I’m an old woman and still remember hearing the philosophy that the three “R”s were all we needed to learn in order to succeed as students. I think the person who came up with that concept needed some education on spelling. Reading is the only one that makes sense. Writing begins with a “W” and the actual art of writing has changed dramatically over my lifetime. Cursive wriing is an archaic term today. It’s an obsolete language which seems to have been gobbled up by the Internet. Kids simply can’t interpret anything written in cursive. Of course, I can’t decipher my own handwriting anymore. Arithmetic is not really a subject, nor does it begin with “R.” Now it’s called New Math and us old fogies haven’t got a clue what it means. A lot of today’s students don’t get it either.
I would, therefore, like to offer my own 3 “Rs” to those of you who are beginning the parenting phase. There are probably more to consider, but today I’d like to propose these three:
RESPECT – RESPONSIBILITY – RESILIENCE
RESPECT: This bit of learning should begin at the very beginning. When a child is taught to respect those in authority, their parents, their teachers, their religious leaders, friends and employers, they will have a much easier go in this life. As they grow into their teens, a reverence and respect for law enforcement is also a necessary tool whereby they can navigate through tough situations. When I was a young girl, I pocketed something that caught my eye in a secondhand store. I didn’t pay for the object. I don’t even remember what it was. My father discovered that I had stolen it and marched me back to the store to return it At the time I was humiliated, (mostly because I was caught) but I ate a huge piece of humble pie that day and the thought of not becoming a thief was now emblazoned into my brain. When we teach our children to respect others, the Golden Rule should apply. Treat others as you wish to be treated.
RESPONSIBILITY: This attribute is a result of showing respect to others. When we stand up for our children, even when they’re wrong, we’re sending a wrong message. When we do wrong, we must be willing to take the consequences for our actions. So many young parents believe they are to establish a friendship with their children. I’m not saying you shouldn’t care about your kids or come to their rescue, but they do need to realize that there will be residual effects to bad behavior. The children of today have it so much harder than we did as children. They are under tremendous pressure to succeed. They often are overspent with after school activities that rob them family time and relationships with others. It’s OK if they don’t excel in something, but the awarding of participation certificates isn’t the way to do that. We need to help our children find what interests them and then help them realize their potential. They also need to know it’s OK not to win at everything. Failure often leads to future success.
RESILIENCE: We’re beginning to live in a world of hermits. Electronics have given us a plethora of instant knowledge, while offering a platform for all kinds of destructive platforms that are easily accessible to our children. The fact that we went through a very long pandemic and faced isolation has increased the use of those tools. Many are doing jobs from the comfort of their homes and actual face to face communication has broken down. The old adage, “Sticks and stones can break my ones,” is simply no longer true. It’s too bad we need to teach our children how to rebound from bullying, name calling, lies and slander going into cyber-space. We all feel vulnerable with social media today and with good reason. Giving our kids the tools to withstand these harmful jabs and often depressing words is vital. Limiting screen time is tough, but necessary. Teaching them that they are loved is more than important. Get them involved in activities where they will learn to solve problems, work with others to accomplish their goals and sharpen up their communication skills. The statistics on depression, anxiety and suicide in our time have surged dramatically. Everyone needs to know that they are loved by God. We all need to be loved.
As I said at the beginning, there are many “R”s out there that deserve attention. RELIGION is one that comes to mind. This is something we can nurture along the way. Get in the habit of worshipping with your children – at home, in church – in youth groups that provide application through God’s Word. With the pandemic, came on-line worship. There are tons of great devotions online as well. This is something you should be doing together with them.
“Train up a child in the way he should go. Even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 ESV
I’m certain I would never have been hailed as Mother of the Year during my tenure of raising three youngsters. I made a ton of mistakes – mistakes I wish I could undo, but instead I just hide them away in the recesses of my aging mind – and pray that God has forgiven them along with my other sins. Kids today are different than when I was raising a family. Kids today are different than when my great grandparents were doing their parenting thing. I could go on and on about how good my way was, but I think every generation is filled with the same problems, fears, anxieties and trials by error.
Each day as a parent is a new adventure. You will face problems with discipline – scrapes and bruises, frequent trips to the ER, helping with homework that’s foreign to you, constant picking up after, nagging, feeling like a drill sergeant, making sure they eat properly, are clothed and have a roof over their heads. Not an easy job description, but every year – more children come into the world and the process goes on.
