“The woods are lovely, dark, and deep. But I have promises to keep. And miles to go before I sleep. And miles to go before I sleep.”
Robert Frost-“Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”
Tears fell like rain. This wasn’t goodbye. “See you later!” My body and brain were bushed. The quiet and I met in a special place. At that intersection, where my heart, mind, and soul collide, Jesus was there. “Thank you for another year to celebrate your birth with those I love. Thank you for the gift of …you.” All the gifts were opened. Everything else… the love of my family, weight of the diagnosis, aches in my bones, the shifting “rides” of pain & glucose levels, curiosity of new learned health facts, stacks of mail, hundreds of emails, looming responsibilities,…was still wrapped.
What mattered most?
Grasping love like my trekking pole, I loyally laced my boots for an end-of-the-year hike . “God, comfort those who suffered loss. Surround my family and friends with your love and grace. Rekindle the flame of faith in those who doubt. Work a miracle in those who count you out.”
YOU matter. When I pass you on the trail, I see you. Angry? Hurt? Happy? Sad? Rich? Poor? Hopeless? Mad? No matter how you feel, here’s a fact–you are loved.
Happy 2025, dear friends.Keep the faith!
Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air
He wasn’t just any baby. This beloved babe, born of a virgin, came to love like no other. Live like no other. Forgive like no other. Die like no other—because he rose like no other. And like no other, he will come again. What did this beloved babe do to change the scope of my hope? How has he updated my lens of love and posture of praise? How does his life and death give me…freedom? Why do I celebrate Christmas?
How do you celebrate this season? How is it different from your childhood memories?
Childhood Christmas’s meant church cantatas, family gatherings, school plays, parades, caroling, hot chocolate, and a booming “Ho, ho, ho” from my Dad! What’s mantled in my memories? The sounds of Christmas songs, the feel of cheer and chilly air, and the car rides to my grandparents. Some soul-sniffing provides the smells of Christmas, too!
Ah, the Savior’s birth stirs my senses!
Traditions continued as I grew. As I’d celebrate the birth of Christ with my own family, some traditions continued, and new ones were created. Reading the Nativity story, seeing Christmas lights, and watching movies made the season magical. As I grew older, the birth of the beloved babe was often overshadowed by other “Christmasy” outings. Why was there an emphasis placed on performance and activities? Standards. They had to be met everywhere—school, home, and every other area of life. Standards snuffed out the significance of this beloved babe’ssacrifice. The sights, sounds, and smells became…standardized. Is that what the beloved babe intended?
The rigidity of religiosity, adoration in activity, and praise through performance set me up for…failure.Is that what the beloved babe intended?
“I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
John 14:27
The beloved babe, surrounded by the humblest of people in a lowly setting, intended life to be lived…free. Our beloved babe, (fully God, fully man) became the Prince of Peace and King of Kings. Skimming the surface, or standardized celebrations, poorly represent my faith-filled freedom.
Doctrine doesn’t define and society’s standards can’t satisfy.This love was made real in surrender. The candles I’ve lit this Advent season represent the relationship I cherish with this beloved babe. “O Holy Night” and “Joy to the World” sing out of my soul! My heart’s longing was ONLY fulfilled through the freedom found from this beloved babe. He’s with me as I “run” free in the woods (just like a child!). He’s beside me when I’m in line at the store. He’s holding my hand at the infusion center. He’s beside me when I’m helping a student. When I’m lying awake at night, HE is there. Ah, freedom. HE is the hope, peace, joy, and love of my soul.
How can I convince others that this BELOVED BABE came to TAKE AWAY your frustrations and burdens? His tears and blood, from a manger in a cave,… to an old wooden cross,… were shed FOR YOU and for me. His gift of peace is a treasure! I choose to not waste his sacrifice by stressing over things that I can’t control. Or that don’t matter.
Fear failed when this beloved babe was born. He grew to be the man I cherish. The Savior I accepted. And the Holy Spirit who indwells IN me.
Do you REALLY KNOW how loved you are? Are you frustrated or faith-filled? Is your life performance-based or grown by grace? Do you feel trapped or free? I PRAY you experience the heart-changing, soul-shifting, and freedom-finding true gift of Christmas.
This beloved babe, Jesus Christ, is the most precious gift I’ve ever received. It’s not about perfection or performance, it’s about your heart and humanity. Will you please accept this free gift? Do you know how loved you are?
Merry Christmas, dear friends. May the gift of Christmas give hope, peace, joy, and love. ❣️🎄
Happy Birthday, Jesus! 🎶❣️Yes, this bird came into my house! Tee hee!
Have faith 🤍
Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air
It was June of 1994. “His due date is Christmas Day,” my obstetrician shared. Later that evening we told big brother, Jarrod, “Your little brother might come on Christmas Day!”
Instantly, my mind began thinking of Christmas plans, gifts, socials, and school! “Will I make it to Christmas break before he comes?” Time flew faster than bad news! We celebrated Jesus with one special boy that Christmas-two days later, another special boy, Jay, was delivered. All in due time.
December is determined! What is due? Past due. Due dates. Taxes, bills, and holiday shopping! Due diligence is necessary. How can we live in the moment constantly thinking about due dates? Ah, I have found freedom in the frenzy. As life’s due dates circle and swirl, my communion with Christ centers me.
Outstanding, receivable, and payable. Our debts were paid, dear friends.
Outstanding
In his creation all “due dates” crumble.
Walks in the woods prove how nature cares less about due dates. Humans force and nature flows. The hawk and I gazed at one another for what seemed like eternity. “I’m not going to take your dinner, my friend,” I whispered. Songs from what seemed like a thousand birds cried out. I felt cushioned and calm.
Due dates? All were called off. Nothing would “come around” but critters. Charitable was conducted between the kindness of few strangers enjoying conservation. We weren’t “checked out” (either at a store or on-line). We were completely checked IN.
Nothing was owed.
Receivable
Due to cutbacks and shortages, this rowdy class of 5th grade students didn’t have a teacher. After a physical altercation was carried out, *Ellie asked, “Will you forgive me? Can I come back to the circle?”
“Oh, sweetheart. Please come back. I’m given grace each day. Of course I forgive you.”
Situations arose that required assistance and differing outcomes. Yet, at the end of the day, there wasn’t anything due.
What was due? She had consequences (don’t we ALL?). What was receivable? Love won.
Payable
Humans put due dates on everything. Kids, jobs, relationships, and homes. Beliefs, habits, health, and unknowns. Holidays, sports, customs, and pets. Squeeze a few more in, stress and regrets.
So much is owed. What are YOU…DUE?
What if we paid one another kindness, respect, and generosity?
Payable? You’re not delinquent. The debts, short and long-term, are paid.
Do you have hope? Do you believe? Or do you feel unworthy to be paid? Due and delivered over 2,000 years ago, Jesus paid all that is due. HE WILL RETURN. All in due time.
Happy December, dear friends. You are loved. 🤍
PIcs by K.L. Hale
Have faith 🤍
Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air
