It was time for a change. I've been thinking a lot about my blog, and what it says (or doesn't say) about me. Truth be told, I've been thinking a lot about my life of late, and feeling the need to make some changes. The real me has gotten lost in the chaos that has been my life of late. Lost in the titles of wife and mother. And somewhere along the way the dreams I once had, and the passions that once drove me got lost too.
So it's time for a change. Time to refocus, renew and revive. Time to be still and listen. Time to dream. Time to discover who I am now, as a 37 going on 38-year-old wife and mother, and what it is He is calling me to do. Time to plant seeds, invest time, and make a mark.
With a new year dawning... it seemed like the right time then to relaunch my blog. I took some time coming up with a new name and landed today on "House Blend 365." My house is afterall my calling-card, and we are a "blended" (meaning interracial or multiethnic/multicultural) family. And this blog is my journal 365 days of the year.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
A True Blessing
It's Christmas Day and we feel blessed. Not because the house is a mess with wrapping paper and mountains of gifts. But rather because of the lack of mess. Yes, we opened some gifts, but it was by all accounts a very modest amount. We planned it that way. We planned to intentionally take the focus off of the gifts.
The truth is, over the past two years, we've become sickened by the materialism of the holiday season and, as I've mentiond in previous posts, challenged to consider making a Christmas change. Christmas isn't about presents, blowing budgets and going home with an arm full of things you really don't need. It's about love, hope, peace, family, and... the simplicity of that humble night in Bethlehem.
Recently a friend showed me a picture that greatly offended me. They didn't mean to, but they did. The picture was of their Christmas tree, or rather of the large (and I mean HUGE) amount of gifts beneath it. The caption attached to the picture simply read: "We are blessed."
Riddled with a variety of emotions over this simple photo and comment, I've spent the last few days mulling this over. Apart from my annoyance with how blantant their "bragging" was over the overwhelming amount of gifts, I was more offended by their choice to refer to the gluttony of gifts as a "blessing." Was it really?
Is it really a blessing to receive things you don't need? Is it really a blessing to spend money on toys, trinkets and other "wants?" Isn't there truth in the adage that it's better to give than to receive? And what about the simple fact that Christmas simply isn't about the gifts?
The truth of the matter is, I feel more blessed this Christmas than I ever have before. Having deliberately chosen to spend less and give more, my heart is full with the joy that comes in sharing what we have with those that don't have anything. My camera is full of photos that have capture quality time as a family, doing things that will forever be savoured in our memories. My hands are tired from baking and cooking to bless those around us. And my faith is strengthened for having spent more time meditating on the humble birth of my Saviour.
Happy Birthday Jesus. YOU and the love that flows through us becuase of you are why we are blessed.
The truth is, over the past two years, we've become sickened by the materialism of the holiday season and, as I've mentiond in previous posts, challenged to consider making a Christmas change. Christmas isn't about presents, blowing budgets and going home with an arm full of things you really don't need. It's about love, hope, peace, family, and... the simplicity of that humble night in Bethlehem.
Recently a friend showed me a picture that greatly offended me. They didn't mean to, but they did. The picture was of their Christmas tree, or rather of the large (and I mean HUGE) amount of gifts beneath it. The caption attached to the picture simply read: "We are blessed."
Riddled with a variety of emotions over this simple photo and comment, I've spent the last few days mulling this over. Apart from my annoyance with how blantant their "bragging" was over the overwhelming amount of gifts, I was more offended by their choice to refer to the gluttony of gifts as a "blessing." Was it really?
Is it really a blessing to receive things you don't need? Is it really a blessing to spend money on toys, trinkets and other "wants?" Isn't there truth in the adage that it's better to give than to receive? And what about the simple fact that Christmas simply isn't about the gifts?
The truth of the matter is, I feel more blessed this Christmas than I ever have before. Having deliberately chosen to spend less and give more, my heart is full with the joy that comes in sharing what we have with those that don't have anything. My camera is full of photos that have capture quality time as a family, doing things that will forever be savoured in our memories. My hands are tired from baking and cooking to bless those around us. And my faith is strengthened for having spent more time meditating on the humble birth of my Saviour.