My generation has seen the first television set, the first astronaut on the moon, advances in technology – science and medicine. We’ve come from a place where washing hands was only necessary before eating a meal. We entertained ourselves by playing outside all day – even on the cold days of winter. Almost everything was recycled – disposable diapers, water bottles, plastic containers for fast food were non-existent. We took the bus to sporting and after school events – in fact my family didn’t own a car until I was old enough to get a license.
The generation of today will experience much of the same – growth in technology, an abundance of new jobs being created because of it – fear of being bullied, having their school under siege, and changing views on morality. They will absorb more information than the mind can possibly handle. They will be exposed to more of the ugliness of the world through the media and instant news. They will need their parents guidance and reassurance as much as we did. Us old fogies will grumble and complain and the moms and dads of today will do so too when their kids have children. It’s in the nature of man. I had to learn how to be a mom. Even with good role models, it’s a learn as you go process.
As our children grow from infants to toddlers, you will see a lot of your own habits and idiosyncrasies come to life in them. This is a time to really be a good role model for them. They’re like little copycats and will often mimic what you say and do. They’re forming their own personalities based on what they see and hear from you. That’s a heavy load to carry right there. As a parent, you have more than a physical obligation to these little ones. How they turn out is dependent on their early years of experience and exploration. I’m not trying to lay guilt on you before you even go through this, but it is a fact you should be aware of.
Having raised three children and watching them turn into responsible adults is really an accomplishment, but not one I can take credit for. Each generation has its own set of problems to deal with. Whether it’s a turn in sexual behavior or drug abuse; a shift in the course of politics; a surge in unethical behavior; greed, violence, bullying – we as parents have a tough row to hoe. When you partner with your Creator in the process, it makes the job less difficult. Here are ten suggestions to help you in this difficult, trying, sometimes frustrating and anxious walk, which I hope will give you some insight into this wonderfully exciting adventure:
From little on, let them know about God’s love for them. Build a strong spiritual base. This is the foundation that will see them through anything.
Shape their moral values by setting a good example.
Encourage and support them, but don’t build them up to the point of no return.
Let them know that you have expectations of them – set down the rules as soon as they are old enough to understand and then follow through with them
Trust is something that takes time to build. With our children, it should begin on day one. They are totally reliant on us. We need to return that trust to them as they grow older. By doing so, we are also trusting that what we have taught them has actually sunk in.
Let them know that when we are angry with something they have done, it doesn’t change the love we have for them.
Be vigilant about their physical well being. Watch for signs that things aren’t right and talk to your children about them. Always keep the lines of communication open.
You are not your child’s buddy, you are his parent. Too often we give more material things to our children than we need to. They need our love, understanding, guidance and security – not our stuff.
There are others out there that are experiencing the same things you are. It doesn’t make the job easier, but it helps to know that you aren’t alone.
Trust in God’s direction for your child. Pray for them. Teach them God’s teachings through the daily study and encouragement of His Word. With God at your side all things are possible – even parenting.
“Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright,” Proverbs 20:11 ESV
I don’t mean to mislead you by my title today. Raising a family doesn’t mean you’re going to be fighting a never-ending battle with your offspring. It does mean you will be spending your time much differently than you did before they arrived on the scene. Being a parent in itself deserves a Badge of Courage, but when you are with them 24/7 you have gone way above the call of duty. When you add an outside job to this one, you deserve more than a medal. Each day begins with a barrage of shrapnel in your path. Toys are scattered everywhere. Have you ever stepped on a Lego with your bare feet? Your house will never be posted on Pinterest – you thrive on caffeinated beverages – your work schedule never ends, even when you manage to get in 40 winks – I mean that literally!
We cry with them when they face jabs from the neighborhood bully. We become go into Mama Bear mode with anyone who does the jabbing. We feel like drill sergeants when we ask them to clean their rooms. We cheer them on in all their endeavors. We make sure they’re safe, healthy, smart, happy, encouraged, well adjusted, God loving and more. We suffer through their bruises and illnesses. We endeavor to help them make good choices but allow them to decide for themselves.
One day you’re praising them for their art work and the next day they’re spray painting the dog. One day you’re proud of their interest in nature and next day they come home with a three foot snake. There are times you’re amazed at their speaking skills and then you’re shocked when words come out of their mouths that you didn’t think they knew.
