I'm blogging today from a borrowed computer at an unfamiliar school in a classroom I have never been in before. As a substitute teacher, this is my life. When I get my call each day, I know I will face the morning with some degree of mystery. Usually I have information pertaining to grade level, teacher's name, school, etc. I know that I will work within the districts prescribed curriculum for Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Spelling.
The most important information, that I don't have, is about how the day will FEEL. Will my kids be well behaved or wild? Will the teacher be organized or will I spend tons of time finding manuals and worksheets? Will the other faculty and staff be welcoming or frigid? Because I rotate between 30 elementaries, 4 middle schools, and 4 high schools, I really never know what I am going to get. Today was a happy surprise. I am working in an upper elementary classroom...they are well behaved....they switch classes...and I am subbing for the reading teacher! Yay! But, even so I got more than I bargained for when I saw what the text was for today.
The selection that I get to read with 3 different classes today is a piece about the words of Abraham Lincoln. The "Essential Question" (which is the theme for the story) is, "How can words lead to change?" While this may not do much for YOU, after teaching this story twice this morning, I have a fire in my belly. How.Can.Words.Lead.To.Change. Words change things. They alter history. They reshape minds. They redirect the paths of our souls.
I love to hear the passion and the conviction that leaves my lips as I try to impress upon these 10 year olds just how powerful words can be. Not just words...beautiful words...descriptive words...gloriously detailed words. I explain that what could be said as a flat fact comes ALIVE when you use the right words. I feel like a preacher when I speak of the wonder of words. I want them to know and understand the sheer magnitude of the syllables that come from their mouths or fall from their pens. I want them to join me in the pursuit of ideas, dreams, and soulful ideals through the medium of language.
What I love most of all is what I see when they are listening to my sermon on the power of words. Yes, I look out and see boys doodling dragons or girls giggling with their friends. BUT...in a few pairs of sparkling eyes I see it. They are with me. They understand what I am trying to express. They want in on the mystery of powerful language. .
These kiddos will be creators, innovators, and world changers...maybe not on a grand scale...but by some measure they will use words to influence the lives of others. THIS! This is why I became an educator. WORDS! I have a writers soul and I want to stir up the possibilities in other young ones. Words in science, math, literature, homemaking, relationships, faith, community, dry wall hanging, the minutiae of the everyday are what informs our inner being about what we think, how we feel, and what we wish. I realize I didn't "inspire" a child to greatness or change a life today...this isn't my first day...but to be one of the many people who spoke sparks into the fire of their hearts is an honor...even if it's just for today.
NOTE: THE CLASS WAS AT LIBRARY WHEN I WROTE THIS...I DID NOT NEGLECT A CLASS FULL OF CHILDREN TO BLOG...I PROMISE!
Life Less Sweet: Documentation of my struggle with depression and anxiety.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Monday, January 20, 2014
Please Excuse The Mess...We Live Here
Friends, I am done apologizing for the condition of my home. The first thing out of my mouth when people come in (unless I've done company caliber cleaning) is, "please excuse the mess". My house isn't filthy or cluttered to any hoarding standard, but it certainly doesn't look like a magazine. It also doesn't look as clean as my mom and mother in laws houses. I find myself measuring up to those standards and see that I am grossly lacking.
But, magazines are staged and photoshopped. They show perfection to sell you something. My mom and mother in law do not have two rambunctious young sons. They also, being introverts, do not need as much time AWAY from home as I do.
This year, I am deciding NOT to say "please excuse my house" any longer. I keep it tidy-ish, sanitary-esque, and vermin free. Some days that's the best I can do. I live in a big 100 year old house, that, when it was built, had a staff to go with it. I do not have the budget for housekeeping services...so, I do what I can.
What's interesting is that I have the sneaking feeling that I am in a silent majority...a large group of home managers who struggle to keep up with laundry, dishes, meal prep, and the like. We think we are the only ones who don't have it together...but I think we are wrong. Now, I do understand that for some home managers, house cleaning is a TOP priority. That's great for them. They are living the way they wish. Frankly, housekeeping is at the bottom of my Top Five priorities. And, that's OK too.
For those of y'all who are with me in this uphill climb we call housekeeping, I offer you photos of what my house REALLY looks like day to day. I chose this day at random...I have not cleaned it or cluttered it for the sake of being photographed...this is the way it looked today. This is only the downstairs, because this is the part you would see if you came over. If I know you well enough to invite you to the 2nd floor, I know you aren't gonna care what it looks like.
