Old Movies

Yesterday, I was bored. I was tired. Nothing was on tv, and I wasn't feeling up to doing much of anything special. I thought: hey, I'll crochet and watch a movie. Problem: no movies to watch...none on tv, none on my shelf that felt right for the time. I know: Let's check out the OnDemand part of my cable! :) Sad realization: there's no (free) movies on here I want to watch...Except there are 3 that look slightly interesting... Sleeping Beauty (1988, I think), Snow White (1987), and You Can't Take It With You (Jimmy Stewart, awesome movie). But, I'm not really in the mood for Jimmy, fabulous as it is... sorry. Hmm...let's try Snow White.

OH MY WORD. You should have seen this movie...1987 shoulda tipped me off. It's "live-action," it's got random songs (which everyone sings slightly off-key), and it has bad costumes, to say the least. I watched 20 minutes and gave up.

I must be a glutton for punnishment, or at least for what most would term lame entertainment (I am a lover of most things Disney...), becuase after a friend left for the evening, I retreated to the couch to crochet...and watch Snow White. Lovely OnDemand picked up right where I left off. And I was actually excited to see that there was a digging song! The dwarves had random names (I suppose Disney did make up their own...) that were as strange to hear at the end of the movie as it was in the beginning.

Oh my. What have I become? Why is this how I spent Saturday night? Although, it was fairly entertaining... Maybe I'll have to try Sleeping Beauty next Saturday...

Alright, admission for those who may be worried about my old movie post: I am not Kim, but I do watch many old movies. However, no one could possibly surpass her in the realm of love of old movies that she has. So, this is not a trial to take over her throne, but rather an realization and embracing of that part of the reason we are friends; because we share the joys of these old films, even when they are slightly ridiculous. ;)

Fill it up!

A reminder from my devotions this week: fill yourself up with God! He is the one who made you. He knows you better than you know yourself. He knows how much you can handle, and wants to help you handle it! You overflow with what "fills your heart."

When you fill yourself with other things, you get all anxious and tied up. You begin to feel frustration, anger, even worse things. What you put into your heart is what comes out in your attitude, your facial expressions, your words. That includes laziness. That includes doing what you should be with a poor attitude. Sure, you get your stuff done, but the bad attitude brings you down - and everyone around you, too. But, when you strive for the positive attitude, when you ask God to fill you with Himself from the inside out, your positivity is infectious. Others feel better just having witnessed God through you.

This also means you can't depend on yourself. Because it's true: God won't give you more than you can handle. "I can do everything through Christ Who strengthens me." There is nothing I can't handle without Him. HOWEVER: there is much I can't handle if I don't let Him in; if I try to do it on my own strength, my own abilities. His power is perfected in my weakness. (See 2 Corinthians 12).

This is a fairly serious statement, but I believe if I keep my heart with Him, getting to know Him more each moment of each day through prayer and studying His Word, I can believe the promise that what comes out of me will be good, will be pleasing, and will glorify Him.

And that's the whole goal, isn't it?

Traditions & the Like

I've been trying to think of a topic. I should really quit trying so hard. The topics worth writing about usually present themselves when I'm about as far away from thinking about it as possible...

With the holidays so recent, this will not come as a surprise, but it lends itself to expansion. I was listening to a cd this afternoon on my way home from one of my traditions (the ever-famous Omlet Fest - if you don't know, you may ask) and while listening to the music (very not Christmas related) in my car, I realized something: I have a tradition I didn't even realize that I have.

Those who know me a little more than at the acquaintance level know: I LOVE Christmas. And the music that comes with it. I always tell myself it won't come out until after Thanksgiving dinner has been consumed, but it always is out long before that day- often, long before November has begun. I just can't help it. I love it when the air turns cold, when you can smell the snow coming, when you practically live in sweatshirts (as soon as you get home from work), and drink hot chocolate all the time. These are the things that make me - in small, silly ways - happy.