Happy Birthday Jesus. YOU and the love that flows through us becuase of you are why we are blessed.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Where's the line to see Jesus?
A friend shared this on Facebook today, and it moved me. Given that we've made the intentional choice make a Christmas Change, I was touched by the profound message of this song. May it move you to make your own Christmas change.
"Where's the Line to See Jesus?" Becky Kelley
Christmas time was approaching, the snow is starting to fall,
Shoppers choosing their presents, people filling the mall,
Children waiting for Santa with excitement and glee.
A little boy tugged my sweater, looked up and asked me,
Where's the line to see Jesus? Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday, why don't we see Him more?
Where's the line to see Jesus? He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents, but Christ gave His life for me.
As I stood in amazement at this message profound,
I looked down to thank him, he was no where around.
The little boy at the mall might as well have had wings
As the tears filled my eyes, I thought I heard him say,
Where's the line to see Jesus? Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday, why don't we see Him more?
Where's the line to see Jesus? He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents, but Christ gave His life for me.
In the blink of an eye, at the sound of His trump,
We'll all stand in line at His throne.
Every knee shall bow down, every tongue will confess,
That Jesus Christ is Lord.
Where's the line to see Jesus? Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday, why don't we see Him more?
Where's the line to see Jesus? He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents, but Christ gave His life for me.
"Where's the Line to See Jesus?" Becky Kelley
Christmas time was approaching, the snow is starting to fall,
Shoppers choosing their presents, people filling the mall,
Children waiting for Santa with excitement and glee.
A little boy tugged my sweater, looked up and asked me,
Where's the line to see Jesus? Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday, why don't we see Him more?
Where's the line to see Jesus? He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents, but Christ gave His life for me.
As I stood in amazement at this message profound,
I looked down to thank him, he was no where around.
The little boy at the mall might as well have had wings
As the tears filled my eyes, I thought I heard him say,
Where's the line to see Jesus? Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday, why don't we see Him more?
Where's the line to see Jesus? He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents, but Christ gave His life for me.
In the blink of an eye, at the sound of His trump,
We'll all stand in line at His throne.
Every knee shall bow down, every tongue will confess,
That Jesus Christ is Lord.
Where's the line to see Jesus? Is He here at the store?
If Christmas time is His birthday, why don't we see Him more?
Where's the line to see Jesus? He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents, but Christ gave His life for me.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Breath of Heaven
I remember it like it was yesterday. Head spinning. Palms sweaty. Heart racing. Fear gripping. Pregnant. Our own miracle, after 10 years of giving up all hope. I felt so unprepared. So unsure. So overwhelmed.
As I sit under the glow of our Christmas tree, mind wandering back to that day, my eyes fall upon a humble little nativity scene.
A toy really. A simple way to teach our miracle about The Miracle. As I gaze at this simple scene, my eyes meet Mary's for a moment... and I am in awe.
Knowing how I took the news of our child on the way, I try and imagine all that Mary must have been feeling the day the angel gave her the news. To be told you are to carry the One, the Messiah. I can't even fathom it.
And then to give life to this child, in the way that she did, with the humble surrounding she was in... again, I can't even fathom it.
Oh to aspire to the faith that Mary had. A faith that, despite the fear she must have felt, moved her to say yes, "I am the Lord's servant..." (Luke 1:38) and accept the Lord's plan. A faith that endured the long and most likely painful journey to Bethlehem. A faith that pushed past the pain and clung to the only person who was there, her new husband, to bring forth a child that was to be King! A faith that clung to the very breath of Heaven...
As I sit under the glow of our Christmas tree, mind wandering back to that day, my eyes fall upon a humble little nativity scene.
A toy really. A simple way to teach our miracle about The Miracle. As I gaze at this simple scene, my eyes meet Mary's for a moment... and I am in awe.
Knowing how I took the news of our child on the way, I try and imagine all that Mary must have been feeling the day the angel gave her the news. To be told you are to carry the One, the Messiah. I can't even fathom it.
And then to give life to this child, in the way that she did, with the humble surrounding she was in... again, I can't even fathom it.