So, there you have it. My house as it looks on a random day. It has gotten a lot tidier since we stopped allowing toys on the 1st floor (though the odd handful of Legos still finds their way to the middle of the rug and subsequently to the arch of my foot). When you come over on a random day, this is what you'll find...and I won't apologize for it.
But, magazines are staged and photoshopped. They show perfection to sell you something. My mom and mother in law do not have two rambunctious young sons. They also, being introverts, do not need as much time AWAY from home as I do.
This year, I am deciding NOT to say "please excuse my house" any longer. I keep it tidy-ish, sanitary-esque, and vermin free. Some days that's the best I can do. I live in a big 100 year old house, that, when it was built, had a staff to go with it. I do not have the budget for housekeeping services...so, I do what I can.
What's interesting is that I have the sneaking feeling that I am in a silent majority...a large group of home managers who struggle to keep up with laundry, dishes, meal prep, and the like. We think we are the only ones who don't have it together...but I think we are wrong. Now, I do understand that for some home managers, house cleaning is a TOP priority. That's great for them. They are living the way they wish. Frankly, housekeeping is at the bottom of my Top Five priorities. And, that's OK too.
For those of y'all who are with me in this uphill climb we call housekeeping, I offer you photos of what my house REALLY looks like day to day. I chose this day at random...I have not cleaned it or cluttered it for the sake of being photographed...this is the way it looked today. This is only the downstairs, because this is the part you would see if you came over. If I know you well enough to invite you to the 2nd floor, I know you aren't gonna care what it looks like.
- LIVING ROOM: Mismatched Recliners, Pile O' Blankets, Pile O' Dishes, Wii controller on the floor, crooked lampshade.
- ENRTYWAY: Baskets O' Clean Laundry, Pile O' Junk on the Entryway Chair, Random Extra Chair waiting to be taken up to the attic...for about a week now.
- LAUNDRY NOOK: Pile O' Clothes waiting to go into the wash, cluttery laundry storage.
- KITCHEN SINK: So many dishes...always so many dishes. We have a portable dishwasher, it only cleans dishes about 70% of the time, so there is a lot of rewashing. Also, when we run the dishwasher we cannot use the sink, the washing machine, or take a shower...it needs optimum water heat and pressure to do its best work.
- KITCHEN COUNTER: The ONLY kitchen counter I have. Cluttery mess. Yesterday's soup pot still sits on the stove because it wouldn't fit in the sink with the other dishes. We have a limited amount of storage in our house, so we have to use some of the teensy amount of counter space we have to house stuff. PS...Please know that, if you receive meals from me, I tidy and sanitize my workspace before I prepare food.
- THE BACK ROOM: Again, we've had to get creative with storage. Also, on the left you can see our lovely recycling bin. There is not a good place to keep it outside, so here it is. This space also serves as a mudroom and dog crate area (not pictured).
- DINING ROOM: Dishes from breakfast...it is 3:00pm. I left the house around 10 this morning and hadn't tidied them up. This happens most often when I am gone for the day. Our desk also lives here. It's where we stack mail and other copious amounts of crap.
- THE 1/2 BATH: This is where my rambunctious young sons wash their hands after playing outside. If you see a larger version of this photo, you will notice a nice film of mud on the inner basin as well as muddy fingerprints along the outside. The light switch (not pictured) and the walls are stained with wet, dirty, drip stains.
- THE 1/2 BATH POTTY: It is what it is.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Unseasonably Well
Hello there!
So, it's the middle of January...and...I'm actually feeling pretty good. Even though my worst month is February, this month usually signals the start of the downward spiral. I attribute my sense of wellness to a couple of things.
1. Sunshine and above average temperatures. One reason winter is so hard on me is that frigid, snowy, icy weather confines me to my home. I get cabin fever something fierce and it doesn't take more than a few days for the walls to close in around me. This winter has been mild. So, I get more sunlight/vitamin D (which is linked to serotonin production) AND I get to leave my house whenever I want to!
2. Copious amounts of Vitamin D. My naturopathic doctor has prescribed me 5000 IU of Vitamin D each day. The RDA is 600 IU...but that is a minimum requirement. I am already D deficient (as diagnosed by TWO different medical professionals...an MD and my naturopath). The D helps in two ways. It is prescribed to help with my hip/joint pain, but again Vitamin D is linked to serotonin production. This high dose seems to be helping.
