There was quite alot going on in Geauga County yesterday. Much to our dismay, there was a shooting that took place in Chardon High School, which is about 10 miles from my own town, heading south on Rt. 44. People all around the country now know the name of this small, quiet town, on a hill - loved by so many...and that of the young man having done the shooting, T.J. Lane. Being my one day off in the week, I listened to the story on t.v., all day, as it was unfolding. It was mentioned at least once, that bullying may have played a part in the poor decision made by this young man. I hope that they are wrong, but more and more, this seems to be the catalyst for bullied victims to either escape from the severe rejection it causes, by taking their own lives, or finding - both revenge and a way to let the world know what they were enduring by shooting the perpetrators. Many times they will kill themselves, also. If this were the situation with T.J. - he did not choose to do this, but quietly turned himself in. One policeman was all that it took to handcuff him and lead him to the patrol car. It really makes you wonder...I'm jussayin' he went from being a madman with a gun, to someone calm and controlled enough to 'go quietly' without incident. Soon we will know what was going on in his mind, we will know the intricacies of this tragic incident, but until then - it does bring up this topic once more.
Far too many schools do not have a bullying plan in place. I don't know if Chardon High School did or not. It's obvious that they had practiced how to handle such a situation, such as the one that happened. They did quite an exemplary job, all agree...and even have their own heroes - two teachers who ran T.J. out of the school, dodging bullets as they did. A high five to them, for sure, thank you, thank you, thank you! However, I'm jussayin' if this town thought that the chances of this happening were high enough to practice what to do if it had - you would think that they would also be using metal detectors to keep anyone from bringing a gun into school...so that the 'possible shooting' that they were practicing for - would never have been able to take place!
Too many times, bullying incidents, even when reported, leave those in charge dealing with the confusing 'he said, she said' issues that come up. Unfortunately, many times those being bullied eventually lose their tempers and start throwing verbal arrows back (or worse) at the perpetrators making it harder for the authority person to discern which came first, the chicken or the egg! It gives the perpetrator of the bullying the ability to announce that they had been 'cussed out' (by the very one they had been bullying)...act all innocent, and successfully deflect any focus from themselves. Mentor High School, right here in Lake County, has also had to finally deal with the very saddening, and uncomfortable outcomes of bullying, that were not stopped in time. Numerous suicides were the sickening outcome of it all, leaving families and hearts broken forever. I was very impressed to hear that LaMuth Middle School has the kids come together often, (if I've got it right,) and discuss bullying, communication, civility, and more. Kudos to them and to Mentor High, if they are.
I would like to challenge those who haven't watched the kids shows, these day...Disney and all the rest. It's truly amazing just how much bullying and incivility goes on in the story lines. I won't allow my granddaughter to watch most of them, when she visits. We watch shows like, The Little People, a Cake Baking show, Funniest Home Videos, Nature shows...Say Yes to the Dress. I'm Jussayin' - I just can't tolerate shows with teenagers - where you're nobody unless you can sing, dance or are in a band! They all have kids in cliques, and 'nerdy' kids who aren't...and everyone talks as sarcastically to one another as they can - continuously. I remind my granddaughter that in real life - there's NO laugh track behind you when you talk to one another that way! It's wrong - and that's that. I always remind her of that radical idea introduced by Jesus, himself: "Do to others, the same way that you would want them to do to you"...not before they do it unto you. Imagine if all lived according to this principle...no wonder it is called: The Golden Rule.
My own granddaughter has experienced ongoing bullying at two schools that she has attended. Both have NO no-bullying policies in place. Parents bring it up, with very little help found. There is rampant sexual, verbal abuse that the young girls have to put up with - that should never be tolerated. Not only that, but inappropriate 'touching' that has actually been planned by the boys, on certain days of the week! I for one think that sending our girls to all girls schools sound like a wonderful idea! The only problem with that is - with all of the sexual abuse that has gone on in the Catholic Church, Boys Clubs, and many other places we once considered safe - you just can't help wondering if you would be sending your little girl into some ridiculous situation where some person in authority may have chosen that setting specifically to be around a lot of little girls - for their own perverted reasons. I'm Jussayin'...what a crazy world we are living in today! What's a caring parent, grandparent, or caregiver to do? Everything these days keeps bringing us back to prayer. When things are just out of your control - you have to personally leave those you love, in His care, everyday and every night. It's the only way to get any sleep! Somehow I think you know what I mean! We are, after all, in this together. You and yours be safe - hear me?