Oh to aspire to the faith that Mary had. A faith that, despite the fear she must have felt, moved her to say yes, "I am the Lord's servant..." (Luke 1:38) and accept the Lord's plan. A faith that endured the long and most likely painful journey to Bethlehem. A faith that pushed past the pain and clung to the only person who was there, her new husband, to bring forth a child that was to be King! A faith that clung to the very breath of Heaven...
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
It's Brownie Day!
It's Brownie Day and I can think of nothing I'd love more, or "need" more than an ooey gooey brownie. Nuff said.
Monday, December 06, 2010
Ecuadorian Gifts
With the gentle hum of the dryer in the distance, I sit and type. Eyes heavy from a filled day of ministry, both at work and at home, I am tired but my heart is full. Gratitude lives here.
There is joy found in the discipline of giving thanks. And so with steady hands and a smile on my lips I type; with each stroke of they key I count gifts. Gifts from treasured memories that warm my heart and rekindle a love for a past I am so grateful for. It is fitting that today, the sixth of December, is a Monday. For I have a multitude of gifts to be thankful for on this seis de Diciembre.
- 476 years of a city (mi cuidad) that will forever live in my heart
- "El Chulla Quiteno" and lost conciertos de Quito with the very first friend I made when we moved to Ecuador (Te amo Marti!)
- knowing that 20 years later I still have contact with beloved friends
- Humitas, Manichos and "agua con gas"
- Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Cayambe and Antisana -- the Rocky Mountains of BC will never live up to you
- The class of 91
- Casa Blanca
- strolling Amazonas, having coffee at the Colon Hotel and singing the national anthem at the top of our lungs outside the presidential palace
- "regalitos de navidad" and burning "el ano veijo"
- El Bosque, my second home
- Choir trips and marriage proposals
- teachers I called friends, missionaries that were my aunts and uncles, and classmates who were more like siblings...
Que viva Quito!
There is joy found in the discipline of giving thanks. And so with steady hands and a smile on my lips I type; with each stroke of they key I count gifts. Gifts from treasured memories that warm my heart and rekindle a love for a past I am so grateful for. It is fitting that today, the sixth of December, is a Monday. For I have a multitude of gifts to be thankful for on this seis de Diciembre.
- 476 years of a city (mi cuidad) that will forever live in my heart
- "El Chulla Quiteno" and lost conciertos de Quito with the very first friend I made when we moved to Ecuador (Te amo Marti!)
- knowing that 20 years later I still have contact with beloved friends
- Humitas, Manichos and "agua con gas"
- Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Cayambe and Antisana -- the Rocky Mountains of BC will never live up to you
- The class of 91
- Casa Blanca
- strolling Amazonas, having coffee at the Colon Hotel and singing the national anthem at the top of our lungs outside the presidential palace
- "regalitos de navidad" and burning "el ano veijo"
- El Bosque, my second home
- Choir trips and marriage proposals
- teachers I called friends, missionaries that were my aunts and uncles, and classmates who were more like siblings...
Que viva Quito!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Small Gifts
I unpacked a box of Christmas decorations today, and found a gift we were given last Christmas. It was yet another symbol of God's blessings to us, and a reminder to never forget to count those blessings... those gifts.
281. Beautiful, thoughtful gifts from our former congregation; an expression of thanks to my husband, their shepherd, as we moved on to a new flock.
282. The glow of the Christmas lights on our tree, and how they warm the dark, cold nights of winter.
283. A little girl fascinated by her shoes.
284. The hum of my diswasher and the extra minutes it gives me to do something else that needs doing.
285. Warm baths and giggly, splashing little girls.
286. The holiday scent of apples and cinnamon.
287. The joy of giving.
288. Advent meditations.
289. Laughter -- contagious and real.
290. Sweet memories and old friends.
What are you grateful for?
281. Beautiful, thoughtful gifts from our former congregation; an expression of thanks to my husband, their shepherd, as we moved on to a new flock.
