Start Somewhere

(Note: I promised to share what I came up with from the writing exercise, so here you have it?)

I’d been sick for several days, and we were expecting out-of-town company in a couple of days. I was now way behind in my preparations and cleaning. Not to mention, that I was lacking in energy and short of time. There was so much I had intended to do before my friends arrived. Now I felt overwhelmed.

These weren’t the kind of friends who would judge me for a bit of clutter and dust. We’ve been friends for over three decades. Nevertheless, I wanted my home to be clean and welcoming. The tasks that I wanted to accomplish would make me feel like a better hostess.

I started to fret. Then I had a chat with myself. Stop wasting your energy fretting and just START SOMEWHERE! (Am I the only one who gives advice to myself?!)

So that is what I did. I started with the guest bedroom, dusting and tidying. Then I moved into the bathroom next to the bedroom. When those two rooms were company-ready, my spirits lifted and my perspective improved. I was able to prioritize other tasks and decide what mattered most. Before I knew my home was adequately prepared. Our friends arrived, and we shared several wonderful days.

Since then I have continued to think about the experience and apply it to other areas of my life—projects or chores that needed to be tackled and other areas such as health and personal goals. Instead of waiting until I have huge increments of time—that of course rarely ever happens, I remind myself, “Start somewhere.” If I begin and make a little progress, it gives me the impetus to continue later when I have a little more time.

Whether it is the weeds in my garden beds, the paperwork on my desk, or dirty windows, the process is the same. “Get started.” I started washing windows when I was preparing for my guests. I washed a couple of windows that were really bothering me. Later I washed a couple more. Bit by bit I’m making the rounds. Today I washed another three. Completion now seems possible. The end is now in sight.

The same is true with writing. I’ve intended to write about this experience for over a month. I finally said, “Just start!” Writing for about 20 minutes led to more thinking and more writing. Now I have a string of words on paper.
Most of us have heard it said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” So true. Without beginning, nothing will be accomplished, and we will not reach the desired destination.

So first we start. Then we break things into smaller increments and things begin to seem possible. When my kids were younger and overwhelmed by something that loomed large for them like a school project, I would often tell them, “It’s a cinch by the inch and hard by the yard.”

I don’t recall where I first heard that saying, but I liked it and knew it was applicable to challenges both large and small. I wanted to help them see the value in starting and then breaking things down in to smaller manageable segments. Then when they put those segments together in succession, they ended up getting to the final goal. The same is true for the rest of us.

I have noticed that some things never seem to get completely finished, like the piles of paper on my office desk. Nevertheless, I keep starting. I make good headway. Then life calls me in other directions and things pile up again, so I begin again—and then again. Can you imagine how my office would look if I didn’t keep starting over and over again.

We will probably never have everything accomplished to our satisfaction in this journey of life. We will always have projects demanding our time and a variety of challenges to face. Yet if we constantly take the first step and begin again and again, we will move forward toward those things we deem important. And we won’t waste our energy thinking about what we must do.

What is it that looms large for you? What is it that you never seem to find the time to tackle?

*A college degree? It is possible one class at a time. So get started.
*Weight loss? That comes one pound at a time, but you first have to start.
*A relational issue? Start somewhere.
*Spiritual growth? Begin with one thing that seems doable.
*Health? Take a step in the right direction.
*Ironing? Turn on the iron and pick up the first piece.

Our personalities may be different and our challenges and dreams may not be the same. Yet we are still all on a similar journey. And we all need to regularly be reminded to START SOMEWHERE. So that means you---and me! Let's get going!

(c) 2009 Marlene Depler

Obtain permission to print, reprint, or duplicate in any form.

Writing Exercise

For those of you who like to write now and then, here is a little exercise to get you started!

Take 5 minutes and jot down 3-5 things you have been thinking about lately. (This can be anything, such as the change of seasons, aging, frugality, or your recent challenges with modern technology.) Now pick one.

Take three sheets of 8 1/2 x 11 paper and a pen, and go somewhere that you would not normally write. Just start writing and don't stop until you have filled three pages! Neatness, grammar, paragraph breaks, and punctuation are not important!!! What you write might be random thoughts related to the topic you chose. You CANNOT do this wrong! So get going! HAPPY WRITING!

Later come back and put what you have written on the computer. Tidy it up a bit and put connected thoughts together. Just see what you might come up with. Consider sharing with me what topic you chose to write about.

