I noticed my car was past hot. It was seriously overheating. Lovely.

I turned around thinking I could make it back to Gary's work. I didn't. After the car started smoking at the next intersection, I pulled the car into the nearest parking lot. Gary was in a meeting and I didn't know when he'd be out. Thankfully, a friend was able to help.

Did I mention that my hormones also started going crazy that morning? I literally woke up on the verge of crying. The car breaking down did NOT help that.

My friend gets there and we try to figure out what to do since her car only has enough room for 5 people total. And there were 4 of us...plus she and her 2 children. Somehow the numbers weren't adding up. And she didn't own a clown car.

We solved our problem by her taking my oldest, our son, and her son to her house. I kept my other daughter, and her 4month old baby. (It was horrible, I tell you. Having to hold a sweet baby for 30 minutes!) While she took them home and came back for the rest of us, I walked over to Gary's work. The baby was passed around, hubby and I talked, I cried...because I was horribly emotional, and my friend came to get us.

Shortly after, I learned that I had not actually completely miscarried yet. Hence the cramps at 3am and when I woke up. UUGH! Let's add something else to my day, please. Did I mention my hormones were also going crazy, and pretty much anything would set off my tear ducts right about then? Like if you looked at me. Or if a cat walked by. Or a bird flew overhead. Or I had a thought. Anything. Literally.

After I watched my children plus her baby at her house while she went to a planned appointment with her son, I finally made it to my doctor's appointment...using her car. I got there at 2pm. (Remember, my appointment was a 10:10?) This was an urgent situation, though, so they had no choice BUT to reschedule me. Thankfully, they were understanding.

At 3pm, her husband, a mechanic, took us over to Gary's work then went to work on our car. Gary's work offers a very nice benefit. They have a company car which anyone in the company can check out and use at any time. I hadn't immediately utilized this option because I'd hoped my car would be fixed by now. With all the appointments and running around, though, that hadn't happened. I also knew that this car was a piece of junk. Literally. It is a 1980 something car that they refused to repair despite many things wrong with it; although it usually at least got you from point A to point B. Not in comfort, but it got you there.

It was now 3:30, and I still had laundry and packing to do plus a meeting at 7pm. I didn't have time to reject a working car. We settled into the car and headed off. ("Settling" being defined as: Ensuring that the car has enough coolant as the "low coolant" light likes to come on and kill the car if all reservoirs aren't full, children climbing through the doors that do open to get to the side of the car where the door doesn't open, putting my purse behind my back because the seat wouldn't move and is stuck as far back as it can possibly be, rolling all of the windows down as the air conditioner doesn't work...and ensuring that the bobby pin is properly in place so we can roll said windows back up when we're at our destination...praying there is actually gas in the vehicle since the gas gauge is broken and I have no idea who last drove it, reminding the kids that they can't touch the radio or anything else as touching one thing can spark an electrical issue in another area of the car, etc.)

My first goal was to get to the gas station to ensure that I knew it had gas. As we were almost to the gas station, the car jumped, sputtered, the "low coolant" light came on, and just as I had it in the median of the road, died completely.

I lost it. Completely. With my children right there.

It was now 4pm, 2 cars had died on me, my laundry still wasn't done, I hadn't even started packing, my kids would want dinner in about an hour, and my friend couldn't come pick me up again because she was gone now. (And her hubby was still working on our car.) Did I mention that we needed our car to leave town at 7:30 am the next morning for hubby's work? Yeah. It was THAT kind of day!

I called a neighbor in tears, and she kindly came to pick us up. She also offered her washer knowing that ours had died, we couldn't drive to the laundromat, and we liked having clean clothes. At least I could pack and do laundry. Didn't know how or when I'd pick my husband up from work, but at least I could pack and do laundry. And feed the children. Home is a good place to be even if you're stuck.

At this point, I also called and told the leader of my bible study that I wouldn't be there. There is only so much I can handle in one day. She was understanding, and assured me they'd pray for my husband and children as they attempted to deal with my hormones. (Did I mention my hormones were going crazy?) And for a quick fix to our car.