Monday, February 27, 2012
Friday, February 3, 2012
Thinking About Changing Political Parties?
Many years ago now, I remember my mother deciding that she would not be voting Democrat any longer. She and her family had ALWAYS voted democrat, as did my father's. My maternal grandfather
was Irish, and fought hard to get unions going, many times getting in fist fights and risking his life. The Irish experienced much discrimination, and all workers needed to unite to address abuses of different types. At that time, having a body of some sort, to arbitrate between the workers and business owners was clearly needed for a plethora of reasons which most politicians on either side of the aisle wouldn't argue today. Unfortunately, the public sector unions of today, are causing our states to be looking at possible bankruptcy, refusing to give even a little on their benefits! I think, even my scrappy grandpa, if alive today, wouldn't be comfortable with the dramatic power (especially politically) that they have gained. I will discuss more on this issue in future blogs. Regarding my mother's decision to change parties, I remember asking her what had caused her to make such a drastic decision. She said to me, "I have not left the democratic party dear, the democratic party left me." Her and my father, both decided to vote for Ronald Reagan. Being of age to vote, I also voted for Ronald Reagan, though I didn't know that much about politics at the time. She said he was positive, decisive, and inspirational! When he spoke they felt hope for our country, and confident in him. Due to that, and certain social and religious reasons, from that point on my family always voted Republican. There were some things that we didn't always agree with, but in most instances, we just felt more at peace in our hearts, and safer with the Reagan/Republican type of message.
The Republicans were (and are) always strong on national defense, believing that we are safest when we have a very strong military. Reagan taught well on the difference between capitalism and socialism, and why the first - not the latter, was the only way for America to go. It is the only system that would allow for, and encourage all to pursue personal happiness, and assure us of a strong country, economically. My family also relates better with a party that is more vocal about gun rights, and religious freedoms. My family never even owned gun, but had we chosen to, we would have wanted those running our country to respect our right to own one. I've heard some repeats of Reagan's speeches on the radio, lately. (It would really be worth the effort to google some of them, and listen to them afresh, at this time when our country is going through all that she is.) He may not be alive, but with today's technology, his speeches could help to unite us all as AMERICANS, again! He had a good handle on the enemy within and without, and what to do about both! Some memories stay with you forever. As a young adult, I remember hearing about "The Rainbow Coalition" and another term we had not heard up until that time; "The NEW Democrat." Everything this New Democrat party espoused, sounded as if they were for the 'little guy'...for 'the workers'...for the 'middle class'...and for 'minorities' (who could argue with that?) Hey, I'm jussayin' we weren't wealthy by any stretch of the imagination either...but for some reason, deep down in our gut, we just felt that they and their message was disingenuous, somehow. Those NEW Democrats just weren't passing the smell test, for us.