Some days hold great success, others seem like a total bust, but you’re building the future through them. Teaching them values- telling them about integrity, honesty, loving someone despite their faults, helping them become the kind of leaders that have been lacking in our country for a long time.
There will be days when you wonder why you ever became a parent – especially when you’re peeling oatmeal off the walls or trying to get permanent marker drawings out of the carpeting – but it is so worth the battles and skirmishes of childhood. It is through them that the victory so sweet. Remember they are a gift from God and on loan to us to educate, inspire, encourage and love. The short time we have available to us is never enough and the parenting never ends until we go to heaven.
It all seems so precious and perfect. A couple marries, they have a child, then another and maybe more. What could be better? Well, I am certainly not an expert on parenting, even though I did birth three babies that turned into amazing adults. I wonder how I’d feel about getting the news that I was pregnant at my age today? I mean, look at Sarah, the wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac from the Old Testament. Put yourself in Sarah’s sandals for a moment. You’ve wanted children since you were old enough to conceive. Years went by and it never happened. Your friends all had children and you were overlooked. Your husband had been promised by God that he would be the father of all nations and from his bloodline, the Messiah would come. He had to be thinking, “God, I can’t even tend the sheep anymore. How can I raise a family?”
This sort of thing doesn’t happen today. Although if I was approached by three angels who told me I was going to have a child at 90, I’m quite sure I’d believe them, or at least try to believe them. Then to go through nine months of a pregnancy at that age and the trauma of going through labor and delivery of that child. Well, this week I’m going to talk about parenting for those of you who are considering having a child. These posts are not intended to discourage you. If anything, I hope you decide to have a family. The stories I have to tell are countless and pretty funny to boot. The truth is, there is nothing like it.
Someone once said, it’s the easiest thing in the world to have an opinion on parenting and the most difficult thing to actually do. Grandparents think they’re experts, because they’ve raised a few. Friends without children know everything there is about raising a child, because they’ve read all about it on the internet. Friends with children will tell you it’s a piece of cake, because misery often loves company. Actually, there is no right or wrong way to be a parent. It’s kind of a “learn as you go process.”
I belong to the old way of thinking, regarding marriage and family and I know I’m not alone in my thinking. I believe that marriage should be between one man and one woman, as clearly stated by Almighty God. I also believe that the family unit has disintegrated over the years. I’m not sure how this happened other than the possibility that folks just don’t work hard at marriage anymore.
OK, I’m old fashioned. That’s because I’m old and I have a right to be.
When another human being enters the equation, we soon discover their needs come before our own. There will be sleepless nights, bumps and bruises, calls from the principal’s office, fending off bullies, helping with homework and a whole plethora of duties.
The next few days will be devoted to the art of parenting from someone who has lived through it.
The Torah wasn’t being taught on a daily basis, as it should’ve been. Families were breaking apart. Religion had become geared to the hierarchy and the common folk felt they had nothing to fall back on. We see things like this today as our own country has become so self-absorbed and God has taken a back seat – again.
This boy, Jesus, who studied diligently with the scholars – who had complete understanding of God’s Word – who was determined to be about His true Father’s business – knew He had a mission to fill. He would bring hope back to the people. He’d show them there was a purpose for their lives. He told them to love one another. He demanded they follow the truth of God in His commandments and laws. He did not come to us, to condemn the law, but to fulfill it.
The young man, Jesus, who worked hard along His stepfather, was obedient to His parents and showed them respect. He ate, slept, drank, walked, wept, laughed like any other teen, but never gave into temptation. He was determined to complete the work He was placed on earth to do. His parables would be well received, because His audience could relate. He would upset the tables of the merchants using the temple area for selling their wares. He called them a den of thieves. He pulled no punches, yet He exuded kindness and comfort.
So what do we know about Jesus? He was the perfect son. His siblings probably didn’t like that too much. He worked hard at a physical job. He traveled by foot to celebrate the Passover each year. He saw the corruption within the synagogue and challenged them. He was strong physically. He was vocally astute, as He later would speak to crowds of thousands and each ear would be open to His words. He was kind and compassionate and loved everyone. He suffered sadness, depressionas He prayed for the cup to pass from his lips. He went through grief, as friends would die and go through illnesses. He witnessed their poverty and hunger and provided abundantly when the time was right. He respected the government, because all government (good or bad) is instituted by God. He was a common man yet had a captivating personality which opened doors and minds for Him. He could heal people from their afflictions, drive out demons, restore life to the dead, because He was not just an ordinary man. In the end He bore the sins of the world as He was tortured and carried His cross to Calvary.