I also advised my husband that he had better e-mail the people in Flint and let them know that his wife was crazy that we likely would be a little late tomorrow.

Just as I was wondering if my husband would actually have to walk home, my friend called me to let me know that her husband had finished working on our car. She would come pick me up in our car, we would take her back to her car, and then she would go to our bible study and let everyone know that I was uber hormonal and that they should consider saving my family from me give everyone an update on our situation.

Life from there on out was exactly as planned. Wait. No. That's not right. Let's try that again.

We picked my husband up, and grabbed a quick dinner out because there was no way I was going to walk into my kitchen and touch fire after the day I'd had. He then took us home, and went BACK to work where he stayed until midnight!! I'm not quite sure if he actually had that much work to do or if he just was scared of my uber hormonal state. I'm pretty sure it's the latter. I don't blame him.

Still, throughout this entire day, the one thing I noticed (after the hormones calmed down and I was pseudo-normal again), was that God was with us the entire day. Our car could have broken down when we were on the highway and miles away from an exit on Friday. It could have broken down while we were on our way to Flint or in Flint. It could have broken down anywhere or anytime else than when it did. But it didn't. It happened at probably the best time possible. (If there is a best time for a car to break down.)

The doctor's appointment? It was actually probably better that it got postponed. Had I been on time, then I wouldn't have known yet that I wasn't done miscarrying. As it was, I knew that by the time I actually went to the doctor. So we were able to address that then instead of having to schedule yet another appointment. (I had already had 2 in 2 days.)

We were never alone. In every instance, God provided a friend to help us. Two to pick us up and one to fix our car immediately. Our laundry did get done. We got packed. We made it to our mini-vacation. (And had a great time, I might add!)

It was a "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day". (Probably made much worse by my ever-present, bubbling over emotions.) But God was there. Even in the timing of the bad, I see His hand at work.

What more could we ask for; even in a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day?

-Me

If we could play God, I'm sure we'd do things differently. We'd make sure bad things didn't happen to good people.

We can't do that, though.

Because we're not God.

I don't think we'd want the job, anyway.

Bad things do happen.

The good die young.

Sometimes babies are taken from their moms shortly after they breathe life. Some before they even take that first breath.

This week, a friend of mine helped a good friend of hers grieve...after a drunk driver killed her friend's 19yr old son.

This week, I found out that a good, old, dear friend...who was like a brother to me...died young. WAY too young. He was the father of 7 children. His wife (an amazing woman) is now a widow. No one should have to go through that in their 20's, 30's, or 40's. That's too young. But it happens.

This week, I lost a baby. My baby had been growing in my belly. My baby is now in the arms of Jesus. I know I'm not the first woman to have a miscarriage. I know it happens everyday. It happens. Because life happens. And sometimes bad things happen in life.

I want to thank everyone out there who prayed for me. You didn't know what was going on. You just knew I was having a hard time. A bad day. Just that I needed prayer. And I did. Thank you.

I wasn't going to say anything here. I was just going to go on about my life and pretend that this had never happened. Call it trying to figure out a way to cope. I've never been one to hide who I am or how I feel, though. So here I am. I am hurt. Because something bad has happened.

I never want anyone to think that I would ever doubt God because of bad things, though. I wouldn't. I don't. I can't tell you why bad things happen to good people. I just know they do. God doesn't promise us that life will always be perfect. He doesn't promise us that there will never be pain.

He says that He can turn any situation for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. I can't see the good in everything yet. I don't know that I will on earth. I still love Jesus with all my heart. I don't doubt for a minute that He knows better than I what tomorrow will bring, and what is best for that tomorrow.

I don't understand why bad things sometimes happen, but I do know that God will see me through. He always has. Through everything. And He will through this. Even though my heart is hurting.

-Me

Ever felt like this?



I have. A lot. Far too many times to count. I had a broken childhood and thought that everything would be different when I got married. In a way, they are. They are now different issues being approached from a different perspective.

I'd like to encourage you. If you are going through anything, or if you have hand are still healing, know that you are NOT alone. I can guarantee you that if I don't understand, then someone else out there does. I'll say it again. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!

