celebrate the season of the Savior's birth

The other day another teacher and I discussed Christmas and decorating. A few years back, I gave up putting out a tree in favor of the Nativity, because it expresses what I find meaningful during this season and always. Instead of lights and Santa, carols and scriptures make the season bright for me.

I know my Savior, Jesus Christ, was born, lived, died, and lives again. He brings me peace in this violent, confusing world. He will never desert me, but waits patiently for me to discover and accept Him. He blesses me abundantly, which blessings will be multiplied by unimaginable proportions at the conclusion of my "third act, when all when the mysteries are solved and everything is put right." After experiencing a taste of the love that is to come, I will do everything in my power to sup at that table of love again.

light in my darkness

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son, Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us," John 1:1-14.

The Christmas Season seems to do this to me. Or more likely cloudy weather at this time of year gets me down and clouds my judgement...anyway...

Last night, I put on my mom had and began to worry about an adult child. Really, if I didn't do good enough job that I KNOW they lead decent lives, I can't fix it now. Still, I worry about the effects of the choices of others on my beloved children. Anyway...I got pretty anxious about it and couldn't sleep. So...I prayed. Immediately, I was inspired to a certain action. Once complete, my heart had peace and my head stopped swirling. I had joy, because of the light my Savior cast in my darkness.

The Lord is my light; then why should I fear?
By day and by night his presence is near.
He is my salvation from sorrow and sin;
This blessed assurance the Spirit doth bring.
The Lord is my light;
He is my joy and my song.
By day and by night he leads,
He leads me along.

The Lord is my light; tho clouds may arise,
Faith, stronger than sight, looks up thru the skies
Where Jesus forever in glory doth reign.
Then how can I ever in darkness remain?
The Lord is my light;
He is my joy and my song.
By day and by night he leads,
He leads me along.

The Lord is my light; the Lord is my strength.
I know in his might I'll conquer at length.
My weakness in mercy he covers with pow'r,
And, walking by faith, I am blest ev'ry hour.
The Lord is my light;
He is my joy and my song.
By day and by night he leads,
He leads me along.

The Lord is my light, my all and in all.
There is in his sight no darkness at all.
He is my Redeemer, my Savior, and King.
With Saints and with angels his praises I'll sing
The Lord is my light;
He is my joy and my song.
By day and by night he leads,
He leads me along....James Nicholson

ponder in her heart

Mother's Love

Liz Lemon Swindle

This artist captures so much of what mothers feel toward little newcomers. 

Check out her other work; it's beautiful.

"And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart," Luke 2:17-19.

In no way can I imagine Mary's ponderings as the mother of the Messiah. I can imagine the joy she felt over her little baby. Welcoming a new one into the maternal circle takes time, reflection, and an open heart. Even though a mother carries the child for nine months, she doesn't yet know him. They are almost strangers. Yet, the mother feels an iron bond with the little newcomer. When we tell the story and celebrate Christmas, we really celebrate Jesus' life, character, example, and sacrifices for us.

WooHoo!

Praying For...Since I don't do grandchild of the week during December, I pray for them and my children as a group...I ask health, happiness, safety, security, peace, plenty, prosperity, vision, courage, faith in and loyalty to Jesus Christ. I beg that they may be blessed with gospel strong friends and a desire to embrace the good life that living the gospel brings. I plead that they will choose that better part and focus on the building their families in Christ. I hope their burdens and trials will feel light, that they will be of good cheer, and that joy will fill their souls. These things can be reality IF they put trust in the Lord and follow His ways even if they face trials and tribulation. I pray for peace on Earth and good will between all men.

Jesus Word...We left early yesterday morning, so I never put up my Christmas Advent Scriptures. The following is for two days. "And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men," Luke 2:12-14. WooHoo! The Messiah again!