In a few days, I will share with you what I wrote!!

Out of the Mouth of Babes

I love the cute things kids say, especially my grandchildren. I wish I had written more of their saying down. Anyway, I thought I would share this conversation amongst three of them.

My oldest daughter recently told of this discussion in the car:

Rachel says, "When I grow up I want to be a
vegetarian--you know a person who helps animals." (I smile.)

Brent says,
"Well, I want to be a scientist or a video game player." (I chuckle.)

Jacob pipes up, & I quote, "When grow up I want to be a
candy taster." (Uncontrollable laughter.)

Whose kids are these?

Well, I certainly know whose grandkids these are!!!!!

Getting Ready for Flu Season

(Note: This may or may not interest those of you in the Northern Hemisphere. Nevertheless, I felt a need to try to help those who are interested in staying healthy this fall and winter.)

Swine flu (H1N1) season is coming. With all the hype in the news, it makes us all a little fearful to say the least. So I want to give you some positive ways to approach flu season.

It is important to understand that there are literally hundreds of H1N1 flu viruses. The current strain is similar to the Spanish flu of 1918 and the Hong Kong flu of 1968.

So what can we do that is proactive?

Start now to build you immune system! Prepare your bodies defenses!

*Nutriferon-boosts the body’s natural production of interferon/phytonutrient blend that provides immune support at the cellular level. #20960

*Immunity I-blend of six immunoactive vitamins, patented blend of antioxidants with rosemary extract, and mineral support for a strong immune system. #20241

*Defend & Resist-a herbal blend with Echinacea, black elderberry, and larch tree extract which stimulates the body’s natural resistance. #20613

*VIVIX-patented formula to fight aging at a cellular level, but it also contains the black elderberry! #21000

*Antioxidants such as CarotoMax and FlavoMax #20652 and #20654 or any other antioxidants, many found in foods.

*FOR CHILDREN: Incredivites-first children’s chewable multi-vitamin in the U.S. with immune supporting lactoferrin, a nutrient also found naturally in breast milk and researched for its role in activating components of the immune system.

*Optiflora-colon health supports immune health. #20639

*Try to get proper rest and reduce stress where possible.

*Cut back on intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates.

WASH YOUR HANDS! WASH YOUR HANDS! WASH YOUR HANDS!
The spread of flu can be curbed by 90% by regular hand washing. Folks this is an easy one. Teach you kids this!

Keep your fingers out of your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Use Basic G (#00525) and/or Germ Off Disinfecting Wipes (#00322). Keep the wipes in zippered bags in your purse, in your car, and in your kids back packs. Wipe hands, steering wheel, doorknobs, desks, phones, etc. (You can make your own wipes with the Basis G if you choose. (Basis G spray bottles for mixing are #50531 and the dispenser bottle with dropper tip is #50419.)

Consider masks for public transportation.

Hope this information is helpful. For more information, leave a message with email address to respond or go to my website

ww.shaklee.net/lifetimewellness).


Disclaimer: I am not a licensed healthe care professional. This information is shared as a friend to a friend.

Food for Thought

"Some people see clutter as signs of disorganization.
For others, clutter means a major creative project is going on."

-Patricia H. Sprinkle

"When you organize, you're just reshuffling the same
heavy load. When you simplify, you actually eliminate a large chunk of it. Simplifying is not about learning how to do more in less time. It's about doing less so you'll enjoy it more."

-Elaine St. James

Apricot Cream Cheese Coffeecake

I made these coffeecakes for a recent baby shower brunch. (The original recipe called for apricot preserves. But it is also good with strawberry or raspberry perserves.) Thought you might enjoy the recipe! See below.


This shows how half of the batter goes on the bottom of the pan---then the preserves---then the remaining batter. The batter is then spread evenly over the preserves.

Into the oven! This shows the crumb topping---the final touch before baking.

All done and ready to eat! Very yummy!

Apricot Cream Cheese Coffeecake

Cream together:
1 8oz. pkg. softened cream cheese
½ cup butter, softened
1 ¼ cups sugar

Beat in:
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon almond extract, opt.

Sift together:
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt

Add flour mixture alternately with:
1/3 cup milk

Pour half of batter in greased 9x13 baking pan and spread evenly.

Spoon on and gently spread:
1 12 oz. jar of apricot (or raspberry or strawberry) preserves

Spoon remaining batter over the top and gently spread to cover preserves.

