Baby Jesus

Did you know that there are children that don't know who Baby Jesus is? That have never heard that Name?

I met a child who was telling me all about Santa and the fun of Christmas. And, I innocently agreed with her about all the great things about Christmas -- and I said, and we have Baby Jesus' birthday.

And, then she stopped. And, she looked at me completely confused. Like, "who is that?" And, then she just kept going with her Christmas prattle.

I'm sure this is not an isolated incident. I have never been so sad -- and disillusioned.

How do we live in a "Christian society" -- where children look at lights and blowup santas and snowmen but don't recognize a nativity? Don't even know what it's there for?

And, what do I do with this information? How do I even begin to share -- and will I offend/embarass her "Christian" parents if I try to tell her. How do you not communicate the most beautiful love story ever written -- to your CHILDREN?

I feel a sad truth sinking in -- that I just haven't done enough. That there isn't enough time to stop the bleeding. What happens to generations of families that don't share the story? That don't know how much God loves them. What happens to those families when the bottom falls out -- and they have no idea where to turn? They don't know that there is a God who is holding out His hand to just lift them to their feet and out of the mire? And, even more, will pick them up and carry them and release the burden? Who is more powerful and loving than I will ever pretend to understand? How can you not tell? How can you not shout it from the rooftops?

As much as I hate the "in your face Christianity" that wears religion on its sleeve. I understand that a true passion for people is often at the root -- that human weakness turns zeal into control.

I can't change hearts. But, God can. And, so I release control -- to allow God to use me to fight the battle without manufacturing the outcome.

"Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." -- Luke 2:10-11

On a brighter note

I'm definitely feeling like I'm back to my old self! :) Do you know what I did the other day? I arranged a date!! :) :) It was so much fun to connect two people. And, honestly, two people I haven't personally seen in years -- but I actually think it could be good. At the very least they should have a good time. :)

What the heck??

No luck on the church front, yet. I'm considering starting my own. I went to a Presbyterian church last week. His "sermon" outline went like this:
A. Talk about my grandson's near death experience from when he was born
B. Relate that to how it made me think about family, faith and church
C. Personal story about family
D. Personal story about faith
E. Personal story about church
F. Read the book, "Before you were born"
G. Give God the glory for my crappy sermon

Honestly. What is going on in the church??????? When is church personal feel good time? What's the point of showing up? I can get personal feel good from watching a sappy movie. And, I can stay home curled up in my pajamas for that.

To his credit, he read a Psalm before he started his talk. Bless his heart.

What is it going to take for the Church to just preach the truth? What could be better than hearing about God's grace -- and the power of an almighty God? What could be a better reason for getting up on a Sunday morning and getting dressed than to be fed with meat from God's Word. I don't understand why we have to water it down!!! And, why should I settle for anything less than the energizing power of the truth?

Obama

Is anyone else confused? We live in a country that celebrates freedom. That gets angry when our civil liberties are threatened. When "big brother" listens in on our conversations to prevent terrorism (I don't like it either, mind you), when congress bails out big business, etc., we kick and we scream.

And, yet, if you watch the news -- I know, it's depressing. Obama is the McHero of the presidential election -- and all we can be sure of is that the government will get bigger -- which can only serve to decrease our freedoms. Why knowingly give up control to the government??

I don't get it.

Please understand, I don't like John McCain. Never have. But, at least, with a democratic congress his crazy ideas will be held in check. And, he's not openly telling the world -- I'm going to make the government as powerful as I possibly can.

And, Obama's failure to acknowledge that he's a socialist. Of course, he's a socialist! He's the very definition of a socialist!!!! Power to the people -- was the reason we had a tea party in Boston. It's the reason our forefathers risked their lives to start this country. So, how -- somebody please explain it to me -- how can we in good conscience vote someone into office who threatens to destroy the very foundation of this country? (And, don't get me started about his buddies Pelosi and Franks . . . )

Nothing.

It's amazing how quiet my life gets when there really is no drama. It's like I went on this big trip. Came home. Had a big meltdown. And, then . . . . quiet.

I think there are actually days when I wonder if I'm okay, just because things seem to have settled into such normalcy. :)

I had a lovely time with my friend, Erin last weekend. Just about the only girl I know who actually gets a rockin' body when she's pregnant. She goes from cute and petite to perfectly proportioned curvy. Down right sexy when she's pregnant -- go figure.

Anyway, Erin's due November 13 with baby #2 (name TBA, but we do know it's a girl). It was big fun to hang out with her and Paxton. What a cute kid. When something is funny, he says, "Achoo. Funny. Achoo." Ha!

Again, just a great time to be normal and relax. I would show you pictures, but for some reason my camera's SD card went bad -- and I lost them all. They were cute, too. Major bummer!

I'm learning to find God in this quiet. To trust that just because the drama seems to have disappeared -- He hasn't. That He will continue to show me who He is -- even without the "shock and awe".

My Dad Rocks

I love this from my Dad yesterday. "I have my daughter back. My wife has her daughter back. My daughter has her sister back. Her friends have their friend back. And, no, I won't pray for that to change."

Just an update

Just a quick update on the regular day-in-day-outs. I have accepted a new position as an Executive Recruiter for WorldBridge Partners. Sounds impressive, huh? Basically, I look to match engineers in the medical device industry with medical device companies looking for engineers.

Two weeks in, and, so far, so good. I like not driving. I like having regular working hours. But, with new graces, comes added accountability -- like no more excuses for not working out, making friends, getting involved in my community, etc. (Incidentally, if you happen to know engineers in medical devices, you can always send them my way! :))

I went to my first church event on a week night since . . . well, since a really long time ago. I didn't really find what I was looking for -- but that was not the point. That was Monday. Tomorrow morning, it's up early and at least an ab workout. Although, it hasn't been THAT long since I had a regular workout routine -- just longer than I would like.

I get to visit Erin Marshall this weekend (she's 8 months along -- and ready to pop!!) in Arkansas. Then, it's a focused effort to find a church HOME.

Now, if I can just maintain the disciplines of a workout and regular church, it will be simply a matter of finding a community activity that I enjoy -- and I will be well on the road to balanced.

Cross your fingers . . . ;0