Cucina Fresca...This has happened to me before. When I eat tons of greens and fruit, my eyes loose the brown. Right now they are a blue/grey with a tiny bit of brown around the center. Weird! Most of my life my hazel eyes have been almost entirely brown. I can't say I've ever loved navel oranges before, but the ones on my tree taste almost like orange sherbet. Eating spinach and orange smoothies for breakfast, lentils and sprout/lemon/orange salad for lunch, and beans/grains/kale for dinner with an orange cut like a grapefruit, I feel so light and happy. Then yesterday I ate out and was sick until morning. Gratitude fills my heart that the oil that gave me such trouble last night wasn't soy, or my throat would have closed up in addition to all the other undesirable symptoms. Uuuuugh. To me yummy taste is NOT worth hours or days or a lifetime of pain and suffering. Some people close to me don't agree, which boggles my mind.  The other day a couple ladies came over to visit. During the visit, they asked for some of my citrus. Surely, they said, you can't eat it all. I indicated that I could but would still share. I really didn't want to give any away, it's so yummy and they aren't exactly too poor to buy their own oranges and lemons. We plan to use it up before heading up for tax season. What we don't eat here, we'll take.

Bibliophilia...read Secret Daughter and The Whispering Season this week. Both were interesting and enjoyable. I highly recommend them. I also started Royal Road to Fotheringhay about the life of Mary Stuart. She had a privileged life but was brought up a pawn for political intrigue and gain. Life was cheap in those days and seems to be returning to that low level. What a horrible story! History is hard to stomach but so important to understand. Enjoying the free classes given by Hillside College and looking forward to others I plan to take with BYUI soon.

Family History...so enjoying the ability to work on this from the comfort of my own home. Actually, anywhere I can use wifi with my laptop, I can do genealogy. With ancestry and family search, my lines are combining with others. Some go back 20 or more generations now. Some of those people I can learn about in history books. Before delving into their lives, it was exciting to learn that kings and queens are my direct ancestors (not the back door illegitimates intimated by family legend). Being a student of history for academic pleasure is entirely different than reading it to learn about one's grandparents. What horrors! But I suppose I can't judge them by today's standards. Life was different....but the commandments have always been the same...murder, stealing, and immoralities of all sorts are forbidden. Glad I'm not the judge.

Movement...with the rain, my walks have been hit and miss. However, all the other things help on house confinement days. The rain also brings out sore joints, but arthritis is not nearly as bad as it was years ago. Eating a diet free of allergens, I've experienced a huge difference with inflammation of all sorts. Add in the foam rolling, stretching, and strength exercises, and I don't often have much trouble. At least it's not debilitating as it once was.

Garden Gate...the darn rabbits ate my gogi berry bushes down to the dirt. Cotton tails are so cute, but I can't stand them. Really, it's my fault for not putting hardware cloth around them. I guess I'll buy some more gogi bushes on the way home from buying hardware cloth.

The Gift, My Savior

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord," Luke 2:11.



When Spencer was eight or nine, he memorized Luke 2 and quoted it on Christmas Eve for years. Whenever I read Luke 2 these days, I remember the fun hours we spent working on this project and so many others. I remember the delightful times I had as a hand-on mom. Because those years passed so quickly without me understanding what a blessing I had in that sweet and sassy bunch of children, my memories are at times bittersweet and a bit regretful. Laying aside disappointment in myself and all that, I mainly feel the enormous joy the blessing my children brought and still bring. “Children are an heritage of the Lord,” Psalm 127:3.

When I feel discouraged, I try to remember the false sense of business and my inability to see what I had at that time. It allows me to see the joy I have right here, right now. Jesus is my Savior on Earth as well as in Heaven. He is my balm of Gilead, my Grace, my Joy, my Peace, my Light, my Rest, my Gift.

embrace the promised joy

The Angel Appearing before the Shepherds' by Thomas Buchanan Read, Dayton

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people," Luke 2:8-10.

I wonder if I would be afraid if an angel appeared before me. The angel told of a great joy that did Jesus bring. However, that joy doesn't just hang around but must be sought. Every time I feel wrong feelings or thoughts, I know I must intentionally choose to banish them and embrace the promised joy of Jesus.

just another

"When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy," Matthew 2:10.