For TOPPING combine with pastry blender:
¼ cup butter, softened
½ cup sugar
¼ cup flour
Then add 1/3 cup of sliced almonds, opt. Sprinkle the crumb mixture on top.

Bake at 350º for 35-40 minutes.

Good warm or cold!

Birthday Reflections

Birthdays nowadays always seem to bring out my reflective nature. Each year the number increases by one, and I wonder where the years have gone. I realize that more of my life is behind me than what lies before me. Thus I ponder the meaning of my life. Have I lived it well? What next? What is God’s plan for me at this stage of life? Am I relevant in the world in which I live? My pensive questions seem endless.

I don’t readily have answers to all my questions. Maybe contemplating the questions is quite enough. Then I remind myself that growing older is a good thing, especially since the only one way to avoid aging is to die young. Yes, each year of life is a gift, and with that gift I must accept that aging comes with the territory.

Today I relished the day in celebration of my birth. I sipped my morning homemade latte on the front porch. I picked myself a bouquet of pink, white, and purple zinnias. I opened a new mascara. I walked through the neighborhood. I got my free car wash! I washed the sheets on my bed. Cards and phone calls blessed my day. My husband took me out for a delicious dinner. All in all a lovely day! Now I shall go crawl in those clean sheets and thank God for giving me 58 years.

Cook Breakfast While You Sleep

Many of us grew up eating oatmeal for breakfast. My mom cooked old fashioned rolled oats two or three times a week. It was an economical staple in our household. Then I also cooked oatmeal for my kids—though probably not quite as often.

I first ate steel cut oats as a cooked breakfast cereal many years ago when my husband and I visited Scotland. I enjoyed it so much that I ate it almost every morning while we were there. When I returned home, I still didn’t cook it for myself.

Then several years later I rediscovered this hearty breakfast cereal as one of the many selections on the breakfast buffet at my favorite inn on the Oregon coast. So I purchased some steel cut oats to cook at home. They take a long time to cook, so before I would go to bed, I would bring the water to a boil, and then add a pinch on salt and the correct amount of oats to the water. I put a lid on it and remove it from the heat---let it set overnight. The next morning, it would only take ten minutes to cook it.

Recently, one of my daughters found a suggestion online to cook the steel cut oats overnight in the crock-pot on low. And someone else suggested using a Pyrex or Corningware casserole dish or bowl inside the crock-pot (with water around it) for an easier clean-up. Wow! It’s great! Breakfast cooks while you sleep! Ready when you and your family are ready, and no waiting.

I buy organic steel cut oats at Vitamin Cottage for $2.03 for two pounds. At a dollar a pound that is an inexpensive healthy breakfast. (A serving is ¼ cup, so a little goes a long way.) Many other places carry steel cut oats. King Soopers has it in bulk, but it is more expensive. You can also find it in canisters and cans at most any store. The imported McCann’s is more expensive, but a good products. Below are photos of the crock-pot process.

Let me know what you think!

Here’s to a hot, healthy breakfast that cooks while you sleep!

Ready to cook! This is two servings. Use the package directions for the amounts of water, oats, and salt in the oven-safe casserole. (Most use 1/4 cup steel cut oats to 3/4 cup to 1 cup of water.) Put water around the dish inside the crock-pot. Turn on low when you go to bed.

This is what it looks like when you wake up in the morning. It is ready to dish up and serve.

This morning I added blueberries (anti-oxidants!) and a few walnuts (good fat/Omega-3). I sweeten mine with either pure maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar.

Marlene's Gardens

I thought I would share a few current blooms from my gardens. Enjoy!

Double Delight rose! This is one of my favorites. I have around 30 rose bushes.

Hidden bloom on my Endless Summer hydrangea.

Daylilies! I don't know the variety. It was mismarked---I thought I was getting yellow.

Six of my eight garden beds. Fresh produce is wonderful

I have four pots like this one on the back patio. The purple is million belles---one of my favorites especially for hanging baskets.

Geraniums and a nice place to relax.

Clematis and mixed annuals.

I planted these petunias, and the marigolds seeded themselves from last year.

Unexpected blooms! The lone petunia and blue salva came up "volunteer."

Importance of Vitamin D

Dear Friends,

Once a month, I hope to post an article relating to health and wellness. I am NOT a doctor, but I just wish to pass on the things I read and learn. My own journey toward better health makes me want to share it with others. I hope you find the information helpful.