What kind of person would do that? Most folks today think only of themselves. We still have a few who put their lives on the line in their work or in the service of our country, but when it comes right down to it, we have become very self-serving.
When Jesus lived, the world was a mess. He saw all of it. He lived through it. He suffered along with His family and friends because of it. Much like today, everything had turned upside down. They strayed from their laws. The unity of community had died. They again were under oppression. They were ripe for a Savior. They longed for God to send the Messiah and He did. Today, we long for Christ’s return. The time is ripe once more. We know He will come back, because He said He would.
“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14
Recently, a family member on my husband’s side, took on the task of researching the beginnings of their family. There is currently a TV series, “1923, * which follows the lineage of the Dutton Family, from another TV series called, “1883,” from another TV series called, “Yellowstone.” We sometimes get hung up on wanting to know about our lineage. However, we might become surprised at what turns up. The family tree most definitely is filled with a few nuts, some squirrels, roots that stretch to many parts of the earth, occasionally some lovely birds, but always a lot of interesting information. Jesus’ ancestry is printed out for us in the Bible. Our God wants us to see that Jesus, His only begotten Son, came from a long line of people – some who weren’t ones you’d like to brag about. This lineage shows that Jesus was human, just like you and me, but He was also conceived by the Holy Spirit of God, therefore He was both God and man. Going back to Adam and Eve and God’s covenant to send a Redeemer, we can see how all the pieces of this interesting history fit together to reveal the truth that Jesus was born to save the world.
There were murderers, adulterers, swindlers, liars, the evil and brutal men and women who would be considered the dregs of society. Jesus was not a sinner, because He held the blood of God in his veins. He was a real human being too, with the same problems that faced many of his friends and family members. You can do the research yourself, by reading Luke 3:23-38. We start with Adam and Eve. There were those who had no involvement in the Jewish faith. Ruth married into it when she became Mrs. Boaz. Tamar, Rahab and Bathsheba were all women of questionable character. Ruth and Rahab were Gentiles who became part of the family tree. There are many heroes of the Bible, like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, along with Joseph, the dreamer, who spent time in prison for being falsely accused of rape. King David was the apple of God’s eye, yet his sins included adultery, lies, coverups, espionage and murder. Even with all those sins, He regained favor in God’s eyes through repentance. David was the warrior king. It was a king like that which the Jews longed for in Jesus’ lifetime, to defeat their enemies.
This long line of begats and begottens is clear evidence that Jesus was the legal heir to the covenant promise associated with David’s throne. Both Mary and Joseph could trace their heritage back to King David and even though Joseph was not the father of Jesus, his genealogy seals the promise doubly. When they went to register for the census, they went to Bethlehem, the birthplace of David. The truth of these genealogies is part of the Jewish culture. They were meticulous at keeping birth and death records over the course of time.
The unique mixture of people can pop up in our own ancestry. There are often a few skeletons in the closet, and it was no different in Jesus’ bloodline. This defines His humanity. His relatives were often ordinary, unexceptional people, who would bring forth the most exceptional human being to walk the earth. Yet His blood was fused with God the Father. What a mystery, yet what lovely truth. God uses everyone for a purpose in His already mapped out plan for humanity.
Our DNA holds clues to who we are and where we came from. Those elements played a part in Jesus’ makeup as well. He saw poverty and wept for those who had no food. He even provided meals at times. He struggled as he watched families around him scrounging to make ends meet, yet all He could do was comfort them. He grew angry when He saw how the church had been corrupted and He wept when His friend died. The Old Testament is filled with prophesy regarding the Messiah and Jesus fulfilled them. He was a man of sorrows, having no place to rest His head. He was abused, rebuked, bullied, smitten and afflicted. His hands and feet would be pierced. He would be betrayed and rejected by His closest followers. He saved the world from the grip of sin and death. He was born to one purpose – a man, yes, but also God in every way.
The average life span for the people living in Jesus’ time was between 30 and 35 years. Some made it into their 50s and if they were fortunate, they might even live as long as 80. We know that people suffered from many skin issues. I imagine it being caused by exposure to the sun and other outdoor elements. Some of it may have been caused by bugs, irritating the eyes as they worked outside. To combat this issue, they would pour oil on their heads to keep the bugs away. (anointing with oil.) There are accounts of those with Leprosy, sores and boils. Different names to a lot of the ailments we know today. This disease would cause the loss of limbs and slow death of the body. It was also highly contagious. Separate communities were set up for people with this disease and they were isolated from the rest of society.