I kno wthat for me that was so important. I know God is always with us, but I'm not talking about that. I mean there is another human being currently on this earth who understands.

Need to talk? Create an anonymous twitter or blog. I've done both. No, they're not connected to this blog or me in any way. So don't bother trying to look. You won't find me...until and unless I'm ready. When (if) I ever am, I promise you'll be among the first to know. I pray you'll be patient and understanding.

Yes. I have secrets...and that's okay. God has put in my path incredible people to help me. He showed me that I'm not alone when I most needed to know.

There are days still when He's holding me up. There are days when He sends a friend to help hold me up. There are days when I don't stand at all, but still make it through the day, by His grace.

No, also, there are days when I help hold someone else up. Let me tell you, THAT has done more to help ME heal than I could have ever imagined.

Please, just know, if you're broken today...whatever the reason...you are not alone. Trust me. I know. I have been where I never thought I'd be, and I'm here today...to blog about it. And that helps me. That gives me life. It helps me stand.

Thank you for your part...for hearing my heart.

-Me

My heart is broken. I just found out that a dear, long-time friend of ours has made a heart-wrenching decision.

He says he no longer believes in God.

I know not everyone is a believer. When someone who WAS a believer says they no longer are. That's...it's just different.

What do you say? How do you handle this? Lord Jesus, he knows your word. Please bring him back.

-Me

Where does your peace come from? Is it dependent on your job? Your home? Your husband or wife? Your kids? Is your peace dependent on whether you have the money to pay your bills? Is It dependent on whether your house is clean or not? On whether your kids behave? Is it dependent on whether your laundry is caught up? Does your peace depend on whether your homeschooling is going exactly as planned? On whether you have the “perfect” curriculum or not?

Where does your peace come from?

If your peace comes from anyone or anything other than Christ, then your peace is only a false sense of security. It isn’t real. It’s the appearance of peace, but you do not have real peace. REAL peace only comes through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Colossians 3:15 says to, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.”

Not only should we find our peace in Christ, but we are called to do so! There can be no true peace if that peace is not found in Jesus.

There are many things that will have the appearance of peace: Have a wonderful husband or wife, obedient children, the money to pay the bills, a good savings account, a nice house, a great homeschooling day/week/month/year, housework caught up, laundry done, a healthy family. LOTS of things can have the APPEARANCE of true peace. However, without Christ, all of these things are for nothing. There is no purpose to them. They are just activities that we do.

What happens when something goes wrong: Your husband or wife isn’t so wonderful, your kids disobey, your family loses income and can’t pay the bills, the savings dwindles &/or disappears, the house is foreclosed on or must be sold for a smaller one, you have a terrible day/week/month/year in homeschooling, the housework gets behind, the laundry isn’t done, or someone get sick. What do you do then? Where is your peace? Do you still have it?

Chances are if you found your peace in those things, then when those things are gone, so is your peace. If, however, your peace is in Christ then you’ll have the peace that passes all understanding. You’ll have that peace of knowing that although something is wrong, God will get you through. You may not know how, you may not know when, but you DO know that God will get you through. You have an unexplainable peace. It’s unexplainable largely because everything else around you says that you shouldn’t have peace…yet you do…and you can’t explain how.

I know. I’ve been there. Many times.

I’m still there.

There are days when I can’t tell you what tomorrow will bring, but I do know that God will be there with us. I know that He will provide for all of our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. I know that even though tomorrow is not laid out for me, whatever it holds…I can still have peace.

I won’t always go there first. Sometimes God will remind me in prayer or in my quiet time that I have started to put my peace in something else and that I need to get my eyes back on Him. That happens when things are bad…and when things are good. I think it’s actually easier to take our eyes off of God when things are going well. It’s easy to “blame” our circumstances for our peace. When things go wrong, though…where do we turn? We know that ultimately, without Him…we won’t make it through.

I would like to encourage you to evaluate where your peace comes from. Try putting your peace and your trust in Jesus. Honestly answer this question: Are you relying on anything or anyone else to bring you peace? If everything around you falls apart tonight…would you remain at peace?

-Me