3. Reframing. One element of my depression is the feeling that the cold, cruel, dead winter is endless. This year, I've noticed that I am reminding myself that I've made it through 32 winters. And really, I made it through LAST winter and that was one of my worst. So, I'll make it through this one...I WILL be OK.
It's nice to feel good. It may or may not last...but, right now, I'm good... and I'll take it!
So, it's the middle of January...and...I'm actually feeling pretty good. Even though my worst month is February, this month usually signals the start of the downward spiral. I attribute my sense of wellness to a couple of things.
1. Sunshine and above average temperatures. One reason winter is so hard on me is that frigid, snowy, icy weather confines me to my home. I get cabin fever something fierce and it doesn't take more than a few days for the walls to close in around me. This winter has been mild. So, I get more sunlight/vitamin D (which is linked to serotonin production) AND I get to leave my house whenever I want to!
2. Copious amounts of Vitamin D. My naturopathic doctor has prescribed me 5000 IU of Vitamin D each day. The RDA is 600 IU...but that is a minimum requirement. I am already D deficient (as diagnosed by TWO different medical professionals...an MD and my naturopath). The D helps in two ways. It is prescribed to help with my hip/joint pain, but again Vitamin D is linked to serotonin production. This high dose seems to be helping.
3. Reframing. One element of my depression is the feeling that the cold, cruel, dead winter is endless. This year, I've noticed that I am reminding myself that I've made it through 32 winters. And really, I made it through LAST winter and that was one of my worst. So, I'll make it through this one...I WILL be OK.
It's nice to feel good. It may or may not last...but, right now, I'm good... and I'll take it!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
You Say You Want A Resolution (Or How I Learned To Wear Lipstick)
It's that time of year again...the time when we swear off chocolate, promise ourselves we'll work out more, and commit to losing some weight. And, if you're over the age of 20, you'll know that New Year's resolutions last about 4 days. But, I think that the practice of looking forward to a blank new calendar is beneficial. It's ok to want to start new. So, how can I make resolutions that take advantage of this time to begin anew while understanding that my high and lofty goals will crash and burn before Ground Hog Day? The same way I learned to wear lipstick.
Generally, I am not much of a makeup person. Less is more on my face. But, I think lipstick makes my face look more formal and complete. I just HATE the concept of lipstick...all of the reapplying of color and staining of water glasses is not my cup of tea. So, I found a product that worked for what I really wanted. It is called lip stain. I apply this mofo once a day and it stays on for 12-ish hours without needing to reapply.
So, I had the product, the trick was adding into my makeup routine. Again, I am not a heavily made up kind of gal, so putting another step into the process was a big deal for me. But, I was committed. To accommodate my new cosmetic, I did a small rearrangement in my regimen. I used to get all of my makeup on then brush my teeth. Now, I put all of my makeup on, brush my teeth, then apply lip stain (so the toothbrush doesn't mess it up). I feel like a genius AND I am now the proud owner of lovely lips.
As I think over the resolutions that I want to make, using the same technique for change seems logical to me. Find something that works for me...make small tweaks to fit it into my life...and enjoy the benefits of a tiny, but edifying change.
I am making 3 resolutions this January. They are not your traditional resolutions...but they are mine and I am excited about them.
1. I resolve to do what I want. I don't mean this in a selfish or uncaring way. It's just that, lately, I've noticed that I have made rules for my life where there should merely be preference. I should decorate my house the way I want to...raise my children the way I want to...read the books I like...wear the clothes I am comfortable in. All WITHOUT apology. Who cares what the trends are? Not me. What does it matter if my favorite sweater is no longer in style? It doesn't. Who knows my kids better than I do? NOBODY.
2. I resolve to let my children sort out their own differences without intervening every time. It's not helping them learn how to manage relationships if I am always stepping in doling out consequences and saying the words that my children should really be saying to one another. I like peace in my home. Sometimes letting the kids work it out is going to involve yelling and tears. I'm choosing to be OK with that. It's better for all of us if I teach the boys how to navigate their own interpersonal conflicts.