There is reference to female problems such as an issue of blood one woman was healed from as a result of her faith in Jesus. Husbands would stay away from their wives during the time of her period. Depending on the culture, many women were brutalized sexually. Sexual organs were mutilated as an act of dominance. It’s hard to believe, but this still goes on in certain areas of the world.
We hear about Peter’s mother-in-law being healed of a fever that had been plaguing her for some time. She immediately got out of bed and served Jesus. Fevers were common in this time and were considered an actual disease, rather than just a symptom. In fact the Talmud refers to fever as ”fire.”
We know there were physicians. Dr. Luke ministered to Paul when he was in prison – caring for his wounds as well as taking dictation for the book of the Acts of the Apostles. This was all done as Paul awaited his execution by beheading. Several people were healed from deafness, blindness, vocal impairment, lame bodies and demon possession. All of them by miraculous acts of Jesus and later his disciples.
Today there are cures for most of these things, but people still suffer being blind or losing their hearing. Some never learn to talk. Others have limbs which can be repaired, but there are still scars. Even though the devil has been defeated, he’s still allowed power in a sinful world. I believe he is in the center of mental and emotional illness which might be considered a form of demon possession. We have made many gains in health care today, but we still don’t have a cure for Cancer.
As we know, the Jews had strict laws regarding sanitation and cleanliness. They weren’t immune to sickness, however. They lived in a community of mixed cultures, so there was no shortage of germs. People were coming and going through Galilee on an ongoing basis, so they would bring disease with them. Since pain, suffering and death are all a result of man’s fall into sin, there is no escaping it.
Jesus may have seen many of his friends and relatives die at an early age from some disease. He would’ve seen suffering that we don’t see today, because of the advances in medical knowledge. He had the power to heal everyone, but the time was not yet right. Boys were confirmed in their faith at twelve and weren’t considered to come to the of age of manhood until they were thirty – precisely the age of Jesus when he started His walk to our salvation.
We may wonder if Jesus did anything miraculous when He was a child, but the Bible is very clear on that. When He performed His first miracle at the wedding of Cana, He told His mother that His time had not yet come – but then he changed water into the best wine ever created.
I believe that Jesus, the child, knew He was divine, because He’s God. I also believe He chose not to show that side of Himself until He reached the age of manhood. His childhood gave Him the experience of life as a human being. He experienced acne, growing pains, puberty, temptation and at the same time, He grew in knowledge and wisdom, never falling into sin.
This was all in preparation for the work He came to earth to do.
The sun slowly rises in the east, as women awake from their slumber to prepare for another day. They meet at the well early in the morning to gather the daily supply of water – water which will cleanse them and their household and with the help of some lentils and vegetables, provide a nice meal for supper. The men tend their livestock. They fork hay into the feeding trough and begin the process of gathering fresh milk from the cows and goats. The children stay nestled tightly in their beds for a while, but soon they also will be called upon to help with the daily chores. They eat a small breakfast and pack a lunch to take with them as they go about their many jobs. Those who tended the flocks of sheep, stayed with the flocks all the time – only returning home for supplies from time to time – and maybe a much-needed bath.
A spinning wheel and loom sits in the open space of the house. Wool from the sheep will be spun into cloth which will keep them all warm during the colder weather. Fresh bread is already baking in the oven. The smells of morning are everywhere. Even in a town of such insignificance, life goes on.
The town of Nazareth was in the province of Galilee and held no more than 2000 people. The only merit to it was the fact that it was located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River, so it was situated to provide overland passage to Egypt – a fair stop-over for those who were taking their wares to market. There were a few craftsmen – carpenters, cloth dyers, tailors and each had a way of exhibiting their occupation. Carpenters would wear wood chips behind their ears. Dyers of cloth would wear colorful clothes. Tailors would pin needles to their clothing. None of these was worn on the Sabbath, because they didn’t work on that day.
Here in this little “nothing good ever came from it,” town, Mary and Joseph settled with her firstborn Son, Jesus. There would be other children, fathered by Joseph, but there was something different about Jesus – the perfect child. His dad was God, Almighty. Can you imagine what His siblings thought of Him? The boy could do nothing wrong – it wasn’t in His nature, yet He was fully human. How could that be? It isn’t surprising that they didn’t believe in His divinity when He was living under their roof. Did Jesus know He was divine at that time? He lived as they did, yet never once sinned.
