This year I put up banners around the house. They were simple felt bags we found on sale. Ho, Ho, Ho and Merry Christmas -- Let It Snow with simple pictures. A reindeer, Santa, a penguin, and various snowmen. I'm not sure what that all means for Christmas but it does fire the imagination and invokes positive thoughts.
The creative energy put into this one holiday season is amazing. When I look through the Christmas sections of books, albums, games, knick knacks, clothing, posters, decorations, and so forth ... I don't think it is simply materialism at its height. I love the festive air and the lights. I love the hustle and bustle as people find gifts for each other. I love the setting aside of some time to take a break in a cold, winter time. I love the extra effort many make to give during this season to those who need help.
This year we watched "Miracle on 34th Street" twice. What a great movie. This Christmas celebrating Christmas was putting up lights and decorating the stairway. There is a small Christmas tree in a window. It isn't about one single gift but the journey that makes this Christmas special. Every gift we did buy for others, we did so in a simply way and found things that fulfilled that moment. I think everyday of my life at this time is Christmas. Every day and every moment is a gift.
Jesus Christ was born in a lowly manger to parents who traveled to pay their taxes and ended up sleeping with the animals. The angels sent sheppards to greet Him and share in the moment of the Savior's birth. He came to fulfill a mission on earth to bring us back home safely. Our lives are so richly blessed by His life long quest to restore truth and to bring hope to all mankind. So many will never know His goodness or His mission in life. Still, He will be a magnet to good people who have lived in all ages. He will greet them on the other side and lead them to a more perfect understanding of their journey here on earth. He will lead the way for all people everywhere to hear the gospel clearly and partake of its blessings.
I do not believe that there is one path for everyone that saves everybody. We all have and will continue to have a choice. Our choices will lead us through life, and through the next life. As we find and connect with true principles, our lives will improve and bless others. I think God blesses all people everywhere with truth to the extent that they seek it. Anyone who seeks God will find Him. And those that do not choose will eventially receive that knock at their door -- hello, hello, is anybody home?
Maybe as important, I believe everyone can simply bow their head or choose a quiet place and listen deep inside -- God reveals to us what we need to do or should be doing for the asking. Seeking will lead to finding the truth that we need in our lives to move forward.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Washington, George that is
If you want a "fantastico" read, please pick up "Being Washington" and begin to understand what a great man George becomes ... I finally understand more of how our country came about. What is unique about this book is that Washington comes alive with those who struggle beside him. This covers so many colorful characters of our past who become humanly recognizable.
Most of all this book will give perspective to our current day. Valley Forge, Trenton, Yorktown, Mount Vernon all come alive. Revolutionary ideas come alive with the adoption of principles to guide the united states forward. The making of a man shows the making of a nation.
George was a reluctant warrior with the British early on in the battle against the French on the frontier. He learned the importance of understanding the battlefield. His courage and daring was unparalleled.
George was a reluctant general bringing our troops into battle against the British. His course of action often meant retreat. He was not a popular general to the other officers or congress. To the men in battle he was a rock upon which they could all depend while many others failed to support the cause.
George was a reluctant mediator to congress as the Articles of Confederation were too weak to hold the country together -- as proven in Shay's rebellion. That early trial in our history almost opened the country up to another war. Learn about George's role in both incidents to bring about unity between all the states and all the issues.
George was a reluctant president who set 37 volumes of precedent -- he defined Presidential and his conduct used to be the very fabric upon which the office of the Presidency was founded. It defined a strong but flexible balance of powers between legislative, judicial, and executive.
This book signals a return to our roots for which we all need. All of us need the compromises that George made to make America become a reality. Although we may all be reluctant to think so or do so -- it is our duty to protect and defend the torch of freedom that he set into place.
In the end "Being Washington" is all about being you and being me and being honest with the truths that set into motion a country molded by the "invisible hand of Providence." It is about a power much greater than all of us that united all the states.
Most of all this book will give perspective to our current day. Valley Forge, Trenton, Yorktown, Mount Vernon all come alive. Revolutionary ideas come alive with the adoption of principles to guide the united states forward. The making of a man shows the making of a nation.
George was a reluctant warrior with the British early on in the battle against the French on the frontier. He learned the importance of understanding the battlefield. His courage and daring was unparalleled.
George was a reluctant general bringing our troops into battle against the British. His course of action often meant retreat. He was not a popular general to the other officers or congress. To the men in battle he was a rock upon which they could all depend while many others failed to support the cause.
George was a reluctant mediator to congress as the Articles of Confederation were too weak to hold the country together -- as proven in Shay's rebellion. That early trial in our history almost opened the country up to another war. Learn about George's role in both incidents to bring about unity between all the states and all the issues.
George was a reluctant president who set 37 volumes of precedent -- he defined Presidential and his conduct used to be the very fabric upon which the office of the Presidency was founded. It defined a strong but flexible balance of powers between legislative, judicial, and executive.
This book signals a return to our roots for which we all need. All of us need the compromises that George made to make America become a reality. Although we may all be reluctant to think so or do so -- it is our duty to protect and defend the torch of freedom that he set into place.
In the end "Being Washington" is all about being you and being me and being honest with the truths that set into motion a country molded by the "invisible hand of Providence." It is about a power much greater than all of us that united all the states.
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