3. I resolve to take myself less seriously. The reality is that no one is as invested in what I do than me. My friends and neighbors don't care nearly as much about my life as I imagine they do. So, if I forgive myself for my missteps and laugh off my dumbest moments...no one's really going to be effected but me.
To accomplish these things I'm going to have to make small choices. As the situations present themselves I'll be faced with the decision to do it like I've always done it or take a tiny step forward toward being happier.
In the spirit of change, I hope that you can keep to any resolutions that you make! Have a safe and happy New Year!!
Generally, I am not much of a makeup person. Less is more on my face. But, I think lipstick makes my face look more formal and complete. I just HATE the concept of lipstick...all of the reapplying of color and staining of water glasses is not my cup of tea. So, I found a product that worked for what I really wanted. It is called lip stain. I apply this mofo once a day and it stays on for 12-ish hours without needing to reapply.
So, I had the product, the trick was adding into my makeup routine. Again, I am not a heavily made up kind of gal, so putting another step into the process was a big deal for me. But, I was committed. To accommodate my new cosmetic, I did a small rearrangement in my regimen. I used to get all of my makeup on then brush my teeth. Now, I put all of my makeup on, brush my teeth, then apply lip stain (so the toothbrush doesn't mess it up). I feel like a genius AND I am now the proud owner of lovely lips.
As I think over the resolutions that I want to make, using the same technique for change seems logical to me. Find something that works for me...make small tweaks to fit it into my life...and enjoy the benefits of a tiny, but edifying change.
I am making 3 resolutions this January. They are not your traditional resolutions...but they are mine and I am excited about them.
1. I resolve to do what I want. I don't mean this in a selfish or uncaring way. It's just that, lately, I've noticed that I have made rules for my life where there should merely be preference. I should decorate my house the way I want to...raise my children the way I want to...read the books I like...wear the clothes I am comfortable in. All WITHOUT apology. Who cares what the trends are? Not me. What does it matter if my favorite sweater is no longer in style? It doesn't. Who knows my kids better than I do? NOBODY.
2. I resolve to let my children sort out their own differences without intervening every time. It's not helping them learn how to manage relationships if I am always stepping in doling out consequences and saying the words that my children should really be saying to one another. I like peace in my home. Sometimes letting the kids work it out is going to involve yelling and tears. I'm choosing to be OK with that. It's better for all of us if I teach the boys how to navigate their own interpersonal conflicts.
3. I resolve to take myself less seriously. The reality is that no one is as invested in what I do than me. My friends and neighbors don't care nearly as much about my life as I imagine they do. So, if I forgive myself for my missteps and laugh off my dumbest moments...no one's really going to be effected but me.
To accomplish these things I'm going to have to make small choices. As the situations present themselves I'll be faced with the decision to do it like I've always done it or take a tiny step forward toward being happier.
In the spirit of change, I hope that you can keep to any resolutions that you make! Have a safe and happy New Year!!
Thursday, December 26, 2013
The Great Exhale
You know what my favorite part of Christmas is? When it's over! (ba-dum-ch)
We had a really nice holiday this year, but I feel like I've been holding my breath and pushing through for the last 6 weeks (if not longer). The stress deposited into my muscles. They clinched involuntarily. I forgot to breathe. Pressure built and built. The roller coaster climbed to it's highest height and then finally... it was Christmas Day. We celebrated. It was over.
The day after Christmas is my very favorite day of the year. It's like someone has pushed a release valve on a pressure cooker. I feel warm and peaceful and still. My shoulders are softened...my jaw is relaxed...I am smiling and full of hope for the coming year. It won't last. It never does. But today I resolve to enjoy The Great Exhale. I will revel in the calm and appreciate the warm glow of possibility as the New Year approaches.
We had a really nice holiday this year, but I feel like I've been holding my breath and pushing through for the last 6 weeks (if not longer). The stress deposited into my muscles. They clinched involuntarily. I forgot to breathe. Pressure built and built. The roller coaster climbed to it's highest height and then finally... it was Christmas Day. We celebrated. It was over.