Jesus was a loving son. He worked hard. His hands were calloused and sore from shaving wood and crafting small cooking utensils or pieces of furniture. He played the games children played at the time – a form of hopscotch – twirling tops – board games that resembled checkers. His real devotion, however, was in studying the Scriptures.
I wonder how children related to each other in those days. Were there bullies who would taunt others and make them look foolish? Was Jesus the object of such ridicule? In our world today, there’s no question that children can be hateful and mean. Was it the same then? We are told that Jesus grew in favor of God and man, so He certainly had a degree of popularity, but that would eventually change.
His life in Nazareth was ordinary. He ate, played, worked, slept, studied and did all the same things every other child did. There was no money for furthering an education, so they made do with what they had. There were stories handed down from one generation to another – tales from far off lands regarding what was happening in the world – the Holy Scriptures of God, which told them what was expected of them in this life. There was no world-wide web nor instant news. In all of it, Jesus offered exemplary behavior and respect for those in authority.
The perfect child was the “good” that came from Nazareth – the Son of God and Mary’s boy – lived an uneventful life until He began His ministry – which would change the world forever.
As an actor, playwright and author, it’s important for me to know many details about a character. I like to know where they lived – what was happening in his world – what was the political climate – what does the script say about the character – what do others think of that person – does he have any unusual habits or idiosyncrasies? What was the costume of the era? There are so many facets of a human being that affect who they are and how they come across to others.
In Jesus’ case, we have a whole segment of his life which remains unknown. From the time He remained at the temple to teach the scholars about the scriptures until the day of His baptism by John the Baptist, we have lost 18 years of his growing into a man. We can make some judgments based on the history at that time. We can speculate. We can make our own story. We can go to the scriptures, as He did, and realize that during those years of growing in wisdom and stature He became well-liked by those He met, but it would not always be that way.
We don’t always fill in the blanks of a life. Sometimes there are memories of special events or funny situations – unusual happenings and areas of concern, but for the most part, our growing up years can be quite uneventful. It is my belief that Jesus was and still is the true Son of God – but also true man without sin. He had miraculous powers, but He didn’t abuse them. He had great compassion for those He came into contact with and put no one on a different level than another. He showed anger, pain, frustration, patience, calm, peace and every emotion known to man, yet He never fell into sin. He was the perfect example of how we should live as servants, encouragers, inspirers, teachers, leaders in the workplace, at home and within our own country.
This study is merely a character analysis, in light of the events happening during Jesus’ time as a man. There may be some speculation included from time to time, but I in no way wish to alter the truth of God’s Holy Word. Come with me as we take a walk back in time and try to discover more about the Savior of mankind and His time.
All three of my children had baby books, with information about their size and weight – the color of their eyes and hair, or lack of it – the first smile – the gifts received and so forth. Mary probably didn’t have a baby book to keep track of her firstborn Son. In fact, the Bible says she tucked all these things away in her heart for future reference. With each of my children, the information became less and less, because I was busy being a mother. My third child didn’t even believe she had a baby book until we recently discovered it.
Mary had just gone through the most amazing experience of her life. It would touch the lives of so many and really all the facts about this baby boy are recorded in the Bible, but what happened during those years between his birth, the visit of the Mag and their remarkable gifts – His working side – by side with His stepdad – His first visit to the temple and later when He was 12 years old and doing His true Father’s work. The years between twelve and thirty are a mystery to us.
Tomorrow I will be starting a series I wrote a while back called, “The Years in Between,” Each of the episodes of this series touches on things that were going on during the time of Jesus’ life – the political climate – the occupations of the people – geographical information – how people lived, what they ate and what they did for fun. It is based on information I’ve researched and is filled with dramatic license, but it might complete the missing pages of His story. That time was not extremely important, because we read that during that time Jesus grew in wisdom and stature – which is all we really need to know. However, He was both the divine Son of God as well as a human being. I hope you enjoy the series and that the “stories” show the humanity of our Savior.
The entire story of Christmas is filled with mysterious events, which can only be believed by faith in the One who made them happen. The story of God’s taking on human flesh, being born of a virgin mother, following the lineage of King David, a King Himself yet born in poverty. A continuing story that took that little babe through childhood and manhood only to suffer and die on a cross of torture to pay for the sins of the world. When Jesus rose and conquered death, He gave us His assurance of an eternal life with Him.