"And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." Luke 1:30-33.

It wasn't just another normal year in her life. I can't even imagine the huge responsibility and honor of being chosen mortal mother of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Reading about all the miracles surrounding the birth of the Savior, I have joy.

miraculous and glorious

"Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us," Matthew 1:22-23.

I wish I knew the artist and title of this painting. I would love to put a copy in my house.

When learning of or witnessing miracles, I stopped marveling, 'Lord, how is it done?' I accept that miracles are part of God's plan. They show His power and that He keeps His word. If we but open our eyes, we can discover a bit of truth. Miracles maybe unexplainable but are not common-place. Everyday, we can witness God's tender mercies and divine hand in our lives. The miraculous part is that these occur whether we recognize them or not. God blesses ALL His spirit children, hopping to turn hearts and wills toward Him. To have one's heart and will aligned with Him is glorious and serene. Also miraculous and glorious is the gift of the Son, Jesus Christ.

quiet but happy

Advent Scriptures for today...

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass," Zechariah 9:9.

The painting "The Dream of St. Joseph" (circa 1770s) by Anton Raphael Mengs.  Public domain

"But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins," Matthew 1:20-21.

Handel's Messiah time again...too bad I can't sing it like in younger days. Since there's nobody to hear it but me, I belt it out like a good opera star...all jesting aside...Old Testament prophets foretold the major events of the Savior's life...I can't begin to imagine the faith it took for Joseph to go against cultural convention and religious tradition to accept pregnant Mary as his wife. God knew what sort of man Joseph was and knew Joseph's faith was strong enough for this calling.




Praying for...children all over the world, peace on earth, and good will toward all men...I think peace on earth is possible in the hearts of all followers of Jesus Christ, but not many others following the wrong master. Taking a break from Grandchild of the Week throughout December as always.

Jesus' Word..."Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me," John 14:6. I'm so very grateful that my parents brought me up in the Christian faith even if church going wasn't part of the program. I'm grateful that Jesus revealed Himself to me that I might follow Him back to the Father. Loving life is much easier with a vision and plan.

Cucina Fresca...I've been using up all the produce in my fridge. I tend to over buy and may never get used to cooking for only two. Costco has some fun, low-cost veggies. Lately, they carried baby patty pan squash. I can't believe how tasty it is compared to zucchini, which is another favorite. If I ever get a chance to have a veggie garden again, I'm going to grow green and yellow patty pan. It is good diced in salad, but it's out of this world in calabacitas. Calabacitas are diced summer squash, red bell pepper, and corn seasoned with garlic, onion, powdered mild chilies such as California and Ancho steamed in a couple tablespoons water for 5 minutes or so. I also add a handful of moringa leaves for extra nutrition; it doesn't alter the flavor much. We like to eat calabacitas with fajita style mushrooms for an amazingly filling dinner. Tomorrow I'm going to make mushroom and asparagus fried rice

Movement...loving our return to the 50/10 principle, where we take a brief walk or other activity each hour for ten minutes. It's amazing how this clears the mind and whittles the waist. Still doing ginjoga, light dumbbells, and hula hooping most days. I can sure tell, when I let movement slide. Laziness causes pain; now isn't that something.

Bibliophilia...Read a cute book that Grandma loaned me this week, Dear Mad'm by Stella Patterson. If I had the courage, I'd live in a cabin in the woods like Stella. Maybe I will some day. Also read Book of A Thousand Days by Shannon Hale, which we excellent until all the fantasy hocus pocus at the end. Also read Goethe's Hermann and Dorothea, translated by JB Harris, which was lovely. Still enjoying and slowly savoring the Life with Fred series. Working through Rex Barks with a mentee, I am having a blast. Who loves grammar! That would be me.