To your health,
Marlene

FYI: Importance of Vitamin D

Everywhere I turn, I find articles about Vitamin D. Earlier this year, I heard one doctor say that 87% of Americans (adults and children) are deficient in Vitamin D. Today I read an article that said that even in Colorado where we have lots of blue sky, 74% of seniors are deficient. Many say this deficiency is epidemic. Several people I know have actually been tested and told that their levels of Vitamin D were too low.

The simple blood test to find out your level is called 25-hydroxy-vitamin D test. The optimal level for Vitamin D is 50-80 ng/ml.

Many people are not outside in the sunlight enough, and if they are out, they use sunscreen to protect against cancer. Unfortunately, when we wear sunscreen, then our bodies cannot use the sunlight to make Vitamin D.

So what’s the big deal? Why do we need to worry about our levels of Vitamin D?
*Regulates calcium levels
*Helps maintain the alkaline PH balance
*Regulates gene expression
*Low levels of Vitamin D are connected to depression, seasonal affective disorder, and cognitive function
*Low levels are associated with hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, and multiple sclerosis.
*Low levels significantly increase the risk of cancer, such as colon cancer and breast cancer (Vitamin D cuts risk of breast cancer by half!!!)
*Lessens inflammation and helps fight infection
*Helps with muscle strength which helps prevent falls.
*Needed for bone health
*Helps prevent microbial skin infections

As you can see, there are a multitude of good reasons for each of us to consider supplementation with Vitamin D. Many good products are available. Consider the high quality Shaklee products that contain Vitamin D:
Vitalizer
Vita-Lea
Vita-Lea Gold
Ligui-Lea
Citri-Boost
OsteoMatrix
Chewable Cal Mag Plus
Incredivites (for kids)
Vita-Lea Ocean Wonders (for kids)
Vita-Lea Infant Mix

If I can help you choose one of these supplements, please email or visit my website. Membership is FREE though August 8 (savings of $19.95) with a 50 PV order. No monthly ordering requirements.

To your health, Marlene Depler
www.shaklee.net/lifetimewellness
lifetimewellness@shaklee.net

NOTE: This is only for informational purposes. I do not diagnose or prescribe.

Summer Won't Last Forever

One blink and it’s already past the Fourth of July! How is it that these wonderful long days fly by like a flashes of lightning? Summer seems like it just started, but if we check the calendar, we’re almost half way through. SLOW DOWN! I want to shout to the blue sky.

As each summer approaches, I always have the illusion of an endlessly long string of days with lots of time for all the things I want to do: gardening, walking, traveling, swimming with grandkids, mountain adventures, reading on the porch swing, sipping coffee on the patio with my husband, lunch with a friend, and a whole lot more. Somehow I anticipate more than I could ever achieve at the level I desire. Perhaps it would be fair to say that I’m a bit overly optimistic. When my unrealistic expectations get thrown in the mix with the daily stuff that consumes my focus, it can be a recipe for disappointment when September arrives.

This summer, I’m attempting to be more proactive about actually putting some things on the calendar. If I don’t plan and schedule, the things I thought I would do someday never happen. This often means that I must push aside my frustration over the lack of dusting, dirty windows, stacks of paperwork, and other such things to make time for what’s more important.

I am scheduling some time with each individual grandchild. It seems to do them a world of good to have one on one time where they are the center of my attention. I have also taken the younger five to the wading pool. (I must do that again!) I still want to schedule a day for granddaughters and then one for grandsons. Summer may be flying by, but at least a few of my good intentions are becoming a reality.

I’m also trying to be more spontaneous. When my husband suggested a mountain drive two weekends in a row, I went willingly. Such enjoyable days. I’ve also stopped washing dishes to delight in a humming bird out my kitchen window. After dinner, I often slip on my walking shoes and step out the door to soak in the warmth and beauty of the evening.

No, summer won’t last forever. But I’ll do my best to savor little moments in a myriad of ways. And when I think about, I’m reminded that my summers are numbered. Even if I live to be eighty, I only have 22 summers left! Yes, I must fill my summers with what I love—what matters most! My motto today is:

“SEIZE SUMMER. Squeeze out every blessed drop of joy.”

(c) Marlene Depler 2009

Cookies Galore

Recipe times four! I made about 12 dozen cookies today and froze the dough balls ready to bake next week for a shower. This way I can bake them fresh the day of the party, and I won't be so frazzled when I am trying to also make dozens of cupcakes.