Today, I'm a bit more savvy in politics, though I like to keep an open mind and keep learning. That's what keeps it fun and challenging to participate in everyday! I think it's become pretty obvious just who those New Democrats really were, way back then. I believe what we were seeing was the Progressive, Socialist, far left side of the Democrat party, beginning to take it over. In light of the man who now holds the presidency today...(a whole new kind of president for America, ideologically speaking,) I believe that our instincts and suspicions back then, are now confirmed. I can't say that I have ever heard a President encourage and foster the division of our country quite like this President does. He said he wanted to bring us together, but all I've heard over the last 3 years and more has been pitting the parties against one another, now the poor against the rich...and his 'racial verbiage' seems to be encouraging division there too. It's obvious today, that the far left side of that party is now fully running the show! In order to do this they need to use every needy/minority group in the country to their own ends. Promising a better life for them all, but not really leading anyone to a better place. Just more and more of our electorate becoming dependent on the government for so much of what they need. This is dangerous for them - and for our nation. I can't help but think that so many of the liberal leaders just want to; keep themselves in the lime light, make themselves seem relevant and stay wealthy! It pays them well, in so many ways, to keep those divisions wide! Has America EVER been considered a socialist nation? Not! And we don't want to go that way now, either! I consider those who espouse this way to run our country as: The enemy within! Many would eventually like to see the world run with one central government system...and they unfortunately TRUST the U.N. far too much. There is no place for a sovereign and strong United States of America in a scenario such as that! The weaker America becomes, the day of one world central government, is hastened.
In our present economic situation, any American President who would refuse to let us work with Canada on this pipeline opportunity, bringing thousands of jobs, and helping us to become more energy dependent, deserves to have even those who considered themselves as faithful democrats for years, to rethink their loyalty this coming election. I think it's time to get smart and stop believing what your party is saying - and start only believing what they are doing, (or in that case, what they are refusing to do!) To let them give it to China, is a crime against every American! It's time to yield to that discomforting feeling down in your gut. Many have changed parties. You wouldn't be the first, or the last. Pray for discernment. Our country, unfortunately, has become far too divided. Even Jesus Christ said that, "A house divided cannot stand!" Therefore, ANYONE holding the highest seats in our country - that of the Presidency, his administration, the Congress and Senate - who are advocating and fostering all these divisions and espousing a Socialist message, earns the 'disingenuous' accusation (at the least) when they claim to be looking out for the good of our country! I'm jussayin! Our country is called: The UNITED States of America! What part of that is hard to understand? The 'plan' of the socialist/marxist agenda, is to weaken our military, divide us, then to cause/encourage chaos, (heh-hum...occupy Wallstreet?) and eventually to bankrupt our country! (I'm seeing all this and more, aren't you?)...all the while smiling and acting as if they would never think of doing such a thing! We are living in scary times, people. We need to trust that 'still small voice' within. I heard the Song: "If We Every Needed You" (God) by Casting Crowns, the other day on the radio. It fully got my attention, and is SO true.
(You could most likely find it on Youtube.)
was Irish, and fought hard to get unions going, many times getting in fist fights and risking his life. The Irish experienced much discrimination, and all workers needed to unite to address abuses of different types. At that time, having a body of some sort, to arbitrate between the workers and business owners was clearly needed for a plethora of reasons which most politicians on either side of the aisle wouldn't argue today. Unfortunately, the public sector unions of today, are causing our states to be looking at possible bankruptcy, refusing to give even a little on their benefits! I think, even my scrappy grandpa, if alive today, wouldn't be comfortable with the dramatic power (especially politically) that they have gained. I will discuss more on this issue in future blogs. Regarding my mother's decision to change parties, I remember asking her what had caused her to make such a drastic decision. She said to me, "I have not left the democratic party dear, the democratic party left me." Her and my father, both decided to vote for Ronald Reagan. Being of age to vote, I also voted for Ronald Reagan, though I didn't know that much about politics at the time. She said he was positive, decisive, and inspirational! When he spoke they felt hope for our country, and confident in him. Due to that, and certain social and religious reasons, from that point on my family always voted Republican. There were some things that we didn't always agree with, but in most instances, we just felt more at peace in our hearts, and safer with the Reagan/Republican type of message.