My realization came: I quit with the Christmas music pretty much on the 26th of December. It just feels wrong to hear it after that. Why?? (Maybe this can explain my longing for it in September. I need enough time to really enjoy it, to get it all in before my brain shuts off the part that will allow it to be enjoyed properly...) I was listening to something in my car that was fairly upbeat (ok: rock, loud, big drums, harmonizing vocals, the type of music which would drive my parents crazy, and only sounds all the better when you crank the volume), and a 'left-over' Christmas cd caught my eye from the dashboard, and my thought was "oh my, I need to take that stuff out of here." I instantly was surprised at my complete lack of interest in those wonderful tunes, but, as I thought about it, there was no denying- Christmas music time has passed. The lights, sure they can stay up through January, maybe even early February sometimes, but the music must go now. Huh.

Also, as I thought about that in conjunction with leaving the afore-mentioned Omlet Fest activities, I got into the whole traditions question. Who comes up with this stuff? I mean, I know where Omlet Fest came from, and it's great, and I hope to attend for years to come, but the rest of it? Sure, you could go online and search for Christmas or New Years or Valentines or even birthday traditions (or pretty much anything else) and I'm sure you'd find a wealth of information. But there are always those that will come back with vauge or gray beginnings. "We're not entirely sure how this started but by such-and-so a date this was solid and here's your tradition."

Some are merely traditions within a specific family group. One of my friends and I discussed one such difference: I can't imagine Christmas Eve without a church service of some sort; she can't imagine one with - her family is so all over that they simply read the story together at home. These things intrigue me this afternoon...

Care to share a tradition? You'll find them in more places than you think!

Long time...

Apparently I am horrid when it comes to posting. The problem is, I never can really latch onto a subject I deem worthy of writing about.

Please forgive me if you've been checking this blog hoping to find something new for weeks now, only to be disappointed... or maybe you've stopped checking; how sad...

I have rediscovered the joy a candle can bring. Have you ever sat back to just enjoy a candle? (Yes, guys can do this too.) I have one on my desk at work (I only burn it when I'm going to be sitting at my desk for awhile, no runs to the closets or basement or anything - saftey first!) and it is wonderful. It has a nice subtle scent: something berry-ish, and sort of Christmas-y... maybe pomegranate something? I can't remember the exact name it had on the long-gone label. But, this evening as I waited for choir to begin, when I have to rush downstairs (in approximately 30 seconds from now) I have enjoyed this little pleasure in the warmth of my office. What a great little treat.

Pick up a candle, think about things, and check back soon. I may have thought up a little more from my candle-time to share. :)

A Wonderful Thanksgiving is over...

...here comes CHRISTMAS!!!!

I, personally, was jumping for joy as it started to snow on me when I was walking into church yesterday morning. Not outwardly, of course, that would make me look ridiculous. But inwardly, I was jumping higher than the moon.

Many of my friends, and most of the people I work with (not all, mind you, but most) wish the snow was over already - the plowing, the scraping, the brushing of snow off of cars. Well, I suppose there is one weekend in December for which they will allow and even pray for snow (and it isn't surrounding Christmas), but other than that, they wish it was closer to 90 degrees again. (no thanks, yuck.)

Of those people, many of them have no good excuse! They've grown up here, in the midwest, with crazy-long winters that linger forever (not my favorite, but not unexpected) and no excuse to behave like they came from Florida or California. But they do. You'd think they'd just moved here. oy. There are a couple who legitimately have that excuse (I know from the experience of watching my mom that although you may have lived in the midwest for several years, you never really get used to it if you grew up in a warmer climate), however, I just can't understand it.

It isn't that I enjoy being cold. I don't. I like to be warm & cozy. I enjoy it in the spring and summer when the sun is out and I can be outside alot. BUT: what better time to be bundled up in a blanket (coziest thing ever) than when there is snow outside and the temperature is around or just below freezing? Does a fire ever feel better than then? Does a cup of warm hot cocoa ever taste better? I think not. Plus, I just don't like it when you're uncomfortably warm and can't do anything about it. When it's cold you just get to add more comfy blankets and drink more delicious tea. It just makes me so happy! Add a good book into the mix, and I may never leave.