Family History...I've been working on genealogy quite a bit lately. It's especially exciting, because several of my stalled out lines recently linked to the work of other genealogists in the world wide community. Computerizing genealogy has removed much of the drudgery and problems of the old researching methods. So anyway, I'm a direct decedent of Mary Queen of Scotts, Henry VII, Charlemagne, oodles of knights, barons, lords, etc, and Mary Thawkila Chickasaw King of the New Windsor Chickasaw Settlement whose father was Squirrel Chief King of the East Cherokee Nation. Now to find the Hebrew blood link. How could I not be Jewish with these features. As a young man, my paternal grandfather was denied a rental home, because the owner said he wouldn't rent to a jew. Protest his lineage as Irish all he wanted the potential landlord wouldn't capitulate. Grandpa finally found something else for his young family. He told that story more than once in my hearing.

Sound of Music...so glad I took up the uke...it's quite enjoyable to sing hymns in the mornings and not get a violin neck/head ache...Some think the uke a toy. Actually, it's a miniature 4-string guitar and can be every bit a real instrument. It all depends on one's goals and drive. I play to accompany my hymn singing, which is quite enough. I don't need to prove anything to anyone, when I play for personal enjoyment and praises to God.

From My Pen...enjoying writing down my daydreams again...writing stories allows me to explore and research ideas without upsetting real life...I've built some pretty amazing homes and farms in my mind without even breaking a sweat. My biggest problem is refusing to give my characters any problems. They may lead quiet lives, but they are happy.

Garden Gate...got a clementine mandarin and planted another moringa...hope to plant guandules and a gold nugget mandarin next week...sprouts still going strong...zucchini plant in my window is full of blossoms but so far no fruit...

rededicate

"He fashioned their hearts alike; He considereth all their works," Psalm 33:15.

This verse from my Christmas Devotional connects perfectly to my other scripture studies today. Reading in Mosiah 5, I was touched and inspired by the following verses.

"...Because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually... (M 5:2)...take upon you the name of Christ (M 5:8)...called by the name of Christ (M 5:9)...whosoever shall not take upon him the name of Christ must be called by some other name (M 5:10)...this is the name...that never should be blotted out, except it be through transgression; therefore, take heed that ye do not transgress, that the name be not blotted out of your hearts (M 5:11)...hear and know the voice by which ye shall be called, and also, the name by which He shall call you. For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and whom is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart? (M 5:12-13.)"

I consider this morning, who do I serve? To whom do I give my heart and loyalty? Do I know Jesus' voice? Do I listen for His voice? Am I a stranger to Him? Does He hold my attention and claim my intentions?

This year my birthday gift to Jesus is to rededicate my heart to be His loyal servant and always listen for His voice.

joy in Jesus

" For 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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace," Isaiah 9:6.

"And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots," Isaiah 11:1

Every time I read Isaiah, I want to break out in song. For many years, I performed in Handel's Messiah at Christmas time, and many other years I listed to live or recorded performances. I feel so much joy in the scriptures and in Jesus.

I'm a bit humbug anymore with commercialism and gluttony and Santa and all that come with cultural celebrations during the Christmas season. I've quit putting up a tree. I say my trees are in the backyard--four citrus trees loaded with colorful fruit is more beautiful than a dying or fake pine. The only decorating I do is putting out a nativities. Jesus is the reason for this joyful season. I'll celebrate His birth and life.

the Lord is my light

The older I get the more I reject non-Christian Christmas traditions. Let others have their Santa and reindeer; I'll take Jesus. The Lord is my light. I seek His ways. Part of my scripture studies during December include a little advent progression. It prevents my humbug attitude and instead brings the joy of the season to my heart. "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise," Psalm 98:4. "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel," Isaiah 7:14.

Son of God Almighty Foretold

Isaiah Writing Prophecies Given Through Him by Harry Anderson

Isaiah of the Old Testament prophesied that a virgin would give birth to the Son of God Almighty, Jesus Christ, more than 700 years before His birth.

“Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” Isaiah 7:14

“For 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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” Isaiah 9:6