The Republicans were (and are) always strong on national defense, believing that we are safest when we have a very strong military. Reagan taught well on the difference between capitalism and socialism, and why the first - not the latter, was the only way for America to go. It is the only system that would allow for, and encourage all to pursue personal happiness, and assure us of a strong country, economically. My family also relates better with a party that is more vocal about gun rights, and religious freedoms. My family never even owned gun, but had we chosen to, we would have wanted those running our country to respect our right to own one. I've heard some repeats of Reagan's speeches on the radio, lately. (It would really be worth the effort to google some of them, and listen to them afresh, at this time when our country is going through all that she is.) He may not be alive, but with today's technology, his speeches could help to unite us all as AMERICANS, again! He had a good handle on the enemy within and without, and what to do about both! Some memories stay with you forever. As a young adult, I remember hearing about "The Rainbow Coalition" and another term we had not heard up until that time; "The NEW Democrat." Everything this New Democrat party espoused, sounded as if they were for the 'little guy'...for 'the workers'...for the 'middle class'...and for 'minorities' (who could argue with that?) Hey, I'm jussayin' we weren't wealthy by any stretch of the imagination either...but for some reason, deep down in our gut, we just felt that they and their message was disingenuous, somehow. Those NEW Democrats just weren't passing the smell test, for us.
Today, I'm a bit more savvy in politics, though I like to keep an open mind and keep learning. That's what keeps it fun and challenging to participate in everyday! I think it's become pretty obvious just who those New Democrats really were, way back then. I believe what we were seeing was the Progressive, Socialist, far left side of the Democrat party, beginning to take it over. In light of the man who now holds the presidency today...(a whole new kind of president for America, ideologically speaking,) I believe that our instincts and suspicions back then, are now confirmed. I can't say that I have ever heard a President encourage and foster the division of our country quite like this President does. He said he wanted to bring us together, but all I've heard over the last 3 years and more has been pitting the parties against one another, now the poor against the rich...and his 'racial verbiage' seems to be encouraging division there too. It's obvious today, that the far left side of that party is now fully running the show! In order to do this they need to use every needy/minority group in the country to their own ends. Promising a better life for them all, but not really leading anyone to a better place. Just more and more of our electorate becoming dependent on the government for so much of what they need. This is dangerous for them - and for our nation. I can't help but think that so many of the liberal leaders just want to; keep themselves in the lime light, make themselves seem relevant and stay wealthy! It pays them well, in so many ways, to keep those divisions wide! Has America EVER been considered a socialist nation? Not! And we don't want to go that way now, either! I consider those who espouse this way to run our country as: The enemy within! Many would eventually like to see the world run with one central government system...and they unfortunately TRUST the U.N. far too much. There is no place for a sovereign and strong United States of America in a scenario such as that! The weaker America becomes, the day of one world central government, is hastened.
In our present economic situation, any American President who would refuse to let us work with Canada on this pipeline opportunity, bringing thousands of jobs, and helping us to become more energy dependent, deserves to have even those who considered themselves as faithful democrats for years, to rethink their loyalty this coming election. I think it's time to get smart and stop believing what your party is saying - and start only believing what they are doing, (or in that case, what they are refusing to do!) To let them give it to China, is a crime against every American! It's time to yield to that discomforting feeling down in your gut. Many have changed parties. You wouldn't be the first, or the last. Pray for discernment. Our country, unfortunately, has become far too divided. Even Jesus Christ said that, "A house divided cannot stand!" Therefore, ANYONE holding the highest seats in our country - that of the Presidency, his administration, the Congress and Senate - who are advocating and fostering all these divisions and espousing a Socialist message, earns the 'disingenuous' accusation (at the least) when they claim to be looking out for the good of our country! I'm jussayin! Our country is called: The UNITED States of America! What part of that is hard to understand? The 'plan' of the socialist/marxist agenda, is to weaken our military, divide us, then to cause/encourage chaos, (heh-hum...occupy Wallstreet?) and eventually to bankrupt our country! (I'm seeing all this and more, aren't you?)...all the while smiling and acting as if they would never think of doing such a thing! We are living in scary times, people. We need to trust that 'still small voice' within. I heard the Song: "If We Every Needed You" (God) by Casting Crowns, the other day on the radio. It fully got my attention, and is SO true.
(You could most likely find it on Youtube.)
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Staying Healthy Is Important - Even In Politics!
