Faith's Findings

I know this may seem like a late post, but it's still been stirring within me.  The Christmas decorations may be down, but Christmas is far from over.  We made it. Whew. Everyone take a deep breath and bask in another holiday season down. The sugar comas, the ribbon, the glitter, the parties, the eggnog, the gatherings, the memories all made--All of it done and over.  And all we can say is "whew!" "I'm glad the holidays are over." This Christmas season I watched "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and for some reason, I watched it with new eyes. When the credits rolled, "this world needs a grinch to steal Christmas"was muttered in my heart.  Yes, we all say the cliches and we share them a thousand times over and we get all offended over Christmas vs. holiday and red cups but what are we really doing with it? What are we really doing to keep Christ in Christmas? What are we really doing to give? What are we really doing with all of this here?...

It's day after Christmas. There are 363 days until to magic of Christmas Eve. The wrapping and bows have been ripped with joy and excitement.The new possessions have been put away. The pants are fitting a little tighter, and for the most part, the families have dispersed.  And the hum drum of the everyday life is upon us. The decorations must come down. The quiet magic has fled. It's just depressing. Sure, this makes the Christmas freaks, like myself, enjoy and cherish this season more because it is just that--a season. But, what if, just what if Christmas lived in each of us every day of the year? The spirit and magic of the Christmas season, for 2013, is now behind us. I always feel that's there's just something magical about this season. People give more; some smile more; and there's a heightened awareness of family, friends, and humanity in general. During this time, we surround ourselves with "good tidings" of words such as: "Joy," ...

In the wake of a time stopping tragedy, America mourns the loss of heroes and sweet children.  One week ago, just 11 days before Christmas, these angels left us in a brutal attack. I cannot begin to imagine the gnawing pain; the shock; the disbelief. As I sit here, I am still struggling between being entirely consumed with the facts and being in total denial of such events. When I read the first status about the shooting, I thought, "No. Dear God, please let this be false." As the day unfolded, I was in a state of shock simply not understanding why the children, why the sweet babes? As a future educator my thoughts continued, “A school should be a safe haven for children that nurtures and encourages children. A school should not be a war zone even in a political sense. Our children are our future; our schools should be where the future is molded not stolen.” My empathy is feeble in the reality of the earth shattering loss Newtown, Connecticut is living. I find myself wond...