WIN TWO AUTOGRAPHED COPIES OF IT’S A WONDERFUL (IMPERFECT) LIFE
What’s your slightly imperfect Christmas reality this year? (Hey, even Jesus was born into imperfect surroundings!) Leave me a note below with your response to this question. I’d love to hear from you. Then I’ll enter you in a December 9 drawing for 2 FREE autographed copies of It’s a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life devotional book. (One for you and one to “gift.” I’ll mail it by Dec. 10 and you’ll receive it in time to give it away on Christmas.
CHRISTMAS PHOTO FUN! So, how do you like the picture I snapped of the Christmas penguins as I strolled through a festive holiday display?
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This Christmas is perhaps one of the most imperfect I have had. My mother is very ill and not expected to live long. My daughter is at college, and not here to help decorate the tree. Our available funds for Christmas gifts are limited more than ever before.
I shouted from the rooftops last January, “2009 will be divine!” It’s fallen a wee bit short of that lofty goal. But the gift of Jesus is free. He lives despite death and dying. And He is present with us each and every day, not only during the Christmas season, but every season throughout the year. These truths keep me in perfect peace.
I love the idea of a “slightly imperfect” Christmas rather than a Martha Stewart celebration. When we remember that we are “frail people of dust,” we are motivated to focus on the perfect Savior we need. I determined, last January, that I would follow “God’s Design in 2009,” but I have to admit that many times I wandered off into my own agenda. My slightly imperfect Christmas this year is the realization that I am a broken woman–my health, my home, and my heart all reveal that I haven’t done things God’s way many times this year. I’m on the path to healing and change through wiser choices, and will continue that through 2010. Thank you, Joan, for turning our focus to Jesus during this holi-dazed season.
I am thankful to be even celebrating Christmas this year after being diagnosed with breast cancer in May. My perspective and inner drive has changed since that diagnosis and I’m not the least bit concerned that we might not get outside lights up this year and I am also looking at ways to simplify the two holiday parties we are hosting. I’m thinking of serving homemade bread with homemade soup and skipping the fussy appetizers.
I used to be ridiculous about my “perfect” Christmas decorating. Everything had to be color coordinated and with all the perfect accessories and done to the hilt. My how I’ve come full circle! This year, I managed to be prompt in putting up my 4 ft pre-lit tree (I’ve downsized!) while the box of ornaments sat in the living room waiting… and waiting… and waiting… for at least 2 weeks. Then it occurred to me as I looked at the tree all lit up, I thought, how pretty it looked. Simple, but pretty. I took that box back out to the garage and decided that I liked my tree just the way it was without adding anything to it. Kind of represents what I envision for myself in 2010. I’m looking to simplify my life and purge the clutter! It’s perfectly ok to not put ornaments on the tree just because that is the “thing to do.” Wonderfully imperfect, I’d say!
I’m facing some challenges with my own health this year along with a father and father-in-law who are fighting cancer and my husband’s best friend who was recently diagnosed with stage IV cancer. So this year I’m focusing on the gifts of friendship, family, and health that we so often take for granted. I’ve spent time buying gifts for Toys for Tots and donating time to Harvesters. I haven’t even started decorating my house or putting up the tree. I guess I’ll do that sometime soon!
I am remembering the Christmas fifty years ago when we had just moved to this town…no friends, family or acquaintenances. Just a new job for my husband and a tiny baby. We arrived on Dec. 20 and had very limited funds so I decided to not “bother” with a Christmas tree. Now, of course, that baby is grown with grown children of her own. Our financial circumstances have increased mightily but once again I am tempted to not “bother” with a Christmas tree. But, then I remember how cold and desolate that Christmas of 1959 was so I’ll be decorating a tree tonight.
After my husband stated boldly (and repeatedly) that he was not accepting any gifts this year, it sort of changed things. He’s kind of a leader in our family, so (after being argued with, cajoled and called names like “Joy-Stealer”) everyone realized he was standing firm in his decision. They’ve all followed suit and there has been virtually no shopping on my part. Talk about simplicity and financial stress-relief. I so love giving gifts and watching delighted faces as they get a first look at what’s inside the package. Missing that will be an interesting adjustment. We will still eat, fellowship and maintain our most meaningful tradition of sharing in a large group how God has blessed our lives in 2009. Who knows…maybe this will be the most PERFECT Christmas yet.
Thank you to you all for your great sharing of your “slightly imperfect Christmas reality this year. Karyn, I’m so sorry about your mom. That is very difficult. Sounds like 2009 has been a little disappointing. And yes, Jesus lives in spite of the death and dying. Still it hurts.
Dawn, I love that you’re “on the path to healing and change through wiser choices”.
And Lynne, I’m celebrating LIFE with you. I’m so glad God introduced us–and I love your “skip the fancy appetizers” idea!
Michelle, what a cool idea: a simple shining tree and less clutter for 2010.
Connie, it sounds like you are surrounded by a lot of “reality” this year. Much going on for you. And I like your sharing spirit.
And Pat, thanks for sharing your touching story of Christmas past. Hope you had a good time decorating your tree this year. Enjoy.
And Diane, thanks for sharing you 2009 “no gifts” Christmas. Savor the moments. And I’d love to hear how it all turns out.
You’re all entered into the 2 FREE book drawing. Thanks for commenting. Merry Christmas!
To be honest, Christmas plans aren’t finalized as of yet. That’s okay, we will be seeing our adult children whenever they’re available and that totally works for us. It’s a huge relief that Christmas and other things don’t have to be perfect, I still haven’t decorated the house…the tablecloth and runner are made but not even on the table yet. It’s okay…I don’t feel pressured, I’m just enjoying “being” this year. I’m really enjoying the discoveries of just living in a way that receives God’s grace, it meets life’s imperfections head on and washes it over with His love. I like that…