Well, here we are in mid January. Many are starting off this new year with fasts of one sort or another. Many have chosen one of the 'Daniel' fasts, not eating meats or sweets, but focusing mostly on eating fruits, veggies, and drinking water only. My husband and I are definitely eating plenty of fruits and veggies in our fast, but we also allow beans, grains, some cheese products, fish, and some chicken. You may say, that's not a fast, my reply would be, "if you saw just how off track we had gotten lately, you would know that it is!" I have also swore off coffee...(uugghh!) Definitely NO fast food, candy, cakes, cookies, ice cream, etc. (I digress...) It is my understanding, through quite a bit of research, that sugar really has no nutritional quality anyway, no redeeming feature except for flavor. It's one of the culprits (along with fat,) that we blame for undesirable weight gain, which we know can lead to so many chronic health problems and diseases! A friend of mine once handed me a list of 132 reasons why not to eat sugar! (Go ahead, google it.)
I'm jussayin! We have found it to be SO addictive in different seasons of our lives, that we found ourselves having to apply principles from our old 12 step program (gratefully introduced to us, at least 25 yrs. ago, now) in order to break free from it! Don't think your addicted? Try not eating any sugary goodies for a month...even 2 weeks, then we'll talk! Actually, many will be quite distracted (to say the least) by not indulging after only 1 day! That was myself and my husband.
Anyway, back to the fast...for some reason fasting really helps people to draw closer to God and focus on much needed prayer issues. They begin to believe God, (with more focused faith) for the many 'breakthroughs' needed, not only in the lives of family, friends and church needs, but also to pray for the many needs facing our beloved country!
Take this last reason that I've mentioned. Think about it. If we don't stay healthy - we may not be around to voice our opinions, and vote for all the changes that we so desperately need, in all levels of our government today. Our diets can literally cause us to experience 'pre-mature death' or enable us to live longer, more effectual lives. Imagine, all of a sudden feeling 'the call' to serve your community, or even state government and the opportunity is right before you, funds, committee and everything! You stand for all the right things...but, would you're health, and 'physique' be up for the challenge? I just recently ran for Riverside School Board, and I have to admit, I sure wished that I had been able to lose a few pounds first! Trying to find just the right thing to wear (that's code for: something that fits!) to all those candidate forums can be down right disheartening...even exhausting!
Hey, I'm jussayin! Look at dear Ol' Newt, for instance. Brilliant and scrappy as he may be, (which is a good thing,) don't we all keep wondering when that one button on his suit coat will pop off? I agree with alot that Rick Santorum stands for, but some have said that he doesn't look 'Presidential.' Could it be all those sweater vests he insists on wearing? What is he trying to hide:) When it comes to the presidency in America, unfortunately everything can matter! Some people won't vote for a candidate, for silly reasons, and then vote for a dog-gone Marxist with a pretty smile, without blinking an eye! Most don't pay much attention to the truly important issues. It might take them away from watching the Simpsons, or America's Got Talent. Well, that's our electorate. Hopefully, we will all realize that this upcoming presidential election will be for the soul of America, as Mitt Romney stated so well. Yes, it's time for fasting and prayer, that's for sure.
(2 Chronicles 7:14.)
I'm jussayin! We have found it to be SO addictive in different seasons of our lives, that we found ourselves having to apply principles from our old 12 step program (gratefully introduced to us, at least 25 yrs. ago, now) in order to break free from it! Don't think your addicted? Try not eating any sugary goodies for a month...even 2 weeks, then we'll talk! Actually, many will be quite distracted (to say the least) by not indulging after only 1 day! That was myself and my husband.
Anyway, back to the fast...for some reason fasting really helps people to draw closer to God and focus on much needed prayer issues. They begin to believe God, (with more focused faith) for the many 'breakthroughs' needed, not only in the lives of family, friends and church needs, but also to pray for the many needs facing our beloved country!