On the twelfth day after Christmas, we celebrate the Epiphany – or manifestation of the Divine to the Gentile nations as the magi came to worship the child of Bethlehem. Following the same bright star which the shepherds saw, they found the child with His mother and stepdad in a house in Bethlehem. The King of Kings was revealed to the entire world upon that day. You might call it the first missionary journey
Shakespeare wrote a play entitled, “The Twelfth Night,” which was performed at the end of the Christmas season. The song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” was written, based on a children’s verse which carried down through generations probably originating in France. Each day represents another gift given during the twelve days between Christmas and the celebration of the Epiphany feast.
The beauty of this holiday is that God opened up His salvation to the entire world, when the Magi came to visit His Son. They came expecting to find a worldly king, like so many thought the Messiah would be. They brought gifts of great value – Gold; Frankincense – a sweet aroma that would be used in the temple to send as an offering to God; Myrrh – a spice used in the embalming process. Each significant for the Lamb of God.
This little baby was born so we could live forever. He would take our sins upon His own shoulders and free us from guilt and shame. He died and rose again so that we could do the same. He shines as the Light of the World through all eternity. It was a plan only He could come up with.
IT WAS MORE THAN A BRIGHT IDEA – IT WAS BRILLIANT!
How do you hear the voice of God? Is it in the beauty of His creation? Is it found in relationships or in the good deeds that we do? Is it a loud thunderous sound coming from the heavens, or a comment made by a spiritual leader or good friend? We can try as hard as we can, but rarely do we actually hear the voice of the One who made us. There is a distance between us, yet, because of His Only Son, we have an open line of communication with Him. His answers to our prayers can often be heard in the smallest of things that happen in our lives or events that change our personal history entirely. Remember that He is always available to answer our prayers and He does.
Where is the quiet place that you are longing for? Is it in those empty times when waiting to do more? Can you find contentment in the solitude of living? Or does is come in simpler ways, like doing and forgiving. God comes to us in many ways and most times when it’s silent, But listen hard and you will hear His voice in every moment. He whispers when we’re troubled, he soothes when we’re in pain, You’ll see Him in creation, his voice is clear and plain. He’s in the heat of summer and when the leaves do fall, And in the cold of winter, you’ll hear His personal call. When spring’s refreshing waters wash most everything in sight, You’ll hear His voice assure you of His overpowering might. Within the busy moments of life’s demanding pressures He opens up His altar and shares His greatest treasures. Each moment He’s available to answer every prayer, Just open up your heart to Him and He will be right there.
The human mind is an amazing organ. It can hold more information than a computer, yet as we age, the data we’ve accumulated causes it to crash and even become useless. The one fear I have about growing old is that I will lose my memory and a whole abundance of joy because of it. This is one of the many reasons I began blogging. In a way, it’s my life in a nutshell. Not only am I sharing these memories with you, but I’m also storing them up for future reference.
I’ve been known to completely forget an appointment – be a day late for a party – forget to turn on the crock pot when I’m going to be gone all day. I forget important birthdays, wedding anniversaries and sometimes I forget to kiss my husband goodbye when he leaves the house. OK those aren’t major memory lapses, but the thought of becoming confused, befuddled and incapable of taking care of myself is a seed which has already been planted in my mind.
It first happened when I started being asked if I felt safe at home. It continued as I read articles that indicate aging includes loss of memory and feelings of confusion. A few years ago, I was teaching memory care patients the importance of keeping their minds active, by doing jumping jacks for the brain. Now I’m having trouble touching my toes. I’m actually having trouble finding my toes.
I think I’m still pretty much all there, but one never knows when it might happen. It can start with forgetting a specific date and mushroom into losing an entire year. This is why I write. Someday, if God decides this will be my lot in life, I’ll have the latter part of it journalized. Not that my life is more important than any other, but because those I hold dear, will know who I was and how I lived. They might even learn from my mistakes.
Memories often define who we are and what we do. They shape us, our personalities and beliefs. Once they’re gone, we’ve lost a huge chunk of a life. If you have a relative who is going through this challenge in their life, spend time with them. You may not be able to change the outcome of their malady, but the memories they still cling to can be a treasure trove to be passed on to future generations.