I put the dough on these trays and freeze them for 15 minutes or so. Then they are easier to handle when transferring them to the freezer bags.

These are a few of the bags I did. The large bags are for the party and the small bags I will give to each of my children's families. See recipe below:

Double Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

From Marlene Depler

This is a family favorite for over 20 years. When the kids where in 4-H, they won blue ribbons at the county fair with this recipe!

Makes 3 dozen

1 ½ cups sugar
1/3 cup cocoa
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 egg
¼ cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 1/3 cups flour
6 oz. (or more!) chocolate chips
3 cups uncooked oatmeal

Mix sugar and dry cocoa. Then add softened butter and mix well. Add egg, vanilla, and water. Add flour, soda, and salt. Mix until completely incorporated. Stir in chocolate chips, then oatmeal.

Drop by teaspoon (or use medium Pampered Chef scoop) on ungreased baking sheet. Bake in preheated 350º oven for 10-12 minutes. Do not overbake! Let cookies set on pan for a minute or two before removing to cooling rack.

NOTES:

1) I like to refrigerate the dough for about one hour before making the cookies.

2) I usually double or triple the recipe and freeze all or part of the cookie dough in balls in a zippered freezer bags. Then I simply take them from the freezer when I am ready to bake a few or a dozen. I place them directly on the baking sheet and place in preheated oven. Increase the cooking time by a few minutes. This way I can pull out cookies to bake fresh when we have company or when the grandchildren come over. Sometimes I will just bake four for my husband and I. Fresh is always best!

Re-entry

Before our plane landed, my mind began making a mental list of things I needed to do upon returning from our vacation on the coast of Oregon. Unpack. Start the laundry. Call the kids. Reply to emails and messages. The mail would have to wait until Monday. Oh, yes, buy some groceries. I could think of dozens of things that would need my attention and energy once I made re-entry back into my normal life. Nevertheless, I was happy to return home.

It wasn’t long after we pulled in the driveway that I headed to the back yard. I delighted in the sweet fragrance of the roses that started blooming while I was away. And even though it was early June, I picked five ripe tomatoes from my garden.

Later as I unpacked my suitcase, I reveled in the thought that tonight I would sleep in my own bed with my own pillow. Yes, it was good to be home. Trips are great, but there’s nothing like coming home---even if returning means that I face my reality of many things to do.

While I was away, I also pondered the possibility of re-entry into writing (and blogging). I’ve been sidetracked with life (and Facebook) to say the least. And perhaps discouragement has taken its toll. Often I have wondered if what I write even matters at all. But I’m once again remembering why I write: for the joy of it! And to possibly bring encouragement to others. So, this is my attempt to relish both my return home AND my re-entry into writing---spilling words on the page.

(c) Marlene Depler

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Twelve

An Empty Manger

What if God had never sent His Son into the world?

What if Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem to with their families to register, but no infant Christ child had been placed in the manger that long ago night? What if Immanuel had never lived and died on our behalf? Can you begin to imagine how different everything would be? We certainly wouldn’t be celebrating Christmas!

I started thinking about this several weeks ago. It was the idea that gave me the idea to write twelve posts on Christmas in the first place. And I have continued to think about the empty manger throughout each day as I have written the other entries in this series.

I’ve tried to consider how history would have been different. It’s beyond my comprehension. Would pilgrims have come to this country in search of religious freedom? I don’t think so. Would a constitution like ours have ever come into being without Christian principles at its foundation?

So many educational institutions, hospitals, and orphanages were founded by devout Christians. Where would the world be without them?

On a more personal note, what would my life be like if it had never been impacted by a Savior? That’s hard to imagine.

Yet what gives me more consternation is that so many people today choose to live as if Christ had never been born. Some don’t believe that the Messiah has come. Others believe that Christ came, but that he was just a good teacher. Others will acknowledge that he came, but then refuse to allow the message grace and forgiveness proclaimed by Immanuel to penetrate their hearts.

The manger wasn’t empty. May we allow this truth to impact every aspect of our live and give us continued hope.

Merry Christmas!

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Eleven

Raise the White Flag of Surrender

Go ahead and raise the white flag!

I hate to break it to you, but our idealistic notions of a romantic or idyllic Christmas is not going to happen this year or any year for that matter. Holidays will always be imperfect to one degree or another. Certain aspects will always be less than what we wish for.

