O Christmas Tree

As we decorate the Christmas tree, I am flooded with memories of years past. My kids, toddlers, putting all the decorations on the bottom of the tree. My husband and I meticulously decorating our first tree. Placing bulbs on a pine tree with my mother and taking in the heady aroma.

Now I stand with my kids on either side of me and my husband looks on relishing the moment. I decide to savor it as well. Christmas music plays in the background and we take out the ornaments from preschool, first grade, fourth grade, and the bulbs we've had for years. We laugh at some of the ornaments that have seen better days. My husband asks if I have the ones up with the pictures of us, the kids, the pets, and of course the one of my mom. I say they are all there. We hang candy canes, bulbs, and an assortment of trinkets. When we are done, the tree sparkles. But it's not the items on the tree that makes it beautiful, it's the time spent together creating something unique. True, some of the ornaments have been around over 15 years, but the tree never looks the same. And it is the cooperative effort to create the Christmas tree that makes it so beautiful.

The warm glow that fills our heart when we look at the tree comes because of the love that we put into it. So, it's true that the foundation of the warmth of the holiday season comes because of memories of all the years past, but mostly from what happened so many centuries ago when God loved the world so much to send us his son.

This feeling of abundant love is what I want to hold with me as we approach Christmas. As I give it, so it multiplies.

This Thanksgiving

It is great to be loved. I am grateful for all the people who love me and for all those I love.

G od
R elationships
A rt
T alent
E motions
F riends
U nity
L ove

Happy Thanksgiving!

Kipper's Shenanigans

Kipper is getting ready for the holidays. He's practicing his sad eyes, head between his paws, I'm so neglected routine. He lifts his head to look at you and lets out a big sigh. Then he puts his head back down.

He's also working on his big goofy dog, don't forget about me Santa act. Lying on his back, flopping from side to side and then stopping with his paws sticking out in the air, his head cocked to one side, and one big floppy ear covering his eye. He stares out like he's not noticing you, but really he's trying to get your attention.

Well, Kip we'll try to manage some leftover turkey for you. If not, there's always Christmas!

It would be appropriate to trust in God instead of some phony set of rules I created for myself.

So I pray,
Lead me Lord today that your will may be done through me. Help me let go of outcomes and focus on the next right thing as guided by you. Help me remember that I can choose flowers or manure and that I'm not responsible for what others choose. Help me to honor you above all things.

Holiday Reflection

The black outline of the maple tree silhouettes against the pale pink and blue sky. Then the pink fades quickly. The sky is robin-egg blue. Night falls quickly in November. The days seem to pass faster as we accelerate toward the holidays. With every day giving us less sunlight, we feel the rush to get ready for the holidays. The shorter days seem to tell us time is running out.

But the long nights give us time to reflect, relax, and pray. We have time to think about all that scurrying. What can we let go of this year to give us more time to enjoy the season? Perhaps we will spend our time writing personal notes in our Christmas cards instead of buying so many presents. Maybe the gift of ourselves would mean more than a trinket, gadget, or the latest QVC special.

Tiger the Cat

Tiger was complaining that he wanted his own blog saga like Kipper. I told him he couldn't have one because all he does is sleep all day. Not enough material. He yawned at this and gave me the typical cat stare which translates to, "You are so full of it."

Then he jumped off my lap and went to lie down in the window to soak up the sun. I don't think he even wanted his own blog, it was just something to meow about.

Living Up to My Potential

Just for today I am making a decision to get my light out from under the bushel basket and let it shine for all to see! I have kept it hidden, or doused it, or covered it with a shade for too long. God has blessed me with gifts and talents. He has done so that I might share them with others. When I feel myself backing down and wanting to shy away from my potential, I will ask God to be with me and help me persevere.

I will be proud of my accomplishments today. I will be grateful for all I have been given and am yet to experience. I will expect abundance, joy, and peace. I will remember that it helps no one to try and be less than. Instead, I will be who God intended. I will face the possibility of overwhelming myself and others.

Michigan Writers' Group

Are you interested in meeting with other writers and sharing your work? Are you looking for healthy feedback about your writing in a positive environment? Do you enjoy meeting others with the same goals?

If so, I have great news for you! A Downriver Writers' Group is now forming. The first meeting will be on Tuesday, November 17th at 6:30 PM at the Melvindale Library.

Reply to this blog (or email hecmanczukl@live.com) if interested in attending.

Expectations

It's about not allowing my own unrealistic expectations to rule me: expectations that things need to look a certain way, be on a certain timetable, or cost a certain amount.

I need to let go of expectations about how productive I need to be or how I need to look or how happy I can be. Instead, I can be open to what God offers.

I can eliminate the expectation that I have to have a daily allowance of misery or work harder and harder.

Just for today, I will let go of these unreasonable expectations of myself.

Kipper's Kostume

Kipper loves getting dressed up for Halloween. I first experienced this last year when he started getting excited as the four of us were getting dressed. I found a shirt from an old ninja costumes my kid's had and put it on him. He was so proud! He pranced around and sat for pictures.

This year it was more hectic and I was already costumed and the kids had gone out. Kipper sat in the window watching the trick or treaters. When a break in the action came, I went into the closet where I keep clothes to donate or for the next garage sale. I found a Dallas Cowboy's jersey-type T-shirt with T. Owens on the back. I brought it out and Kipper sat at attention. He let me pull his arms through the sleeves. Later my husband added devil horns on the back of his neck and declared him "Terrible Terrell Owens". Terrell was cut by Dallas in May of this year and now he was back with a vengence!