Take this last reason that I've mentioned. Think about it. If we don't stay healthy - we may not be around to voice our opinions, and vote for all the changes that we so desperately need, in all levels of our government today. Our diets can literally cause us to experience 'pre-mature death' or enable us to live longer, more effectual lives. Imagine, all of a sudden feeling 'the call' to serve your community, or even state government and the opportunity is right before you, funds, committee and everything! You stand for all the right things...but, would you're health, and 'physique' be up for the challenge? I just recently ran for Riverside School Board, and I have to admit, I sure wished that I had been able to lose a few pounds first! Trying to find just the right thing to wear (that's code for: something that fits!) to all those candidate forums can be down right disheartening...even exhausting!
Hey, I'm jussayin! Look at dear Ol' Newt, for instance. Brilliant and scrappy as he may be, (which is a good thing,) don't we all keep wondering when that one button on his suit coat will pop off? I agree with alot that Rick Santorum stands for, but some have said that he doesn't look 'Presidential.' Could it be all those sweater vests he insists on wearing? What is he trying to hide:) When it comes to the presidency in America, unfortunately everything can matter! Some people won't vote for a candidate, for silly reasons, and then vote for a dog-gone Marxist with a pretty smile, without blinking an eye! Most don't pay much attention to the truly important issues. It might take them away from watching the Simpsons, or America's Got Talent. Well, that's our electorate. Hopefully, we will all realize that this upcoming presidential election will be for the soul of America, as Mitt Romney stated so well. Yes, it's time for fasting and prayer, that's for sure.
(2 Chronicles 7:14.)
Monday, January 2, 2012
A More Christ-Centered Christmas
For those of you who desire to celebrate Christmas, rather than just a 'happy holiday season' but who honestly have to admit that they struggle in creating a truly Christ-centered family experience, I can relate. This year, my mother in law was flat on her back, truly sick with what turned out to be pneumonia. She wasn't able to do any of her normal shopping and preparations. I, on the other hand, was, like most people, working everyday, then out shopping till I was dropping into my bed late at night, packing boxes to mail out here and there, wrapping gifts, and overwhelmed with all I had hoped to accomplish for those I love here at home. Though our experiences were so different, when our family all finally got together at my home on Christmas Eve to celebrate and exchange our gifts, we found that she and I had amazingly been 'receiving' pretty much the same message from the Lord concerning this 'time of year' that Christians have chosen to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The Bible doesn't dictate that we celebrate it, but since it is truly a world changing event - according to Christian Doctrine: God sending his only son, coming in the flesh! The one 33 years later sent to offer himself up as the ransom necessary for all, from the punishment of sins - suffering and dying in their place! Literally born - to die! Sounds worthy of celebration to me! Anyway, too often we allow the high pressured commercialism of our culture to busy us so, and distract us from that which we truly want to have as our central focus. Not to say that our hearts are not ALWAYS in adoration of our God and Savior...but even though we had attended a special church service and having a pretty substantial Nativity Scene on my hutch, I'm just sayin'...it didn't seem like quite enough when we gathered on that night!
The basic message of comfort that my mother in law received as she lay in her bed, sick, frustrated and distraught, was, "Simplify, it's okay." This registered positively with her and with us, as a 'back to basics' Christmas is what she has longed for, for quite some time. I too, kept hearing, "Simplify, simplify." She bought a honey baked ham for both of her son's families, and left it at that, which we all appreciated very much. We all shared ideas about how 'simplifying' could 'happen' next year. Some thought we should give up gift giving (except for the children) entirely. My husband thought that picking one name out of a hat, and giving one $25.00 gift card could simplify things for everyone, we all agreed. (No one knows who chose their name until gift exchange time when they opened their cards that night.) For those in our family who were gathered that night, we could do this. Even if we drew names in June or July, and then put aside around $4.00 a month, all would be able to purchase one gift card to exchange, with ease. After all, Christmas shows us that God so loved the world that he GAVE. In exchanging some type of gift, we are following his love-language example to one another, and gift cards could ease up the pressures of shopping for that special gift for each. Most importantly though, we decided that our gift giving time will only be part of our event next year, not the central focus. Each year, someone will be responsible for helping us all, in some creative way, whether through song(s), a reading, possibly a skit, or a movie...any creative avenue that will help us to focus our hearts and attention on Christ, as a family. We are looking forward to this new 'central focus' for our Christmas gathering, next year.