Just because it is December the season of joy to the world and peace on earth doesn’t mean that our challenges and struggles automatically go away. And all of our mundane tasks of paying bills, washing dishes, and resolving conflict continue as well.

In December, kids still get sick or argue with each other. People we want to spend the holidays with may be too far away, or they choose not to join us. And the people we are with may give us reason for annoyances.

We may not get the gift we wanted or any gift at all. We may not have the money we wish we had—or the job we need—or we may have to work too many hours. Others around us may not pitch in and help with the added responsibilities of the season. Maybe we don’t get everything baked we had hoped to or our favorite recipe didn’t turn out this year. We may be facing health challenges—or the loss of a loved one—or a divorce.

Our losses and disappointments are legitimate and should not be minimized. It’s OK to grieve and too be honest about our feelings. Yet we all need to take a hard look at our overall expectations. Far too often we are more than a little unrealistic.

The Norman Rockwell Christmas is a myth. No one has a perfect holiday in every way. If we could attain Christmas perfection on our own, we wouldn’t need Christmas. Christ wouldn’t have needed to come to earth to redeem us. Christ alone is the source of joy to the world and peace on earth, not the circumstances of our Christmas this year.

So I will resolve to enjoy each and every blessing that comes my way and receive them with humility and gratitude this Christmas. And I will keep my expectations in check. I surrender to my own reality and embrace it. You, too?

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Ten

Delight in the Ordinary

Have you seen this quote: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.

This really makes me stop and think. We may not have breathless moments on a regular basis—unless we are running up and down the stairs. But perhaps if we paid closer attention to the beauty and wonder around us, we would savor our lives more.

Do we take delight in the simple ordinary moments each day? Do we really listen for the laughter? Do we notice the snowflakes? Are we in awe of the twinkling stars? Do we study the expressions on the faces around us?

It takes all of our senses to find the joy and pleasure in the everyday, especially when we get busy preparing for the holidays. In our rush, we may just forget to enjoy the little things and to treasure what is most important to us. It's not the hype that makes us happy.

I can’t say that I have had any moments that took by breath away today, but I did cherish the time spent with my oldest granddaughter. We laughed together as we mixed up a Tunnel of Fudge Cake that we will serve for Christmas dinner. I also savored the sweetness of a clementine. I took delight in a quiet evening with my husband.

It may only be a couple of days before Christmas with much we still think needs to be accomplished. Nevertheless, let’s do our best to catch our breath, stop a moment, and delight in the simple joys all around us.

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Nine

Gift-Giving

Yippee! My husband and I have finished all of our shopping for Christmas gifts. Now I’m working on wrapping all of the presents in brightly colored paper and bows. Pretty packages under the tree are such a pleasant sight. And I can’t wait to see the delight on the faces of the grandchildren when they open their packages.

Most of us enjoy gift-giving IF we have the time, money, and good ideas for what the recipient might enjoy receiving. Sometimes there are occassions where we may give out of obligation—because it is expected. For the most part, giving is something we WANT to do. We like to bless and surprise family and friends with thoughtful gifts.

Receiving gifts is also a delight. Some of my friends have already dropped by with some sweet gifts, both literally and figuratively. Their kind gestures are appreciated, but their friendship is the greatest blessing. I even know what will be in one package under the tree because one of my daughters let me pick it out.

Yet all in all, when I think of gifts, I am so often reminded that our greatest gifts in life are never under the Christmas tree. The gift of God’s grace given through His only Son can’t be tucked neatly into a red and green gift bag. Many other gifts can’t be wrapped and tied with a bow: the gift of love, the gift of encouragement, the gift of health, the gift of freedom, the gift of food and shelter.

Together we could enumerate a host of things that are wonderful gifts that can’t be packaged to unwrap on Christmas morning. So as we think of gifts this season, may we keep in perspective the precious gifts that won’t ever be found in a box beneath a brightly lit evergreen tree.

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Eight

Flexibility

A bit of flexibility is a flattering style on all of us. We need some in our wardrobe year round, and especially during the Christmas season. This is what allows us to adapt, bend, change directions, and hit some speed bumps in our well-laid plans with some grace. It’s like the 2 % spandex in a pair of jeans that makes them so comfortable.

This doesn’t mean that we become wimps or doormats, or that we allow ourselves to be manipulated by the boundary-busting of others. It’s OK to say no when we need to. Yet there are times that our ability to adapt to the current situation makes life so much less stressful on ourselves and those around us.