So, if you are one of those who are wishing it were June already, just let me give you this bit of advice. We're just at the beginning of winter (don't let that depress you). Don't be discouraged, don't be sad, or angry. Just give in to the wonders this season brings. I encourage you to look out your window at the branch of a tree covered in icicles and snow and look at the amazing designs - they are so delicate and so beautiful, and this is the time of year to take it in. You can't stare at snow in June, or even March* for that matter. Enjoy the snow while it lasts. Go sledding with family or friends. Curl up with a hot drink and a book. Spend some time thinking about the wonders of winter. It's a magical thing.

*I realize that last year, this was not entirely true. There was snow on Easter Sunday, in early April. But, really folks, that's not common, even here. So- take this for what it was meant to be, ok? ;)

(Did you find the secrets? It should please you, Haggis boy,
aka. Duggert...)

Christmas Tree?

Today as I was looking for a picture of a "whimsical, chunky Christmas tree" for some publications at work, I came across this item. I can hardly believe it even exists...and it made me wonder if anyone actually ever bought it. And, assuming since it's "out there" that someone did, I wonder how many someones...my bet is no more than 5. Have a look:

So, as you can see, this tree is "green," but not the color. And, really folks, does it even look like a tree??? Not unless you are looking at it in a modernist or maybe artist type of way, if at that. Sure, the shape is similar, but really?

Is this what you want to see in your home on December 25th?

No, I didn't think so.

This does NOT look like Christmas to me, and I've felt it was Christmas with a pure white tree, decorated with nothing but lemons, tied on with white bows, and (if I remember correctly) white mini lights (or no lights at all). That's artistic and different. That I can handle, even like. BUT, if you ask me, this wood thing (a plywood tree, I believe they called it, ugh) is just ridiculous!

When I saw it my reaction was, "huh?" followed quickly by "Really?? Oh, no way." In fact, it was actually a little frustrating after I'd been looking at it for far too long (about 7 minutes). Well, if you'd like to check out more about this green tree, feel free, but if I come to your house for Christmas and see that in your living room, I may just have to turn tail and run. This is Christmas folks, let's do it right.

Retreat

I went on a retreat in Wisconsin this weekend, and it was a fabulous time. It was windy and quite cold, but very refreshing...and not just weather-wise. While others were getting frustrated at the tiniest bits of snow that could barely pass for air, I was excited. I love the smell of cold air. I love the smell of burning leaves. I love the smell of water (i.e. a lake). All of these things were present this weekend. PLUS, there was a good speaker who was encouraging and had some good insights and new perspectives on several ideas that were familiar to me. Some of these insights came from others who were on the reatreat with me. It was a good time of worship, reflection and communication with God.

I also had a fabulous time with friends - old and new...now the only 'difficulty' is figuring out how to keep connecting with the new ones, as I didn't think to get anyone's email address or phone number...let's hope facebook can live up to it's growing reputation for connecting and reconnecting people! :) We were able to share the discussions after each session, worship time, as well as games, meals, and just sitting around talking and connecting with eachother.

I know this post isn't the most exciting or funny or have any kind of anecdote, but it is worth a lot, I think. Let it remind you to take a look around you and remember that those around you have a different (and worthy) perspective than you do. We all come from different 'places' in life - even if they may seem to be the same on the surface. These differences (which include thought processes, insights, and ideas that I may never think of on my own) can be very instrumental in guiding us on our personal road with God. I encourage you to allow Him to use you and to use those around you. And, that may mean someone you are only in contact with for 2 days ever in your whole life. That doesn't mean they can't be part of the growth process, and it doesn't mean it was a waste of time to talk to them or pray with them. You will see each other again in Heaven and be able to talk for ...well, pretty much as long as you could possibly want... catching up on what God did throughout the rest of your lives on Earth. That's something worth the effort.

How amazing those tales will be, and this past weekend, and these friendships - however short they may end up being - were a part of that journey.