The day after Christmas is my very favorite day of the year. It's like someone has pushed a release valve on a pressure cooker. I feel warm and peaceful and still. My shoulders are softened...my jaw is relaxed...I am smiling and full of hope for the coming year. It won't last. It never does. But today I resolve to enjoy The Great Exhale. I will revel in the calm and appreciate the warm glow of possibility as the New Year approaches.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
The Results Are In...December Update
Right before Thanksgiving I did a follow up spit test to check my hormone and adrenal levels. After waiting for the lab to process the results, I saw my naturopath today and got good news about my adrenals. I've moved from Level 7 adrenal fatigue to Level 4! That means we're on the right track. She switched my medications and we will keep actively working on it for another 3 months. I am hopeful that we can resolve my cortisol issues.
The rest of the labs were not as good. I still have high estrogen and low progesterone...that means 3 more months of medication to try and balance my levels. It's been so long since I was out of balance that I can't even imagine a world where I don't have hormone issues.
We then moved onto the topic of mental health since I have seen my annual uptick in anxiety. ( I chose this naturopathic doctor because she is a specialist in neurotransmitters.) We haven't run the tests yet, but she is conjecturing that I have some deeper issues than just low serotonin. I have symptoms of several different nutrient absorption disorders that cause neurotransmitter imbalances. In March we will run the tests to see for sure if I have one of the disorders that she suspects. Thankfully, even if I test positive the remedy is fairly simple...but the effects would be dramatic.
I really do have hope that we can remedy a lot of the junk I am dealing with health-wise. The thing that I appreciate most about naturopathic medicine is that they desire to get at the root of the issue...the WHY? Ultimately, treating the cause instead of just the symptoms is going to be more beneficial. So, for now, I will keep working the Type A diet, taking my obscene amount of supplements (10), and livin' life...and hopefully my next 3 month report will show more improvement.
The rest of the labs were not as good. I still have high estrogen and low progesterone...that means 3 more months of medication to try and balance my levels. It's been so long since I was out of balance that I can't even imagine a world where I don't have hormone issues.
We then moved onto the topic of mental health since I have seen my annual uptick in anxiety. ( I chose this naturopathic doctor because she is a specialist in neurotransmitters.) We haven't run the tests yet, but she is conjecturing that I have some deeper issues than just low serotonin. I have symptoms of several different nutrient absorption disorders that cause neurotransmitter imbalances. In March we will run the tests to see for sure if I have one of the disorders that she suspects. Thankfully, even if I test positive the remedy is fairly simple...but the effects would be dramatic.
I really do have hope that we can remedy a lot of the junk I am dealing with health-wise. The thing that I appreciate most about naturopathic medicine is that they desire to get at the root of the issue...the WHY? Ultimately, treating the cause instead of just the symptoms is going to be more beneficial. So, for now, I will keep working the Type A diet, taking my obscene amount of supplements (10), and livin' life...and hopefully my next 3 month report will show more improvement.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
On Keeping Christ In Christmas
I might lose some of you with this post...I love you anyway and thanks for coming with me on my journey this far.
I wrote earlier this month (click here for post) about some of the struggles I have with some of the Midwest American Christmas traditions. Today's post is going to focus on the struggles I have as an American Christian at Christmas.
The story of my faith always begins with, "I wasn't raised in church." My family has a faith but for various reasons we wove in and out of churches my whole life. But never, NOT EVER, did my parents forget to remind us throughout the Christmas season that this celebration was about Jesus and His coming to Earth as a baby. We always read the Christmas story from Luke and remembered Jesus on His day.
You know what else we did? We had a Christmas tree. We made popcorn strings and paper chains to put around our tree. We made candy and cookies and bought presents. We had Santa Claus AND St. Nicholas (when we were in Germany)...we left him the homemade cookies that we had slathered with hot pink frosting that was supposed to be red. We read the T'was Night Before Christmas and watched The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. We sang O Come All Ye Faithful and Santa Claus Is Coming To Town. Do you know what was wrong with those traditions? Nothing. Not one damn thing.
It irritates me when Christians get extra churchy at this time of year. Keep Christ in CHRISTmas. He's The Reason For The Season. Santa is an anagram for Satan. It's Merry Christmas...not Happy Holidays. Our Christmas Card MUST have a picture of Jesus NOT some snowman...and CERTAINLY not Santa. To me it's all Branson-y, hokey, propaganda.
For me, as an all-or-nothing thinker (thanks perfectionism), this pressure to be extra super duper Christian during Christmas makes me feel false guilt. It pushes me to measure myself up to other believers and wonder why I am not as religious at this time of year. What is wrong with me? Lots of things. But guilt for doing Santa or buying my kids a toy instead of donating the money to African water wells does not belong on my shoulders.