282. The glow of the Christmas lights on our tree, and how they warm the dark, cold nights of winter.
283. A little girl fascinated by her shoes.
284. The hum of my diswasher and the extra minutes it gives me to do something else that needs doing.
285. Warm baths and giggly, splashing little girls.
286. The holiday scent of apples and cinnamon.
287. The joy of giving.
288. Advent meditations.
289. Laughter -- contagious and real.
290. Sweet memories and old friends.
What are you grateful for?
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Grateful for "Cheese"
While I may not be American by birth, I have always felt American at heart. Most likely due to the "brainwashing"... err... I mean "educating"... err... of course I mean "lovin'" I've received from my years on the mission field with friends, adopted aunts and uncles, and teachers who all came from the US, celebrating American Thanksgiving has always come more easily to me than remembering that Canadian Thanksgiving is in October! After all, we got several days off school in November, but Canadian Thanksgiving (more commonly known in the US as "Columbus Day") passed by with a mere mention!
So, as my parents enjoy a visit with my brother, who very wisely married a wonderful Oklahoma girl, and now is raising two mighty fine little Texans, I join my American friends in giving thanks today. I may not be able to say I'm grateful for Turkey, since we'll be having meatloaf tonight, but I am grateful for cheese. The cheesiest of cheese wrapped up in a silly little bundle of energy known as my 2 year old, Abbie Joy:
She makes me grateful every day, for God's unexpected gifts!
So, as my parents enjoy a visit with my brother, who very wisely married a wonderful Oklahoma girl, and now is raising two mighty fine little Texans, I join my American friends in giving thanks today. I may not be able to say I'm grateful for Turkey, since we'll be having meatloaf tonight, but I am grateful for cheese. The cheesiest of cheese wrapped up in a silly little bundle of energy known as my 2 year old, Abbie Joy:
She makes me grateful every day, for God's unexpected gifts!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Give It Away
Last year, after fighting the holiday crowds in the mall, stressing over last minute gifts and wondering how I was going to pay for it all, I came to a rather disturbing realization. I hated Christmas. Or rather, I hated what Christmas had become. Without realizing it, I had allowed the materialism of the holiday, the anxiety about finding the perfect gift and the pride of ensuring my home looked like a Hallmark Christmas card, to overshadow the true meaning of Christmas! It was a humbling moment.
Not long after this revelation, I tuned in to our local Christian radio station and heard words that led my husband and I make some rather radical changes to how we spend the holidays. “Give this Christmas away.” *
With those words, we did a complete about-face in how we approached the holiday season. Intentionally putting less emphasis on the decorations, the baking (and eating!), and gift giving, we turned our eyes to that lowly manger and chose to follow God’s example by giving of ourselves and from the abundance He has blessed us with. From the lonely widow down the street, to the family struggling to make ends meet, to the orphan in Africa, we discovered a multitude of creative ways to “give this Christmas away."
*"Give This Christmas Away" by Matthew West
*"Give This Christmas Away" by Matthew West
Many Thanks
It's been a busy week, full of blessings.
250. Family date nights - out on the town with my best peeps, daddy and Abbie.
251. strolls after dinner
252. "love yous" and hugs unprompted
253. silliness and money to buy fun toys for a silly little girl
254. Sun, crisp morning air and mountains dusted in snow
255. veterans and those who gave their lives for my freedom
256. moments that catch me off guard, and make me pause and say "we are blessed"
257. a hubby who announces that I can sleep in in the morning and that he'll make breakfast!
258. calls home and fun chats with family I don't see often
259. Saturdays with nothing to do but watch movies on TV
260. Panago pizza literally right next door to our home
What are you grateful for?
250. Family date nights - out on the town with my best peeps, daddy and Abbie.
251. strolls after dinner
252. "love yous" and hugs unprompted
253. silliness and money to buy fun toys for a silly little girl
254. Sun, crisp morning air and mountains dusted in snow
255. veterans and those who gave their lives for my freedom
256. moments that catch me off guard, and make me pause and say "we are blessed"
257. a hubby who announces that I can sleep in in the morning and that he'll make breakfast!
258. calls home and fun chats with family I don't see often
259. Saturdays with nothing to do but watch movies on TV
260. Panago pizza literally right next door to our home
What are you grateful for?
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