I thought I would be able to write a Christmas blog every day, but some of you may have noticed that I didn’t post one day. Rigidity would have kept me up very late on a night I was worn out. That is what started my thinking about flexibility. I decided I needed to have a little “give” in my best intentions. I could always post two in one day if I wanted to, or I may run later than I planned with the last post.

Throughout this holiday season I have found myself needing to exercise flexibility quite often. I have intended to finish up my shopping at a certain store for several days. On Monday the roads were icy, so I postponed the shopping. On Tuesday, I thought I would catch this store on my way back from two appointments in Boulder, but my daughter wanted her hair trimmed after she picked the kids up from school, and I was tired anyway. (If I had been unable to cut her hair, she would have exercised some flexibility with me, too.)

Then I thought I would go on Thursday afternoon, but something else in the morning took longer than I expected, and something on the other end would have made me rush. So I opted to watch my other daughter’s two little girls so she could go stand in line at the post office to mail a package.

I still need to go shopping, and I may actually go this morning. Yet I’m not sorry that I have made some adaptations in my plans. Even though flexibility may not be my strongest suit, I’m working on it. And I have to say, I’m happier when I allow myself to make these kinds of changes and adapt as life unfolds.

When I think about rigidity, it really isn’t all that attractive on any of us. It is about as comfortable as jeans that are two sizes to small with NO spandex—NO stretch. Rigidity doesn’t wear well with others either.

So let’s all go to the closet this morning and choose to attire ourselves with more flexibility today. It’s flattering!

Twelve Day of Christmas: Day Seven

Mission Gratitude

Thanksgiving isn’t just for one day in late November. Thankfulness can become a way of life if we choose to make it so. The problem is that when we get very busy or challenges come our way, we often forget to be mindful of our blessings.

My simple mission for the month is gratitude. I search throughout the day for things that I am thankful for—ways that I have been blessed. Recently, we have had some frigid temperatures, so I have been thankful for the warmth of my home. Warm shelter in winter is a blessing. I am thankful for family members and friends that enrich my life. Safety on the icy roads is reason for gratitude. I’m grateful for my basic health. (A bout of stomach flu a couple of weeks ago reminded me to appreciate the days I feel well.)

When the mail comes, I am thankful for any cards and letters that come from the people who have blessed our lives over the years. When I find a great sale on something I want to give as a gift, I am grateful. My list would have to be topped with gratitude that God sent his own son into the world because he loved us.

My list could go on and on, but I’ll stop and shift to you. What are the things that you are grateful for today? It only takes a few moments to stop and recount our blessings both great and small. Join me on Mission Gratitude this month.

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Six

Laughter and Humor

Proverbs 17:22 “A merry heart doeth good like medicine.”

There’s nothing like a children’s Christmas program to make us smile and laugh. We just got home from a school Christmas concert. Everyone kindergarten through eighth grade participated in singing, drama, readings, or playing an instrument. Just watching the expressions of the kids as they performed made me smile. There were also many moments of laughter.

I have been thinking about how important humor is in our lives, especially this time of year. Life can feel heavy and serious with all its challenges and stressors, so we may need to cultivate our sense of humor. If we don’t notice the little things that are funny, we just miss out. There’s nothing like laughter to put life in perspective, or to at least temporarily relieve us from the current difficulties.

A couple days ago I put on my snow boots for the first time this winter. I stuck the left foot in and zipped the boot. Then I stuck my right foot in—and wait. What was that hard thing in the toe of my boot? I pulled it back off, stuck my hand in, and pulled out a little car with Oscar the Grouch riding in it. I laughed! I think it would be fair to assume that this toy in my boot was the work of one of the grandchildren.

Then when I was baking biscotti the other day, I remembered how one year when I was baking, I inadvertently left a pot holder in the oven. When I started to smell smoke, I looked in the oven and saw my smoldering pot holder. Needless to say, I was not trying to make “smoked biscotti.” I had to throw the whole batch in the trash. It wasn’t funny at the time. Yet recalling the memory made me laugh at myself.

Another example of my recent humor is my 2 ½ year old granddaughter who reminds me often that she wants Play-Doh for Christmas. And now she is sure that this is what all the cousins should have for Christmas.

Surely there is something that will tickle your funny bone. Go ahead and laugh! It’s good medicine?

(Well, my brain is tired, and I should be in bed. If I don’t get some sleep, I’m sure I won’t see the humor in much of anything come morning.)