Do I love Jesus? YES! I love Him from the depths of my guts. He is my only Hope. He loved me when I was His enemy and still loves me even when I fail. When I die, I can only plead the Blood of Jesus as my reason for spending eternity with God. I was never good enough...I will NEVER be good enough to be in the presence of God...except by the sacrifice of Jesus. During this season I think about Him. I wonder things about His birth...about His mom. I wonder what He was like as a baby. It's heartbreaking to think of a tiny baby sleeping in a dirty cow trough. In a few years this little guy would shoulder the sin of eternity and purposely die a nasty, bloody, shameful death for no legal reason..but die so that I wouldn't have to be separated from God.
Is it possible to think on Him while I am setting out the Santa presents? You BET it is! Can I worship God as I sing O Holy Night and follow it up with Jingle Bells? Yes. Can I love Jesus and still say Happy Hanukkah to my Jewish friends? Yes...yes I can.
How do I keep Christ in Christmas? I'm IN Him every day. He is the reason I love. He is the reason I serve. He is the reason I give. He is the reason I have whatever joy and peace I possess. I can do those things without putting the nativity on my lawn each December. I keep Christ in Christmas by keeping Him in all of the days of my life...not just the ones between Thanksgiving and New Year.
Merry Christmas!
I love all y'all.
I wrote earlier this month (click here for post) about some of the struggles I have with some of the Midwest American Christmas traditions. Today's post is going to focus on the struggles I have as an American Christian at Christmas.
The story of my faith always begins with, "I wasn't raised in church." My family has a faith but for various reasons we wove in and out of churches my whole life. But never, NOT EVER, did my parents forget to remind us throughout the Christmas season that this celebration was about Jesus and His coming to Earth as a baby. We always read the Christmas story from Luke and remembered Jesus on His day.
You know what else we did? We had a Christmas tree. We made popcorn strings and paper chains to put around our tree. We made candy and cookies and bought presents. We had Santa Claus AND St. Nicholas (when we were in Germany)...we left him the homemade cookies that we had slathered with hot pink frosting that was supposed to be red. We read the T'was Night Before Christmas and watched The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. We sang O Come All Ye Faithful and Santa Claus Is Coming To Town. Do you know what was wrong with those traditions? Nothing. Not one damn thing.
It irritates me when Christians get extra churchy at this time of year. Keep Christ in CHRISTmas. He's The Reason For The Season. Santa is an anagram for Satan. It's Merry Christmas...not Happy Holidays. Our Christmas Card MUST have a picture of Jesus NOT some snowman...and CERTAINLY not Santa. To me it's all Branson-y, hokey, propaganda.
For me, as an all-or-nothing thinker (thanks perfectionism), this pressure to be extra super duper Christian during Christmas makes me feel false guilt. It pushes me to measure myself up to other believers and wonder why I am not as religious at this time of year. What is wrong with me? Lots of things. But guilt for doing Santa or buying my kids a toy instead of donating the money to African water wells does not belong on my shoulders.
Do I love Jesus? YES! I love Him from the depths of my guts. He is my only Hope. He loved me when I was His enemy and still loves me even when I fail. When I die, I can only plead the Blood of Jesus as my reason for spending eternity with God. I was never good enough...I will NEVER be good enough to be in the presence of God...except by the sacrifice of Jesus. During this season I think about Him. I wonder things about His birth...about His mom. I wonder what He was like as a baby. It's heartbreaking to think of a tiny baby sleeping in a dirty cow trough. In a few years this little guy would shoulder the sin of eternity and purposely die a nasty, bloody, shameful death for no legal reason..but die so that I wouldn't have to be separated from God.
Is it possible to think on Him while I am setting out the Santa presents? You BET it is! Can I worship God as I sing O Holy Night and follow it up with Jingle Bells? Yes. Can I love Jesus and still say Happy Hanukkah to my Jewish friends? Yes...yes I can.
How do I keep Christ in Christmas? I'm IN Him every day. He is the reason I love. He is the reason I serve. He is the reason I give. He is the reason I have whatever joy and peace I possess. I can do those things without putting the nativity on my lawn each December. I keep Christ in Christmas by keeping Him in all of the days of my life...not just the ones between Thanksgiving and New Year.
Merry Christmas!
I love all y'all.
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