Sticks and Stones

"Sticks and Stones may break my bones but words will never harm me."  Hmm....whoever made this the famous statement obliviously lived in a bubble!  The words that we say to others will leave a lasting impression that you can never take back (we can say I am sorry but sometimes it doesn't work).  And let me add our actions also leave that same impression.  As parents and adults we usually talk to other adults about our problems.  And sadly so we often think that our children are not listening but they are.  At least 2 times a week our oldest daughter tells me that someone hurt her feelings by saying something ugly to her, laughing at her when she fell down, pushed her to see if she would fall, or simply tell her I cant play with you because you are too sassy and bossy and my mom told me not to.  Now let me step back and say that I know some of this is just 6 year old girls and she can over dramatize events and yes my little girl is bossy and sassy at times but all women are at some point!  But I also know that some of this is just plain out mean little kids.  Let's step back and take a long look in the mirror.  Where did these children see and hear this?  Us, the parents.  Sad isn't it.  And if you are sitting here thinking that your child has never "picked" on a child or said intentionally ugly comments sadly you are wrong.  My daughters are guilty of doing this to other kids but until they are treated the same way it just doesn't click with them.  Anytime I have any conflict with anyone hours and days later I always think "I wish I would have said this instead of that".  But its too late.  My jagged 2 headed sword as known as my tongue has already said it.  The bullying is only getting worse in today's society.  Turn on the news and you hear of school shooting where a young man wanted revenge on his teacher because  the teacher bullied him.  Or you hear of a teenage girl that took her life because she couldn't stand the torture for her classmates anymore because she simply wasn't like them or wasn't good enough.  When is it enough?  As a parent I am suppose to set the example of how to act and what kind of example am I setting if I am judging people because they aren't like me and my family.  Or because I don't agree with every decision they have made.  But who am I to judge because I am on the outside looking in. So the next time you think you should judge someone, speak unkind words, or treat someone badly think about what your child is seeing.  Think about how this will affect your testimony, your current walk with the Lord.  Its a lot to think about. 

Easily Forgettable........

I had a job interview where I was told that I had great qualifications but I was easily forgotten.  As I sat there listening to the words come out of his mouth I couldn't speak.  I was speechless.  Forgettable?  Really?  Well to my surprise I was offer the job on the spot because as soon as I walked out I was to be "forgotten".

 So what brings me to my title?  How often do we forget about the TRUE meaning of Christmas?  Is it all about the presents? Santa? Food? Hmmmm...........Nope not about that at all.  Christmas is the celebration of our Lord Jesus Christ!  But let me tell you our family has Santa come and visit.  His elf named Elf (don't think Abigail understood when she named him) comes yearly to watch over our girls.  I rush around on Black Friday finding the best deals, mark everything off my list, make sure that all the Christmas gifts are bought and wrapped.  Our living room is decked out with a Christmas tree, garland, wreath, bright red ornaments and big red bows!  Our Stockings are hung by the chimney with care!

We have presents under the tree, presents hidden away, outside is trimmed with lights.  so you can easily see we are ready for Christmas!  But this year my most prized outside decoration is..... 

 

I love the piece of decoration this year!  Its says it all!!!  JOY!  Look at the O.  Do you see the manager scene inside?  When you add the spotlight you will see the manager scene shining on the wall.  Or at least you are suppose to.  I didn't have a solid area on my house but I still love it.  :) 

 

With all the hustle and bustle of Christmas parties, family outings, Hallmark movies, Classic cartoons, shopping, baking, wrapping, HOHOHO'S we can easily forget Christ.  Take away Santa, take away the presents, take a away the tree and what do you have?  The reason for the season. We wont take away Santa or the gifts or the fun memories we make and cherish with our silly Nawlin Family Fun BUT we will remember the reason we celebrate.   So you see I am easily "forgettable".  But CHRISTmas will never be forgotten in my house!

 

Merry Christmas!