My sister's family and ours gathered the Sunday before Christmas. The adults were not to buy gifts for one another, but we did agree to enjoy a 'white elephant' gift exchange this year. We all chose something, either from our house that we didn't need anymore, something useful, old, or even whacky! If new, it was to be very inexpensive. Each wrapped their gift and brought it with them, and placed it on a central table in the room we gathered in. Names were put in a bowl, and drawn by the two oldest guests. All watched as one was opened, drawing either, oohs, aahs, or laughs! The next one could take it from them, or choose one from the table. The gag gift recipient has vowed that, "it will return - next year!" (Google white elephant gift exchange for different ways that it can be played.) We had a great time! I couldn't help myself, however, I did have a small 'participation gift' for each who played, (Christmas dish towels for ladies, and two (very)small bottles of Crew body wash for guys.) My sister was ready for my usual breaking of the No Gift Giving Rule, and whipped out a $20.00 Kohl's gift card for me! It was all a lot of fun! Next year, since some are musically inclined in that group, I will be suggesting that we prepare ahead, some worshipful Christmas songs to play and sing to wrap up our time together, next year.
Would love to hear how you 'simplify' and give Christ his rightful place in your family's 'Christmas' event, and any other ideas that can be of help.
The basic message of comfort that my mother in law received as she lay in her bed, sick, frustrated and distraught, was, "Simplify, it's okay." This registered positively with her and with us, as a 'back to basics' Christmas is what she has longed for, for quite some time. I too, kept hearing, "Simplify, simplify." She bought a honey baked ham for both of her son's families, and left it at that, which we all appreciated very much. We all shared ideas about how 'simplifying' could 'happen' next year. Some thought we should give up gift giving (except for the children) entirely. My husband thought that picking one name out of a hat, and giving one $25.00 gift card could simplify things for everyone, we all agreed. (No one knows who chose their name until gift exchange time when they opened their cards that night.) For those in our family who were gathered that night, we could do this. Even if we drew names in June or July, and then put aside around $4.00 a month, all would be able to purchase one gift card to exchange, with ease. After all, Christmas shows us that God so loved the world that he GAVE. In exchanging some type of gift, we are following his love-language example to one another, and gift cards could ease up the pressures of shopping for that special gift for each. Most importantly though, we decided that our gift giving time will only be part of our event next year, not the central focus. Each year, someone will be responsible for helping us all, in some creative way, whether through song(s), a reading, possibly a skit, or a movie...any creative avenue that will help us to focus our hearts and attention on Christ, as a family. We are looking forward to this new 'central focus' for our Christmas gathering, next year.
My sister's family and ours gathered the Sunday before Christmas. The adults were not to buy gifts for one another, but we did agree to enjoy a 'white elephant' gift exchange this year. We all chose something, either from our house that we didn't need anymore, something useful, old, or even whacky! If new, it was to be very inexpensive. Each wrapped their gift and brought it with them, and placed it on a central table in the room we gathered in. Names were put in a bowl, and drawn by the two oldest guests. All watched as one was opened, drawing either, oohs, aahs, or laughs! The next one could take it from them, or choose one from the table. The gag gift recipient has vowed that, "it will return - next year!" (Google white elephant gift exchange for different ways that it can be played.) We had a great time! I couldn't help myself, however, I did have a small 'participation gift' for each who played, (Christmas dish towels for ladies, and two (very)small bottles of Crew body wash for guys.) My sister was ready for my usual breaking of the No Gift Giving Rule, and whipped out a $20.00 Kohl's gift card for me! It was all a lot of fun! Next year, since some are musically inclined in that group, I will be suggesting that we prepare ahead, some worshipful Christmas songs to play and sing to wrap up our time together, next year.
Would love to hear how you 'simplify' and give Christ his rightful place in your family's 'Christmas' event, and any other ideas that can be of help.
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