Memory, all alone in the moonlight I can smile at the old days I was beautiful then I remember the time I knew what happiness was Let the memory live again.
We have certainly had our share of snow up here in the frozen Tundra of Minnesota. I used to love playing in the snow as a child. We’d build gigantic snow forts and load them up with fresh snowballs for future use. We’d slide down hills on a sled or toboggan. We put on our skates and glide across the frozen creek. We made snow angels. Unfortunately, my days of dashing through the snow are numbered. I’m lucky if I can make it from the house to my car. The week before Christmas we endured below zero windchills that would send a polar bear on a Caribbean cruise, I’m beginning to develop another malady known to us northern dwellers. It’s called Cabin Fever.
All this “Global Warming” is really becoming a big joke. They may change the terminology to Climate Change in order to bamboozle us into thinking that our planet is out of control and if we don’t spend billions of dollars on fixing it soon, we will all die within a month. It’s funny how many of these great minds actually believe in the Creator God, yet they don’t put much faith into what He alone can accomplish. Over the thousands of years of mankind’s existence, there is still no one who can accurately predict the weather or do anything about it. But I digress.
Back to Cabin Fever. This dilemma usually doesn’t occur until around mid-February when there’s little to enjoy about winter unless you love cross country skiing, snow shoeing or making snowmen. You may have to report to eating the white stuff if you can’t get to town for supplies. In other words, you become a slave to your home. You are a prisoner within your own walls. If you do venture out, you better be carrying a snow shovel and wearing mittens and boots. If not, you will wind up like my pictured friend above.
Now that all the hub bub of the holidays has passed and our lives are returning to semi-reality, it’s hard to get thrilled about going anywhere. When you open the door and are greeted by winds that freeze your nose hairs and blinding, brilliant, gray everywhere, it’s so much easier to crawl back inside and into a nice warm bed.
I love the change of seasons that my state boasts about. We have the best of all of them. It’s just that winter seems to occupy most of the year. But never fear! In a few months I’ll be complaining because of the heat.
“Everyone begins as a child by liking Weather. You learn the art of disliking it as you grow up. Noticed it on a snowy day? The grown-ups are all going about with long faces, but look at the children – and the dogs? They know what snow’s made for.” C. S. Lewis
“Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.” Victor Hugo
When I was teaching drama to children, one of them came to me and asked, “Mrs. Boecher, why do you have so many lines on your face?” I replied, “From working with darling, little children like you.” It seemed to satisfy her. The truth is, I started wrinkling at a very young age. As with many comedians, humor is really a mask used to cover the feelings going on within, but it can also prove to be a safety net to put you back in service. Actually humor can also let you forget about those ugly things in your life for a little while. It won’t eliminate them, but it will take away some of the sting. I learned early on that laughter was very good medicine.
I come from a long line of laughers. No, they weren’t hyenas! My mom was the queen of the chortle and guffaw. She laughed in almost every situation. She laughed at things that weren’t even funny. I find myself doing the same these days. She taught me, that even in the tough times, we can find something to laugh about if we look for it. When you look for joy, you will find it, but sometimes you have to look very hard.
Life isn’t a joke, however, and there will be times of negativity. There will be days when the kids have defaced the living room walls with graffiti; when your kitchen sink is up to the ceiling with dishes; when bills are mounting; when you lose a job; face death – all times when you are so overcome, you simply cannot laugh. Tears can also be great medicine for healing.
“In the process of looking for comedy, you have to be deeply honest. And in doing that, you’ll find out here’s the other side. You’ll be looking under the rock occasionally for the laughter.” Robin Williams
As I reach the end of my years, I find I have a lot of good information stored up in this old decrepit mind of mine. If I don't write it all down, it may vanish and no one will have the advantage of my thoughts. This is why this blog exists. I love the Lord, Jesus with all my heart and soul. I know I'm undeserving of all He's done for me, but I also know that His love is beyond my comprehension.
I've always wanted to write. I never kept diaries, but tucked my thoughts in my head for future reference. I use them now in creating stories, plays, poetry and my blog.
I continue to learn every day. I believe the compilation of our time spent with God will have huge affect on the way we live. I know I'm a sinner and I need a Savior. I have One through Jesus, Christ.
My book, "Stages - a memoir," is about the seven stages of life from the perspective of a woman. It addresses all the things girls and women go through in life as they travel it with Jesus, and it is available on Amazon.com.
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